Sports Groove

...Groupmates Colombia send warning, defeat Mexico in Pre-World Cup Friendly By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports    Nigeria’s male U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, continued their build-up to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a comfortable victory over Australia in an international friendly match played at the Complejo Deportivo Ruca Mapu in Santiago, Chile. The encounter was a crucial test for Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s side as they fine-tuned preparations for the global youth championship. Nigeria showed great attacking intent from the onset, and it paid off when forward Tahir Maigana opened the scoring with a well-taken effort that left the Australian goalkeeper helpless. The momentum continued as Achichi Oseer doubled the lead with a composed finish, putting the Flying Eagles in firm control of the tie. Australia, however, refused to sit back and managed to pull a goal back midway through the game, briefly threatening a comeback. But Nigeria’s dominanc...

...Declares state-of-emergency on Akwanga Sports Academy By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Eche Amos    The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Youth and Sports Development has called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to revamp Nigeria's only known multi-sports secondary school, the Akwanga Sports Academy. This call was made during the Committee's statewide oversight tour of sports and youth facilities under the State's Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, last week. The Chairman, Standing Committee on Youth and Sports Development and member representing Toto/Gadabuke Constituency, Hon. Mohammed Garba Isimbabi, enumerated some of the things needing correction.   "The Sports Academy situated here in Akwanga Local Government Area is the only known sports institution in Nigeria that combines both academics with intensive athletic programmes, and has produced notable international sports athletes like Sunusi Ibrahim and Deborah Ab...

...Benin Republic, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso arrive Accra ...FIBA Africa Zone III, to host 3x3 referees clinic  ...Nigeria, Togo, Liberia, Niger, others expected on Wednesday By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports     The first set of delegates have began arriving in Accra, the Ghanian capital, ahead of the highly anticipated FIBA Africa Zone III 3x3 Tour, scheduled to tip off on Thursday, September 25 and end on the 27th, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium.   The first set of arrivals are in the Black Star of Africa –Ghana, on the bill of events management and sports marketing company, Dreals Paris.   The renowned 3x3 basketball promotion outfit launched in 2018, is partnering with FIBA Africa Zone III to host this year’s tour.    The high-power delegation from Dreals Paris is led by Meye Aloumon, who is in charge of Communication, Marketing and Sponsoring. Other members of the team include: ★ Omer Yohou - Table Official manager...

Nigeria’s female U18 handball team wrapped up their campaign at the 2025 Africa Women’s Youth Handball Championship in Oran, Algeria, on a high, edging the hosts in a pulsating classification match on Sunday. Coach John Uzor’s side, already out of the semi-final race, showed remarkable resilience to claim a 29-28 victory in the dying seconds and finish fifth overall. Nigeria went into halftime with a narrow 13–11 lead but faced intense pressure after the break as Algeria, spurred on by a vocal home crowd, clawed their way back into contention. With the score locked at 28–28 and the clock ticking down, the atmosphere inside the arena reached fever pitch. Goalkeeper Aisha Jamilu produced a crucial save to deny Algeria a potential winner. From the resulting fast break, Ngozi Korie kept her composure and slotted home just as the buzzer sounded, igniting jubilant celebrations among the Nigerian bench. Though the win secured a respectable fifth-place finish, Nigeria narrowly miss...

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, has officially flagged off the ShowtimeXIII Flag Football League season, performing a ceremonial “Throw Off” at the Showtime Sports Arena in Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday. The symbolic gesture set the stage for the thrilling opening game between LA Knights and Lagos Rebels, which ended in a resounding 34–7 victory for the Knights.   Speaking at the event, Adeboye lauded the passion, vision, and commitment of the league’s President, Azeez Amida, for sustaining the growth of flag football in Nigeria and investing heavily in youth development. “Thank you very much for your time, your resources, and for giving everything you have to make this a big deal for everyone. I can assure you that Showtime Flag Football has come to stay, and I am with you all the way,” Adeboye said. The SSA, who took time to tour the state-of-the-art facilities at the Arena, express...

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has extended hearty congratulations to Sunshine Queens, Castmog Ladies, Ahudiyannem Queens, and Imo Striker Queens on their successful promotions to the NWFL Premiership at the conclusion of the 2025 Championship season, staged from September 11 to 21 in Umuahia and Abiriba, Abia State, South-East Nigeria. Sunshine Queens of Ondo State, a government-owned side with Premiership pedigree, return to the elite division. They are joined by three ambitious debutants, Castmog Ladies of Ogun State, Ahudiyannem Queens of Abia State, and Imo Striker Queens of Imo State, all privately owned and making history with their maiden ascent. In a statement on Monday, NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, commended the promoted clubs for their resilience and quality performances, while appreciating other participating clubs. “We warmly congratulate the four teams on their deserved qualification to the Premiership. Their success is a testament to ...

Nigeria’s female U20 national football team, the Falconets, have won the first leg of their 2026 FIFA Women's World Cup second round qualifier, pipping hosts Rwanda in Kigali, the Rwandan capital on Sunday.   There was no breakthrough for either side in the first 45 minutes of a hard-fought encounter at the Kigali-Pele Stadium, Nyamirambo district, Kigali, Rwanda. And it remained that way for much of the second half until Nigeria’s Alabs Olabiyi broke the deadlock. Alaba Olabiyi thumped the ball home following a goalmouth scramble off a corner kick in the 70th minute to give Nigeria victory, and put smiles on the face of Head Coach Moses Aduku in his first outing with the team. Both teams will clash in the return at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, South-West, Nigeria, on Saturday.   The Falconets’ delegation are expected in Nigeria on Monday morning.

...It was a very tight game, but we played our way back - Coach Mangut Mbwas  By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Eche Amos    Nasarawa United have recorded their first away win after a hard-fought victory over Bayelsa United on match-day five of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), season at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, South-South, Nigeria.    The Solid Miners were made to labour for all three points, returning from a goal down to edge hosts, Bayelsa United 2-1, in a nail-biting tie, on Sunday evening.   Jawad Mustapha headed the hosts in front in the 36th minute before Ekeson Okorie drew the Solid Miners on level terms at the nick of halftime.    The score was even for most of the second half, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. But it was the visitors who had the last laugh, striking a death-dealing blow in the 89th minute through inform substitute, Victor Onovuke. Nasaraw...

   Asante Kotoko of Ghana claimed a narrow 4-3 victory over Nigeria's Kwara United in the opening leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary tie in Accra. The Ghanaian giants looked in control at several stages, with goals from Emmanuel Antwi, Albert Amoah and Joseph Ablorh putting them ahead. Amoah later added a second from the penalty spot to make it 4-2. But defensive lapses proved costly, as Kwara’s Johnmark Aule struck twice in the first half and Shola Abdulraheem reduced the deficit late on. The result leaves the tie delicately poised heading into next week’s return fixture in Nigeria, where Kotoko will need greater defensive discipline to progress.

  Brazilian football coach and scout, Hector Augusto Costa, has been appointed manager of recently unveiled Lagos based non-league side, Africano FC. The top rated coach who is renowned for his eagle eyes in talents discovery and development is expected in the next few weeks to work with the technical crew of Africano FC, to train, scout and assist in discovering and exposing top talents of the team to better football platforms.  Speaking on the development, President of Africano FC, Rev. Samuel Ikpea, remarked that the presence of Hector Costa, is a part of several football exchange programmes between Africano FC Nigeria and their Brazilian associates would further help the development of young Nigerian football talents, for the mutual benefits of both countries.

  The Bayelsa State Netball Association with the financial support of the Bayelsa State Government recently organised a two-day basic netball seminar for secondary schools P.E. teachers in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.  The training event which was packaged by CSED (Community Sports and Educational Development) Initiative was held at sports gym of the Federal University Otuoke, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. 26 new netball coaches were taught the theoretical and practical aspects of netball, which from inception is the only organised sport that is designed for girls and women.  However, in the past few years, the game is now attracting boys and male players in an attempt by world netball to make the game inclusive for all gender. The Government of Bayelsa State decided to sponsor this netball training event in order to build the capacity of P.E. teachers and ensure that the game of netball which is one of the the fastest growi...

...I have no complaints about how it all washed out, It's a fair call ...Nathaniel misses out of a podium finish by whisker ...As Benjamin survives DQ scare to finally clinch 400m hurdles world title By Maxwell Kumoye    Nigeria's athletics rave of the moment, hurdler Ezekiel Nathaniel is very excited about his outing in the men's 400m hurdles final in Tokyo, Japan. The former 800m runner stated that his performance in the Japanese capital is a sign of many glad tidings to come in his athletics journey. “I still have a lot of potential. I am pleased because I did my best and I ran a personal record.” He stated after the dramatic final that young talented athletes will surely find something to hang on from his Tokyo experience; “ I hope this performance will inspire young Nigerian athletes. This is a great opportunity to learn from the world's best athletes.” Nathaniel added, “ I have it in me and just need to wait for the right time. For now, I am enjoying t...

...Promise to host a Commonwealth Games that reflects unity, diversity By Maxwell Kumoye    Nigeria's hope of hosting the first ever Commonwealth Games on the African soil recieved a major boast as it welcomed the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee to Abuja.‎ ‎ President Bola Tinubu, formally received the delegation at the Presidential Villa on Thursday. ‎ The President who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to hosting an inclusive, diverse, and world-class 2030 Commonwealth Games on African soil.‎ ‎ Gbajabiamila and a strong federal government team of Ministers and senior government officials held important talks with the delegation led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport, and a member of the 2030 Evaluation Committee.   ‎ President Tinubu emphasised that the Commonwealth champions unity and diversity, and Africa deserves its moment after nearly a...

  Taiwo Mati makes a return to Nigeria’s national team as the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) announces a 10-man squad for the 2025 ITTF African Championships, scheduled to take place in Tunis, Tunisia, from October 12 to 19. Mati returns following his last outing at the 2023 ITTF World Championships in Durban, South Africa, The continental event serves as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, United Kingdom—a landmark edition marking the centenary of the World Championships, which will return to the city where it all began in 1926. Mati, who plays professionally in Europe, earned his spot after a strong performance at the 2025 West Regional Championships, where he finished among the top four, edging out Muiz Adegoke. He joins a formidable lineup that includes Africa’s top-ranked player, Quadri Aruna; 2019 African Games gold medalist, Olajide Omotayo; two-time West African champion, Matthew Kuti; and rising talent Abdulbasit Abdulfatai...

  Nigeria’s U17 Women’s National Team, the Flamingos, stepped up preparations for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco with two wins on Wednesday, 17th September at the FIFA Goal Project, Abuja.   In the first game, the Flamingos edged Eagle’s Wing U13 Boys 1–0 thanks to an early strike from Fatimoh Shuaib, who calmly slotted home after a neat exchange with Tabitha Terlumu. Despite pressure from the opponents, goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface and her defence held firm to secure the narrow win. Later in the day, the Flamingos returned to action against Harmony FA U13 Boys, sealing a comfortable 3–0 victory. Zainab Raji opened the scoring after pouncing on a defensive error, before Olamide Olanrewaju tapped in for the second.    Substitute Favour Etim made an instant impact, adding the third to complete a dominant performance, even as Terlumu saw her penalty kick saved.    With these results, the Flamingos have now shown both resilience and...

Kwara United Football Club has departed Ilorin for Lagos, from where they will jet out to Accra at 7:00 AM on Friday, fully backed by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s unwavering commitment to sports development in the state. The Harmony Boys will face Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium in the CAF Confederation Cup Preliminary Round, with kickoff fixed for 4:00 PM. True to his pledge of ensuring Kwara United’s continental campaign gets the best possible support, Governor Abdulrazaq, through the Kwara State Sports Commission (KWSC), has shouldered the club’s travel logistics and transport expenses. The intervention not only eased last-minute hitches but also reassured the team of the government’s determination to see them excel on the big stage. Beyond the players, the governor has also kept faith with the state’s sports media, underwriting the costs for members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara chapter, to travel to ...

  • September FIFA world rankings - July’s rankings in parentheses 1- Spain (2) 2- France (3) 3- Argentina (1) 4- England (4) 5- Portugal (6) 6- Brazil (5) 7- Netherlands (7) 8- Belgium (8) 9- Croatia (10) 10- Italy (11)   Top 10 African teams: 11- Morocco (12) 18- Senegal (18) 35- Egypt (34) 38- Algeria (36) 44- Côte d'Ivoire (45) 45- Nigeria (44) 46- Tunisia (49) 52- Cameroon (51) 55- South Africa (56) 54- Mali (54)

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye   Nigeria’s U20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, have had their first training session ahead of their friendly matches against Chile and Australia. The Flying Eagles held their training session in Santiago, Chile at Cancha Liga Training Pitch.   The session, which lasted about 2 hours, was supervised by head coach Aliyu Zubair, after a recovery session in the morning at the team's base, Le Meridien Hotel. The Flying Eagles were scheduled to continue training on Thursday in their build-up ahead of the friendly game against Chile U20 team on Saturday, 20th September.   They will also play against the Australia U20 team on Tuesday, 23rd September.

...Lyles blasts into the 200m final by recording world's leading time   By Maxwell Kumoye and Mitch Phillips     America's Noah Lyles showed that he is still the man to beat over 200 metres when the three-times world champion scorched to a huge world-leading 19.51 seconds in his semi-final on Thursday night in Tokyo. It sets up a mouth-watering Friday final with fellow American Kenny Bednarek and Jamaican Bryan Levell, who were similarly impressive but, unlike Lyles who ran hard through the line, turned the burners off 50 metres out. Nigeria's Udodi Chudi Onwuzurike finished 7th in the same race in 20.26s. On Wednesday ran 20.27s to reach today's semi final. Lyles, third in the 100m on Sunday after a delayed start to his season, looked relaxed on the start line of his preferred event, as a cool breeze and light drizzle made conditions much more gentle than in the oppressive previous days. Going in the third of three heats, he clearly decided that he want...

...Small World Cup finals window opens for Nigeria By Maxwell Kumoye      South Africa's hope of playing in the 2026 World Cup finals may be hit by world football governing body FIBA for using a player who was suspended. Bafana Bafana made a mistake by playing Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March’s World Cup qualifier  The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder had been cautioned twice in the initial rounds, meaning he was not eligible to play against the Crocodiles. "FIFA have officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena," the National Broadcaster SABC reported. "In a letter to SAFA dated 15 September 2025; FIFA confirmed that both the player and the association face charges of breaching several disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player.  "The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena given si...

...Gold and bronze for African nation ...Silver for Trinidad's Richards after room mate wins javelin By Mitch Phillips    Jareem Richards of Trinidad and Tobago, a 2017 world bronze medallist over 200 metres, took silver in a national record of 43.72 seconds, with Ndori third in 44.20. With Olympic champion Quincy Hall missing through injury and Paris silver and bronze medallists Matthew Hudson-Smith and Muzala Samukonga failing to get past the semis in Tokyo, the final looked wide open. South Africa's Zakithi Nene, the fastest in the field coming into Tokyo, set off at a pace that looked, and proved, to be unsustainable, bordering on crazy.   KEPINATSHIPI GETS TACTICS SPOT ON Kebinatshipi was two lanes inside him but showed impressive maturity to not get drawn in and continued to race his own way. As Nene faded, finishing fifth in 44.55, Kebinatshipi took up the running and was clear coming into the home straight. He tied up slightly, as Richards bore down on...