National Sports Festival: Wike urges FCT athletes to go for victory
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has urged FCT athletes and coaches preparing for the 2025 National Sports Festival to strive for victory.
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Dalung: Inept football managers stifling Nigeria’s football development
Former Minister of Youths and Sports Development Solomon Dalung stirred controversy yesterday when he claimed that football died in Nigeria when he left office. He also lamented the poor state of Nigerian football, which has seen the Super Eagles almost out of contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Super Eagles not solely dependent on Osimhen, says Troost-Ekong
Nigerians express disappointment over result against Zimbabwe Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has dismissed the claim by some followers of the team that the national side depends on one player for results. Ekong spoke, even as millions of Nigerian fans are yet to come to grips with the setback caused by the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe, on Tuesday, which has almost ruined the country’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Emenike: I won’t encourage my daughter to go into football
Super Eagles star, Emmanuel Emenike, made so more money and fame from football, but the 2014 World Cup star has said that he would not allow his daughter to take to the beautiful game. Emenike, whose daughter participated in the just-concluded The Athletics School Games (TASG) held in Lagos, said he is training the girl to be confident in whatever she does. He said: “I came here to encourage her to do her best at this event. She does sprinting and relay races for her school. But that is where it will end, I will not encourage her to take to take to football.” The Athletics School Games ended at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) over the weekend with St Saviour’s School, Ikoyi, and Grange School, Lagos, winning the primary and secondary schools’ categories respectively. The event watched by dignitaries from all walks of life, including officials of the Lagos State government, parents, and ex-athletes, featured 16 schools and over 916 athletes.
Rivers Hoopers sign DR Congo’s captain to boost BAL chances
Determined to mount the podium at this year’s Basketball Africa League (BAL), Nigeria’s representatives, Rivers Hoopers, have continued assembling a tough squad capable of battling for honours when the BAL tips off on April 5 in Rabat, Morocco. The latest of the players to join Rivers Hoopers’ squad is Congo DR’s national team captain, Maxi Munanga Shamba. Since the 2017 Afrobasket tournament in Rwanda, Shamba has been a crucial member of the Congolese national team. The 31-year-old point guard also featured in the former club competition for men (FIBA Africa Champions Cup) before it transitioned to the BAL, for Lupopo (DR Congo), Zamalek (Egypt), and Association Sportive de Sale (Morocco) in 2009, 2013 and 2017 respectively. Shamba, who currently plays in France, averaged 12.7 points per game, three rebounds per game, and 6.7 assists per game at the 2021 Afrobasket. He guided DR Congo to a remarkable 65-55 victory over Morocco during the 2025 Afrobasket qualifiers in February. In 20 minutes, he managed to score 15 points and hit 4-of-6 shots from beyond the arc. Already in Rivers Hoopers’ team are Kelvin Amayo, a combo guard (Nigeria/Canada),Madut Akec, a small forward from South Sudan,Raphael Putney, a power forward (USA), and Peter Olisemeka of Nigeria, a centre.
Rising track star Myers hoping for another statement run in Melbourne
MELBOURNE : Standing on the edges of a gathering of elite athletes at Melbourne's Lakeside Stadium, rising Australian runner Cameron Myers cuts a low profile on the track where he turned heads in 2023 with the fastest ever time over the mile by a 16-year-old.
Rivers State banks on weightlifting, swimming, boxing, para-powerlifting to win NDSF
Rivers State officials believe that their weightlifters, swimmers, boxers, and para-powerlifters are good enough to lead them to success at the forthcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) scheduled to hold from April 1 to 8 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Nigeria U19 Cricket team optimistic of World Cup ticket —Coach Gim
Nigeria’s U19 Male Cricket team says it is hopeful of picking Africa’s sole ticket to the 2026 U19 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s World Cup.