Z-PRO MEDIA

...As they mesmerize Police Baton on Match Day 5 of the abridged NBBF Men's Premier League  ...Police Baton lost third Consecutive match  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Benin City, Edo State           The Chairman Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Yussuf Alli on Thursday heaped praises on Hoops N' Read Basketball Club as they handcuffed and paralyzed Police Baton on the court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the Edo State capital. The Chairman who was in attendance during the match, commended the team for the, connection and teamwork displayed on and off the court, which gave them a sweet 77-52 points win. “I see one thing here, teamwork, you guys are together, nobody can beat you guys, with this attitude that is very good you will go places, it's a quality that is lacking in the country, that is vary rare, with team members not knowing themselves,” he said. Hoops N' Read made light walk out of the Police ...

...Meyiwa, Enaruna join CHAN Eagles Camp By Maxwell Kumoye with additional information by KO Media Team   "Forget about the defeat you suffered at home in the hands of Abia Warriors over the weekend and focus on your next encounter against Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure.” These are the words of the Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Yussuf Alli when he alongside the management of Bendel Insurance Football Club visited the players and official on Wednesday. The Edo State Sports Commission boss said that the Match Day 10 against Sunshine Stars on Sunday in Ijebu-Ode is more important than the 1-0 defeat to Abia Warriors on Saturday in Benin. Yussuf Alli told the team that though management is not happy with their below par performance so far this season but will continue to encourage them to put in the right shift so that they can flourish. "I am here this afternoon to encourage you to put the thoughts of the home defeat behind you and have hund...

...Dedicates success in Kigali to their grand petron, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio  By Maxwell Kumoye       The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), has showered praises on the individuals, groups and corporate bodies that supported Team Nigeria to the just concluded 15th African Scrabble Championship in Kigali, Rwanda. The President of NSF, Engineer Toke Aka told journalists in Lagos on Tuesday that the Federation and the Scrabble family in Nigeria is grateful for the role played by the players, their friends, families, scrabble stakeholders and a few corporate bodies in ensuring that Team Nigeria make the trip to Kigali. “We value the financial support and assistance from the players, friends of the game of words and others who heard our cry for help and they rallied round us,” Toke Aka said. Since the inception of the Pan African Scrabble Championship some 30 years, the Federal Government of Nigeria hardly support Team Nigeria Scrabble to its bi-an...

...Re-introduction of the National Sports Commission, the right step at the right time, congratulates Dikko - Chief Tonobok Okowa  By Maxwell Kumoye      The AthIetics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has showered praises on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-introducing the National Sports Commission as the all purpose vehicle to drive the development and growth of Sports in the country. The President of the AFN, Chief Tonobok Okowa, in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, thanked President Tinubu for taking this bold, decisive and forward looking decision to bring back the National Sports Commission who's history of success in the development of sports dates back to the pre-independent years. “My President, the sporting fraternity in Nigeria and the rest of the world will forever remember this bold statement you have made with the National Sports Commission for good, and Nigeria sport with surely flou...

...We're here to conquer and win - Clinton Best ...Abridged League to start October 27th in Benin City  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           Hoops N' Read basketball club of Lagos State have started camping in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital ahead of the the abridged Nigeria Basketball Federation, (NBBF) Men's Premier League. The club opened camp on Tuesday (today), with all players reporting for duty as Coach Victor Mensa has his eyes high. With 8 teams in two groups each, Atlantic Conference and Savanah Conference set to compete in the League, Hoops N' Read basketball Club are gunning for glory, their sixth this year. The team will have to shake off opposition from defending champions and bronze medalist at the 2024 BAL Championship Rivers Hoppers and the fierce cagers of Ilorin, Kwara Falcons, Ebun Comets of Lagos, Police Baton of Lagos, Lagos Legends, Oluyole Warriors of Oyo State and Delta Force of Delta State, to punch t...

By Betty Enoch with additional report by CAF Media     Day two of the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2024 was marked by a major upset, as debutants Mauritania defeated defending champions Senegal 5-2. The Mauritanian dominance showcased their skill and determination, setting the stage for an exciting tournament. It has been a dream start for the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations debutants, Mauritania after they stunned African champions and tournament favourites, Senegal in a Group B opener on Sunday, 20 October in Hurghada, Egypt. A strong and confident start saw the debutants send shockwaves across the continent with a dominant display over the four-time CAF Beach Soccer AFCON champions in a match that concluded 5-2 in favour of Mauritania. Senegal, who are aiming at extending their title record to five came into the tie as strong favourite over the debutants who showed no sense of fear in their approach to the champions. The Mauritanians ...

...Commend him for increased CAF financial support and schools football initiative By Maxwell Kumoye and Trust Ittai        The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe attended the meetings of the Zonal Unions and interacted with the Zonal Unions discussing football development. The Zonal Unions and Member Association Presidents praised the work of CAF President Dr Motsepe and CAF Executive in particular the positive impact of the increased financial support for Zonal Unions and Member Associations. CAF has increased the annual subvention from 450 000 dollars to 750 00 dollars a 50% increase. Member Associations subvention has gone up from 250,00,0 to 400 000 dollars yearly. As a result of this financial support, most CAF Zonal Unions have increased their development activities and competitions by over 50% in the last two years. The CAF President Dr Motsepe underscored the importance of Zonal Unions and Member Associations i...

By Trevor Stynes       Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's penalty was the difference between the sides as Napoli laboured to a 1-0 win at Empoli on Sunday to extend their lead at the top of the Serie A standings. Napoli moved on to 19 points, three ahead of Juventus in second with Inter Milan third on 14 before they play AS Roma later on Sunday. Empoli are 11th with 10 points. Kvaratskhelia tucked away the spot-kick in the 63rd minute, Napoli's only shot on target over the 90 minutes and the first goal Empoli have conceded at home in the league this season. Empoli were left to rue missed chances in the first half when they were by far the better side, and Antonio Conte's Napoli came away with a scarcely deserved three points. As Napoli laboured under the Tuscan sun, Empoli, who had played out three scoreless home draws in a row, went on the offensive. But the home side were unable to find a way past Napoli goalkeeper Elia Caprile, who pulled off three saves from Seb...

    Ghana's Black Satellites grabbed their first win of the U-20 WAFU B Cup of Nations Championship with a win over Niger on at the Mincipal stadium in Lome, Togo. Desmond Ofei's side picked up all three points thanks to Aziz Musibau's second-half brace going on to win 2-0. Ghana faced Niger in their second Group A fixture following a 2-2 draw with Benin in their opening game. Niger, just like Ghana, also came into the encounter looking for their first three points having drawn 2-2 with Togo in their first outing. The two teams had a great start to the game creating loads of chances in the opening 30 minutes of the game. However, neither of them was able to find the back of the net. The teams also went into the break in search of an opening. Ghana found the breakthrough in the 63rd minute. Musibau beat the Nigerien goalkeeper with a long-range effort to give the Black Satellites the lead. Musibau was on the score sheet 10 minutes later to double the lead for Ofe...

By Fernando Kallas - Reuters      Manager Diego Simeone praised the impact of Atletico's substitutes as they helped his side recover from a goal down to win 3-1 against visitors Leganes in LaLiga on Sunday. Atletico fell behind to a superb Yvan Neyou goal in the first half and were frustrated by missed chances until they made five substitutions that gave them a much needed boost. Substitutes Julian Alvarez and Giuliano Simeone made key assists as Alexander Sorloth scored twice and Antoine Griezmann also found the net to help them earn the victory. "The work of the boys who came in was very good, they gave us an offensive aggressiveness that was crucial to guide us to the win," Simeone told Movistar Plus, commenting on how his 21-year-old son Giuliano, who is normally a forward, has been developing as a winger. "(Giuliano) has been training in that position lately and doing really well, in Argentina he also trained in the right sector and we are seeing a l...

...Head Coach Victor Mensah eyes podium finish  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           South West Basketball League showdown Championship winners, Hoops N' Read basketball club have commenced final preparations for the Nigeria Basketball Federation, (NBBF), Premier League.  Following their successful outing in Ibadan, Oyo State, winning the championship undefeated, the outstanding Hoops N' Read are heading to the ancient and historic city of Benin, the Edo State capital. Hoops N' Read basketball club that represented Lagos State in Ibadan for the South West League showdown, are aiming at a top place finish in the Premier League.   Head Coach of Hoops N' Read, Dossou Victor Mensah, in an interview with your authoritative and award-winning news channel, FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG, stated that he and his team are more than ready. Coach Mensah added that his team will draw lessons from the South West League, to improve the ...

...Oyo, Lagos State yet to drop a game at the championship By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           Host, Oyo State basketball team are yet to drop a game at the South West Basketball Showdown ongoing at the alluring basketball courts of Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Oyo, Lagos State and Ekiti State are yet to taste the bitter pills of defeat, and are leading the championship table. Oyo and Lagos State are on two wins each from two games, while Ekiti State have a game in hand. Oyo and Ekiti State will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten run as they lock horns in the first encounter of match Day 3, while Lagos State has a date to keep with rock bottom, Ogun State. Ogun, Ondo and Osun State are yet to record a win, with Ogun State having a game to spare after their match was postponed. Osun State will battle with Ondo State in the final match of the Day to clinch their first victory in the ancient city of Ibadan. The ...

...Remain steadfast, hopeful in your noble quest to provide meaningful development, Retired Colonel Ahmedu tells Air Warriors boss By Maxwell Kumoye    The FIBA Africa Zone 3 sympathizes with the management, officials and players of Air Warriors Basketball Club of Abuja, over the team and officials, who were involved in a road accident on their way to Lagos, for the final 8 tournament of the 2024 Nigeria Premier Women’s Basketball League Final 8. The President of FIBA Africa Zone 3 Retired Colonel Samuel Ahmedu said, “I have just received the sad news that members of the Air Warriors Basketball Team were involved in a serious vehicle accident resulting in some injuries while travelling to Lagos for the Final Rounds of Female Basketball League about a week ago.” The seasoned sports administrator thanked the Almighty Allah for his mercies for sparing the lives of those involved in the accident.   “Please accept, on behalf of myself and the National Basketball F...

...Inaugural Comptroller of Customs Military-Para Military Wrestling Championships  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           The President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, (NWF), Honourable Daniel Igali, on Saturday heaped praises on the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, for unwavering support to the sport in Nigeria. Honourable Igali added that his efforts to host the maiden edition of Military-Para Military Wrestling Championships scheduled for October 18-24 is one to be celebrated. "On behalf of the board and entire wrestling community in Nigeria I want to appreciate the Comptroller General of Customs Service, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for this innovation to host one of the biggest events the arm forces and other relevant securities have seen in recent times,” Igali explained. He went further to state that the tournament will foster working cohesion among the military and the paramilita...

By Foo Yun Chee, Reuters  The European Leagues umbrella body, FIFPRO players' union and Spain's LaLiga plan to file a joint complaint to the EU on Monday against global governing body FIFA over the ballooning soccer calendar. Elite clubs are increasingly concerned at the impact of expanding schedules on wellbeing of players, some of whom say they are struggling with the physical and psychological strain despite the enormous salaries they can earn. Harvesting is underway on the slopes of this olive grove. The three organisations' appeal to EU antitrust regulators, first announced in July, presents yet another challenge to FIFA. Two weeks ago, Europe's top court ruled that FIFA's player transfer regulations breach EU laws following a challenge by former player Lassana Diarra from France. Disgruntled athletes and sports bodies have increasingly turned to the EU antitrust enforcer to help secure a level playing field and chip away at the power of governing b...

By Maxwell Kumoye with additional report by Reuters      The Super Eagles of Nigeria took a significant step towards qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, securing a decisive 1-0 victory over Libya on Friday in Uyo. Substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru broke the deadlock in the 87th minute, unleashing an unstoppable strike from inside the area to give the three time African champions the win. The win cements Nigeria's position at the top of Group D, a point ahead of their nearest rivals Benin Republic that hit Rwanda 3-0. Nigeria needs only three points from their remaining three matches, in order to secure their place in the finals of the prestigious African tournament next year. In another AFCON qualifier, Mohamed Salah was on target to help Egypt maintain their 100 percent record in the race to reach Morocco with a comfortable 2-0 home win over Mauritania, however Tunisia slipped to a shock 1-0 home defeat to Comoros in their fixture on Fr...

By Reuters           Tomas Chory scored in each half to lead the Czech Republic to a 2-0 win over visitors Albania in the Nations League on Friday, as the home side dominated after taking the lead inside three minutes. Slavia Prague striker Chory put the Czechs ahead when he latched onto a pass from Vaclav Cerny and gave the Albanian keeper no chance with a precise finish. The Czechs continued to push forward while limiting chances for Albania and Chory doubled the lead in the 63rd minute when he found himself alone in the penalty area and headed home a cross from West Ham United defender Vladimir Coufal. The win puts the Czechs level on six points with Georgia at the top of Group B1 with Ukraine and Albania both on three points. The Czechs face Ukraine on Monday while Georgia host Albania.

         Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman will not call up a replacement for suspended captain Virgil van Dijk ahead of a vital trip to Germany on Monday, but was left perplexed by the defender's sending off in the 1-1 Nations League draw with Hungary. Van Dijk received two yellow cards in three minutes late in the second half, the first for dissent and the second a foul which was a straightforward booking. That first card has left Koeman puzzled as Van Dijk protested after Donyell Malen was brought down as he surged towards goal with the Dutch trailing their hosts 1-0. "That moment was frustrating," Koeman told the NOS. "I don't understand it. I think we agreed that a captain can protest to a referee. "That foul (on Malen) was good for a red card. There was no intention at all to play the ball. That Virgil then takes that second card is not convenient. He knows that himself." Koeman confirmed he will not add to his squad for the trip to Germ...

By Nick Said, Reuters  Mohamed Salah was on target to help Egypt maintain their 100%record in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying with a comfortable 2-0 home win over Mauritania, but Tunisia slipped to a shock 1-0 home defeat to Comoros in their fixture on Friday. Salah added to an opener from Trezeguet in Cairo as Egypt toiled for almost 70 minutes before they broke down the Mauritania defence to move six points clear at the top of Group C at the midway point of the qualifiers. Tunisia were heavy favourites after starting their campaign with two wins, but despite 15 goal attempts fell to a lone strike from Rafiki Said just past the hour mark. It was Tunisia's first home defeat in Cup of Nations qualifiers since 2010 but they remain on top of Group A with six points from three games. Comoros are behind them on five points. The top two teams in each pool advance to the 24-team finals in Morocco next year. Nigeria needed a late goal to seal a 1-0 home win over Libya as ...

The presence of many Senegal players in the Saudi Pro League benefits the national team due to the competition's high competitive level, Al-Nassr forward Sadio Mane said on Wednesday. Mane, twice African player of the year, started the season with Al-Nassr strongly, scoring two goals and making five assists in six matches playing alongside all-time great Cristiano Ronaldo. "We’re all in the Senegalese national team," Mane told the Saudi Pro League. "Of course, we sometimes talk about the league and many other things. "It's a competitive league, so all the big players want to come, like Kalidou (Koulibaly), Habib (Diallo). They're all important players for our (national team) selection, so the fact that they're here is also beneficial for the national team". Mane is still close to Al-Ettifaq midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, his former Liverpool team mate. "Ginni is one of my very good friends," Mane says. "And (with) Gin...