Nigeria began their 21st Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a winning note, with a 2-1 win over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in Fès on Tuesday evening.

The Super Eagles, playing their 105th match in the history of Africa’s biggest football championship, dominated proceedings early in the game, but did not find the opening they craved to make hay. In the 32nd minute, Victor Osimhen latched onto a pass from Alex Iwobi and got a good touch across the goal-line, but a Tanzanian defender cleared his lines with goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi beaten.

Three minutes later, the Eagles got the lead their endeavour deserved, as defender Semi Ajayi rose highest in the box to nod home a perfect cross by Iwobi.

Iwobi, winning his 92nd cap, was radiant under the floodlights as he sprayed excellent passes round the pitch to the admiration of the fans.

Six minutes later after Ajayi’s goal, the Taifa Stars had the sight of the Nigerian goal, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali stopped a fierce shot by Tarryn Allarakhia.

In added time of the first period, Samuel Chukwueze came close to making it 2-0 for Nigeria but his shot from inside the box was tipped over the sticks.

Just over 11,000 spectators watched inside the Complexe Sportif de Fès as the Eagles returned to a lightning start under the drizzling rain in Northern Morocco.

Nigeria thought they had a second goal just after the restart, when Victor Osimhen’s back-flick ended up in the net. However, his effort was ruled out for offside positioning.

The East Africans began to make incursions into Nigeria’s vital area, and in the 52nd minute, Charles M’Mbombwa fired past Nwabali while the Nigeria rearguard thought he was in offside position.

Undaunted, the Eagles swept back into the lead almost immediately, with Ademola Lookman firing into the net from the edge of the box from a good Iwobi pass.

Tanzania launched several onslaughts to draw level a second time, but could not as Calvin Bassey, Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi and Captain Wilfred Ndidi kept things tight at the back.

The two goals shot Nigeria’s tally at the AFCON to 148, with their next match in this campaign against Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles coming up on Saturday at the same venue.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on Monday December 22, 2025 fulfilled the promises of Houses, plots of land and national honours he made to the Super Eagles after they won silver at the AFCON 2023 held in Cote d’Ivoire in January/February 2024.

National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko led a powerful Federal Government delegation to the Super Eagles camp in Fes, Morroco where the delegation presented the title documents for the houses, certificates of national honour and confirmation of the plots of land in Abuja to the elated and grateful players and team officials from the class of 2024 comprising 45 persons.

The Federal Government delegation consisted of a representative from the Presidency, Mrs Nathan-Mash, Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Chairman of Senate Committee on Sports Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, Chairman of House Committee on Sports Hon. Kabiru Amadu, Malam Saleh Ahmadu and Nigerian Embassy Officials in Morocco among others.

Mallam Dikko reiterated the President’s commitment towards athletes’ welfare and a reward scheme aimed at motivating athletes to higher levels of excellence and explained that after all due processes are completed the rewards are now being delivered to the team as approved by the President.

His words, “What we have done here today is a demonstration of the shared prosperity disposition of Mr. President. The era of unfulfilled promises to the athletes is gone. As I am talking to you, the houses and National Honours Mr. President promised to the D’Tigreses and Super Falcons are ready for collection and payment of the Naira Equivalent of $100,000 USD promised to each of the players is being processed by the Minister of Finance and Accountant-General of the Federation for payment direct to the players’ accounts.”

The NSC Chairman also thanked the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, the Minister of
Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, the Minister of the FCT, Nyeson Wike and the Minister of Finace and coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun for collaborating closely with the NSC in delivering the presidential awards as approved and directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

He added, “To whom much is given, much is expected. We want the Super Eagles and indeed, every Nigerian athlete to know that they have a President who cares and won’t allow their labour to be in vain in clear alignment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and Shared Prosperity Vision of the President. They should not relent in their efforts to bring honour to the nation as they should be rest assured the President would always be in the corner while the NSC would continue to work to ensure it provides the enablers for their success to the glory of Nigeria.”

This should serve as a morale booster as Super Eagles take on the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in their AFCON 2025 opener in Fes, Morroco on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

By Silvernews

The global basketball community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Dr. Edward Chidozie Diogu, father of former Nigeria national team captain and longtime professional basketball star, Ike Diogu.

Dr. Diogu passed away in August 2025 after a prolonged illness, aged 82. His passing marks a profound personal loss for Ike Diogu, who proudly captained Nigeria during a distinguished international career that saw him compete across the NBA, Europe, Asia, and international tournaments.

Described by family members as a man of deep faith, humility, and service, the late Dr. Diogu was a devoted Christian and a respected pillar of his community in Umuezeduru Amauzari, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria.

Those closed to him say his values of discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence helped shape the character and career of his celebrated son.

Funeral rites will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, beginning with the departure of his remains from Aladinma Mortuary at 7:00 a.m. A lying-in-state will follow at the family residence by 8:00 a.m., while a funeral service is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Umuezeduru Amauzari.

Interment will take place at the family compound, with a reception afterwards at Amauzari Community Primary School. A thanksgiving service in his honour will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the same church.

Dr. Diogu is survived by his wife, Mrs. Jane Ngozi Diogu, children, grandchildren, and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

As tributes continue to pour in, the basketball world stands in solidarity with Ike Diogu and his family during this difficult time.

As the year draws to a close, Rivers Hoopers Head Coach, Ogoh Odaudu, has reflected on a demanding and eventful 2025 season for the KingsMen.

On a competitive front, Rivers Hoopers began the year with a second-place finish at the Louis Edem Invitational Tournament in Lagos, losing to ASPAC of Benin Republic in the final.

The KingsMen went on to represent Nigeria at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season Five, following their triumph in the 2024 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL).

Drawn into the Kalahari Conference—hosted at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda—the KingsMen made a strong start, recording impressive doubleheader victories over hosts FUS Rabat and 2023 runners-up Stade Malien. Despite suffering two defeats to Egypt’s Al Ittihad Alexandria, Rivers Hoopers finished second in the conference, securing an automatic qualification for the BAL Playoffs in Pretoria, South Africa.

Although the team fell short of replicating their third-place finish from the previous BAL season, Odaudu was encouraged by the club’s continued presence among Africa’s elite.

“I think it was really good, all the way from the BAL down to the domestic league. We didn’t quite get the result that we wanted at the BAL this year, but we’re happy that we made it out of the conference and into the finals. Being among the top eight clubs in Africa is not an easy feat. So, in all, we still give thanks,” he said.

Back on the domestic front, Rivers Hoopers entered the 2025 NPBL season determined to secure a third consecutive league title. After cruising through the Group and Inter-Group phases unbeaten, the KingsMen were edged out in two agonisingly narrow losses to eventual champions Lagos Legend—first in the Playoffs Phase, and later in the Grand Finale.

Reflecting on the campaign, the veteran coach remained gracious in defeat.

“Coming to the domestic front, yes, we didn’t quite achieve the target we set for ourselves. However, losing only two games out of all the games we played is a great achievement. It’s really heartbreaking to lose the final the way we did, but I think we did well. It also shows that we are not invincible, and that’s a good thing—it’s an eye-opener. We’ll go back to the drawing board and correct the things we didn’t do quite well,” Odaudu stated.

At the heart of Rivers Hoopers’ season were the players who wore the famous royal blue and white stripes of the six-time league champions, and Odaudu was full of praise for the talent, hard work, and commitment shown by the Rivers Hoopers class of 2025.

“This crop of players has been really phenomenal. It’s a mixture of experience and youth, and I’m 110 per cent happy with the way some of the young players have developed. Kids like Favour Komene, Johnnywalker John Idoga, and several others laid everything on the court. This group has been one of the most interesting for me so far,” he noted.

Odaudu, who was named BAL Season Four Coach of the Year after leading Rivers Hoopers to a historic third-place finish, also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the club’s backroom staff, management, and passionate supporters.

“The backroom staff, management, and fans have been exceptional. We work hand in hand, especially the fans—they are fantastic. You could see them cheering and giving everything every evening we played. Win or lose, they always come out to support us, and that means a lot,” he added.

With the curtain now drawn on the 2025 season, Odaudu offered a measured verdict while looking ahead with optimism.

“For 2025, we must hold our heads high. Yes, we lost the NPBL final, but everyone came to compete. Being the second-best team in the country is still something positive. We’re already looking forward to 2026—to do what needs to be done and reclaim our rightful position,” he concluded.

By Silvernews

Organisers of the 8th Stephen Keshi National Under-17 Football Tournament have lamented the late withdrawal of approval to use the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, a development that forced the relocation of the competition’s final.

The annual tournament, organised by the Stephen Keshi Football and Vocational Training Centre (SKFVTC), Obazuwa, is held in memory of the late Stephen Keshi, former Super Eagles captain and coach, whose contributions to Nigerian football remain widely acknowledged.

The tournament commenced on December 13, 2025, at the Nigeria Postal Training Institute, Egor, Benin City, with the final initially scheduled for December 18 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Speaking on the matter, the Secretary of the SKFVTC and a member of the organising committee, Comrade Austin Popo, said the organisers complied with all required procedures in seeking official backing and facility approval.

According to him, two separate requests were submitted ahead of the final—one seeking financial support from the Edo State Government, addressed to the Governor through the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, and another requesting approval to use the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

He said the latter request was transmitted through the Edo State Football Association (FA) Chairman to the Sports Commission.
Popo explained that despite consultations with the Edo FA Chairman, Mr Fred Newton, and repeated follow-ups at the Sports Commission, no formal response was received until the eve of the final.

He further stated that the Sports Commission Chairman later indicated that approval for the use of the stadium was beyond his authority, adding that such approval, according to him, rests with the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

With no approval granted and the final imminent, the organisers relocated the match to a college field along Benin Technical Road, where the final was played under modest conditions.
Describing the development as unfortunate, Popo said the situation underscored challenges associated with administrative coordination in sports development.

“This is more than a football competition. It is a memorial programme that includes lectures and youth development initiatives,” he said.

“The manner in which an event organised in honour of Stephen Keshi is handled raises concerns about institutional support for grassroots sports.”

He dismissed suggestions in the Sports Commission’s response that the organisers were attempting to blackmail or discredit officials, describing such claims as misplaced.

“This account is neither blackmail nor an attempt to pull anyone down,” Popo said. “It is a factual presentation of events and an appeal for clearer administrative processes.”

Despite the setback, the organisers reiterated their resolve to sustain the tournament annually as part of efforts to preserve the legacy of Stephen Keshi and promote youth football development across the country.

Newly promoted side, Barau FC staged a comeback to dismantle Rivers United 4-1 in an NPFL 2025/26 rescheduled encounter decided at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

The Barau FC boys came from a goal down to beat CAF Champions League hopeful and former champions in a scintillating fashion.

A brace from former Rivers United man, Kabir Abdullahi including Jimmy Ambrose and Usman Maidubji strikes gave the hosts a comprehensive victory over the Pride of Rivers.

Barau FC recorded their biggest win in Nigeria’s top-flight with the result and handed Rivers United their biggest defeat of the season.

Up next for the Kano-based side is a trip to Lafia to face Nasarawa United at the Lafia City Stadium.

Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from national team football after 15 years of dedication.

He stated this on his official Twitter handle saying that: “I wore this badge with pride for 15 years. From a 17-year-old boy answering every call to becoming the most capped Super Eagles with 111 appearances.

“AFCON champion, Nigeria’s highest World Cup goalscorer. Captain. Servant. Believer. I gave everything. Thank you Nigeria… my heart will always beat green.”

Details Later…

The Nationwide League One (NLO), Africa’s largest grassroots football league, is pleased to announce updated guidelines for player registration for clubs in Division 1 and the U-19 Youth League as we eagerly prepare for the kickoff of the 2026 season on Friday, April 10.

The NLO Executive Board, in collaboration with its Secretariat, is excited to initiate the registration process for the upcoming season. This includes important amendments approved by Congress designed to effectively address the current inflationary trends.

This proactive move highlights our commitment to ensuring that preparations for the 2026 league are moving forward seamlessly, with clear and comprehensive registration procedures established for all participating clubs.

Clubs are kindly reminded to remit a registration fee of ₦600,000 (six hundred thousand Naira) to FCMB BANK (NATIONWIDE LEAGUE ONE. 3267800014) to gain access to the NLO’s database for registration. All players must be registered within the database at www.nlo.com. Please note that official registration will be contingent upon the completion of the registration fee payment.

For Youth League clubs, we request the submission of players’ primary school certificates. The deadline for Division One club registration is set for Friday, February 27, 2026, ensuring that all clubs have ample time to prepare.

The ₦600,000 payment not only secures registration but also covers essential pre-competition medical assessments, comprehensive insurance for players and officials, tamper-proof hologram security seals for 35 players and 7 officials, as well as necessary operations at the NLO Secretariat.

To ensure a smooth registration process, clubs should deposit the registration fee directly into the designated NLO FCMB account. After payment, please submit a copy of the receipt to the NLO, clearly indicating the name of the paying club. Adhering to these guidelines will help facilitate a successful registration process for all clubs involved.

By Kennedy Onwunali

Preparations for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games received a major boost on Tuesday as organisers of the championship inaugurated the Imo State Liaison Committee ahead of the event scheduled to hold next year in Edo State.

The inauguration took place at the office of the Imo State Commissioner for Sports, where the Managing Director of Dunamis Icon Limited and Project Consultant for the Games, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo–Atanaru of Irri Kingdom, formally set the committee in motion.

Sir Ikpokpo, who was represented at the ceremony by veteran sports journalist, Sir Fred Edoreh, announced that the 2026 Niger Delta Games would strictly be an under-20 competition. He charged members of the liaison committee to ensure massive mobilisation and timely registration of Imo athletes on the Games’ official portal, stressing that only duly registered athletes would be cleared to participate.

In his remarks, the Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon Limited for initiating and sustaining the Games for two consecutive years, describing the championship as a credible platform for talent discovery and development in the region.

Hon. Onyeocha noted that the Niger Delta Games align perfectly with the sports development vision of the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma, assuring that Imo State is fully prepared to participate and comply with all rules and regulations guiding the competition.

“It is the mandate of His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, for us to go to the grassroots to discover talents, and these Games have come to help us achieve exactly that,”

Onyeocha said. “On behalf of the committee, I assure you that we will insist on quality, thoroughness, discipline and total compliance.”

The Imo State Liaison Committee is chaired by Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, with Hon. Willie Okolieogwo serving as secretary.

Other members include the Director of Sports, Lady Justina Akpulo, and Kennedy Onwunali.

The committee is charged with the responsibility of coordinating all pre-Games activities and handling logistics to ensure a hitch-free participation of Team Imo at the 2nd Niger Delta Games.

Rivers Angels Head Coach, Tosan Blankson, has reaffirmed his team’s readiness to face Ibom Angels in the match week 4 encounter on Wednesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium.

Despite acknowledging that every match is tough, Blankson expects his team to emerge victorious due to their rigorous preparation.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s South South or South West or South East. A match is a match, and all I know is that a team is coming from Uyo to play against us, and we are prepared for them,” he said.

“Every match is always tough, but with the way the girls are playing, we would definitely win on Wednesday.”

Blankson expressed confidence in his strikers’ abilities to convert their chances despite missing opportunities in their last match against Pacesetter Queens in Ibadan.

“It would have been a different thing if they’re not creating chances, but it’s just to convert it, we have been working in the trainings since we came back and will continue till the matchday.”

The coach appealed to fans and the people of Rivers State to come out and support the Jewels of Rivers, assuring them of a win.

“They should come and support the way they have always done. All I can assure them is that we would beat Ibom Angels, but I can’t predict the scoreline.”

The Jewels of Rivers have a strong head-to-head record against Ibom Angels, having won both matches last season with a 2-1 victory in Port Harcourt and a 1-0 win in Uyo

The match kicks off at 4 pm on Wednesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium.