Sports Groove

Robin Räikkönen, the 11-year-old son of former Formula One world champion Kimi Räikkönen, has taken another major step in his young racing career after being recruited into Red Bull’s driver development programme. Red Bull confirmed on Wednesday that the Finnish youngster, who races under the nickname “Ace,” will become part of its junior programme from 2027, placing him within one of the most successful driver-development systems in Formula One. Robin has already attracted attention with his performances in karting championships and will now receive support and guidance from Red Bull as he continues his progression through the junior racing ranks. The programme has played a key role in developing several future Formula One stars, including four-time world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, raising expectations around Räikkönen’s long-term potential. His father, Kimi Räikkönen, remains one of Finland’s most celebrated motorsport figures. Known around the world a...

Veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat has extended his contract as head coach of Curaçao, with the country’s football federation confirming on Wednesday that he will remain in charge until July. The 78-year-old originally guided Curaçao to a historic qualification for the recent World Cup before stepping down from his position. Advocaat returned to the dugout in May, replacing Fred Rutten, and will now continue his work as Curaçao prepares for its upcoming CONCACAF Nations League campaign. The experienced coach is expected to announce his squad soon for matches against Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Trinidad and Tobago, as Curaçao look to build on the progress made under his leadership.

Kimi Antonelli arrives in Madrid as Formula One’s man of the moment, but the 20-year-old Mercedes championship leader faces perhaps his most intriguing challenge yet as the Spanish capital prepares to host a Grand Prix at a brand-new circuit. Antonelli heads to the inaugural Madrid race on a wave of momentum after making history at Monza, becoming the first Italian since 1966 to win his home Formula One Grand Prix. His latest triumph has strengthened his position at the top of the championship and raised expectations ahead of another demanding weekend. The Madrid circuit, known as the Madring, will introduce drivers to a completely new challenge, highlighted by its spectacular banked corner, ‘La Monumental.’ With no previous race data available, teams will have to rely heavily on simulator work, preparation and their ability to adapt quickly once practice begins. The event will mark the second Spanish Grand Prix of the season following Barcelona’s Catalunya race and represe...

Thibaut Courtois will miss Belgium’s upcoming Nations League campaign but has no plans to retire from international football, according to Belgian media. The 34-year-old goalkeeper had previously indicated that he was considering taking a break from the national team following the World Cup, with the demanding Nations League schedule among the reasons for his decision. Belgium are set to face France, Italy and Turkey in a six-match Nations League campaign over the next three months, but Courtois has chosen not to be involved. Speaking after Real Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday, Courtois confirmed that new Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel understands and respects his decision.

Lionel Messi is reportedly on the brink of adding another Spanish football club to his growing business empire after reaching an agreement in principle to acquire 100% of C.D. Eldense, a club competing in Spain’s second division. The 39-year-old Argentine icon is expected to take full control from Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., which currently holds the club’s majority stake. If completed, the blockbuster takeover would mark Messi’s second ownership move in Spanish football. Earlier this year, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly completed the purchase of UE Cornellà, a fifth-tier Spanish club.

Australia coach Tony Popovic has rejected the chance to extend his contract through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, opting instead for a shorter deal that will keep him in charge only until the end of next year’s Asian Cup. Popovic’s decision comes after a promising World Cup campaign in North America, where the Socceroos advanced to the knockout stages of the tournament before suffering a dramatic penalty-shootout defeat to Egypt in the Round of 32. The 51-year-old took charge of Australia in late 2024 after replacing Graham Arnold and quickly restored stability to the national team, guiding the Socceroos through a remarkably smooth qualification campaign for the first expanded 48-team World Cup. Despite being offered the opportunity to remain at the helm until 2030, Popovic has chosen to keep his future open beyond next year’s Asian Cup, leaving the door open to a major decision once the continental tournament concludes.

By Maxwell Kumoye and Trust Ittai     The postponement of the inaugural National Intermediate Games from October 1–15, 2026 to the first quarter of 2027 has raised fresh questions about Lagos State’s preparedness to host major sporting events and, more fundamentally, its commitment to sporting infrastructure. A state that prides itself as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and home to the country’s largest economy, Lagos’ sports infrastructure story is increasingly difficult to reconcile with its public image. The state has the resources, visibility and commercial strength to build and maintain facilities capable of hosting major national and international competitions.  Yet, year after year, some of its most important sporting venues continue to deteriorate, remain unfinished or increasingly serve purposes far removed from elite sports. The postponement of the National Intermediate Games has now brought that contradiction into sharp focus. According to the Nationa...

...Dolphins Coach Ottah draws positives from fourth defeat, promises revamped side next season By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Port Harcourt       Dolphins Basketball Club head coach, Okechukwu Ottah, has described the defending champions’ latest defeat as a source of encouragement despite suffering their fourth loss of the second phase of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League. Dolphins went down 50–60 to Bayelsa Blue Whales, but Ottah believes the 10-point margin represents significant progress compared with the heavier defeat the champions suffered against the same opponents in the first phase. The coach pointed to improved team chemistry and growing understanding among his players as major positives from the game, insisting that the rebuilding Dolphins side is gradually taking shape. “We might be losing, but the whole team chemistry is coming well. The team are coming together. With time, we will surely be a force to reckon with,” Ottah said. Th...

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has revealed his disappointment at not being offered a new contract, while admitting he has considered his options amid uncertainty over his future at Anfield. The 27-year-old Argentina international, who has two years remaining on his current deal, said Liverpool had told him they were not prepared to offer fresh terms at this stage. Mac Allister contrasted his situation with that of fellow midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, who both agreed contract extensions earlier this year. The midfielder made the comments on Tuesday as Liverpool prepared to host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield on Wednesday. Mac Allister acknowledged that he had thought about his future and potential transfer options, but stopped short of suggesting he was actively seeking a move away from the Premier League champions. Liverpool's decision not to open talks over a new contract has nevertheless left the midfielder disappo...

Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has made himself unavailable for the national team ahead of the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, while insisting he has not retired from international football. The experienced midfielder said he will not represent Morocco under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, although he declined to disclose the reasons behind his decision. Amrabat’s announcement comes after a difficult World Cup campaign in which his involvement was limited. The midfielder started just one of Morocco’s six matches at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals before suffering a defeat by France. His position in the team has also come under increasing pressure following the emergence of Manchester City midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, whose rise has further reduced Amrabat’s opportunities for regular playing time. Despite his decision to step away from the squad for now, Amrabat has made clear that...

By Maxwell Kumoye and Raymond Nwaduba   A promising Nigerian-born attacker making waves in the United States, Timoni Gbalajobi, is positioning himself for a possible return to his roots with the Golden Eaglets. The 16-year-old striker has emerged as one of the prolific young forwards in the Philadelphia Union youth setup, where his goal scoring exploits have continued to attract attention. Gbalajobi already has international experience with the United States, having featured for the country’s U-15 boys’ team. However, the teenager is now contemplating a switch to Nigeria at U-17 level, with the prospect of wearing the famous green-and-white colours firmly on his radar. For the youngster, the attraction is more than just football. “Playing for Nigeria would be special. It has been a long-standing ambition and would be a great source of pride,” Gbalajobi said. He added, “Every young player dreams of representing their country when the opportunity comes.” His credentials p...

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed that he had already sensed Kimi Antonelli could produce something special at the Italian Grand Prix, even before the young driver completed his remarkable charge to victory on Sunday. Antonelli started the race from 19th on the grid at Monza but defied the odds to claim a sensational win, further strengthening his grip on the Formula One championship. Wolff said he had expected Mercedes to have a driver on the top step of the podium, particularly after George Russell inherited pole position following the race restart after a red flag. However, he also believed Antonelli possessed the ability to deliver an extraordinary performance despite his difficult starting position. “I thought one of the two (Mercedes drivers) was going to win,” Wolff said when asked what result he had anticipated before the race. “George, because he was on pole (at the restart after the race was red-flagged), or Kimi because he’s going to walk over water.” A...

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has dismissed suggestions that he is under increased pressure to win the Champions League during his second spell in charge of the Spanish giants. Mourinho returns to European competition with Real Madrid on Tuesday when they host Serie A champions Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu in their opening Champions League fixture. The Portuguese coach was unable to secure the Champions League during his first tenure at Madrid, with the prestigious trophy remaining the only major title he failed to win during his time at the club. However, Mourinho insisted his current challenge should not be judged against his previous spell and rejected the notion that he owes the club success in Europe. “No, it is two different spells,” Mourinho said when asked whether he felt indebted to Real Madrid. “When I left in 2013, we won what we won and lost what we lost, and we gave it our all. And that was that. “What I need to do now has nothing to do with the pas...

George Russell has admitted that Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli is firmly in control of the Formula One championship after the Italian produced a remarkable victory at his home Grand Prix on Sunday. Antonelli started the race 19th on the grid but delivered a stunning recovery drive to claim his seventh victory in 13 rounds, strengthening his position at the top of the drivers' standings. The result extended Antonelli's championship advantage over Russell to 66 points, leaving the British driver with a significant deficit to overcome as the season progresses. Russell acknowledged that Antonelli deserves his commanding position but insisted he is not dwelling on the championship gap or contemplating a late-season comeback. “Definitely, Kimi is in control of it, and he deserves to be in control of it,” Russell said. “For me personally, I’m not even thinking about a fight or a comeback or anything. I’m just focused on taking it race by race and trying to maximise ever...

…We struggled to find our rhythm – Okonkwo   By Maxwell Kumoye and Trust Ittai  France crushed African champions Nigeria 111-56 to finish top of Group B at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany, leaving the D’Tigresses winless. African champions Nigeria suffered their third consecutive defeat at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany after France produced a devastating shooting display. Nigeria struggled from the opening tip as the French side imposed its quality and tempo on the contest, leaving the D’Tigresses unable to establish any rhythm in what turned into a one-sided encounter at the Berlin Arena. France raced to 31 points in the opening quarter before adding another 34 in the second to take a commanding 65-26 lead into halftime. The French continued their dominance after the interval, scoring 30 points in the third quarter before easing off in the final period after the damage had already been done. The defeat capped a difficu...

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal have the potential to surpass the level that delivered their Premier League title last season after the champions produced an impressive comeback to defeat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The Gunners were forced to recover from a nightmare start when Morgan Rogers struck inside two minutes to give Chelsea an early advantage. Arsenal responded with character and attacking intent, however, with Kai Havertz restoring parity in the 25th minute before captain Martin Ødegaard completed the turnaround five minutes into the second half.  The victory maintained Arsenal's perfect start to the campaign, with three wins from three matches, and marked their most convincing performance yet after earlier victories over Coventry City and Aston Villa. Arteta was particularly impressed by the way his players responded to conceding so early, praising their determination, composure and quality against a Chelsea side under new manager Xabi Alonso...

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president, demanding greater transparency over the handling of Folarin Balogun’s controversial red-card suspension at the 2026 World Cup. The Belgian federation said on Monday that it could not back Infantino’s re-election unless FIFA provides satisfactory answers to its concerns over the disciplinary decision involving the United States forward, as well as broader questions about governance and transparency within the world governing body.  Balogun was initially handed an automatic one-match suspension after being sent off during the United States’ last-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ban was subsequently suspended by FIFA, clearing him to feature against Belgium in the next round. The decision became particularly contentious after U.S. President Donald Trump personally contacted Infantino and urged him to review the case. Belgium went...

Lewis Hamilton has called for clearer written rules of engagement at Ferrari after an opening-lap battle with teammate Charles Leclerc cost both drivers valuable ground at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday. The Ferrari pair started alongside each other on the second row, but their aggressive fight through the opening lap ended with Hamilton being forced onto the gravel and tumbling from fourth to 10th. Leclerc’s race was even more costly. The Monegasque driver suffered a heavy crash at the end of the second lap, bringing his afternoon at Ferrari’s home race to an early conclusion. Speaking after the race, Leclerc acknowledged that he and Hamilton had pushed their battle too far on the opening lap. Hamilton, meanwhile, said the incident highlighted the need for Ferrari to establish explicit guidelines governing how its drivers are allowed to race one another. The Briton recovered to finish sixth, but the result left him 76 points adrift of Mercedes’ championship leader Kimi A...

Fiorentina have parted company with Fabio Grosso after just three Serie A matches, with the club’s decision coming after a miserable start that has left them rooted to the bottom of the table. The Italian side confirmed Grosso’s dismissal on Sunday following a 2-1 home defeat to Torino, their third consecutive loss of the campaign. The Viola opened the season with a heavy 4-0 defeat away to AS Roma before suffering another setback at home, going down 3-0 to newly promoted Frosinone. Saturday’s narrow loss to Torino completed a disastrous opening run in which Fiorentina scored just once and conceded nine goals. The poor results prompted the club to act swiftly, despite Grosso having only taken charge less than three months earlier. The 48-year-old former Italy international was appointed on June 8, replacing Paolo Vanoli, and had signed a two-year contract. Grosso arrived in Florence after an impressive spell at Sassuolo, whom he guided to promotion to Serie A before oversee...

By Mishael Emmanuel    The race for the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) presidency has taken a contentious turn, with concerns mounting over alleged attempts to reshape the federation’s voting structure before the 2026 elections. The latest controversy centres on the leadership of State Basketball Associations, with some stakeholders claiming that changes in the leadership of associations could ultimately influence who represents various states at the NBBF Elective Congress. The development has triggered questions within basketball circles about whether the forthcoming election will be determined strictly by the existing basketball stakeholders or influenced by political and administrative interests. The NBBF is yet to announce the date of its Extra-Ordinary General Assembly or publish the official electoral guidelines and timetable for the 2026–2030 board elections. However, stakeholders allege that lobbying has already begun, with claims that a Director-Gene...

By Trust Ittai     Nigeria is set to witness a major milestone in the development of inclusive sports as the American Football Elite Development (AFEDEV) prepares to stage the maiden Wheelchair American Football Exhibition Game at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) basketball court, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on September 10. The one-day event is designed not only to introduce wheelchair American football to a wider Nigerian audience but also to lay the foundation for a structured adaptive league that will provide athletes with disabilities an opportunity to compete, develop their talents and pursue sporting careers. Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, AFEDEV founder, Lawrence Ojaideh, described the initiative as a historic step for American football in Nigeria, stressing that the organisation's vision goes beyond staging a single exhibition. “As we gather for this press conference, we are not just announcing an upcoming Exhibition Game; we are unv...