Abia State’s shot put star, Kalu Ekeh Onwuka — popularly known as “Scorpion” — made a sensational return to the National Sports Festival, clinching gold at the 22nd edition of the Games with a powerful throw of 16.28 metres.

Scorpion, who missed the last festival due to a leg injury, marked his comeback in emphatic fashion, dominating the field in Abeokuta.

“This is just me saying, I am back,” Ekeh declared confidently after his victory, signaling his intent to reclaim his place among Nigeria’s elite field athletes.

A new date has been announced for the highly-anticipated Wakawaka Sports Awards to honour individuals who have significantly contributed to sports development.

In a statement by the CEO of Silvernews Communication, Publisher of Silvernews and Wakawaka Sports Extra, Kennedy Onwunali said that the debut awards will now hold on 7th June, 2025.

According to him, the postponement from the initial date of 31st May, 2025 was necessitated by the ongoing 2025 National Sports Festival noting that most of the awardees are participating in the sporting fiesta.

The event is scheduled to take place at the luxurious City Cruz Hotel, owned by Chief Kachi Atufule, CEO of Malick Football Club on 7th June, 2025.

The award features various categories, including the Young Sports Person Award and the Evergreen Award.

Onwunali emphasized that the awards will recognize outstanding figures who have promoted sports within Nigeria and globally.

The event will celebrate both legendary and emerging talents whose dedication and accomplishments have significantly impacted the world of sports.

The organizing committee consists of experts from the media and other sectors, ensuring a high level of professionalism and excellence.

Dr. Kachi Nwoga, Vice President of the Nextzon Group, a prominent socialite, sports enthusiast, Patron of ENIC Tennis League as well as Chairman BOT of Mbaise Nations Football League, has been appointed to be the Chairman of the occasion.

With a strong history of supporting young sports leaders and connecting accomplished personalities worldwide, the Wakawaka Sports Extra platform continues to promote excellence.

The Wakawaka Sports Award is poised to become an annual tradition, fostering the recognition of individuals who inspire through their remarkable contributions to the sports industry.

The Immediate Past Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports in Ebonyi, Charles Akpu-enika has congratulated Abakaliki Football Club for its miraculous feat of qualifying for the 2025 President Federation Cup final.

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Ebonyi Chapter, also hailed the club for its cup run which has culminated in a final berth with just seven months of existence.

Abakaliki FC on Wednesday, beat Ikorodu City FC of Lagos 5-4 on penalties after regulation time scores stood at 0-0 in Abuja, to qualify for the competition’s final.

Charles Akpuenika, the Immediate Past Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Ebonyi,.said that victory shows that commitment and hardwork would always be rewarded.

“The club is presently struggling in the Nigeria National League (NNL) but the determination of the players to excel in the face of turbulence, has earned it a federation cup final berth.

“I heartily commend the players and officials especially my successor, Richard Idike whose ingenuity has made the club, the nationally heralded giant-killers of the 2025 federation cup.

‘”I am profusely proud of this achievement because the foundation of floating a football club in the state was laid during my time as commissioner.”

He noted that the players’ mode of winning shows tenacity and resolve to succeed despite all odds.

“The club won all its federation cup matches on penalty shootouts except the 2–0 bashing of Enyimba of Aba in the round of 16.

“This is an attribute of a giant-killer because it identifies and believes in its strength, using it to cause upsets.

“I thank Gov. Francis Nwifuru for his fatherly love and support to the club whick has made it, the toast of soccer fans across the country.”

The Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Ebonyi State chapter, Andy Nwogha in a statement, described the victory as a landmark which underlines the growth of football in the state.

Nwogha hailed the team’s consistency, having earlier dispatched top-tier clubs such as Enyimba, Katsina United, Nasarawa United and presently, Ikorodu FC.

“This is a proud moment for Ebonyi as the feat demonstrates hard work, strategic planning and recognition of indigenous talents.

“We appreciate Gov. Francis Nwifuru for his unflinching support to youth and sports development, in line with his administration’sn People’s Charter of Needs mantra.

“The association further commends the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Richard Idike, and the club Chairman, Sen. Obinna Ogba, for their ingenuity in steering the club’s affairs.”

The Nigerian national women’s team, D’Tigress, and the Nigeria Basketball Federation are gearing up for what will be one of the best basketball events held in Nigeria.

For the first time, the multiple award-winning D’Tigress will play on the national soil after winning five back-to-back Afrobasket championships spearheaded by Nigerian WNBA Coach Rena Wakama. The African champions will take on high-rising Togo and a yet to be named team in Abuja from July 18 to 20, 2025.

The current team is huge and seen as a bumper-pack Nigerian women’s team with ⁠6 WNBA players as the team prepares to defend the title again.

As a part of the tournament in Nigeria, the players will help run ⁠women empowerment programmes in this home-coming rendezvous, even as they hold ⁠basketball camps for the up-and-coming stars in Abuja.

The event will be hosted at the ⁠prestigious Mo Arena Abuja. The games and activities will be live on Africa’s number satellite station, the SuperSport.

Mathew Ohio, the Chief Executive Officer of El Carnival, was emotional when he spoke about this star event.

Ohio said, “After putting together a welcome party for D’Tigress in Paris at the Olympic Games, we felt it was necessary to promote and showcase the incredible talents of these wonderful ladies in Nigeria. We are excited to be a part of bringing home the best team in Africa.”

The NBBF’s Chairman of the Sponsorship Committee, Ugo Udezue, said it has always been the desire of the Federation’s President, Musa Kida, and the Board to create a fun atmosphere for the Nigerian fans to meet and greet with the players.

“The NBBF President mandated we make this event possible and bring our D’Tigress back home. This will be an exciting and fun atmosphere with a chance for fans to meet and interact with our players for the first time. We are grateful to our sponsors, and we continue to solicit more to make this event a beautiful one,” Ugo said.

D’Tigress International Tournament brings to the public that Nigeria’s dominance in women’s basketball is a testament to the strength, resilience, and excellence of the country’s female athletes.

Over the years, D’Tigress have consistently proven themselves as the best team in Africa, winning four consecutive AfroBasket titles (2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023) and making history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by becoming the first African team to reach the quarterfinals, defeating top-ranked teams like Canada and Australia. These achievements highlight the team’s success and also serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment for women in sports across Nigeria and beyond.

This tournament is designed as a key preparatory event for D’Tigress ahead of the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025, which will be held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from July 24 to August 3, 2025. The tournament is offering an opportunity for high-level competition that will enhance the teams’ readiness.

The Chairman of the Imo Football Association, Barr Ifeanyi Dike has congratulated the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau on his emergence as the new President of the West African Football Union (WAFU).

Dike said the emergence of the NFF President as WAFU President was a huge feat as it will afford Nigeria prominent roles in football in West Africa.

“I congratulate the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau on his emergence as President of WAFU, it is a good one for us as a nation.

“His emergence as WAFU President is a huge opportunity for Nigerian football to play a more prominent role in shaping the future of the sport in West Africa”.

“Alhaji Gusau as the fifth Nigerian to hold a top position in the West African subregional football body is a plus for us as a nation.

“This position will definitely improve the profile of Nigerian football and provide a platform for us to continue to showcase our football talents and prowess even on a larger stage”.

“The Imo FA wish the NFF President success on his new role and pledge our support towards his assignment to promote football in West Africa”, Dike said.

By Silvernews

Team Imo’s basketball squad kicked off their campaign at the 22th edition of the National Sports Festival in Ogun State with a hard-fought victory over the host team, Ogun State, in Game One of the tournament.

In a high-tension encounter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Team Imo showcased their experience and tactical superiority to edge past the determined host side. The match, held at the festival’s basketball arena, saw both teams put up a spirited performance, but it was the South-East champions who emerged victorious.

Team Imo, widely regarded as the top basketball team in the South-East after clinching the South-East Basketball Association League title for two consecutive years, brought their winning mentality to bear in the tightly contested match. Their composure in key moments and sharp offensive execution proved decisive against a resilient Ogun side buoyed by home support.

The victory sparked celebration among Imo supporters, including the state’s Commissioner for Sports and members of the Imo State Basketball Association, who were visibly elated by the team’s performance. The win not only marks a strong start for Imo at the festival but also reinforces their status as a formidable force in Nigerian basketball.

Team Imo will look to build on this momentum as they progress further in the tournament.