Sports Groove

A special report by Maxwell Kumoye    A leadership vacuum has engulfed Nigerian basketball. The tenure of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Board has officially expired and what should have been a routine transition is now spiraling into a full-blown governance crisis. Elected on January 31, 2022 in Benin City, the Board’s four-year mandate ran out on January 31, 2026.  That much, according to the 2019 NBBF Constitution, is black and white. Tenure begins immediately after election and swearing-in. No ceremony. No delay. No reinterpretation. Yet, attempts to stretch that mandate to October 2026 based on a later “inauguration” by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports have triggered fierce backlash from stakeholders who insist the Constitution recognizes no such extension. And the documents back the stand of the stakeholders. The Board was sworn in on election day. It began operations immediately.  FIBA formally congratulated the leadership on the ...

...Medals stripped, five athletes disqualified over eligibility breaches   By Maxwell Kumoye with additional report by NDG Media Hub      The ongoing Niger Delta Games have been jolted by a sweeping integrity crackdown that has seen five athletes disqualified over eligibility breaches ranging from age discrepancies to state-of-origin violations. In one of the most dramatic decisions yet, Otunla Kolade Israel, who competed for Edo State in swimming, was stripped of all six medals he won, five gold and one silver and after investigations revealed inconsistencies with his state of origin.  According to the official protest report, his National Identification Number (NIN) indicated he is from Ikorodu, Lagos State, a finding that ultimately cost him his podium dominance. The axe also fell in handball, where Bayelsa State athletes John Vera and Ayimba Maria were disqualified for age declaration violations. Documentation reviewed by officials reportedly sho...

By Maxwell Kumoye       Despite weeks of swirling speculation, Walid Regragui will remain at the helm of Morocco national football team, after the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) issued a firm denial of reports suggesting a split. In a terse one-sentence statement, the FRMF shut down the rumors: it “denies the circulating reports about its separation from coach Walid Regragui.”  Just like that, the federation attempted to draw a line under the growing noise surrounding the Atlas Lions’ dugout. The uncertainty had intensified in the aftermath of Morocco’s dramatic and chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final defeat on January 18, a match overshadowed by controversy as Senegal national football team briefly walked off the pitch, fans attempted to breach security, and incidents of vandalism marred what should have been a showpiece occasion. While Morocco’s run to the final was historic, the manner of the loss reopened scrutiny of Regragui’s tactical dec...

By Mishael Emmanuel and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City, Edo State, South-South, Nigeria           Delta State high jumper, Oddo Melvin, has promised to deliver stunning performances in the coming months, stating that his gold medal display at the ongoing Niger Delta Games was just a scratch on the surface.    The jumper cleared a commanding 1.95m to win the gold at the Niger Delta Games, Rivers State' Bright Godson took the Silver with a 1.90m jump, while Christian Edet of Akwa Ibom walked away the bronze medal after taking down 1.85m.   Oddo admitted to feelings of anxiety as he participated in the Men's High Jump Final, explained that he wanted to set a new personal best at this event but it didn't come to fruition.   “It was Great. I was a little bit scared, but it was great. I was expecting to jump higher, maybe like 2.05 or 2.10 but unfortunately it didn't happen. But I...

By Maxwell Kumoye with additional report by NDG Media Hub      The medals may have been won on the tracks and courts, but on Wednesday night, the spotlight shifts to the stage as comedy heavyweight Okey Bakassi leads an all-star cast at the Cultural Expo Night of the 2nd Niger Delta Games. After six days of fierce competition, young athletes from across the region will trade sweat for laughter at the Cathelea Convention Centre on February 25, as the Games serve up a different kind of spectacle, one powered by rhythm, punchlines and pure entertainment. Headlining the comedy lineup is Okey Bakassi, born Okechukwu McAnthony, whose razor-sharp wit is expected to light up the arena.  He won’t be alone. Fellow crowd-pullers Seyi Law, Jikume, MC Porcupyne and G-Flex are set to keep the energy high in a night carefully curated to celebrate the spirit of the Games beyond medals and podium finishes. On the music front, Niger Delta’s hitmaker Harrysong takes centre ...

…Teamwork and dedication key to the success of the Games By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye and Mishael Emmanuel     The Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations at the Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Mrs. Sabina Chikere, has reaffirmed that the Niger Delta Games were deliberately designed as a platform for grassroots talent discovery and long-term athlete development.   Speaking on the vision behind the competition, Mrs. Chikere described the Games as a structured pathway to identify promising young athletes across the region and groom them into future national and international champions.   According to her, the objective is clear — to make the Niger Delta a benchmark for sports development in Nigeria — a model other regions can emulate.   “So far, so good, it’s been going well. From the beginning, we made it clear that the Niger Delta Games would serve as a breeding ground. We want to discover new talents; we want to develop our...

By Mishael Emmanuel and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye          The Commissioner, Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Hon. Daniel Igali, has endorsed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for creating and supporting the Niger Delta Games.   The Honourable Commissioner gave this verdict on Monday, in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG at the sidelines of the 2nd edition of the annual muti-sport event tagged, Edo 2026, as he expressed gratitude to the Commission for turning the Games into a deliberate talent-discovery mechanism for young athletes.   “I want to profusely thank the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for this worthwhile initiative. The initiative of making the Niger Delta Games (NDG), an annual event but also making it an Under-20 event. Infact, this is what makes it a competition of discovery of young athletes,” Hon. Igali, an Olympic and Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist, stated.  ...

  The Ghana Football Association has officially transitioned its Information Technology (IT) Department to a 24-hour operational model, aligning with government’s transformative 24-Hour Economy policy aimed at boosting productivity, efficiency and national development. The bold move positions the GFA as the first sports institution in the country to structurally align its internal operations with the national agenda, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, modernisation and responsive service delivery. Under the leadership of IT Director Francis Adu, the department now operates in structured shifts, ensuring uninterrupted technical support to clubs, Regional Football Associations and stakeholders across the football ecosystem. “The 24-hour system has been extremely helpful in enhancing efficiency, responsiveness and overall service delivery to our stakeholders,” Adu told GFA Communications. “We are now able to address technical issues in real time, support match opera...

...“We must build a pipeline for junior talents to become senior champions” By Mishael Emmanuel and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State, South-South, Nigeria           The Secretary General of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Mrs. Ejiro Thukson, has described the ongoing second edition of the Niger Delta Games as a shining template for structured talent identification and sustainable grassroots development in Nigerian sports.   Speaking in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG on the sidelines of the chess event at the famous Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in Nigeria's art and culture capital, Benin City, Edo State, Southern Nigeria, Mrs. Thukson said the multi-sport festival represents the kind of deliberate, long-term investment needed to transform promising talents into elite champions.   “I would say the event is fantastic,” she declared. “It is a perfect develo...

...Clinches second gold medal at the Games By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium           Young and promising Edo State athlete, Emmanuel Audu Shakamomodu, on Sunday clinched a second medal for Team Edo at the 2nd Niger Delta Games, ongoing at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. It was a day to remember for Audu Shakamomodu, as he once again proved why he is the foundation of Team Edo's shot put and Hammer youth Team.  Despite the victory, expressed disappointment in his throws stating that he could have done better. “It was okay, but I just felt that I could have done better and there is still room for improvement.   “Although I would say I slacked off a little bit but there is room for improvement so I just have to go back, work on my technique, perfect it and come back better.” He stated that next on the chart for him is the World U-20 Championship at Oregon as he eyes international glory. ...

By Maxwell Kumoye      The fallout from the explosive Africa Cup of Nations final has taken a dramatic turn, as the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) launches a blistering attack on a Moroccan court for jailing 18 Senegalese supporters after chaotic scenes in Rabat. In a verdict delivered on February 19, a court in Rabat handed prison sentences ranging from three months to one year, along with fines, to fans arrested during the January 18 final, a match that saw Senegal edge hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time to lift the continental crown. Nine supporters were sentenced to one year behind bars and fined MAD 5,000. Six received six months with fines of MAD 2,000, while three were handed three-month terms and fined MAD 1,000.  The convictions stemmed from charges including violence against law enforcement, vandalism of sports facilities, pitch invasion and throwing projectiles during the heated encounter. But the FSF is not backing down. “We express our ...

By Games Media Hub Akwa Ibom State athlete, Hephzibah Okon has dedicated her gold medal race to the state governor and other Sports administrators in the state  Okon won the gold medal in the 800 metres at the 2nd Niger Delta Games in Benin with the time of 2.18minutes. "I am really happy to win this gold for Team Akwa Ibom. The support from our State Government, led by our amazing, Sports Loving Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Honourable Commissioner and sports administrators has kept us motivated to give our best every day. "This is why I'm dedicating the gold medal to the governor, Sports Commissioner and others involved with Sports in the State, she said. The medalist has set her sights on representing Nigeria at senior-level competitions in the near future.  She has also earned an invitation to participate in the National Youth Festival alongside International Junior Athletes in 2025. "I will continue to do my best to put Akwa Ibom State in the World Sport...

By Maxwell Kumoye and Trust Ittai      Abia Warriors returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kwara United in their Matchday 27 clash of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba. After five matches without a win, the Warriors found their spark through an unlikely hero, Casmir Azubuike.  His speculative 29th-minute delivery, intended as a cross, sailed past everyone in the box, including Kwara United goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso, before nestling into the back of the net.  The fortunate strike proved decisive in a tense encounter. Coach Imama Amapakabo made just one change to the side that secured a draw away to Remo Stars in Abeokuta, with Kunle Adeleke stepping in for the suspended Somiari Alalibo. The adjustment paid off as Adeleke slotted seamlessly into the backline. The Warriors were sluggish in the opening exchanges but gradually asserted control, pushing the visitors deep into their half....

By Maxwell Kumoye     The ugly face of racism once again reared its head in the Premier League on Sunday, casting a shadow over Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare and other African stars competing at the highest level of English football. Arokodare, who featured for Wolverhampton Wanderers in their narrow 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, was subjected to a wave of racial abuse on social media after the final whistle. The 25-year-old Nigerian forward who was left out of the Super Eagles party to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, striving to make his mark in one of the world’s toughest leagues, became the latest target of anonymous online attacks. Wolves reacted swiftly, condemning the abuse in strong terms and pledging unwavering support for their player.  The club described themselves as “disgusted” by the multiple instances of abuse directed at Arokodare and reaffirmed their commitment to standing firmly beside him and all footballers forced to endure such treatment. The ...

By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria is set to take a bold step in redefining the business of sports as preparations hit top gear for the maiden National Sports Tourism Conference and Exhibition NASTOCE 2026 The Sports Tourism Conference and Exhibition NASTOCE 2026 is a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the Ringo Sport Club Nigeria (RSCN). Endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and supported by a coalition of key federal MDAs, the two-day event will hold on March 30–31, 2026 at the prestigious Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja. With the theme “Leveraging on the Inter-Section of Multi Sectoral MDAs to Promote Sports Tourism in Nigeria,” the conference aims to unlock the powerful connection between sports and tourism. These sectors are recognized worldwide as economic game changers. President of RSCN and Chairman of the National Organizing Committee, Malam Ahmed Mohammed Sule, described the conference as a strategic platform des...

By Betty Enoch        The Copper Queens have stepped up preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a high-profile international friendly against Senegal women's national football team, as the road to continental glory gathers pace. Zambia’s Sports Minister, Elvis Nkandu, confirmed in an interview with Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation that the fixture is part of a deliberate plan to sharpen the squad ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The friendly is expected to provide a crucial test for the Copper Queens as they fine-tune tactics and build cohesion before facing Africa’s elite.  With the stakes higher than ever, the tournament carries added significance, the semi-finalists will secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. In a key logistical update, Nkandu revealed a change in the team’s camping plans. Originally scheduled to camp in Dubai, the Copper Queens will now head straight to Mor...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye and Mishael Emmanuel at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, South-South, Nigeria            A key and influential member of the Edo contingent, at the 2nd Niger Delta Games, Tejiri Ugoh Praise has described her silver-medal performance in the women’s 100 metres as “an unexpected blessing and a great achievement. She made this statement in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG, stating that a podium finish was the last thing on her mind. The sprinter said she had not trained in the days leading up to the race, so she kept her expectations low.  “I wasn’t expecting a podium finish, but I placed second, so it’s a big win for me and I’m very happy,” she said, calling the result “the first tournament of the year” and an encouraging start. Far from satisfied, the athlete framed the silver as only the beginning. Tejiri Ugoh said the performance has “barely scratched the surface” of wha...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye and Mishael Emmanuel at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, South-South, Nigeria           It was a day of speed, belief and golden moments at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, as the home of fast finishes witnessed another chapter in the 2nd Niger Delta Games. The crowd, thrilled and excited, rose to its feet as Team Delta strode to multiple podiums, but none more dramatic than the men’s 100m final. Leading the charge for the state was an A+ performance from young sprinter, Samuel Chibueze Osama, who delivered Delta State's fourth athletics Gold.  Clocking a smart 10.41 seconds, he closed the race by a razor-thin margin, with Gift Bright of Akwa Ibom State placing second in a time of 10: 57 secs with fellow teammate, Saturday Godswill, taking the bronze in a time of 10:59s. From the gun to the tape the win it was a flash of Faith, Fearlessness and Focus, fused together for the Delta flash....

By Mishael Emmanuel and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, South-South, Nigeria      A blistering sprint finish from Chibueze Osama powered Team Delta to another golden moment at the ongoing Niger Delta Games, as the boys’ 100m final lit up the tracks of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.      Osama stormed clear of the field to clock 10.41 seconds, securing Delta’s fourth athletics gold. While Gift Bright of Akwa Ibom State came second in a time of 10.57s with Saturday Godswill taking the bronze in a time of 10.59s   Delta doubled its celebrations in the women’s 100m, where rising sprint sensation Ejiro Peter surged to gold in 11.55s. Tejiri Ugoh Praise and Victory Imosiemoh Azobudi, both representing Edo, finished second and third respectively.   Despite narrowly missing gold, Team Edo and Akwa Ibom drew confidence from their slim margins, viewing the results as proof that future stars...

...Obaisuwa powers Edo to more glory By Mishael Emmanuel and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, South-South, Nigeria        Team Edo got off to a dream start at the ongoing 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games, as Philomena Edomwandagbon, took the first dip of the precious yellow metal on offer at the annual Games for the ‘Heartbeat of the Nation’ in the Women's Para-Weightlifting 67kg class, on Saturday. With perfect execution that oozed poise-strength-and-precision, the hosts could not request a better start to the week-long festivities, as Edomwandagbon 115kg lift, set the tone for what promises to be an inspiring outing for the hosts.   Team Rivers were the closest to the hosts deafening lift, taking silver with an 87kg weight lift, while the Imo State walked home with the bronze after managing an 82kg weight.   The golden momentum continued when Obaisuwa Emmanuel picked up the next nugget of Gold ...

By Mishael Emmanuel        Fresh off a commanding 3-0 win over Botswana, Zambia have quickly shifted focus to their next assignment at the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship 2025, a fiery Group B showdown against familiar foes Zimbabwe in Polokwane, Polokwane. Assistant coach Haalubono has warned that the “battle of the Zambezi” will be anything but routine. “We are facing a very tough opponent. We know them well and they know us too,” he said, revealing that the technical bench has crafted a detailed tactical plan for the clash at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Zimbabwe’s pace in transition has been flagged as a key threat, but Zambia insists they are prepared. And while the Copper Queens defeated their rivals 3-1 in Malawi earlier this year, Haalubono made it clear: history counts for nothing. “That’s past glory. This is a different game. We must be more focused and more determined,” he stressed, cautioning his players against complacency as Zimba...