Z-PRO MEDIA

By Mishael Emmanuel      For twenty years, one name has echoed across stadiums, training grounds, and locker rooms in Africa’s sporting landscape, Herosports Africa. Founded in 2006 with a bold vision and a passion for authentic storytelling, Herosports Africa set out to do more than report scores.  It set out to tell the soul of African sports. From the roar of packed arenas to the dusty fields where tomorrow’s super stars first lace their boots, Herosports Africa has been there and documenting history, discovering hidden talents, and amplifying voices that might otherwise have gone unheard. When champions rose, we told their stories. When underdogs dared to dream, we told those too. Over two decades, the newspapers evolved with the times, expanding beyond print into a dynamic online platform, embracing innovation while holding firm to the core values of credible reporting, inspiring features, and grassroots development.  In an era of noise, Herospo...

A special report by Maxwell Kumoye    A leadership vacuum has engulfed Nigerian basketball. The tenure of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Board has officially expired and what should have been a routine transition is now spiraling into a full-blown governance crisis. Elected on January 31, 2022 in Benin City, the Board’s four-year mandate ran out on January 31, 2026.  That much, according to the 2019 NBBF Constitution, is black and white. Tenure begins immediately after election and swearing-in. No ceremony. No delay. No reinterpretation. Yet, attempts to stretch that mandate to October 2026 based on a later “inauguration” by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports have triggered fierce backlash from stakeholders who insist the Constitution recognizes no such extension. And the documents back the stand of the stakeholders. The Board was sworn in on election day. It began operations immediately.  FIBA formally congratulated the leadership on the ...

...Appoints Tunji Disu acting IGP amid security concerns   By Betty Enoch and Trust Ittai        In a sudden but significant shake-up at the nation’s top security post, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure at the helm of the Nigeria Police Force. Egbetokun, who was appointed in June 2023 for a four-year term expected to run until June 2027 under the amended Police Act, submitted his resignation letter earlier on Tuesday, citing pressing family considerations. His departure comes at a delicate time for the country, as security challenges continue to test Nigeria’s internal stability. President Tinubu, while receiving the resignation, praised Egbetokun’s decades of service, describing his tenure as marked by dedication, professionalism, and a firm commitment to strengthening the nation’s internal security architecture.  The President acknowledged the o...

...Medals stripped, five athletes disqualified over eligibility breaches   By Maxwell Kumoye with additional report by NDG Media Hub      The ongoing Niger Delta Games have been jolted by a sweeping integrity crackdown that has seen five athletes disqualified over eligibility breaches ranging from age discrepancies to state-of-origin violations. In one of the most dramatic decisions yet, Otunla Kolade Israel, who competed for Edo State in swimming, was stripped of all six medals he won, five gold and one silver and after investigations revealed inconsistencies with his state of origin.  According to the official protest report, his National Identification Number (NIN) indicated he is from Ikorodu, Lagos State, a finding that ultimately cost him his podium dominance. The axe also fell in handball, where Bayelsa State athletes John Vera and Ayimba Maria were disqualified for age declaration violations. Documentation reviewed by officials reportedly sho...

By Maxwell Kumoye       Despite weeks of swirling speculation, Walid Regragui will remain at the helm of Morocco national football team, after the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) issued a firm denial of reports suggesting a split. In a terse one-sentence statement, the FRMF shut down the rumors: it “denies the circulating reports about its separation from coach Walid Regragui.”  Just like that, the federation attempted to draw a line under the growing noise surrounding the Atlas Lions’ dugout. The uncertainty had intensified in the aftermath of Morocco’s dramatic and chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final defeat on January 18, a match overshadowed by controversy as Senegal national football team briefly walked off the pitch, fans attempted to breach security, and incidents of vandalism marred what should have been a showpiece occasion. While Morocco’s run to the final was historic, the manner of the loss reopened scrutiny of Regragui’s tactical dec...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye and Mishael Emmanuel at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, South-South, Nigeria           It was a day of speed, belief and golden moments at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, as the home of fast finishes witnessed another chapter in the 2nd Niger Delta Games. The crowd, thrilled and excited, rose to its feet as Team Delta strode to multiple podiums, but none more dramatic than the men’s 100m final. Leading the charge for the state was an A+ performance from young sprinter, Samuel Chibueze Osama, who delivered Delta State's fourth athletics Gold.  Clocking a smart 10.41 seconds, he closed the race by a razor-thin margin, with Gift Bright of Akwa Ibom State placing second in a time of 10: 57 secs with fellow teammate, Saturday Godswill, taking the bronze in a time of 10:59s. From the gun to the tape the win it was a flash of Faith, Fearlessness and Focus, fused together for the Delta flash....

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye and Mishael Emmanuel at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, South-South, Nigeria            A key and influential member of the Edo contingent, at the 2nd Niger Delta Games, Tejiri Ugoh Praise has described her silver-medal performance in the women’s 100 metres as “an unexpected blessing and a great achievement. She made this statement in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG, stating that a podium finish was the last thing on her mind. The sprinter said she had not trained in the days leading up to the race, so she kept her expectations low.  “I wasn’t expecting a podium finish, but I placed second, so it’s a big win for me and I’m very happy,” she said, calling the result “the first tournament of the year” and an encouraging start. Far from satisfied, the athlete framed the silver as only the beginning. Tejiri Ugoh said the performance has “barely scratched the surface” of wha...

By Mishael Emmanuel and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, South-South, Nigeria        A blistering sprint finish from Chibueze Osama powered Team Delta to another golden moment at the ongoing Niger Delta Games, as the boys’ 100m final lit up the tracks of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.      Osama stormed clear of the field to clock 10.41 seconds, securing Delta’s fourth athletics gold. While Gift Bright of Akwa Ibom State came second in a time of 10.57s with Saturday Godswill taking the bronze in a time of 10.59s   Delta doubled its celebrations in the women’s 100m, where rising sprint sensation Ejiro Peter surged to gold in 11.55s. Tejiri Ugoh Praise and Victory Imosiemoh Azobudi, both representing Edo, finished second and third respectively.   Despite narrowly missing gold, Team Edo and Akwa Ibom drew confidence from their slim margins, viewing the results as proof that futur...

...Obaisuwa powers Edo to more glory By Mishael Emmanuel and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, South-South, Nigeria        Team Edo got off to a dream start at the ongoing 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games, as Philomena Edomwandagbon, took the first dip of the precious yellow metal on offer at the annual Games for the ‘Heartbeat of the Nation’ in the Women's Para-Weightlifting 67kg class, on Saturday. With perfect execution that oozed poise-strength-and-precision, the hosts could not request a better start to the week-long festivities, as Edomwandagbon 115kg lift, set the tone for what promises to be an inspiring outing for the hosts.   Team Rivers were the closest to the hosts deafening lift, taking silver with an 87kg weight lift, while the Imo State walked home with the bronze after managing an 82kg weight.   The golden momentum continued when Obaisuwa Emmanuel picked up the next nugget of Gold ...

By Maxwell Kumoye    A fresh chapter has begun at the Jos Scrabble Club and it starts with a decisive move at the top. At elections held on February 21, members handed the reins to Antony Ajao, who emerged as the club’s new Coordinator, ushering in what many believe will be a defining phase for one of Plateau’s most vibrant scrabble communities. Ajao steps into the role vacated by Henry Nwosu, whose two-year tenure transformed the club from a modest gathering of enthusiasts into a structured and competitive force.  In his farewell remarks, Nwosu thanked members for their trust and praised his Executive Committee for their loyalty and resilience. And there was plenty to be proud of under Nwosu’s watch, the club achieved key institutional milestones: • Securing registration at the local government level • Opening a corporate bank account • Formalizing membership registration • Adopting a working constitution • Membership numbers swelled • The club’s administrati...

By Mishael Emmanuel and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State, South-South, Nigeria        It was glitz, rhythm and cultural splendour on Friday night at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium as the second edition of the Niger Delta Games roared to life in spectacular fashion.   Organisers, Dunamis Icon Ltd and partners, delivered a meticulously choreographed opening ceremony that blended sport, music and rich Niger Delta heritage, setting the tone for a week-long festival of youthfulness and excellence.   A vibrant cultural parade ushered in the festivities before the stage lights gave way to thrilling musical performances. Headlining the night, Nigerian reggae-dancehall star Patoranking known for hits like, My Woman, My Everything, Girlie ‘O’ (Remix) and Abule, lit up the stadia with high-energy Afrobeats anthems.   Gospel powerhouse Eben, best known for soulful track, Victory, created an a...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye        With just two days to go before the second Niger Delta Games kick off in Benin, Edo State Sports Commission Executive Chairman, Honourable Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has charged Team Edo athletes to be “strong like lions and soar like eagles” as they prepare to compete on home soil. Enabulele led his management team, including Permanent Secretary Mrs. Patricia Efe-Amenze, Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations Mrs. Sabina Chikere, and other senior officials, on a morale-boosting visit to the Team Edo GRA camp on Wednesday evening. During the visit, he expressed appreciation for the athletes’ dedication and sacrifices, noting the challenges of leaving their families to focus on final preparations. "We are here to appreciate you and to admonish you as we are close to the commencement of the Games," he said. "We have confidence in you and believe in your ability to deliver for your dear state." Ena...

...Eyes big comeback with the Dutch side BY Raymond Nwaduba and Mishael Emmanuel      Eredivisie side Excelsior Rotterdam have snapped up Nigerian right wing back Hamdi Akujobi on a one-and-a-half-year deal, giving the 26-year-old a chance to bounce back from a long injury layoff. Akujobi, who has been sidelined since last April with a cruciate ligament injury sustained during Almere City’s 2-1 loss to Heerenveen, joins Rotterdam as a free agent just in time despite the winter transfer window already closing.  The deal was possible because he was out of contract before the window shut. The former Almere City star is reportedly 90% fit and will complete his rehabilitation with the Kralingers, readying himself for a return to top-flight action. Known for his attacking runs and defensive grit, Akujobi remains on the radar of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, keeping the door open for international recognition. Excelsior has confirmed the deal is flexible, allo...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye and Mishael Emmanuel         At the iconic Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital, the message was loud and clear, forget the medal rush, find the next champions. This is the submission of a passionate sports administrator Braveman Wodi As over 250 young athletes from Akwa Ibom lined up for screening ahead of the 2nd Niger Delta Games, Braveman Wodi and his four-man panel delivered a timely reminder, this competition is about building the future, not chasing quick glory. “Our coaches must prioritise long-term athlete development over immediate medal ambitions,” Wodi declared, setting the tone for what the Games truly represent, a talent factory for tomorrow’s national stars. The screening exercise wasn’t just a formality. It was a statement of intent.  Athletes were vetted for eligibility to ensure fairness and a level playing field.  Only registered competitors under the age of 20, ...

...Club banished, fined, docked points By Maxwell Kumoye         The hammer has fallen hard on Kwara United after a wave of crowd violence rocked a recent Nigeria Premier Football League fixture, with the league authorities handing down one of the stiffest punishments of the season. In a decisive ruling, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) ordered the Ilorin-based side to vacate their home ground and play the remainder of the season in Abeokuta, a major blow that strips the club of its home advantage at a crucial stage of the campaign. But that was only the beginning. The league also slammed Kwara United with a three-point deduction and a three-goal penalty, a sporting sanction that could significantly alter their position on the table and reshape their survival hopes. In addition, the club was fined ₦9 million for the misconduct of its supporters. NPFL authorities further directed the club to identify and produce the individuals responsible f...

...Wants new fat salary, to determine international friendly opponents By Maxwell Kumoye    Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has laid his cards on the table. In a bold move that could shape the future of Nigeria’s senior national team, Eric Chelle has submitted a detailed 19-point proposal to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), outlining conditions for a contract extension. The document, first reported by journalist Shina Oludare, was formally presented on January 22, 2026. It covers everything from remuneration and welfare to technical independence and operational structure, signaling Chelle’s desire for a more professional and stable working environment.  At the heart of the proposal is a consolidated monthly package of $130,000.  The sum would cover Chelle’s salary, his technical crew, and a personal assistant.  Crucially, he is demanding guarantees that wages and bonuses be paid on or before the 30th of every month, a move aimed at eliminat...

By Mishael Emmanuel      Cameroon’s U-17 Lions roared to life in spectacular fashion, dismantling Gabon 5–1 in their opening match of the UNIFFAC Tournament at the historic Stade Tata Raphaël. It was a statement performance from coach Alioum Saidou and his young guns, who turned an early setback into a ruthless masterclass. The match exploded into action from kickoff, with both sides desperate to make a strong first impression.  But it was Gabon who struck first. Just 10 minutes in, Élise Emmanuel stunned goalkeeper Glory Kingue Missinga to give the Panthers a 1–0 lead. That goal woke the Lions. Saidou barked instructions from the touchline, and his boys responded with bite and belief. In the 21st minute, Omar Amir Tsombeng restored parity with a composed finish to make it 1–1 and that was only the beginning. Cameroon seized control with maturity beyond their years. On the half-hour mark, Arnold Massekon of Best Talent Sport Academy, produced a superb aer...

By Trust Ittai      Olympique de Marseille has turned to a familiar face in turbulent times, appointing former captain Habib Beye as head coach barely a week after his dramatic exit from Stade Rennais F.C. The 48-year-old, who once marshalled Marseille’s backline between 2003 and 2007, is back at the Velodrome, this time with a whistle instead of an armband. Beye’s return comes after a rocky spell at Rennes, where a run of poor results and reported dressing-room tensions cost him his job. But in football, fortunes change fast and Marseille is betting on heart, history, and a heavy dose of passion. His first test? A Friday night Ligue 1 clash against Stade Brestois 29. Marseille sits fourth, 12 points adrift of leaders RC Lens, and desperate to steady a campaign that has veered off course. The club parted ways with Roberto De Zerbi by mutual consent following a humiliating 5-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain F.C. and a disappointing exit from the UEFA Champion...

By Trust Ittai         Francistown, Botswana, Zambia’s Chipolopolo Boys are gearing up for the Botswana Four Nations Tournament, scheduled from 23 to 31 March 2026 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. Hosts Botswana will welcome the 2012 AFCON champions Malawi, and regional rivals Zimbabwe, promising a competitive clash of Southern Africa’s finest.  The tournament will feature two semifinals, a final, and a third-place playoff, giving teams a high-stakes platform to fine-tune ahead of the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. For Zambia, however, the excitement is tempered by coaching uncertainty.  Football authorities recently parted ways with Moses Sichone following a disappointing 2025 AFCON, where the Chipolopolo finished bottom of Group A with just two points, including a heavy 3-0 defeat to hosts Morocco. Despite the setbacks, the Chipolopolo Boys see the Botswana tournament as a chance to reset and rebuild, testing new strategies and tal...

...Chief Mitin loved the Ijaw ethnic nationality without reservation – Governor Douye Diri  By FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG        Tears, songs and solemn tributes filled the hall as Bayelsa bid farewell to one of its finest cultural torchbearers. At the Service of Songs held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, Governor Douye Diri spoke not just as a state leader, but as a grieving friend.  His voice carried the weight of a people who know they have lost more than a man — they have lost a living library of their heritage. Chief Tamaraumieyefa Mitin, the late Regent of Oporomor Kingdom, was remembered as a proud son of Ndoro and a relentless defender of Ijaw identity.  To His Excellency Governor Diri, his passing is a personal blow; to the Ijaw nation, it is the dimming of a cultural flame that burned brightly for decades. “Chief Mitin loved the Ijaw ethnic nationality without reservation,” the governor said. And he prove...

...As Dr. Osetoba, pays glowing tribute to the bedrock of cricket in the State, Honourable Oyebode By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye and Mishael Emmanuel      The gentleman's game of cricket is no longer whispering in Ekiti State, it is roaring and the sound echoes beyond the State. In a state where dreams are steadily being rebuilt through sport, the Technical Adviser on Sports Development to Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, has paid glowing tribute to the man she calls the bedrock of cricket in the state, Honourable Akin Oyebode, Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development. Her words were not casual compliments. They were the kind reserved for builders of legacy. Describing Oyebode as selfless, dedicated, and a true son of the soil, Dr. Osetoba pointed to a simple truth, passion backed by action changes everything.  And in Ekiti, that passion has found expression in willow and leather. From dusty practice pitches to national rele...

...Seek deeper and sustainable synergy By Maxwell Kumoye       Sports supervisors from the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State have applauded Governor Umo Eno for what they described as bold and transformative strides in repositioning sports across the state. The commendation came on Tuesday when the College of Supervisors for Sports paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey, at his office, praising the administration’s inclusive approach and renewed drive in grassroots development. Speaking on behalf of the College, Dean Honourable Michael Ukpong said the supervisors’ active participation in the recently concluded Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival marked a major shift in collaboration between the Ministry and local councils. “We recorded a successful outing at the Sports Festival, with all 31 supervisors fully involved, courtesy of the support and inclusiveness of the Honourable Commissioner. We are here to appreciate him a...

By Lawrence Degraft Baidoo        President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, has set his sights firmly on delivering Africa’s biggest football prize to Ghana, declaring his ambition to see the Ghana national football team lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy again. Okraku made his intentions clear in an interview with Asaase Radio, stressing that winning AFCON remains his ultimate goal despite recent disappointments. “I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations, and that is the fact,” Okraku said. “Only God knows the number of times we have tried and have not been able to win the AFCON title.” The Black Stars’ recent record in the continental showpiece has fallen short of expectations. Ghana exited at the group stage in both the 2021 and 2023 editions and failed to qualify for the 2025 tournament staged in Morocco after a difficult qualifying campaign. However, the GFA boss remains optimistic, pointing to positive strides made by other na...

By Mishael Emmanuel and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye       The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has showered glowing praise on the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, describing him as a sports administrator who deserves “double honours” for his transformative leadership. The commendation came on the heels of Olopade’s latest recognition as Sports Administrator of the Year, conferred by The Nigeria Telegraph Newspapers in Lagos, an award that further cements his growing reputation as one of the driving forces behind Nigeria’s sporting resurgence. President of the NSF, Engineer Bright Idahosa, did not mince words in his admiration for the NSC boss, stating that Olopade’s impact has been both visible and deeply felt across the sporting ecosystem. According to Idahosa, the appointment of Olopade alongside Mallam Shehu Dikko marked a turning point for Nigerian sports. “Since Honourable Bukola Olopade and Malla...

...As road to 2025/26 final is unveiled By Trust Ittai       A fierce North African rivalry will take centre stage in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after the draw conducted in Cairo on Tuesday set up a mouthwatering Moroccan derby. Morocco’s Olympique de Safi will host compatriots Wydad Casablanca in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on 15 March.  The clash guarantees Morocco a representative in the semi-finals and promises high drama between two sides well-versed in each other’s strengths and weaknesses. With pride and continental progression at stake, the derby is expected to be one of the most intense fixtures of the round. Egyptian giants Zamalek SC will begin their campaign on the road against Congolese side AS Otoho. Zamalek, one of Africa’s most decorated clubs, will be aiming to secure a favourable result away before hosting the decisive second leg on 22 March. Meanwhile, fellow Egyptian side Al Masry wi...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye who was at Eko Hotels and Suites             The Executive Director of the Banjul Marathon, Amie Jallow, has described the World Athletics Africa Running Conference at the roadmap and blueprint for the success of athletics on the continent. Amie Jallow, who was a key member of the The Gambia delegation to the Conference, expressed deep satisfaction in the outcome of the 2-day event, stating that it came at just the right time for African athletics. Mrs. Jallow, an award-winning sports administrator, gave her verdict during an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye. “The first thing I will say is the most important is the networking and what this conference does bring all stakeholders and road race organisers and it's been the most beneficial we know we are a family we know how we can depend on each other and how we can collaborate to develop the sport m...

...As Cameroon names 25 players for the double header By Maxwell Kumoye           The road to WAFCON 2026 runs through Yaoundé and it could not have scripted a fiercer dress rehearsal. As the countdown begins to the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco between March 17 and April 3, reigning champions Nigeria will test their title credentials against long-time rivals Cameroon in two high-stakes friendlies on February 28 and March 3 inside the FIFA Women’s International Window. For the Super Falcons, it is about fine-tuning a dynasty. For the Indomitable Lionesses, it is about rewriting a comeback story. The 10-time African champions are leaving nothing to chance. The Nigeria Football Federation has finalized arrangements with FECAFOOT to ensure the back-to-back clashes in Yaoundé mirror the intensity expected in Morocco. Nigeria arrives as the team everyone wants to dethrone. Last summer, they stormed through Tunisia, Botswana, Zamb...

...Applauds FG as N200m boost lifts elite sports By Maxwell Kumoye    President of the Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA), Olumide Oyedeji, has challenged Nigerian athletes to justify the growing investment in sports by delivering podium performances at the Commonwealth Games and other major international competitions. Oyedeji’s charge comes on the heels of the National Sports Commission (NSC) releasing over N200 million as training grants to 26 elite athletes under its newly established Elite and Podium Board. The former NBA star and FIBA ambassador praised the Federal Government and the NSC for what he described as a decisive step toward repositioning Nigerian sports, particularly in supporting home-based athletes currently camping in Asaba, Delta State. “As athletes, you reach for the top, show why you need to be supported and you then give back with good results,” Oyedeji said, urging competitors, coaches and technical crews to “put in the right shift and ener...