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Category: Sports

  • Nigeria@65 Tournament: Enthusiasts donate facilities to golf club 

    Nigeria@65 Tournament: Enthusiasts donate facilities to golf club 

    Two golf enthusiasts have donated major facilities to the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club (TYB-IGRCC), Abuja.

    It was reported that the gesture is part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary Golf Tournament.

    The facilities include a Back Nine Starter shed and a Halfway House.

    The club also unveiled a new golf bay and modern practice range.

    The infrastructure was commissioned on Friday by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya (rtd).

    Brig.-Gen. Mustapha Onoyiveta (rtd), former Aide de Camp to late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, donated the back-nine starter shed.

    He said the project was aimed at easing tournament operations and improving the player experience.

    “This initiative is about giving back to the game and the community,” Onoyiveta said.

    “The back-nine starter streamlines tee-off logistics, improves player flow and provides a rest point.”

    “Golf is still developing in Nigeria. This is one way to support its growth.”

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    Businessman Chief Samuel Ayanmele, also known as Onwa Ngwa, donated the halfway house.

    He said the structure would provide comfort to players during unfavourable weather.

    “The first time I played here, I noticed golfers had no shelter when it rained,” Ayanmele said.

    “That inspired me to build a halfway house for rest and refreshments.”

    “I’ve done similar projects at Karishi and Naval Golf Course. Golf builds character and teaches discipline.”

    Commissioning the facilities, Yahaya praised the donors for their contributions to golf development in Nigeria.

    “These donations are timely and commendable,” he said.

    “They reflect service to both the military and the game of golf, which promotes discipline and wellness.”

    “As we mark Nigeria at 65, this shows what public-private collaboration can achieve.”

    “Golf aligns with military values; strategy, patience and endurance. I encourage more participation from officers and civilians.”

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    Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr James Agbonhese, said over 400 golfers would take part in the week-long tournament.

    He said the event would also honour serving and retired Nigerian Army officers.

    “The tournament begins on Sept. 27 with Category 3 and 4 players.

    “The TYB Professionals and Invitational event will hold on Sept. 28.

    “The main event takes place on Oct. 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day, with Category 1 players competing.

    “It will be followed by a sponsors and guests’ round, then an award night and prize presentation,” he said.

    Agbonhese added that over 100 female golfers, including three professionals, are expected to participate.

  • D’Tigress edge Senegal 75-68 to reach final

    Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on Saturday advanced to the final after defeating Senegal 75–68 in a heated Afrobasket 2025 semi-final in Côte d’Ivoire.

    It was a keenly contested encounter, with 11-time champions Senegal chasing a record-extending 12th continental title.

    Nigeria, already on a four-title winning streak, were equally determined to maintain their dominance and extend their impressive championship run.

    It was a clash of the titans as D’Tigress narrowly won the first quarter, 22–17, in a fast-paced and closely fought contest.

    Nigeria maintained momentum, edging the second quarter 21–20, in spite of Senegal’s resilient and aggressive display.

    D’Tigress lost steam in the third quarter, allowing Senegal to dominate with a huge 21–9 turnaround that shifted the game’s momentum.

    Senegal surged ahead, leading 68–62 with just seven minutes left, turning the match into a fierce battle for a final ticket.

    However, Nigeria’s fighting spirit prevailed as they rallied strongly, producing a stunning 23–10 finish in the final quarter to win 75–68.

    D’Tigress have now reached the final and await the winner between tournament debutants South Sudan and former champions Mali. 

  • Gateway Games 2025: Delta dusts the rest

    Gateway Games 2025: Delta dusts the rest

    Team Delta has soared to 103 medals after Day Seven of the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged ‘Gateway Games’ in Ogun.

    Delta won 44 gold, 19 silver and 40 bronze, bringing the state’s total medals haul to 103.

    The official medals table of the NSF tagged ‘Gateway Games 2024’ indicated that Bayelsa maintained  its second position with 33 gold, 23 silver and 23 bronze medals, totaling 79.

    Meanwhile, Rivers remained third with 26 gold, 21 silver and 26 bronze medals.

    Team Ogun garnered 25 gold, 16 silver and 24 bronze medals to consolidate in the fourth position, while Oyo tightly held onto to the fifth with 14 gold, 17 silver and 21 bronze medals.

    The table at the time of filing this report showed that a total of 709 medals have so far been won.

    NAN reports that Taraba is the latest state to join the medals table with one silver.

    The NSF is a biennial multi-sport event organised by the Federal Government.

    It brings together athletes from all 36 states and the FCT to compete in various sports, promoting national unity, sportsmanship, and excellence across Nigeria.

    STATE TEAM  GOLD SILVER BRONZE TOTAL

    1. Delta 44 19 40 103

    2. Bayelsa 33 23 23 79

    3.Rivers  26 21 26 73

    4.Ogun 25 16 24 65

    5.Oyo 16 17 21 54

    6. Edo 14 48 45 107

    7. Lagos 11 11 25 47

    8. Osun 10 1 4 15

    9. Abia 6 8 21 35

    10.Plateau 4 3 11 18

    11.Akwa Ibom 4 3 4 11

    12.FCT. 3 2 6 11

    13.Cross River 3 1 1 5

    14.Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) 2 5 2 9

    15. Anambra 1 5 5 11

    16.Imo 1 4 7 12

    17.Niger. 1 3 2 6

    18.Kwara 1 2 3 6

    19.Nasarawa 1 1 7 9

    20. Kano 0 3 6 9

    21. Borno 0 3 1 4

    22.Benue 0 1 6 7

    23.Ekiti 0 1 3 4

    24. Ondo 0 1 2 3

    25. Bauchi 0 1 1 2

    26. Kaduna 0 1 1 2

    27. Taraba 0 1 0 1

    28. Kebbi 0 0 1 1

    TOTAL. 206 205 298 709 

  • Zamalek Sporting Club defeats Al-Ahly to become African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship

    Zamalek Sporting Club defeats Al-Ahly to become African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship

    Defending Champion, Zamalek Sporting Club ( ZMK) of Egypt on Sunday,  defeated Al-Ahly Sporting club ( AHL) of Egypt 3-1( 29-27, 22-25,25-20,25-22) to retain the title.

    The final of the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship was played at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja and was adjudged as spectacular.

    The two Egyptian teams were at their best in a pulsating game to cart home the trophy and  the prize money at stake as champions of Africa.

    Zamalek, who are the defending champions, had won  the last two editions of the championship.

    In their previous match, Zamalek Sporting Club defeated Kenya Prisons 3 -1 (25-12, 25-20, 22-25, 27-25) to reach the finals, while Al-Ahly defeated Club De Carthage ( CFC) of Tunisia by 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-21).

    Final Ranking standings

    1. Zamalek Sporting Club ( ZMK) of Egpyt, (Egpyt)

    2. Al Ahly Sporting club ( AHL) of Egpyt ( Egpyt )

    3. Kenya Pipeline Company Volleyball Club (KPC) of Kenya

    4. Club Femini De Carthage (CFC) of Tunisia

    5. Kenya Commercial Bank Volleyball Club (KCB) of Kenya,

    6. Kenya Prisons Volleyball Club (PRI)

    7. Litto Team Volleyball (LTV) of Cameroon

    8. Armee Patriotique Rwandaise Volleyball Club (APR) of  Rwanda.

    9. Police Volleyball Club (PVC) of Rwanda

    10. Nigeria Custom service (NCS) (NGR)

    11. Cheif of Naval Staff spikers ( CNS)

    12. VolleyballClub La LOI ( VLL) of Democratic Republic of Congo .

    13. Maya Kane Evolution (MKE) of Cameroon.

    14. Club Omnisports Descartes of Cote D’Ivoire

    15. Sococim(SOC) of Senegal

    16. Spiking Stars Volleyball (SSV) of Botswana.

    The Police  Volleyball Club of Rwanda beat Nigeria Customs Service 3-1 to occupy the 9th position while the host settled for 10th on the ranking log.

    The second team, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) claimed 11th position after a tight 3-2 defeat of La Loi VLL of DR Congo who ended 12th in the final ranking  of the  16 participating teams.

    The championship began on April 1 and ended yesterday, April 13, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

  • Nigeria thrash Cameroun 3-0 in opening match of Africa women v/ball champs

    Nigeria thrash Cameroun 3-0 in opening match of Africa women v/ball champs

    Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS) volleyball team on Thursday recorded a convincing 3-0 win over Mayo Kani Evolution (MKE) of Cameroon at the ongoing 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that NCS secured a 25-18, 25-17, 25-22 win in the match played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

    In a dominant display, NCS overpowered their Cameroonian opponents, taking a seven-point lead in the first set (25-18).

    They maintained the momentum in the second set, winning 25-17.

    The third set proved more challenging, with MKE equalizing at 14-14 and pushing the game to 16-16.

    However, NCS sealed the victory with a 25-22 win in the third set, recording a convincing 3-0 win.

    Speaking after the match,Sunday Akaso, coach of the NCS volleyball team, expressed delight with the team’s performance in their opening match, played in front of dignitaries including the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.

    Akaso attributed the team’s success to the motivation provided by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Sports Secretary, Samuel Onikeku.

    “ I  praised my team’s determination and hard work .

    “ I acknowledged the valuable lesson learned from the earlier match between Armee Patriotique Rwandaise Volleyball Club (APR) of Rwanda defeating Club Femini De Carthage (CFC) of Tunisia 3-1 .

    “ I also emphasised that the team will take every set seriously and strive to emerge top of Pool A and our goal is a podium finish,” he said.

    On his part, Suileman Ajeigbe, NCS’s technical expert, said that the team is in high spirits and hoping to sustain this momentum.

    “ I am optimistic about the team’s prospects and our   target is to lift the trophy,” he said.

    NAN reports that 16 teams are participating in the championship holding between April 1 to 14. 

  • Women’s Volleyball Championship: APR of Rwanda humble Tunisian counterparts 3-1

    Women’s Volleyball Championship: APR of Rwanda humble Tunisian counterparts 3-1

    Rwanda Volleyball Club, Patriotique Rwandaise on Thursday defeated Club Femini De Carthage (CFC) of Tunisia 3-1 to record their first win at the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja.

    This is the first game of the 2025 championship currently taking place at the Moshood Abiola National stadium, Abuja.

    It was an entertaining encounter as spectators watched the Rwandan club rallied from a set down to overcome their Tunisian counterparts 3-1 (18-25, 26-24, 25-23, 25-22) in the opening match.

    The Tunisians dominated the first set, securing a convincing 25-18 win.

    However, they struggled to maintain momentum after taking an early lead, thereby allowing the APR of Rwanda to stage a dramatic comeback to snatch the second set 26-24.

    They carried the momentum into the third set, which they also won 25-23.

    The Rwandan club sealed the victory with a 25-22 win in the fourth set, to triumph 3-1.

    Speaking after the match, Reka’a Kameal, Coach of CFC of Tunisia, expressed disappointment with his team’s performance in their opening game, citing fatigue and inadequate rest as major factors.

    “We arrived late last night and didn’t have enough time to rest.

    “We were forced to play this morning at 10 a.m., which wasn’t ideal for us. As a result, we weren’t adequately prepared and had to suffer a loss.”

    Kameal was optimistic about his team’s chances of progressing in the competition in spite of the loss.

    “We are hoping to bounce back and win our subsequent matches.

    “Our target is to reach the semifinals, and we are committed to making that happen,” he said.

    APR, is in Pool A alongside Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mayo Kani Evolution (MKE) of Cameroon and CFC.

    NCS will engage the Cameroonians by 5 p.m. later today in their opening match.

    Zamalek Sporting Club (ZMK) of Egypt, Kenya Prisons Volleyball Club (PRI) of Kenya, Chief of Naval staff (CNS) and Spiking Stars Volleyball (SSV) of Botswana are in Pool B.

    Pool C has Al Ahly Sporting Club (AHL) of Egypt, Kenya Commercial Bank Volleyball Club (KCB) of Kenya, Volleyball Club La LOI (VLL) from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sococim (SOC) of Senegal.

    Clubs in Pool D are Litto Team Volleyball (LTV) of Cameroon, Kenya Pipeline Company Volleyball Club (KPC) of Kenya, Police Volleyball Club (PVC) of Rwanda and Club Ominisports Descartes of Côte d’Ivoire.

    A total of 16 teams are participating in the championship holding between April 1 to April 14.

  • W/Cup Qualifier: S/Eagles aims to beat Rwanda in Kigali

    W/Cup Qualifier: S/Eagles aims to beat Rwanda in Kigali

    As the countdown draws close to Friday’s crucial World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have said picking the three points at stake was non-negotiable.

    The Super Eagles take on hosts Amavubis of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, on Friday at 6:00p.m. Rwanda time (5:00p.m. Nigeria time).

    Team captain, William Ekong, told newsmen on Wednesday that the players were focused and unfazed by talks of Nigeria never beating Rwanda on their home turf.

    “Actually, we read about that in some places, but we are not bothered.

    “I was part of the last game in Kigali, which ended scoreless, but we know that we cannot afford a draw this time.

    “Our objective is to pick the three points and bring some life back into our campaign.

    “We are certainly not concerned about history books and what has happened before now. Qualification for the FIFA World Cup is our priority,” he said.

    The three-time African champions are yet to achieve victory over Rwanda in that country, going back 20 years.

    A 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match ended 1-1 at the Amahoro Stadium.

    In 2011, a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo, in the outskirts of Kigali, ended scoreless.

    In September last year, another 0-0 was the outcome of a 2025 AFCON qualifying match at the Amahoro Stadium.

    All 23 invited players were at the Eagles’ Radisson Blu nest on Tuesday night.

    This means that everyone would be involved in the second training on Wednesday (today), and
    in the official training session at the Amahoro Stadium on Thursday evening.

    Nigeria’s goal-banger Victor Osimhen was among the early arrivals, and in high spirit after becoming the new leading scorer in the Turkish Superlig with 20 goals after a hat-trick on Saturday.

    The 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup top scorer now has 23 goals for Nigeria in 47 matches.

    Also in the team is reigning Africa Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar and new invitee Tolu Arokodare to make life difficult for the Amavubi rearguard.

    World football-governing body, FIFA has appointed Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed, who turns 38 two days after the match, to take charge of the game.

    Jayes officiated a friendly game between the Super Eagles and Ghana’s Black Stars in Marrakech on March 22, 2024, which Nigeria won 2-1.

    That match marked the first in 18 years that Nigeria would overcome Ghana in a game at senior level.

    On Friday, Franco-Malian tactician Éric Sékou Chelle will lead out the Super Eagles for the first time.

    This is as the FIFA World Cup qualifying series resume with Nigeria, yet to win in their previous four matches.

    The Eagles are desperate to start winning in order to brighten their chances of picking the only automatic ticket from group C to the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico next summer

  • National Sports Festival: FCT dominate north central zonal qualifier

    National Sports Festival: FCT dominate north central zonal qualifier

    Team FCT on Friday dominated other athletes from across the North Central zone to secure qualification for the 22nd National Sports Festival.

    This was following intense week-long zonal eliminations which began on Monday and ended on Friday in Jos.

    No fewer than 100 athletes represented the FCT at the National zonal qualifier for slots ahead of the National Sports Festival in Ogun.

    According to the official results released by the National Sports Commission (North Central Zone), FCT emerged dominant.

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    It topped  multiple categories, while Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Benue, and Nasarawa also earned places in various team sports.

    In basketball, Plateau (male) and FCT (female) clinched first place, with FCT (male) and Plateau (female) taking the second slots.

    FCT also excelled in beach volleyball, securing both male and female top positions, with Plateau finishing second in the male category.

    Kwara and Kogi took the top spots in cricket, while FCT and Benue claimed first place in football (male and female, respectively), with Kwara earning second place in the male division.

    Other notable performances included FCT’s dominance in handball (male), Kogi’s triumph in handball (female), and Plateau sweeping both categories in hockey.

    Meanwhile, Kwara and Nasarawa emerged first in male and female volleyball, respectively, with Plateau finishing as runners-up in both categories.

    With the zonal eliminations concluded, these teams will now prepare to represent the North Central Zone at the 22nd National Sports Festival, where they will compete against the best from other regions.

  • Cape Verde succumbs as D’Tigers extend winning streak

    Cape Verde succumbs as D’Tigers extend winning streak

    Nigeria’s D’Tigers on Sunday defeated Cape Verde in their last group game in Tripoli to complete the qualifier on three winning streak without a loss.

    In spite of already having the qualification for the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket, set for August in Angola, Nigeria’s D’Tigers closed out their final game of the third qualifying window in style.

    This was after they defeated Cape Verde 77-62 at the Grand Hall.

    After finishing the second window in Libya with three loses, the rejuvenated Nigerian team needed a perfect run in the third qualifying window—and they delivered.

    D’Tigers triumphed over hosts Libya, Uganda, and Cape Verde to officially book their spot in the competition.

    With qualification already secured before tip-off, head coach Abdulrahman Mohammed handed home-based players Ifeanyi Koko and Ibe Abuchi their first minutes of the tournament, clocking two minutes apiece.

    Caleb Agada once again shone as Nigeria’s standout performer. The 2020 Tokyo Olympian dominated the stat sheet, leading all players in multiple categories.

    He posted a game-high 23 points, a joint game-high eight rebounds, a game-high six assists, and a game-high five steals, spearheading Nigeria’s third consecutive win in the window.

    Talib Zanna contributed 13 points, while Ike Nwamu added 11 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

    For Cape Verde, Ivan Almeida led the scoring with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Shane Da Rosa chipped in 10 points.

    After going undefeated (3-0) in the previous window, Cape Verde struggled in this phase, losing all three of their games.

  • Mbappe eliminates Man City from the Champions League with hat-trick

    Mbappe eliminates Man City from the Champions League with hat-trick

    Real Madrid easily beat Manchester City 3-1 with a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick on Wednesday in their Champions League playoff second leg.

    The win at the Santiago Bernabeu earned Madrid a 6-3 aggregate victory and a place in the last 16.

    The 2024 champions will face either Bayer Leverkusen or city rivals Atletico Madrid, depending on Friday’s draw, as they seek a record-extending 16th title.

    It was the first time in City coach Pep Guardiola’s illustrious career that one of his teams in the Champions League had failed to reach the round of 16.

    “It was a perfect night,” Mbappe said.

    “It’s only logical that Real Madrid advance to the last 16 of the Champions League. We are very strong at home and it’s great to give joy to our fans.”

    After a breathtaking first leg packed with goals and individual brilliance from both sides at the Etihad Stadium, the return game was thoroughly one-sided.

    Real did not have to work too hard to subdue their sorry rivals who failed to manage a shot on target in the first half, looking a shadow of Guardiola’s dominant force from past years.

    Already 3-2 down from the first game, City’s task became even harder an hour before kick-off when they announced a starting 11 without leading striker Erling Haaland, who suffered a knee injury at the weekend.

    Real took full control of proceedings from the off and never looked under threat with the hapless visitors lucky not to lose by a larger margin.

    Mbappe opened the scoring with Real’s first attack in the fourth minute, taking advantage of another massive blunder by City’s defence when captain Ruben Dias missed his header and left the French forward free to lob over the onrushing Ederson.

    Things went from bad to worse for the English team after defender John Stones went down two minutes later with an injury, forcing Guardiola to bring Nathan Ake off the bench and burn a substitution early.

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    Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham toyed with City’s complacent defence, keeping the ball on the deck and creating several chances until Mbappe scored again in the 33rd minute with a close-range strike after a humiliating cutback that left defender Josko Gvardiol on the floor.

    Real came out just as strong after the break and Mbappe scored his third in the 61st minute with a left-footed strike from the edge of the box just inside Ederson’s right post.

    The hosts kept piling on the pressure and wasting chances, with Ederson making fine saves to deny Mbappe and Rodrygo, but towards the end they took their foot off the gas with a easy win in the bag.

    City did score a compensation goal at the death, Nico Gonzalez converting a rebound after Omar Marmoush’s free kick bounced off the crossbar, but it did little to tarnish a fantastic night for the Spaniards.