Sports Groove

...As LOC promises bigger and better tournament By Trust Ittai     The fourth edition of the Abig Nwankwo Foundation Okija Annual Unity Football Tournament will kick off in December, bringing together the nine villages of Okija, Anambra State, for a festive celebration of grassroots football, community unity and youth development. Organised by the Abig Nwankwo Foundation, the competition will run throughout the Yuletide season, with the grand finale scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, 2027. The tournament is the initiative of Chief Chimezie Ken Nwankwo, popularly known as Owelle N’Okija and Ichie Ozoabatauno Adimma, Chairman of Bigly Group and founder of the Abig Nwankwo Foundation. It aims to strengthen communal bonds, promote peace and provide a platform for emerging football talents to showcase their abilities. All nine villages of Okija are expected to compete for the ultimate prize and the bragging rights that come with being crowned champions. Matches will be...

...To offer technical support for women’s hammer throwers   By Maxwell Kumoye           Nigerian international hammer thrower Kosi Umerah is taking her support for athletics beyond the competition arena, pledging ₦500,000 in prize money and offering technical guidance to female throwers ahead of the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet. The Texas State University master’s student-athlete is backing the women’s hammer throw competition at the November 7 meet, scheduled for the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos. The prize pool will be shared among the top four athletes, with the winner taking home ₦200,000. The runner-up will receive ₦150,000, while third and fourth place will earn ₦100,000 and ₦50,000, respectively. The financial reward is only part of Umerah’s plan. The Nigerian thrower, whose personal best of 65.71 metres places her fourth on the country’s all-time women’s hammer throw list, is also offering individual...

...As MFM, First Bank and four other clubs fight for two tickets By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye     The race for two places in the final rounds of the African Women’s Basketball League (AWBL) will take centre stage in Monrovia, Liberia as six clubs prepare to compete in the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers from November 2 to 9, 2026. With the competition set for the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Indoor Gymnasium in Paynesville, the participating teams face a demanding week in which every result could prove decisive in their quest to reach the continental finals in Cairo, Egypt, scheduled for December 11–19. Liberia will have two representatives in the contest, with Flames Basketball Club, the domestic league runners-up, joined by reigning national champions D’Rockers Basketball Club. Both sides will be eager to make home advantage count against a competitive field. Côte d’Ivoire’s Friends of Basketball Association (FBA), the defending FIBA Africa Zone 3 champions, wil...

  By Maxwell Kumoye           Retired Col. Sam Ahmedu’s decades of service in international basketball administration have received fresh recognition following confirmation by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) that there are no regulatory impediments to his serving on the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Board. In a letter dated October 19, 2026, addressed to NBBF President, Dr Abdullahi Mustapha, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis confirmed that Ahmedu has been a member of FIBA bodies since 1997, making him the most senior Nigerian in the international basketball governing structure, according to the letter. The letter provides a significant reference point in the ongoing conversation about Ahmedu’s place in the administration of Nigerian basketball, particularly as the newly elected NBBF Board begins its 2026–2030 tenure. FIBA also stated that there were no impediments under its regulatory framework to Ahmedu’s s...

By Maxwell Kumoye   Former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji has formally challenged the outcome of the 2026 Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) elections, asking the election Appeals Committee to nullify the entire process and order a fresh election. Oyedeji, one of the candidates who contested for the NBBF presidency, submitted his appeal in a letter dated October 16, 2026, addressed to the committee’s chairman, Emmanuel Okibe, Esq. The former national team captain raised several concerns over the conduct of the electoral process, alleging constitutional violations, bias and irregularities that he believes undermined the credibility of the elections. A major issue highlighted in his appeal was the initial exclusion of his name from the list of candidates for the position of South-West Representative on the NBBF Board, despite his submission of a duly completed nomination form to the Electoral Committee. According to Oyedeji, the belated inclusion of his name during t...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has congratulated Adebiyi Anthony Olusegun on earning his Level 2 refereeing certification from United World Wrestling (UWW). Adebiyi secured the international qualification after successfully completing the Level 2 Referees Course held during the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt. His latest achievement represents another step forward in his officiating career and underlines the NWF’s growing emphasis on developing technical officials alongside athletes. Adeniyi sponsored Adebiyi’s participation in the course as part of the federation’s commitment to exposing Nigerian officials to international training and creating a pathway for them to acquire globally recognised qualifications. The NWF President said the achievement was consistent with the board’s vision of building a stronger and more susta...

By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria’s leading discus thrower Ebubechukwu Vincent Ugwoke has taken a major step towards supporting grassroots athletics by sponsoring the men’s discus throw event at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet with a prize purse of ₦575,000. The meet will hold on November 7, 2026, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, with the sponsorship expected to provide additional motivation for athletes competing in the field event. Ugwoke, a two-time national champion, recently strengthened his international credentials by winning bronze in the men’s discus throw at the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Championships with a lifetime personal best of 63.89 metres. The performance also placed him as Africa’s second-best discus thrower in 2026. Beyond his achievements on the field, the University of Southern California (USC) athlete is now using his platform to encourage greater private-sector and individual involvement in the development of athl...

By Maxwell Kumoye     Former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji has vowed to seek justice over the outcome of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Elective Congress in Abuja, claiming irregularities in the process and describing it as a “selection” rather than a credible election. Oyedeji, who contested for a South-West representative position and the President at the congress held at the ICC Centre in Abuja on Thursday, said his name was initially omitted from the list of candidates and was only included on the ballot after he protested on the floor. Although he acknowledged his eventual defeat, the former Nigerian international questioned the fairness and transparency of the process, insisting that candidates should be given equal opportunities to contest. “I am not saying there was no election, but there was a selection,” Oyedeji said in an interview. “Everything I said before the election played out. You can go back and review my statements before the electio...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye          The Nigeria Deaf Football Association (NDFA) has announced plans for a peaceful protest in Abuja over what it describes as years of neglect, unpaid entitlements and the threat to Nigeria’s participation in major international Deaf football competitions. The association said the protest, scheduled for October 19 to 22, 2026, will be directed towards the Presidential Villa and the National Assembly Complex, with the group seeking urgent intervention from the Federal Government. According to the NDFA, members of the Nigeria Deaf Eagles are still owed allowances and bonuses from their participation at the 2023 World Deaf Football Championship in Malaysia, while debts relating to registration, accommodation and feeding allegedly remain outstanding to the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD). The association also highlighted the national team’s success at the 2025 West African Deaf Footbal...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye      Barrister Damola Awosika, Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Basketball Association, has tongue lashed the integrity of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) board elections. He described the outcome as another painful disappointment after eight years of hoping for a change. In his reaction to the just-concluded elections, Awosika argued that the credibility of the process should be judged not merely by the results announced but by the structures and procedures through which those results were obtained. “After 8 years of hoping for redemption, only to be punched in the gut all over again,” Awosika wrote, expressing his disappointment with the latest electoral exercise. He stressed that the controversy surrounding the election should not be reduced to a disagreement between individuals, insisting that the fundamental issue was the integrity of the process. “This is not about personalities, but about integrity. Integrity ...

By Maxwell Kumoye    Nigeria’s leading shot put star, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, is investing in the next generation of athletes, committing ₦950,000 in prize money to the men’s shot put competition at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet. The initiative will give the top four competitors a financial reward for their performances when the anniversary meet takes place on November 7 at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos. The sponsorship comes from Enekwechi, a two-time Olympian, African champion and African record holder, whose contribution is aimed at creating greater opportunities for athletes competing in the field events. Under the arrangement, the winner will pocket ₦400,000, while the second-place finisher will receive ₦300,000. Third place attracts ₦150,000, with the fourth-place athlete earning ₦100,000. The gesture for Enekwechi goes beyond putting money into a competition. The Nigerian international sees it as an opportunity to support a ...

By Maxwell Kumoye   Dr Mustapha Abdullahi has emerged as the new President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), securing a four-year mandate at Thursday’s elective congress in Abuja amid controversy over the conduct of the electoral process. Abdullahi polled 40 votes to emerge unopposed in a poorly conducted polls by Dr Lanre Glover led Electoral Committee. The outcome of the election has been overshadowed by allegations of constitutional violations, procedural irregularities and concerns over the credibility of the electoral process. In a major development, all the other presidential candidates reportedly withdrew from the process, citing what they described as an abnormal electoral procedure, multiple violations of the NBBF Constitution and other irregularities. The withdrawals have raised further questions about the legitimacy of the exercise, with the aggrieved stakeholders challenging the process and insisting that the federation’s electoral guidelines and ...

By Maxwell Kumoye    Three presidential candidates in the forthcoming Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) elections have petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over electoral manipulation, constitutional violations and irregularities in the process leading to the 2026–2030 board elections. In a petition dated October 12, 2026, the candidates called for urgent presidential intervention, accusing the outgoing NBBF President, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, who also chairs NNPC Ltd, of allegedly manipulating the electoral process in favour of his preferred candidate, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria. The petition was addressed to President Tinubu, with copies sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume. The petition was jointly signed by three presidential aspirants: Igoche Mark, who is also contest...

By Maxwell Kumoye     Popular Ghanaian traveller Efya Kimora has described her brief visit to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as a memorable experience, highlighting the city’s rich history, distinctive architecture, traditional cuisine and welcoming people. Kimora, who is currently touring major cities, towns and villages across Nigeria, spent a day exploring some of Ibadan’s most notable attractions, offering a glimpse into the cultural and historical treasures that make the South-Western Nigerian city unique. Her accommodation in Ibadan was made possible by Gbolahan Fatuga, Chief Executive Officer of Caligeo Suites, who provided lodging support for the Ghanaian visitor during her stay. Caligeo Suites has also demonstrated its commitment to supporting Nigerian sports by rewarding medallists from Team Nigeria’s outing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with free accommodation. Under the initiative, gold medallists were offered up to 30 days of accommod...

By Maxwell Kumoye and Raymond Nwaduba   Ten clubs from Nigeria's second- and third-tier football leagues will converge on Sagamu, Ogun State, from October 15 to 24 for the inaugural African Football Holding (AFH) Pre-Season Tournament, with ₦2 million awaiting the eventual champions. The competition, which will take place at FC Ebedei Stadium in Apele, is aimed at giving Nigeria National League (NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) sides the opportunity to test their squads in competitive matches before the start of their respective campaigns. Beyond the battle for silverware, the tournament is expected to provide a platform for clubs to assess new players, improve tactical cohesion and build match fitness ahead of the new season. It also offers participating footballers an opportunity to showcase their abilities, with organisers disclosing that top European scouts are expected to monitor the competition for players who could attract overseas opportunities. The maiden e...

...Oyedeji, Ugboaja, Ahmedu, others caught in screening controversy By Maxwell Kumoye     The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Electoral Committee, led by Dr Lanre Glover, has come under scrutiny over alleged inconsistencies in its screening decisions ahead of the October 15 elections, with questions mounting over the application of the federation’s constitution and the eligibility of several prominent basketball stakeholders. At the centre of the controversy is the committee’s decision to clear some aspirants to contest for the NBBF presidency while reportedly denying them clearance to run for other positions on the federation’s board. The decisions have raised concerns about whether the screening process is being conducted under a consistent set of rules, with critics alleging that the committee’s actions could prevent certain candidates from securing board positions. Former D’Tigers captain and Olympian Olumide Oyedeji is among those affected. Although clear...

By Maxwell Kumoye Nigeria’s high jump record holder, Temitope Adeshina, has thrown her weight behind the development of emerging athletes by sponsoring the women’s high jump event at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet. The competition, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the YabaTech Stadium in Lagos, will see the top four finishers in the women’s high jump share a total prize purse of ₦200,000. Under the prize-money arrangement, the winner will receive ₦100,000, while the second-place finisher will earn ₦50,000. The third and fourth-place athletes will take home ₦30,000 and ₦20,000, respectively. Adeshina’s gesture comes after an impressive 2026 season in which she won both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor High Jump titles for Texas Tech Track & Field, further cementing her status as one of Nigeria’s leading athletes on the international stage. A Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and two-time African Championships silver medallist, the Nigerian star has cont...

...NJF president describes international body’s position as a bad omen for sports administration worldwide   By Maxwell Kumoye    The President of the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF), Dr Musa Oshodi, has expressed displeasure over the position taken by the International Judo Federation (IJF) on the administrative crisis rocking the Nigerian federation. Oshodi’s reaction follows a letter dated October 9, 2026, in which the IJF acknowledged the dissolution of the NJF board and the establishment of a caretaker committee, while expressing support for efforts to ensure a transparent, fair and inclusive electoral process. In the letter addressed to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, the IJF acknowledged the caretaker committee’s mandate to amend the NJF Constitution and convene an elective General Assembly. The international body also noted that members of the caretaker committee had undertaken not to contest in the fort...

...Tips Uganda, Kenya to challenge as Liberia prepares to host the 16th ASC ...As PANASA opens an additional entry window for ahead of Liberia Championship By Maxwell Kumoye     President of the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA), Adekoyejo Adegbesan, is confident Nigeria has enough quality to defend its title at the 16th African Scrabble Championship scheduled to hold in Monrovia, Liberia. Adegbesan, fondly known as Sheikh, believes Nigeria's remarkable record in the continental competition puts the country in a strong position to retain its crown despite losing several players who have relocated abroad. Nigeria has won 14 of the last 15 editions of the African Scrabble Championship, establishing itself as the dominant force in the sport on the continent. Speaking ahead of the championship, Adegbesan acknowledged that the departure of some players could pose a challenge but insisted Nigeria still possesses the depth and quality required to remain African ch...

  By Maxwell Kumoye    Basketball administrator and sponsor Igoche Mark has accused unnamed interests of manipulating the build-up to the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) elections, alleging that legitimate stakeholders are being pushed out to pave the way for favourable voting outcomes. Mark, founder of the Mark D' Ball Basketball Championship, made the allegations in Abuja, warning that the credibility of the federation's electoral process could be undermined if stakeholders are denied the opportunity to participate freely. He argued that those seeking leadership positions should convince voters with their plans for Nigerian basketball rather than allegedly influencing the composition of the electorate. Mark claimed that stakeholders in several states had been removed from the process without proper justification, with individuals he described as lacking knowledge of or involvement in basketball allegedly taking their places. The development, he said, ha...

...Insist that neither the IJF nor the NSC has dissolved its board By Maxwell Kumoye   The leadership crisis rocking the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF) has taken another twist, with the board led by Dr. Musa Oshodi dismisses reports of its dissolution and insists it remains the legitimate governing body of the federation. In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, the NJF described reports that the National Sports Commission (NSC) had dissolved its board and approved a caretaker committee as fake news. The federation accused Mrs. Ngozi Amayo and her associates are spreading the information, alleging that they were attempting to take control of the federation. The NJF further claimed that Amayo had previously been dismissed by its board over alleged financial misappropriation and attempts to run the federation as her personal property.  Insisting that neither the International Judo Federation (IJF) nor the NSC had dissolved its board, the federation maintaine...