Sports Groove

...GRASOF seeks stronger corporate backing for grassroots football initiative By Maxwell Kumoye      The push to attract major corporate investment into grassroots football has received a boost following the appointment of StallionPole Media Limited to lead sponsorship mobilisation for the 2026 Senate President U-18 National Unity Cup. The Grassroots Sports Federation (GRASOF), organisers of the competition in collaboration with the Office of the President of the Senate, engaged the media and sports marketing firm as Tournament Support and Sponsorship Mobilisation Consultant ahead of the tournament. The competition is scheduled to take place in Akwa Ibom State from October 25 to November 1, 2026, with teams of young footballers expected to compete for honours while scouts and stakeholders have an opportunity to identify emerging talents. Beyond the football action, GRASOF says it wants the tournament to become a credible platform for youth development, talent ...

...Former 800m runner backs men’s and women’s races at 10th anniversary meet By Maxwell Kumoye   Athletes competing in the 800m at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet will have more than medals and prize money to chase, with Nigerian international Edidiong Udo putting a ₦200,000 performance bonus on the line for those who hit the required standards. The special incentive will form part of the men’s and women’s 800m programme at the anniversary meet, billed for November 7 at the Yabatech Sports Complex, Lagos. Udo has pledged support for both races, with the events to be known as the Edidiong Udo Men’s 800m and Edidiong Udo Women’s 800m. The bonus will be available to any female athlete who runs faster than 2:07 and any male athlete who breaks 1:52, irrespective of the regular prize attached to their finishing position. The gesture has a strong personal connection for Udo, who started his own athletics journey as an 800m runner before eventually switching to the 400...

By Trust Ittai    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is facing a fresh test of its regulatory authority following the controversial decision to reopen the 2026 WAFU-B final between Nigeria’s Edo Queens and Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies. The final, played in Ouagadougou on September 5, ended 2-2 after 90 minutes.  However, instead of the prescribed 30 minutes of extra time, officials proceeded directly to a penalty shoot-out, which Edo Queens won 4-1 to claim the title and the qualification ticket for the CAF Women’s Champions League. Ampem Darkoa protested, arguing that CAF regulations required extra time before penalties. CAF’s Women’s Football Organising Committee upheld the protest and ordered the final to resume from the 2-2 scoreline and go through extra time, with penalties if required. The decision has since been challenged by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which argues that Edo Queens should not be punished for an error they neither caus...

…Organisers plan wider national participation from next edition   By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye      The countdown to the 3rd Senate President National Under-18 Unity Cup has entered its final stretch, with the organisers reporting a growing wave of interest from football academies and grassroots clubs across Nigeria. With 19 days remaining before the tournament begins, Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Dr. Mike Uyi, said the response from the football community has gone beyond expectations, with several academies already making enquiries about participation. The tournament will run from October 25 to November 1 at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, featuring 24 states in male and female competitions. Speaking in Uyo after a meeting of the organising committee, Uyi said the strong response had reinforced the need to expand the competition's reach. He disclosed that the organisers intend to move beyond the state-based format in future editio...

...To overhaul domestic league, give women's basketball gets priority By Maxwell Kumoye       Former D'Tigers captain and one of Nigeria Olympic Committee Vice Presidents Olumide Oyedeji has formally declared his intention to contest for the presidency of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), promising to end the divisions that have continued to undermine the development of the sport. Oyedeji, who is also the Secretary-General of the World Olympians Association, made his declaration on Monday, presenting himself as an experienced administrator and former elite athlete capable of uniting Nigeria's fractured basketball community and repositioning the sport for sustainable growth. The former Nigerian international said his decision was not driven by personal ambition but by what he described as a call to rebuild, reunite and reposition Nigerian basketball. With more than three decades of involvement in the game, Oyedeji believes his journey from grassroots ...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye Bayelsa State has continued to emerge as one of the strongest government supporters of scrabble development in Nigeria, with its sustained investment in competitions, grassroots development and elite players earning commendation from the Nigeria Scrabble Federation. For six consecutive years, the state has initiated and supported a national championship that has grown into one of the biggest scrabble competitions in Africa, attracting leading players from across Nigeria and participants from outside the country. The championship has also distinguished itself through its substantial prize purse, with the organisers taking the commitment a step further by doubling the prize money for the next edition. President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Engineer Bright Idahosa, praised Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, for his consistent support and passion for the development of the sport. Idahosa described Governor Dir...

...Idubamo Pius leads individual honours as MFM completes another dominant season By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye      MFM Women’s Basketball Club have strengthened their grip on Nigerian women’s basketball, combining another league triumph with a remarkable collection of individual honours that underlined the depth and quality of the Lagos-based side. The victory over First Bank in the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Final 8 gave MFM another national championship, but the club left the National Stadium with much more than the major trophy. They walked away with the Most Valuable Player award, the best three-point shooter prize and two places in the Team of the Tournament, among the major individual honours announced at the end of the competition. At the heart of the celebration was Idubamo Pius, whose influential campaign earned her the league’s MVP award. Idubamo capped her impressive tournament with a game-high 19 points in the championship deci...

...“Every bingo, every win Will forever bear your name” – Multiple National Sports Festival champion By FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG      The African Scrabble community mourns with the most decorated Nigerian and African Scrabble champion Tuoyo Mayuku following the passing of her beloved aunt, late Mrs. Sa’adatu Gloria Shittu, who died at the age of 69. In a deeply emotional tribute, Mayuku, the most successful African female Scrabble player of all time, described her late aunt as the woman who not only cared for her, but also played a defining role in shaping her journey as a Scrabble player and as a person. “My beloved Aunty, my Queen-Maker goes home!” Mayuku recalled how her aunt came into her life at a crucial moment, helping her pick up the pieces when her Scrabble journey appeared to be falling apart. “You found me when my Scrabble board was scattered, and picked up my rack when it was thrown away. You shaped me into the better person I am today.” She also ...

By Maxwell Kumoye    Abeokuta witnessed another thrilling display of road-running talent on Saturday as Musa Francis James and Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo captured the men’s and women’s titles at the 2026 Abeokuta 10KM Race. The fifth edition of the competition, organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, brought together competitive runners, fitness enthusiasts and residents in an event that combined elite racing with community participation. Francis James set the pace in the men’s event and held on to finish first in 30:25.33, securing the $1,000 top prize. Ilya Raymond was close behind, recording 30:38.06 to finish second and earn $750, while Gyang Sunday completed the top three in 30:47.00 and took home $500. Akanbi produced the winning performance in the women’s race, stopping the clock at 35:00.69 to secure the women’s title and the corresponding $1,000 prize. Bulus Mary Jah finished 38.02 seconds behind the winner in 35:58.71 to claim second ...

By Maxwell Kumoye      Musa Francis James produced a determined run to claim victory at the 2026 Abeokuta 10KM Road Race, crossing the finish line in 30:25.33 to take the men’s title and the top prize of $1,000. James established himself among the leading runners during the race and maintained his advantage through the closing stages, resisting the challenge from the chasing pack to secure the biggest prize on offer. Ilya Raymond pushed James closest but had to settle for second after recording 30:38.06. His performance earned him $750, while Davwi Gyang Sunday completed the top three in 30:47.00 and collected $500. The result produced a tightly packed finish among the leading athletes, with less than half a minute separating the first three runners. The Abeokuta triumph for James, represents a significant result on a course that tested the athletes’ speed, stamina and ability to maintain their pace over the 10-kilometre distance. The event also provided a com...

  …First Bank awaits them in Zenith Bank League final showdown By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           MFM Women's Basketball Club have secured their place in the Final of the Zenith Bank Women's Basketball League, at the National Stadium, Lagos, South West, Nigeria. The Yaba side maintained their unbeaten run in the League, defeating Nigeria Customs in a keenly contested match. The Captain of MFM, Okoh Ukamaka, was delighted by her side's outing today, emphasizing that the game was triple A standard. Ukamaka and Co. we're on a rampage from the very first quarter as Nigeria Customs struggled to get their acts together, bringing the scores to 22-11. The 2-time national champions, lost steam in the second quarter, as the Nigeria Customs mounted more pressure, reducing the gap to 35-34. MFM refused to back down turning on the heat in the third and fourth quarters to book their spot in the final, 64-61. Ukamaka and her squad will n...

By Maxwell Kumoye    The stage is set for the fifth edition of the Abeokuta 10km Race, with organisers Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) assuring athletes and spectators of a safe, seamless and memorable event. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and is expected to attract more than 3,000 runners, including professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts and members of the public. Speaking at the pre-race press conference at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Friday, NSML Managing Director, Yetunde Olopade, expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government, sponsors and partners for their continued support of the road race. Olopade specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Ogun State Government, Phlo, Bet9ja Foundation, Aquafina and 7UP, saying their support has been instrumental to the growth of the event. The race will feature an attractive dollar-denominated prize purse, with the overall winner taking home $1,000. T...

…Draws comparison with Morocco-Senegal AFCON controversy By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has challenged the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to annul Edo Queens’ victory over Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies in the WAFU-B final, questioning why the Nigerian champions should bear the consequences of an error they did not cause. The NFF filed its appeal on September 29 after CAF overturned Edo Queens’ 4-1 penalty-shootout victory and ordered the final to resume from extra time. The September 5 final in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, ended 2-2 after regulation time before the match officials directed both teams into a penalty shoot-out, which Edo Queens won 4-1. The Nigerian side was subsequently declared WAFU-B champion and awarded the zone’s qualification ticket for the CAF Women’s Champions League. However, following a protest from Ampem Darkoa, CAF ruled that the penalty shoot-out should not have taken place b...

...Teamwork is our biggest strength — Captain Okoh Ukamaka By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye , at the National Stadium, Surulere          MFM Basketball Club reaffirmed their status as one of the dominant forces in Nigerian women’s basketball after putting an end to Aso Sky Queens’ unbeaten run on Match Day 3 of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Final 8 Playoffs in Lagos. The result extended MFM’s remarkable unbeaten streak in the league to 17 games, while sending a clear warning ahead of the semifinals, where the two-time national champions will face Nigeria Customs. From the opening tip, MFM looked determined to impose their authority, edging the opening quarter 16-13 before stretching their advantage to 32-27 at the break. Aso Sky Queens refused to back down, staging a spirited fight in the third quarter and reducing the deficit to just three points as the Abuja side threatened to turn the game on its head. But MFM had the stronge...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye There is no shortcut behind MFM Basketball Club’s sustained success in Nigerian women’s basketball, according to head coach Ochuko Owolabi, who says relentless preparation and a deep understanding among the players have become the foundation of the team’s winning culture. That philosophy was evident on Day 2 of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Final 8 Playoffs in Lagos, where MFM dismantled Titans Basketball Club 79-50 to register one of the most emphatic victories of the day. The 29-point triumph for coach Owolabi, it is merely a reflection of the work that takes place long before the players step onto the court. Speaking exclusively to FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG’s Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye at the National Stadium, Surulere, the coach stressed that MFM does not wait for competitions before preparing. “Training, training, training. We train practically every day. We don’t wait for a tournament before we train,” Owolabi sai...

...Oborevwori, Okpebholo are special guests By Trust Ittai The 8th edition of the Government College Ughelli (GCU) Relays will take centre stage at the 12th National Annual Dinner and Fund-Raising Event of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association (GCUOBA) in Benin City. The annual dinner, scheduled to hold at the Cathelea Convention Centre, will use the GCU Relays as a major highlight of the evening as the association intensifies efforts to raise funds for its programmes and projects. The GCU Relays is scheduled to hold on the 14th of November 2026, and will also feature prominently in the fundraising drive, with support already receiving a boost from traditional partner Gamaliel and Susan Onosode Foundation (GAMSU), alongside contributions from notable young and old GCU alumni. Beyond athletics, the relay event is built around a broader objective of promoting interaction among secondary schools and students from different parts of Nigeria, using sport as a plat...

...Manhandle Bayelsa Blue Whales as First Bank return to winning ways By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye and Trust Ittai at National Sports Stadium Former champions MFM Basketball Club made a commanding start to their Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball Premier League Final 8 Playoffs campaign, brushing aside Bayelsa Blue Whales 69-35 at the National Sports Stadium in Lagos. The Yaba-based side wasted little time asserting their authority, taking control from the opening quarter and maintaining their grip on the contest throughout. MFM, who are yet to taste defeat this season, produced another dominant display as they overwhelmed the Bayelsa side by 34 points, underlining their status as one of the teams to beat in the championship decider. First Bank Basketball Club also returned to winning ways, defeating Victoria Queens 68-57 in a game repeatedly disrupted by power outages. The Queens struggled to establish any early rhythm, allowing the Elephant Girls to build the advantag...

By Maxwell Kumoye   Athletic Heat has unveiled a major highlight of its 10th Anniversary Meet, with Nigeria’s national 100m record holder Ajayi Kayinsola set to have the blue-riband sprint event named in his honour. The men’s 100m will be contested as the Ajayi Kanyinsola 100m Showdown when athletes gather at the Yabatech Sports Complex in Lagos on November 7, 2026. For Ajayi, the recognition goes beyond his achievements on the international stage. Yabatech holds an important place in his development as a sprinter, having served as one of the venues where he took his early steps in athletics and produced some of his fastest performances as a young athlete. The Nigerian sprint star returned to the venue for a special unveiling ahead of the anniversary meet and used the occasion to announce a personal contribution towards the growth of athletics. Ajayi will provide cash prizes for the top eight finishers in the men’s 100m, adding an extra incentive for athletes competing ...

By Maxwell Kumoye    Abeokuta is set for another major athletics gathering as more than 3,000 runners have already signed up for the fifth edition of the Abeokuta 10KM Race, scheduled to hold on Saturday, October 3. With some days remaining before the event, the sizeable registration has added to the excitement surrounding the race, which is being organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited. Participants will assemble at Macjob Grammar School, Onikolobo, where the race is scheduled to start at 7am before heading through several parts of the Ogun State capital and finishing at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Kuto. This year's edition will have a distinctly Nigerian character, with organisers opting for an all-domestic field. Only Nigerian athletes will be allowed to compete, placing the spotlight on the country's distance-running talent. While the battle for honours and prize money will remain the central attraction, the event is also expected to generate significa...

By Maxwell Kumoye    Nigeria’s participation at the just-concluded 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, has produced another notable chapter with two members of the national team, Sandra Osarugue Omoruyi and Odey Goodness Ekunke, recognised with major FIDE titles. Omoruyi is now a Woman Candidate Master (WCM), while teenage sensation Ekunke has attained the Candidate Master (CM) title, adding further recognition to two young Nigerian players making their mark on the international chess scene. Their achievements were highlighted as Nigeria concluded its campaign at the 11-round Olympiad, which featured 208 teams in the Open section and 192 teams in the Women’s event.  The titles are particularly significant in the context of the progress both players have made. Ekunke, born in 2011, had already established himself as one of Nigeria’s brightest young players before arriving in Samarkand.  In August, he became the inaugural FIDE World Amateur R...

...Warns against rushing into an election that could be a subject of litigations   By Maxwell Kumoye        Former D’Tigers coach and President of Comets Basketball Club of Lagos, Ayodele Bakare, has raised fresh questions over the legality and constitutional basis of the Nigeria Basketball Federation’s (NBBF) Extraordinary Congress held in Yola, Adamawa State, on September 25. Bakare, who attended the congress as a delegate, made the observations in the second extract of his personal account titled “The Memoirs of a Delegate to the 2026 NBBF Extraordinary Congress.” His comments come after the NBBF Congress approved October 15, 2026 as the date for the elective congress in Abuja, while also constituting seven-member Electoral Committee and three-member Elections Appeals Committees. The federation said 39 of its 44 delegates attended the Yola meeting.  It's noteworthy to mention that 50 is the number of Congress delegates based on the NBBF const...