D’Tigress have booked their spot in the final of the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket after edging Senegal 75-68 in a nail-biting semifinal at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, Côte d’Ivoire.

The victory keeps alive Nigeria’s dream of becoming the first African team to win five consecutive Afrobasket titles.

Senegal started brightly, racing to an 11-2 lead within the first three minutes of the opening quarter. But the D’Tigress mounted a swift response, going on a 13-0 run to take a 14-11 lead before closing out the quarter ahead, 22-17.

D’Tigress’ Murjanatu Musa takes a two-point jumper

D’Tigress’ Murjanatu Musa takes a two-point jumper

The second quarter was an intense battle, with both teams trading punches on both ends of the court. D’Tigress managed to edge the period 21-20, thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Victoria Thiaw, her first points of the contest.

Plateau United gaffer Sola Adegun has said his side’s goalless draw with Cynosure FC at the Lafia City Stadium was not the best performance from his wards but believes his team will grow with time.

“It was not the best performance but I guess that’s why we are here to know where we are at and to know where we need to improve on. It wasn’t bad but it needed to be better”.

“It was nervy because it’s our first semi competitive game, I am sure in our next game, we will be better and feel more comfortable to go all out in order to secure the desired results”.

Adegun however rates the ongoing Gusau Ahlan Cup very high in terms of organisation.

“So far, great atmosphere, great energy from the fans outside, decent organization, everything is timely, all is good so far, he rounded up”.

Adams Jesse Odoba-Yacham

Niger Tornadoes gaffer has revealed that winning the Gusau/AhlanCup25 will be very good for his side heading into the new season.

Niger Tornadoes were made to sweat for the win against City Rollers FC of Nasarawa State in a game that produced 5 goals.

“That is the difference between NPFL and Amateur, even though this is just a trying moment and you can’t field a perfect team yet but gradually we expect improvements before going into the league proper”.

“it is natural when you are playing against I don’t want to use the term underdog but you don’t expect to just come and walk over them. The early goal we conceded caused a little bit of anxiety while trying to get the equalizer and we made a lot of mistakes but we are very happy we got the equalizer before the break which gave us that confidence going into the second half”.

“I don’t want to promise anything because we are here to prepare ourselves against the NPFL season and winning the tournament will be very good to crown it all, he concluded”.

Goals from Joseph Godstime, Dalhatu Abdulaziz and Shimagande Terdoo secured the maximum points Tornadoes despite Babatunde Simon get two goals for City Rollers.

That is the difference between NPFL and Amateur, even though this is just a trying moment and you can’t field a perfect team yet but gradually we expect improvements before going into the league proper

Yes, it is natural when you are playing against I don’t want to use the term underdog but you don’t expect to just come and walk over them. The early goal we conceded caused a little bit of anxiety while trying to get the equalizer and we made a lot of mistakes but we are very happy we got the equalizer before the break which gave us that confidence going into the second half

I don’t want to promise anything because we are here to prepare ourselves against the NPFL season and winning the tournament will be very good to crown it all.

Muhamed Tijani, a skilled Nigerian forward, has signed a one-year loan agreement with Sigma Olomouc from Slavia Prague.

Tijani spent the previous season on loan at Plymouth Argyle, a club in English League One, where he netted two goals in 14 league matches. Unfortunately, his season was interrupted by injuries, which restricted his playing opportunities.

The tall striker transferred to Slavia Prague from Banik Ostrava in 2023, where he recorded four goals and three assists in 33 matches across all competitions for the Czech powerhouse.

At 25 years old, the striker has represented Nigeria at the U-20 level, taking part in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Poland.

The forward began his European journey within the youth system of Banik Ostrava, having joined from 36 Lion FC in 2018. Since then, he has been loaned to various clubs, including Třinec, Karviná, and Táborsko.

Through this loan arrangement, Tijani seeks to make a notable impact at Sigma Olomouc and possibly secure a permanent transfer or return to Slavia Prague with enhanced value.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed as the South West Coordinator for the 2025 U19 NPFL Youth Championship. This appointment is a testament to his extensive experience and dedication to football administration.

The appointment letter highlights Hajjo Gafar’s unwavering commitment to the growth of sports in Nigeria and his passion for youth development through football. This recognition is well-deserved, given his contributions to Nigerian football.

As the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Hajji Gafar has demonstrated his ability to lead and manage football development initiatives. His experience and expertise will be invaluable in coordinating the U19 NPFL Youth Championship in the South West region.

As the South West Coordinator, he will play a key role in overseeing the tournament’s logistics, ensuring that the competition is run smoothly and efficiently. His leadership will be instrumental in promoting football development in the region.

The U19 NPFL Youth Championship is a crucial platform for identifying and developing young football talents in Nigeria. The appointment appointment will help ensure that the tournament is well-organized and provides opportunities for young players to showcase their skills.

Congratulations to Hajji Gafar on his appointment as the South West Coordinator for the 2025 U19 NPFL Youth Championship. We are confident that he will make a significant impact in this role and contribute to the growth and development of football in Nigeria.

By Silvernews

The courts of the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri came alive on Thursday as 40 rising tennis talents opened play in the 2025 edition of the Chief Kingsley Uduh South East Junior Tennis Championship.

Now a staple on the regional tennis calendar, the three-day tournament features intense matchups across three age categories—Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16—with 30 boys and 10 girls battling for supremacy and a share of honours in the prestigious youth showcase.

Sponsored by Chief Kingsley Uduh, a passionate advocate for grassroots sports and youth development, the championship continues to serve as a vital platform for unearthing the next generation of Nigerian tennis stars.

“This tournament is more than competition—it’s about giving these kids a dream and the tools to chase it,” said Chief Uduh at the opening ceremony. “Every serve, every rally here could be the beginning of something special.”

U-12 Spotlight: All Eyes on Chinedu
The Under-12 Boys draw features 10 players, headlined by the talented Emmanuel Chinedu, who is tipped to make a deep run following an impressive warm-up season.

Action-Packed U-14 Division
The Under-14 category has attracted 16 entries—11 boys and 5 girls. Chibunkem Amanze and Samuel Ndem are among the top names to watch in the boys’ draw, while Amarachi Julius and Christabel Oriemezie are expected to lead the charge on the girls’ side.

Strong Competition in U-16 Bracket
In the Under-16 section, nine boys and five girls are contesting for top honours. Chimaobi Onuegbu and Kelechi Nwosu have shown early form and could go the distance, while in the girls’ draw, Chiamaka Obed and Divine Ndem bring solid credentials and crowd-pleasing play.

The tournament, which runs from July 31st to August 2nd, continues to attract attention not only for the talent on display but also for its growing reputation as a true breeding ground for future champions.

As matches progress into the knockout rounds, the excitement builds—with coaches, scouts, and parents closely watching every point. Whether it’s a blistering forehand winner or a gritty comeback in a deciding set, the Chief Uduh SE Junior Classic is once again proving why it’s a cornerstone of youth tennis in the South East.

The Rangers International Football Club Foundation has announced the expansion and reinforcement of its strategic partnership with leading mental health organizations including Cope & Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organization (CAPIO), and Campus Technology Life Initiative (CTLI). This collaboration is geared toward large-scale implementation of the Foundation’s flagship youth program, “OFF THE SCREEN”, a community-centered initiative aimed at tackling screen addiction and negative digital behavior among children and young persons.

Speaking on the development, the Chairman of Rangers International FC Foundation, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, said the program is designed using an evidence-based approach to combat issues related to excessive screen time, online exploitation, and harmful digital footprints among the youth.

According to Coach Amaraizu, the “OFF THE SCREEN” initiative is part of the Foundation’s broader strategic action plan focused on child and youth interventions, promoting mental health, emotional well-being, and sustainable development goals. The initiative addresses physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral consequences of digital overexposure—ranging from irritability, mood swings, reduced attention span, and social withdrawal, to childhood obesity.

“We are proud to be partnering with Cope & Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, which operates in over 15 states and globally through its CoLI Mental Health Academy, bringing world-class expertise in screen addiction recovery and mental wellness,” Amaraizu noted.

The program is structured into modular frameworks that ensure measurable outcomes through guided implementation, continuous engagement, and robust impact evaluation. It also aims to raise awareness about online dangers such as sextortion and negative digital footprints.

Through this strengthened coalition, Rangers Foundation and its partners aim to restore balance in digital usage among children and youths by promoting healthy screen habits and encouraging effective use of devices like smartphones and tablets for cognitive development and improved well-being.

Coach Amaraizu concluded by urging schools, families, and community stakeholders to embrace the initiative and support its implementation, especially within Southeast Nigeria and beyond.

Multi-talented Nigerian athlete, Chituru Nwaozuzu, has once again proven her class on the continental stage by clinching two gold medals in the 65kg category at the just-concluded Africa Armwrestling Championship held in Abuja. Her outstanding performance added to her growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s finest female athletes in special sports.

Nwaozuzu, known for her relentless determination and versatility across different sporting disciplines, dominated her weight class in both the left and right arm categories. Her victory not only brought pride to her state but also showcased the strength and potential of Nigerian women in competitive armwrestling.

A multiple gold medalist across various special events, Chituru’s latest achievement calls for national recognition. Her discipline, consistency, and unwavering passion for sports set her apart as a true ambassador of Nigerian excellence in the global arena.

Despite the many challenges faced by female athletes in the country, Chituru has stood her ground and refused to back down. Her success story is an inspiration to young girls across Nigeria, proving that with hard work and resilience, greatness can be achieved against all odds.

Junior Ishola Olaitan has signed a four-year deal with Goztepe in the Turkish Super Lig.

The 23-year-old midfielder joins Goztepe from Grenoble, bringing his skills and experience to the team.

Ishola started his football education at 36 Lion, laying the foundation for his future success.

His early development played a crucial role in shaping his skills and passion for the sport.

The midfielder has had a notable career progression, playing for Ayema, Niort, and Troyes before joining Grenoble.

Each step has contributed to his growth and experience, preparing him for the challenges of the Turkish Super Lig.

As a Benin Republic international, Ishola brings valuable experience and insight to Goztepe.

His performances on the international stage will undoubtedly enhance his abilities and contribute to the team’s success.

As 36 Lion Founder Hajji Gafar Liameed noted, “Your hard work, perseverance, and tenacity have truly paid off.”

According to Hajji Gafar Liameed, “It’s amazing to see how far you’ve come, and your self-confidence has been a key factor in your success.”

Junior Ishola Olaitan’s confidence has indeed been a driving force behind his achievements.

The football technocrat also praised the lad for representing THE LIONS CLAN and living up to the core concept. This is a testament to the values and principles that the team stands for.

He continued, “The guidance of Coach Afis Ajibade and Baba Arigo has clearly had a significant impact on your development as a player.”

Hajji Gafar Liameed also commended Junior Ishola Olaitan’s agent, Tobi Alabi, for his effective negotiations and managerial insights. This deal is a testament to Tobi Alabi’s expertise and dedication.

Ishola has secured a bright future for himself in the Turkish Super Lig. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors and hope that he continues to excel and make his mark in the football world.

The Nigeria Players Union, National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers NANPF has advice players not to accept clearance papers in exchange of unpaid salaries by clubs.

It has come to the notice of the union as it is with case of Katsina united which has issued clearance certificate to some players with a clause requesting the players to forfeit their unpaid salaries and other allowances.

Because the players are desperate to beat the registration period some of them are already forced to accept the clearance certificate with the insertion of the clause contrary to fifa regulations.

The union caution the players not to lose their hard earned money by falling into the tricks of the clubs, instead they should relate with their agents to apply for a provision clearance certificate as allowed by law while the matter is under dispute