Sports Groove

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports  ‎ ‎The 8th Lagos International Badminton Classics (LIBC) reached fever pitch as it went past the halfway mark on Day 3, with quarter-finals and semis providing thrilling and refreshing entertainment for sport lovers and friends at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, South-West, Nigeria.   With 20 matches on schedule-and one walkover in the men’s doubles, the tournament delivered world-class rallies, dramatic upsets, and unforgettable spectacles, setting the stage for a blockbuster Final Day on August 30. ‎ ★ THE WALKOVER AND A MARATHON MATCH ‎ ‎The day began with a rare walkover in the men’s doubles, as United Arab Emirates' P. Ravikrishna and S. Romdtiani advanced without lifting a racket after Kazakhstan’s D. Panarin and M. Tajibullayev failed to show. ‎ ‎But it was the mixed doubles clash between Rawat/Maneesha and Sharma/Kanapuran that stole headlines, coincidentally all 4 players a...

  Lagos State has once again raised the bar in youth sports development as 416 athletes on the bill of the State, alongside 80 technical officials are competing for honours in Asaba, Delta State, South-West, Nigeria, for the 9th edition of National Youth Games. The Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and highlighted the deliberate strategies put in place to ensure a successful outing. He went on to explain that the Commission had identified areas for improvement and had taken proactive steps to motivate and inspire the athletes.   Team Lagos secured 11 qualification tickets at the South-West Zonal Eliminations in Ibadan, Oyo State, and Fatodu believes that the foundation has been laid for another remarkable performance in Asaba. Honourable Fatodu, emphasized that the state has strengthened its reward system for athletes, coaches, and technical officials as part of its blueprint to enco...

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional information by Olusola Adebayo Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare is on the verge of completing a move to the Premier League, with Wolverhampton Wanderers confirming an agreement with Belgian side Genk for his transfer. According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 24-year-old striker is scheduled to undergo his medical at Wolves on Saturday, in what is expected to be the final step before sealing the deal. The transfer fee is reported to be around €27 million. Wolves, who have seen a number of key departures this summer, have already reinforced their squad with the arrivals of Jackson Tchatchoua, David Moller Wolfe, Jhon Arias, Fer Lopez, and centre-back Ladislav Krejci. However, head coach Vitor Pereira has been keen to add a new striker to provide depth and competition following Fabio Silva’s switch to Borussia Dortmund. Arokodare, who began his senior career in Latvia before a brief spell in the Bundesliga with 1.FC Köln, has spen...

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Olusola Adebayo Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), champions Bayelsa Queens are looking to maintain their perfect run in group stage of the WAFU B 2025 CAF Women's Champions League, when they take on Benin Republic's Sam Nelly FC, later today at the Stade du Lycée Scientifique, Abidjan, Côte D'Ivoire. The Prosperity Girls are in pole position in Group B after back-to-back victories over Ghana’s Police Ladies and ASKO de Kara of Togo.   Anything other than a loss, against Sam Nelly FC will guarantee them top spot in the group, regardless of the outcome in the other fixture between Police Ladies and ASKO. But three points against Sam Nelly would mean that the Bayelsa State based outfit that has already secured a place in the semifinals could possibly win the eight team tournament and progress from the qualifiiers unbeaten.   For the ladies from Benin Republic, however, it is a must-win encounter. The Beninese side ...

...Bahrain’s sprint queen stormed past rivals to secure her third Diamond League crown with a historic meeting record By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Ajiware          Salwa Eid Naser delivered a performance for the ages at the Zurich Diamond League Final, storming to her third Diamond League women’s 400m title in breathtaking fashion. The Nigerian-born sprinter, now representing Bahrain, clocked an astonishing 48.70 seconds, breaking a meeting record that had stood unchallenged for over four decades. The previous record of 48.86 seconds, set by Czech legend Jarmila Kratochvilova in 1982, had long been considered untouchable. But Naser, born Ebelechukwu Antoinette Agbapuonwu in Nigeria before switching allegiance to Bahrain, powered down the track with unmatched determination to rewrite history.   Her fiercest rival on the night, Mariledy Paulino of the Dominican Republic, who has dominated the event in recent seasons, had to ...

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional agency reports     History was made at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, South-West, Nigeria, as Beyond Limits FC inscribed their name in gold and folklore of grassroots football in the country, by becoming the first-ever champions of the TCC Super Cup. The highly-anticipated clash between Beyond Limits and Real Sapphire FC lived up to its billing, delivering intensity, drama and a fitting story of redemption. In the end, it was a 53rd-minute strike from Akinocho Merveille that proved the difference, sealing a 1-0 victory for Beyond Limits and crowning them as the maiden champions of the competition. For the Ikenne-based side, the triumph carried an extra layer of significance. Last season, they lost the TCC League title to Real Sapphire, ending a remarkable run of four consecutive league championships. Friday’s Super Cup showdown presented the perfect opportunity for revenge, and Beyond Limits seized it with grit and det...

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports     The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) agenda of enhancing women’s participation in sports governance.  In line with this objective, the NSC is pleased to announce the formal recognition of the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN) as a stakeholder in the governance structure of National Sports Federations (NSF). This strategic milestone reflects Nigeria’s resolve to align with international standards while promoting gender inclusiveness in sports administration.  NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, have consistently championed inclusiveness in the Commission’s leadership structure. Today, three of the NSC’s core departments are led by outstanding women — Mrs. Mbora (Federations and Elite Athletes), Mrs. Amaka Ashiofu (Grassroots), and Mrs. Thecla Opara (Festivals & Para...

By Victor Okoye    The Nigeria Association of National Professional Footballers (NANPF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Brazil, a move expected to significantly enhance air travel between the two countries and unlock wide-ranging opportunities for Nigerian sports professionals. CSP Chijioke Kalu Erem, Director of Players’ Safety and Security at NANPF, said the agreement, signed during Tinubu’s official visit to Brazil, could revolutionise Nigerian football through strengthened collaboration with Brazilian and South American football institutions. Kalu, stressed that improved connectivity will facilitate player exchange, technical partnerships, and greater competitive exposure for clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). He noted that Brazilian football enjoys global prestige, with a legacy of producing legends such as Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar. Brazil has also won five FIFA World ...

     The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has applauded the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for its decision to lift the provisional suspension of Plateau United goalkeeper, Adewale Adeyinka, following a fair and transparent hearing process. In a statement issued to the press, NANPF President, Sunday Abe, expressed appreciation to the NPFL for allowing due process in handling the July suspension of Adeyinka over alleged involvement in betting activities. “We are pleased that the NPFL granted our member, Adewale Adeyinka, the opportunity for a fair hearing and did not allow unproven allegations to truncate his professional career,” Abe stated.    “This is a progressive step and demonstrates the league’s willingness to engage constructively with the players’ union.” The NPFL, in an official communication signed by its Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, confirmed that Adeyinka had fully cooperated with the le...

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Pius Ayinor  Nigeria’s remarkable outing at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad, India, hit new heights as Islamiyat Yusuf, Sarah Matthew and Adedapo Adeleke Opadeji combined to deliver three glittering gold medals and a bronze, firmly placing Team Nigeria in the global spotlight. Islamiyat produced a flawless display in the women’s 69kg division. Her snatch (105kg) and clean & jerk (131kg) were executed with precision and authority, giving her a commanding total of 236kg to clinch the gold medal in style. In the fiercely contested 77kg class, Sarah Matthew demonstrated her growing reputation with a technically superb performance. She powered her way to two gold medals for Nigeria — triumphing in both the junior and senior categories. Her lifts of 108kg in the snatch and 128kg in the clean & jerk gave her a combined total of 236kg. The men’s 79kg category also produced a podium finish for ...

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional agency reports  The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter, has commended the Kano State Government and Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for the excellent flight arrangements put in place for travel to and from the 9th National Youth Games, in Asaba, Delta State, South-South, Nigeria. The Chairman of SWAN Kano State Chapter, Zaharadeen Saleh, expressed their immense gratitude and deep appreciation to the Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, for their foresight in providing a charter flight to transport the Kano State contingent. "We commend the effort of our illustrious Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf and Honourable Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso for providing a charter flight to transport our contingents to the 2025 National Youth Games. This gesture will undoubtedly yield positive results and we hope th...

...Showers praises on Governor Okpebholo on his birthday  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           The Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission, Mrs. Sabina Chikere, described the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as a beckon of hope for sports in Edo State and Nigeria “The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, a very passionate lover of sports in Edo State, he has transformed the sporting scene in the state, he love for sports transcends all areas of Sports, football, athletics, basketball, Scrabble, the list is endless,” she said. Mrs. Sabina Chikere stated that the transformation ongoing in Edo State and Nigeria in the area of Sports could not have been possible with the undivided and unwavering support for the State Governor. She added that his passion and zeal towards sports development in the Heartbeat of the Nation is someth...

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Olusola Adebayo Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has predicted a tough match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria despite their sluggish start to the 2026 World Cup Qualifying series.    Broos who named his final 23-man squad for South Africa’s upcoming matches against Lesotho and Nigeria, issued a firm warning about the danger posed by the West African heavyweights. The two fixtures will be staged at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa. South Africa first take on Lesotho on 5 September, before hosting eternal-rivals Nigeria just four days later on 9 September, in what is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches of the qualifiers.   Broos stressed that his players must remain vigilant, especially after Lesotho recently held Nigeria to a draw away from home. “The biggest mistake the South African players can make is underestimating Lesotho,” he cautioned. “We beat Lesotho before, so we ...

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Olusola Adebayo   Nigeria’s performance at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad, India is most enviably as the nation continues it's impressive medal haul with Islamiyat Adebukola Yusuf claiming gold and Adedapo Adeleke settling for bronze in their respective categories. Adebukola dominated the women’s 69kg event, lifting a combined total of 236kg (105kg snatch + 131kg clean and jerk) to secure Nigeria’s second gold medal of the competition and consequently booked her place in the 2026 Commonwealth Weightlifting Event. New Zealand’s Olivia Selemaia followed with 223kg (100kg + 123kg) to take silver. In the men’s 79kg category, Adeleke battled hard but had to settle for bronze after registering 306kg (141kg + 165kg). India’s Ajaya Babu Valluri thrilled the home crowd with a gold-winning performance of 335kg (152kg + 183kg), edging past Malaysia’s Muhammad Erry, who lifted 333kg (150kg + 183kg) for s...

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Olusola Adebayo Nigeria’s senior women’s cricket team, the Female Yellow Greens, have departed Lagos for Namibia ahead of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, which begins on Thursday, August 28. A squad of 14 players and team officials, led by head coach Leke Oyede, left Nigeria via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday night. The team is expected to arrive in Windhoek on Friday, in time to settle down before their opening game. The Female Yellow Greens will kick off their campaign against Sierra Leone on Sunday, August 31, before facing hosts Namibia in their second Group A match on Monday, September 1. Their final group game will be against Zimbabwe on Wednesday, September 3. According to the tournament format, the top two teams in each group will progress to the semi-finals, while the two finalists will secure Africa’s slots for the global qualifiers later this year. President of the...

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Olusola Adebayo Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, are intensifying preparations ahead of their crucial FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in September. Head coach Moses Aduku, who recently took charge of the team, has expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, while captain Joy Igbokwe has also assured fans that the team is mentally and physically prepared.   The Falconets, who received a bye in the first round of qualifiers, will travel to Kigali for the first leg on September 21, 2025, before hosting the return fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on September 27, 2025. Their opponents, Rwanda, advanced to this stage after edging Zimbabwe 2-1 on aggregate in the previous round. Speaking on the team’s preparations, Coach Aduku revealed that the first week of camp was challenging due to the players’ return from the off-season, but significant progress has since been made. “So...

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Olusola Adebayo Nigerian sprint prodigy and NCAA 400m hurdles champion, Ezekiel Nathaniel, marked his debut Diamond League Final appearance with a podium finish on Thursday in Zurich. The 22-year-old clocked an impressive 47.56 seconds to a third place finish in the 400m men's hurdles final, behind world record holder Karsten Warholm of Norway, who stormed to victory with a new meeting record of 46.70 seconds, and Qatar’s Abdelrahman Samba, who finished second in 47.45 seconds.   Nathaniel's bronze medal at the Diamond League Final not only made history as one of Nigeria’s few podium finishers in the elite World Athletics one-day meeting series but also pocketed $10,000 in prize money, an improved reward package from the regular $7,000 after the 400m hurdles was classified as a Diamond+ discipline in Zurich. Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian Udodi Onwuzurike also made his Diamond League Final debut, competing in the men’s 200m...

   One of the biggest and most prestigious Badminton Internationals on the continent of Africa, the Lagos Classic continues to make headlines, deliver world-class entertainment and attract the right kind of attention both locally and internationally. ‎ As the tournament entered Day 2, both fans and athletes have not relented in praise of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for its warm hospitality and seamless organization, of the 8th edition of the tournament, that is nearing the business end in thrilling fashion, with over 40 pulsating matches played across four courts.   The happenings on second day of the Lagos International Badminton Classic taking place at the Teslim Balogun Indoor Sports Hall, had a thrilling combination of upsets, drama, and brilliant shot-making. But it also witnessed a major change in the looks of things, as India’s opening day momentum could not make it past a calm night in the City of Aquatic Splendor, with the Asians recordi...

...We are ready for the big challenge - Captain Abdulqudus Olawale Aliu  ...NSF lauds National Sports Commission for backing the team      Members of Team Nigeria to the World Youth Scrabble Championships (WYSC), have landed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia venue of the competition. Team Nigeria, made up of four players, under the captaincy of Abdulqudus Olawale Aliu, touched down in the Malaysian capital on Friday evening 5.22pm local time, on the wings of Ethiopian Airlines. Other members of Team Nigeria are AYSC U-19 champion Prestige Archibong, U-15 winner Sophia Ebube Ekeruche and Joy Eberechukwu Nwabuzor. They will be competing in two different categories of the globe competition that has 21 countries and over 140 players in attendance. Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa are representing Africa. Before leaving for the World Youth Scrabble Championships, the team camped in Abuja for three days. They are confident of a good outing and seek to improve on Team Ni...

...It was never a difficult decision to choose which nation to represent - Okon ...This is what I’ve always wanted. I’m really happy By Lunga Biyela and Maxwell Kumoye      Bafana Bafana take on Nigeria in a crucial World Cup qualifier next month, and one of the players selected by head coach Hugo Broos rejected the chance to play for the Super Eagles. Defender Ime Okon, who has a Nigerian father and South African mother, currently plays for Hannover 96 in Germany after completing a move from SuperSport United. Due to his heritage, Nigeria were keen on him wearing the famous green and white, but Okon, who was born in South Africa, turned them down in favour of wearing the Bafana Bafana jersey on the international stage. He got his first taste of international football at the COSAFA Cup earlier this year, and when asked about his decision to snub Nigeria, he said his mind was always made up. “It was never a difficult decision to choose which nation to represent...

…Stumbles to Niger Tornadoes on match-day one By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye The Solid Miners of Nasarawa, on Wednesday, began their 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign with a narrow loss to Niger Tornadoes. United were defeated by Niger Tornadoes 1-0 in the North Central derby at the Kwara State Sports Stadium, Ilorin. Nasarawa United failed to utilise various goal scoring opportunities, as they were punished by former striker, Terdoo Shimagande, in the 24th minute. He capitalized on a momentary defence lapse to secure the win for his new club. United failed to recover despite numerous chances, with misses from Ugochukwu Leonard, Abubakar Abdullahi, Umar Adah, and Salomon Chigoziem, as Tornadoes held on. United will look to regroup and refine their strategy, aiming to bounce back stronger in their next match against Abia Warriors at home on Sunday, 31st August, 2025. In a related development, Rivers United Football Club says its first home game of the L...