Sports Groove

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye     Former NBA star and President of the Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA), Olumide Oyedeji, has lavished praise on the Super Eagles after their rousing finish to the AFCON campaign, declaring them “champions in the eyes of every Nigerian.” Nigeria signed off in style, outmuscling continental giants Egypt, led by Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah to clinch the 'Golden Bronze' in a tense third-place playoff decided by penalties. Speaking exclusively to FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG, Oyedeji described the Eagles’ display as fearless, focused and worthy of celebration. “You stood tall against one of Africa’s best. This team showed character, belief and heart,” Oyedeji said. The former NBA big man reserved special praise for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose heroics between the sticks proved decisive. Nwabali saved two penalties, silencing Egypt’s stars and swinging momentum firmly in Nigeria’s way. “Nwabali is a true champion,” Oyedeji...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye      As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare to round off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Morocco with a third-place playoff against Egypt, a rallying call has gone out for the team to put their semi-final heartbreak behind them and finish on a high. The Technical Advisor on Sports Development to the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Abiodun Oyebanji, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, has saluted the Super Eagles for their fighting spirit despite their painful semi-final exit. Dr. Osetoba described Nigeria’s loss to hosts Morocco as a “heartbreaking but proud moment,” insisting that the performance of the Super Eagles earned the respect and admiration of Nigerians and Africans alike. Speaking in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, Dr. Osetoba commended the players for their resilience, discipline and unwavering Nigerian spirit throughout the tournament. “The...

By Maxwell Kumoye   The Nigeria National Mini Football Association (NIMFA) has strengthened its administrative structure with the appointment of Ambassador Sheriff Mulade and Comrade Clarkson Ogo into key national positions. In a statement released on Monday, NIMFA confirmed Mulade’s appointment as National Deputy President, while Clarkson Ogo was named Deputy Secretary of the federation. The appointment letters were jointly signed by NIMFA President Alhaji Datti Umar Yusuf and Secretary General Paul Maduakor. The duo officially received their letters at the Africa For Peace Games Village (APGV), where they expressed gratitude to the leadership of the association for the confidence reposed in them. Both pledged renewed commitment to the growth and development of mini football across the country. Speaking on the appointments, President Datti Umar Yusuf described Mulade and Clarkson as dedicated administrators who have played key roles in promoting the fast-rising sport a...

By Maxwell Kumoye      The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has taken a giant leap forward by partnering with Roster Athletics, the world-class cloud-based competition management platform trusted by top federations from England to Australia, Denmark to New Zealand. This collaboration is more than technology, it’s a game-changer. For the first time, Nigerian athletes, coaches, and officials have access to seamless online registration, automated seeding, live results, and integration with elite timing systems used in international championships. The partnership ensures every competition, from grassroots meets to the U-18/U-20 African Athletics Championships, meets world-class standards, giving athletes a fair and professional stage to shine. By bringing global best practices to local competitions, the AFN-Roster Athletics alliance signals Nigeria’s commitment to excellence and its ambition to nurture the next generation of champions. With Roster Athletics, ...

...You have made us proud, it's time to get the job done — Oyedeji  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           NBA and FIBA Ambassador, Olumide Oyedeji, who is also the President of Hoops N' Read basketball club, on Thursday called for resilience and the die-hard Nigerian spirit following the Super Eagles' AFCON semifinal heartbreak. He urged the Super Eagles' to put their loss behind them and focus on their third place match against Egypt on Saturday.  The CEO of Olumide Oyedeji Youth Foundation, gave this passionate appeal in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye. “If you want to be a champion, you have to be ready to do what a champion does in being the best,” he said, emphasizing that this is not the time to cry or to be sad, but to turn their pain into their power. Hosts, Morocco edged Nigeria 4-2 on penalties in Rabat to book a long-awaited place in the final of the 2025...

...Urges the Team to put behind their semifinal heartbreak  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           A famous name in the Edo State sporting firmament and beyond, Mrs. Sabina Ekhaisomi Chikere, on Thursday showered praises on the Super Eagles' of Nigeria despite their AFCON semifinal loss. Mrs. Chikere, the Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission, (ESSC), expressed her admiration about the team's performance stating that they made the nation proud. She gave this submission in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, adding that they deserve praise from Nigerians. Hosts, Morocco edged Nigeria 4-2 on penalties in Rabat to book a long-awaited place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. After a tense, semi-final ended goalless, Yassine Bounou was the difference, diving to deny Samuel Chukwueze before stretching again to keep out Br...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye       The Super Eagles have spread their wings again and Africa is watching. Technical Adviser to Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency Abiodun Oyebanji, on Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, has showered praise on Nigeria’s senior men’s team after their commanding march into the semifinals of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Speaking on Sunday in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, Dr. Osetoba saluted the Eagles for not just qualifying for the last four, but for doing it with authority, swagger and a reminder to the continent that the Giants of Africa still stand tall. “They didn’t just win,” she said. “They sent a message to Africa and to the world.” Nigeria’s statement victory came under the scorching Marrakech sun, where the Super Eagles overpowered Algeria 2–0, draining the Desert Foxes of belief and booking a mouth-watering semifinal clash with tournam...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye      “This Is Only the Beginning” The gates of the retirement home opened slowly, but what walked in that morning was anything but quiet. Led by their president, Mrs. Damilola Igbasan, members of the Muslim Teachers College Old Students Association, Class of ’83 (MUTECO ’83) arrived not with fanfare, but with purpose. Thirteen men and women, bound by history, strengthened by compassion, came bearing gifts, smiles, and something far rarer, remembrance. For the elderly residents, many of whom have learned to measure time in long, quiet hours, the visit felt like a sudden rush of light. Food supplies worth millions of naira were presented with bags carried with care, boxes unpacked with reverence.  But beyond the rice, provisions, and essentials was a deeper offering: dignity.  The unmistakable message that they were not forgotten. The visit, confirmed by the Technical Director of the Lagos State Sports Commission, (...

...Darkness has finally paved way for light after Abuja meeting – Ahmedu  By Maxwell Kumoye   Nigeria basketball has taken too many hits off the court, in boardrooms, and in the hearts of players who only want to hoop.  But now, after years of turbulence, a new ball is being checked in. And this time, the bounce feels different. Retired Colonel Sam Ahmedu, President of FIBA Africa Zone 3 and one of the most powerful administrators the Nigerian game has ever produced, believes the long night is ending.  His message is simple, firm, and unmistakably confident, peace is coming back to Nigerian basketball. Not by wishful thinking. Not by force. But by structure, dialogue, and law, so says the retired army officer. At the heart of this renewed optimism is a crucial meeting in Abuja—a meeting many now describe as the foundation stone for a new-look Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF). With National Sports Commission Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, presi...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye      When the story of Edo State’s modern sports revival is told, one name will stand tall and that is Mrs. Sabina Ekhaisomi Chikere. A former Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Sports Commission and now a key member of the Local Organising Committee for the African School Games 2027, Chikere continues to shape the future of sports with quiet authority and relentless drive. That impact has now earned her national recognition. Chikere, the current Executive Director of the Edo State Sports Commission was recently honoured with the prestigious Wakawaka Sports Award, a powerful statement that the work being done behind the scenes in Edo is being seen, felt, and celebrated.  It is a fitting way to open the year with flowers for a woman who has consistently delivered results. Under her watch, Edo sports has grown in structure, visibility, and ambition. From grassroots development to elite performance, Chikere’s leadership...

...Nigeria to face the Desert Foxes of Algeria today  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           “This is merely a faint whisper, we have all it takes to beat Algeria.” “We are the Giants of Africa for a reason, it's only about how many goals we will score.”It's only a matter of trying for Algeria.” These are the words of some of the top sports officials and public figures in Nigeria ahead of the country's highly anticipated battle with the Desert Foxes of Algeria in Marrakech, Morocco. Nigeria, the three times champion of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, (AFCON), will be facing Algeria for the 23rd time in history, since their first encounter in Lagos at the 2nd All-Africa Games 55 years ago. Saturday's match will be their 10th meeting at the Nations Cup, with Nigeria on three wins, Algeria four, while the other two ended in draws. Heading the list of top of officials who are drumming support for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, is a qu...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           The Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission, (ESSC), Mrs. Sabina Chikere, has described the Super Eagles' decisive win over the Black Mambas of Mozambique as a glowing testament of the nation's supremacy and dominance in football on the continent. She made this submission during an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, emphasizing that Nigeria's performance is a statement laced with class, character, and confidence. Nigeria turned on the style in Fes, brushing aside Mozambique 4-0 to storm into the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles needed no warm-up. Victor Osimhen had the ball in the net inside two minutes, only for the flag to deny him, but it was an early warning Mozambique failed to heed. Nigeria’s dominance paid off in the 20th minute. Ademola Lookman, electric all...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           The Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission, (ESSC), Mrs. Sabina Chikere, has described the Super Eagles' decisive win over the Black Mambas of Mozambique as a glowing testament of the nation's supremacy and dominance in football on the continent. She made this submission during an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, emphasizing that Nigeria's performance is a statement laced with class, character, and confidence. Nigeria turned on the style in Fes, brushing aside Mozambique 4-0 to storm into the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles needed no warm-up. Victor Osimhen had the ball in the net inside two minutes, only for the flag to deny him, but it was an early warning Mozambique failed to heed. Nigeria’s dominance paid off in the 20th minute. Ademola Lookman, electric all...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           World famous, singer-songwriter, producer and hit maker, PuffyTee has tagged this year as the year of unprecedented greatness for Afrobeats on the globe. He gave his verdict in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye as he paused to measure the distance afrobeats has travelled in 2025. One of the initiatives that tickled his fancy is the Next Afrobeats Stars program that took the continent by a storm. He lauded and celebrated the Next Afrobeats Stars initiative, describing it as the platform for innovation in the music industry. In his words, the Next Afrobeats Stars initiative was the icing on the cake of the year that transformed raw talent into visible, market-ready stars. PuffyTee added that the event transformed, schoolyard songwriters into industry pipelines.  “We started with a belief, that the next voice of Afrobeats is not hiding, i...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Mrs. Sabina Chikere, declared 2026 as the year of further progress for sport in Edo state. She made this public in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, stating that she is “happy to see another year” and eager to turn that joy into opportunities that helps every athlete, coach and sporting community across Edo. “This is more than a change of calendar; it is a fresh court on which we will play harder. 2026 will be a year of expanded programmes, deeper talent identification, and stronger partnerships. We are ready to do more for Edo State — to widen the pipeline for our young athletes, to professionalise coaching, and to ensure opportunities reach even the smallest local government areas.”  Mrs. Chikere went on to thank Edo’s sportsmen and sportswo...

...Showers praises DG NIS, Comrade Phillips Shaibu ...Commends Chairman Edo State Sports Commission, Honourable Enabulele By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           The Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Mrs. Sabina Ekhaisomi Chikere, has sent warm Christmas felicitations to Christians in Edo State, Nigeria and the rest of the world describing this season as the time joy, happiness and laughter. She extended this heartfelt greetings during an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye. In her Christmas message, Mrs. Chikere saluted athletes, coaches and sports administrators who continue to raise the nation’s flag high through commitment, sacrifice and excellence, noting that the values of Christmas align perfectly with the spirit of sports. “Christmas is a season that celebrates perseverance, sacrifice and victory — values our sportsmen a...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           Technical Advisor on Sports Development to Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, showered praises on sportsmen and women across Ekiti State, celebrating their grit, discipline and the hope they bring to communities as she celebrates Christmas. The elegant and quintessential sports administrator made this known in her goodwill message to the good people of Ekiti State and the rest of the world, lavishing praises on Governor Oyebanji, a man she described a dedicated sports-lover. Dr. Osetoba placed athletes, men and women, grassroots coaches, referees and sports administrators, at the centre of Ekiti’s festive cheer, calling them the “embodiment of Ekiti’s resilience and the state’s brightest export.”  The winsome and urbane woman urged citizens to recognise sport as a vehicle for social cohesion, health and wealth creation, and asked stakeholders to increase their efforts to back ...

  ...Industry speaks, experience leads, Akiotu in line for BON Chairmanship  By Maxwell Kumoye  In Nigerian broadcasting, some names echo. Others endure. Anthony Anegbe Akiotu does both. As the chairmanship election of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) approaches, the contest is shaping up as more than a routine power shift. It is a defining moment for an industry at a crossroads and at the centre of it stands a man whose life has been lived in signal strength and sound waves. Anthony Anegbe Akiotu, is not just a broadcaster. He lives broadcasting. A multiple National Award–winning journalist, consummate professional, Akiotu has spent nearly five decades opening doors, on air and off it, for countless talents within Nigeria and across the continent.  From his humble and steadfast beginning in the newsroom of Radio Nigeria to the boardroom of Daar Communications PLC, from policy tables to production floors, his fingerprints are everywhere bro...

By Mishael Emmanuel      Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has fired an early warning shot to the rest of Africa, insisting South Africa’s Bafana Bafana are being dangerously underrated ahead of AFCON 2025. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Thiaw questioned why many pundits have written off South Africa in the title race, despite their recent pedigree and cohesion. “It is very strange to me that many experts exclude South Africa from the list of title contenders,” Thiaw said.  “They play very good football and most of their players come from the same club, Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.” The former Lions of Teranga forward believes Africa-based stars are still not getting the respect they deserve, as attention remains skewed toward Europe-based players. “Unfortunately, we tend to focus only on players based in Europe and overlook those playing in Africa,” he added. Thiaw’s warning is rooted in results, not sentiment. Bafana Bafana finished third at the last Af...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           The Ekiti State Government has announced plans to host medal-winning athletes from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State and the National Youth Games which took place in Asaba the Delta State capital. This cheering news was made public by the Technical Advisor on Sport Development to Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, Dr. Olusola Osetoba in a press statement made available to your authoritative and award-winning channel, First Zealmediacast Blog. Dr. Osetoba stated that the recognition ceremony is scheduled for Monday, 22nd December 2025. “The reception has been approved by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as a mark of recognition for the athletes’ outstanding performances and commitment in representing Ekiti State at both national competitions,” she said. Dr. Osetoba explained that the event will take place at the alluring Lady Jibowu Hall, Governor’s Office Premises, and will commence at 10:00 a...

...Clinches top honours at the Next Afrobeats Stars Season 1 By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           “Afrobeats is brewing for a storm — not of wind and rain, but of musical masterclass, theatrical talent and reverberating rhythm with a touch of royalty.” Those were the words of renowned and highly esteemed singer-songwriter and producer Temidayo Babatope Joseph A.K.A. PuffyTee, a big name in Afrobeats, as he hailed Ayo Benzi — the new 'kid on the throne' in Afrobeats. In a statement released on Wednesday by his spokesman, Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, PuffyTee described Ayo Benzi, as the “wunderkind of Afrobeats”, saying Next Afrobeats Stars Season 1 crown is proof of the young artist’s exceptional gifts. Ayo Benzi, a key and influential member of Team Puffy Tee, a trio that dominated discussion throughout the series with its combination of studio polish and live energy.  Another member of the Team, Dave Cash finished seco...