Category: Sports

By Dianabasi Effiong

The King’s Baton Relay will be hosted in Nigeria between June 15 and June 18, 2025, under the auspices of Commonwealth Sports and the Commonwealth Games, Nigeria.

For the first time, each of the 74 Commonwealth nations and territories will receive its baton to customise and decorate, showcasing its unique cultural heritage.

According to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Spokesperson, Tony Nezianya, the King’s Baton has already arrived in Nigeria.

The baton usually carries a message from Her Majesty the Queen, uniting all nations and territories with a call to come together in friendly competition at the Games. Like the Olympic Torch Relay, the King’s Baton Relay symbolises the spirit of the Commonwealth Games.

However, following Queen Elizabeth II’s death on September 8, 2022, the baton relay was renamed the King’s Baton Relay in honour of her successor, King Charles III, for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

His Majesty the King, Patron of Commonwealth Sport, officially launched the inaugural Commonwealth Sport King’s Baton Relay for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, Monday, March 10, 2025.

In an unprecedented initiative, Commonwealth Sport is collaborating with the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) for the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign.

This partnership aims to spotlight ongoing ocean conservation efforts and innovative solutions to plastic waste.

The programme encourages athletes and communities to prevent one million pieces of plastic from polluting Commonwealth waters, fostering lasting change in our approach to plastic pollution.

The campaign will accompany the King’s Baton Relay as it journeys through every Commonwealth nation and territory.

The King’s Baton Relay (KBR) for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games commenced in the Caribbean, celebrating the event from March 11, 2025.

The relay will traverse 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. Reimagined for a new Games model and monarch, the KBR now emphasises environmental and financial sustainability.

Africa is the second region to host the KBR, which will be celebrated for six days.

Nigeria and other African countries will participate in the festivities from June 15 to June 18, 2025.

For the first time, each nation and territory will receive a baton to showcase its culture, creativity, and vision. Moving away from past museum-style batons, the ambition is for each country to highlight its cultural wealth through bespoke baton decorations.

In Nigeria, the Nigeria Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games, Nigeria will decorate the baton.

To facilitate this, a joint committee comprising the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the National Sports Commission will be established to plan and execute the programme.

The baton will be presented to His Majesty during the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland on July 26, 2026.

Nigeria’s U20 Flying Eagles

By Dianabasi Effiong

Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, on Tuesday, defeated their Egyptian counterparts, Young Pharaohs, 2-1 in a pre-Africa U20 Cup of Nations friendly at the Cairo International Stadium.

Kparobo Arierhi, who scored three goals as Nigeria successfully defended her WAFU B U20 Championship title in Lome in October (including a brace in the final that dashed Ghana’s hopes), scored Nigeria’s first in the 10th minute of the encounter.

He scored from a good pass from Bidemi Amole.

The Young Pharaohs equalised in the 65th minute through Ahmed Kaabaka.

However, a dominant Nigeria side shot into the lead again with seven minutes left on the clock after Precious Benjamin made no mistake from the spot, following a foul on Divine Oliseh in the hosts’ eighteen-yard box.

Seven-time African champions Nigeria achieved the morale-boosting victory less than 48 hours after arriving in the Egyptian capital for the 17th Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which gets underway on Sunday.

The Flying Eagles’ first match is against Tunisia on Thursday next week, before further games against Morocco and Kenya in Group B.

On their part, hosts Egypt, who head Group A, will take on South Africa on Sunday before further games against Sierra Leone on 30th April, Zambia on 3rd May, and Tanzania on May 9.

Two-goal heroine, Queen Joseph sandwiched between Shakirat Moshood and Muinat Rotimi as she celebrated her first-minute goal against Algeria in Ikenne-Remo on Saturday.  

 By Dianabasi Effiong

Nigeria inched closer to an eighth appearance at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals on Saturday after a brace by Queen Joseph and one each by Zainab Raji and substitute Aishat Animashaun left Algeria’s U17 girls bedraggled in Ikenne-Remo.

There were bold hints of a massacre early in the day as the Flamingos attained the scoreboard only one minute into the match, after Philomena Isaiah cut the ball back into the box from a corner for the lurking Queen Joseph to smash into the roof of the net.

Joseph, Zainab Raji, Muinat Rotimi, Kaosarat Olanrewaju and Shakirat Moshood swarmed on the Algerians time and again, and it was no surprise when in the 13^th minute, Raji received a sweet pass from Moshood, accounted for two defenders with a drop of the shoulder, and unleashed a rocket into the top corner.

 The bold, audacious and vivacious approach of the Flamingos greatly unsettled the visitors, who apparently came to soak the pressure, and things got worse for them in the 17^th minute when Joseph, left to dance into the box, struck a belter that left goalkeeper Amelia Yahiaoui with no chance.

Layana Belgacem, captain Zaza Rebbahi, Mehdi Assia, Thania Ammar Parmentier and Melissa Benchikh all tried to take the game to the Flamingos in a busy second period, but they were checkmated each time by the rearguard of Azeezat Oduntan, Christianah Sunday, Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo.

Just as the crowd that included President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF Executive Committee members Sharif Rabiu Inuwa and Aisha Falode, General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi and Remo Stars FC proprietor Hon. Kunle Soname were certain it had ended 3-0, substitute Aishat Animashaun pulled out a sublime one from outside the box, placing the ball in the far corner with goalkeeper Yahiaoui stranded.

President of NFF, Ibrahim Gusau announced a cash gift of the sum of N6,000,0000 (Six Million Naira) for the girls after the match, explaining that the sum of two million naira is from the NFF while the sum of four million naira is a gift from billionaire businessman Kunle Soname. 

Gusau charged the girls to go to Algiers and play their hearts out to win the World Cup ticket for Nigeria.

Both teams will make it a date in the return at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida (outside Algiers) on Friday, with the winner on aggregate to qualify as one of Africa’s five flag-bearers at this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.

 

 

The winners at the podium displaying their proto-Cheques prize money.

By Ita Williams, Calabar

Plateau state team secured the 1st through 5th positions to win the just concluded 2025 Calabar Marathon in Calabar .

Imo state team took 6th place while Cross River team finished in 7th and 8th positions.

A 17 year old Gang James Boyi from Plateau State clinched victory in the male category of the 2025 Calabar Marathon, finishing the 24km race through the 12 km Carnival route twice with an impressive time of 1:04:24. He carted home the star prize of N 1 million.

He was closely followed by fellow Plateau State runner, Francis Musa, who clocked in at 1:04:51 and went home with N500, 000.

Gwom James Giang, from Plateau state who won the 2024 edition of the Calabar marathon came 5th.

In the female category, 28-year-old Agofure Charity from Delta State successfully defended her title, completing the race in 1:19:78 and took home N1 million.

She was trailed by Elizabeth Nuhu, whose time was 1:22:47 as the first runner up with N500,000 while the Cross River-born Godsmind Eteng, emerged second runner up and went home N300,000.

Coincidentally, these three female athletes emerged winners in the same order in last year’s edition.

All the winners attributed their success to their dedication to rigorous training, and expressed gratitude for the platforms provided by the Cross River State government.

“Hard work and consistency are essential,” Gang James stated, adding that “this victory is a stepping stone for my future in athletics.”

Senator Bassey Otu, the Governor of Cross River State, awarded each winner a star prize of one million naira during the ceremony. He was represented by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, who emphasized the event’s importance.

“The Calabar Marathon resonates with my policy of putting the people first. It’s essential for our youth to understand that engaging in social vices is not advisable,” Ayambem remarked.

Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, that organized the marathon, affirmed the intention to expand the event’s impact in the coming years.

He expressed appreciation to various partners who contributed to the marathon’s success, stating, “Our responsibility is to market the state and showcase the talents we have”

Recall , the prize money for last year was N500,000, N300,000 and N200,000 respectively for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners..

By Dianabasi Effiong

Former champions Bendel Insurance and Enugu Rangers will light up the Lagos Waterfront on Wednesday.

The encounter is regarded by pundits as the star match of the Round of 16 of the men’s competition of this year’s President Federation Cup.

The two teams met in two of the most memorable final matches of Nigeria’s Cup competition in its 80-year history, with honours shared in 1978 and 1981.

The Benin Arsenal tore apart the form books to shock the nation’s football fraternity by spanking Rangers 3-0 in the final in Lagos in 1978.

However, the Flying Antelopes somewhat repaid the compliment with a 2-0 win at the same venue in 1981.

The setting for this Round of 16 clash is also in Lagos, though a different venue. But fireworks are expected by the waterfront from two teams aspiring for continental football.

Two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC, who eliminated Cup holders El-Kanemi Warriors in the Round of 32, will take on Abakaliki FC at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

Nasarawa United and Bayelsa United will square up to each other in the university town of Anyigba, while Warri Wolves and Wikki Tourists battle things out in the Federal Capital, Abuja.

Two great entertainers, Ikorodu City and Beyond Limits will be at each other’s jugular at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, where Solution FC will tango with Kwara United in an earlier game. Plateau United will confront Osun United in Anyigba.

Akwa United and Inter Lagos are at loggerheads in Abuja.

Round of 16 fixtures (Men)

Enyimba FC (Abia) Vs Abakaliki FC (Ebonyi) – Asaba – 16/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) Vs Bayelsa United (Bayelsa) – Anyigba – 16/04/25 – 10.00 a.m.

Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) – Area 3 Abuja – 16/04/25 – 1.00 p.m.

Ikorodu City (Lagos) Vs Beyond Limits (Ogun) – Benin City – 16/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) Vs Inter Lagos (Lagos) – Area 3 Abuja – 16/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

Solution FC (Anambra) Vs Kwara United (Kwara) – Benin City – 16/04/25 – 10.00 a.m.

Plateau United (Plateau) Vs Osun United (Osun) – Anyigba – 16/04/25 – 1.00 p.m.

Bendel Insurance (Edo) Vs Rangers Int’l (Enugu) – MJA Lagos – 16/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

Late Christian Chukwu

By Anietie Akpan

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has described the death of the former captain of Nigeria’s Men’s National Football team; the Green Eagles, Mr Christian Chukwu, MFR, as the loss of a national and international football icon.

Akpabio who stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Jackson Udom, said “we mourn the loss of a Nigerian football icon; Christian Chukwu”.

“As a pioneering defender and former Green Eagles captain, he etched his name in the annals of Nigerian football history. His leadership, skill, and dedication inspired countless fans and paved the way for future generations.

“I’m deeply saddened by his passage. He was a legendary Nigerian footballer. His contributions to Nigerian football are immeasurable”, he added..

Akpabio further said, “as a pioneering defender and former Green Eagles captain, he etched his name in the annals of Nigerian football history. His leadership, skill, and dedication inspired countless fans and paved the way for future generations.

“On behalf of the Nigerian Senate, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire football community and may God grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. May Christian Chukwu’s soul rest in perfect peace.”

It is also of note that Chukwu was a long time captain of Enugu Rangers International that won many trophies in Nigeria and Africa.

The Champions.

By Akanimo Kufre

Hamza Onai and Captain Laksh Bakrania spectacular performance against Sierra Leone at the University of Lagos Cricket Oval secured a 98-run victory and ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup ticket for Tanzania.

It would be the first time Tanzania, an ICC Associate country, would participate in the World Cup. Namibia and Zimbabwe are billed to cohost the global tournament in 2026. Tanzania defeated five other countries in the mix to emerge Champions.

Tanzania led the pack with 10 points from 5 matches, Namibia followed with 8 points while Kenya is 3rd with 6 points. The bottom 3 are Nigeria, Uganda, and Sierra Leone, who are relegated to Division 2.

Host, Nigeria will play their last game against Uganda on Sunday by 9:30am. at TBS Cricket Oval in Lagos.

The President of Nigeria Cricket Federation NCF, Mr. Uyi Akpata was proud of the Tanzanian team’s performance, expressing his trust that “Tanzania would be Africa’s great ambassadors at the World Cup.”

Tanzania and two ICC Full Member countries, Zimbabwe and South Africa, will fly Africa’s flag at the international cricket competitions in 2026.

 

By Dianabasi Effiong

Round of 16 Fixtures

Enyimba FC (Abia) Vs Abakaliki FC (Ebonyi)

Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) Vs Bayelsa United (Bayelsa)

Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Wikki Tourists (Bauchi)

Ikorodu City (Lagos) Vs Beyond Limits (Ogun)

Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) Vs Inter Lagos (Lagos)/Jr. Danburam (Katsina)

Solution FC (Anambra) Vs Kwara United (Kwara)

Plateau United (Plateau) Vs Osun United (Osun)

Bendel Insurance (Edo) Vs Rangers Int’l (Enugu)

Round of 32 fixtures (Women)

Rivers Angels (Rivers) Vs Moje Queens (Kwara) – Benin City – 05/04/25 – 1.00 p.m.

Gallant Queens (Kaduna) Vs First Mahi Babes (Ebonyi) – Anyigba – 05/04/25 – 10.00 a.m.

Remo Ladies (Ogun) Vs Plateau United Queens (Plateau) – Anyigba – 05/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

Dannaz Ladies (Lagos) Vs GP World (Anambra) – Benin City – 05/04/25 – 10.00 a.m.

Delta Queens (Delta) Vs Jacklyn Angels (Akwa Ibom) – Owerri – 05/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

Ibom Angels (Akwa Ibom) Vs Sporting Angels (Rivers) – Aba – 05/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

Fortress Ladies (Edo) Vs Onimarg FC (Ondo) – Asaba – 05/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

Heartland Queens (Imo) Vs Crystal Stars (Bayelsa) – Asaba – 05/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

Osun Babes (Osun) Vs N-Youth (FCT) – Ilorin – 05/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

Edo Queens (Edo) Vs Kada Queens (Kaduna) – Anyigba – 05/04/25 – 1.00 p.m.

Delta Babes (Delta) Vs Mighty Jets Mata (Plateau) – Anyigba – 06/04/25 – 1.00 p.m.

Adamawa Queens (Edo) Vs Unification FC (Lagos) – Bwari Abuja – 05/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

Sunshine Queens (Ondo) Vs Castmog Ladies (Ogun) – Lagos – 05/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

Confluence Queens (Kogi) Vs Ahudiyannem Queens (Abia) – Asaba – 05/04/25 – 10.00 a.m.

Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) Vs Kwara Ladies (Kwara) – Anyigba – 06/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

Bayelsa Queens (Bayelsa) Vs Naija Ratels (FCT) – Benin City – 05/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

Round of 32 Results (Men)

El-Kanemi Warriors (Borno) 0-1 Enyimba FC (Abia)

Abakaliki FC (Ebonyi) 0-0 Katsina United (Katsina) – Abakaliki won 3-2 on penalties

Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) 5-0 Ijele FC (Enugu)

Bayelsa United (Bayelsa) 2-0

Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Shooting Stars (Oyo) – Warri Wolves go through following Shooting Stars’ disqualification.

Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) 1-0 Rovers FC (Cross River)

Ikorodu City (Lagos) 3-1 Crown FC (Oyo)

Beyond Limits (Ogun) 2-1 Rivers United (Rivers)

Mighty Jets Feeders (Plateau) 0-2 Akwa United (Akwa Ibom)

Inter Lagos (Lagos) Vs Jr. Danburan (Katsina) – Anyigba – 03/04/25 – 4.00 p.m.

Lobi Stars (Benue) 1-2 Solution FC (Anambra)

Kwara United (Kwara) 1-0 Gombe United (Gombe)

Sunshine Stars (Ondo) 0-1 Plateau United (Plateau)

Osun United (Osun) 1-1 E-World FC (Cross River) – Osun United won 4-2 on penalties

Bendel Insurance (Edo) 3-0 Adamawa United (Adamawa)

Heartland FC (Imo) 1-1 Rangers Int’l (Enugu) – Rangers Int’l won 5-3 on penalties.

Courtesy: The NFF.

By Akanimo Kufre

Laksh Bakrania posed as a true hero with his Player of the Match award after a super performance in the thrilling game against hard fighting Namibians at the Tafewa Belewa Square (TBS) on Tuesday.

The exciting cricket game kept fans on the edge of their seats until the 48th overs when Max Heingo was run out by Karim Kiseto and Hamza Onai to end the game to decide the true leaders.

Tanzania was shaken earlier in the first inning as they lost 3 big wickets within the 3rd over.  However,  captain Laksh Bakrania scored (34 runs), Agustino Mwamele (16), and Mohamedi Simba (61) to contribute big digits to the total tally.

Tanzania final batting score was 159 after losing 10 wickets in the 47th over.

Namibia took the turn to chase 160 runs in thesecondinning, but the battle set the audience glued to their seats for a tension soaked cricket match.

Four Namibians stood out who took the fight to Tanzanians, included, captain Francois Du Plessis (31), Tiaan Merwe (32), Waldo Smith  (25) and Dan Brasell (15). Max Heingo was set to join the party before his timely dismissal by determined Tanzanian fielders. It was 142 runs all out in the 48th over.

Most fans who took advantage of the holiday break to watch the tournament enjoyed the explosive cricket experience at TBS Cricket Oval.

At the University of Lagos Cricket grounds, Uganda showed dominance over Sierra Leone, who fell by 5 wickets. Ali Balidawa won the Player of the Match.

As Tanzania records 3 win in 3 matches, host Nigeria is billed for Kenya clash at the University of Lagos campus on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in a quest to remain in Division 1.