There is untold celebrations amongst the Christian faithfuls across the world. And there is every reason to dance and sing.

In the spirit of the season, the President of Nigeria Basketball Federation, Engr (Dr). Ahmadu Musa Kida, has joined millions of Nigerians in the celebration.

In his goodwill message, he noted the importance of the season, describing it as spiritually important for character and spiritual rebirth in the people.

Kida urged that while celebrating, Nigerians should endeavour to display love, peace and unity, which in is tandem with the renewed hope agenda of the government for Nigeria, particularly, at these times of our national life.

He further admonishes for harmonious coexistence amongst the people, as well as, prayers for a better, peaceful and properous Nigeria.

The Enugu State Referees Association heartily congratulates Sir Kelechi Mejuobi on his well-deserved appointment as the Acting President of the Nigerian Football Referees Association.

This elevation is a testament to your unwavering commitment, integrity, and years of dedicated service to the development of refereeing in Nigeria. Your wealth of experience and leadership capacity inspire confidence that the association will continue to grow stronger under your guidance.

We are proud of your achievement and trust that you will uphold the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, and excellence in this new role.

We wish you great success, wisdom, and strength as you steer the affairs of the association to greater heights.

Congratulations once again.

By Silvernews

Nigeria’s representation in international judo will come to the fore as Numzy Judo Club of Nigeria departs for an intercontinental club championship billed for April 4 to 6, 2026, in Lomé, Togo.

The club will be represented by an eight-man delegation made up of two officials and six judokas, who are expected to compete against some of the best club sides from across the globe.

Founded by former Zonal Representative and board member of the Nigeria Judo Federation, Hon. Nnanyereugo Madugba, the club has continued to grow in stature within the Nigerian judo community through its commitment to grassroots development and competitive excellence.

Madugba, who hails from Lorji Aboh Mbaise, has been instrumental in nurturing young talents and promoting the sport at various levels, a legacy that is now being showcased on the international stage.
Officials of the team expressed optimism ahead of the championship, noting that the athletes are in high spirits and well-prepared for the challenge.

The participation of Numzy Judo Club is expected to further boost Nigeria’s profile in global judo while offering the athletes the much-needed exposure to top-level competition.

As the championship gets underway in Lomé, stakeholders have rallied behind the team, urging them to fly the nation’s flag high and return with commendable performances.

By Silvernews

Amiyi Academy FC, Umuaka, will commemorate its one-year anniversary on Sunday, April 5, 2026, with a novelty football match at Central School, Umuaka.

The celebratory fixture will feature a clash between Amiyi Academy FC and IMSU FC, Owerri, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00pm. The encounter is expected to provide an exciting spectacle while also reflecting the steady progress made by the academy within its first year of existence.

Established with the core vision of nurturing young talents and promoting grassroots football development, Amiyi Academy FC has continued to grow in structure and performance, gradually establishing itself as a notable force within community football circles.

The anniversary celebration is seen as an opportunity to review achievements recorded so far while reinforcing commitment to youth empowerment through sport.

The event is expected to attract a number of distinguished guests, including the Executive Chairman of Njaba Local Government Area, Hon. Vitalis Ugochukwu Obi, and a member of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon Chief. Ozioma Ebonine
Traditional rulers billed to attend include HRM Eze Barr. Francis O. Ahanotu and HRM Eze Justin Ezeala, whose presence is expected to add cultural significance and prestige to the occasion.

The Chief Host, Chief Chika Duru, will be joined by other notable personalities such as Barr. Luke Ukonu, Barr. Ifeanyi Dike, Chairman of the Imo State Football Association, and Chikelue Iloenyosi, Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association.

Football enthusiasts, stakeholders, and members of the Umuaka community are expected to troop out in large numbers to celebrate the milestone and witness what promises to be an engaging and competitive encounter.

The Chairman of Rangers International Football Club (RIFC) Foundation, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, has extended warm congratulations to Amb Kennedy Onwunali, RIFC Foundation Ambassador for community impact in Imo State, on his appointment as Football Administrator for Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area by the Imo State Football Association.

This strategic appointment is expected to amplify RIFC Foundation’s community impact initiatives, leveraging football as a catalyst for sustainable development, social inclusion, and community empowerment. Amb Onwunali will drive key objectives, including promoting physical and mental well-being, education, and skill development, while fostering peaceful coexistence and unity.

“We commend the Imo State Football Association for recognizing Amb Onwunali’s outstanding contributions to football development in Imo State,” said Coach Amaraizu. “This appointment will undoubtedly strengthen our community impact programs and reinforce our commitment to transforming lives through football.”

RIFC Foundation remains dedicated to implementing life-changing programs and community impact initiatives, focusing on children and young persons, and promoting crucial outcomes.

BY KINGSLEY UZOWULU

Heartland Queens yesterday defeated Naija RATEL by 2-0 in match day 13 of the NWFL at the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri.

Prior before the match, the Owerri land ladies were drawn bye while the Abuja girls were thrashed by 5-0 by the league leaders and former champions Bayelsa queens.

The two teams had earlier on in the first round fixtures played out a 2-2 draw.

Heartland Queens in a gritty determination to win the home game after losing to Edo queens in Owerri in the last fixtures, had the first feel of the ball as the team kicked off proceedings at 4:00 pm through No:7 shirted Chidiebere Opara.

The queens dominated play seizing possession of the ball while making frantic efforts and attempts at the goal area of the visitors.

Moments later in the 24th min. Faith Samson converted to goal a penalty awarded against Naija Ratel as the defense brought down a rampaging player of the home team in their penalty area.

The visitors came back into the game after conceding a goal to dictate play with occasional attacks in their opponents goal area , but their efforts were not strong enough to push the heartland queens defense to succumb.

The home team also refused to relent as they continued to surge into the visitors vital area until the 33rd’ when Umujiaku Oluebube nodded home off a cross for the second goal of the heartland queens.

All the efforts made by the Abuja girls to at least reduce the score line was truncated by the home team’s defense before the referee called for the end of the first half.

Naija Ratel kicked of the match for the commencement of the second period and showed clearly that they were determined to upset the home team in front of their fans but their actions were short-lived as the Owerri land ladies ones again took possession with good ball distribution making the ball even more difficult for the visitors to play.

The home team created series of opportunities and had catalogue of misses as well in front of goal especially through their top striker Umejiaku Oluebube.

The match became a ding dong affair as the two teams refused to be separated in the half and it continued so until the referee signaled for the end of what can be described as a thrilling encounter.

Heartland Queens are 6th on the log with 11 points before the match , while the visitors are at the bottom.
The home team will stay at home to welcome new comers pacesetter queens for the week 14 fixtures of the NWFL.

F/T scores: Heartland Queens 2 vs 0 Naija RATEL.

By Silvernews

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, has congratulated Sir Kelechi Mejuobi on his emergence as Acting President of the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA).

In a press statement signed by its Secretary, Tunde Liadi, the association described Mejuobi’s elevation as well-deserved, noting that it reflects his wealth of experience, professionalism, and long-standing commitment to the development of refereeing and football administration in the country.

Mejuobi’s appointment follows his service as Deputy President of the NFRA, a role in which he was widely acknowledged for his contributions to the growth and stability of the refereeing body.

SWAN Imo, under the leadership of its Chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka, expressed confidence in Mejuobi’s ability to build on ongoing reforms within the association.

The body specifically highlighted the “Rediscover NFRA Agenda,” which it believes will be further strengthened under his leadership to promote unity, transparency, and excellence.

The association also paid tribute to the immediate past NFRA President, the late Hon. Sani Zubairu, whose passing was described as a significant loss to Nigerian football. SWAN noted that his contributions to refereeing in the country would continue to be remembered.

While wishing Mejuobi a successful tenure, SWAN Imo expressed optimism that his leadership would steer the NFRA to greater heights.

By Silvernews

The Imo State Football Referees Council has congratulated Sir Kelechi Mejuobi on his emergence as President of the Nigerian Football Referees Association (NFRA), describing it as a landmark achievement in the history of refereeing in the country.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Nwaegbe Uchechukwu, the Council said Mejuobi’s elevation, ratified by the Full Executive Council, represents the first time an indigene of Imo State has attained the topmost position in the national referees’ body.

The Council commended Mejuobi’s dedication, diligence and long-standing commitment to the development of football officiating in Nigeria, noting that his rise reflects years of hard work and professionalism.

It stated that his achievement has not only brought pride to Imo State, but also set a new benchmark for aspiring referees within the state and beyond.

Expressing confidence in his leadership, the Council said Mejuobi possesses the vision and capacity required to reposition refereeing in Nigeria and raise its standards in line with global best practices.

The statement added that the Council looks forward to a progressive tenure under his leadership, while praying for wisdom and success as he assumes office.

Mejuobi’s appointment is widely regarded as a significant milestone for Imo State’s football community and a boost to the profile of refereeing in Nigeria.

Niger Tornadoes produced a decisive late performance to claim a 2–0 victory over Wikki Tourists in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 32 encounter at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna.

After a tightly contested first half, the breakthrough came in the closing stages, with Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai converting from the penalty spot before Terdoo Shimagande sealed the win with a late header. The result provides a significant boost for the Minna-based side as they continue their push for top-flight safety.

The opening half saw Wikki Tourists adopt a disciplined defensive approach, successfully containing repeated attacking efforts from the hosts.

Niger Tornadoes dominated possession but were unable to translate their pressure into clear scoring opportunities, as the visitors held firm to keep the scoreline goalless at the break.

A tactical shift after halftime proved decisive. The Tornadoes’ technical crew introduced Rickson Mendos and Nelson Michael in place of Kufre Ebong and Ani Chigozie, a move that immediately injected pace and urgency into the game. The substitutions allowed Ahmadu Liman greater influence in midfield, where he orchestrated play and delivered incisive passes.

Further adjustments followed, with Joseph Godfrey replacing Abdulaziz Dalhatu as the hosts intensified their attacking approach. The sustained pressure eventually paid off in the 80th minute when Mendos was brought down inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award a spot kick. Dabai stepped up confidently to convert, giving the home side a deserved lead.

Niger Tornadoes doubled their advantage inside the added minute, as Terdoo Shimagande rose to meet a well-delivered effort from Liman, heading home to secure all three points.

Speaking after the match, head coach Majin Mohammed praised his team’s resilience and tactical response:

“We thank God for the win. It was a great effort and performance from the players—they showed real desire. We struggled to find our rhythm in the first half, which led to the changes we made, and thankfully they worked.”

Majin said the club’s target as the season reaches the crescendo is safety.
“Our target remains to secure our NPFL status and finish comfortably.”

The victory lifts Niger Tornadoes to 11th position on the NPFL table. They will look to build on this momentum when they travel to Katsina for their next fixture against Katsina United.

©️NTFC MEDIA

BY Kingsley Uzowuru

Heartland Fc of Owerri yesterday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium defeated Gateway Fc of Abeokuta by 3-0 in match day 16 of the Nigeria National League.

The match which kicked off by 3:00pm saw the home team having the first feel of the ball as they took the kickoff of the encounter.

The Naze millionaires took charge of the game as they went straight into business, dominating play as the visitors were kept in their own half.

Moments later and in the 6th minute of play, Charles Emmanuel finished clinically for the curtain raiser for the home boys.

The Lads from Abeokuta came out from their shell after conceding the goal to mount the required pressure against the home team, but the water tight defense of Heartland Fc truncated every move made in their vital area to cause any damage.

In the 38th minute of the half , Udochukwu Anumudu via a pass from the left flank scored the second goal in favour of the home team as the goal tender of the visitors was caught napping in his area.

All efforts made by Gateway Fc to reduce the tally proved abortive until the blast of the whistle by the referee for the end of proceedings in the first half.

Gateway Fc kicked off the match for the second half and were more business like as they made several attempts with promising attacks against Heartland Fc but that didn’t yield much for the Abeokuta boys as they continued to struggle to break into the Naze Millionaires defense line up that stood their grounds and maintained status quo.

The match became even more dicey as it started to rain cats and dogs with heavy wind, but the two teams were equal to the task as they displayed amazing skills, soccer artistry, quality ball distribution and possession.

Much later in the half
Heartland Fc with another effort made it 3 goals off a goal mouth melee to put the game beyond the visitors.

Gateway Fc threw in all in their arsenal to reduce the tally but the superior displays by the home team denied them the opportunity to do añy damage until the referee signaled for the end of the interesting and entertaining encounter.

Heartland Fc quest to gain promotion to the NPFL at the end of the season largely depends on their 3 last matches in the league.
The team will play away to Edel Fc and InterLagos respectively with a home match against Crown Fc.