Sports Groove

Team Nigeria concluded their campaign at the 2025 Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Championships with an impressive haul of 32 medals, finishing third overall at the three-day continental event held at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra. The young Nigerian contingent secured 10 gold, alongside several silver and bronze medals, placing behind Senegal and host nation Ghana, who finished first and second respectively. Senegal emerged overall champions with 31 medals, including 11 gold, while Ghana’s 12-member junior team claimed 43 medals to take second place, matching Nigeria’s gold tally of 10. In the junior individual awards, Benin’s Lonnah Eliane Douillet was named Best Female Swimmer after dominating seven medals (six gold). Ghana’s Lea El Haj placed second with five medals (three gold), while compatriot Jada Yankey took third after winning 11 medals (two gold). Nigeria’s Aidan Dumuje-Abilli emerged as Best Male Junior Swimmer, securing eight medals, including six gold. He was f...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Lagos    West African basketball powerhouse, Hoops N’ Read Basketball Club of Lagos, have emerged champions of the 2025 CDS Unity Basketball Cup (South West Zone) after defeating Police Baton Basketball Club in a thrilling final at the National Stadium, Surulere. Despite fielding a B-team for the tournament, the Lagos giants edged past their determined opponents 55–52 to claim the prestigious title and extend their dominance on the regional basketball scene. The match was fiercely contested from tip-off, with Police Baton starting strong in the first quarter before losing momentum in the second, allowing Hoops N’ Read to open up a 29–20 lead at halftime. By the third quarter, the 2024 NBBF Men’s Premier League silver medalists tightened their grip, stretching the scoreline to 43–29. Police Baton mounted a late comeback in the final quarter, but their efforts fell just short as Hoops N’ Read held firm to secure a hard-fought t...

By Maxwell Kumoye    The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced plans to embark on an inspection tour of sports facilities in Enugu State from October 21 to 24, 2025, as part of preparations for the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games 2026.” According to the Commission, the inspection exercise will be led by senior officials from the country’s apex sports body. The visit aims to ensure that facilities meet the required standards and that Enugu is fully prepared to host a world-class sporting event that celebrates excellence, unity, and talent development. During the four-day visit, the NSC team is expected to: • Assess existing sports infrastructure • Review progress on renovation and upgrade projects • Engage with local stakeholders to ensure adequate readiness to welcome athletes and fans nationwide. The Commission expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Government for its ongoing commitment to hosting a successful festival, describin...

...As NSF names 15 words warriors for Scrabble World Championship ...Ebomah brothers, John and Peter in the final roster dominated by players from Warri SC By Maxwell Kumoye Current Continental Champion, Oluwatimilehin Doko, heads the list of 15 words warriors who have been carefully selected to represent Nigeria at the forthcoming World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA), Championship in Accra, the capital of Ghana - the 'Gateway to Africa'. The 15 man roster made public by the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), is dominated by 5 wordsmiths from the fearsome 2023 NSF Inter Club Kings - Warri Scrabble Club. Winner of the 2025 Lekki Scrabble Classics, Abdulmumin Jimoh, is another super heavyweight in the team with serial champion, John Aiyedun, as well as Team Nigeria's captain to the last West African Scrabble Championships and National Sports Festival gold medallist, Ben Quickpen. Recently crowned Emmanuel Egbele Annual Scrabble Tournament winner, Emm...

...Participants advised to prepare ahead   As the date for De Amazon RoadWaka 4.0 2025 edition draws closer residents of Jos and its environs have been advised to take this opportunity to walk into good health. CEO of De Amazon RoadWaka Jennifer Okoye gave the advice at a press conference held at the NUJ sit out Bar in Jos on Friday.  According to her, this year's version will be preceded by a well organized seminar scheduled for Tuesday next week, 7th October, at Usiju Event Center after the Secretariat Junction Roundabout by 10am.  She urged people to attend the seminar as they stand to gain a lot. The seminar will feature doctors, dieticians, and fitness instructors to deliver talks on healthy living.  While answering questions from media on the issue of security on the D-day, Jennifer assured all participants of maximum security as Nigerian Police and other security agencies have confirmed their full participation.  Jennifer Okoye also urged participants to ...

‎The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (OFR), has applauded the level of competition among teams participating in the ongoing Chief of Defence Staff Unity Basketball Championship in Lagos. ‎ ‎The Army Chief praised the commitment and enthusiasm displayed by the teams at the Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. ‎ ‎“From the games I have seen so far, I have witnessed a lot of commitment and enthusiasm among the players. To get to this level, you must have invested time, discipline, effort, and dedication. These are qualities Nigerian youths bring into any endeavor when they are determined to excel,” he said. ‎ ‎He noted that Nigeria’s youth, who form the country’s largest demographic, continue to shape the nation’s story in powerful ways.  Their energy and creativity, he added, have fueled some of Nigeria’s greatest achievements, particularly in sports, where young talents have brought pride and recognition on the global stage. The Ch...

The Amazon RoadWaka initiative, led by CEO Jennifer Okoye, is inviting Plateau State residents to embrace walking as an easy and impactful way to boost physical and mental health. This community movement promotes the benefits of regular walking, encouraging people to take daily steps toward improving their overall wellness. Okoye highlights that consistent trekking can lower the risks of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. She also points out the mental health perks of walking, including improved sleep, increased energy, and enhanced mental clarity, presenting walking as a complete approach to well-being. “In challenging times, good health is our greatest asset,”  “RoadWaka is more than fitness it’s about building a healthier, united Plateau community.”Okoye said.  Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming events, starting with a health seminar on October 7 at Usiju Event Centre from 10:00 AM, followed by a community walk ...

...Needs more corporate backing to improve  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Lagos      One of Africa's leading music producers, songwriter, singer and entrepreneur, Temidayo Joseph Babatope, affectionately called Puffy Tee says Afrobeat music is hitting the right notes in Nigeria and the world. Temidayo Joseph Babatope gave this verdict in his Nigeria @65 Independence Day message tagged 'WE ARE PROVING OUR WORTH'.  He explained that Nigerian artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other individuals in the entertainment industry are pulling the right strings and are singing from a similar hymm sheet. “We are halfway there, the journey to stardom for Afrobeats is still far. Afrobeats is recognized globally, but only a few big time artists have made it to the top. But that's not the desired height for Nigeria, the country is filled with talent, once these talents are harnessed properly we will be top 20s, 30s afrobeats artist in the world...

...Sports in Nigeria, Edo State on the right track - Sabina Chikere By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           The Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission, Mrs Sabina Chikere, commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his effort to transforming sports in the country and taken it to a high pedestal with the creation of the National Sports Commission, (NSC), under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Honourable Bukola Olopade. She gave this heart warming commendations on Wednesday in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye on Nigeria's Independence Day. The top Edo State sports official, emphasized that the growth in Nigeria's sporting firmament could not have been possible without the Renewed Hope agenda of the President, adding that the leadership...

...Commends the Governor for reviving sports in the state as Nigeria hits 65 By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           The Technical Advisor to the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Biodun Oyebanji, on Sports Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, is full of praise for Governor Oyebanji on Nigeria's 65th Independence Day for his giant strides towards sports in the state. Dr. Olusola Osetoba described Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a beckon of hope and restoration for sports in the State. She gave her verdict on Wednesday in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye. Dr. Olusola Osetoba said sports was on the verge of collapsing in the state before Governor Oyebanji's assumption into office, emphasizing that the revival taking place in Ekiti State could not have been possible without his resolut support. She further emphasized that prior to his assumption the was mocked and looked dow...

...Proposes welfare package for retired athletes   As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday October 1, Basketball Promoter and Initiator of Mark D' Ball Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, has commended the country's athletes for their outstanding contributions. In a heartfelt message, Mr. Mark praised active and retired athletes for consistently putting Nigeria on the global map through their dedication, hard work, and achievements.  "Your dedication, hard work, and achievements have not only brought us pride but have also inspired a generation of Nigerians," he stated. The sports administrator urged the National Sports Commission to establish a platform to celebrate these athletes and recognize their invaluable contributions to Nigerian sports. He emphasized the need to honour their legacy and provide a framework for their continued involvement in sports after retirement. To support athletes in transition, Mr. Mark recommende...

...Kwara United’s coach, who doesn’t even have a license, I taught him sense by beating him - Karim Zito ...Kotoko, now shift focus to a daunting second-round clash against Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club By Maxwell Kumoye with additional agency report        Head coach of Asante Kotoko Football Club of Ghana, Karim Zito has taken aim at Kwara United boss Sanni Tunde after steering his side into the next stage of the CAF Confederation Cup. The Porcupine Warriors sealed a historic qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium on Sunday, completing a 5-3 aggregate win after their thrilling 4-3 first-leg success in Accra. Forward Hubert Gyau delivered the knock out strike in the second half, silencing Kwara United, whose coach had vowed to overturn the deficit following their defeat in Ghana. Speaking to the media after the match, Zito did not hold back in his assessment of his counterpart. “Kwara United’s coach,...

The technical director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Gabriel Okon, has enthused that athletics can strongly and favourably impact on the Nigerian sports economy. Okon, who just returned from the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, noted that Nigeria is endowed with numerous talented athletes that are making positive strides in promoting the country's image internationally. The former Nigeria International athlete, has therefore, called on the National Sports Commission (NSC) to take concrete steps in providing sufficient financial support for the development of these athletes. "As of today, Tobi Amusan, Nigeria's 100mH World Champion, holds a record time of (12:12s.) by propagating Amusan's achievement, Nigeria can encourage others to take up sports but this endeavor requires substantial funding,” said the former sprinter.“ "Examples from South Africa, Jamaica, and other nations demonstrate how world-class athletes can drive s...

... Jibril emerges unopposed from Zonal poll  By Maxwell Kumoye and Eche Amos in Jos, Plateau State   in Jos, Plateau State      The identity of the North Central Zonal representative on the board of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), for the next four years is now known. He is the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Handball Association, Mr. Jibril Saidu. Mr. Jibril Saidu was elected as the North Central Zonal Representative of the Nigeria Handball Federation over the weekend. The Kogi State-born Jibril secured the Zonal position with seven votes, one vote from each of the Six States and FCT, Abuja, that make up the Zone, after his opponent from Niger State, Mohammed Saliu, stepped down for him prior to the Zone's election in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday. The move by Mohammed Saliu, paved the way for Mr. Jibril Saidu's bid to contest for the office of the Presidency of the Nigeria Handball Federation in the upcoming elections schedu...

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Akeem Busari    The stakes are clearer, as the boys have been separated from the men, as the semi-finals of the biggest grassroots football championship in Nigeria, 1X Cup takes centre stage at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, South-West, Nigeria.   The pace can only get faster and the pitch, higher with three debutants amoung the remaining few who continue their quest for the N20 million grand prize on offer at the event.    The new faces in the ring, Ikorodu City, ISGAT Athletics and Nath Boys FC, would attempt to overrun old horses in the championship, Dosu Joseph FA.  The enticing semi-final clashes would have Ikorodu City take on Nath Boys in the first encounter, while ISGAT Athletics are set to do battle with Dosu Joseph FA for a place in the final, a match that has got pundits and enthusiasts on the top of their toes. Meanwhile, in a press statement signed and released by the Chief ...

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Akeem Busari  The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) in collaboration with the Adamawa State Sports Council, the Adamawa State Ministry of Education and the Adamawa State chapter of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), recently held a badminton training in Yola, the Adamawa State capital. The event which was held at the hall of General Murtala Mohammed College, Yola during the week, was attended by 20 Physical Education teachers and 80 secondary school students in the Yola area of the State.   This badminton training which was facilitated by George Shitta and four other badminton coaches, is aimed at introducing the game of badminton to the grassroots level. It would be noted that the BFN and their grassroots partner, Community Sports and Educational Development (CSED) Initiative have in the past three years held “Shuttle Time” and “Outreach Badminton Training” events all over Nigeria, with a view of using th...

 ...Championship will be exciting, thrilling - LOC Chairman, Retired General Aliyu Abdullahi Maxwell Kumoye in Lagos      The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, (LOC), of the 4th Chief of Defence Staff Unity Basketball Championship, Retired General Abdulahi has assured teams, fans and lovers of the slamming and dunking game, participating at the much-anticipated event of an unforgettable basketball experience. He stated that the Chief of Defence Staff, General, Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, through the Local Organising Committee has put everything in place to stage a remarkable event with the very best of basketball teams competing at the event. He gave this assurance during a press briefing on Friday at the NAFRC Officers Mess. He said the Championship will start on the 30th of September and ends on the 5th of October. “About 250 top basketball players and officials from across SW are expected to participate in this competition and we can assure ...

  The Nathaniel Idowu Foundation is once again, making headlines for all the right reasons and the next on the long list of admirers to applaud the bold steps of the foundation, is leading Nigeria Sports Group, the Friends of Nigeria Sports (FNS). In a statement signed by Secretary General, Friends of Nigeria Sports, Mrs. Adetoun Ogune, on behalf of the National Coordinator, Chief Diprieye Thompson, the group praised the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, emphasizing how it has continued to contribute to the empowerment and development of youth and football in the city of excellence, Lagos.  "We recognise the immeasurable impacts, the activities of this foundation on the lives of over 4,000 youths and budding footballers in the Ajegunle area of Lagos State, where Chief Yemi Idowu constructed 19 pitches that includes 10, 5-aside fields and 8, 7-side pitches and one full size field at popular Maracana stadium, in the Tolu area of Ajegunle.  "We must also say a big than...

  The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has bid farewell to five female rugby players from Team Edo who have been invited to Nigeria’s national camp ahead of the World Rugby League Series in Canada, scheduled for October 17–27, 2025. ‎ ‎In a statement signed by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele praised the athletes for their consistent performances, describing their selection as proof of Edo State’s rising influence in Nigerian rugby. He urged them to excel on the global stage while reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to supporting the growth of the sport. ‎ ‎“I wholeheartedly applaud Abba Chinaza, Precious Ukwuoma, Success Iyoha, Becky Okitikpe, and Vera Akhihero of Team Edo for their dedication and determination to the game of rugby,” he said. ‎ ‎The players were presented to the Commission’s Chairman by the Head Coach of the Edo State Rugby Team, Mr. Obong Ntiense Williams. Enabulele described the...

  At the UN General Assembly in New York City, US President Donald Trump has expressed his hope that “countless people from all over the globe will take part” in the 2026 World Cup, contrasting with his administration’s hostile immigration policies.  In a wide-ranging and rambling speech that was four times longer than his allotted 15 minutes, Trump invited fans from around the world to attend the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. “We will also be proudly hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and shortly thereafter, the 2028 Olympics,” said Trump. “It’s going to be very exciting. I hope you all come. I hope that countless people from all over the globe will take part.” Travel to the United States has fallen and major doubts remain over international fans getting visas. Overseas travel to the US dropped 2.9% in August, down to about 3.5 million visitors, per preliminary government data. That’s the sixth monthly decline this year, running against t...

  Former FIFA vice president and Concacaf president Jack Warner, after 10 years of challenging Trinidad and Tobago extradition rules on a technicality, has finally avoided extradition to the US to face justice. In May 2015 Warner was charged by the US Justice Department with 29 counts of wire fraud, racketeering, money laundering and bribery as part of the FIFAgate scandal that eventually saw 47 indictments issued against FIFA and international federation officials, and sports marketers. Warner turned himself in to Trinidad and Tobago police soon after the indictments were issued and was released on bail. Since then he has been battling to remain in Trinidad arguing that any extradition was illegal under local law. In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, at the Trinidad and Tobago High Court Justice Karen Reid said that Warner’s constitutional rights had been breached and that the proceedings were flawed. At the heart of the dispute was an agreement allegedly made by former T...