Sports Groove

...As Harrison mines men’s Gold By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria once again underlined its dominance on the continental stage, clinching a record-extending 15th African women’s wrestling title at the African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt. The Nigerian women delivered a commanding performance, securing eight gold and two silver medals from the 10 events to comfortably emerge overall champions.  It was a statement of intent from a team that has consistently set the standard in African wrestling. Building on a strong opening day that yielded four gold medals, the second day began with Mercy Genesis continuing the momentum.  The Commonwealth champion overwhelmed Tunisia’s Chahrazed Ayachi 6-0 to ignite another wave of victories. Adijat Idris followed suit in the 55kg category, dominating Lobna Ichaoui of Tunisia with an 8-0 win.  The gold rush continued as Esther Asaolu brushed aside Egypt’s Mariam Mosbeh 10-0 in the 59kg division. One ...

... Still in the mix for more tickets  By Maxwell Kumoye  Against the backdrop of late withdrawals and a largely home-based squad, Team Nigeria’s youthful quartet delivered a spirited performance to book a place in the final of the mixed 4x100m relay at the World Championships in Gaborone, Botswana. The team, comprising Favour Ashe, Jennifer Chukwuka-Obi, Chidera Ezeakor, and Maria Thompson—clocked an impressive 40.24 seconds in the semi-finals, finishing among the top contenders to progress. Their effort not only secured a spot in Sunday’s final but also guaranteed Nigeria qualification for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in China. In the process, the Nigerian team rewrote their own African record, underlining their growing stature on the global stage despite the challenges faced ahead of the competition. The semi-final race was fiercely contested, with Canada storming to victory in a time of 40.07 seconds. Germany followed closely in 40.15 seconds, while t...

By Maxwell Kumoye      The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has thrown its weight behind the nomination of Hassan Olojoku Abdulrafiu for the position of National Youth Coach, citing his impressive track record in grassroots development and youth excellence. Olojoku, who currently serves as North Central Youth Coordinator of the federation and Kwara State Youth Coach, has built a reputation as one of the country’s most effective youth trainers.  His tenure in Kwara has been marked by sustained dominance at the National Youth Games, where his players have consistently delivered multiple gold medals, reinforcing the state’s status as a powerhouse in youth scrabble. Beyond the domestic scene, his athletes have made significant impressions internationally, representing Nigeria at the World Youth Scrabble Championship and securing podium finishes at the African Youth Scrabble Championship. These achievements, according to the federation, underline his ability ...

By Maxwell Kumoye    Nigeria delivered a commanding performance on the opening day of the African Senior Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, sweeping four gold medals in the women’s events and setting an early tone in their quest for continental dominance. Leading the charge was reigning African champion Esther Kolawole, who put on a masterclass in the 62kg category.  She overwhelmed South Africa’s Katelyn Swan with a 10-0 superiority victory, securing her fifth African title in emphatic fashion. Nigeria’s golden run began earlier in the 53kg division, where Christianah Ogunsanya claimed top honours after defeating Ivory Coast’s Nogona Bakayoko 7-1.  The momentum continued as Jumoke Adekoye triumphed in the 57kg category, dispatching Algeria’s Achouak Tekouk 8-4. In the 73kg division, Hannah Ojo showcased tactical brilliance to outwit Cameroon’s Pelagie Wilita 3-1, sealing Nigeria’s fourth gold medal of the day and reinforcing the team’s ambitions of s...

...As Nigeria ambassador in Egypt hails dominant start in Alexandria By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria’s charge for continental wrestling dominance gathered momentum on Friday in Alexandria as the country’s contingent impressed on Day 1 of the senior events at the African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria This stellar performance is already drawing high praise from the nation’s diplomatic corps in Egypt. Nigeria’s Ambassador to Egypt, Musa Dauda, could not hide his excitement after witnessing a string of commanding performances in the qualifying rounds, where Team Nigeria powered into four finals with the prospect of more to come. The Nigerian wrestlers dominated their bouts with authority, underlining their ambition to retain their continental crown, particularly in the women’s category and push toward a historic 15th African title.  Their display left the ambassador visibly impressed, especially given the level of competition from host nation Egypt. “T...

...Says Nigerian sports isn't progressing at the right speed  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           The Executive Director of Olympafrica Foundation, Alassane Diack, has described Nigeria as a nation that is not utilizing its talents and potential in Sports to the fullest. He gave this verdict at the inauguration ceremony of the Olympafrica Foundation Centre, emphasizing that some countries in Africa, don't have as much resources or talents as Nigeria, yet they perform better in sports. Going back some 30+ years Diack sighed, stating when he first came to Nigeria in 1992, sports in the country were thriving, with the likes of Mary Onyali leading that squad. “In 1992 I was the manager of the African Team in Athletics we went to the World Championship, and the 1994 in London, more 50 percent of the team was composed of Nigerian athletes we had Onyali, Otondo, many Nigeria and I remember that when I was leaving my last World Cham...

By Maxwell Kumoye  Team Nigeria will kick off its campaign at the ongoing African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, with high expectations as the competition gets underway on Friday morning. The Nigerian contingent steps onto the mat at 8:00 a.m. Nigerian time (10:00 a.m. local time in Egypt), aiming to make a strong early statement in both the men’s and women’s categories. In the men’s 61kg division, Saviour Egoli faces a tough opening bout against the host nation’s Hassan Mohamed Elshahat Mohamed Elsayed. Wrestling in front of a home crowd, the Egyptians will have the advantage of local support, but Egoli will be eager to silence the arena with a commanding performance and secure passage to the next round. Attention will also be on reigning African champion Mercy Genesis, who begins her title defense in the women’s 50kg category.  Genesis takes on Chancelvie Gomba of DR Congo in her first-round clash, looking to assert her dominance early and reinforc...

...Breaks ground on long-awaited Olympic Estate in Lagos By Maxwell Kumoye      The Nigeria Olympic Committee has taken a major step toward grassroots sports development with the commissioning of the Olympafrica Centre in Amuwo Odofin and the groundbreaking of a long-awaited Olympic Estate project in Lagos. The dual ceremony, held on Wednesday, was performed by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, marking both the formal unveiling of a revitalised community sports hub and the beginning of a residential development nearly four decades in the making. For years, the Olympafrica Centre had functioned informally as a haven for young athletes in the community.  Its official commissioning now ushers in a new era, with upgraded facilities including a renovated cultural centre, a multi-purpose plateau, a covered spectators’ pavilion, modern changing rooms, a security post and a borehole system.  Reconstruction of the football pitch and an eight-la...

By Maxwell Kumoye         Kenya’s newest long-distance hero, Sabastian Sawe, received a grand homecoming after his historic feat at the London Marathon, where he shattered the marathon world record. Sawe touched down in Kenya to a hero’s welcome, headlined by none other than President William Ruto.  In a ceremony that underscored the magnitude of his achievement, the Kenyan leader praised Sawe’s record-breaking run as a moment of national pride and global sporting excellence. As part of the recognition, Sawe was awarded KSh 8 million, along with a custom vehicle plate boldly inscribed “1:59:30” a tribute to his groundbreaking time that has now redefined the limits of marathon running.  In an additional show of appreciation, the government also offered the athlete a car of his choice. Sawe’s achievement not only cements his place among Kenya’s legendary distance runners but also strengthens the country’s dominance on the world marathon stage...

By Maxwell Kumoye      A huge number of football analysts and supporters of Shooting Stars Sports Club have intensified calls for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to hand in-form striker Qamar Adegoke a national team invitation ahead of the upcoming Unity Cup in London. The appeal, led by fans’ spokesman Mutiu Ijadunola, comes on the back of Adegoke’s impressive performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League, where the 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most lethal forwards this season. According to Ijadunola, Adegoke possesses the qualities needed to grow into a reliable backup for Victor Osimhen, if given the right exposure and guidance within the national team setup. “Adegoke has shown consistency and maturity beyond his age,” he said. “He is not just a prospect; he is a specialist right-footed number nine hitting his peak at the ideal time. London presents the perfect shop window for his talent.” Statistically, the young striker’s case is hard t...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye        The race for the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership title has taken definitive shape after Matchday 17, with all six Super Six contenders now officially confirmed, setting the stage for a thrilling championship showdown. In Group A, consistent performances ensured Bayelsa Queens, Rivers Angels, and Edo Queens secured their places among the elite.  The trio’s qualification also sealed the fate of teams at the bottom, confirming the relegation spots in the group. Group B delivered its own drama, as FC Robo Queens finished top ahead of Nasarawa Amazons and Abia Angels, all of whom booked their Super Six tickets.  However, the fight for survival remains wide open, with two relegation spots still undecided heading into the final matchday. The standout moment of the round came in Lafia, where Nasarawa Amazons underlined their pedigree with a stirring comeback victory.  The two-time champio...

...As he eyes Badagry international showpiece in July  By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria’s volleyball resurgence gained further traction as the President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod, hailed the crucial backing of the Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, following the impressive continental outings of the Customs teams. At the African Women’s Club Championship in Egypt, the Nigeria Customs Service women’s team showed resilience and growing maturity, battling through a competitive field to secure a commendable 9th-place finish.  Their campaign was marked by spirited performances against some of Africa’s elite sides, underlining their steady rise. Meanwhile, at the men’s championship in Kigali, the Customs male team demonstrated grit and tactical discipline to progress beyond the group stage and into the knockout rounds.  Their journey to the Round of 16 showcased Nigeria’s improving...

By Maxwell Kumoye      In a move set to reshape the future of the global game, Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) and Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding aimed at accelerating football development across Africa and Europe. The agreement, formalised in Vancouver, Canada, brings together two of football’s most influential governing bodies under a shared vision of growth, inclusion and unity through the sport. CAF President Patrice Motsepe and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin led the historic signing, signaling a deepened alliance between the continents. At the heart of the MoU is a commitment to harness football’s power beyond the pitch — promoting participation, social cohesion and opportunity for millions.  The partnership will run until June 2031 and span critical areas such as youth and women’s football, coaching, refereeing, governance and institutional development. Motsepe des...

By Maxwell Kumoye    Rwanda’s Police Volleyball Club (PVR) delivered a commanding performance to sweep aside Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) 3-0 in the Round of 16 at the 47th CAVB Men’s Club Championship in Kigali. Playing in front of an energetic crowd at the BK Arena on Day 8, the hosts showed composure and attacking precision to take the match in straight sets, 25-21, 25-16, 25-21. The opening set was closely contested, with NCS putting up a spirited fight.  However, PVR’s defensive discipline and timely spikes proved decisive as they edged ahead 25-21.  The second set saw the Rwandan side raise their intensity, dominating proceedings with sharp serves and quick transitions to cruise to a comfortable 25-16 win. NCS attempted a comeback in the third set, matching PVR point for point for long spells. But once again, the home side held their nerve in crucial moments to seal the set 25-21 and complete a comprehensive victory. The result sends Police VC into...

By Maxwell Kumoye        Accra is already warming up for a landmark spectacle, and the race to the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships has found a powerful new ally. In a major boost to preparations, Hoshii International has been officially unveiled as a headline sponsor for the continental showpiece, signaling a new era for athletics development in Ghana.  The announcement, made at the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, carried both symbolism and substance, as government and sports stakeholders hailed the deal as a game-changer. Sports Minister Kofi Adams framed the partnership as a strategic step toward elevating Ghana’s athletics profile on the African stage.  With Accra 2026 drawing closer, he emphasized that the sponsorship not only strengthens the championship but also reinforces the broader vision of sports as a driver of national growth. “This is the kind of support that pushes sports forward,” Adams noted, highlighting the dual ...

...As knockout stage begins at 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Club Championship By Maxwell Kumoye        The knockout stage of the 2026 African Men's Volleyball Club Championship bursts into life today in Kigali, Rwanda, as Africa’s top club sides shift from group survival to title ambition in a high-stakes race to the crown. After days of intense group action, the Round of 16 now sets the tone for a win-or-go-home battle, with heavyweight clashes and potential upsets lurking across the bracket.  Defending contenders and emerging forces alike must now prove their pedigree under pressure. After a not too impressive group stage outing, Nigeria Customs Service take on Police VC, as Rwanda’s Kepler VC battle Kenya’s GSU in another evenly poised encounter. Uganda’s Nemostars square off against Kenya Ports Authority in one of the standout ties, while Rwanda’s REG VC face Uganda’s Sport-S VC in a clash that promises regional intensity.  Elsewhere, DR Co...

By Maxwell Kumoye      With confidence high and expectations even higher, Team Nigeria has departed Abuja on a bold mission, to conquer Africa once again. Led by the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the contingent left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Tuesday, setting course for Alexandria, host of the 2026 African Wrestling Championships. The tournament, scheduled from April 27 to May 2, will feature U-17, U-20, and Senior categories, with Nigeria fielding a strong squad of: • 18 wrestlers • 10 women • 8 men They are ready to battle across multiple weight divisions. But it is in the women’s category that Nigeria’s dominance truly echoes across the continent. Fourteen-time champions. A record unmatched in Nigerian sport. And now, a shot at a historic 15th title. Addressing the team before departure, Adeniyi delivered a strong and rousing message to carry the nation’s pride and return victorious. “I want to appre...