Babatunde Akomolede has garnered attention with his four-year contract with Anderlecht FC in Belgium. This skilled left-back displayed his talents during the Jagaban Cup while representing Broad City FC.

Akomolede’s remarkable performance, especially his outstanding throw-ins, has led to comparisons with former Republic of Ireland international Rory Delap, who was renowned for his strong and accurate throws that often unsettled defenses and created scoring chances.

The young player’s strengths include his defensive capabilities, calmness, and knack for providing assists. His throw-ins have proven to be game-changers, often surprising opponents and resulting in important goals.

In his new position at Anderlecht FC, Akomolede is anticipated to contribute a distinctive skill set to the team. His ability to execute precise and powerful throw-ins will certainly be beneficial in set-piece scenarios. Furthermore, his defensive acumen and poise under pressure will serve as significant advantages for the squad.

As Akomolede begins this new phase in his career, he aims to leave a lasting impression at Anderlecht FC. With his commitment and diligence, he has the potential to emerge as a pivotal player for the team. His throw-ins, in particular, could evolve into a crucial element of the team’s strategy, offering a unique edge in set-piece situations.

Akomolede’s transfer to Anderlecht FC highlights the increasing acknowledgment of Nigerian talent in European football. His success story inspires young Nigerian athletes, illustrating that with determination and hard work, they can realize their ambitions and establish themselves in the football arena.

The deal was brokered by FIFA Agents Cem Sagar and Dan Smejkal.

By Wakawaka

All is set for the South-East All-Stars Zonal Elimination scheduled for this weekend in Owerri. The competition will bring together the crème de la crème of ex-internationals who will battle for the zonal ticket to the National All-Stars Championship later this year.

To this end, the host team, Imo All-Stars, has embarked on an intensive drive to strengthen the squad in preparation for what is expected to be the biggest gathering of ex-footballers in the South-East this year.

The matches will take place at Egbu, in Owerri West area of the city, offering the public a rare opportunity to once again watch some of the men who made Nigerian football memorable. Among the stars expected are Mobi Oparaku, Kanu Nwankwo, Rey Ebede, Emeka Nwana, Ndidi Nnumonu, Emeka Ifejiagwa, Chima Seddy, Nat Maduwuba, Zabulom and other great sports personalities from across the country.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its support for Team Nigeria as the country’s contigent depart for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, scheduled for September 13–21, 2025.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, urged the athletes to give their best and bring glory to Nigeria, emphasizing that they have the full backing of the Commission and the Nigerian people.

“chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, declared from inception that Nigeria must get it right in athletics,” Olopade said. “This is a moment of pride for our nation, and we trust our athletes to compete with determination and secure podium finishes. The Commission will continue to provide all the support they need and firmly stand behind them as they fly our flag in Tokyo.”

Hon. Olopade will be on ground in Tokyo to provide support from the frontline, ensuring Team Nigeria enjoys a smooth championship experience.

Leading the 15-member squad are world record holder and hurdles queen Oluwatobiloba Amusan and Commonwealth Games champion Ese Brume, who are joined by a talented mix of established and emerging stars across sprints, jumps, throws, and hurdles.

*Nigeria’s 15-Member Team for Tokyo 2025*

Men:

• Kayinsola Ajayi – 100m

• Israel Sunday Okon – 100m

• Udodi Chudi Onwuzurike – 200m

• Samuel Ogazi – 400m

• Chidi Okezie – 400m

• Ezekiel Nathaniel – 400m Hurdles

• Charles Godfred – Long Jump

• Chukwuebuka Enekwechi – Shot Put

Women:

• Rosemary Chukwuma – 100m

• Tobiloba Amusan – 100m Hurdles

• Ese Brume – Long Jump

• Prestina Ochonogor – Long Jump

• Obiageri Amaechi – Discus

• Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons – Discus

• Oyesade Olatoye – Hammer Throw

Nigeria will look to build on its 2022 World Championships performance, when Tobi Amusan set the 100m hurdles world record (12.12s) and claimed gold, while Brume se

cured silver in the long jump.

Owerri witnessed football nostalgia at its finest as the legendary Emmanuel Amuneke lit up the Dan Anyiam Stadium practice pitch with a trademark goal that sealed victory for Team World Best XI in a star-studded novelty match celebrating the birthday of pharmacist and ex-footballer, Anderson “World Best” Anyiam.

The one-time CAF African Footballer of the Year and Olympic gold medalist needed just 25 minutes to remind fans of his golden left foot, curling home the decisive strike that drew thunderous applause from the packed crowd. His lone effort handed Team World Best XI a memorable 1–0 win over Owerri Fitness Club (OFC) in a game that brought together football icons, friends, and family.

The celebrant, Anyiam—himself a former player for Ebedei FC, Ekiti United, and Bussdor United—stood tall on the sidelines, soaking in the atmosphere. Beyond his playing past, Anyiam proudly carries the mantle of his bloodline as a descendant of Dan Anyiam, Nigeria’s first national team captain, whose name graces the stadium where history was made once again.

The glitter of the day went beyond Amuneke’s goal, as a galaxy of stars graced the pitch. Olympic gold medalist Mobi Oparaku was in action alongside crowd favorites like Casmir Mbachu, Ike ThankGod, Friday Onyeukwu (Ekpo), and Sampson Chuki. They were joined by a formidable list of seasoned ex-professionals including Chijioke Ejiogu, Chinedu Efugh, Oguchi Uche, Emma Amuneke, and Barr. Ifeanyi Dike, among others—transforming the friendly encounter into a reunion of Nigeria’s football aristocracy.

Speaking after the final whistle, an emotional Anyiam struggled to hold back his gratitude:>

“I wish to thank all my friends, ex-internationals, and football greats who came out to celebrate with me. Words cannot express how delighted I felt. This is more than football—it’s friendship, gratitude, and the joy of being alive.”

The festivities didn’t end on the pitch. On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the celebration moved to Christ Embassy, Ogbaku in Mbaitoli LGA, where a thanksgiving service capped off a weekend drenched in joy, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.

For Owerri’s fans, it was more than just a birthday—it was the revival of cherished memories. And for Emmanuel Amuneke, that magical 25th-minute goal was proof that class, indeed, is permanent.

Others ex-professionals who graced the novelty encounter include; Oguchi Uche, Marcel Nwachukwu, Ekene Iwuorie, Chima Ewurum, Coach Chidi, Isaac Mbaegbu, Ikechukwu, Kelechi Ahazie, Chinedu Efugh Chicago, Heartland Asst Coach Emeka Amadi

Heartland Sporting Director Sewuse, Barr. Ifeanyi Dike, Chijioke Ejiogu, Barr. Alinno, Basil Nnadi, Sinima Pongo, Onyekwere, George, Dr. Henry Orji, World Best

By Silvernews

The maiden edition of the Imo State Under-13 Football Tournament came to a colourful close at Amato, with the sponsor, Archbishop Prof. Amb. Lawrence Luba, hailing the event as a historic milestone for grassroots football development in the state.

In his closing address, Archbishop Luba expressed gratitude to God for making the tournament a reality, describing it as the fulfillment of a dream to provide young talents with a platform to shine.

He lauded the Special Guest of Honour, HRH Eze Michael Utoko Ogbenna and his Traditional Council, as well as coaches, referees, parents, and organizers for their collective roles in making the competition a success. Special praise went to the Tournament Coordinator, Comrade Chris Onyedika, whom he described as the “brain behind the tournament,” for managing the event professionally from start to finish.

Amato Academy FC emerged champions of the inaugural competition, defeating strong opposition to etch their names in history. Chika FC of Orji and Silver Sports Academy, Mbaise, finished second and third respectively, with Archbishop Luba declaring them “champions in spirit” for their spirited performances.

The cleric emphasized that the tournament was “only the beginning,” revealing plans to expand the next edition to cover more communities across Imo State, with stronger scouting links to expose discovered talents to professional opportunities.

“It is my vision that this platform will produce the next Kanu, Amuneke, or Iheanacho from Imo State,” he declared.

Encouraging the young players, Archbishop Luba urged them to stay disciplined, respect their parents and coaches, and never stop dreaming, stressing that their talent combined with character would open doors to global opportunities.

The Archbishop officially declared the maiden edition closed, promising that the second edition would be “bigger, better, and more impactful.”

By Wakawaka Sports

The Management Committee of the East of the Niger Inter-Club (ENIC) Tennis League has announced Saturday, September 13, 2025 as the deadline for submission of requests for both new players’ licenses and renewals of expired ones for the 2025/2026 season.

General Secretary, Macaulay Udom, stated that the move is aimed at ensuring all players are duly licensed ahead of the new season and to prevent disputes among participating clubs.

Team Imo capped a spirited campaign at the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba with a 16-medal haul (3 gold, 8 silver, 5 bronze), a performance that highlighted the state’s rising profile in grassroots sports under the stewardship of the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha.

The state’s golden moments came in boys’ cricket, where Imo swept past rivals to claim the T6 title on the final day, alongside victories in shooting mixed doubles and Abula female, pushing the gold tally to three.

Imo’s silver medals cut across multiple sports. Onasanya Samuel delivered in the 80km cycling road race, while Victory Iwuoha picked up two podium finishes in weightlifting. Grace Ebochukwu impressed in darts, with Amarachi Blessing Nkwocha and Chizoba Ohaka shining in para table tennis doubles. Ojike Caleb also stood out in para powerlifting, while the cricket and abula male settled for silver finishes.

The bronze column was equally spread, with medals from Metu Chhinonso (boxing, 51kg), Umeyo Munachi (kokowa), as well as additional podiums in weightlifting, kickboxing, and rugby—a reflection of Imo’s growing versatility across disciplines.

Commissioner Onyeocha, who has championed a clean-sport policy, grassroots talent hunts, and instant rewards for medalists, praised the athletes for their resilience. “This outing shows that with proper structures, our young talents can compete with the best. Imo is building champions for today and tomorrow,” he said.

While Lagos, Delta, and Edo claimed the top three spots nationally, Imo’s 16 medals signal steady progress and potential. The Eastern Heartland departs Asaba with a deeper pool of tested athletes and the confidence that more podium finishes lie ahead.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) served up another thrilling weekend as Matchday 3 fixtures produced tight scorelines and derby drama across the country.

In Abeokuta, defending champions Remo Stars FC edged Warri Wolves 1-0 to extend their unbeaten start to the season. In Enugu, Rangers International delighted their supporters with a commanding 2-0 win over Plateau United.

Wikki Tourists earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors, while in Minna, Niger Tornadoes also secured maximum points with a 1-0 triumph against Bayelsa United. Former champions, Enyimba FC were left frustrated in Aba, as visiting Nasarawa United forced them to a 0-0 draw. In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors and Rivers United also settled for a goalless stalemate.

At the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Shooting Stars SC played out a 1-1 draw with Ikorodu City, while Katsina United claimed bragging rights in the northern derby with a 1-0 win over Kano Pillars. In Ilorin, Kwara United produced a solid performance to defeat Kun Khalifat 2-0.

The round concluded in Kano, where Barau FC and Bendel Insurance played out a 1-1 draw, leaving both sides to share the spoils.

With champions Remo Stars setting the early pace, Matchday 3 once again showcased the NPFL’s competitiveness and unpredictability.