Sports Groove

France head coach Zinedine Zidane has unveiled his first squad since taking charge of Les Bleus, making five changes to the group ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures. Liverpool centre-back Jérémy Jacquet is among the most notable new faces after impressing during his debut season at Anfield. Goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, Inter Milan defender Andy Diouf, Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha and Rennes forward Estéban Lepaul have also received their first senior call-ups. Zidane has retained several of France's established stars, with captain Kylian Mbappé leading an attack that also includes Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise. AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, along with defenders Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé and Dayot Upamecano, are also part of the 23-man squad. In midfield, Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga returns alongside Manchester City's Rayan Cherki, Roma's Manu Koné, AC Milan's Adrien Rabiot and Paris Saint-Germain...

Roberto Mancini has begun his second spell as Italy head coach with a major overhaul of the national team, naming an expanded 34-man squad ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures. Mancini has returned to the Italy bench following a turbulent period for the Italian Football Federation, succeeding Gennaro Gattuso after the former midfielder's departure. The federation's subsequent attempt to appoint Andrea Pirlo also collapsed after facing significant backlash over Pirlo's commercial links to a Russian betting company. The new-look squad features nine players receiving their first senior call-ups, highlighting Mancini's determination to inject fresh talent into the Azzurri following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Among the newcomers are Brentford full-back Michael Kayode, Monza defender Eddie Kwaidoo, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Samuele Inacio and winger Mohamed Ali Zoma, who currently plays for second-tier Bundesliga club 1. FC N...

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has unveiled his first squad since guiding La Roja to World Cup glory in July, retaining the core of his championship-winning team while making four changes for the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign. Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martínez and Espanyol forward Roberto Fernández have received their first senior call-ups, while Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen and Barcelona midfielder Fermín López return to the squad after missing the World Cup. Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García is absent through injury, while Gavi has also been left out. Marcos Llorente is unavailable after announcing his retirement from international football, while Borja Iglesias is another omission from the World Cup-winning group. De la Fuente has otherwise kept faith with the players who delivered Spain's second World Cup title. Goalkeepers Unai Simón and David Raya are joined by Martínez, while the defence includes Pedro Porro, Marc Pubill, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí...

French football superstar Kylian Mbappé has ended his two-decade partnership with Nike after agreeing to join fast-rising Swiss sportswear brand On. The blockbuster move gives On a major global ambassador as the company steps up its efforts to establish itself in football, while marking another high-profile departure from Nike to a growing competitor. Financial details of Mbappé’s deal have not been revealed, although On confirmed that the agreement includes a combination of cash and equity. Mbappé’s arrival forms part of On’s wider expansion beyond its traditional strength in running and its growing presence in tennis. Backed by tennis great Roger Federer, the Swiss brand plans to launch its first football boots in 2027 and has already appointed former France international Thierry Henry as its director of football.

...Wins for Ghana, DR Congo and Egypt  By Maxwell Kumoye    Nigeria produced a battling performance on Day Three of the 2026 CAVB Men’s African Nations Volleyball Championship in Tunis, Tunisia, edging Algeria 3-2 in the first five-set match of the tournament. The Nigerian side recovered from losing the opening set 23-25 to level the contest with a 25-19 victory in the second set. Algeria responded strongly in the third set, winning 25-21 to move within one set of victory, but Nigeria refused to surrender, taking the fourth set 25-20 to force a decisive fifth set. With the match hanging in the balance, Nigeria held its nerve to claim the final set 15-12 and secure a thrilling 3-2 victory. The result follows Nigeria’s impressive 3-0 victory over Chad on MatchDay Two and further strengthens the team’s campaign in Group C. The five-set thriller was the first match at the championship to go the distance, underlining the intensity of the contest between the two sid...

...Ndidi, Simon, Nwabali Lead Russia-friendly roster By Maxwell Kumoye        Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has unveiled his squads for Nigeria’s opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, as well as an international friendly against Russia in October. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, midfielder Alex Iwobi and forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon headline the 24-man squad selected for the AFCON qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles will begin their campaign at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, where they host Madagascar’s Barea on Friday, September 25.  Four days later, Nigeria will travel to Bissau for a Day 2 clash with Guinea-Bissau’s Wild Dogs on Tuesday, September 29. Chelle has also recalled several established internationals, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Frank Onyek...

Nigeria’s Falconets produced a commanding statement at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, sweeping aside England 3-0 in a dominant Round of 16 clash at the Bielsko-Biala Stadium. Tosin Rafiu set the tone for Nigeria after just eight minutes, giving the Falconets an early advantage and putting England under immediate pressure. Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei doubled Nigeria’s lead shortly after the restart, before Mary Mamudu delivered the decisive blow in the 73rd minute to complete a comprehensive victory. The emphatic triumph sends Nigeria into the quarter-finals, where they will face either Poland or Colombia on Sunday, September 20. The last-eight encounter is scheduled for 2pm WAT at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź, with the Falconets now just two wins away from a place in the World Cup final.

Trabzonspor have appointed German coach Thomas Reis as their new manager, taking charge after the Turkish club parted ways with Fatih Tekke earlier this month. The 52-year-old has agreed to a two-season contract with the Black Sea club. Reis, who previously managed Turkish side Samsunspor, will reportedly earn €1 million ($1.15 million) during the 2026–27 season, rising to €1.2 million ($1.38 million) for the following campaign. Trabzonspor have also made headlines in the transfer market after bolstering their squad last month with the arrivals of former Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah and Fabinho.

The 2027 Spanish Super Cup will be staged in Istanbul, with Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzán insisting the decision was driven primarily by a scheduling conflict with the Asian Cup rather than security concerns surrounding the region. The Turkish Football Federation confirmed that the tournament will take place in Istanbul from February 2 to 7, 2027. The announcement was made at a launch event on Thursday attended by Louzán and Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, as preparations begin for the competition’s temporary move away from Saudi Arabia. Louzán revealed that discussions over relocating the Super Cup had started before the latest regional tensions emerged. According to the federation chief, organisers were already aware that the tournament dates would overlap with the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, prompting talks to find an alternative venue.

 By Maxwell Kumoye  President of Comets Basketball Club of Lagos and former D’Tigers coach, Ayodele Bakare, has cautioned stakeholders in Nigerian basketball against repeating what he described as mistakes made during the emergence of the outgoing Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) board leadership. Bakare, in a strongly worded statement on the ongoing debate over the next NBBF leadership, questioned the growing influence of individuals who, according to him, have only recently become prominent in Nigerian basketball. He alleged that a familiar pattern was emerging, where a wealthy individual with limited history in the sport suddenly becomes involved through basketball clinics, tournaments, prize money and other financial interventions before being presented as a potential solution to the game’s challenges. “Do you remember the things that swayed us to settle for our outgoing NBBF Board President?” Bakare asked. The former D’Tigers coach said he understood why s...

By Maxwell Kumoye    The Nigeria National League (NNL) has applauded Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, following El-Kanemi Warriors’ successful passage into the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup. The league body also praised the Maiduguri-based club’s players, coaches, management and supporters for their determined showing in the opening phase of the continental competition. In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the NNL management and its 34 member clubs, the league described El-Kanemi’s achievement as a source of pride for Borno State and Nigerian football. The NNL said the Warriors’ display in the preliminary round reflected “resilience, tactical discipline and fighting spirit”, qualities it noted were instrumental to their advancement. Beyond the result, the league said El-Kanemi’s campaign had provided another indication of the ability of Nigerian clubs to make an impact on the African stage when adequately supported. It further ackn...

The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) has announced that brand-new, globally compliant equipment will be deployed for the inaugural Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB) National Taekwondo Championship as preparations reach the final stage. NTF President Tayo Popoola disclosed this on Wednesday, assuring that the federation was fully prepared for the two-day championship scheduled to hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, on Friday and Saturday, September 18 and 19. Popoola said the introduction of new equipment would not only ensure that the championship meets international standards but also provide additional motivation for athletes competing in the maiden edition of the event. “We are not in any way taking chances with the MOB Championship because the sponsor is someone who wants perfection in all areas, and that is why we are trying to stage an event that is in conformity with global standards. “New equipment to be used are ready, and all the athletes...

The WTA Finals will move to Charlotte, North Carolina, from 2027, with the season-ending tournament scheduled to be held in the city for at least three years as the women's tennis tour reshapes the way its flagship event is operated. WTA Chair Valerie Camillo confirmed that Charlotte's Spectrum Center will host the tournament, which brings together the world's top eight singles players and eight leading doubles teams at the conclusion of the season. A fan festival is also planned at a nearby convention centre as organisers look to create a broader event around the prestigious tournament. The move represents a significant change in the WTA's approach to the Finals. Rather than handing responsibility to an external promoter, the tour plans to operate the event directly under a new public-private partnership. The partnership will involve the city and county of Charlotte, the state of North Carolina and members of the local corporate community. The decision come...

Formula One will introduce a sprint race in Monaco for the first time next season as the championship unveils a record 10 sprint weekends on an expanded 24-round calendar. The iconic Monte Carlo street circuit, renowned for its narrow and demanding layout, will join the sprint schedule as Formula One continues to increase the number of shortened race formats across the season. The 2027 championship is scheduled to begin at Bahrain’s Sakhir Circuit on March 14, following pre-season testing at the same venue from February 24 to 27. Saudi Arabia will host the second round one week later on March 21, according to Formula One and governing body FIA. Portugal and Turkey have also been added to the calendar, with races scheduled for June 20 and October 3 respectively. Their inclusion comes at the expense of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort and the Barcelona round, both of which have been removed from the schedule.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi remains confident that his side will soon find their attacking rhythm and begin turning performances into victories, despite suffering a 3–1 defeat to Liverpool in the League Cup third round on Tuesday. The result extended Tottenham’s winless run to four matches and added further pressure after a difficult start to the Premier League campaign. Spurs have collected only two points from their opening four league games and are yet to record a victory. De Zerbi believes the team’s struggles are temporary and that a breakthrough in their attacking play could lead to a significant improvement in results. The Italian acknowledged the frustration surrounding the club’s current situation, particularly after Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation last season by finishing just two points above the drop zone. “We are suffering because the results are our life. If we lose, we are sorry, we are sad, we are disappointed, we are frustrated,” De Zer...

...We will return stronger and better than this season – Team Manager, Yetunde Abdulkarim By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye        Dolphins Basketball Club of Lagos have already begun preparations for the 2027 Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League season, with the Lagos-based side determined to return stronger after a challenging 2026 campaign. Team Manager, Mrs. Yetunde Abdulkarim, described the just-concluded season as an important learning experience for the club, revealing that the management has identified areas that require improvement ahead of their next title challenge. Abdulkarim, who spoke in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, said the club intends to assemble its players much earlier next season to allow adequate time for training, team bonding and tactical development. According to her, Dolphins were disadvantaged by the limited time available to build chemistry among a largely new squa...

By Maxwell Kumoye  Olympic champion Enefiok Udo-Obong has honoured his promise to Nigeria’s emerging athletes by presenting 17-year-old Iyanuoluwa Aderemi with a ₦500,000 cash reward for her outstanding performance in the women’s 400m at the 2026 Dynamic Athletics Meet. Aderemi earned the prize after tearing up the track at the Yabatech Sports Complex, Lagos, to clock a remarkable 50.95 seconds, a new personal best that comfortably surpassed the 51.80-second target set by Udo-Obong. The Akoko, Ondo State-born athlete’s performance was one of the standout moments of the third edition of the Dynamic Athletics Meet and has brought renewed attention to her potential in the women’s 400m. Udo-Obong had promised ₦500,000 each to the male and female 400m winners who achieved the stipulated winning standards of 45.50 seconds and 51.80 seconds respectively. Having met the condition in emphatic fashion, Aderemi received her reward on Wednesday at the National Stadium, Surulere, La...

  By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria made a winning start to their campaign at the 2026 CAVB Men’s African Nations Volleyball Championship in Tunis, Tunisia, defeating Chad 3–0 in their Group C encounter. The Nigerian side produced a controlled performance to secure the straight-set victory, winning 25–17, 25–17, 25–16. Nigeria maintained the initiative throughout the contest, taking the opening two sets by identical margins before closing out the match with a nine-point advantage in the third set. The victory gives Nigeria their first win of the championship, while Chad suffered their second consecutive defeat in the competition. Nigeria will, however, face a tougher test on Thursday when they take on Algeria in their second Group C match at the El Menzah Stadium in Tunis. The encounter will provide another opportunity for Nigeria to build momentum as the pool-stage battle intensifies.

By Betty Enoch        Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has predicted that President Bola Tinubu will secure more than 12 million votes in the 2027 presidential election. Fayose made the prediction on Tuesday while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he also argued that Tinubu would defeat former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, even if the two opposition figures formed an alliance. According to the former governor, a divided opposition would further strengthen Tinubu’s position, while a joint Atiku-Obi ticket would still not be enough to overcome the President. “It’s a three-way horse; maybe I am not putting it right. Atiku is there, and Obi is there. Even if they come together, this man (Tinubu) will still defeat them. But let us say they don’t come together; too bad for them because this election will be balkanised,” Fayose said. Fayose also projected a significant voting advantage for Tinubu in the South-West, c...

By FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG    Nigeria’s film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor Olu Jacobs at the age of 84. The actor, whose career stretched across British television, theatre and Nollywood, died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. His wife, celebrated actress Joke Silva, broke the news in an Instagram post, sharing a photograph of Jacobs and a message on behalf of the family. The family described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and expressed gratitude for his life and legacy. Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and went on to become one of the defining faces of Nigerian screen acting. His career included appearances in British television productions and international films before his emergence as a major force in Nollywood. With a commanding presence and unmistakable voice, Jacobs became a familiar figure to generations of Nigerian film audiences, featuring in a long list of productions that helped shape the country’s...

By Maxwell Kumoye      Team Nigeria begins its quest for honours at the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, today, with both the men’s and women’s teams facing their opening-round opponents. In the men’s competition, Nigeria will take on New Caledonia, with the country’s hopes resting on the experienced Bomo Kigigha, Bartholomew Okhipo, Abdulrahman Abdulraheem and Odion Aikhoje, alongside 15-year-old Ekunke Goodness. The women’s team, meanwhile, will open its campaign against Mali, with Deborah Quickpen, Michelle Nwankwo, Sandra Omoruyi, Bridget Michael and Joy Iyefu representing Nigeria. The prestigious biennial competition officially got underway with its opening ceremony on Tuesday, setting the stage for several days of intense competition involving some of the world’s leading chess nations. For Nigeria, attention will also be on the younger members of the delegation, with 15-year-old Ekunke Goodness featuring in the men’s squad and Mic...