Sports Groove

Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez wants more intensity from his team and for them to take the initiative ‌in their Nations League matches this month, he said on Monday. The former World Cup winner with Spain, who is also a former Barcelona coach, takes charge of his first match with the Dutch when they host Germany in Amsterdam on Thursday, followed by two games against Serbia and a trip to Greece in the expanded international window. Xavi said he would be insisting on hard work and application ⁠from the 26-man squad, whom he was meeting for the first time on Monday. “Everything is new for me and for the staff so it will first be to get to know each other, know all the players, insist or convince them about our way to play,” he told a press conference. “We don't have too much time. But no excuses, every coach is in the same situation. “I want to explain the values that we want from the squad. I want to show them that I'm open for them, I want to help them. I want to ...

  By Maxwell Kumoye   Cameroon has secured their place in the semifinals of the 2026 CAVB Men’s African Nations Volleyball Championship in Tunis, Tunisia, after edging Ghana 3-2 in a dramatic quarterfinal clash. The Indomitable Lions prevailed in a thrilling five-set encounter, winning 25-21, 19-25, 23-25, 25-23, 16-14 to book their spot in the last four. Cameroon made a strong start by taking the opening set 25-21, but Ghana responded impressively, winning the next two sets 25-19 and 25-23 to move within one set of victory. Refusing to surrender, Cameroon fought back in the fourth set, edging Ghana 25-23 to force a decisive fifth set. The final set produced another tense battle, with Cameroon holding their nerve to win 16-14 and complete a remarkable comeback. The victory sends Cameroon into the semifinals, while Ghana's impressive campaign comes to an end at the quarterfinal stage. The result was the 24th match of Day 8 of the championship, with both teams produc...

By Maxwell Kumoye    Team Nigeria’s men and women both moved to six match points after contrasting results in Round Five of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The men bounced back emphatically from their previous-round defeat to Cuba, dismantling Malawi 3½-½, while the women battled to a 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic on Sunday. In the Open section, Bomo Lovet Kigigha shared the points with Joseph Mwale on the top board, but Nigeria dominated the remaining boards. Abdulrahman Akintoye Abdulraheem defeated Chiletso Chipanga, Odion Aikhoje overcame George Mwale and 15-year-old Odey Goodness Ekunke completed the victory with a win over Joseph Xavier Nyambalo. Aikhoje and Ekunke have now collected 3½ points each after five games, while Abdulraheem has 2½ and Kigigha has two points. The result takes Nigeria to six match points from five rounds, having recorded three match victories and suffered two defeats. The women, meanwhile, had to settle fo...

...Beyond athletics, cites India's medal growth and global exposure ...Three terms on World Athletics Council another for me By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye       World Athletics Vice President and presidential aspirant Adille Sumariwalla has placed his extensive experience in athletics administration, corporate management and international sport at the centre of his campaign to become president of the global governing body. With the World Athletics presidential election gathering momentum, Sumariwalla said his candidacy is built on decades of experience spanning grassroots, provincial, national and international athletics administration. He made this known in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG’s Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, stressing that his academic and professional background had also prepared him for the complexities of leading a global sporting organisation. “I have the experience. “I have worked in sports, from the lowest l...

Mikel Arteta was left with no excuses after Arsenal’s impressive start to their Premier League title defence was emphatically dismantled by Brighton & Hove Albion in a miserable 3-0 defeat on Saturday. Arsenal arrived at the Amex Stadium with four consecutive league victories and just one goal conceded, but produced a performance that fell dramatically below the standards expected of a side chasing the Premier League title. Arteta’s team struggled to impose themselves, were second best in the physical battle and failed to respond as Brighton repeatedly exposed their weaknesses. The Gunners looked short of their usual intensity and attacking sharpness throughout the contest, while Brighton played with greater aggression, energy and purpose. Arsenal were unable to find a way back into the game once their hosts gained control, leaving Arteta to watch his side suffer a damaging and thoroughly deserved defeat. The loss brings Arsenal’s perfect league record to an abrupt end ...

  By Maxwell Kumoye    Senior Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Chief Tonobok Okowa, has congratulated Athletics Kenya on the award of the hosting rights for the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi, describing the decision as a landmark moment for Kenya and a major victory for African athletics. AFN President and Senior Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Chief Tonobok Okowa, expressed delight over Nairobi’s successful bid, saying the hosting rights represent a “win-win” outcome for the continent. “Congratulations, Athletics Kenya. This is a great moment for Kenya and, indeed, for the whole of Africa,” Okowa said. “Bringing the World Athletics Championships to Nairobi in 2029 is not just about Kenya hosting a global competition. It is a victory for African athletics and an opportunity to showcase the enormous talent, passion and organisational capac...

By Maxwell Kumoye        Ghana continued its impressive campaign at the 2026 CAVB Men’s African Nations Volleyball Championship in Tunis, Tunisia, cruising past Chad 3-0 to book a place in the quarter-finals. The Ghanaian side produced a dominant performance in the Round of 16, winning 25-19, 25-13, 25-15 to complete a straight-sets victory in Match 18 on Day 6 of the championship. Ghana established control early in the opening set and never allowed Chad to settle, taking the first set 25-19 before stepping up its intensity in the second to race to a 25-13 victory. The West African heavyweight maintained their dominance in the third set, closing it out 25-15 to seal their place in the last eight. Ghana's Amanor Richard, who has been among the team's key players, said the celebrations following their victory provide an important source of motivation for the team. “It looks really good. It is the kind of celebration that motivates us whenever we achieve eve...

By FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG   D’Tigress star Victoria Macaulay, representing Nigeria was never just about basketball. It was also a journey her father, Lanre Macaulay, followed with pride and unwavering affection. That bond has come into focus following the death of Mr. Macaulay in the United States after an illness, with FIBA Africa Zone 3 President and Executive Committee Member, Colonel Sam Ahmedu (Rtd), joining the basketball family in mourning the loss. In a message to Victoria and the Macaulay family, Ahmedu described the late Lanre as a devoted father whose passion for Nigeria extended to following his daughter’s exploits whenever she wore the national colours. Ahmedu recalled how Mr. Macaulay would travel to watch Victoria represent Nigeria, turning her international career into a shared family experience. “He was very passionate about Nigeria and loved to travel and watch you represent this country across the globe,” Ahmedu said, while urging Victoria to hold ...

  By Maxwell Kumoye    Team Nigeria recorded mixed results on Day 3 of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with the men securing a narrow victory over Saudi Arabia while the women were held to a 2-2 draw by Mozambique. The Nigerian men bounced back from their second-round defeat to claim a 2½-1½ victory over Saudi Arabia, with Odey Goodness Ekunke providing the decisive result on Board 4. Ekunke, rated 2280, defeated Saudi Arabia’s Emad Khayat, rated 1939, to give Nigeria the overall victory after the first three boards ended in draws. Bomo Lovet Kigigha (2287) drew with Ahmed Abdullah Alrehaili (2106), while Abdulraheem Abdulrahman Akintoye (2316) also shared the point with Mohammed Dhaidan Alotaibi (1868). Odion Aikhoje (2246) completed Nigeria’s three draws on the top boards after holding Yazeed Alshnaiber (1866). The 2½-1½ victory gives the Nigerian men another important result after they opened their campaign with a win before suffering...

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...