Sports

National Sports Festival Unity Torch Arrives Benin

Published

6 months ago

May 7, 2025

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

Ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival slated for Ogun State, the Torch of Unity for the festival arrived Benin on Wednesday.

Receiving the torch on behalf of the Edo State government at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, deputy governor of the state, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, commended President Bola Tinubu for transforming the country’s sports sector, uniting the people, and rekindling hopes amongst the Nigerian youths.

Idahosa, who expressed optimism on the outcome of the National Sports Festival, noted that with the magnitude of investment and commitment by the Okpebholo-led administration in revamping the sports sector of Edo State, he was sure that the Edo Team would make Edo people proud.

“I want to thank the President, His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for using sports to bring all the youths of Edo State and across the country together.

“For us in Edo, we are ready to support the Edo State Sports Commission to win medals and we are very sure that they are going to come home top position,” Idahosa enthused.

In his address, the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond Amadin, commended the laudable impact of Governor Okpebholo in equipping and transforming the sports sector of the state.

He expressed the state’s preparedness to emerge victorious in the forthcoming National Sports Festival.

“We would all be gathering in Ogun State from the 16th to the 30th of May, 2025. As you know, Edo State is known for sports. When you say Edo State, you say Sports”.

“The last sports festival we came out third, but this time around, the governor, distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, has given us the support that we need. So, this time around, we know that Edo State is going to come out top there,” Amadin reassured.

In her remarks, the team lead for the National Sports Festival Torch, Mbora Ikana, expressed optimism on the success of the forthcoming National Sports Festival and its impact in nurturing young talents amongst our youths in the State and country at large

“On behalf of the National Sports Commission that was mandated by the President, Ahmed Tinubu, to take the torch round the 36 states including Abuja.

“We are in Edo State today, and the essence of the torch is to invite the state to the Festival and to create awareness that sport is the only unifying platform in our country and we are are supposed to harness the talents of our youths through sports”, Ikana said.

Sports

[FULL LIST] U-17 W’ World Cup: Nigeria Face Italy As Knockout Stage Begins

Published

8 hours ago

October 26, 2025

Editor

The knockout phase of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is set to kick off in Morocco, with Nigeria’s Flamingos drawn against Italy in one of the standout Round of 16 fixtures.

The match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, at the Stade Olympique de Rabat, with kickoff at 8:00 p.m. Nigeria.

Their qualification follows an emphatic 4–0 victory over Samoa in Rabat on Saturday.

The Flamingos will now aim to build on their impressive group-stage campaign as they continue their push for a historic first world title.

Host nation Morocco will also be in action the same evening, taking on South Korea at the Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2 in Sale, where home fans are expected to create a charged atmosphere in support of the Atlas Lionesses.

Earlier on Tuesday, Brazil will battle China PR, while the United States square off against the Netherlands, both matches slated for 4:30 p.m. in Sale.

The game continues on Wednesday, October 29, with Mexico facing Paraguay at 4:30 p.m., while defending champions Spain meet France in a mouthwatering all-European clash at the same time and venue.

Later that night, Canada will take on Zambia, and Japan, one of the tournament’s top contenders, will lock horns with Colombia to round off the Round of 16 fixtures.

All matches will be staged across venues in Rabat and Sale, with global coverage available via major sports networks and FIFA’s digital platforms.

As the competition enters its decisive stage, only four wins now separate the remaining 16 teams from lifting the prestigious U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.

Eight winning teams in the round of 16 will move to the quarter-final stage starting Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Full Round of 16 Fixtures
Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Brazil U17 vs China PR U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 3, Sale)

United States U17 vs Netherlands U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Italy U17 vs Nigeria U17 – 8:00 PM (Stade Olympique de Rabat, Rabat)

South Korea U17 vs Morocco U17 – 8:00 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2, Sale)

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Mexico U17 vs Paraguay U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 3, Sale)

Spain U17 vs France U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Canada U17 vs Zambia U17 – 8:00 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Japan U17 vs Colombia U17 – 8:00 PM (Venue TBC)

Sports

SWAN Kicks Off 60th Anniversary/Awards With Religious Services

Published

3 days ago

October 23, 2025

Editor

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is set to hold its 60th anniversary with Jumat Prayer and Thanksgiving on Friday October 24, 2025.

A statement by the Media and Publicity Committee of the anniversary said the special prayer and thanksgiving will be held in all the state chapters and FCT at the venues which would be determined by the leadership of the various chapters.

According to the statement, the SWAN Diamond Jubilee and Award Ceremony will also feature the full council which is a meeting of the National Executive Council, zonal vice presidents and secretaries and state chairmen and secretaries.

The committee, while inviting “government functionaries, lovers of sports, members of the association and the general public to join SWAN members at the services to thank God for a successful 60-year journey,” added: “All activities at the event will hold at the National Stadium, Abuja between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.”

“It will also be an opportunity for us to collectively pray for protection of members, better sports fortuneNigeria’s sports men and women and a more prosperous sports sector,” it said.

Sports

EPL: Trossard Strike As Arsenal Beat Fulham 1-0

Published

1 week ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Arsenal edged past Fulham with a narrow 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage, climbing three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The result marked another composed and professional display from Mikel Arteta’s side, who continue to show their title credentials.

The decisive moment came in the second half when Leandro Trossard calmly finished after a clever set-piece routine.

Bukayo Saka delivered a dangerous corner that was flicked on by Gabriel, setting up Trossard to slot home the winner.

Arteta’s side dominated possession throughout, limiting Fulham to very few chances in front of goal.

The hosts struggled to create any real threat, with Arsenal’s defence staying compact and composed.

With the victory, Arsenal overtake Manchester City to sit three points clear at the summit after another disciplined away performance.

More to follow…