Chuba Akpom vows to return stronger from back injury

By Akeem Lawal

ARSENAL striker Chuba Akpom has confirmed he will be out of action ‘for a while’ after picking up a back injury.

Jerome: Kogi Utd ready to spoil Katsina's promotion party

ONE of the final day fixtures in the Nigeria National League, NNL that would draw much attention of soccer fans is the encounter between promotion favorites Katsina United and Kogi United.

Ghanaian boxers arrive Nigeria for GOtv Boxing Night 9

.Vow to defeat Fijabi, Joe Boy

Raphael Kwabena

THE two Ghanaian boxers billed to fight at GOtv Boxing Night 9 arrived Lagos from Accra on Friday, boasting that they will defeat Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi and Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph, who are yet undefeated, in their respective fights on Sunday.

Okorocha presents cars, plots of land, cash to Paralympians

By Akeem Lawal

IMO State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has presented the sum of one million naira, a plot of land and brand new Kia Rio saloon car to each to the three gold medalists who are indigenes of the state at the just concluded Rio Paralympics in Brazil alongside their coach in an event held at the Govt House, Owerri on Thursday.

Rivers Utd’s Okonkwo calls Akwa tie must win

RIVERS United striker, Chinonso Okonkwo insists his side ‘must win’ against Akwa United in their final league game of the season on Sunday.

MFM’s victory over Ifeanyi Ubah not negotiable, says Ilechukwu

HEAD coach of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos, Fidelis Ilechukwu has said his side is 100% ready for victory over Ifeanyi Ubah Football Club of Nnewi in their last game of this season's Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) campaign.

Chamberlain Oguchi joins Mexican club

By Akeem Lawal

NIGERIAN Basketball star, Chamberlain Oguchi has joined Mexican team, Soles de Mexicali from Polish club, Anwil Wloclawek.

2017 Football-Fives World Championship Nigeria qualifiers kicks off November

By Akeem Lawal 
THE 2017 Football Fives World Championship (F5WC) Nigeria qualifiers will kick off in November, the organizers have announced. 

The  F5WC is the world's largest 5 a-side tournament founded in 2014, created and managed by Sports Event International Worldwide, specifically for amateur players aged 16 and above from all over the world who share the love of football.

The preliminaries of this year's edition of the Nigeria qualifiers which is scheduled to end in December will take place in 16 states of the country. The national finals is expected to hold in Lagos.

Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports that the overall winning team will represent Nigeria in an all expense paid trip at the World Championship in Beijing, China in May 2017.

At a press conference held at the SWAN secretariat inside the National Stadium, Surulere in Lagos on Wednesday,  I-Sports Coliseum Limited, the exclusive and sole rights owners of the franchise in Nigeria, assured that this year’s edition will be the largest in terms of organisation and participation. 

According to the Head of Local Organising Committee and Chairman Boma Jacks, "This 3rd edition, we are working hard to ensure that everything goes well in terms of registration and organisation. 

"We promise to make it the biggest and the best edition in Nigeria. We will make sure we get the best team that will promote Nigeria and that is why we have reached out to over 16 states. 

"The registration is ongoing and you can reach us on our I-Sports Coliseum Limited or follow us on our @F5WCNigeria on Twitter." 

While explaining the aim of the competition, Shamshudeen Tijani Yusuf, F5WC Technical Director said, "We are trying to give opportunities to people who don't have the opportunities to play for the national teams, who don't have agent. 

"This is for amateurs, you don't have to be professionals. Just have your team, register and come and have fun, that is all. It's for 16 and above. Even if you are ageing, when you qualify you get to travel abroad, you don't have to pay a dime and you represent Nigeria in a competition which is recognized by FIFA." 

De Royals Football Club of Gbagada won the first and second editions in Nigeria. The team went ahead to represent Nigeria in April at the World Finals in Dubai, which also had countries like Singapore, France and hosts United Arab Emirates in their group.

According to F5WC guidelines, each team is made up of 7 players (five infield players and two reserves during play), which must have their residence in a particular country and have valid passports. 

The winning team from each of the countries at the qualifying finals represents the country  in the F5WC World finals. 

F5WC organisers arrange for flights, hotels, local transport,  food and also provide full country specific home and away kits for all the F5WC finalists at no cost to the teams. 

F5WC also delivers 116 shirts for each country's top 32 teams to wear during their final qualifying rounds.

Africa Cup 7s: Black Stallions return from Kenya

By Akeem Lawal 

Black Stallions on arrival at the MMA in Lagos

THE Nigeria Rugby national team, Black Stallions are back in the country after featuring at the African Cup 7s Tournament held in Nairobi, Kenya, last weekend.

Iheanacho missing in Man City win

By Akeem Lawal

SUPER Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho was conspicuously missing for Manchester City as returning Sergio Aguero struck twice to lead the Premier League leaders to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Swansea on Saturday.

Sunderland 2-3 Crystal Palace: Debut woe for Anichebe

By Akeem Lawal

VICTOR Anichebe's debut in a Sunderland shirt proved to be a nightmare as Christian Benteke's injury-time header left The Black Cats still waiting for a first Premier League win of the season as Crystal Palace came back from 2-0 down to snatch victory on Saturday.

Africa Cup 7s: Nigeria’s Black Stallions finish 7th

By Akeem Lawal

NIGERIA'S national rugby team, the Black Stallions defeated Morocco 19 - 5 in their last ranking match to finish seventh at the Africa Cup 7s tournament that ended at the Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi Kenya on Saturday September 24, 2016.

Africa Cup 7s: Black Stallions to play Tunisia in classification ranking

By Akeem Lawal

NIGERIA'S national rugby team, the Black Stallions will on Saturday by 11:56 am play against Tunisia in a semi-final classification ranking match of the Africa Cup 7s tournament after recording a win and a draw in their opening games on Friday.

Iheanacho tells Guardiola: I can play up front with Aguero

By Akeem Lawal

SUPER Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho has sent a compassionate plea to Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola to play him upfront alongside Sergio Aguero in their Premier League game against Swansea City on Saturday.

Africa Cup 7s: NRFF tips Black Stallions to beat Kenya, Senegal

By Akeem Lawal

AS the Nigeria's national rugby team, the Black Stallions begin campaign on Friday at the Africa Cup Sevens Tournament in Nairobi, Kenya, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, NRFF, Sir Edward Fom has charged the team to go for glory.

EFL Cup 4th Round: Iheanacho ready for another Manchester derby

By Akeem Lawal

SUPER Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho is already gearing up for another Manchester derby after Manchester City were drawn against Manchester United in the EFL Cup fourth round.

Balogun makes Bundesliga Team of The Week

By Akeem Lawal

SUPER Eagles and Mainz 05 defender, Leon Balogun has been named in the German Bundesliga's Team of The Week for Gameweek 4 by whoscored.com, one of the largest detailed football statistics website which covers Europe's top leagues.

GOtv Boxing Night 9: Fighting Policeman vows to punish ID Cabasa

Ekeng Henshaw

AHEAD of his national cruiserweight title defence at GOtv Boxing Night 9 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, on 2 October, Ekeng “Fighting Policeman” Henshaw has vowed to give his opponent hell.

Mustapha eyes more goals after hitting 10th for El Kanemi

By Akeem Lawal

EL KANEMI Warriors striker, Ibrahim Mustapha is looking forward to increase his goals tally in the club’s remaining games of the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season after scoring his 10th goal of the season last weekend.

Ajunwa wants scholarship, housing rewards for paralympians

By Akeem Lawal

ATLANTA 1996 Olympic Games gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa -Opara, MON, has urged the federal government to ensure that the Team Nigeria Paralympic athletes that did the country proud at the just concluded Rio 2016 Paralympic Games are adequately rewarded.

Paralympians deserve motivation, says Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Ejidike

SPURRED by the scintillating performances of the Nigerian paralympics team to the just concluded Rio Olympic Games held in Brazil, the Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike, J.P has applauded the courage and the feat of the Team Nigeria which came first among the countries from Africa.

Africa Cup 7s: Black Stallions depart for Nairobi Wednesday

.To play Kenya, Senegal in Pool A

  

By Akeem Lawal

 THE Nigeria rugby football national team, the Black Stallions will depart the shores of the country on Wednesday via Kenya Airways for Nairobi, Kenya ahead of the African Cup 7s Tournament which holds on the 23rd – 24th September, 2016.

Buhari hails paralympic athletes as 2nd batch returns

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nigeria’s team for an outstanding performance at the Paralympic games in Rio, Brazil.

Iheanacho makes Premier League Team of The Week

By Akeem Lawal

 

MANCHESTER City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho has been named in the Premier League Team of The Week by whoscored.com, the largest detailed football statistics website which covers Europe's top leagues.

Paralympic athletes receive heroic welcome on return to Nigeria

THE first batch of athletes to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil returned to the country on Sunday, Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.

Iwobi: I thought it was my goal

By Akeem Lawal

SUPER Eagles forward, Alex Iwobi believes he should have been credited with Arsenals’ first goal in a 4-1 victory over Hull City on Saturday.

Leicester 3-0 Burnley: Ahmed Musa missing

By Akeem Lawal

NIGERIA international, Ahmed Musa was an unused substitute as Leicester City recorded a 3-0 victory over in the Premier League at the Kingspower Stadium on Saturday.

Jatau rues Kogi Utd slim defeat to Kaduna

KOGI United's late push was not enough as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Kaduna United in their Week 12 of Nigeria National League, NNL encounter in Saturday.

Iheanacho: I’m more confident now

By Akeem Lawal

SUPER Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho says he is more confident in front of goal after scoring once again in Manchester City's 4-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

GOtv Boxing Night 9: Jagaban vows to demolish Coded Man

SEMIU “Jagaban” Olabode has vowed to floor Ebubechukwu “Coded Man” Edeh when they clash in the national light middleweight challenge contest at GOtv Boxing Night 9, holding on 2nd October at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.

Balogun on protective mask, doubtful for Augsburg clash

By Akeem Lawal

SUPER Eagles defender, Leon Balogun is yet to recover from a face injury and is a serious doubt for Mainz 05 as they host Augsburg in the German Bundesliga match day 3 clash billed for WWK Arena on Sunday.

Injury delays Anichebe’s Sunderland debut

By Akeem Lawal

NIGERIAN international, Victor Anichebe will not be making his much awaited debut for Sunderland this weekend after failing to recover from a thigh strain.

Iheanacho delighted with Manchester derby winner

By Akeem Lawal

SUPER Eagles and Manchester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho has described scoring in the Manchester derby as a "dream come true."

GOtv Boxing Night 9: ‘Ghana must go’, Fijaborn tells Ghanaian opponent

NATIONAL light welterweight boxing champion, Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi, has declared that Raphael Kwabena King, his Ghanaian opponent at GOtv Boxing Night 9, will leave Nigeria wishing he never came after their international challenge contest billed for 2 October at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos. 

Moyes lays down challenge to Anichebe

SUNDERLAND boss, David Moyes has challenged Nigerian striker Victor Anichebe to get back to his “unplayable” best to revive his Premier League career.

Mikel says Olympic bronze equals Champions League, AFCON trophies

By Akeem Lawal

SUPER Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi has rated his Rio 2016 Olympic Games bronze medal equal with his UEFA Champions League and Africa Cup of Nations trophy achievements.

Fanendo Adi unfazed by Nigeria snub

.Says 2018 W/Cup, a must for Super Eagles

By Akeem Lawal

IN-FORM Portland Timbers striker, Fanendo Adi says he is not worried over his continuous Super Eagles’ snub, but will keep focusing on scoring goals for his club to get another good chance from the new coach, Gernot Rohr.

Nwakali delighted to train with Arsenal first team

By Akeem Lawal

NIGERIA youngster, Kelechi Nwakali is in cloud nine after training with the first team of Arsenal at the Arsenal Training Centre in London Colney on Wednesday morning.

GOtv Boxing Night 9: Ghanaian opponents warn Fijabi, Joe Boy

Joe Boy and Fijabi

GHANA’S Raphael Kwabena King, who is billed to fight Nigeria’s Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi has boasted his opponent will taste defeat when they face each other in an international light welterweight challenge bout at GOtv Boxing Night 9 on 2nd October.

Ogu happy to extend Hapoel Be’er Sheva contract

By Akeem Lawal

NIGERIA international, John Ogu has said he is delighted to be staying at Hapoel Be’er Sheva after signing a new deal with the club.

Echiejile begins training with Standard Liege under new coach

By Akeem Lawal

NIGERIA international, Elderson Echiejile has started training with Standard Liege of Belgium  under new manager, Aleksandar Jankovic, Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.

Federation Cup semi-final matches get new dates

THE semi-final matches of this year’s men Federation Cup competition will now take place on 28th September and 9th October respectively.

GOtv Boxing Night 9: Organisers raise Best Boxer prize to N1.5m

.As Nigeria, Ghana rekindle rivalry Oct. 2

BEST Boxer at the GOtv Boxing Night 9 scheduled to hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, on 2 October will go home with the prize money of N1.5million in addition to the fighter’s purse, the organizers have announced.

Kaduna, Ibadan to host Federation Cup semi final matches

THE semi final matches of this year’s men Federation Cup competition will take place on 25th September and 2nd October respectively.

Jamiu Alimi revels in Eagles experience under Rohr

By Akeem Lawal

KANO Pillars towering defender, Jamiu Alimi is delighted to be part of Super Eagles squad under the new German manager, Gernot Rohr.

Chelsea to assess Mikel’s injury

By Akeem Lawal

CHELSEA face an anxious wait before learning if Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel will be on the club’s injury list at the Stamford Bridge.

Ogbeide warns: Real NPFL champions won’t emerge if …

By Akeem Lawal

THE Technical Adviser of Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure, Solomon Ogbeide has warned that the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League will not produce the real and quality champion if the competition’s organisers, League Management Committee (LMC) does not monitor the activities of match officials.

Ejidike elected executive member, Union Federation of African Karate

SPURRED by the active role the Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike, J.P who doubles as the President, Karate Federation of Nigeria has been playing in promoting and developing the martial sport in Nigeria and in the African continent, member nations of the Union Federation of African Karate, UFAK has unanimously elected him as an executive member.

Power Lee receives IMA, highest award in Isoko land

PRO Wrestling Africa (PWA) heavyweight champion and titleholder, Godspower Ikpide, popularly called  Mr. Peace 'Power Lee De Great', has been honoured by Isoko Development Union, (IDU), the apex socio-cultural body of the Isoko ethnic Nationality, under the auspices of its President General, High Chief (Hon.) Iduh Amadhe, for being the No.1 wrestler in Nigeria and on the African continent.

Beat Tanzania for Nigerians, Oboabona charges Eagles

By Akeem Lawal

NIGERIAN international, Godfrey Oboabona has charged players of the Super Eagles to beat their Tanzanian counterparts for soccer loving Nigerians.

Echiejile ready for new challenge at Standard Liege

By Akeem Lawal

Nigerian international, Elderson Echiejile is already looking forward to a new challenge in his football career with Standard Liege of Belgium.

Yobo denies joining Kano Pillars

By Akeem Lawal

FORMER Nigeria defender, Joseph Yobo has denied joining Nigeria Professional Football League side, Kano Pillars.