Sports Groove

By Maxwell Kumoye with additional report by Dipo Akanbi   The 2025 WESPAC World Scrabble Championship in Accra delivered the kind of high-voltage drama that only elite mind sports can produce, streaks that defied logic, recoveries that stunned the field, and performances that lit up the Ghanaian capital. And at the centre of that electricity stood Nigeria’s own Timi Woko, who exploded out of the blocks with the tournament’s first jaw-dropping feat, a perfect 7–0 Day 1, sending shockwaves across the halls of The Palms Hotel Accra. Woko’s opening blaze didn’t stop there. Riding the momentum from his 8–0 sweep in the Last Chance Qualifier, he stitched together an outrageous 18 straight wins in just three days, a streak that left spectators buzzing and analysts scrambling for superlatives. But he wasn’t the only player to put up a flawless day. Canada’s World Champion, Adam Logan, turned Day 4 into a personal demolition zone, ripping through opponents with an 8–0 masterclas...

By Maxwell Kumoye     South Africa has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of next month’s TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, becoming the first nation to unveil a squad and coach Hugo Broos didn’t just release a list, he dropped a bombshell. On Monday, Broos named a massive 54-player preliminary squad, a statement of intent that screams depth, ambition, and a head coach leaving no stone unturned as Bafana Bafana eye a deeper run than their impressive semi-final finish in Cote d’Ivoire. And he didn’t have to look far. Orlando Pirates –13 players and Mamelodi Sundowns –10 players South Africa’s CAF Champions League heavyweights, dominate the roster, proving once again that the heartbeat of the national team is pounding strongest at home. But the headline stealer? Themba Zwane is back. The 36-year-old midfield magician, who hasn’t kicked a ball since September after yet another knee injury, has been thrown into the preliminary mix.  It’s a bold call...

By Maxwell Kumoye   After a long, gruelling season of tense boards, tight racks, high-stakes words, and marathon tournaments, that ended with the glorious and prestigious Best Country Crown at the 2025 WESPAC in Accra, Ghana. Nigeria’s Scrabble community is finally doing something completely different, dropping their tiles, racks, boards and stepping into full December groove mode, fully activated. This year, Scrabble Players and Friends are switching things up in grand style with the “Detty December All-White Party,” a premium end-of-year celebration set to light up Rowe Park Poolside in Lagos on December 27, 2025. For players who have spent months crunching probabilities, studying word lists, surviving nail-biting games, and travelling across cities for competitions, this event is perfectly timed, a chance to UNWIND, RECONNECT, and CELEBRATE the close of an intense competitive calendar. A NIGHT OF PURE VIBES With the high-energy DJ Teewisky on the decks and Hypeman C...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye    Former NBA star and one of the long-time pillars of of Nigerian basketball, Olumide Oyedeji, praised Lagos Legends for their dramatic 74–72 victory over Rivers Hoopers on Sunday. A win that delivered the franchise its first-ever NBBF Premier League title and a prized ticket to the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL). Oyedeji, the proprietor of Hoops N’ Read and a respected NBBF board member, described the victory as “a new chapter” for the domestic league, insisting that Legends’ rise is proof that Nigerian clubs can hit continental standards with the right planning and discipline. “Your victory is the result of hard work, and other teams should learn from the way Lagos Legends went about their business,” Oyedeji said, urging the champions to begin early preparation for the enormous challenge the BAL presents. While his own Hoops N’ Read side did not reach the Final Four this season, bowing out in the Final Eight, Oyedeji rem...

By Trust Ittai    Botswana have kicked off their AFCON 2025 campaign in style, unveiling a slick trio of Home, Away, and Third kits that signal confidence, pride and a modern new era for the Zebras ahead of their outing in Morocco. The fresh designs, bursting with bold colours, crisp lines and a futuristic finish, were revealed on Monday, instantly sparking excitement across Gaborone and the wider football community.  Each jersey carries a touch of national identity, a blend of tradition and ambition stitched into every panel. For a team stepping onto Africa’s biggest stage, these kits are more than just fabric, they’re a statement. Botswana will wear the new collection throughout the tournament as they attempt to turn their fairytale qualification into a blockbuster run.  And if the football matches the swagger of the shirts, the Zebras could become one of AFCON 2025’s surprise stories. Meanwhile, the Zebras have named a 36-man provisional team for the b...

By Maxwell Kumoye    CAF has appointed top Senegalese referee Issa Sy to take charge of the crucial CAF Champions League group-stage clash between Rivers United and RS Berkane this Friday in Uyo, an appointment that underlines just how big this fixture is. Rivers United heads into the match with something to prove after a bruising 3–0 defeat to defending champions Pyramids SC in Cairo on opening day of the group stage.  Now, with home fans behind them and their campaign already under pressure, the Pride of Rivers know they cannot afford another slip. RS Berkane, experienced continental campaigners and former Confederation Cup winners, arrives in Nigeria looking to seize early control of the group.  Both sides understand that Friday’s result could set the tone for the entire campaign. With Issa Sy in the middle, known for his calm authority and firm grip on high-tension matches, expect a fierce, fast, no-nonsense contest under the Uyo floodlights.  Th...

By Maxwell Kumoye and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye    Nigeria’s sports heavyweights gathered in Ikoyi on Monday for the first-ever Big Sports Dialogue 0.1, and the message ringing out of the Villa Dome was blunt, Nigeria must overhaul its sports system now, or risk falling even further behind. Organizing Committee chairman Osaze Ebueku said the dialogue was created to “speak truth to power,” while convener Aron Akeredola stressed that the aim was to rebuild, not blame. NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko defended President Tinubu’s decision to scrap the Sports Ministry, insisting the new Commission is already enforcing reforms, including mandatory women’s representation and a proper athlete reward system. But panelists were clear: Nigerian sports still suffers from years of weak policies, collapsed structures and neglected athletes. Aisha Falode, Mitchelle Obi and Olisa Adobor lamented that despite carrying the country internationally, women’s sports still receive...

By Maxwell Kumoye    The race to the Super Four in the 2025 Edo Men’s Cricket League just got hotter and the Dolphins are right back in the swim. After crashing to a 48-run defeat against Uniben Cricket Club over the weekend, Dolphins CC looked like a team losing grip on their Super Four dream.  But on Sunday, they rose from the canvas with the resilience of contenders, sealing back-to-back victories that catapulted them into the top three. In their first game of the day, Dolphins edged a nervy 7-run win over the U-17 Cricket Club. Batting first after winning the toss, they scratched their way to 64 runs before being bowled out in 17.1 overs.  It looked shaky, but their bowlers came up big, choking the chase and dismissing the youngsters for 57 in 18.5 overs. A scrappy win — but a priceless one. Their second match, against Integrity Force CC, was a bigger test. With Integrity fighting to keep their own qualification hopes alive, Dolphins again chose to ba...

...A superstar rewriting the story of Bambali By Maxwell Kumoye      Senegalese international Sadio Mané isn’t just scoring goals anymore, he’s rewriting the destiny of an entire village. According to renowned sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Senegalese superstar is rebuilding Bambali, his hometown in the Sédhiou region of Senegal. He is transforming it into one of the most remarkable athlete-driven community projects in world football. THE SCALE IS JAW DROPPING Mané’s “new Bambali” will feature: ✓ A fully equipped hospital ✓ A modern school ✓ Reliable 4G network ✓ A post office ✓ A petrol station ✓ A stadium  All of these will be funded by the former Liverpool icon and current Al Nassr forward. But the most dramatic detail? Mané is reportedly given every resident a monthly allowance of €70 (45,916 FCFA), a gesture unheard of in African sports philanthropy. Romano summed it up perfectly: “He turned his success into hope for thousands.” In an era whe...

The new FIBA Africa Power Rankings have sent shockwaves across the continent and nowhere louder than in Nigeria. Senegal roared into No. 1, Angola stood firm at No. 2, and South Sudan continued their meteoric rise at No. 3. But buried deeper in the list, at a stunning eighth place, sits Nigeria… a former continental powerhouse suddenly gasping for air. Just a few years ago, the D’Tigers were Africa’s nightmare matchup, raw talent, explosive athleticism, and a fearsome diaspora pipeline. Today, that pride feels distant. Administrative chaos, unstable coaching, and a revolving door of line-ups have dragged Nigeria into unfamiliar territory. But here’s the twist, Nigeria is too gifted to stay down. Every scout, every coach, every rival knows it. The talent is there, bubbling in Lagos, shining in Abuja courts, growing in American college gyms. All it needs is structure, identity, and leadership. The rankings tell a painful truth: Nigeria is no longer feared. But they also whisp...

By Maxwell Kumoye    Fresh off the electrifying World English-Language Scrabble Players Championship (WESPAC) in Accra, Ghana, President of the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA), Adekoyejo Adegbesan, says Africa must seize the moment and he is already sketching a future bursting with possibility. With two major regional championships, two senior competitions, and a growing biannual Youth Scrabble Championship already on the continent’s calendar, Africa has never been more active on the global Scrabble map. But Adegbesan believes this is only the beginning. “We’ve tasted what is possible,” he declared, outlining how the momentum from WESPAC 2025 can transform Scrabble into a continental powerhouse. At the heart of his vision is education. Adegbesan wants Scrabble embedded in school curricular across Africa, describing it as a proven tool for building vocabulary, sharpening critical thinking, and enhancing strategic problem-solving in young learners. But he’s...

...Onikeku dedicates victory to Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi ...Promise to continue flying the nation’s flag high    The Nigeria Customs Service defeated the Ghana Air Force 3-0 (25–20, 25–23, 25–14) to emerge champions of the 2025 Super Volleyball Championship in the women’s category on Sunday, November 23. Nigeria’s sole representative were unbeaten throughout the tournament recording resounding victory against Ghana Navy, Kalibi, Ghana Immigration and Elwak Wings at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra, Ghana. The Head of Sports of the Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, attributed the team’s success to the substantial investment and unwavering support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi (MFR). Onikeku noted that the CGC has invested heavily in the team and created an enabling environment for the players to fully express their potential. He commended the players and the technical crew for their commitment and f...

By Mishael Emmanuel    Ekiti State based Nigerian club Olukismet Football Club has signed a historic partnership deal with Hungarian top-flight outfit Kisvarda FC, as the Kisvarda based side looks to collaborate on players discovery, development and exposure to top levels of European and world football. The momentous partnership comes from the boots of talented midfielder prodigy, Ridwan Abdulrazak, who paved the way with a host of outstanding performances in Hungarian football circuit. Abdulrazak was previously scouted from Olukismet Football Club.   Following a strategic partnership meeting held in Lagos, last week, the President of Kisvarda FC, Revesz Atilla Utja, Portuguese FIFA football agent, Andre Cabete Portulez and Prince Olumide Fetus Adegboye graced Top Level Football Agency's football scouting tournament held over the weekend in the 'City of Excellence and Aquatic Splendor', in search for exceptional footballing talents in the mould of renowned Nig...

By Maxwell Kumoye  With the 2025 AFCON just 26 days from kickoff and the East African trio of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda already gearing up for their 2027 co-hosted edition, the battle for the next decade of Africa’s biggest football showpiece has quietly shifted into high gear. Plans for the 2029, 2031, 2033, and 2035 tournaments are already at an advanced stage, and one country is emerging early as a crowd favourite, Senegal. The Teranga Nation, fresh off years of footballing growth and continental success, is preparing to step boldly into the hosting arena.  And they are not doing it alone. Across the border, Gambia has thrown its weight behind Senegal, openly backing their neighbours to secure one of the coveted AFCON slots. For Senegal, a nation with improving infrastructure, rabid football culture, and recent international victories, hosting AFCON would be the next giant stride.  For Gambia, supporting Senegal is both strategic and symbolic, an embrace ...

...Prepares for another magic  By Maxwell Kumoye and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye     Lilian Mwenda, fondly known as “The Little Magician”, has pulled off one of the biggest wins of her young career and this time, it wasn’t on the pitch. The teenage sensation officially graduated from Grade 12 at Saint Monica’s Secondary School in Matero in Zambia llllllll, capping off a year defined by sacrifice, focus, and late-night study sessions instead of stadium lights. Mwenda, who dazzled the world with her silky footwork at the Dominican Republic 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, made the bold decision to miss this year’s edition, along with all league games, to concentrate on completing her final year of secondary school.  Her educational sabbatical began in May 2024. It was a tough call for one of Zambia’s brightest rising stars, but one she made with the same maturity and vision she shows on the field. And now? She’s crossed the finish line. From dri...

By Maxwell Kumoye who was in Accra    Oluwatimilehin Doko, Africa’s brightest Scrabble mind and Nigeria’s standout star at the 2025 WESPAC in Accra, has dedicated his phenomenal performance to one man, Adekoyejo Adegbesan, Chairman of the Ogun State Scrabble Association and President of the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA). Fresh off a breathtaking run that saw him finish 5th in the world, the West African Champion and African Scrabble King revealed that Adegbesan was the driving force behind his journey to Accra. “My trip to Ghana and the entire preparation, behind it wouldn’t have been possible without Mr. Adegbesan,” Doko said.  “He has been incredibly supportive and helpful since I joined the Ogun State Scrabble Association and the Gateway Scrabble Club. This outing is for him.” The soft spoken Doko also credited former NSF President Engineer Olobatoke Aka and national coach Anthony Ikolo for playing vital roles in shaping his young but glittering...

  ...Legends shock Hoopers in Port Harcourt thriller By Maxwell Kumoye    Lagos Legends Basketball Club delivered one of the coldest heartbreaks in Nigerian basketball history on Sunday, stunning Rivers Hoopers 74–72 in a nerve-shredding finale to snatch the 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League title in Port Harcourt. The loss marked a dark piece of déjà vu for Rivers Hoopers, formerly Royal Hoopers, who were beaten at home in a championship final for only the second time ever.  The first time came 15 years ago, when Kano Pillars silenced the Civic Centre crowd in the 2010 final. On Sunday night, Lagos Legends reopened that wound. Both teams entered the decisive clash unbeaten in the Final Four, each with two wins and one golden prize in front of them, Nigeria’s lone ticket to the 2026 Basketball Africa League. The Legends, who had already snapped Hoopers’ three-year unbeaten streak with an 80–79 thriller at the Final Eight, came out swinging again. Riv...

   By Maxwell Kumoye with additional report by Eche Amos   Nasarawa United roared back to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League with a commanding 3–0 demolition of El-Kanemi Warriors on Sunday at the Lafia City Stadium, delivering a performance that sent a clear message to the chasing pack. Last season’s golden boot king, Anas Yusuf, was once again the star of the show. The clinical forward broke the deadlock in the 38th minute from the penalty spot, calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give the Solid Miners a deserved lead at break. Barely a minute after the interval, Anas doubled the advantage, this time pouncing on a sloppy defensive blunder to tuck in his second of the day and his sixth of the campaign. Lafia erupted; El-Kanemi staggered. Then came the flourish. Teenage prodigy Garba Mohammed, showing confidence far beyond his years, sealed the victory with a composed, classy finish to make it 3–0, his third goal of the season and one...

By Maxwell Kumoye    The chase for the Nigeria Premier Basketball League crown and the coveted Basketball Africa League ticket, comes down to one last, thunderous battle in Port Harcourt the Garden City today (Sunday).  After two days of high drama, bruising contests and shattered hopes, only two teams remain standing: defending champions Rivers Hoopers and the relentless challengers, Lagos Legends. Both sides enter the final showdown unbeaten. Only one will leave with the trophy. Only one will fly Nigeria’s flag on the continent next season. And tonight, somebody’s perfect run ends. DAY 2: CHIEFS FALL, LEGENDS RISE Gboko City Chiefs came into Saturday knowing their title dreams were hanging by a thread. But their hopes were shredded by a ruthless Lagos Legends side who seized the moment, seized the rims, and eventually seized the win. The Chiefs started slow, stuck at 0–6 before Kareem Joseph finally broke the drought but they clawed back into the game with g...

By Maxwell Kumoye with additional report by Reuters    Paul Pogba’s long walk back to football finally ended in an emotional roar on Saturday as the French star made his Monaco debut, his first competitive appearance in more than two years, after a turbulent doping ban and a gruelling fight to reclaim his career. The 32-year-old midfielder, signed on a free in June, stepped onto the pitch in the 85th minute of Monaco’s 4–1 loss to Rennes at Roazhon Park. The scoreboard was bleak, but the moment was anything but. The crowd rose as one, delivering a standing ovation that stunned even Pogba, whose rollercoaster journey has rarely lacked drama. “Seeing the crowd rise and applaud, I never imagined that would happen,” a visibly moved Pogba said afterwards. “I’m relieved to be playing football again, the thing I love most in the world.” His comeback ends a spell away from the game dating back to September 2023. Pogba was handed a four-year suspension in February 2024 for ...

By Maxwell Kumoye      CAF Champions League holders Pyramids FC launched their title defence with a thunderous statement on Saturday night, dismantling Nigeria’s Rivers United 3–0 in Cairo. Thanks to a sensational hat-trick from 22-year-old winger Ahmed Atef, who turned the 30 June Stadium into his personal stage. Group A was expected to be a battlefield, and the champions wasted no time reminding Africa why they wear the crown. Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing early on.  Pyramids dominated the ball, pinned Rivers United deep, and rained down pressure, but the Nigerians stayed organized and stubborn, forcing the Egyptians into half-chances. Abdel-Rahman Magdy even bent the stadium’s nerves when he blasted over the bar in the 20th minute. But the second half? That belonged entirely to Ahmed Atef. Just seven minutes after the restart, Atef pounced. Rivers goalkeeper Onisodumeya spilled Mahmoud Zalaka’s rocket, and the young winger calmly buried the rebound...