By Silvernews

The Imo State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, has expressed the state government’s readiness to partner with the Kelechi Anuna Foundation and other organizations committed to sports development in the state.
Hon. Onyeocha made this known when former Nigeria international and founder of the Kelechi Anuna Foundation, Kelechi Anuna, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Owerri.
The commissioner commended the Imo-born basketball star from Imo Mbaitoli Local Government Area for his continued contributions to sports growth and youth empowerment both in Nigeria and abroad.
“I’m impressed with what Kelechi Anuna is doing through his foundation. The state government will continue to collaborate with individuals and organizations that share our vision of discovering and nurturing young talents,” Hon. Onyeocha stated.

In his remarks, Anuna, a United States-based businessman and sports executive, pledged to leverage his vast network and relationships with Nigerian and international sports personalities to attract investment into Imo State’s sports sector.
He emphasized that the next phase of his foundation’s activities in the state would focus heavily on grassroots sports development, which he described as the “bedrock of future champions.”
Anuna further reiterated his commitment to creating opportunities for young athletes across the state through training, mentorship, and international exposure programs.
The partnership between the Imo State Ministry of Sports Development and the Kelechi Anuna Foundation is expected to strengthen talent discovery and enhance sports infrastructure across the state

By Silvernews
When Nasarawa United announced the appointment of Mangut Mbwas as Technical Adviser, many saw it as a statement of intent from the Lafia-based club. Determined to rebuild and compete at the highest level again, the management turned to a man whose experience and calm authority have quickly begun to transform the team.
Barely weeks into the new season, Mbuwas has already justified that faith. His side’s hard-fought victory in Benin today— their second away win of the campaign — has drawn widespread praise from fans and pundits alike. The result underscores Nasarawa United’s steady resurgence and highlights the tactical discipline the coach has instilled in his players.
Known for his deep understanding of the game and gentle leadership style, Mbuwas blends experience from playing across several continents with a modern football philosophy. His approach has endeared him to supporters nationwide, many of whom now believe that Nasarawa United are on course to reclaim their place among Nigeria’s elite clubs.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has suspended the Lagos State Chapter Chairman, Ms. Olatutu Oladunni, and Secretary, Mr. Bello Omotunde Muritala, from all Association’s activities with immediate effect.

The decision announced in a letter to them, with copies to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, dated Thursday October 2, 2025, followed findings of gross misconduct, as the decision was taken in line with Article 21, Section (1) A and C of the SWAN Statute.

The National Leadership directed both Olatutu and Bello to hand over all Association’s property and documents in their possession to the SWAN Lagos State Chapter’s leadership, with the Vice Chairman, Mr. Aaron Akerejola, now on the saddle to see off the current State Executive Committee tenure.

Part of the letter to IGP and other top law enforcement officials in the country, reads, “We write to formally notify you that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has ratified the suspension of Olatutu Oladunni and Bello Omotunde Muritala from all activities of the association.

“The decision of NEC is in line with SWAN statutory provision Article 21, number (1) A and C, following their various acts of misconduct.

“By this notification, both persons have been directed to stay away from all issues, events, meetings, forum etc concerning SWAN immediately.

“They are also instructed to submit all SWAN property/documents in their possession to the SWAN Lagos State Chapter Leadership now led by Aaron Akerejola, the acting Chairman in line with SWAN statutory provision, being that the Vice Chairman takes over in the absence of the Chairman.

“They are not also meant to be seen in or around SWAN Secretariat located inside the National Stadium Lagos, Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja or any other SWAN office or Secretariat in any part of Nigeria.

“Also, members of the public are by this notice advised not to transact any business or have any relationship regarding SWAN with any of the suspended persons as listed in this correspondence.”

The SWAN NEC also suspended all electoral activities by the SWAN Electoral Committee (SWANECO) in the Chapter and revealed that further directive will be public in due course.

The Nigerian sporting community was thrown into mourning on Thursday following the death of Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) President, Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju.
Akindoju, who passed away on October 2, 2025, was widely respected for his passion, vision, and tireless dedication to the growth of tennis in the country. Since assuming leadership of the NTF, he championed reforms and programs that inspired players, coaches, and officials, leaving what many have described as an indelible legacy.
In a statement, the Federation expressed deep sorrow over the loss, noting that Akindoju’s “commitment to players, coaches, officials, and the entire tennis family will forever be remembered.”
The NTF also extended condolences to his family, friends, and the wider tennis fraternity, both at home and abroad.
“Engr. Akindoju served Nigerian tennis with unwavering passion and his leadership has left a mark that will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement read.

By Silvernews

Imo State Sports Commissioner, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, has charged athletes with special abilities from the state to aim for excellence at their ongoing championship in Lagos. Onyeocha, who praised their determination, assured them of the government’s continued support.
One of the standout performers, Chituru Nwaozuzu, has already brought glory to the state by winning two gold medals in the competition. She capped her remarkable run with a dominant display in the finals of the prestigious Davnotch Tennis Championship, defeating her opponent 6-1, 6-2.
While celebrations continue in Lagos, another contingent of Imo athletes is gearing up in Umuahia for their own competition, with expectations high following Nwaozuzu’s success.
Commissioner Onyeocha expressed confidence that the athletes would continue to raise the state’s profile in sports, stressing that Imo remains committed to nurturing talent and achieving results on the national stage.

The Flying Eagles were unlucky to lose 0-1 to Norway in their opening match of the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup finals on Monday despite dominating play and creating a hatful of chances, particularly in the second period.

Norway went ahead after they were awarded a contested penalty in the 9th minute, but the Flying Eagles fought hard to redeem things, only to be denied penalty awards on two occasions in the second half.

Kparobo Arierhi’s left-footed shot inside the box drifted just wide in the 47th minute, with the goalkeeper completely beaten, and in the 63rd minute, Tahir Maigana’s left-footed shot inside the box was stopped by the base of the upright.

The two-time silver medallists launched onslaught after onslaught against the Europeans, but Norway had too many players behind the ball in the box and foiled dozens of attempts.

In the 71st minute, the crowd rose to cheer the equalizer, but midfielder Nasiru Salihu’s rising shot from the right rose a little too high, beating the goalkeeper and the crossbar.

Seven minutes from time, the tireless Tahir Maigana cocked the trigger from afar, only to see his effort miss the target narrowly.

The Flying Eagles will take on Saudi Arabia in their second match of the competition on Thursday.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for having fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the South Africa v. Lesotho match played on 21 March 2025 in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ preliminary competition, thereby breaching article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Preliminary Competition Regulations.

Consequently, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has declared the match in question to have been forfeited by the representative team of South Africa by a score of 3-0.

SAFA has also been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000 to FIFA, while Teboho Mokoena has been issued with a warning.

The parties were notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision today. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FDC, they have ten days in which to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, would subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com . The forfeiture decision remains subject to a potential appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.