Sports Groove

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has released the names of 15 track and field athletes to the forthcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. The 20th edition of the Championships will be held from September 13–21, 2025, at the Japan National Stadium, Tokyo. The Team Nigeria list consists of seven female and eight male athletes billed to feature in 11 events covering 100m (men), 100m(women), 100mH(women), 200m (men) 400m (men), 400mH (men), Long Jump (men), Long Jump (women), Shot Put (men), Discus(women) and Hammer (women). On the list are 100mH world record holder, Oluwatobi Amusan, Olympic bronze medalist Ese Brume (Long Jump), new 400m hurdle sensation, Nathaniel Ezekiel and veteran Nigerian Shot Put thrower, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi. Others on the AFN’s Tokyo list are: Rosemary Chukwuma (100m women), Prestina Ochonogor (Long Jump women), Chioma Onyekwere Lyons (Discus women), Obiageri Amaechi (Discus women), Oyesade Olatoye (Hammer women), Kayinsola A...

  Five-time world champions, Golden Eaglets have continued their preparations ahead of the forthcoming WAFU-B U17 Boys Tournament. The team played two friendly games on Friday and Saturday respectively, winning one and drawing the other.   After a tough contest in the first half with Darazo Football Academy of Bauchi, Golden Eaglets showed their superiority in the second half with sublime goals to end the game 2-0 in their favour.   It was a different atmosphere against the Gombe U17 team, as the game played under raining conditions ended in a stalemate.   So far, the Golden Eaglets have played 11 friendly games. The team were victorious on nine occasions, drew one and lost one.

  Rwanda’s delegation to Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Nigeria will arrive in Lagos on Tuesday afternoon.   A one-man advance party will be in Lagos on Monday, but the full delegation will make landfall in Lagos on Tuesday aboard a Rwandair Airline flight at 1.15pm, and will proceed to Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State by 4pm of the same day.   The Matchday 7 encounter has become very crucial to both teams as they are both wide away from group leaders South Africa, who have 13 points (prior to FIFA’s decision on their use of an ineligible player in the win over Lesotho in March this year). Rwanda are second in the pool with eight points, same as Benin Republic, with Nigeria in fourth on seven points.   Lesotho have 6 points, with Zimbabwe propping up the table on four points.   While the world still awaits FIFA’s decision, Nigeria and Rwanda will go for each other’s jugular in order to be appropriately-placed to benefit from B...

Team Lagos participating at the 9th National Youth Games has secured its first set of medals, at the annual multi-discipline event.   A Gold medal in Ayo Olopon boys singles, came from the hands of Abdulrahman Ayibo as he claimed top honours at the expense of the hosts, Delta State, at the Stephen Keshi National Stadium, Asaba. Esther Idowu Esho added to the State' tally, with a first silver medal. Winning four straight rounds in the -47Kg Karate girls. Lagos State' Male Football Team thrashed Team Yobe 4-0 in their opening game played at the St. Patrick College, giving proof of their superior talent, skill and competitiveness against the Northern State. Team Lagos Female Football also had similar success as they recorded a win in their second consecutive game, a 2-nil scoreline against Team Bayelsa was all they needed to maintain the top spot in their group. In Volleyball, the Male Team won their first group match against host Team Delta, in straight sets (25-15, ...

...As dominant Captain Abdulqudus Aliu leads the chase for glory   Barring any major last minute changes or poor runs, Team Nigeria at the World Youth Scrabble Championships in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia will finish on the podium in the individual event. Captain Abdulqudus Olawale Aliu, who recorded 7 wins in 8 games on the opening day on Friday, had another solid outing on Saturday with 8 wins from 9 games at the end of proceeding. Aliu, is currently occupying the second spot on the table with 15 wins just like India's Madhav Gopal Kamath but Aliu has a lower cumulative point of plus 1404 while the Indian is on 1933 cumulative points. Sophia Ebube Ekeruche is four wins away from the two front runners. Ekeruche is on 11 wins and plus 618 points. Prestige Archibong and Joy Nwabuzor have an equal number of wins -10 but Archibong has a higher cumulative of plus 971 while Nwabuzor is on 365 points. TEAM NIGERIA STANDING: 2 . Abdulqudus Aliu 15 +1404    27. Sophia Eke...

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Eche Amos  Team Nasarawa made a resounding start to their campaign at the 2025 National Youth Games (NYG), thrilling the thousands of sports lovers, fans and enthusiasts at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, the Delta State capital, South-South, Nigeria.   Their energetic march past and optimism during the opening ceremony of the annual multi-sports event was the first of their early wins at the tournament that is now in it's 9th edition.   The Nasarawa State contingent to the Delta State capital as secured wins on other fronts, bagging three bronze medals. In the Karate sport event, Magdalene Inji won bronze medal in the girls -47kg category. Her feat was soon replicated by compatriot, Alexander Otuma in the boys 50kg. Chineye Agbo topped up the bronze medal tally with one more Gold, after beating off FCT Abuja counterpart in the +47kg Karate kumite girls event, on Saturday. In Football, Team Nasarawa took strengt...

By Olusola Adebayo   Ikorodu City FC and Rivers United FC have announced that their first home matches of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season will be open to fans free of charge. Ikorodu City President, Sanmi Doherty, in a heartfelt message to supporters, expressed gratitude for the massive backing the club received during their debut top-flight campaign. He urged fans to replicate the same energy as the club begins its second NPFL season at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos. “This club belongs to us all and we would rather do this journey with you, our fans, at all ends of the Arena,” Doherty said. “We want your support just as you’ve done in previous years. Together, we will achieve stability in this second season in the top flight.” The “Oga Boys” are set to play their first home game of the season on Sunday as they look to build on their impressive debut campaign. Meanwhile, in Port Harcourt, Rivers United have also thrown open the gates of t...

   ‎The 8th edition of the Lagos International Badminton Classics came to a thrilling close at the Okoya Thomas Indoor Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, with Indonesia emerging as top performers, sweeping the podium across multiple categories in a final day packed with drama, passion, and top-class shuttle action. ‎ ‎Day four — the grand finale — lived up to the hype as fans and players witnessed an electric atmosphere befitting one of Africa’s biggest badminton showpieces. With $17,500 in prize money at stake, the finals delivered a masterclass of skill, endurance, and national pride. ‎ ‎The day opened with the Mixed Doubles final, where Indonesia’s Prasetyo and Munggaren overwhelmed India’s Ravat and Maneesha in straight sets (21-15, 21-17) to be crowned champions. ‎ ‎In the Men’s Singles, the much-anticipated duel between Japan’s M. Koga and Indonesia’s P. Shujiwo had fans on edge. Koga showed grit but could not match Shujiwo’s relentless firepower. The Indonesian s...

By Olusola Adebayo Niger Tornadoes strikers Sarki Ismaila and Terdoo Shimagande have set their sights on revenge as the Ikon Allah Boys prepare to face Enyimba FC in a Matchday 2 showdown of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. Both sides share a competitive history, including last season’s pulsating 1-1 draw in Aba, where Joseph Godstime’s opener for Tornadoes was cancelled out by Enyimba’s Chinedu Ufere. In their most recent meeting, the People’s Elephant edged Tornadoes with a hard-fought victory in Lafia, a result the Minna-based club is eager to overturn. Ismaila, who previously played for Enyimba before joining Tornadoes mid-last season, said the squad is ready for the challenge. “We know what is at stake and we are prepared to fight for every ball,” he stated. Shimagande, the lone scorer in Tornadoes’ midweek fixture against Nasarawa United, is also relishing the opportunity to test Enyimba’s defence. The former Heartland forward, known for his ...

By Olusola Adebayo   Rangers International FC assistant captain Evans Ogbonda has assured fans that the Flying Antelopes are “battle ready” ahead of their NPFL Matchday 2 showdown against Warri Wolves in Ozoro, Delta State, South-South, Nigeria. Speaking to Rangers Media before the team’s departure from Enugu, Ogbonda expressed confidence that his side has what it takes to secure a positive result against the newly-promoted Wolves, who stunned Katsina United with an away victory on the opening day of the season. “We’re ready. We are going out to seek a good result,” Ogbonda stated. “Since they went away to get a result on Matchday One while we drew at home, we can still go to Ozoro and get a point or points. We are battle ready and we assure our fans that we have the belief that we can do it.” The former youth international acknowledged the tough challenge ahead but remained upbeat about his team’s chances. “Everybody is okay and fine for this fixture and anybody chosen...

By Olusola Adebayo   From Lagos to Jos, Port Harcourt to Yenagoa, stadiums across the length and breath of the country, will once again come alive as old rivals and ambitious newcomers in the Nigeria's top-flight division, clash for early advantage on Matchay 2.   After a cagey opening weekend in which defenders and goalkeepers ruled supreme, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), roars back this Sunday with eight tantalizing fixtures.   Ikorodu City’s homecoming duel with El-Kanemi Warriors at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos is the marquee attraction. A first Sunday night spectacle that promises fireworks. The “Oga Boys,” boasting nine debutants and a new man at the helm in Ali Kandil, held their nerve in Ilorin last weekend to force a goalless draw against Kwara United. Now, under the floodlights of Onikan, they test their mettle against an El-Kanemi side brimming with confidence after dispatching Bendel Insurance 2-0 in Maiduguri. History tilt...

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Olusola Adebayo    Shooting Stars head coach, Nurudeen Aweroro, has commended his players’ for their show resilience and determination after the Oluyole Warriors secured a valuable 1-1 draw against Benin City based outfit Bendel Insurance at the famous Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State, on Saturday. Their Matchday 2, stalemate, marked Shooting Stars’ first point of the campaign after a disappointing home defeat to Bayelsa United on opening day.   For Aweroro, it was more than just a point. it was a timely boost to his team’s confidence and a foundation to build upon. “This was a massive one for us,” Aweroro said after the game. “It was a tough match with tough challenges, but very rewarding. It started with high intensity and ended with high intensity. I thank both teams for their effort, but I’m especially happy with my boys because we gave everything, and this result will motivate us going forward....

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning Nigerian sports, crediting the renewed energy and direction in the sector to the visionary leadership of Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade.  Since the assuming office, the duo turned the tide, ensuring accountability, transparency, and world-class standards that align seamlessly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Their leadership prowess has been at the heart of the Commission’s transformation, setting a new benchmark in sports administration. Mallam Dikko and Hon. Olopade has provided the operational edge that has translated vision into reality.  The podium board initiative bolstered under this administration has paid off tremendously. By ensuring cost-effectiveness and timeliness in athletes’ preparation, the NSC has been able to deliver on its promises. For the first time in years, all athletes have received their training ...

‎ ‎The head coach of Nigeria top-flight side, Bendel Insurance FC Greg Ikhenoba, has expressed confidence in the ability of his new look team to regain competitive advantage as the season progresses. ‎ ‎The experienced tactician gave this bold assurance during a post match press conference, following his sides 1-all draw with Shooting Stars on match day 2, at the Samuel Ogbermudia Stadium. ‎ ‎The Benin Arsenals bounced back well after lost their 2-0 match day 1 loss to Elkanemi Warriors in far away Maiduguri. ‎ ‎Coach Greg Ikhenoba who appealed to the Insurance FC management and fans to be patient and have faith in the team, stressed that they are already working on some deficiencies they've spotted in order to get it right. ‎ ‎Coach Ikhenoba, also rued missed chances, blaming the low scoring rates on his strikers who were too in a hurry to get equalizer and winning. ‎ ‎"Every coach has his or her philosophy and game plans but sometimes it doesn't go as planned...

By Aaron Mubanga and Maxwell Kumoye    Zambian Champions, ZESCO Ndola Girls have shocked Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies to book a place in the final of the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League| COSAFA Qualifiers.  Zegalicious Girls came from two goals down to beat the two time Champions 2-1 and book a place in the final.  It was a tight affair with both teams looking to get the break but it only came in the dying minutes of the first half, Boitumelo Rabale with a low strike from inside the area to beat Hazel Nali in the ZESCO goal.  In the second half, Zegalicious Girls needed just nine months to level matters, Andile Dlamini failed to deal with a shot and it fell to Eneless Phiri who made no mistake with a powerful strike from close range.  Sundowns had their chance to go ahead again, but it was Zesco who found the winner following another poor error from Dlamini.  Tiisetso Makhubela’s error put Fridah Kabwe through on goal, but the Zambian’s shot ...

  Morocco has been crowned 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) champions after beating Madagascar 3-2 in the final in Nairobi, Kenya. Félicité Manouhantzua put Madagascar ahead in the ninth minute with a long-range strike past goalkeeper Mehdi Al Harrar. Youssef Mehri equalised for Morocco in the 27th minute with a header from a Khalid Baba cross, before Oussama Lamlioui made it 2-1 just before half-time, converting Mohamed Boulacsout’s delivery. Toky Rakotondribe brought Madagascar level again in the 68th minute, but Lamlioui – the tournament’s top scorer with six goals – struck a superb long-range winner ten minutes from time. The victory sealed Morocco’s third CHAN crown, adding to their previous triumphs in 2018 and 2020. In the third-place play-off, Senegal beat Sudan 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time. Mohamed Rabie Hrimat was named best player of the tournament, while Oussama Lamlioui claimed the top goalscorer award. A ...

   The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced the composition of the Electoral Committee for the forthcoming National Sports Federations Elections. In line with the Commission’s mandate to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability, the Committee has been entrusted with the responsibility of conducting credible elections across all participating sports federations. The Electoral Committee comprises the following distinguished members:  1. Dr. Simon Ebhojiaye – Chairman  2. Barr. Samson Ebomhe – Vice Chairman  3. Mr. Lawal Adeoye Waheed – Member  4. Hon. Tunde Popoola – Member  5. Barr. Maryam Orotope Paul – Member  6. Mr. Farouk Yelima – Member  7. Mrs. Rita Mosindi – Secretary The Committee will announce the election timetable and oversee all processes leading to and including the conduct of the elections. The NSC assures stakeholders and the general public of the integrity of this exercise and ca...

   The National Sports Commission (NSC) has praised the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation and Team Nigeria athletes for their sterling performances at the 30th Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad, India, where they have secured an impressive medal haul and further enhanced the country’s reputation on the global stage. As of penultimate day of the Championship, Nigerian weightlifters amassed four gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. Speaking on the achievement, Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko noted that “to win medals, especially gold medals at this level takes a lot of preparation, sacrifice, and determination. Our athletes have shown the world that Nigeria remains a force to be reckoned with in weightlifting. Their success is a victory for our country, for every young aspiring athlete, and for the development of Nigerian sports as a whole.” Significantly, all athletes who clinched gold medals have now automatically qualified for the 20...

...Team Captain Aliu leads the Nigeria Eaglets with seven wins on Day 1 By Maxwell Kumoye     Members of Team Nigeria to the World Youth Scrabble Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia started their quest for honours on an impressive note on Day 1 of the competition. Captain Abdulqudus Olawale Aliu, is the highest ranked member of Team Nigeria at the end of play on Day 1 with 7 wins from 8 games and a fine cumulative points of plus 784 at number 7 on the table of 218 players. Aliu, the teenager who hopes to study English Literature in the University, completed his sensational start in Kuala Lumpur with a five point margin win 412–407 over Pakistan's Manaal Asher. Africa U-19 champion, Prestige Archibong and Joy Nwabuzor are on 6 wins each. Archibong has 808 points and Nwabuzor cumulative points is 367.  Joy Nwabuzor had a poor start in the championship, dropping her first two games but after those opening defeats, Joy Eberechukwu Nwabuzor started radiating w...

...Asaba, good for all, a place where every athlete can give their best - Rt. Honourable Emomotimi Dennis By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Asaba           The Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Emomotimi Guwor Dennis, has described the 9th National Youth Games, taking place in the Sun City, Asaba, Delta State as clear and undeniable evidence of the love, passion and zeal for sports of the oil-rich State. Honourable Emomotimi Guwor Dennis, stated that the transformation which has taken place in Delta, has created the platform for champions to be born and talents to be seen and recognised. He gave this submission during his welcome address at the opening ceremony of the National Youth Games, representing the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori. “Here in Delta State, our people are very passionate about sports, sports is part of who we are, over the years, we have built a reco...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Asaba        The Director General of the National Sports Commission, (NSC), Chief, Honourable Bukola Olopade, has classified news reports and stories of quarrels and dissensions in the NSC as half-truths, innuendoes, propaganda and outright falsehood, pedaled by quack and contemptible journalist. Honourable Bukola Olopade, condemned in very strong terms attempts by some journalists to tarnish the image of the NSC under the proactive and forward-looking leadership of Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko. “A whole lot of shenanigans have been going on, I have a brother and friend, an amazing beautiful man, who is a true leader, a man I love and respect so much, Mallam Shehu Dikko, there was never a time we played any match, we fight billion naira, the was never a time, the ridiculousness of that story is enough for SWAN to reprimand the writer. We have reported officially under section 19 of the cybercrime act to the DSS...

   Nigeria's quest to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2031 African Games got a boost on Friday with African Ministers of Sports throwing their weights behind the bids.  African Ministers of Sports, under the auspices of the African Union Comission, held a virtual consultative meeting on 29th August 2025, with Nigeria ably represented by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko. In his intervention, the NSC Chairman, Mallam Dikko, who also serves as the President-in-Office/Chairman of the Council of Sports Ministers of AUSC Region 2 (West Africa), informed the Council of Nigeria’s formal bid to host the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games in Abuja. He solicited the support of African States that are members of the Commonwealth—and the entire continent—to regard the bid as an African bid. He also disclosed that Nigeria has expressed interest in hosting the 2031 African Games in Abuja, assuring the Council that discussions with ...