…top fighters set to storm Imo capital for three days of thrilling martial arts action

By Wakawaka Sports

Preparations have reached an advanced stage for the Southeast Open Taekwondo Championship, billed to hold from November 7 to 9, 2025, at the Dan Anyiam Indoor Sports Hall, Owerri, Imo State.

The event, being organised by the Imo State Taekwondo Association (ISTA), is expected to attract leading taekwondo athletes from across the South East and other parts of the country who will compete in both Kyorugi (combat) and Poomsae (forms) events.
According to the organisers, the championship is designed to promote grassroots participation, strengthen regional unity, and identify new talents capable of representing Nigeria at future international competitions.

Speaking on the significance of the tournament, Coach Kuba Ndukuba, Technical Director of the Imo State Sports Commission, described the initiative as a milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to develop martial arts.

“This championship is more than a contest; it is an avenue to expose young athletes to high-level competition and inspire them to pursue excellence,” Ndukuba said.

“We are building a structure that will sustain taekwondo growth in Imo State and beyond.”

Also lending his voice, Olympic bronze medalist and former Technical Director of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Chika Chukwumerije, commended the initiative, describing it as a step in the right direction for the sport’s revival at the regional level.

“Regional events like this remain vital to the discovery and grooming of the next generation of champions,” Chukwumerije noted. “ISTA deserves commendation for its commitment to developing taekwondo from the grassroots.”

With the countdown underway, expectations are high that the Southeast Open Taekwondo Championship will deliver three days of intense action and excitement, reaffirming Owerri’s growing reputation as a leading centre for sports excellence in Nigeria.

By silvernews

The Imo State Judo Association has joined judokas across the globe to celebrate this year’s World Judo Day, an annual event held in honour of Jigoro Kano, the Japanese founder of the sport. The celebration, which took place during the week in Owerri, featured a colourful display of judo artistry and community engagement.

As part of the activities marking the occasion, the association organized a road walk and public demonstration of various judo techniques, drawing attention to the discipline, respect, and physical fitness that define the sport. The event also served as a platform to promote unity among practitioners and inspire young people to embrace martial arts as a tool for personal development.

Highlights of the celebration included the recognition of outstanding members of the association who have contributed immensely to the growth of judo in Nigeria. Among those honoured were Nigeria’s number one judoka, Professor Obede Ogulodo (8th Dan); Coach Ebuka Ekeh; American Champion Supol Rafael Ubah; member of the National Judo Federation, Mr. Chijioka; and the association’s secretary, Mr. Kennedy.

In their remarks, judokas in the state called on the government, sports agencies, and Nigerians to support and embrace judo not only as a competitive sport but also as a valuable form of self-defense and discipline. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting Kano’s ideals of mutual welfare, respect, and continuous self-improvement through the practice of judo.

By Wakawaka sports

Preparations have reached an advanced stage for the Southeast Open Taekwondo Championship, billed to hold from November 7 to 9, 2025, at the Dan Anyiam Indoor Sports Hall, Owerri, Imo State.

The event, being organised by the Imo State Taekwondo Association (ISTA), is expected to attract leading taekwondo athletes from across the Southeast and other parts of the country who will compete in both Kyorugi (combat) and Poomsae (forms) events.

According to the organisers, the championship is designed to promote grassroots participation, strengthen regional unity, and identify new talents capable of representing Nigeria at future international competitions.

Speaking on the significance of the tournament, Coach Kuba Ndukuba, Technical Director of the Imo State Sports Commission, described the initiative as a milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to develop martial arts.

“This championship is more than a contest; it is an avenue to expose young athletes to high-level competition and inspire them to pursue excellence,” Ndukuba said. “We are building a structure that will sustain taekwondo growth in Imo State and beyond.”

Also lending his voice, Olympic bronze medalist and former Technical Director of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Chika Chukwumerije, commended the initiative, describing it as a step in the right direction for the sport’s revival at the regional level.

“Regional events like this remain vital to the discovery and grooming of the next generation of champions,” Chukwumerije noted. “ISTA deserves commendation for its commitment to developing taekwondo from the grassroots.”

With the countdown underway, expectations are high that the Southeast Open Taekwondo Championship will deliver three days of intense action and excitement, reaffirming Owerri’s growing reputation as a leading centre for sports excellence in Nigeria.

By silvernews

Nigeria’s Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike, JP, has congratulated the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on the successful celebration of its 60th anniversary, describing the milestone as a remarkable testament to professionalism, resilience, and patriotic contribution to national sports development.

The sports philanthropist, who spoke with journalists during the anniversary award ceremony held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Friday evening, commended the association’s leadership and members for organizing a befitting event that honoured outstanding contributors to Nigerian sports.

“SWAN Has Remained the Conscience of Nigerian Sports”

Chief Agu-Ejidike praised SWAN for its consistency and commitment over the decades, noting that the association has remained steadfast in championing integrity, excellence, and accountability within the nation’s sports sector.

“The success of SWAN at 60 is not just about the passage of time, but the story of vision, courage, and consistency,” he said.

“You have stayed true to your calling as the conscience of Nigerian sports — interrogating policies, amplifying excellence, and ensuring that the right voices are heard in our nation’s sporting discourse.”

He lauded the recognition accorded to deserving stakeholders, including state governors, sports administrators, coaches, athletes (active and retired), and veteran journalists, describing it as a powerful motivation for greater achievements.

“By celebrating excellence, you have rekindled the spirit of service and patriotism among sports stakeholders. You have shown that reward for good work remains one of the strongest incentives for national progress,” he added.

Calls for Accountability and Renewed Patriotism

Agu-Ejidike, who also serves as Patron of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club, urged SWAN to sustain its watchdog role in demanding transparency and good governance from sports administrators nationwide.

“Our sports need voices of truth and integrity now more than ever. SWAN must continue to ask the hard questions, spotlight the gaps, and drive conversations that lead to real reforms. That is the noblest duty of journalism in nation-building,” he emphasized.

He called on journalists to remain courageous and objective, stressing that the future of Nigerian sports depends on truth-driven reporting, ethical leadership, and a shared commitment to national development.

Reaffirms Support for SWAN and Sports Growth

Reaffirming his continued support for SWAN, Chief Agu-Ejidike highlighted his previous contributions to the association — including the donation of a Toyota Hummer Bus, and the provision of conference materials — as part of his ongoing efforts to promote the welfare of sports journalists and reposition Nigerian sports for global competitiveness.

He also called for stronger collaboration between SWAN, sports federations, corporate organizations, and government agencies to unlock the economic and social potential of sports as a national asset.

“As we celebrate this diamond milestone, let us look beyond nostalgia,” he said.

“Let us work towards a golden era where Nigerian sports will be managed with accountability, innovation, and unity of purpose. Together, we can make sports a true vehicle of peace, empowerment, and national pride.”

Isaiah Williams scored nineteen (19) points, including five (5) out of seven threes, as reigning champions Rivers Hoopers put their narrow loss to Lagos Legends behind them by recording an 86-83 victory over Nile University Spartans on day six of the Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final Eight Playoffs on Saturday night.

Following defeat to Lagos Legends in overtime on Friday, Peter Olisemeka said the KingsMen would look to regroup and come back stronger, and the team put up a composed performance to see off a tenacious Nile University team.

The game opened with explosive shooting from range and end-to-end action as both teams looked to rebound from their respective losses on day five of the Final Eight Playoffs (Nile lost to Gboko City Chiefs on day five) and produced the highest-scoring quarter at the 2025 NPBL Final Eight Playoffs as Nile University took a slim 29-28 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Rivers Hoopers took control of proceedings in the second quarter, with Isaiah Williams particularly instrumental as he scored ten of his team-leading nineteen points to ensure the hosts went into the break with a seven-point advantage at 49-42.

Despite a late push from the Spartans, the KingsMen took full charge of the game and never trailed again and protected their lead to earn a fifth win from six games at the Final Eight Playoffs and returned to the top of the standings.

Rivers Hoopers Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu was pleased with his team’s execution of their game plan.

“Yes! I am very pleased because in the previous games we lost leads like that. But today they (the players) were very composed, and we were doing the things that we were supposed to do. We knew when to slow the ball down, we knew when to push it, and you could see that they were making many extra passes today. So, it is something I’m really pleased with, and I hope we’re going to continue playing like this and close out games strongly.”

Olisemeka chipped in with nine (9) points and six (6) rebounds; Mustapha Oyebanji and Kelvin Amayo also had nine (9) points each, while John Idoga put up ten (10) points, and Buchi Nwaiwu contributed eight (8) points along with twelve (12) rebounds and five (5) steals.

Nwaiwu and Idoga also shot one hundred per cent from the free throw line.

Having come through tough battles against lesser fancied sides, Odaudu also acknowledged the growing level of competition in the NPBL.

“We’re happy with the win, but like I’ve always said and will keep saying, the level of basketball [in Nigeria] has gone up. All the teams have risen up. There’s no such thing as coming to blow out any other team again. It’s not a situation where you can predict anything. All the teams are equal to the task, and on any day that you do not step up, you’re going to get surprised.

The Rivers Hoopers bench contributed thirty-two (32) points during the KingsMen’s victory over Nile University Spartans, and with qualification for the Final Four secured, Odaudu said he expects to see them feature prominently in the team’s final game at the Playoffs.

“We’re going to see a lot of them tomorrow. We’re not taking anything away from Kwara Falcons; we’ve played and beaten them a couple of times. But this time around we’re still going to make sure that we finish strong. But of course the people on the bench are going to get some minutes tomorrow, so we’re going to see a different mix of people on the court.”

Up next, Rivers Hoopers will play against Kwara Falcons (the only team yet to win a game at this year’s Playoffs) by 5pm on Sunday, 2nd November, 2025.

Day 7 – Sunday, 2nd November

11:00am: Hoops & Read vs Gboko City Chiefs

1:00pm: Nigeria Customs vs Kano Pillars

3:00pm: Nile University vs Lagos Legends

5:00pm: Rivers Hoopers vs Kwara Falcons

All games will be played at the Basketball Stadium, #59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has honoured Heartland FC’s Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, with the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to football development and unwavering support for Nigerian sports.

The award ceremony, which formed part of activities marking SWAN’s 60th Anniversary Celebration, took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Friday, and attracted a distinguished audience that included state governors, sports administrators, and veteran journalists. The recognition also celebrated sports-loving leaders and professionals whose dedication has helped shape the growth of Nigerian sports over the decades.

Amuneke, who was represented at the event by Heartland FC’s Sporting Director, Robert Ogundu, was described as a true ambassador of Nigerian football. A former African Footballer of the Year, Amuneke’s illustrious career—spanning his playing days with the Super Eagles and clubs such as Barcelona, and his coaching exploits with Tanzania’s national team and Heartland FC—has earned him enduring respect in the sporting community.

The organisers noted that Amuneke’s commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting professionalism within Nigerian football reflects the core values SWAN stands for. His steady leadership and mentorship have continued to inspire emerging coaches and athletes across the country.

Other distinguished personalities from Imo State were also recognised at the ceremony, including the owner of OISA Stadium, Ngor Okpala, Innocent Onwubiko, Campos FC’s Patrick Osuji, Kun Khalifat’s Michael Amaefula, veteran journalists Tasie Theodore, Chris Abiaziem, and the late Samuel Okwaraji, who was honoured posthumously for his selfless service and sacrifice for Nigeria.

SWAN’s 60th Anniversary celebration served not only as a reflection on six decades of sports journalism in Nigeria but also as a platform to celebrate icons who have helped elevate the country’s sporting landscape. With this recognition, Emmanuel Amuneke joins a select group of sports figures whose legacy continues to inspire excellence and passion across generations.

CAF has confirmed that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be used in this month’s World Cup playoffs involving, Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo.

The upcoming World Cup qualifying play-offs will take place from November 13 to 16 in Rabat, Morocco.

The Super Eagles achieved a universal spread of 10 different scorers in their 15-goal haul in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series, with only ace forward Victor Osimhen scoring more than once. The lanky marksman netted six times – in the process taking his Nigerian tally to 29 in 44 matches, only eight shy of legendary Rashidi Yekini’s record.

The winner in Morocco will proceed to the Six-Team Intercontinental Playoff, scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalaja and Monterrey in March next year, where two teams will emerge and qualify for the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico.

The winner from the African playoff will be joined by Bolivia, New Caledonia and two teams from Central America, and one from Asia.

The Flamingos are back in Nigeria after a disappointing outing in the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals.

Following their elimination, the Flamingos and their officials departed Morocco at 1am on Friday, 31st October 2025.

2022 bronze medallists Nigeria were eliminated from the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after a 4-0 defeat by Italy, who took their tournament tally to four wins in as many matches.

Recall that Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, spent Thursday on an excursion in the town of Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital. They were at various places including the King’s Palace and the mausoleum of the late King Mohamed V.

Reigning champions Rivers Hoopers emerged victorious from an intense battle against Gboko City Chiefs by earning a pulsating 93-92 victory in overtime to ensure their unbeaten run in the 2025 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) season remained intact.

After suffering their first defeat of the 2025 NPBL Final Eight Playoffs and having never won a game against the defending champions, Gboko City Chiefs were out to prove a point and raced into a thirteen-point lead at 29-16 to end the first quarter.

The KingsMen regrouped and came back firing in the second quarter, reducing the deficit to five points, with the score at 44-39 in favour of Gboko City Chiefs.

The game continued to swing back and forth, with the lead exchanging hands multiple times in the third and fourth quarters.

Then just as Gboko City Chiefs thought they had won it at the death with the score at 80-77, vice captain Buchi Nwaiwu found Mustapha Oyebanji with a long ball and 2.2 seconds left. Mustapha then fired a game-tying shot from beyond the arc to drag the game into overtime.

The contest was fierce in overtime, but in the end, the KingsMen prevailed 93-92.

Mustapha Oyebanji and Isaiah Williams were joint top scorers in the game with twenty-two (22) points apiece, while Buchi dropped ten (10) points, with Peter Olisemeka recording a double-double of eighteen (18) points and twelve (12) rebounds in a performance that was both thrilling and breathtaking for the crowd but uninspiring for Coach Ogoh Odaudu.

“I’ll give them a fifty or a sixty per cent [rating]. We just didn’t play the way we were supposed to play. There were many things we did not do right. If we had played half the basketball that we know how to play, this game would have been over in regulation time,” he insisted.

The 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) coach of the season admitted to being concerned about his team’s slow start to games, as has been the case against Kano Pillars and Nigeria Customs in previous games.

“Anybody that saw that game in the first quarter today will think that it was going to be a blowout game. But point by point, we clawed our way back into the game and eventually took the game. We have to address that issue,” he stated.

The results from Gameday Four mean that there are now only two teams who are yet to taste defeat at the Final Eight Playoffs so far: Rivers Hoopers and Lagos Legends.

Both teams will go up against themselves by 5pm on Friday, 31st October, 2025, as part of the Gameday Five schedule, and Odaudu expects a better showing from his players.

“Another tough team. But I do not think it’s going to be like this. We cannot have two awful days consecutively. So, I’m thinking that tomorrow, we’re going to have a better outing. I don’t think any of the players will come on the court to make the same kind of mistakes. It’s going to be a high-intensity game.” he said

Day 5 – Friday, 31st October

11:00am: Kano Pillars vs Hoops & Read

1:00pm: Nile University vs Gboko City Chiefs

3:00pm: Kwara Falcons vs Nigeria Customs

5:00pm: Lagos Legends vs Rivers Hoopers