Fifteen elite players and a technical crew are gathering under one roof in order to sharpen their wordplay ahead of the showdown in Accra where over 30 nations will lock horns for global glory.
Early arrivals in camp include Emmanuel Umujose, Larry Etuwa, Ben Quickpen, Adebola Samuel and the ever-charismatic Chinedu “Sidespin” Thorpe.
who was the first to check in, said, “This is a splendid accommodation, thank you, NSF,” Thorpe who was the first to check-in stated.
Technical head and newly elected Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) board member, Khaleel Adedeji, wasted no time firing up his charges.
“Let’s make sure everyone gets in by tomorrow( today) so we can kick off solid training, team planning and some real bonding time before WESPAC,” Adedeji said. “Champions are made when no one is watching.
“We’re not just preparing for games; we’re building chemistry, focus, and that winning spirit. Let’s show up ready, hungry, and united, WESPAC mode activated.”
NSF President, Bright Idahosa, confirmed that the contingent will depart for Accra on Sunday, determined to reclaim global dominance.
Nigeria’s scrabble warriors have long been the wordsmiths of the world, from Wellington Jighere’s historic World Championship win in 2015 to the team’s gritty second-place finish at the last edition in Las Vegas despite a depleted roster.
The 7th Opeifa Schools’ Handball Competition organized by the Lagos State Handball Association (LSHA), was concluded with pomp last Friday at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos.
Aje Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Yaba, emerged winner of the competition much to the delight of spectators at the venue.
Known as the Opeifa Cup, the handball tournament enjoys the patronage of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation(NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa.
The five-day event saw about a dozen junior and senior secondary schools, across the public and private schools in the state participate. But it was Aje Comprehensive Senior Secondary School that completely dominated the event and they beat Whitesand Senior Secondary School, Lekki, to win the male category with a 15 – 5 margin while Government Secondary School, Eric Moore, Surulere, emerged the second runner up .
Meanwhile, Aje Comprehensive Junior Secondary School also won in the male junior category by beating Whitesand Junior Secondary to the second position while Ikeja Junior High School, went home with the third position.
In the female category, United Christians High School, Apapa, beat Jagunmolu Senior Girls Secondary School to emerge the winner, while Government Senior College, Agege, finished third.
The first place winner in the Best Team female category was won by Herbert Macaulay Junior High School, the second place winner went to Igbobi Junior High School, while Government Junior College, Agege, won the third place.
Presenting the award to the first place winners, Dr. Opeifa said the aim of competition was development of handball talents from the grassroots so that they can compete favourably with others around the world in the future.
Opeifa, who was recently named a member of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), said efforts are on to ensure that Nigeria qualifies for the handball event of the Olympics , adding that the future of the game is bright.
Immediate Past Chairperson of the Lagos State Handball Association (LSHA) and sponsor of the “Opeifa Cup 2025” Adeola Opeifa, disclosed that the competition which is in its 10th year since it was launched, have been able to successfully groom new talents from the grassroots and these talents have continued to bring honour to the game of handball by competing favourably in different national youth teams.
She said: “From this competition we have been able to discover players who have represented Nigeria at the junior and senior levels. We have also been able to change people’s lives because some of them were picked from the streets and brought back to schools, and today they are great guys.”
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports, Damilare Orimoloye, applauded Dr. Opeifa for his consistency in sponsoring the game of Handball. He said through the Opeifa Cup, the lead sponsor in conjunction with the State’s Handball Association have been able to sustain a huge following for the sport.
He restated the commitment of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to grassroots sports development, adding that Dr Opeifa’s commitment to the sports of Handball is commendable and worthy of emulation.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament in the junior female category, won by Obisanya Zainab, of Igbobi Junior Secondary School, while the Best Goalkeeper, male, junior category was won by Malik Balogun, of Aje Comprehensive Junior High School.
In the Senior category, Onuamulogu Chioma Eze, of Lagos City Senior College, won the Best female Goalkeeper, while the Best Goalkeeper, male category was won by Olufemi Nasir of the Lagos City Snr College.
The Highest goal scorer (female category), was won by Chineye Nwoba, of Herbert Macaulay Junior High School, while Grace Emmanuel, of Jagunmolu Senior High School won the highest goal scorer for the male senior category. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the competition (Junior category), was won by Favour Adeneye, of Igbobi College, while Bella Ezeoke, of United Christian Senior Secondary School, was the MVP for the senior female category, with Timilehin Oni, of Aje Comprehensive Senior High School, winning the MVP for the male category.
Among other dignitaries at the event are; Mrs Grace Enebeli Asagba, who led a number of Association of Federation of Female Athletes (AFFN), the Managing Director of LABCOM Associates Engineering Ltd. Mrs Abiodun Bamodu, Member, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Mr Olumide Hunayon, Chairman Nigerian Basketball Association Mr. Godwin Enakhena, and Deputy Director of Sports, Mrs Abiola Aregbesola.
Others are Director of School Sports Dr. Olayomi Oluwasanmi, Hon. Olatunde Balogun, Mr Adegbenga Odofin. And Mrs Odunayo Adenaike, who represented the TIPS, Education District 1, Agege, Dr Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, among others.
Zambian football legend Christopher Katongo has backed his country’s representatives, Power Dynamos, to progress from Group A of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League — while expressing doubts over Rivers United’s experience at this stage of the competition.
Speaking after the draw that placed Power Dynamos alongside RS Berkane (Morocco), Pyramids FC (Egypt), and Rivers United (Nigeria), Katongo said the group will test the tactical depth and continental maturity of all four teams, but remains confident that the Zambian champions can rise to the challenge.
“I think Power Dynamos have a real chance to go through,” Katongo said. “Every team has a shot, but looking at my country’s team, they have what it takes. Rivers United don’t have much experience at this level, and that could trouble them. Pyramids FC and RS Berkane have been here several times and know how to navigate this competition.”
The former Zambia captain, who played a pivotal role in leading the Chipolopolo to their historic 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph, said continental experience often proves decisive in the CAF Champions League.
“Every time a team participates in this competition, they grow — and that makes a difference. Power Dynamos are learning fast, but they’ll need discipline and consistency to survive this group,” he added.
Katongo, now 42, remains a respected voice in African football. During his career, he earned 97 caps for Zambia, scoring 23 international goals, and was named 2012 BBC African Footballer of the Year following his heroics at the AFCON in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
He also featured prominently for clubs across Africa and Europe, including Jomo Cosmos (South Africa), Brøndby IF (Denmark), and Henan Jianye (China) — bringing a wealth of experience to his commentary on the continental scene.
Katongo, however, believes it will take more than passion to survive the campaign.
“Rivers United must understand that this level demands experience and composure,” he noted. “In Africa, big teams punish small mistakes. But it’s a good opportunity for them to grow.”
The 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage runs from November 21 to February 15, 2026, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds.
The head coach of the Benin Republic national football team, Gernot Rohr, has confirmed that The Cheetahs will open their training camp in Cotonou as part of preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to take place in Morocco.
Rohr disclosed exclusively to NationSports, explaining that the decision to host the camp in Cotonou was a deliberate move to help the team stay focused, train under familiar conditions and build tactical chemistry ahead of the tournament.
We will prepare well for our AFCON in Morocco. We will be there, perhaps to see the final, because we are doing well to see the game in Morocco on the 18th against Burkina Faso, Rohr said.
The former Super Eagles coach, who led Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 AFCON bronze medal, noted that Benin’s training sessions would emphasize teamwork and collective performance. He also expressed optimism that the players’ current form and unity could help the team advance beyond previous records.
According to Rohr, Benin’s pre AFCON programme includes a friendly match against Burkina Faso on November 18. The fixture is expected to serve as a test game to evaluate player readiness and tactical strategies before the tournament proper.
“We are preparing well and improving game by game. The players understand what is at stake, and it’s important we maintain this rhythm before AFCON,” he added.
Rohr highlighted that his team’s performance has steadily improved since he took over in 2023, focusing on youth development and rebuilding confidence within the squad. He emphasized that discipline, technical efficiency, and mental strength would remain central to the team’s success in Morocco.
Football analysts believe Rohr’s experience working with Nigeria gives Benin a tactical advantage. His deep knowledge of African football and emphasis on structured play could inspire the Squirrels to make a strong impression at the tournament.
The 2025 AFCON will feature 24 teams across the continent competing for the prestigious title. For Benin, which has never gone beyond the quarter-finals in its football history, the upcoming championship presents another opportunity to make a statement on the African stage.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Christian Obodo has called for unity and focus among Nigeria’s players ahead of their all-important 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF play-off clash against Gabon.
Speaking in an interview ahead of the encounter, Obodo who was part of Nigeria’s golden generation of midfielders in the early 2000s emphasized that teamwork and collective spirit will be key if the Super Eagles are to overcome their Central African opponents and secure qualification.
“What the team needs right now is unity and focus,” Obodo said. “Every player must come together and play as one family. If they stay united and committed, qualification will take care of itself.”
The 40-year-old represented Nigeria between 2003 and 2008 and made 21 international appearances with four goals for the Super Eagles. Known for his energy, ball control and vision, Obodo was a vital part of Nigeria’s midfield setup during the qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup and featured prominently at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, where Nigeria finished in third place.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the CAF World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday, November 13, before potentially meeting the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo for a final ticket to the intercontinental playoff round.
Reflecting on the Super Eagles’ chances against Gabon, Obodo said he believes Nigeria has the talent to prevail but must display mental strength and unity.
“We have the quality to qualify but quality alone is not enough. The players must fight for each other, play for the badge, and remember what it means to wear the green and white,” he said. “If we play as a team, as a family, everything else will fall into place.”
Nicknamed “Bundle of Skills” during his playing days, Obodo spent much of his professional career in Italy, starring for Perugia, Fiorentina, and Udinese, before later playing for Lecce and Dinamo Minsk. His composure and intelligence in midfield made him one of Nigeria’s most technically gifted players of his era.
Smart technology brand itel, yesterday, hosted the first edition of its ‘Tour de Nigeria 60KM Road Cycling Challenge’, aimed at promoting fitness, innovation and community connection.
The event held in partnership with Cycology, Nigeria’s foremost cycling club, reinforced itel’s growing dedication to fitness, wellness, and community engagement while showcasing how smart technology can enhance active lifestyles.
The race kicked off at Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, where hundreds of cyclists gathered in the early hours of the morning, ready to take on the city’s vibrant yet demanding roads.
After a brief warm-up and safety briefing led by safety marshals, the participants set off on a 60-kilometer route that tested both their stamina and skill.
The route, which began with four high-intensity loops within Dolphin Estate, continued through Osborne Road, Ring Road, and the iconic Third Mainland Bridge; a stretch that offered breath-taking views of the Lagos Lagoon and skyline.
From there, cyclists pedalled through Iyana Oworo, Gbagada Expressway, Anthony Oke, and Oshodi Oke, before making a strategic U-turn under the MMIA Bridge, looping back along the same route to finish triumphantly at Ikoyi.
The challenge was not only a test of endurance but also a celebration of community spirit. Along the route, spectators and fitness enthusiasts cheered on the cyclists, creating an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie.
Proudly supported by Pocari Sweat, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) and Google, the 60KM Challenge stood out as more than just a sporting event, it was an intersection of innovation, resilience, and lifestyle.
Throughout the ride, participants had the opportunity to experience the precision and reliability of the itel Apex N10 Smartwatch, a trusted fitness companion designed for active individuals.
The smartwatch’s GPS tracking feature allowed cyclists to monitor their routes in real time, ensuring accurate distance and pace measurement across the entire journey.
Equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass, the Apex N10’s display offered crystal-clear visibility even under the intense Lagos sun, while maintaining superior scratch and impact resistance; an essential advantage for outdoor fitness enthusiasts.
Its 50-meter water resistance further underscored its durability, enabling riders to stay focused and confident regardless of weather conditions, from early morning humidity to unexpected rain showers.
By blending endurance with technological precision, itel once again proved that smart innovation can empower everyday Nigerians to achieve more; whether in fitness, work, or lifestyle.
As cyclists crossed the finish line back at Dolphin Estate, cheers erupted, marking the end of an exhilarating ride across Lagos.
But the celebration didn’t stop there, the finish line transformed into a vibrant hub of excitement as itel hosted the Smart Life Party, a three-hour post-event celebration designed to reward participants and bring together fitness and sports lovers from across Nigeria.
Speaking during the event, ATL Marketing Manager, Accessories & Small Appliances, itel Nigeria, Chuks Obikwame, emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating: “For us at itel, Tour de Nigeria is more than a cycling challenge – it’s about bringing people together through fitness, passion, and smart technology.
“With the Apex N10 Smartwatch, we’ve introduced an accessory that supports health and functional training. We hope to continue this tour across Nigeria in the coming months, expanding its reach and inspiring more Nigerians.”
The Club Captain of Cycology, Olukunle Osunkunle, said: “Our collaboration with itel reinforces how corporate support can drive sports development. It’s exciting to see technology brands like itel align with our vision to promote wellness, inclusivity, and community engagement through cycling.”
Team Nigeria’s weightlifting contingent has departed the country to join other athletes for the 6th edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games, scheduled to hold in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The multi-sport event, which brings together athletes from member nations of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), will see Nigeria competing in several disciplines, including weightlifting, athletics, and table tennis.
The Nigerian Weightlifting Federation confirmed that a team of six lifters — four women and two men — will represent the country in various categories at the Games. The female lifters include Folashade Lawal (58kg), Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele (63kg), Islamiyat Adebukola Yusuf (69kg), and Sarah Ovayioza Matthew (77kg).
The male contingent comprises Edidiong Joseph Umoafia (71kg) and Desmond Akano (94kg), both of whom have shown impressive form in recent national and continental competitions. The team will be guided by experienced coaches Musa Balkisu and Yusuf Ismaila, who have expressed confidence that the athletes will deliver podium performances.
Speaking before departure, officials of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation described the trip as another opportunity for the lifters to showcase their growing dominance in the sport and continue Nigeria’s proud tradition in international competitions. They noted that the country’s weightlifters have consistently brought home medals from global events, including the Commonwealth Games, the African Championships, and previous editions of the Islamic Solidarity Games.
In a related development, Team Nigeria’s boxing contingent has departed the shores of the country for Riyadh ahead of the 6th edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games, taking place from November 7 to 21, 2025.
The team forms a vital part of Nigeria’s contingent at the multi-sport event, which gathers athletes from across over 55 nations globally. Nigeria’s participation reflects the nation’s commitment to expanding its global sporting profile and using sport as a tool for unity, national pride, and youth development.
Chef de Mission, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the Riyadh Games as a “crucial aspect of Nigeria’s strategic sports development plan,” emphasizing that the event serves as both a test of preparation and a pathway toward greater international success, including at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerian athletes receive the necessary support to excel on global platforms.
“This is more than just another international competition; it is a vital stepping-stone for our athletes toward Olympian ambitions,” Hon. Bukola Olopade said ahead of the team’s departure. “Our team is prepared, focused, and hungry for success. We carry the hopes of the nation with us to Riyadh,” Olopade added.
The Islamic Solidarity Games, organized by the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF), aims to foster unity, friendship, and sportsmanship among Muslim-majority nations. The 2025 edition in Riyadh is expected to feature thousands of athletes from over 50 countries competing in more than 20 sports disciplines.
Former Super Falcons star, Ayisat Yusuf, has been appointed the new Head Coach of Tikkurilan Palloseura (TIPS FC) in Finland, where she will oversee the club’s T2014 and T2015 girls’ teams.
The ex-international, who holds a UEFA B coaching license, expressed her excitement at the opportunity to lead a new generation of players, describing her appointment as “an honour to serve and guide a talented, motivated team.”
“I’m delighted to share that I have been appointed as the Head Coach of the T14/T15 Girls Competitive League at TIPS FC,” Yusuf said. “It is a true honor to lead such a talented and motivated group of young players, supported by an excellent coaching team. Together, we aim to foster growth, teamwork, and excellence both on and off the pitch.”
A respected figure in women’s football, Ayisat enjoyed an illustrious career with 68 international caps, representing Nigeria at the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, 2008 Beijing Olympics, FIFA U-19 World Cups (2002, 2004), and winning three gold medals from the African Championships and All-African Games.
Off the pitch, she is a recognized advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment in sports. In 2018, she founded the SheFootball Initiative, a platform dedicated to empowering female footballers in Africa, and later established the Ayisat Yusuf Football Academy in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2024.
She also serves as a board member of the UEFA FARE Network (Fight Against Racism in Europe) since 2015 and was a FIFPRO Merit Players Voice Award recipient.
TIPS FC expressed confidence in their new coach, noting that Yusuf’s experience and leadership would be instrumental to the club’s development goals.
“We’re proud to have Ayisat Yusuf in our ranks. Her expertise and passion for youth development will play a vital role in the continued progress of our girls’ teams,” the club said in an official statement.
David Beckham, one of Britain’s most celebrated soccer players, was knighted by King Charles at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, recognising his decades-long contribution to sport and charitable causes.
The 50-year-old former England soccer captain received the honour at the royal residence, more than 20 years after he was awarded a separate royal honour recognising his contribution to football.
Beckham, a lifelong admirer of the royal family, was dressed in a suit designed by his wife, Victoria Beckham, a fashion designer and former member of the Spice Girls pop band.
He and King Charles shared a brief but warm exchange during the ceremony, with the king seen smiling and laughing as they spoke.
Coming out of the ceremony, Beckham said he cried when he first found out he was being awarded the knighthood.
“It’s such a big moment for our family and it’s so special,” Beckham told reporters, joking that he would not mind if his kids called him “sir dad”.
“I’m very proud to have such a special honour given to me. I grew up in a very humble background in the East End of London; always wanted to be a professional footballer; and then I’m stood here at Windsor Castle with the most important monarchy in the world,” he said, adding that “it doesn’t get any better”.
Born in east London, Beckham made his Premier League debut for Manchester United in 1995, two years after he joined as a trainee. He went on to win six league titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League with the club, before playing for Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
He retired in 2013 with 115 England caps.
Known for his precise free kicks and crossing ability, Beckham also became one of the most commercially successful athletes of his era.
He has worked with brands such as Adidas (ADSGn.DE), opens new tab, luxury brand Armani, high-street retailer H&M and Pepsi (PEP.O), opens new tab and has been a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF since 2005. According to the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List, Beckham and his wife have a combined net worth of 500 million pounds ($671 million).
Beckham has long expressed admiration for the royal family, describing himself as a “huge royalist”.
In 2022, Beckham queued for more than 12 hours to pay his respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II as she lay in state at Westminster Hall, declining offers to skip the line.
“I grew up in a household of royalists,” he told ITV at the time. “If my grandparents would have been [alive] today, I know that they would have wanted to be here.”
He attended both Prince William’s 2011 wedding to Kate Middleton and Prince Harry’s 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle.
Beckham has also developed a personal rapport with the King, sharing a mutual interest in gardening.
Last year, he was appointed an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, which supports education and sustainability initiatives.
Beckham married Victoria Adams, known as “Posh Spice” from the all-women Spice Girls pop group, in 1999. The couple have four children.
They opened up about their relationship in two Netflix documentaries. The series touched on the pressures of fame, family tensions and the challenges they faced during Beckham’s playing career, including tabloid speculation and time spent apart due to his international transfers.
Beckham has described his family as his “greatest achievement”.
Erling Haaland may be on a record-breaking scoring pace, but Manchester City’s prized striker insists he is focusing on team success as he prepares to face his former club Borussia Dortmund in today’s Champions League clash.
The 25-year-old Norwegian has netted 26 goals in just 16 appearances for club and country this season, putting him on track to surpass his own personal best of 57 goals in a single campaign.
“I am in a good way (to breaking that) but I don’t think of this. We need to focus on tomorrow and that’s how my brain works. I need to think in the present,” he said at a press conference.
Does he think Alan Shearer’s Premier League scoring record of 260 goals is within reach?
“I have to ignore (records),” Haaland reiterated. “Thinking about records I can break is the last thing on my mind, I try to help the team win football games. That is my main focus.”
He also scoffed at comparisons to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, saying “no one can get close to those two.”
He similarly shrugged off manager Pep Guardiola’s compliments about how humble he is.
“I am a Norwegian guy and I shouldn’t think I am something because I am scoring goals,” he said. “I am just Erling and this is something that will never change.”
Haaland is also keen to take Norway into the 2026 World Cup. They last qualified in 1998, two years before he was born. Norway top Group I of qualifying and a win against Estonia on November 13 could secure them a berth.
“There’s big, big few games for us,” he said of the international fixtures. “The main goal of my career, (is) to take Norway to World Cup and now I have a good chance to do it. So, it’s about taking the chances.”
The striker also spoke candidly about how becoming a dad last December has brought him more “balance.”
“Suddenly there’s someone waking you up every morning,” Haaland said. “It got me even more focused, because I can switch off even more; you need the balance between focusing and doing the completely opposite, not focusing at all.”
Guardiola, who gave his squad the day off from training on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of managing the workload of players such as Haaland.
“I always try to organise the team to allow him to run as less as possible. He is so big and cannot play 90 minutes every three days,” Guardiola said.
“I always think of (playing) every three days and manage to control the ball through the passes and can handle the game the way you want to – you survive. Less injuries also.”
City are seventh in the Champions League table with seven points after three games in the single-league format.
