Sports Groove

By Maxwell Kumoye       Ethiopia's dominance of long-distance running was once again on full display as Mama Lama and Silenet Bitwe emerged victorious in the men's and women's categories respectively at the 2026 Okpekpe International 10km Road Race on Saturday. Mama Lama produced a commanding performance in the men's race, powering through the challenging Okpekpe course to claim the prestigious title and add his name to the list of elite athletes who have conquered Africa's first World Athletics-labelled road race. In the women's event, fellow Ethiopian Silenet Bitwe showcased her class and endurance, crossing the finish line ahead of the competition to secure the women's crown and complete a memorable day for Ethiopian athletics. The victories underscored Ethiopia's continued strength in distance running, with both athletes demonstrating exceptional pace, tactical awareness, and stamina throughout the race. The annual Okpekpe Road Race attra...

By Maxwell Kumoye and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye    Nigerian athletics stakeholders have showered praises on rising stars Kanyinsola Ajayi, Samuel Ogazi and Israel Okon following their outstanding performances at the ongoing NCAA East and West Regionals in the United States. The trio headlined another memorable outing for Nigerian athletes competing in the American collegiate circuit, with Ajayi stealing the spotlight after smashing the long-standing Nigerian men's 100m record with a blistering 9.84 seconds, eclipsing the previous mark of 9.85 seconds set by Olusoji Fasuba in 2006. Ajayi's historic feat, coupled with impressive performances from Ogazi, Okon and several other Nigerians, sparked celebrations among officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), who described the achievements as further proof that the country remains a force in global athletics. AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, praised the athletes for their remarkable progress and d...

By Maxwell Kumoye      The planned rehabilitation of the iconic Muda Lawal Stadium in Asero, Abeokuta, has received a major endorsement from the Ogun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), which believes the project could herald a new era for sports development in the state. Reacting to the National Sports Commission's decision to revamp the facility, Ogun SWAN Chairman, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, described the move as a welcome development for athletes, coaches and sports enthusiasts who have long desired the restoration of one of the state's most recognizable sporting landmarks. For decades, the Muda Lawal Stadium has served as a hub for sporting activities in Ogun State, producing talents who have gone on to excel at national and international levels. PHowever, years of wear and limited upgrades have reduced its capacity to host major competitions and adequately serve the growing sporting population. Ogunsiji said the intervention b...

By Maxwell Kumoye    Liverpool have parted ways with manager Arne Slot after a disappointing second season that saw the Reds slip from Premier League champions to a fifth-place finish, ending the Dutchman's two-year spell at Anfield. The decision was announced on Saturday, with the club admitting that "change is necessary" despite Slot's historic achievement of guiding Liverpool to the league title in his debut campaign. Slot arrived at Anfield in 2024 from Dutch side Feyenoord as the successor to the legendary Jurgen Klopp.  Expectations were high, but the Dutchman exceeded them in his first season, steering Liverpool to the Premier League crown behind the brilliance of Mohamed Salah, who contributed 29 goals and 18 assists. However, the title-winning momentum quickly evaporated. Liverpool's attempt to defend their crown turned into a battle to secure Champions League qualification as the Reds endured a turbulent campaign marked by inconsistent perfor...

By Maxwell Kumoye        Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has named Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah in his final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Pharaohs set to begin their campaign in North America next month. As expected, Salah will spearhead Egypt's quest for global glory, while Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush is also expected to play a key role in the team's attacking plans. The squad announcement featured few surprises, although the inclusion of teenage striker Hamza Abdel Karim has generated considerable excitement among Egyptian football followers. The 18-year-old forward, currently on loan from Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly to Barcelona Atletic, the reserve team of Spanish champions Barcelona, earned a place in the final squad after impressing with his development and potential. Hassan's selection reflects a blend of experience and youthful promise as Egypt seeks to make a strong impression at the tournament. The Pharaohs have...

...Smashes Nigerian record with stunning 43.82s By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye    Nigeria’s sprint sensation Samuel Ogazi delivered another statement performance on Friday, storming to a remarkable new Personal Best and World Lead of 43.82 seconds in the men’s 400m at the NCAA East Regionals. The blistering run saw Ogazi reclaim the world-leading mark from Botswana’s Collen Kebinatshipi, who had clocked 43.92 seconds just last week. In the process, the Nigerian quarter-miler also shattered his own national record yet again, continuing a exceptional season in which he has consistently raised the bar with every outing. Ogazi’s 43.82s now stands as the fastest men’s 400m time in the world this year, further underlining his emergence as one of the most exciting sprint talents on the global stage. The performance adds to what is becoming a historic season for Nigerian athletics.  Earlier, fellow Nigerian sprint star Kanyinsola Ajayi clocked a stunning 9.84 se...

...The man who also gave democracy the mic By Maxwell Kumoye with additional agency report     Three years after his death, Nigerians are still remembering the late High Chief Dr. Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi, OFR, as the fearless media pioneer who transformed broadcasting and gave independent voices a powerful platform across the country. Dokpesi, founder of DAAR Communications Plc, owners of Raypower FM and Africa Independent Television, died on May 29, 2023, at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped Nigeria’s media and democratic landscape. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s broadcast history, Dokpesi broke barriers when he launched Raypower FM, the country’s first private FM radio station, following the deregulation of the broadcast industry. He later established AIT, creating one of Nigeria’s most influential independent television platforms. At a time when government-owned stations dominated the airwaves, Rayp...

Forty young footballers of Ghanaian descent participated in the Ghana Football Association's inaugural UK Talent Identification Programme as efforts continues to strengthen the country's future national teams. The programme, held in Bromley, brought together players aged between U-15 and U-20 who are currently developing in some of England's top Category One academies. Participants represented leading clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton, giving Ghana's technical team an opportunity to assess some of the most promising dual-national talents available in the United Kingdom. The initiative was organised by the GFA in collaboration with Coach Hene Sporting Club, Ghanaians in the UK and Prince Lamona Consult. The exercise was supervised by GFA Technical Director Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah and FIFA Talent Coach Stuart McLaren, who worked alongside coaches from Coach Hene Sporting Club to evaluate players throughout the programme. The s...

...Ajayi becomes world’s fastest man in 2026 after record run   By Maxwell Kumoye       Nigeria’s sprinting history was rewritten on Friday night as Kanyinsola Ajayi stormed to a sensational 9.84 seconds to win his men’s 100m race at the NCAA East Regionals and book his place at the NCAA Championships. Running with a legal wind reading of 0.4, Ajayi shattered the long-standing Nigerian national record of 9.85 seconds set by Olusoji Fasuba in 2006, ending a 20-year wait for a new national benchmark in the blue-riband event. The remarkable performance also propelled the 21 year old Nigerian star to the top of the global rankings, making him the fastest man in the world so far in 2026 and handing him the world lead. Ajayi’s historic run is now the second-fastest 100m performance in collegiate history, further underlining his growing reputation as one of the brightest sprint talents in world athletics. Behind the Nigerian sensation, Ghana’s Mustapha Bopkin fi...

...As Foster misses penalty ahead of World Cup By Maxwell Kumoye      South Africa’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a setback on Friday after Bafana Bafana were held to a disappointing goalless draw by Nicaragua in an international friendly in Johannesburg. Burnley striker Lyle Foster endured a frustrating evening as he missed a penalty late in the first half, striking the post in what proved South Africa’s best opportunity of the encounter. Coach Hugo Broos opted to rest several key players ahead of the team’s departure to their World Cup training base in Pachuca, Mexico, but his side still dominated possession throughout the contest. Despite controlling the game for long periods, South Africa struggled to break down a resilient Nicaragua defence and created few clear-cut chances.  The visitors spent much of the match pinned inside their own half and offered little threat going forward. The stalemate leaves Broos with work to do as Baf...

...Bassey Hails Judokas after Games Qualification   By Maxwell Kumoye    Two judokas from Akwa Ibom State, Enku Ekuta and Immaculata Ufot, have qualified for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow following impressive performances at the Commonwealth Trials organised by the Nigeria Judo Federation in Abuja. The athletes were received on Friday by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports after returning from the trials held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where they earned qualification in their respective weight categories. Enku Ekuta competed in the women’s -63kg category, while Immaculata Ufot featured in the women’s -57kg division, with both athletes securing podium finishes to book their places for the Commonwealth Games later this year. The medalists were formally presented to the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, by the state Judo team led by coaches Kachi David and Adesuji Adebiyi during a reception at the Ministry of Sports. Speaking...

By Maxwell Kumoye     The 2026 edition of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race is set to reach a global audience after organisers confirmed that the event will be broadcast live worldwide on Saturday, May 30. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading road races, the Okpekpe event continues to strengthen its international reputation following its historic emergence as the first road race in West Africa to earn World Athletics Label status. Since making its debut in 2013, the race has attracted elite long-distance runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Nigeria, growing steadily into a major fixture on the global athletics calendar. The challenging 10-kilometre course, which begins at Apana Road and finishes in Okpekpe, Edo State, combines steep hills with smooth tarred roads, testing both endurance and tactical discipline among competitors. Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo currently holds the men’s course record of 28 minutes, 28 seconds, while Kazakhstan’s Carolin...

By Maxwell Kumoye     All roads lead to Edo State this Saturday as the 11th Okpekpe International 10km Road Race prepares to deliver another thrilling spectacle, with over 50 elite athletes from across the globe expected to battle for glory in West Africa’s premier Gold Label road race. Technical Director and General Coordinator of the race, Olympian Yusuf Alli, says preparations have entered top gear, with athletes already arriving in Nigeria ahead of what promises to be one of the biggest editions in the event’s history. Speaking in an exclusive chat with Sportsville, the former Nigerian long jump star revealed that organisers have been working around the clock to ensure a seamless and world-class competition. “The athletes started arriving from across the world on Monday, May 25th, ahead of the race this weekend,” Alli disclosed. “As we speak, all the technical areas have been perfected and our personnel are working tirelessly to ensure we achieve a great race o...

...To be buried in Umuahia, Abia State on May 29   By FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG        The Nigerian football family has continued to rally around Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze following the painful loss of his beloved mother, Prophetess (Dr.) Mrs. Serah Chinyere Chukwueze (Nee Onyegbule), who died at the age of 59. According to funeral arrangements released by the family, the late Prophetess will be laid to rest on Friday, May 29, 2026, in Umuahia, Abia State, bringing together family members, friends, church faithful and sympathizers to celebrate a life described as impactful, graceful and devoted to God. Mrs. Chukwueze, fondly remembered as a caring mother, wife, grandmother and respected spiritual figure, was the matriarch of the Chukwueze family of Umuechima, Okoko Item in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.  Her death has been received with deep sorrow by many who knew her for her kindness, strength and unwavering faith. The fu...

By FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG        The football community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Nigerian winger Victor Udoh at the age of 21, with former clubs Southampton FC and Royal Antwerp paying emotional tributes to the promising youngster. Udoh, who was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s emerging football talents, spent six months with Southampton’s academy after joining the club in February 2025.  During his short spell on England’s south coast, the talented left winger featured in eight matches for the Saints’ Under-21 side in the Premier League 2. Before his move to England, Udoh had developed through the ranks at Royal Antwerp, where he impressed for the club’s “Young Reds” team.  The Nigerian forward scored 12 goals in 27 appearances for the youth side and earned promotion to the first team, making 28 senior appearances for the Belgian outfit. Following his departure from Southampton in September, Udoh continue...

...The projects, major milestone in the country’s quest to restore its sporting glory – Shehu Dikko  ...The projects represent more than just infrastructure renewal – Bukola Olopade  By Maxwell Kumoye        The Federal Government has approved a sweeping upgrade of sports infrastructure across Nigeria, with the rehabilitation of the iconic Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja, taking centre stage in a renewed drive to reposition the country’s sporting facilities to international standards. The approvals were ratified at the National Sports Commission (NSC) Tenders Board Meeting, where a series of major projects aimed at revamping key facilities and boosting athlete development received the green light. At the heart of the initiative is the complete reconstruction of the Abuja stadium pitch, which has come under criticism in recent years due to its poor condition and limited usability for Nigeria’s national teams. The tartan tracks will also be ...

By Maxwell Kumoye        Following the death of longtime sports administrator Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee has appointed Grégoire Owona as its interim president. Owona’s appointment was confirmed on Monday, May 25, during an extraordinary session convened to reorganize the leadership structure of the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSC) following the death of Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum on May 13 after a brief illness. The newly-appointed interim president is expected to steer the affairs of the Olympic body until the next elective General Assembly, where a substantive leadership is expected to emerge. As part of the restructuring, the CNOSC also announced a reshuffled executive committee.  Ntsama Assembe was named first vice-president, while Talba Malla Ibrahim takes over as second vice-president.  The position of the third vice-president, however, remains vacant. The committee fu...

By Maxwell Kumoye    World Athletics has officially unveiled the qualification standards for the 2027 World Athletics Championships scheduled to take place in Beijing, setting the benchmark athletes across the globe must meet to secure automatic qualification for the prestigious event. The qualification marks, released ahead of the global championship, underline the increasing competitiveness expected at Beijing 2027, with elite performances required across track, field and road events. In the sprint events, male athletes will need to clock 9.95 seconds in the 100 metres and 20.07 seconds in the 200 metres, while the women’s qualifying standards stand at 10.96 seconds and 22.45 seconds respectively. For the one-lap event, the men’s 400m standard is pegged at 44.45 seconds, with women expected to run 50.00 seconds to gain automatic entry. Middle and long-distance events also feature demanding marks. Athletes targeting the men’s 1500m must run 3:30.00, while the wome...

...Hails Soludo’s sports reforms   By Maxwell Kumoye   The Executive Board of the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA), has announced June 30, 2026, as the date for its general election following a virtual meeting held on Tuesday, May 26. In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the board said the decision became necessary as the tenure of the current administration will officially end on July 27, 2026. The board also directed the ANSFA Electoral Committee to immediately begin all necessary preparations to ensure a credible, transparent, peaceful, and hitch-free election in line with existing statutes and regulations. During the meeting, the Association commended His Excellency governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for what it described as visionary leadership and renewed commitment to sports development in the state. The board specifically praised the governor for re-establishing the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, noting that the move would si...

By Maxwell Kumoye   The quiet hills of Okpekpe in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State are once again preparing for a moment on the global sporting stage as the 11th edition of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race takes place on Saturday, May 30. With the race officially listed by World Athletics as the next major global road race event, attention has shifted to Nigeria for what promises to be one of the most significant athletics competitions on the international calendar this weekend. Organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing, the Okpekpe race stands out as the only World Athletics Gold Label road race scheduled anywhere in the world on May 30, underlining its growing prestige within global athletics. The race is one of just 41 Gold Label road races approved worldwide for 2026 and remains the first road race in West Africa to earn label recognition from World Athletics, a milestone first achieved in 2015. Race Director Zak Amodu said organisers have complete...

...Appreciates National Sports Commission       President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Tonobok Okowa, has extended warm greetings to the Muslim Ummah across Nigeria on the occasion of the Eid al-Adha (Eid-el-Kabir) celebration. In his goodwill message, Chief Okowa noted that the festival symbolizes the spirit of sacrifice, faith, obedience and devotion, virtues that are essential not only in religion but also in nation-building and sports development. The AFN President urged Muslim faithful to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in Nigeria, especially as the nation continues to strive for greater achievements in different sectors, including sports. He also encouraged Nigerian athletes to remain disciplined, focused and committed to excellence, stressing that dedication, sacrifice and resilience are key ingredients for success on the global stage. Chief Okowa appreciated the unwavering support of the National Sports Commission (NSC),...

By Maxwell Kumoye      New United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has placed his faith in experience and emerging talent after unveiling a 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup on home soil, with Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie leading the charge. The Americans, who are co-hosting the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada, are hoping to make a significant impact in front of home fans after reaching the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Pochettino’s squad reflects a balance between youth and experience, with 13 World Cup debutants joining 13 players who featured in Qatar. Included among the returning core are the United States’ scorers from the last tournament, Pulisic, Tim Weah and Haji Wright. “We are confident this is the best group of 26 players to help us achieve success at the World Cup,” Pochettino said after naming his squad. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain manager acknowledged the difficulty of the...

...Name Aguerd in, En-Nesyri drop  ...Hakimi, Amrabat lead charge for glory   By Maxwell Kumoye       New Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has unveiled a bold 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, retaining experienced stars like Achraf Hakimi and Sofyan Amrabat while making several surprise decisions ahead of the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Ouahbi, who succeeded Walid Regragui in March after previously handling Morocco’s U-20 side, included defender Nayef Aguerd despite the Marseille centre-back not playing since early March due to injury. Aguerd, a key member of Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, is yet to fully recover but has been handed the opportunity to prove his fitness before the tournament begins. One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement was the omission of experienced striker Youssef En-Nesyri, who played a pivotal role in Morocco’s unforgettable World Cup ...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye    The Nigeria Women Football League has announced that the 2026 NWFL Premiership Super Six Finals will be staged in the oil-rich city of Port Harcourt for the very first time. The season-ending championship tournament is scheduled to take place from June 5 to June 14, 2026, with six of the country’s top women’s clubs battling for the prestigious league crown in what promises to be another thrilling finale to the NWFL Premiership campaign. Confirming the development, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi said the decision reflects the league’s commitment to expanding elite women’s football across Nigeria while acknowledging the support the Rivers State Government has shown toward the women’s game. According to Shabi, Rivers State successfully hosted the league’s Annual General Assembly last October, making Port Harcourt a fitting venue for the flagship competition. The tournament will feature defending champions Bayelsa Quee...

By Mishael Emmanuel          Ghana has suffered a major setback ahead of next month’s FIFA World Cup after Tottenham Hotspur forward Mohamed Kudus was ruled out through injury and omitted from the Black Stars’ preliminary 28-man squad announced on Tuesday by veteran coach Carlos Queiroz. The 25-year-old attacker, who has scored 13 goals in 46 appearances for Ghana, has been sidelined since January after suffering a quad injury.  Although Kudus was initially expected to return in March, the forward suffered a setback in his rehabilitation and has not featured for Tottenham Hotspur since. Kudus joined Spurs from West Ham United during the off-season and has endured a frustrating campaign, making 19 Premier League appearances and scoring twice before his injury troubles. With one of Ghana’s key attacking weapons unavailable, Queiroz is expected to lean heavily on the experience and firepower of Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City and Inaki Williams ...

By Maxwell Kumoye        A forensic audit into Ghana’s hosting of the 2023 African Games has uncovered more than $40 million in avoidable expenditure, casting a shadow over one of the continent’s biggest multi-sport events. The audit, commissioned by President John Dramani Mahama and sighted by Joy Sports, detailed widespread irregularities, inflated claims and questionable variations tied to infrastructure projects for the Games, which were staged from February to March 2024. According to the report, the biggest concerns centred around the Borteyman Sports Complex, where auditors estimated an “opportunity cost for scope shrinkage” of $34.43 million from the project’s original contract value of $145.09 million. The Audit Service revealed that several key components initially captured in the contract were either omitted completely or drastically reduced despite the huge financial outlay.  Among the omitted works were a warm-up football field valued at...