By Silvernews

Coach Bright Ozabegbe, Technical Adviser of Ikorodu City FC, has attributed his steady rise in football to years of grassroots coaching and a formative playing career, emphasizing the importance of early development structures in shaping his path.

In an interview with Wakawaka Sports, the young tactician recounted his coaching beginnings with Peter Rufia Football Academy and Barce Football Academy, experiences he described as instrumental in building his technical knowledge and managerial discipline.

Ozabegbe noted that working at the grassroots level provided him with a deep understanding of player development and team building.

“The journey has not been easy, but those early stages helped me grow and understand the demands of coaching,” he said.

Reflecting on his playing career, Ozabegbe highlighted his time with Shell Football Club Lagos, a team owned by Shell, which he described as a major talent hub in Nigerian football during the 1990s.

According to him, the club’s structure and professionalism made it a breeding ground for top players at the time.
“Playing at Shell gave many of us a solid foundation. It was a big platform for young players then,” he added.

Ozabegbe further stated that his combined experiences as both a player and coach continue to shape his football philosophy, as he remains committed to contributing to the growth and development of the game in Nigeria.

By Silvernews

Heartland F.C. strengthened their push for promotion with a convincing 3–0 win over Gateway United F.C. at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

The Naze Millionaires asserted their authority early in the encounter, with Emmanuel Charles opening the scoring in the 7th minute to hand the hosts a bright start.

Heartland continued to press forward and were rewarded again in the 38th minute when Udochukwu Anumudu doubled the advantage before the interval.

Gateway United struggled to cope with the attacking intensity of the Owerri side, particularly the influence of Francis Erikan, whose relentless runs and physical presence unsettled the defence throughout the game.

Erickan proved a constant threat, pinning the opposition back and creating space for the midfield to dictate play, allowing Heartland to enjoy a fluid passage of football.

He eventually capped an impressive display with the third goal in the 71st minute to seal the victory.

Under Coach Emmanuel Amunike, Heartland controlled proceedings with discipline and attacking intent, maintaining pressure on their visitors from start to finish.

The result keeps Heartland firmly in contention as the promotion race intensifies, with the Owerri side looking to sustain their momentum in the remaining fixtures of the campaign.

Captain of Barau FC, Usman Maidubji has assured fans of the club that the close door game against Katsina United is in the interest of security, peace and development of football in Kano State.

Maidubji, in a post on his official Facebook page, apologised to the teeming supporters of Barau FC, assuring them that the initiative is geared towards the collective development of football in the state.

According to him, “on behalf of our club Barau FC, we apologize and understand from you regarding the decision that our 32nd week match against Katsina United will be held without spectators.

“But this step was taken, for the development of security, peace and development of football in our Kano state. All we do is for peace, unity and building a better future for football in our state Kano.”

Recall that the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Davidson Owumi, in a letter addressed to the General Manager of Barau FC, had approved the game to be played behind close doors.

Owumi noted that “this has become necessary based on the previous conducts of both Kano fans and Katsina fans. We implore that you effect and put in place, all necessary logistics for a successful closed door match.”

Barau FC will hosts visiting Katsina United in a match day 32 encounter on Sunday at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

By Silvernews

Former Nigerian national basketball player and sports entrepreneur Kelechi Anuna has proposed to Olympic gold medalist Chiaka Ogbogu in Milan, marking the union of two Nigerian-American athletes with distinguished global careers and a shared commitment to impact beyond sports.

The proposal, which took place on March 11, 2026, occurred in Milan, where Ogbogu is currently in season competing professionally. According to sources close to the couple, Anuna carefully planned the intimate moment to align with their time overseas, reflecting their journey, sacrifices, and shared vision for the future.

Anuna, who hails from Mbieri in Imo State, is a former professional basketball player with international experience spanning South America and Asia. He also represented Nigeria at the national team level, earning recognition for his leadership and athleticism.

Off the court, Anuna serves as Director of Development at African Leadership Group, where he focuses on building partnerships and mobilising resources for leadership development across the continent. He is also the founder of Anuna Sports Group, a global sports marketing and representation agency dedicated to athlete branding, NIL opportunities, and career growth.

In addition, he leads the Kelechi Anuna Foundation, which empowers young people through sports, education, and leadership initiatives across underserved communities in Nigeria and Africa.

Ogbogu, originally from Ukpor in Anambra State, is widely regarded as one of the world’s top middle blockers in volleyball. She was part of United States women’s national volleyball team that clinched gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and has continued to perform at the highest level in international volleyball.

Currently competing in professional leagues in Turkey and Italia
, Ogbogu has earned acclaim for her efficiency, dominance at the net, and consistent elite performances.

Beyond her sporting achievements, she is known for her leadership and dedication to youth development. Ogbogu has been actively involved in mentorship, community outreach, and initiatives aimed at inspiring young athletes—particularly girls and African youth—using sport as a platform for empowerment and growth.

The engagement symbolises a partnership grounded in faith, discipline, and purpose, as both athletes continue to leverage their global platforms to drive meaningful impact.

Together, Anuna and Ogbogu represent a new generation of Nigerian-American sports figures committed to investing in youth development across Africa. Their joint vision includes plans for camps and development programmes designed to nurture future leaders through sport.

Observers say the union not only celebrates their personal journey but also highlights their shared mission to extend their influence beyond athletics into community building and leadership development.

Observers say the union not only celebrates their personal journey but also highlights their shared mission to extend their influence beyond athletics into community building and leadership development.

Phinan Ozonweke, a former Heartland of Owerri defender and now Head Coach of Edel FC, Awka, says he’s ‘grateful’ to the fans and Supporters of the club following their unalloyed support to the club, Silvernews.com reports.

Ozonweke, also a former Rangers International wing-back, spoke after his side secured a pyrrhic 2-1 win against Abia Comets in a Nigeria National League fixture Wednesday at Awka City Stadium.

Ifeanyi Aniji scored first for the home side late into the first half but Abia Comets drew level in the 73rd minute of the game.

The visitors looked like snatching a draw in the pulsating contest but Wasiu Lawal scored the match winner five minutes into the six minutes of stoppage time.

And a delighted Coach Ozonweke told Silvernews.com that he remains grateful to the team’s supporters for strongly standing behind the club even when the odds seem against them.

“Our loyal fans and supporters have always been there for us through thick and thin”, the dark-skinned gaffer began.

“They have never, at any time, abandoned us even if we’re losing. I remember the day we lost 3-0 here, they kept on supporting us till the final whistle.

“Today, again, you saw what happened. So, I’m always grateful and happy with them. I really appreciate them so much”, Coach Ozonweke said

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed Nigeria’s bid to host the 2031 African Games, as delegates from the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) prepare to arrive in the country for an official inspection tour.

The high-level visit is scheduled to take place in Abuja from March 30 to 31, 2026, marking a critical milestone in Nigeria’s quest to secure the hosting rights for Africa’s premier multi-sport event.

The NSC noted that Nigeria’s bid reflects its strategic vision to consolidate its status as a leading sporting nation on the continent. The Commission emphasized that the country’s rich history of hosting major international competitions, coupled with ongoing investments in sports development, positions Nigeria as a strong contender.

During the visit, members of the AUSC delegation will assess key sporting facilities, supporting infrastructure, and Nigeria’s overall preparedness to host the Games. The inspection will also provide an opportunity for the country to demonstrate its organizational capacity, technical expertise, and commitment to delivering a world-class sporting event.

The delegation comprises senior officials and technical experts responsible for evaluating bidding nations in accordance with established standards for hosting the African Games.

Furthermore, hosting the 2031 African Games is expected to stimulate infrastructure development, create economic opportunities, and enhance youth participation in sports across the country, while strengthening Nigeria’s influence within the African sporting community.

By Silvernews

The Chairman of Imo State Basketball Association, Hon. Johnbosco Ekezie Okeahialam, has congratulated the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Musa Kida, and basketball stakeholders across the country following the recent verdict by FIBA on Kida’s administration.

Reacting to the development, Okeahialam, who closely followed the electoral process that brought Kida into office four years ago, called on stakeholders to refrain from actions capable of destabilising the game. He lamented that over time, some individuals have taken more interest in crises within the system rather than contributing meaningfully to the growth of basketball in Nigeria.

The Imo basketball boss, who recently returned from an overseas trip, reaffirmed his commitment to revitalising the sport in Imo State and across the Southeast region. He also commended the support of the Southeast representative on the NBBF Board, Ugo Udezue, for his support to the board, noting that such unity remains vital for sustained progress.

Okeahialam stressed that a united basketball family would attract corporate organisations and sponsors, thereby accelerating the development of the sport nationwide.

He further pledged to prioritise grassroots basketball development in Imo State, with special emphasis on school-based programmes as a foundation for nurturing young talents during his tenure.

It was an emotion soaked moment for the leadership and members of the Nigeria Football Referees’ Association, NFRA, in Bauchi when the National Executive Committee and other members of the association met with the family.

The event was the Three Days Fidau Prayers for the late President who died in the early hours of Monday.

A section of the referees who had been in Bauchi since Monday the death was announced was joined by the National Executive Committee members led by the Deputy President, Sir Kelechi Mejuobi.

Speaking at the meeting with the family after registering condolences on behalf of the association, Sir Mejuobi informed the family that while they feel the pains of Zubairu’s untimely exit, the referees’ body he was in charge before death snatched him away is in deep mourning mood and feeling the gap created by his death.

According to the Deputy President, Late FIFA Sani Zubairu lived his life to the fulfilment of the well being of Nigeria referees. “He was for referees and everything about him was for refereeing; that is why we are still in tears. He left impeccable impacts in the growth of our noble association having served in various capacities for the NFRA and the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

“Late FIFA Sani Zubairu was a leader of immense repute, team player and manager of the people. Anyone who crossed his paths during lifetime had good tidings about his personality. Very detribalised, God fearing and knows no sect either by religion or otherwise. He treated all referees as equals”

Mejuobi added that the association is working out procedures to immortalize the name of not just the late President but other former presidents of the NFRA whose contributions led to the growth and progress of the association.

“Our late President was a good man before death came. We shall continue to miss him but planning to institute measures that will make us remember him. We can’t help but find a way to keep his name reverberating in our minds because of his contribution to a better refereeing climate in our country. We shall Immortalize his name. The NFRA as usual shall continue to maintain cordial relationship with the Sani Zubairu family and that of our late fallen heroes” Mejuobi added.

A spokesperson of the family and the late President’s younger brother Dr Umar Wada Sani thanked members of the association for their support and solidarity before, during and after his demise adding that the family appreciates the presence of NFRA members who had been around since Monday. He prayed for journey mercies to all back to their various destinations.

Apart from the Deputy President, Sir Mejuobi, former President, Alhaji Ahmed Maude, Vice President 1, Engr Emma Imiere, Vice President 2 Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Fagge, Dr Suleiman Omezia and Col Nicholas Achikasim, Secretary and Deputy Secretary General respectively were present for the event where prayers were offered for soul of late Zubairu.

Others present were Dr Anirou Shantali, Deputy National Training Officer, Muhammad Isa, National Treasurer and Sani Gusau, National Auditor.

Not left out were the North West and North East Zonal Coordinators, Mallam Nasser Ibrahim and Queen Hauwa respectively, Council Officials from Borno, Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, Gombe, Niger states and the FCT.

By Silvernews

Campos Football Club of Owerri B Team began their Federation Cup campaign on a winning note with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Captain Marvel FC at the Oisa Stadium, Ugoala, in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.

The encounter, played under a tense atmosphere, saw Campos take an early lead in the 9th minute through Ikey Mmesioma, who finished calmly to put his side ahead.

Campos doubled their advantage in the 51st minute when Okoro Progress struck from a swift counter-attack shortly after the restart, giving his team a comfortable cushion.

Captain Marvel FC pulled one back in the 86th minute as Mmesioma Okereke converted from the penalty spot to set up a nervy finish, but Campos FC held firm to secure the win.

In the second match played at the same venue, Kun kalifa B Team recorded a convincing 3–0 victory over Evermore FC.
Matches in the competition are set to continue at the Township Stadium, Owerri, as Markam battles C&C Academy in the first game by 1pm, while Umuakuma takes on Harks FC for progression in the prestigious tournament by 3pm.

Meanwhile, the opening game was broadcast live to a global audience by Silver News Communication, as part of its commitment to promoting grassroots football and supporting the growth of the sport in Imo State and Nigeria at large.

By Silvernews

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has moved to resolve the ongoing leadership dispute within the Nigeria Basketball Federation by officially recognising the board led by Ahmadu Musa Kida and outlining a clear timetable for fresh elections.

In a letter dated March 16, 2026, signed by FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, the global basketball body affirmed that the current NBBF board will remain in office until October 15, 2026. It directed that elections must be conducted after the conclusion of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and no later than that date, with a new board expected to assume office on October 16, 2026.

FIBA further stated that no amendments to the NBBF statutes will be recognised before the electoral process is completed.

It insisted that the elections must be carried out under the existing legal framework and in line with its statutes.
The decision follows months of disagreement among stakeholders over the tenure of the current board.

While the Kida-led leadership maintained that its mandate extends to October 2026 based on its inauguration date, opposing parties argued that the tenure expired in January 2026, four years after the last elections.

The dispute had led to multiple petitions being submitted to FIBA, with critics accusing the board of overstaying its tenure and calling for immediate elections.

FIBA’s directive effectively settles the question of legitimacy for now, reaffirming the authority of the current leadership while imposing a structured timeline for transition.

The intervention also serves as a warning against parallel electoral processes or attempts to alter governing statutes outside due process.

With this ruling, tensions within Nigerian basketball administration are expected to ease, although strict compliance will be required to avoid sanctions, including the risk of suspension from international competitions.