GOtv Boxing Night 8: Skoro wins N1m

THE West African Boxing Union featherweight title contender, Waidi 'Skoro' Usman,  made an explosive ring return on Saturday, winning the N1 million cash prize for the best boxer award at GOtv Boxing Night 8.

Buhari warns against doping as Team Nigeria departs for Rio

AHEAD of Monday's departure of Rio 2016 Olympic-bound Team Nigeria, a send forth reception was held for the athletes on Sunday at the High Performance centre, Package B of the National Stadium, Abuja.

Igali wants training partners in Rio, as NWF unveils Olympic wrestlers

By Akeem Lawal
PRESIDENT of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Hon Daniel Igali has emphasized the need for the country to take the training partners of wrestlers to Rio Olympics if the country is to produce a medal.

NWF to unveil Olympic wrestlers on Saturday

L-r Female wrestlers: Adekuoroye, Genesis, Adeniyi, Reuben and Oborududu

THE Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) will on Saturday formally unveil it's Olympic team for the 2016 games.

Iwobi, Akpom celebrate win over MLS All Stars

By Akeem Lawal

Alex Iwobi celebrates with Chuba Akpom

NIGERIAN striker, Chuba Akpom is still in celebration mood after netting an 87th-minute winner as Arsenal recorded a 2-1 win over the Major League Soccer All-Stars on Thursday night.

GOtv Boxing Night 8: Fans to win 50 GOtv decoders

A total of 50 GOtv decoders will be won at GOtv Boxing Night 8, the organisers have announced.

The decoders will be won through lucky dips to be conducted in between the six fights scheduled for the event. Fans, who arrive the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, early on Saturday, will also win a variety of gifts.

Ikorodu Utd victim of bad officiating, says De Jong

By Akeem Lawal

IKORODU United coach, Theodorus Jacob de Jong believes the present position of the team in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) is as a result of unfavourable decision from referees.

RIO GAMES: Union Bank boosts Team Nigeria with ₦25m

.NOC too with ₦5m
By Akeem Lawal

NIGERIA'S leading innovative financial institution, Union Bank has made a pledge of ₦25 million to the 100 Team Nigeria Olympics and Paralympics athletes ahead of both the Rio Olympic Games and the Paralympics holding in Rio, Brazil.

Enyeama to Oliseh: Leave me out of your problems with NFF

By Akeem Lawal

FORMER Super Eagles Captain, Vincent Enyeama has warned former national team coach, Sunday Oliseh to stop attacking him on social media or draw him into his fight with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.

Goal scoring is my hubby, says Bashir

By Akeem Lawal

Abdulrahman Bashir celebrate his goal against Ikorodu United.
Pix courtesy LMC

Nasarawa United striker, Abdulrahman Bashir says he enjoys scoring goals after netting his 12th goal of the season in a 2-2 draw against Ikorodu United in the Nigeria Professional Football League Week 28 encounter decided at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos on Sunday.

GOTV BOXING NIGHT 8: My punch will make you shake, Babatunde tells Lateef

NIGERIA’S latest boxing sensation, Rilwan “Baby Face” Babatunde, has warned Shakiru “No Shaking” Lateef, his opponent at GOtv Boxing Night 8, that he will be shaking when they meet in a light welterweight challenge contest at the event, which holds on Saturday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.

Nwakali rues 'shattered' World Cup dream

By Akeem Lawal

Nigeria Under-20 national team captain, Kelechi Nwakali is disappointed over the failure of the team to qualify for the 2017 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations after a 4-3 loss to Sudan at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Saturday.

NNL: Prime coach Afolabi wary of ‘stronger’ Abia Comets

PRIME FC Coach, Shina Afolabi, has told his players to expect a tough encounter when they take on Abia Comets in one of the Nigeria National League Week 8 stand out fixtures at the Oshogbo Township Stadium on Saturday.

NNL: Go Round ready for Remo Stars

AS the Nigeria National League starts its second phase from Saturday, July 23, coach of Go Round FC, Ngozi Elechi says they are ready to continue their quest for promotion.

Kogi Utd send feeders coaches to school

AS part of its plans to empower its coaches to meet up with required standard in modern football, management of Kogi United will be sending two of it technical crew, Okala Awala Sabo and Adamu Issa Oluwe to coaching school at Nigeria Institute of Sports.

GOTV BOXING NIGHT 8: King Hammer is afraid of me, says Afonja Warrior

ABOLAJI "Afonja Warrior" Rasheed, national middleweight title challenger, has declared that the reigning champion, Sunny "King Hammer" Iyere is scared of him.

Adekuoroye vows to correct mistakes before Rio Olympics

By Akeem Lawal

NIGERIAN freestyle wrestler and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Odunayo Adekuoroye, has assured  that she would correct the mistakes noticed during her fights at the just concluded Spanish Grand Prix before the Rio Olympic Games in Brazil.

Martins, Onazi, others console Demba Ba after horrific leg injury

By Akeem Lawal

Shanghai Shenhua forward, Obafemi Martins, Lazio defender, Ogenyi Onazi, Watford striker, Odion Ighalo, Chelsea defender, Kenneth Omeruo are some of the Nigeria internationals that have sent their best wishes to Demba Ba after the striker suffered a horrendous leg-break on Sunday.

AFRICA CUP 1C: Rugby federation lauds Black Stallions

By Akeem Lawal

THE Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has commended the country’s national rugby team, Black Stallions for their performance at the just concluded Africa Cup 1C held in Morocco despite failing to pick the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifiers ticket.

D’Tigers gear up for double-header friendly against Argentina

By Akeem Lawal

Nigeria national male basketball team, the D’Tigers will continue their preparation for the Rio Olympic Games with a double-header exhibition games against Argentina basketball team.

GOtv Boxing Night 8: King vows to punish Afonja Warrior

REIGNING national middleweight champion, Sunny "King" Hammer, has vowed to severely punish his challenger, Abolaji "Afonja Warrior" Rasheed, when they clash for their national title fight on 30 July.

AFRICAN CUP 1C: Black Stallions beat Mauritius 31-21 in opener

By Akeem Lawal
NIGERIA national rugby team, Black Stallions began their campaign at the ongoing African Cup 1C with a 31-21 victory over Mauritius at the COC Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco on Wednesday.

GOtv Boxing Night returns with Fijabi, Skoro, King Hammer, Afonja

King(l) vs Afonja Warrior

THE eighth edition of GOtv Boxing Night will hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos on the 30th of July, 2016, the organisers have disclosed. 

AFRICA CUP 1C: Black Stallions set for ‘must-win’ game against Mauritius

THE Technical Director of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Fasimoye Olatunji has assured that the national rugby team, Black Stallions will not leave anything to chance when they file out against Mauritius in the ongoing Africa Cup 1C holding at the COC Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.

Jerome wins Kogi Utd Player of the Month for June

JOHN Jerome has emerged Kogi United's Player of the Month of June for his outstanding performance.
 

Jerome edged influential defender, Iko James and Micheal Bolaji to second and third position respectively in a poll conducted by the technical crew and the club management.

Mikel, Moses, Omeruo begin pre-season with Chelsea

By Akeem Lawal

Nigeria trio of Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and Kenneth Omeruo were among the Chelsea players that returned to their Cobham training base for the first day of pre-season training on Monday.

SPANISH GRAND PRIX: Wrestlers return with a silver, 2 bronze medals

By Akeem Lawal

Nigeria's wrestling team to the just concluded 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, will return to the country on Tuesday via Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos after winning a silver and two bronze medals at the event held at the Outer Hall of the National Sports Council, Calle Martín Fierro in Madrid, Spain.

Ogu wants to make Champions League history with Hapoel

By Akeem Lawal

Nigeria international, John Ogu has revealed that he is ready to make history with Israel Premier League champions, Hapoel Be’er Sheva as they host Sheriff of Moldova in the Champions League second qualifying round at the Turner Stadium on Tuesday.

Stankovic Cup: D'Tigers finish third, depart for USA

By Akeem Lawal 

NIGERIA'S senior national male basketball team, D'Tigers won two and lost two matches to place third at the just concluded FIBA Stankovic Continental Champions’ Cup in Beijing, China, Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.

NNL: Confluence coach satisfied with Jigawa draw

KOGI United Coach, Ishaya Jatau has expressed satisfaction following his team's 1-1 draw recorded against Jigawa Golden Stars in the Nigeria National League, NNL Week 7 encounter on Saturday.

Drama, pitch invasion as Kwara Utd draw FC Zamfara in Gusau

CROWD trouble and pitch invasion marred the Nigeria National League (NNL) week 7 encounter between FC Zamfara and Kwara United FC at the Sardauna Memorial Stadium in Gusau on Saturday.

Musa delighted to join ‘one of the best clubs in EPL’

By Akeem Lawal

SUPER Eagles forward, Ahmed Musa has said that he is delighted to join one of the best teams in the English Premier League after completing his move to Leicester City from CSKA Moscow on Friday.

ALL NIGERIA CHAMPIONSHIPS: Ogunlewe defends 100m crown

SEYE Ogunlewe is Nigeria’s fastest man again after winning the 100m Men’s title at the All-Nigeria Championships which ended on a high note on Friday.

Prime face tough NNL tie against Abia Comets

THE first round of the 2015/16 Nigeria National League season comes to a close this weekend with one of the fixtures billed to take place in Umuahia, Abia State Capital.

Abia Comets Football Club of Umuahia host Prime Football Club at the Umuahia Township Stadium in a Week 7 game expected to be an exciting fixture.

AFRICA CUP 1C TOURNEY: Black Stallions depart for Morocco on Monday

By Akeem Lawal

THE Nigeria rugby national team, Black Stallions, made up of 21 home-based and two foreign-based players will depart for Morocco on Monday ahead of the Africa Cup 1C Rugby Tournament, scheduled to hold at Stade du C.O.C. in Casablanca, Morocco.

2016 SPANISH GRAND PRIX: Oborududu leads five other wrestlers to Spain

By Akeem Lawal

Six Olympic-bound wrestlers on Thursday departed the shores of the country for the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix scheduled to hold at the Outer Hall of the National Sports Council, Calle Martín Fierro in Madrid, Spain from 8-10 July, 2016.

The Spanish Grand Prix of International Olympic Wrestling is the leading wrestling tournament in Spain which brings together over two hundred wrestlers, including Olympic and World Champions from twenty different countries.

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth gold medalists duo of Oduayo Adekuoroye (53kg) and Aminat Adeniyi (58kg), Seven-time Africa Champion, Blessing Oborududu (63kg), Africa freestyle champion, Amas Daniel (65kg), Africa bronze medalist, Soso Tamarau (97kg), and All Africa Games champion, Mercy Genesis (48kg) were accompanied by four officials including the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali to the competition which is also meant to prepare the wrestlers for the Rio Olympic Games.

While two freestyle wrestlers, Daniel and Tamarau will compete on the 9th, Adekuoroye, Genesis, Oborududu and Adeniyi will compete on the 10th of July. The team is expected back in Nigeria on the 12th of July.

Only 2016 Africa Championship, Hannah Reuben who has also qualified for the Olympics did not make the trip after failing to recover fully from a minor injury she sustained in training.

The Technical Director of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Sir Ohaike Damian informed Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com that Reuben will continue with her training in the country in order to be fully fit for the Olympics.

 “Since we couldn’t go to Romania and Canada, at least our wrestlers were able to make this trip thanks to the ministry. This will allow them to compete among the best in the world. All of us cannot go because of the non availability of fund. So myself, other coaches and other wrestlers including Reuben are still in Abuja camp, training,” Damian told Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com on telephone on Thursday.

Among other the participants of this edition fighters are Ismael Borrero (CUB) GR-59 Kg, Current World Champion, Mijain Lopez Núñez (CUB) GR-130 Kg, Roman Vlasov (RUS), GR-75 Kg World and Olympic champion and Islam Magomedov (RUS) GR-97 Kg - World Championship 2015, Bronze.

Stankovic Cup: D’Tigers seek redemption against France

By Akeem Lawal

NIGERIA'S senior national male basketball team, D'Tigers will hope to bounce back from the 71-49 points defeat to Argentina in their second game of the ongoing FIBA Stankovic Continental Champions’ Cup in Beijing, China when they take on France in the third game on Friday.

Ifeanyi: I rejected offers from Pillars, Enyimba, Warri Wolves

By Akeem Lawal

MOUNTAIN of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club (MFM FC) midfielder, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi has disclosed that he rejected offers from top Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) sides including Kano Pillars, Enyimba, Warri Wolves and Enugu Rangers during the mid season transfer window.

LaLiga Tour: Alimi delighted to make NPFL All Stars team

By Akeem Lawal

Kano Pillars defender, Jamiu Alimi is delighted to be among the 35 players shortlisted by the League Management Company (LMC) for further screening to make up the 22 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) All Stars squad for the NPFL-LaLiga Tour coming up in August.

ALL-NIGERIA CHAMPIONSHIPS: Okagbare wins seventh title

.As Antwon Hicks sets new national record

BLESSING Okagbare on Thursday claimed her 7th All Nigeria 100m title as she won the Women’s 100m event with a time of 11.02secs in Day One of action at the ongoing All-Nigeria Championships in Sapele, Delta State.

D'Tigers beat China 79-71 in Stankovic Cup opener

By Akeem Lawal

NIGERIA'S senior national male basketball team, D'Tigers defeated China 79-71 in their opening match at the FIBA Stankovic Continental Champions’ Cup in Beijing, China on Tuesday.

Jay Jay Okocha unveils foundation

By Akeem Lawal

Ex-international Augustine Jay Jay Okocha has launched a foundation created in his name, Jay Jay Okocha Foundation (JJOF) with the primary objective to use football to raise awareness on the strategic importance of education, peace and unity for the economic growth of Nigeria, Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.

MFM on course for top 4, says Ifeanyi Ifeanyi

By Akeem Lawal

MOUNTAIN of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club (MFM FC) midfielder, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi believes the team is still on course for a top four finish this season  after defeating Ikorodu United 3-1 in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 25 decided at the Agege Stadium on Sunday.

Injured Mike Gbinije a major doubt for Olympics

By Akeem Lawal
NIGERIA'S men's senior basketball national team, D'Tigers and former Syracuse Orange point guard, Michael Gbinije is a major doubt to represent the country at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil after suffering a sprained ankle in the NBA Summer League practice on Sunday, sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.

Akwa Starlets coach blames poor finishing for Prime loss

AKWA Starlets gaffer, Patrick Udoh has blamed the inability of his players to convert their scoring opportunities for the 2-0 loss to Prime FC in a Nigeria National League encounter on Saturday.

Ighalo tips Isaac to be a success at Watford

By Akeem Lawal 
NIGERIA international, Odion Ighalo believes the arrival of compatriot, Isaac Success will help Watford to a better campaign in the English Premier League.

Depleted Ikorodu Utd face MFM in Lagos derby

IKORODU United will be parading a depleted team when they take on MFM FC in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 25 at the Agege Stadium on Sunday.

Suspended Elu wishes Ifeanyi Ubah victory over Sunshine

FC Ifeanyi Ubah will aim to extend their unbeaten run when they host Sunshine Stars in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 25 game at the Ifeanyi Ubah Int’l Stadium, Nnewi on Sunday.

NNL: Katsina Utd shock Kogi Utd in Lokoja

A 40th minute header from Usule Martins gave league leaders, Katsina United a shock win over Kogi United in the Week Six of Nigeria National League, NNL in Lokoja.

LMC allows fans to watch MFM vs Ikorodu Utd game

.Grants one match waiver for Agege Stadium ban

The League Management Company (LMC) has taken cognizance of the scheduling of the live broadcast of Nigeria Professional Football League Match Day 25 between MFM FC and city neighbours, Ikorodu United billed for Agege Stadium in Lagos and has consequently lifted the closed gates sanction imposed on MFM.