The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, heartily congratulates the former Imo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Honourable Emeka Okoronkwo, on his emergence as the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming Imo State House of Assembly election for Okigwe State Constituency.

In a press statement signed by the scribe of the association, Tunde Liadi, the Chairman, SWAN, Imo, Cosmos Chukwuemeka said Honourable Okoronkwo’s victory at the party level is a reflection of his years of dedicated service, leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to the growth and development of Imo State in every office he has occupied.

As a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports, ex- Commissioner for Special Duties, and until recently Commissioner for Transport, he distinguished himself through diligence, accessibility and effective service delivery.

SWAN Imo particularly recalls his cordial relationship with the sporting community during his time as Sports Commissioner, where he supported initiatives aimed at promoting sports development and youth empowerment across the state. His contributions to grassroots sports and administrative coordination remain commendable.

The Association also notes with satisfaction his meritorious service as former Chairman of Okigwe Local Government Area, where he demonstrated capacity and commitment to good governance at the grassroots level. His political experience and administrative competence undoubtedly place him in good stead for greater service to the people of Okigwe State Constituency.

SWAN Imo therefore wishes Honourable Emeka Okoronkwo success in the forthcoming election and expresses confidence that he will continue to justify the trust reposed in him by his party and the people.

By Akeem Busari

The arrangements for the 2026 Unity Cup, slated for 26-30 May, 2026 in London, has reached feverish levels, as the organisers went one step further with the announcement of the appointment of renowned FIFA licensed football agent, Dr. Drew Uyi, as the official cultural ambassador for the tournament.

Reaction to the news, an elated Uyi remarked, “It’s that time of the year again, and I’m excited to announce that I will be continuing my role as an Ambassador for the Unity Cup 2026.”

“The Unity Cup is more than just a football tournament, as it’s known, it’s as a celebration of football and diaspora culture, combining international football with music, food, entertainment, and community experiences.

“Honoured to once again be part of a platform that stands for legacy building, youth empowerment and positive change, he stated added.

The 2026 Unity Cup will feature defending champions Nigeria, Jamaica and first-timers, India and Zimbabwe, in what promises to be a sweet admixture of drama, grit, excitement and edge of the seat action matches.

Players of Coal City Blazers of Enugu today surprised their head coach, Chief Chiedozi Nwoye, with a special birthday celebration at the ongoing Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NPBL) at the Benin Centre, Edo State.

The players, led by their captain, Callistus Ebuka, kept the arrangement away from the coach and broke into birthday songs earlier in the morning to celebrate the former Nigerian international basketball player as he added another year today, May 21, 2026.

The surprise moment created excitement at the team’s Kokobi Continental Hotel camp among players and officials of the Enugu-based club, with the coach visibly overwhelmed by the show of love from his team.

Nwoye, who enjoyed a successful playing career and remains one of the respected figures in Nigerian basketball, thanked the players for the gesture and encouraged them to remain dedicated to their careers and the club’s ambitions in the league.

He also urged the players to stay disciplined and focused as the team continues its campaign at the ongoing championship in Benin City.

Coal City Blazers are among the teams competing in the current season of the Nigeria Basketball Premier League.

With Nigeria in a transitional period after missing out on the FIFA 2026 World Cup, a new wave of players will be eager to impress and force their way into the national team setup as the Super Eagles begin planning for their next international assignments.

The Unity Cup presents coach Eric Chelle with an opportunity to test fresh faces as he seeks to build a stronger squad capable of challenging the next Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. It is also a chance for fringe players to stake their claim as Nigeria looks to reshape its squad for the future.

Beyond the Unity Cup, the road to the 2027 AFCON begins immediately, with Nigeria drawn in a qualifying group alongside Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar. With Tanzania already assured of qualification as hosts, only one team from the group will progress, leaving the Super Eagles with little margin for error.

That reality means every tournament, friendly and training camp from now on could be crucial in shaping the squad. For lesser-known players outside the regular spotlight, this is the perfect window to make a late charge into contention, especially in situations where injuries, late withdrawals or logistical issues create openings in the squad.

In this feature, we profile two unheralded Nigerians who could emerge as surprise options for Chelle as the Super Eagles begin their journey toward AFCON 2027 and, ultimately, the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Hussaini Ibrahim (FK Auda, Latvia)

A young and upcoming attacking midfielder, Hussaini Ibrahim has often been likened to Mesut Özil because of his creative instincts, technical quality and eye for goal. The comparison may still be early, but Ibrahim’s style of play suggests a footballer’s comfortable dictating attacks and unlocking defenses with intelligent movement and incisive passing.

Now at Latvian side FK Auda, the 20-year-old is viewed as one of the promising Nigerian talents quietly developing away from the spotlight in a less pressured environment.

Already experienced with Nigeria’s youth teams, Ibrahim offers versatility in midfield but is most effective in an advanced attacking role where he can influence games in the final third.

His numbers have also backed up the growing hype. Ibrahim has scored four goals in eight games for his club, a return that shows his efficiency and attacking contribution.

His performances have reportedly sparked interest from clubs monitoring his progress, with many tipping him for a bigger move before long.

For Nigeria, a technically gifted midfielder with creativity and composure could become a useful option as Chelle searches for fresh ideas in attack.

Ibrahim may not yet be a household name, but his trajectory suggests he is one to watch closely.
Abdullahi Bewene (Banik Ostrava, Czech Republic).

Fast-rising winger Abdullahi Bewene is another young Nigerian quietly building a reputation in Europe.

Currently with Czech side Banik Ostrava, Bewene is regarded as one of the exciting Nigerian prospects abroad, thanks to his direct style, work rate and ability to influence games from wide areas.

His displays for the club have reportedly attracted attention from teams in Belgium and the Netherlands, a sign that his stock is steadily rising. While his statistics may not immediately grab headlines, Bewene’s value goes beyond numbers.

The winger has featured in 35 games in all competitions for his club, contributing one assist, but it is his tireless running, pressing, grit and willingness to work for the team that have endeared him to supporters.
Those qualities are often prized in international football, especially in tournament football where discipline and energy can make a difference.

At just 21, Bewene remains a player with significant upside. If he continues on his current trajectory – and with a possible summer move also on the cards – he could yet force his way into conversations around Nigeria’s future squad plans.

For a Super Eagles side looking to refresh and rebuild, players like Bewene may represent the kind of hunger and unpredictability needed in the next cycle.

The players, officials and management of Coal City Blazers have joined family, friends and the wider Nigerian basketball community in celebrating their Head Coach, Chief Chiedozi Nwoye (OFIAFULUAGU), as he marks his birthday today, May 21, 2026, in grand style.

The club described the former Nigerian national team figure as a “true basketball servant” whose leadership, discipline, and technical expertise have continued to shape the identity and competitiveness of the Coal City Blazers in the Nigeria Men’s Basketball Premier League.

Speaking on behalf of the team, the captain, Udeh Callistus Ebuka, praised the coach’s influence on and off the court, noting that his guidance has strengthened team unity and improved the players’ confidence in high-pressure games. He added that Coach Nwoye’s tactical discipline and mentorship have been key to the team’s steady growth and fighting spirit.

Officials and members of the technical crew also expressed gratitude for his dedication, describing him as a father figure in the locker room and a tactician whose influence continues to earn him respect across the Nigerian basketball scene.

Coach Nwoye, a former Nigerian national team standout, has been widely recognised for his contributions to the sport both as a player and now as a mentor shaping the next generation of basketball stars.

The Coal City Blazers family wished him continued good health, greater achievements, and many more impactful years in service to Nigerian basketball.

Signed:
Mr. Ugo Udezue
CEO, Coal City Blazers Basketball Club

Coal City Blazers Basketball Club of Enugu recorded a hard-fought 66-60 victory over old war horse Kwara Falcons to spark celebration across the South East basketball community.

The victory, achieved in the ongoing Nigeria Basketball Premier League, was widely described by stakeholders as a major boost for the growth of basketball in the region.

Speaking after the game, officials and supporters praised the resilience, determination, and fighting spirit displayed by the youthful Coal City Blazers side against one of the most experienced teams in Nigerian basketball.

Despite moments when the game appeared to be slipping away, the Enugu-based club stayed composed to secure a crucial win that further strengthened belief in the team’s progress.

Reacting to the performance, the South East representative on the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Mr. Ugo Udezue, said the victory would continue to inspire greater investment in basketball development within the region.

Udezue, a strong stakeholder in Nigerian basketball and key figure in the federation under the leadership of Engineer Musa Kida, reiterated his commitment to making basketball one of the leading sports in the South East.

Basketball stakeholders also hailed the result from different parts of the region. In Owerri, Innocent Igwe described the victory as “a morale booster for the development of basketball in the South East,” while Chinedu Opara commended the young players for their discipline and courage.

Also reacting from Awka, Anambra State, Ekena Okereke and Osundu Mike praised Coal City Blazers for defeating one of Nigeria’s traditional basketball powers, noting that the result reflects the growing standard of basketball in the region.

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated South East Basketball Tournament, Ebonyi 2026, earlier postponed because of the Nigeria Basketball Premier League, is expected to hold immediately after the competition. The tournament is being supported by Afasports Kits Manufacturing Company as part of efforts to deepen grassroots basketball development.

The company believes the basketball ecosystem in the South East can become a major platform for youth empowerment and economic opportunities.

Coal City Blazers head coach, Coach Chiedozie Nwoye, said the players knew the importance of the game and were determined to give him a memorable birthday gift with the victory.

Nwoye, a former Nigerian basketball player and member of the national team coaching crew, expressed confidence in the ability of his players to continue improving in the competition.

Coal City Blazers have now recorded two wins and two defeats in the ongoing league and will be aiming for stronger performances before the return leg scheduled for Enugu.

CCB MEDIA

The Interim Head Coach of Rivers Hoopers, Ronald Alalibo has attributed his side’s narrow 70-65 defeat against Hoops & Read to poor decision-making.

Rivers Hoopers stumbled to a narrow 70-65 defeat against Hoops & Read on Day Four of Atlantic Conference Group A action at the ongoing 2026 Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NPBL) Phase I in Ibadan on Wednesday afternoon.

Despite building a 14-point lead a few minutes into the third quarter, the KingsMen lost their rhythm as Hoops & Read rallied to cut down the deficit to 4 points heading into a decisive fourth quarter, where they outscored the KingsMen 21-12.

Hoops & Read benefited from uncharacteristically poor handling by Rivers Hoopers and scored 25 points from 21 turnovers as the KingsMen struggled with control. Interim Head Coach Ronald Alalibo attributed the outcome to poor decision-making.

“We were not being religious to certain things that we were doing; our decision-making became hasty, and at that point we started making unforced errors,” he said.

Despite out-rebounding their opponents 48-44, the KingsMen conceded their highest number of free throws made for the 2026 NPBL season so far (17) and were – for the first time this season – outscored from the bench (38-23) in a performance which Alalibo described as below par.

“Today’s performance is outrightly below the bar,” he stated. “We expected to be better, but today we played way below our level. We are disappointed by the loss; we have to learn from the loss, and we’ll move on to our next game, making corrections as we go along.”

He however, insisted on making adjustments ahead of their next outing.

“We’ve taken note of these things, and moving on, we have to correct these things. So we’ll approach the next game with the mindset of trying to limit those errors to the barest minimum.”

Johnson Anaiye, who scored 9 points during the defeat, attributed the outcome to fatigue and a poor defensive approach.

“I feel we didn’t really play so bad, and at the same time we didn’t really play as good as we ought to,” he explained. “We’ve been playing for four straight days, so something like this result was expected. But overall we didn’t really play good defense on them, and I feel that was one of the reasons we lost the game.”

The point guard, however, insisted that with improved intensity and zero tolerance for complacency, the KingsMen will bounce back from the loss.

“It’s just to intensify our defense in the next game. The fact you won at first does not mean you’re still going to win the next game. We’re playing this series in a home-and-away format. We need to come out and play the second game the same way we played the first game. I feel if we do that, we’re going to pick all the remaining games.”

Team captain Victor Koko, who scored 18 points when Rivers Hoopers beat Hoops & Read 84-58 on Gameday One, put up a team-high 13 points along with 6 rebounds. John Idoga (the only other KingsMan to hit double figures) scored 10 points, while Abel Offia grabbed 8 points and 7 rebounds, with Victor Sunday contributing 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Rivers Hoopers next face Comets BC on Gameday five in Ibadan.

The six-time Nigerian champions beat Comets by a 30-point margin on Gameday Two. Nevertheless, according to Alalibo, his team must approach Thursday’s encounter with a renewed mindset.

“We’ll approach it with a different mentality,” he said. “We’ll go back and have a talk about the way we approached this game. This game is like an eye-opener that our team is beatable. So we’ll go back home, speak about certain things we did wrong, try to correct it, then try to approach it [our next game] with a positive mindset.”

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The Edo State Sports Commission, under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele in its quest to practically take Grassroots sports development to the door steps of Edo indegenes,is commencing the implementation of its talent hunt programme.
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The Grassroots development programme tagged ‘Discovering Tomorrow’s Stars’ is scheduled to hold at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium on Thursday,May 21,2026, beginning from 9.00am.
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‎The initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing young sporting talents is being implemented across the three Senatorial Districts; Edo South ,Edo Central and Edo North with school children of Jss1- Jss3 as target.
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‎ To ensure the smooth execution of the programme, 45 technical officials have been drafted for the event, including 10 officials for athletics and five officials each for the seven combat sports.
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Twenty secondary schools have been selected to participate in the talent discovery programme, with 10 athletes of mixed gender representing each school in various sporting events including athletics, Judo, Karate, Wrestling and Taekwondo among others.
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‎Speaking ahead of the event,the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele said that the catch-them- young programme is designed to encourage young Edo children to accept sports as part their culture.
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‎“When we assumed office, we were given a mandate to go to the grassroots and ‘Catch Them Young,’ in line with Governor ’s grassroots-driven sports development vision under the SHINE Agenda. This is exactly what we intend to achieve with this project. So,we are taking it to the local government level for every child to opportunity ,” Enabulele stated.
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‎He revealed that a total of 270 athletes are expected to compete across eight sports, including Athletics, Judo, Karate, Kung Fu, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Boxing, and Kickboxing.
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‎“Athletics will produce the highest number of participants with 200 athletes, while the seven combat sports — Judo, Karate, Kung Fu, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Boxing, and Kickboxing — will each feature 10 athletes,” he added.
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‎He said that all participating athletes would receive certificates of participation and souvenir as part of efforts to encourage and promote grassroots sports participation.
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‎The ‘Discovering Tomorrow’s Stars’ initiative is one of the strategic programmes being developed by the Edo State Sports Commission to uncover fresh talents capable of representing Edo State and Nigeria in the future at national and international sporting competitions.
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‎The event is scheduled to commence tomorrow at 9:00 a.m inside the main bowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium.
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