Sports Groove

...“This is part of our road to Los Angeles 2028” – DG National Sports Commission, Honourable Olopade  By Maxwell Kumoye    The green-and-white flag is about to fly high again — this time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as Team Nigeria gears up for battle at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, holding from November 7 to 21, 2025. With a 46-member contingent — 35 athletes and 11 officials, the nation’s best will compete in seven sports, including athletics, para athletics, para powerlifting, weightlifting, wrestling, boxing, and taekwondo. According to the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, the Games are more than just another international outing — they are a strategic stepping stone toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. “It’s part of our National Sports Commission’s strategic planning for the Olympics,” Olopade said confidently.  “The Islamic Solidarity Games represent a great opportunity for Nigeria to sh...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye            Ekiti State basked in celebration on Monday as Governor Biodun Oyebanji clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC), governorship ticket for the 2026 election — a victory widely seen as a reward for his over three years of steady, people-centered governance. Amid cheers at the Ekitikete Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, 885 delegates from all 177 wards across the state unanimously affirmed Oyebanji’s candidacy, sealing what many described as a “referendum of progress.” “The endorsement wasn’t just political — it was a validation of performance. From massive road rehabilitation projects that have opened up rural communities, to landmark investments in youth empowerment, digital innovation, and sports infrastructure, his administration has redefined what grassroots governance means in Ekiti,” that's the submission of Dr. Olusola Osetoba. Dr. Olusola Osetoba, the Governor’s Technical Adviser on Sports, haile...

By Raymond Nwaduba and Maxwell Kumoye    From the lush training pitches of Ikenne to the dazzling lights of Manchester, Grassrunners FC’s sensational winger, Angelo Agbejoye, has embarked on what could be the defining journey of his young career — a two-week trial with Premier League champions, Manchester City. The electrifying left-footer, whose pace and precision have turned heads across youth football circuits in Nigeria, kicked off his trials on October 27, with the session scheduled to run until November 10, 2025. For a player who honed his craft in the quiet heart of Ogun State, the call from one of Europe’s footballing powerhouses represents more than just a dream, it’s validation.  And for Grassrunners Football Club, it’s proof that their ambitious model of discovering and nurturing African talent is working to perfection. Founded just two years ago, the Remo-based side has already etched its name in Nigeria’s football development story.  The club...

By Maxwell Kumoye with additional report by UO-Media Plus   The Enugu State Commissioner for Sports, Lyode Ike Ekweremadu, has inaugurated a new 11-member Enugu State Athletics Association board, with former national hurdler and current Performance Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Victor Okorie, appointed as Chairman. The inauguration, which marks a new phase in the state’s athletics administration, brings together seasoned coaches, administrators, and sports enthusiasts dedicated to reviving grassroots athletics across Enugu State. Other members of the board include: ✓ Coach Elizabeth Chukwuashi ✓ Onovo Boniface ✓ Henry Nwosu ✓ Eze Justus ✓ Agu Justin ✓ Emeka Benjamin Chukwu ✓ Chris Onwuzuruike ✓ Ephrem Ochonma ✓ Ken Onuaguruch ✓ John Ikpechi In a congratulatory message, Coach Chukwuashi lauded the appointment, describing it as a positive step toward repositioning athletics in the state.  She wished the new board success as they embarked...

By Maxwell Kumoye     In the intricate world of Scrabble — a game of intellect, patience, and precision — few names resonate with quiet power and consistent purpose like Engineer Gbenga Ojofeitimi. Now officially appointed to the Board of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), the long-serving supporter, sponsor, and strategist has finally taken a seat at the decision-making table of the sport he has nurtured for more than two decades. For the Scrabble community in Nigeria and beyond, his inclusion is more than a routine board appointment. It is a symbolic moment — the recognition of a man whose lifelong devotion has helped sustain one of Nigeria’s most successful mind sports. “This appointment is not just a gain for Scrabble,” said Engineer Olobatoke Aka, the immediate past president of the NSF. “It’s a big win for Nigerian sports. Engineer Gbenga Ojofeitimi has been part of Scrabble’s story for years. He has invested his time, money, and ideas long before this ro...

By Maxwell Kumoye with additional report by Raymond N' Media As the 2025/2026 Nationwide League One (NLO) season draws closer, Daniel Football Club of Abuja has made a bold move to reshape its footballing fortunes.  The club has announced the appointment of Coach Akanmu Salabiu Abiodun as its new Head Coach — a decision many believe could spark a new era for the ambitious side. The club’s chairman, Daniel Felix, confirmed the development in a statement released on Sunday, October 26, 2025, expressing optimism that Abiodun’s arrival would bring renewed energy, fire power and direction. “Daniel Football Club, Abuja, is happy to announce the appointment of Akanmu Salabiu Abiodun as our new Head Coach,” the statement read.  “His appointment takes immediate effect, and we hope his wealth of experience will help our club make a strong challenge in the coming season.” For followers of Nigerian grassroots football, Abiodun’s name rings with both experience and passion. The...

By Maxwell Kumoye    When the National Sports Commission (NSC) was launched a year ago, it was billed as a game-changer — a strategic agency meant to reposition Nigerian sports for global investment, private sector partnership, and sustainable funding beyond government subvention. Twelve months later, however, the glow appears to have faded. Stakeholders across the sports community are now asking: where are the results? From football to athletics, from facility management to federation autonomy, voices within the industry say the NSC has done more talking than transformation. A YEAR OF LOFTY PROMISES The NSC entered the scene with a flurry of public engagements, policy statements, and foreign investor summits — most of them designed to court international sports marketing firms to Nigeria. But sports journalist Uzor Odigbo questioned the rationale behind that approach. “They keep trying to lure foreign businessmen to Nigeria under different names — ‘Come, N...

By Maxwell Kumoye       When Alhaji Yusuf Datti walked into the election hall at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, last Saturday, he was already known in Nigerian tennis circles as a man of quiet influence and enduring commitment. As Tournament Director of the famous Kano Dala Hard Courts Tennis Championship, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious tennis events, Datti had spent years nurturing talents, sustaining sponsorships, and keeping the spirit of the game alive in the North. By the end of that day, his name would be etched on a larger canvas. Datti was overwhelmingly elected Vice President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) — a recognition not just of his administrative acumen but of his consistency in building tennis from the grassroots upward. A RESOUNDING MANDATE In an election supervised by the National Sports Commission (NSC), Datti secured 12 out of 14 votes, a landslide that underscored his broad acceptance within the tennis commun...

By Maxwell Kumoye and Eche Amos, Fellow CBS   Commodore Shettima Mohammed of the Nigerian Navy has been elected as the new President of the Nigerian Shooting Sport Federation (NSSF), following a keenly contested by-election held in Abuja on Saturday. Mohammed defeated the incumbent president, Captain O.B. Ayoade—also of the Nigerian Navy—after polling eight votes to Ayoade’s five out of a total of fourteen votes cast. The by-election was conducted under the supervision of the National Sports Commission (NSC) after a series of previous ties in earlier attempts to elect the Federation’s new leadership. The NSC is expected to inaugurate the newly elected NSSF Board alongside other sports federation boards whose elections have been successfully concluded. The election took place at the Handball Indoor Hall, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

By Maxwell Kumoye, Lagos Monrovia is set to ignite with mental fireworks as ScrabbleMania 3.0 takes center stage at the Diplomatic Enclave from December 5–7, 2025, drawing elite wordsmiths from across Africa and beyond. Organized by Mind Brilliance Inc., the prestigious event promises a thrilling display of intellect, strategy, and linguistic flair — a true celebration of mental sportsmanship. With a $6,000 prize pool and a grand prize of $2,000 plus a champion’s trophy, competitors are preparing for a three-day battle where every tile, every word, and every move could make or break their quest for glory. “ScrabbleMania isn’t just a game — it’s a duel of wits, strategy, board management and mental stamina,” said the organizers, describing the tournament as a convergence of Africa’s finest minds in competitive Scrabble. Over 40 top players are expected to clash in Monrovia, transforming the city’s Diplomatic Enclave into a cauldron of competition, tension, and triumph. Each ...

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has honoured veteran journalist Mr. Morakinyo Abodunrin (MON) with the SWAN @60 Veteran Sports Journalist Award, recognizing his remarkable contributions to the growth and integrity of sports journalism in Nigeria. In a letter signed by Ikenna Okonkwo, SWAN’s Secretary-General, and dated October 13, 2025, the association described Abodunrin as “a valued pioneer and pillar of the profession whose passion, mentorship and commitment have inspired generations of journalists and enriched the nation’s sporting narrative.” The honour is one of several highlights of the SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration (SWAN @60) scheduled for October 29–31 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. The official Awards and Appeal Fund Ceremony will take place on October 31 at the VIP Lounge, Package A, of the stadium. SWAN commended Abodunrin’s professionalism and enduring service to sports journalism, emphasizing that his dedication has continua...

...Enugu 2026 set to redefine athletics and sports business in Nigeria By Maxwell Kumoye with additional report by UO-Media Plus  For Victor Okorie, a 400m hurdles silver medallist at the 2003 African Games, every season in Nigerian athletics is a new race — one that starts long before the starter’s gun goes off. As a board member and Performance Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Okorie’s mission is clear: to see Nigerian athletes thrive on home soil and beyond. In a recent chat, the U.S.-based former hurdler spoke passionately about what lies ahead for the country’s track and field stars - and the bright prospects surrounding the 2026 Enugu National Sports Festival. “Athletes should prepare for an eventful year,” Okorie said with a confident smile.  “The AFN board has been working around the clock to ensure that next season’s calendar comes out early. We want to give athletes enough time to prepare properly - mentally, physically, and emotiona...

By Keresifon Essien and Maxwell Kumoye      Former Super Eagles winger, James Easien Etokebe, has expressed confidence that Nigeria will secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the team’s renewed form and fighting spirit. Speaking in an exclusive online interview with KSM from his base in Norway, the former Leventis United star said the Super Eagles have shown significant improvement since their slow start in the qualifying campaign. “It’s unfortunate that Nigeria didn’t begin the World Cup qualifiers on a strong note. Those two draws at home in Uyo really put our chances under pressure,” Etokebe said. “But it’s encouraging to see the team pick up form and fight back. I believe they have what it takes to grab the remaining ticket to the World Cup during the CAF play-offs next month.” Etokebe added that with the determination and quality currently in the squad, Nigeria stands a great chance of edging out their African rivals — Gabon, Cameroon, ...

...Judo stakeholders commend intervention, blast ex-president Oshodi By Maxwell Kumoye     As Nigeria prepares for the forthcoming National Sports Federations elections, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its determination to ensure a transparent, credible, and fair electoral process across all federations in the country. A senior NSC official, speaking exclusively to First Zealmediacast Blog, emphasized that the Commission remains resolute in upholding integrity and fairness, despite what was described as “desperate attempts by certain individuals to manipulate outcomes.” “No amount of intimidation or blackmail will deter us from doing what is right — not just for a few individuals but for all federations,” the official stated. “The rules and regulations guiding each association, alongside the NSC’s election guidelines, will be strictly adhered to in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” According to the Commission, the goa...

...National body warns the public against dealing with Oladunni and Omotunde after suspension from all activities By Maxwell Kumoye - Sports Editor The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has distanced itself from two individuals, Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, declaring that they are no longer officials or members of its Lagos State Chapter. In a statement released on Monday and signed by the Association’s Secretary-General, Ikenna Okonkwo, the National Executive Committee (NEC) said the duo were suspended from all SWAN activities for acts of gross misconduct. Okonkwo explained that the decision, taken in line with Article 21, Section (1) A and C of the SWAN Statute, empowers the NEC to discipline erring officers and members. The suspension, he said, took immediate effect, rendering the two ineligible to act on behalf of the Association in any capacity. “The attention of the National Secretariat has been drawn to illegal and self-styled activities be...

…Sani Abacha Stadium closed indefinitely; Pillars to play home games in Katsina By Maxwell Kumoye – Sports Editor     The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has handed down heavy sanctions to Kano Pillars Football Club following the violent scenes that marred their Matchday 8 fixture against Shooting Stars SC on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. The league’s disciplinary committee found Pillars guilty of several breaches of the NPFL Framework and Rules, including failure to provide adequate security, loss of crowd control, and conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute. According to the NPFL, unauthorized persons invaded restricted areas, assaulted match officials and Shooting Stars players, and threw dangerous objects onto the pitch — acts described as “totally unacceptable and damaging to the league’s image.” The league cited violations of Rules B13.52, B13.18, C1.1, C9, and C11, leading to the following sanctions: ₦1,000,...

...To sign a two year deal  By Maxwell Kumoye   Bendel Insurance Football Club has announced the appointment of Coach Kennedy Boboye as the club’s new Technical Manager, following an agreement reached between both parties for him to take full charge of the team’s technical department with immediate effect. According to a statement signed by the club’s Director of Media and Communications, Kehinde Osagiede, the decision was made after a thorough evaluation of Boboye’s credentials, with the management finding him suitable for the role based on his proven track record, impressive achievements, and vast experience in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The Delta-born tactician has been handed a two-year contract, and his official unveiling is scheduled to take place in Benin City on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The club’s management expressed optimism that Boboye’s arrival would mark the beginning of a new era of improved performance and renewed confidence in the...

...Investment is critical for further improvement  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye   The Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations at the Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Mrs. Sabina Chikere, has called for increased support and investment in women’s sports to enable girls in Nigeria to thrive and bring more glory to the nation. Mrs. Chikere made this appeal on Saturday during an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG’s Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, as part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child. She emphasized the importance of empowering the girl child, noting that women play a vital role in the progress of every society and possess the potential to elevate Nigeria’s standing through sports. “We are celebrating the girl child and acknowledging their achievements. I am very excited because, in no distant time, we will see more women making their mark in the sporting sector and bringing honour to Nigeria,...

 Casemiro will don the captain's armband for the 17th time in Brazil's friendly against South Korea on Friday, with the experienced midfielder embracing his leadership role both on and off the pitch under manager Carlo Ancelotti. Back in the squad since the Italian's arrival after a long period away, Casemiro has been a key figure for Brazil since his international debut in 2011 and will resume his captaincy after a two-year hiatus. His last outing as skipper came in October 2023 against Uruguay, but Ancelotti, who was his coach for several years at Real Madrid, has decided to reinstate him as the leader of Brazil's young squad preparing for the 2026 World Cup. "I am one of those players who thinks that there are several leaders, several ways of leading. Each one leads in their own way. I like to give more examples of how to do things - how to arrive, how to be, where to be, how to work," Casemiro told a press conference on Thursday. The 33-year-ol...

  Barcelona midfielder Frankie de Jong has criticised the decision by LaLiga to host a league meeting between his club and Villarreal in Miami on December 20, 2025. After years of wrangling, red tape, and relentless resistance from all governing bodies, LaLiga President Javier Tebas got his wish as UEFA reluctantly permitted the Spanish top-flight to stage a match abroad, potentially unlocking a pandoras box. While the match must be ratified per its final application to U.S. Soccer and Concacaf, FIFA, the world governing body, has remained quiet on the matter. In Spain, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), the Spanish players’ union AFE and several clubs, including Real Madrid, have fought hard to keep domestic football in-country, but their battle appears to have been in vain. Howeve with the debate rumbling on, De Jong has broken rank and is the first Barça player to voice his concerns about the fixture. “I don’t like that we’re going to play Barça vs Villarreal in...

  English Premier League side Manchester City have announced a US-exclusive media collaboration with Paramount+, which will see the streaming service’s branding and content feature across the club’s US-focused digital and social media channels throughout their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign (UCL). Paramount+ already streams every UCL match to US audiences, making its brand a synonym to Europe’s top club competition for many of the Americans tuning in. The move sees Manchester City develop even further into the US market – an area where they are already a top player in the wrestle for American eyes and cash. The club’s ownership group, City Football Group (CFG), owns Major League Soccer (MLS) side New York City FC, and more recently cashed in on 2009-born American talent Cavan Sullivan, who will join City in 2027. Back in May 2024, MLS side Philadelphia Union signed on the then 14-year-old to the largest homegrown contract in the division’s history, with an agree...

  The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has threatened to revoke the professional licences of First League side Spartak Varna and Second League club Pirin Blagoevgrad due to their failure to repay debts.  The Licensing Commission of the BFU held an extraordinary meeting on October 7 regarding the increasing financial obligations of the two entities.  The clubs, who currently hold conditional licences to compete in the Bulgarian pyramid, are facing the revocation of their right to participate due to violations of financial criteria and growing overdue debts to staff and the National Revenue Agency (NRA).  Due to the serious nature of the case, the managers and financial directors of both clubs were invited to the meeting with the Licensing Commission. Pirin was represented by the Executive Director, Mr. Svetoslav Dyakov, while FC Spartak 1918 did not send a representative to the session.  At the meeting, the commission personally informed Mr. Dyakov – an...

  Los Angeles’ burgeoning love affair with football has just gone airborne. Skyline Pitch, a new rooftop soccer experience, has officially opened atop The Americana at Brand in Glendale, California, turning a plain parking structure on top of a mall into one of the city’s most desirable locations for the ‘beautiful game.’ Stretching across 25,000 square feet, the venue, designed and developed by Chicago-based experiential agency elemento L2, Skyline Pitch features two 5v5 pitches, a panna cage, a foot tennis court, dedicated training zones, and sleek lounge areas, creating an atmosphere that shouts street soccer, urban art, and Southern California lifestyle. “LA’s soccer community is incredibly vast and diverse,” said Ivan Lopez, Skyline Pitch founder and Managing Director of elemento L2. “We set out to create something truly unique — a space where the game meets the city skyline. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a passionate fan, Skyline Pitch is designed to celebra...

  UEFA is preparing to take a page from the National Football League’s (NFL) playbook as the most lucrative broadcast rights sale in European football history is just around the corner.  UEFA believes its next cycle of Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League rights could generate over €5 billion (£4.3 billion) annually, almost double the amount earned from the current £2.9 billion deal signed in 2024.  The new contracts, expected to take effect in 2027, will span six years – double the current duration – and could showcase a shift toward streaming-first distribution. One “first-pick” game per round could soon land on platforms such as Amazon, Disney+, or Netflix, copying the NFL’s deals with Amazon Prime, Peacock, and Netflix.  The move is part of a new commercial strategy approved by UC3, the joint venture between UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC), formerly the European Club Association. It is an attempt to reshape how global media, s...

  Saudi Arabia took a big step towards the 2026 World Cup finals and one of the two remaining Asian qualifying slots with a 3-2 win over Indonesia at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Riyadh. The Saudis now have to beat Iraq next Tuesday, again in Riyadh, in the final game of Group B qualifying to secure their slot. Before then Indonesia will need to beat Iraq to keep automatic qualification hopes alive. The Saudi Arabia win saw Feras Al Brikan score twice as they battled back from going behind to an early Kevin Diks penalty on 11 minutes. The lead for Patrick Kluivert’s side lasted only six minutes before Saleh Abu Al Shamat levelled ahead of Al Brikan’s brace, the Al Ahli Saudi FC striker scoring in the 36th and 62nd minutes. With two minutes to go, Diks scored again from the penalty spot and Mohammed Kanno receive a late red card, but neither was enough to deny Saudi Arabia that puts them on course for a seventh appearance at the World Cup. Qatar fail to press...

  Barcelona’s latest financial report shows the Catalan giants posting a post-tax loss of only €17 million ($19.8m) for the 2024–25 season, a big reduction from the €91 million posted for the 2023-24 period. While this is the second consecutive year of losses, revenue is soaring. With Nike’s long-term deal, merchandise flying off the shelves, a deep run in the Uefa Champions League, and sell-out crowds at the Olympic Stadium, Barca revenue rose to €994m ($1.16 billion), up €100 million on the previous year. While this figure is impressive, there is a rather large elephant in the room but it is looking increasingly friendly, namely the renovation of the iconic Spotify Camp Nou. The redevelopment, a cornerstone of President Joan Laporta’s “Espai Barça” project, has transformed the club’s finances into a high-wire act between progress and prudence. When the Camp Nou finally comes online at full capacity, it is expected to inject an extra €50 million ($58m) into next season...

As the date for the 2025 World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA), Championship in Accra, Ghana draws closer, members of Team Nigeria are outlining their plans and dreams for the event. In this special report, Maxwell KUMOYE reports that a player affectionately called Sidespin is dreaming big despite his age. Enjoy the special report... At 60, when most men are telling bedtime stories to their grandchildren or reminiscing about their younger days, Chinedu Okwelogu is chasing a dream that began half a century ago — to play Scrabble for Nigeria at the 2025 World Championship in Ghana. For Okwelogu, fondly known in Scrabble circles as Chinedu Thorpe or Sidespin, the thought alone sends a rush of excitement through his veins. The idea that he can still make the Nigerian team at his age feels almost surreal — but then, so has his entire journey through the world of words. “I’m just happy to still be in the mix,” he says with the calm confidence of a man who knows his p...

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has recorded a net profit of $9.48 million for the 2023/2024 financial year, marking a remarkable turnaround after years of financial deficits. According to the continental body, the positive balance was driven by increased commercial revenue, new sponsorship deals, and tighter financial management measures. CAF’s financial report revealed that the organisation made significant investments aimed at strengthening football development across Africa — including $81 million in prize money for competitions, $19 million for tournament organisation, and $35 million for football development initiatives. CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, expressed optimism about the organisation’s financial trajectory, disclosing that negotiations are ongoing for a long-term marketing and television deal estimated at $1 billion. Motsepe noted that CAF’s growing financial stability would enable the body to continue supporting member associations, improving...