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  • 2025 Of bitter losses, sweet victories in sports

    2025 Of bitter losses, sweet victories in sports

    2025 was quite exciting yet challenging for Nigerian sports. It was a blend of bitter losses and memorable victories, especially, in football, the most followed sport in the country. There were also unforgettable individual brilliances and disappointments. TAIWO ALIMI reports.

    SWEET WINNERS 

    It is best to start with the parts that brought joy and smiles to our faces, and as it has been typical of Nigerian women in sports, they, again, light up Nigerian sports in 2025. Victories came from the Nigerian female football and basketball teams as they conquered Africa in an exhilarating manner.

    The manner the wins came temporally overshadowed the moments of losses, making it a bittersweet year for the sports industry.

    SUPER FALCONS

    The women’s national team, the Super Falcons, arguably gave Nigerian sports fans the greatest joy in 2025, winning a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.

    They went to Morocco with one thing in mind: Mission X, a campaign to win Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title. It was a mission accomplished in grand style, bringing joy to millions of Nigerian sports fans.

    The sweet victory came in an extraordinarily manner with the Falcons staging an extraordinary second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and lift their 10th WAFCON crown in Rabat.

    Trailing 2-0 at half-time in front of a partisan Moroccan crowd, the Super Falcons showed their pedigree and resilience, clawing their way back into the match with a display of clinical finishing and sheer determination to cement their statues as queens of African football.

    Goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and a late winner by Joe Echegini overturned Morocco’s strong first-half lead, stunning the hosts, who were hoping to win their first-ever continental title on home soil.

    The final had the ingredients of a classic: a host nation looking to crown a golden generation with history, and Africa’s most successful women’s side eager to reaffirm their dominance.                

    Happy Nigerians lap up the victory and went to town celebrating, something they had not done for a while.    

    D’TIGRESS

    Just as Nigerians were relishing the Super Falcons’ historic feat, the women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, had an astonishing run at the Women’s AfroBasket 2025, winning an unprecedented fifth consecutive title in Cote d’Ivoire and seventh in total.

    The D’Tigress seemed inspired by the historic feat of the Super Falcons and went ahead to make their own history, making Nigerians even happier.

    They also achieved a significant milestone in the latest FIBA Women’s World Rankings, climbing back into the world’s top 10 and landing in 8th place.

    This historic jump, up three spots from their previous position, comes on the heels of their dominant performance at the FIBA Women’s Afrobasketball 2025, where they were crowned champions for the fifth consecutive time.

    More than just continental glory, D’Tigress continued to break barriers for African basketball. They remain the only African team ever to feature in the global top 10, a testament to their consistency, talent, and growing influence on the world stage.

    The D’Tigress started their campaign with a commanding 92–45 victory over Rwanda, followed by a 60–55 win against Mozambique. Nigeria then dispatched Cameroon 83–47 in a dominant quarter-final performance.

    The D’Tigress fought hard to beat Senegal 75–68 to earn a final berth against Mali. Nigeria edged out Mali 78–64 in a tense showdown, displaying resilience and composure to claim their seventh AfroBasket title.

    BITTER MEMORY

    FIFA WORLD CUP 

    But if Nigerian sports fans had thought it was going to be an all-blissful year, they were mistaken. They were hit by the heavy blow of missing out on the biggest sporting event in the world — the FIFA World Cup — for the second consecutive time, having also missed out in 2022.

    The most heartbreaking event in Nigerian sports in 2025 was the disastrous World Cup qualifying campaign by the Super Eagles, which ended in a 2–1 play-off defeat to DR Congo in November.

    Nigeria had lost the sole automatic ticket in Group C to South Africa but managed to reach the African play-off after beating Benin 4–0 in the final group game in Uyo.

    The Super Eagles beat Gabon 4–1 in the semi-final of the play-off to book a spot in the final against DR Congo. The game ended 1–1 after normal and extra time, but during penalties, the Leopards of DR Congo overpowered the Super Eagles 4–3 to claim Africa’s sole ticket to the intercontinental play-offs billed for March next year.

    To make things worse for the Super Eagles, the Play-off was only achieved after FIFA canceled some games with Nigeria stealing into the play-off.

    Even, after suffering defeat in the hands of DR Congo, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) began to toy with the idea disqualifying DR Congo for fielding ineligible players.

    MORE HEARTACHE 

    Yet, more heartache followed with the failures of the national male and female football U-20 and U-17 teams in the competitions they participated in, as well as the failure of the men’s senior basketball team in the AfroBasket 2025, and the poor performance of Nigerian athletes at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships.

    Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, only managed to secure fifth place at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket, held in Angola from August 12 to 24.

    In spite of the disappointments, some Nigerian athletes shown like million stars and they will do down in history as the lights in the darkness.     

    VICTOR OSIMHEN

    Victor Osimhen made history as the first African to win GQ Türkiye’s Sportsman of the Year.

    The Nigerian striker capped the year brilliantly with this award after delivering for club-Galatasaray of Turkey and for country.   

    The win is historic, making him the first African ever to take home a GQ Türkiye honour in any category.

    The prestigious event, which celebrates cultural influencers and outstanding achievers across entertainment, fashion, arts and sport, highlighted the transformative impact Osimhen has had since joining Galatasaray — first on loan, and later permanently.

    Osimhen performances in Turkey have been nothing short of sensational.

    Last season, he recorded an extraordinary 37 goals and eight assists, powering Galatasaray to both the Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup. The feat places him in rare company; only two other footballers in the past decade — Wesley Sneijder and Mauro Icardi — have earned the same GQ Türkiye honour, both Galatasaray legends in their own right.

    His brilliance has carried into the current season. With 11 goals in 14 matches, Osimhen remains central to Galatasaray push to retain their top-of-the-table status. His fierce work-rate, clinical finishing and commanding presence have cemented his reputation as one of the most influential foreign players in the history of Turkish football.

    Osimhen also guided Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup Qualifier Africa Playoff scoring an impressive seven goals but were knocked out by DR Congo in the final.

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    TOBI AMUSAN

    All eyes were on Tobi Amusan to light up the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships, and she did not disappoint. It was one of Nigeria’s two medals at the global event.  

    Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles with a time of 12.29s in the final, winning her first global medal since the 2023 Diamond League final. She was narrowly beaten by Ditaji Kambundji (Switzerland), who set a national record of 12.24s for the gold.

    EZEKIEL NATHANIEL

    Nathaniel is another winner finishing with a bronze medal in 400m hurdles. The year 2025 was his breakthrough season, twice breaking the African indoor record in 400m hurdles.

    In Tokyo, Nathaniel broke the Nigerian record in the men’s 400m hurdles final again, running 47.11s to win bronze. (his fourth place finish was upgraded to third), and made history as the first Nigerian male athlete in 38 years to reach the 400m hurdles final at the World Championships.  In August of 2025, he had won bronze at the Diamond League Final. 

    KONYINSOLA AJAYI & ISREAL OKON

    Ajayi and Okon reignited the Nigeria sparkle in 100m in 2025. Thanks to Ajayi (21), Nigeria returned to the men’s 100m final in Tokyo, although he finished sixth clocking 10.00s in a tense final. Ajayi became the first Nigerian to make the men’s 100m final in 18 years since Olusoji Fasuba in 2007. He finished sixth in the final, clocking 10.00s.

    National champion, Okon didn’t make the final of the men’s 100m final in Tokyo, he, however, had an impressive season. The 18-year-old, who is Nigeria’s youngest competitor at the championships, impressed in his debut outing by advancing to the men’s 100m semi-final after running 10.04s to win his heat ahead of Britain’s Zharnel Hughes and Olympic champion Lamont Jacobs. These are the beacon light on Nigerian athletics in years to come.

    TABLE TENNIS STEALS THE SHOW 

    While the focus is on football and athletics, table tennis, for its teeming followers, quietly stole the show in Nigeria sports in 2025. For five weeks the city of Lagos-that has become the hub of table tennis in Nigeria and West Africa, hosted five international table tennis tournaments consecutively.

    By this feat, Nigeria made a bold statement to the rest of the world that the sport has found a true home in Africa’s most populous nation.

    The growing influx of global talent into Lagos, and the deliberate nurturing of the next generation of champions in Nigeria made 2025 the year of table tennis for Nigerian sports. It started with the West African Championships, then the WTT Contender Lagos, The African Junior Championships, The African Cup and The Hopes Programme for U-12 athletes.

  • Startup unveils data-driven technology to revolutionise sports predictions

    Startup unveils data-driven technology to revolutionise sports predictions

    A new technology designed to bring empirical precision to sports predictions is on the horizon. According to the Founder of City Rebels Predictions (CRSPredictions), Osifeso Olamiji, the innovation aims to transform sports forecasting from guesswork into a science-driven process powered by data, logic, and analytics.

    In a statement, Olamiji said the goal is to help fans understand the science behind sports outcomes rather than depend on luck.

    “I wanted to build something that changes how people think about sports. Behind every match lies data — patterns, probability, and logic. That’s what CRSPredictions helps people see,” he said.

    Unlike conventional prediction platforms, CRSPredictions focuses on responsible engagement, positioning itself as an educational and analytical tool rather than a gambling hub. This distinction, Olamiji noted, has earned the platform credibility among young stakeholders seeking more than mere speculation.

    Beyond sports analysis, he said the platform also aims to serve as a knowledge hub for young Africans. Through mentorship programmes, training, and data literacy workshops, CRSPredictions seeks to show how analytical thinking in sports can be applied to real-world problem-solving.

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    “If you can analyse a football match properly, you can analyse a business decision. It’s all logic, patience, and structure,” he explained.

    Looking ahead, Olamiji revealed plans to launch a mobile app, integrate machine learning tools, and forge partnerships with African sports data firms to further enhance the platform’s capabilities.

     “Africa has the passion. Now, we need to match that passion with precision. That’s the future we’re building. I just want to prove that if you stay consistent, your idea can grow. CRSPredictions is still young, but we’re building something Africa will be proud of,” he added.

    Launched in July 2022, CRSPredictions, according to the founder, uses structured data to interpret player and team performance. The platform, he explained, offers deep-dive analyses, player trends, and predictive models designed to make sports debates more informed. “We’re not guessing. We predict based on information. We want users to see the logic and the data behind every result.”

    With a background in Computer and Mathematical Sciences, combined with early lessons from street trading, Olamiji drew inspiration to merge logic with passion through CRSPredictions. By 2024, while serving as an Admin Officer in a Petroleum and Engineering company, he was managing both roles, an experience he said strengthened his organisational mindset.

    “Working in a structured environment helped me understand systems and organisation. It gave me the discipline to build CRSPredictions sustainably, not as a hustle, but as a real business,” he explained.

    Olamiji, who cut his entrepreneurial teeth in Mandilas Market, Lagos, trading in automobiles and fashion, also admonished the youths.

    “You learn that business isn’t about comfort; it’s about creativity and consistency. Every setback taught me to adapt and innovate,” he said, adding that the years he spent on Mandilas Street laid the foundation for his business discipline.

  • How sports can save youth from crime

    How sports can save youth from crime

    As world leaders continue to deliberate on sustainable ways to curb negative behaviours among young people, guess what? Sports can do the magic. It can transform idle hands into skilled ones and vulnerable lives into stories of strength and success. With ease access to sports facilities and equipment, youth can channel their energy into more positive lifestyles. Writes OLAITAN GANIU.

    Imagine a young boy in Ajegunle who could have joined a gang but instead found himself on a pitch at dawn, lacing up (Akube) second-hand boots for football practice. Picture a teenage girl in Kaduna who hit the gym early in the morning, her breath fogging in the cool air as she trained to be the next Gymnastics’ champion in the 2028 Olympic Games. These are not just stories, they are real-life examples of how sports can steer youth away from crime and toward opportunity.

    With over 1.2 billion youths globally and 160 million of them in Nigeria alone, this generation holds immense potential. But that power can either build or break a nation. In Nigeria, where almost 70% of the population is under 30, the stakes are incredibly high. Too many young people fall prey to cultism, cybercrime, substance abuse and violence, not because they are inherently bad, but because they lack options, guidance and positive outlets.

    This is where sports step in. Unlike other entertainment, sports including wrestling,  football, tennis, cycling, swimming, weight lifting, teach discipline. Every whistle, every penalty or offside call is a lesson in self-control, respect and structure. In football, one of its slogans is ‘football without violence’ in which any bad tackle or humiliation against opponent could lead to a red card or suspension. These are not just game rules, they are life lessons that can mean the difference between prison bars and podiums.

    Similarly, sports help young people manage their emotion and mental health. Youth are often bubbling over with high spirits and emotions but that surge of adrenaline can becomes a source of pride. Just like in a boxing or basketball, aggression turns into strategy without sports complex that energy could turns destructive. 

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    Mentorship through sports is equally powerful. Think of the greats: Stephen Keshi, Clemens Westerhof, J.J Okocha, Jo Bonfere, Shuaibu Amodu Jay Jay Okocha, Hogan ‘Kid’ Bassey, Enefiok Udo-obong,  Segun Odegbami, Chioma Ajunwa, Nwankwo Kanu, Gernot Rohr and others, their stories inspire not just dreams but direction. A coach’s words can stick longer than a lecture while a senior teammate’s encouragement can drown out a thousand dangerous temptations.

    Remember in 1970, when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) sponsors a youth football team for international training, the squard returned to the country as world-class athletes. They didn’t just become heroes; they became a role model for the next generation. That same structure can be adapted today.

    In addition, sports foster teamwork and self-belonging. Real teams, like those that shaped D’Tigress or Flying Eagles offer true brotherhood and sisterhood. The huddle before a match and the embrace after a win are powerful bonds that erase loneliness and replace it with purpose. In fact, Nigeria would not have produced global stars like Victor Osimhen, Tobi Amusan, Favour Ashe, Tunde Onakoya, Asisat Oshoala, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Ademola Lookman, Quadri Aruna and others without strong communication and collaboration skills on and off the field.

    We can no longer afford to wait. Every day without action is a day another child falls through the cracks. Governments, communities, and private sectors must urgently invest in sports infrastructure, youth leagues, and coaching programs. Equip our streets with basketball nets, not bullet shells. Fill our schools with goalposts, not gangs. Train coaches not just to win games, but to win lives.

    The future of our nation is sweating on the sidelines, waiting for someone to pass the ball.

  • How Referee Decisions Can Influence Betting Outcomes in Most Popular Sports

    How Referee Decisions Can Influence Betting Outcomes in Most Popular Sports

    In sports betting, many factors influence the outcome of a match—team form, injuries, tactics, and even weather conditions. However, one often-overlooked element that can have a major impact on betting outcomes at Bizbet.Africa is referee decisions. Referees play a crucial role in determining the flow and outcome of matches. Their officiating style, the use of technology like VAR (Video Assistant Referee), and broader officiating trends can all affect betting markets in significant ways. Understanding how referees influence games can help bettors make more informed wagers and spot valuable betting opportunities.

    Not all referees officiate matches the same way. Some are known for strict decision-making, handing out more yellow and red cards, awarding penalties, and stopping play frequently. Others allow more physical play and are less likely to intervene.

    This directly impacts several betting markets, including:

    • Over/Under cards – Some referees give out more bookings than others, affecting totals markets for yellow and red cards.
    • Penalty markets – Strict referees award more penalties, making penalty-related bets more valuable.
    • Total goals betting – Matches with many stoppages (due to fouls and bookings) often have fewer goals.

    Example: In football (soccer), referees in Spain’s La Liga tend to issue more yellow cards compared to referees in England’s Premier League, making card betting markets different across leagues.

    Studies have shown that home teams often receive more favorable decisions from referees, especially in close matches. This could be due to subconscious bias or pressure from home crowds.

    This affects:

    • Home win probability – Referees may hesitate to give crucial decisions against the home team, influencing match odds.
    • First-half bets – Home teams may receive early advantages, making first-half markets an interesting betting option.

    Bettors who study home bias trends in different leagues can find valuable odds adjustments that bookmakers may overlook.

    The Impact of VAR on Betting Outcomes

    The introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in football has had a major impact on betting, especially in markets related to:

    • Goals and offsides – VAR decisions have disallowed goals that would have previously stood.
    • Penalty markets – More penalties are awarded now, as referees can review controversial incidents.
    • Live betting adjustments – VAR creates delays, giving experienced bettors opportunities to place strategic live bets.

    Example: Since the introduction of VAR in the English Premier League, the number of penalties per season has increased, making “penalty awarded” bets more common.

    Live betting at biz bet app has been impacted by VAR delays. Bettors who react quickly before bookmakers adjust their odds can take advantage of:

    • “Next goal” betting – If a goal is under review, betting on it being disallowed can be profitable.
    • Momentum shifts – Teams often lose focus after a VAR decision goes against them, affecting live odds.

    By understanding how VAR decisions disrupt game flow, bettors can make better in-play betting decisions.

    Different leagues have different officiating standards, affecting betting outcomes.

    • Premier League referees are more lenient on physical play, leading to fewer cards per game.
    • Serie A referees in Italy are known for awarding many penalties, making it a great league for penalty-related bets.
    • South American leagues have high levels of officiating unpredictability, leading to frequent unexpected results.

    Tracking league-specific referee trends can give bettors an edge when placing bets on cards, penalties, or match outcomes.

    In high-stakes knockout competitions like the World Cup, UEFA Champions League, or Copa América, referees tend to be stricter in early rounds, giving more yellow cards to set the tone for the tournament. Be cautious in finals, issuing fewer controversial decisions to avoid criticism.

    For bettors, this means look for higher yellow card totals. Expect fewer penalties and red cards as referees avoid impacting the result too much. Betting strategies should adapt based on these officiating trends.

    Betting Strategies Based on Referee Decisions

    Before placing a bet, bettors should check:

    • Who the referee is – Some referees favor attacking football, while others are strict enforcers.
    • Past performance data – Statistics on how often a referee awards penalties, gives yellow cards, or favors home teams can be useful. The same comes in cricket matches.
    • League and tournament trends – Understanding how different leagues handle refereeing decisions can improve betting predictions.

    Websites and databases offer referee statistics, allowing bettors to identify patterns and trends. Bookmakers don’t always adjust their odds perfectly for referee influence. This creates value betting opportunities, such as betting on penalties in leagues where referees award them frequently.

    Referee decisions can have a major impact on sports betting markets. Whether it’s VAR interventions, home bias, strict officiating styles, or league-specific trends, understanding how referees influence matches gives bettors a significant edge over casual players at https://www.bizbet.africa/line. Strict referees increase yellow/red card totals, influencing over/under card markets. Home teams often receive favorable decisions, affecting match odds. VAR technology has increased penalties and delayed in-play betting markets. Different leagues have different refereeing styles, impacting betting strategies. Knockout tournaments see stricter early-round officiating and more cautious refereeing in finals.

  • ‘How sports add value to pupils’ lives’

    ‘How sports add value to pupils’ lives’

    • Mind Builders holds Inter-House Sports

    Sports competitions are not only for discovering physical strength, but character through discipline, patience, determination, and the value of both victory and loss, the Managing Partner of Gbenga Badejo & Co.(Chartered Accountants), Sir Gbenga Badejo (FCA), has said.

    Badejo, who spoke about the old-age values of sports as the chairman of the 10th Biennial Inter-House Sports Competition of Mind Builders School, said the competition was about uncovering the strength, resilience, courage and team spirit within each of the young champions.

    “Every jump, every sprint and every cheer from the stands help reveal the potential that is waiting to be shaped into greatness,” he said.

    He appreciated the school leadership, teachers and organising committee for their tireless efforts in putting the event together, adding that the theme for this year’s event, “Discovering sports Titans,” could not be more apt.

    “You have not only created a space for healthy competition but also a stage for dreams to take flight,” Badejo said.

    He went on: “In sports, we discover not only physical strength, but character. We learn discipline, patience, determination, and the value of both victory and loss. These are not just sports values – they are life values. And as we cheer these young ones on, let us remember that we are also watching future leaders, innovators, and nation-builders in action,” he said.

    The accountant noted that the school’s motto, “Building your child for tomorrow’s challenges”, was vividly brought to life in the gathering since through sports, “our children are being equipped not just to compete on the track but to stand strong in life’s arena – ready to face the challenges of tomorrow with confidence, courage and character.

    Read Also: Purple House wins BOLS Schools Inter-house Sports Competition

    “To all the students: today is your day. Compete with passion, respect your fellow athletes, and give it your very best. Whether you take home a medal or not, know that by showing up, striving, and playing fair, you are already a titan in the making.”

    The school is known for the awards they have won in school competitions and inter-house sports.

    They recently attended four inter- house sports and they won 24 gold medals and four silver medals.

    Yesterday’s competition brought together four houses— Citrine, Diamond, Lapis, and Peridot.

    Citrine House was the overall winner, securing 17 gold, nine silver, and 16 bronze medals in a thrilling display of athletic excellence.

  • 60th Founders’ Day Anniversary: Ogun Commissioner stresses importance of sports in youth development

    60th Founders’ Day Anniversary: Ogun Commissioner stresses importance of sports in youth development

    As Ogun State prepares to host the 22nd   National Sports Festival, the State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, has reiterated the importance of sports in youth development and nation-building.

    The National Sports Festival, which is expected to bring together athletes from across the country, will be a showcase of Nigeria’s sporting talents and a celebration of unity, friendship, and healthy competition. The festival will feature various sports, including track and field, swimming, and basketball.

    Speaking at the 60th  Founders’ Day Anniversary celebration of Remo Divisional School Sagamu, Isiaka emphasised the significance of hosting the festival, stating: “This festival represents much more than just track and field competitions: it signifies our determination to create a robust sports ecosystem throughout Ogun State.”

    He noted that the state government’s commitment to youth and sports development is evident in various initiatives aimed at engaging young people.

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    “We recognise that sports play a critical role in building character, fostering teamwork, and nurturing future leaders,” he explained.

    Isiaka also commended the alumni of Remo Divisional School for their contributions to the institution and the community, saying, “Your commitment to giving back to your roots not only enriches our community but also positively impacts society and our government. Your contributions are invaluable and serve as a testament to the strong foundation that this institution has established over the years.”

    The commissioner urged the current students of Remo Divisional School to take advantage of the resources available to them, including sports, to become well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens.

    “Learn not just from your textbooks, but from your involvement in activities like sports, the arts, and community service,” he said. “These experiences will help shape you into well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens.”

  • “Sports the fastest way to achieve stardom, alleviate poverty”

    “Sports the fastest way to achieve stardom, alleviate poverty”

    Sports the fastest way to achieve stardom and alleviate poverty, Adebayo. Prince Adewole Adebayo, leader of the Social Democratic Party, SDP advised particularly the youths to take to sports as it’s one of the hidden but fastest ways to not only quickly get out of boredom but poverty. Adebayo made this advice his maiden Annual Prince Adewole Adebayo Christmas Marathon held in Ondo over the weekend. The event saw participation from athletes within and outside Nigeria, including some Kenyan athletes. Notable attendees included former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung.

    Adebayo, the initiator of the event, discussed the motivation behind this initiative, stating that the event has come to stay and expressed his commitment to nurturing sports talents in Nigeria. “I believe it is important for Nigerians to engage in sporting activities because sports, music, and entertainment are powerful means of transforming impoverished individuals into stars within a single generation. We are currently in a period of human history that celebrates talent,” he said. He emphasized that promoting sporting events would help reduce poverty and highlighted the role of discipline in sports, noting that “anyone who can run a marathon is a disciplined person.”

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    Adebayo expressed his hopes for the marathon to be featured in Nigeria’s sporting calendar next year and to gain recognition from the International Olympic Committee. The event now holds annually on December 30 for the next 1,000 years, reinforcing his commitment: “This will be a regular occurrence. People came from all over the world and Nigeria, spanning various communities and age groups. These are initiatives we can pursue without waiting for government assistance,” Adebayo added enthusiastically.

    Although the Kenyan athletes missed the race, an athlete from the Republic of Benin secured the second position. Among the participants was a 14-year-old who had never run a marathon before. Despite being initially prevented from participating, he was allowed to compete with adults and outpaced them. The winners received cash prizes of one million naira for first place, five hundred thousand naira for second place, and three hundred thousand naira for third place. Additionally, the organizers awarded fifty thousand naira as consolation to other participants.

    The athletes were later received by the traditional ruler of Ondo State, Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo Adenrele Ademefun Kiladejo, Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom. The athletes were adorned with garlands at the palace.

  • Sports Person Of The Year:

    Sports Person Of The Year:

    Prologue

    Sporting Life has undoubtedly  lived up to its tenets of ‘reporting sports in a refreshing style’ and it’s  an undisputable fact  it  has  over the years, remained the  market leader in its  class.

    It’s a thing of joy  that you have made Sporting Life,  the number  one sports  paper  in Nigeria and we have accepted  this  with a big sense of responsibility.  

    Apart from reporting the exploits of athletes  across  all  sporting divides on a daily basis , this paper  has been  in the vanguard of celebrating the heroics  of Nigerian athletes  as much as their counterparts  across the  world from  football to track& field; and from hockey to handball , among others.

    Yet, it’s now expedient  that  we take the  time  to scrutinise  the achievements  of  these athletes   and pick out  the best  of the  crop at the end of each calendar year  and henceforth,  we would be announcing  our Sportsperson of the Year  along  with other  headliners  in the year under review.

    Year 2024 may not have offered  much  return in terms of honours  and medals,  yet there are still many  things  to cheer about  hence the need to celebrate not merely  athletic prowess, but the spirit of perseverance, dedication, and excellence that defines our Sportsperson of the Year.

    Indeed, our nominees have risen above, showcasing not only remarkable talent but also the heart and soul that fuel their journeys.

    From Ademola Lookman to the  Nigeria’s Paralympians and  the Paris  2024 Olympics; to the  national women’s Basketball  team, D’Tigress’ ground-breaking  performance at the Summer Olympics in Paris as well as Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, it’s is a story of  resilience and  going against the tide all in the bid  to achieve greatness  or immortality.

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    Each of them, in their unique way, embodies the essence of sport—a relentless pursuit of dreams, a commitment to hard work, and an unwavering belief in oneself. They serve as role models, mentors, and sources of inspiration for the next generation, demonstrating that with tenacity and passion, anything is possible.

    Over the next  pages, we pay tribute to the incredible journey of  these formidable  athletes and their stories are a testament to the power of sports to unite, inspire, and elevate us all.

    May we continue to look to our athletes for inspiration, as they remind us that the pursuit of excellence is a journey worth undertaking.

    We  welcome you to the  celebration  of  the maiden edition of  Sporting Life’s Sportsperson of the Year along with other storied  headliners that stood out in Nigeria’s sports  ecosystem  in 2024.

  • Sports Journalists Forum launches empowerment initiative

    Sports Journalists Forum launches empowerment initiative

    The Sports Journalists Forum (SJF) has launched its empowerment programme to support members in need of professional and business assistance. This initiative, which coincides with the group’s 7th anniversary, will provide financial support and grants for sports journalists who run small businesses or have entrepreneurial ambitions.

    As part of the programme’s launch, Molade Oketoki and Ajunwa Julian each received a grant of 200,000 Naira to support their growing businesses, while Esther Pushe was awarded 100,000 Naira.

    SJF Group Administrator, Godwin Enakhena, said beyond giving hand-outs to struggling colleagues,  supporting members with businesses and innovative ideas is vital to ensure long-term sustainability.

    “We must do more for ourselves as a group. Media professionals especially those reporting sports can dream of becoming more as humans. In this sector, we have potentials and visionaries who are simply looking for that helping hand to actualise their visions. This is what we want to achieve through the SJF Empowerment Initiative,” Enakhena said.

    In addition to assisting small businesses, the group plans to explore professional and career opportunities, as well as forge progressive partnerships for members seeking growth.

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    Enakhena highlighted that the initiative will be a top priority for SJF in 2025, as it is essential to provide legitimate opportunities for colleagues who are eager to advance their careers. He also announced that Enitan Obadina, Advanced Editor – Sports at Opera News, will lead the research, seminars, and self-development section of the project, with activities set to begin in the first quarter of 2025.

    He expressed gratitude to the members who contributed to the endowment funds and encouraged others to follow suit.

    In addition to business support, the SJF also honoured and rewarded 11 members across various categories during its annual end of the year event. Each winner received 50,000 Naira, a certificate, and a football jersey of their choice.

    Emmanuel Joseph was named as the inaugural winner of the ‘Personal Development’ category, receiving 50,000 Naira as well.

    The event witnessed a large turnout of Sports Journalists with so much to eat and drink. The public presentation which was part of SJF’s end of year party held in Lagos on Saturday, December 21 at Sinatra Place in Ikeja, Lagos.

  • Sports can curb youth restiveness in Niger Delta, says Egbe

    Sports can curb youth restiveness in Niger Delta, says Egbe

    Nigeria’s foremost sports facilities expert, Ebi Egbe, has emphasised the vital role that sports can play in promoting peace, fostering community development and preventing youth crime, especially in the Niger Delta.

    Egbe, a certified grounds man and FIFA licensed agent, is advocating the need for State governments to set up sports parks across the region as a means of curbing crime like pipeline vandalism, adding that a fraction of what is being paid for securing pipelines can be channelled into developing sports facilities which would yield better results.

    Egbe’s company, Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Limited, has been involved in the construction of some of the best football playing turfs in Nigeria and some West African countries.

    No less than 15 stadia in Nigeria have Monimichelle brand stamped on them. They include; Mohammed Dikko Stadium in Katsina, Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, the Remo Star Stadium in Ikenne, the new Awka Stadium in Anambra State capital in Awka, amongst several others.

    Egbe, a former commissioner of sports in Bayelsa State said: “My company is domiciled at the heart of the Niger Delta, Yenagoa to be precise and I see all these pipeline vandalism, youth restiveness in the Niger Delta. The easiest way for us to curb youth restiveness in through sports.

    “Every community in the Niger Delta has a football team . We can inculcate swimming, wrestling, canoeing into these communities.

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    “All the money we are using to protect the pipelines if the federal government can spend just a quarter of that money to pay for sports parks in grey areas where we have issues with pipelines and you would be shocked that all these things would die overnight.”

    “My take is let’s construct sports facilities in the Niger Delta, let’s use sports to curb youth restiveness. Yes, we have tried different approaches to deal with this issue, but they are not working. We have seen places like South Africa use sports in Soweto to curb restiveness. We have seen examples in Colombia, Peru and even Libya where there is a war ongoing. When there is a sports activity, everywhere is calm.”

    “Let us construct sports parks in the Niger Delta. Let us make it a must and you will be shocked on how we are going to curb youth restiveness. It is something I know that is going to work in the Niger Delta and I have been preaching this for the last 17 years.

    “Identify and pick the areas we have issues, construct sports parks and you are not only going to be solving the youth restiveness problems you are also going to be producing sporting champions. For example, the Samson Siasia Stadium (in Yenagoa), when I constructed the tracked in that stadium, the first athletics meet hosted on that track, the girl that took first is an African champion today.

    “This would tell you that we Niger Deltans are talented. When it comes to sports, you cannot push away Niger Deltans.”

    In a related development,  said  it’s  a big honour  to be part of  the Africa Football Business Summit in Kenya where  he has been invited as a guest speaker  on facility management, adding the event  is in line with the vision of his company to eradicate bad pitches in Africa.

    “It is a big honour to be recognized by the organizers. It is an opportunity to share my experience with other attendees at the summit. And I am happy people are watching and acknowledging the good work we are doing at Monimichelle,” Egbe said.