Connect with us

News

2023 Polls: Twist, Turns As Court Frees Nnamdi Kanu

Published

on

There are indications that all is not well with the secessionist group, Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

This is as the highest decision making organ of the group, Directorate of State (DOS) has said that there are no plans to disrupt election in the South-East, but shortly thereafter, another group countered that position.

Advertisement

Videos of a breakaway member of the group, Mr Simon Ekpa, a Nigeria/Finland citizen had insisted that no election would hold in the zone.

Ekpa in a video that went viral on social media had threatened that there will be no election in the South-East in 2023, vowing that IPOB will disrupt the process.

But the media and publicity secretary of the group, Emma Powerful in a press statement last week said there is no truth in any information circulating on plans to disrupt election in Igboland.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: FG Insists Nnamdi Kanu Not Acquitted, To File Fresh Charges

Powerful in the statement said: “The IPOB leadership has for the umpteenth time stated unequivocally that part of our modus operandi in our agitation for freedom has never been, is not and will not be violent agitation. This explains our consistent demand for the UN to organise a Referendum in the Biafran territory for the Biafran people to determine their destiny. To this effect, IPOB is neither contemplating nor will it encouraged or sponsor anyone or group to disrupt the Nigeria shambolic selection process called election.

“IPOB has constantly made it public that we have no interest in and cannot legitimise the aberration they call election in Nigeria. We are a focused, determined and disciplined freedom fighting movement not political thugs and IPOB is devoted to the cause of liberating our people from subjugation and from modern day slavery and Neo-colonialism and will not allow ourselves to be distracted from this very objective. If in the future IPOB Leadership decides to make further statement on the upcoming Nigeria selection process called election, we shall make such statement through our official channels.”

Advertisement

The above had sparked a debate about the unity in the group, as Ekpa has severally made broadcasts, in the name of IPOB, including fundraising, and has severally declared sit-at-home protest in the name of the group, which were honoured by people in the South East. For an average man like Sylvester Sunday, a phone accessories dealer in Aroma junction, Awka: “To me, all of them are the same. Any time they declare their sit-at-home, I just obey.”

But Emma Powerful in a WhatsApp exchange with DAILY POST asked that all utterances of Ekpa be discarded and ignored, as he was neither a member of IPOB, not had he powers to speak for the group.

READ ALSO: Ozekhome Speaks On Kanu’s Acquittal, Admits Too Complex For Human Understanding

Advertisement

Powerful said: “You shouldn’t take what Simon Ekpa said because it won’t hold water. He is nobody in relevance and popularity. IPOB has no business in Nigeria selection called election and besides Simon Ekpa is never IPOB member and I don’t know why you equate his strategies with IPOB strategy.

“I called you before and informed you never to write whatever Simon Ekpa says, Simon Ekpa never introduced any new thing unless what IPOB introduced. Monday Sit-at-home was issued by IPOB and cancelled and he capitalise on it and is causing problem. Tell your people or friends to stop joining my statement with Simon Ekpa unless they have intentions to destroy IPOB which cannot work for them.”

Meanwhile, the discharge and acquittal of Nnamdi Kanu by the Court of Appeal on Thursday has raised mixed feelings among many. Many believe that Kanu’s release would help him to come out of detention and take a firm stand on the information he had been passing from prison through third party, he would be able to totally proclaim by himself that there would be no election boycott in the South East. Doing so, he would reign in the like of Ekpa and other alleged criminals operating in the South East in the name of IPOB.

Advertisement

But on the other hand, some people believe that the release of Kanu may be an orchestrated plot to use him to scare South easterners into voter apathy, as he would most likely insist on the realisation of Biafra, against peaceful election in the South East.

At UNIZIK junction, Awka, where some supporters of Kanu were jubilating over his recent discharge, a supporter, whose name was simply given as Oga Boss said: “Now that Kanu is on his way out of prison, let me see how all these people who are using his name to cause trouble can continue.

“Be it Simon Ekpa, who does not always listen anytime Kanu passes a message from prison, or all those people who go about kidnapping and dropping the name of IPOB, let me see how they will not listen when Kanu speaks.”

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu: IPOB Reacts, Says ‘Biafra Realisation Is Next’

There have been news of how some people who were loyal to Kanu had been using his name to make money for themselves since Kanu has been in prison. During the Anambra governorship election in 2021, which was also the very peak of violence in the State, where many areas were declared very dangerous to visit, a governorship aspirant from a popular political party had to part with millions of Naira to persons who pledged loyalty to Kanu, just to assure there will be safety as the candidate flagged-off his campaign.

Meanwhile, two respondents, Victoria Mmerichukwu and Nwama Lubia who commented on Facebook said it is still suspicious how all charges against Kanu were dropped. They believe it may be a grand plot to use Kanu, through his release, to distract the Igbo.

Advertisement

“It’s indeed suspicious! I see it as a strategy, to bring division among Ndigbos. Because, for sure some will be agitating for Igbo Presidency while others Biafra, which they might (cause) declaration of no election in South East,” they said.
DAILY POST

Advertisement

News

Her Fight Is Ours, Sowore Vows Justice For Corps Member Denied Certificate

Published

on

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned what he described as a gross injustice against National Youth Service Corps member, Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, after she was denied her final discharge certificate last Thursday.

In a post via his X official handle on Saturday, the publisher of Sahara Reporters promised to get justice for the former corps member.

Advertisement

We had promised to fight for her justice, and that promise remains unbroken,” he wrote.

Sowore hailed Raye’s resilience, crediting her outspoken activism for a significant win for corps members.

It was Raye’s courage that pushed the authorities to raise the allowance for her colleagues.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Sowore Regains Freedom, Says Detention ‘Illegal

“We will not abandon her. Her fight is our fight,” he added.

Recall that the NYSC extended Raye’s service year by two months after her viral video in March, in which she criticised the present administration.

Advertisement

She alleged that NYSC officials had threatened her to delete the video.

Civil rights groups condemned the development, accusing the NYSC of trying to silence dissent.

Following the video, the NYSC Local Government Inspector in Eti-Osa summoned her to appear at the local office.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Why Sowore Is Being Detained – Police

When Raye arrived with Sowore and her lawyers, the official who issued the summons was absent.

The matter resurfaced on June 18, when Raye was again summoned to appear before a disciplinary panel at the Iyana Ipaja NYSC orientation camp in Lagos.

Advertisement

After a series of delays, she was informed that her service year had been extended as punishment — a move that ultimately blocked her from receiving her discharge certificate on schedule.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Ex-minister, Audu Ogbeh Is Dead

Published

on

Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has passed away at the age of 78. He died on Saturday.

A statement by the Ogbeh family on Saturday said the elder statesman died peacefully on Saturday.

Advertisement

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather; Chief Audu Ogbeh.

“He passed away on the 9th of August 2025 at the fulfilled age of 78,” the statement read.

READ ALSO:22 Dead, Others Injured As Trailer Carrying Passengers, Cattle Crashes On Niger Road

Advertisement

The family described Ogbeh as a man who “departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to our nation and community.”

We are comforted by the many lives he touched and the example he set,” the statement added.

The family stated that funeral details would be announced in due course and expressed appreciation to friends, colleagues, and well-wishers for their prayers and support.

Advertisement

“We will appreciate some privacy at this time while we mourn the loss of our patriarch,” the statement read.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

15 Most Popular Sports In The World

Published

on

This comprehensive guide explores the 15 most popular sports in the world, examining their global appeal, rich histories, and the reasons millions—sometimes billions—of fans follow them devotedly. Whether you’re a dedicated sports enthusiast or simply curious about global pastimes, join us as we count down the activities that capture hearts and minds across our planet.

Contents
What are The Most Popular Sports in The World
1. Scuba Diving
2. Football / Soccer
3. Cricket
4. Basketball
5. Hockey
6. Tennis
7. Volleyball
8. Table Tennis
9. Baseball
10. Rugby
11. Golf
12. American Football
13. Boxing
14. Badminton
15. Fun Diving
Final Thoughts
What are The Most Popular Sports in The World
The rankings below are based on estimated worldwide fan bases, international federation data, and global viewership statistics for major tournaments.

Advertisement

Rank Sport Estimated Fans Major Regions Key Tournaments

1 Football/Soccer 3.5 Billion Europe, Africa, Asia, Americas FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League

2 Cricket 2.5 Billion India, Pakistan, UK, Australia, Caribbean ICC Cricket World Cup, IPL

Advertisement

3 Basketball 2.2 Billion North America, Europe, China, Philippines NBA Finals, FIBA World Cup

4 Hockey 2 Billion India, Europe, Australia (Field); Canada, USA, Russia (Ice) Hockey World Cup, Stanley Cup

5 Tennis 1 Billion Worldwide Grand Slams, ATP/WTA Finals

Advertisement

6 Volleyball 900 Million Europe, Brazil, Asia, USA FIVB World Championship, Olympics

7 Table Tennis 850 Million China, East Asia, Europe World Table Tennis Championships

8 Baseball 500 Million USA, Japan, Caribbean, South Korea World Series, World Baseball Classic

Advertisement

9 Rugby 475 Million UK, France, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia Rugby World Cup, Six Nations

10 Golf 450 Million USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Europe The Masters, The Open Championship

11 American Football 400 Million USA, Canada, Growing Internationally Super Bowl, College Football Playoff

Advertisement

12 Boxing 350 Million USA, UK, Mexico, Philippines, Japan Championship Bouts, Olympics

13 Badminton 220 Million Asia, Europe BWF World Championships, Olympics

14 Scuba Diving 25 Million Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Australia Underwater Photography Competitions

Advertisement

15 Fun Diving 20 Million Southeast Asia, Caribbean, Mediterranean Recreational Diving Events

Now, let’s explore each of these sports in detail, examining what makes them so captivating to billions of fans worldwide.

1. Scuba Diving

Advertisement

Although scuba diving doesn’t actually rank among the most popular sports in the world, it is one of the most enjoyable sports because in addition to exercise, we can enjoy the endless beauty of the underwater world. Divers can find a variety of unique, funny, and even astonishing sea creatures.

The modern sport evolved from early underwater breathing apparatus developed in the 1940s. French naval officer Jacques Cousteau and engineer Émile Gagnan created the Aqua-Lung in 1943, the first open-circuit scuba system that gained widespread use. This innovation made underwater exploration accessible beyond military and commercial applications, launching recreational diving as we know it today.

READ ALSO:Davido, Asa To Perform At National Sports Festival’s Opening Ceremony In Abeokuta

Advertisement

Located southeast of Bali, Nusa Penida has emerged as one of the world’s premier diving destinations. The island’s surrounding waters feature dramatic underwater topography, powerful currents that attract large pelagic species, and some of the most biodiverse reef systems in the Coral Triangle.

Divers who scuba diving in nusa penida can encounter magnificent manta rays at cleaning stations, swim alongside the bizarre ocean sunfish (mola mola), and explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical species. The area’s protected marine status has helped preserve these underwater treasures for future generations of diving enthusiasts.

2. Football / Soccer

Advertisement

Football—or soccer as it’s known in the United States—stands unchallenged as the world’s most popular sport with an estimated 3.5 billion fans globally.

The sport’s origins date back thousands of years, with early forms played in ancient China, Greece, and Rome. Modern football took shape in England during the 19th century, when standardized rules were established. Today, the sport is governed by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), which oversees international competitions including the FIFA World Cup—the most-watched sporting event on the planet.

3. Cricket

Advertisement

Cricket stands as the second most popular sport globally with an estimated 2.5 billion fans, though its distribution is notably concentrated. The sport enjoys passionate followings across the Indian subcontinent, Australia, England, South Africa, the West Indies, and New Zealand—many former British colonies where the game was introduced during the imperial era.

The game is played between two teams of eleven players on an oval field, with a rectangular 22-yard pitch at the center. The batting team attempts to score runs while the fielding team tries to dismiss the batters and limit scoring.

READ ALSO:My Husband Abandoned Me After I Fed, Clothed Him For Years, Woman Tells Court

Advertisement

Cricket’s massive popularity is largely driven by its status in India, where it transcends sport to become a cultural phenomenon. With a population of nearly 1.4 billion, India’s cricket obsession significantly boosts global viewership figures. The Indian Premier League (IPL), launched in 2008, revolutionized the sport with its combination of cricket, entertainment, and commercial success.

4. Basketball

Basketball has experienced explosive growth in recent decades, cementing its position as the world’s third most popular sport with approximately 2.2 billion fans. Unlike many traditional sports with ancient origins, basketball has a precisely documented birth: it was invented in 1891 by Canadian physical education instructor James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Advertisement

The National Basketball Association (NBA) stands as the premier basketball league, featuring the world’s top talent and generating billions in revenue annually. NBA stars like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry have become global icons, transcending the sport through endorsements and cultural impact.

International basketball has flourished under FIBA (International Basketball Federation), with the FIBA Basketball World Cup and Olympic basketball tournaments drawing massive global audiences. The sport’s inclusion in the Olympics since 1936 has further boosted its worldwide appeal.

5. Hockey

Advertisement

Hockey ranks fifth globally with approximately 2 billion fans when combining both field hockey and ice hockey variants. This figure represents the combined following of two distinct sports that share a name and basic concept but differ significantly in playing surface, equipment, and culture.

Field hockey is the older form, with origins dating back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations in Egypt, Persia, and Greece played games involving sticks and balls, with evidence of similar activities in ancient China and the Americas. Modern field hockey developed in England during the 19th century and spread throughout the British Empire, gaining particular popularity in India, Pakistan, Australia, and parts of Africa.

Ice hockey evolved in Canada during the 19th century, with the first recorded indoor game played in Montreal in 1875. The sport spread throughout cold-weather regions and gained professional structure with the formation of the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1917. Today, ice hockey enjoys massive popularity in Canada, Russia, the United States, and Northern European countries.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:21 Die As Bus Carrying Mourners Crashes In Kenya

6. Tennis

Tennis ranks sixth among global sports with approximately 1 billion fans worldwide. This racket sport has achieved truly international appeal, with major tournaments and stars from every continent. Tennis combines individual skill, strategy, and athleticism in a format that’s easily understood yet endlessly complex in its execution.

Advertisement

The modern game evolved from various racket-and-ball games played in France during the 12th century. By the late 19th century, lawn tennis had developed into the sport we recognize today. The establishment of the four Grand Slam tournaments—the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open—created the pinnacle events that continue to define tennis excellence.

Tennis is played on various surfaces (grass, clay, hard court), each affecting gameplay and favoring different playing styles. This variety has contributed to the sport’s rich history of rivalries and specialists. The scoring system—using points, games, and sets—adds dramatic tension as momentum can shift rapidly throughout a match.

7. Volleyball

Advertisement

Volleyball ranks seventh among the world’s most popular sports with approximately 900 million fans globally. This team sport, played on both indoor courts and beaches, has gained tremendous popularity due to its fast-paced action, accessibility, and the minimal equipment required to play.

Invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan in Massachusetts, USA, volleyball was originally called “mintonette” and designed as a less physically demanding alternative to basketball. The sport quickly spread internationally and was included in the Olympic Games in 1964, further boosting its global profile.

Standard volleyball is played by two teams of six players separated by a net. Players use their hands to hit a ball over the net, aiming to ground it on the opponent’s side while preventing it from touching their own court. The sport demands quick reflexes, coordination, and teamwork, making it both challenging and exciting to play and watch.

Advertisement

8. Table Tennis

Table tennis ranks eighth globally with approximately 850 million fans. Often called ping pong recreationally, this fast-paced indoor sport combines lightning-quick reflexes, precise technique, and tactical thinking in compact, intense matches that can be played almost anywhere a table fits.

The sport originated in Victorian England during the 1880s as an after-dinner parlor game among the upper class. Initially played with improvised equipment like books for paddles and champagne corks for balls, table tennis evolved into a standardized sport by the early 20th century. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was founded in 1926, and the first World Championships were held the same year.

Advertisement

Table tennis balls can travel at speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour (60 mph) during professional matches, with top players executing shots that spin at up to 9,000 rotations per minute—making it one of the fastest reaction-time sports in the world.

China has dominated international table tennis for decades, winning 32 of 37 possible Olympic gold medals since the sport’s inclusion in 1988. This dominance has shaped the sport’s global profile, with Chinese players becoming international stars and influencing playing styles worldwide. Other strong table tennis nations include Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Sweden.

READ ALSO:Apollo 13 Moon Mission Commander, Jim Lovell, Is Dead

Advertisement

9. Baseball

Baseball ranks ninth globally with approximately 500 million fans worldwide. Though often considered quintessentially American, the sport has developed passionate followings in parts of Latin America, the Caribbean, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, creating a significant international presence.

The origins of baseball are debated, but the modern game developed in the United States during the mid-19th century. The first professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, was established in 1869, and the sport quickly grew in popularity across America. Major League Baseball (MLB), formed in 1903, remains the premier baseball league globally.

Advertisement

Baseball is played between two teams of nine players who alternate between batting and fielding. The objective is to score runs by hitting a ball thrown by the pitcher and then running around a series of four bases. The game combines individual performance with team strategy, creating a unique rhythm that fans describe as both relaxing and intensely dramatic.

10. Rugby

Rugby ranks tenth globally with approximately 475 million fans. This physically demanding sport combines strategic team play with raw athleticism and has developed passionate followings across Europe, Oceania, South Africa, and increasingly in South America and Japan.

Advertisement

The sport originated at Rugby School in England in 1823, according to legend, when William Webb Ellis picked up the ball during a football match and ran with it. Rugby split into two distinct codes in 1895: Rugby Union and Rugby League, each with different rules and structures. Rugby Union, with 15 players per side, is the more widely played version globally, while Rugby League, with 13 players, has strong followings in Australia, England, and New Zealand.

Rugby is played on a rectangular field with H-shaped goalposts at each end. Teams score points by carrying, passing, or kicking an oval ball across the opponent’s goal line (a try) or kicking it through the goalposts (conversions, penalties, or drop goals). The sport is known for its continuous play, physical tackles without protective padding, and the distinctive set pieces of scrums and lineouts.

READ ALSO:Spain Busts Criminal Ring Shipping Hazardous Waste To Ghana

Advertisement

11. Golf

Golf ranks eleventh among global sports with approximately 450 million fans worldwide. This precision sport combines technical skill, mental fortitude, and strategic thinking in a unique format that can be enjoyed competitively or recreationally across a lifetime.

Modern golf developed in Scotland during the 15th century, though similar games had been played earlier in continental Europe and China. The sport spread globally during the British Empire, establishing deep roots in countries like the United States, Australia, Japan, and South Africa. Today, golf is played on six continents with courses adapted to diverse environments from desert landscapes to tropical settings.

Advertisement

The objective in golf is deceptively simple: complete a set course in the fewest number of strokes. Players use various clubs to hit a small ball into a series of holes on a course, navigating hazards like sand bunkers, water, and rough terrain. A standard course consists of 18 holes, though 9-hole courses are common for casual play.

12. American Football

American football ranks twelfth globally with approximately 400 million fans. Though primarily popular in the United States, the sport has developed growing international followings and continues efforts to expand its global footprint beyond North America.

Advertisement

The sport evolved from rugby in the late 19th century, with intercollegiate games beginning in the 1870s. Walter Camp, often called the “Father of American Football,” implemented rule changes that transformed the game into its modern form. The National Football League (NFL), founded in 1920, has grown into one of the world’s most profitable sports leagues, with franchises valued in the billions of dollars.

American football is played between two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The objective is to advance an oval ball into the opponent’s end zone to score touchdowns or kick the ball through the opponent’s goalposts for field goals. The game combines raw physicality with complex strategy, often compared to “chess with collisions.”

13. Boxing

Advertisement

Boxing ranks thirteenth globally with approximately 350 million fans. This combat sport, often called “the sweet science,” combines raw athleticism with tactical sophistication and has produced some of sports’ most iconic figures and memorable moments.

Boxing’s origins date back thousands of years, with depictions found in ancient Sumerian, Egyptian, and Greek civilizations. The sport was included in the ancient Olympic Games as early as 688 BCE. Modern boxing developed in England during the 17th and 18th centuries, with the Marquess of Queensberry Rules established in 1867 providing the foundation for contemporary boxing regulations.

READ ALSO:Mourners Pay Respect For 27-year-old Ukrainian Journalist Who Died In Russian Captivity

Advertisement

The 2015 welterweight championship fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao generated over $600 million in revenue, making it the highest-grossing combat sports event in history. The match, dubbed “The Fight of the Century,” was purchased by 4.6 million households on pay-per-view despite ticket prices averaging $4,000 for standard seats.

14. Badminton

Badminton ranks fourteenth globally with approximately 220 million fans. This lightning-fast racket sport combines explosive athleticism with technical precision and strategic depth, particularly popular across Asia and parts of Europe.

Advertisement

The modern game developed from an older game called “battledore and shuttlecock” played in ancient Greece, China, and India. British military officers stationed in India during the mid-19th century brought the game back to England, where it was played at the Duke of Beaufort’s country house called “Badminton” in Gloucestershire—giving the sport its name. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) was founded in 1934, and the sport made its Olympic debut in 1992.

Badminton is played on a rectangular court divided by a net. Players use lightweight rackets to hit a shuttlecock (also called a “birdie”) back and forth, scoring points when the shuttlecock lands in the opponent’s half of the court. The sport can be played in singles (one player per side) or doubles (two players per side) formats.

15. Fun Diving

Advertisement

Fun diving ranks fifteenth among global sports with approximately 20 million enthusiasts. Unlike competitive diving disciplines, fun diving emphasizes recreational enjoyment, exploration, and the social aspects of underwater discovery without the pressure of competition or performance metrics.

Fun diving differs from technical or competitive diving in its relaxed approach and focus on enjoyment rather than achieving specific depths, times, or technical challenges. Participants typically dive in groups led by local guides who showcase underwater highlights while ensuring safety protocols are followed.

For those looking to take their diving passion to the next level, professional certification programs offer pathways to careers in the diving industry. The Instructor Development Course (IDC) represents a significant step in this journey, providing comprehensive training in dive theory, teaching methodologies, and safety management.

Advertisement

Nusa Penida has become a premier destination for professional development, with several facilities offering IDC in nusa penida programs. These courses leverage the area’s diverse diving conditions—from gentle bays to challenging current dives—to create well-rounded instructors capable of teaching in various environments worldwide.

Final Thoughts

The world’s most popular sports reflect our shared human experiences across cultures and borders. From the universal simplicity of football that requires just a ball and open space to the specialized equipment of scuba diving that opens underwater worlds, these activities connect us through common passions and experiences.

Advertisement

What makes these sports endure goes beyond mere entertainment. They serve as cultural touchstones, economic engines, and sources of national pride. Major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, Olympics, and Cricket World Cup transcend their athletic competitions to become global cultural phenomena that unite billions in shared experience.

Whether you’re a dedicated fan of a single sport or an enthusiast who appreciates many, the diversity of popular sports offers something for everyone. From team-based competitions that celebrate collective achievement to individual pursuits that showcase personal excellence, sports continue to inspire, unite, and captivate people worldwide.
(TRIBUNE)

 

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Trending