Z-PRO MEDIA

...Confirms Nigeria and Ghana double qualification, Burkina Faso also gets a slot  By Maxwell Kumoye        President of the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone 3, Ali Yaro, has praised the successful staging of the 2026 African Nations Cup Zone 3 Qualifiers in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone 3 Boss described the tournament as a major milestone for volleyball development in the region. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Yaro commended Côte d'Ivoire for successfully hosting the regional championship for the first time, saying it marked a positive step forward despite the challenges many countries face in organising international sporting events. "This is the first time Côte d'Ivoire has hosted an event like this, and it is a very positive development for the competition," Yaro said.  "In our countries, we do not always have enough support to organise competitions like this. Therefore, I want ...

By Maxwell Kumoye        Nigeria's sprint sensation Kayinsola Ajayi has declared himself ready for the 2026 Commonwealth Games after storming to victory in the men's 100 metres at the London Diamond League on Saturday. The 21-year-old produced another outstanding performance, clocking 9.84 seconds to defeat reigning world champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica, who settled for second in 9.87 seconds, while Great Britain's Romell Glave finished third in a personal best of 9.97 seconds. Fresh from one of the biggest wins of his career, Ajayi said he executed his race plan perfectly and is now looking forward to carrying the same form into the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where athletics begins on July 23. "I just came out here and did what I had to do… I'm happy; I got the job done," Ajayi told Olympics.com after his impressive victory. The Nigerian speedster credited his explosive start for making the difference against a world-class field. "I g...

  By Maxwell Kumoye     Nigeria's men's volleyball team completed an unbeaten campaign at the Zone 3 Qualifiers in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, with a commanding straight-sets victory over Burkina Faso. The Nigerians wrapped up the final match 3-0, winning 25-17, 25-23 and 25-22 to cap a flawless tournament performance. The team was in imperious form throughout the qualifiers, recording victories over Niger Republic, hosts Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Benin Republic and Burkina Faso.  Nigeria dropped only three sets across all five matches, underlining their dominance in the regional competition. Their impressive run earned them one of the qualification tickets to the 2026 African Nations Cup finals scheduled for September in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the continental championship, Nigeria will battle Africa's best teams for the coveted Nations Cup title and a place at the 2028 Olympic Games. The commanding display in Abidjan highlights Nigeria's gr...

By Maxwell Kumoye  The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has unveiled a 21-player squad for the 2026 World Youth Scrabble Championship scheduled to take place from August 7 to 9 at the Trademark Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. Nigeria heads into the tournament with high hopes, banking on a blend of proven champions and emerging talents as the country seeks to make a strong statement against the world's best young wordsmiths. The team will be spearheaded by 2025 World Best Female Player, Sophia Ebube Ekeruche, alongside Abdulqodus Aliu, who came agonisingly close to claiming the world title in his category last year. Also named in the squad are several highly rated players, including Khalid Olosun, Yusuf AbdulSalam, Roseline Emelike, and the talented Onazi siblings—Saviour, Salvation and Triumph.  Other notable names include Samuel Emelike, Victoria Chukwuemeka, Olamide Hassan, Khalifa Bello, Matilda Wilcox, Chosen Johnson, Victor Ayanwale, Farzana Kaka, Aneef Kelani, Abidah Fatai, Co...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye    Head Coach of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Solomon Aliyu, has expressed strong confidence in Team Nigeria's preparedness for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, revealing that the athletics team is already 95 per cent ready for the multi-sport event. Speaking in an exclusive interview with First Zealmediacast Blog's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye from Aberdeen, Scotland, where the athletes are undergoing their final phase of preparations, Aliyu said everything has gone according to plan and the squad is in excellent condition ahead of the Games. According to the veteran coach, the athletes currently in camp earned their places through merit and recent performances, making up Nigeria's strongest team across the various track and field events. "Team Nigeria is about 95 per cent ready for the Games. The athletes are already in Aberdeen for the final phase of preparations before the competition begins...

By Maxwell Kumoye    President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod, has called for total commitment and support as Nigeria's men's volleyball team prepares for the 2026 African Nations Cup finals in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nimrod made the remarks shortly after the team secured qualification for the continental championship, where the eventual winner will also earn Africa's lone qualification ticket to the Los Angeles Olympic Games. "We have to put all our resources together to achieve our objective," Nimrod said. "Our preparations will intensify in August when the team moves into training camp. The camp will help the players reach peak fitness and ensure they are fully prepared for the challenge ahead.” The volleyball boss stated. "We know what is at stake because the tournament also serves as a qualification event for the Los Angeles Olympic Games. With only one qualification ticket available, we must ...

...NVBF President heaps praise on the media, says volleyball is flourishing By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria's men's volleyball team has qualified for the 2026 African Nations Cup finals in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, after recording a fourth consecutive victory at the ongoing Zone 3 Qualifiers in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The Nigerian side secured their place at the continental championship, scheduled for September 7 to 21, with a hard-fought 3-1 win over neighbours Benin Republic on Friday. Benin Republic claimed the opening set 25-21 in a tense encounter that was marked by controversial officiating. However, Nigeria responded strongly to level the match by taking the second set 25-21.  Tempers flared midway through the contest as Nigeria's head coach received a yellow card following a heated exchange with the officials. The Nigerians maintained their momentum to dominate the remaining sets 25-15 and 25-20, sealing an impressive comeback victory...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye      The National Sports Commission (NSC) has rolled out one of the most attractive welfare packages ever offered to Team Nigeria athletes ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with competitors set to receive higher allowances, improved travel support and substantial cash rewards for podium finishes. The package, approved by the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, is designed to motivate athletes and officials as Nigeria prepares for the Games. Under the new incentive scheme, every athlete will earn $200 per day throughout the competition, while coaches will receive $250 daily, an increase from the $150 and $200 paid respectively during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The reward system for medal winners has also been significantly enhanced. Athletes who win gold medals will receive an immediate $3,000 cash prize, while silver and bronze medalists will earn $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. Coaches will also be rew...

By Maxwell Kumoye      Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has rallied Team Nigeria athletes to compete with courage, discipline and patriotism as they prepare to depart Aberdeen for Glasgow ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Speaking to the athletes at their training camp in Aberdeen after the conclusion of the final phase of preparations, Olopade said the team had been given every opportunity to succeed and urged them to repay the confidence reposed in them with outstanding performances. "I addressed our Team Nigeria athletes at their training camp in Aberdeen as they concluded the final phase of their preparations ahead of their departure to Glasgow for the start of the Commonwealth Games in just six days," Olopade said. He highlighted the Federal Government's commitment to sports development, noting that the athletes had benefited from unprecedented support under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. ...

By Maxwell Kumoye        Nigeria's impressive run at the 2026 African Nations Cup Volleyball Qualifiers Zone 3 continued on Thursday as the team secured a third consecutive victory, defeating Togo 3-1 at the Palace de Sports Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The Nigerians overcame Togo with set scores of 25-17, 22-25, 25-15 and 25-17, maintaining their unbeaten record in the tournament. It was another commanding performance from the Nigerian side, who have now won all three of their matches at the qualifiers.  They opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Niger Republic, before producing a stunning 3-0 sweep of hosts Côte d'Ivoire.  The latest triumph over Togo extends their winning streak and strengthens their bid for qualification. Despite dropping the second set, Nigeria responded emphatically by taking control of the contest in the third and fourth sets to seal another well-deserved victory. With three wins from three matches,...

...Seeks support for major tournaments   By Maxwell Kumoye      The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Chess Association, Rt. Honourable Dr. Esio Oquong Udo, has applauded Governor Umo Eno for what he described as a remarkable transformation of sports in the state, attributing the progress to the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Sports. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Sports on Wednesday, the chess administrator said the governor's decision had sparked a new era of sports development across Akwa Ibom, creating fresh opportunities for athletes and sports associations. Dr. Oquong also commended the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, praising his wealth of experience and leadership. "I also thank His Excellency for appointing a man who has made his name internationally, making me very honoured to sit beside him today," he said. The chess boss explained that the delegation's visit was aimed at strengthening the development of ch...

...Retains princely elite prize purse, registration opens By Maxwell Kumoye   After a one-year break, the Great Abeokuta 10KM Race is set to make a highly anticipated return, with organisers unveiling a special edition reserved exclusively for Nigerian athletes while retaining its prestigious elite prize purse. Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), one of Africa's leading sports marketing and event management companies, announced that the race will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, marking the return of one of Nigeria's foremost road running events. In a major boost for homegrown athletics, the 2026 edition will be open only to Nigerian participants, a move aimed at providing local long-distance runners with a unique opportunity to compete for the full prize money traditionally contested by elite international athletes. Explaining the rationale behind the decision, NSML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Yetunde Olopade, said the organisers ...

By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria's men's volleyball team continued its impressive campaign at the 2026 African Nations Cup Zone 3 Qualifiers with a commanding 3-0 victory over hosts Côte d'Ivoire on Wednesday, securing their second consecutive win of the tournament. The Nigerians produced a disciplined and dominant performance to silence the home crowd, claiming the match in straight sets, 25-16, 25-20, 25-19. The victory keeps Nigeria's unbeaten run intact and further strengthens the team's quest for qualification. Head coach Taiwo Oladipupo praised his players for their composure and determination against the host nation, describing the result as a significant achievement. "I'm very, very happy. Beating the host nation is never an easy task, especially in front of their home fans. But we showed that we are capable of doing it, and we proved it on the court with a convincing victory," Oladipupo said. The coach also attributed the team's impressive s...

...Commends NSC's athlete welfare initiative By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye        Former World and Olympic wrestling champion Daniel Igali has expressed confidence in Team Nigeria's chances of delivering an impressive performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, while applauding the National Sports Commission (NSC) for prioritising athlete welfare ahead of the competition. He made this public in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG'S Oluwatobilobba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye. The 52-year-old, who currently serves as Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, said the signs emerging from Team Nigeria's camp point to a delegation that is well-positioned to compete for honours, largely because of the improved attention being given to athletes' welfare and preparations. "From all the information available, I believe there are genuine reasons to be optimistic about Team Nigeria's prospects at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games,...

Argentina’s dark blue jersey has grown into something bigger than an alternate strip. For many fans, it is part of the nation’s football folklore — a shirt linked with some of Argentina’s most unforgettable World Cup moments, and perhaps, just a little bit of good luck. That famous away kit will be back in the spotlight when the defending champions face England in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final in Atlanta. Lionel Messi and his teammates will trade their traditional sky blue and white stripes for the dark blue shirt that has carried so much meaning over the years. The memories are powerful. Argentina wore dark blue against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals in Mexico, when Diego Maradona produced both the infamous “Hand of God” goal and his dazzling solo run later remembered as the “Goal of the Century” in a 2-1 victory. Then, 12 years later, the same color returned in France, where Argentina again eliminated England on penalties in the round of 16 after a thrilling 2-2 draw...

The International Olympic Committee has received a formal complaint alleging that FIFA president Gianni Infantino repeatedly breached rules on political neutrality through his public support for U.S. President Donald Trump. The complaint, filed by FairSquare, claims Infantino may have crossed ethical lines in several incidents, including the controversial suspension of striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban. Balogun had been sent off in a July 1 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic suspension that would normally keep him out of the next game. But FIFA later announced that the suspension had been paused under a rule-book provision, allowing the forward to feature for the United States against Belgium on July 6. Infantino admitted receiving a call from Trump, who publicly pushed for Balogun to play, though the FIFA chief insisted he did not interfere in the decision-making process. FairSquare argues that the Balogun episode was only one of five alleged breaches ...

Kylian Mbappe did not hide his frustration after France’s World Cup semifinal loss to Spain, delivering a blunt post-match verdict on his team’s 2-0 exit in Arlington, Texas. The France captain said Les Bleus were simply not sharp enough in key moments, pointing to a poor tactical structure and weak communication that allowed Spain to control the match and dominate possession. Spain repeatedly found an extra man in midfield, with Rodri and Fabian Ruiz given the time and space to dictate the rhythm of the game. “We were three against two in midfield and against Spain, that’s hard,” Mbappe admitted. “Fabian and Rodri had plenty of time to play. There was a lack of communication on the press. I think we should have done man-to-man press and force them to run with us.” France had entered the semifinal in excellent form, winning all of their first six matches and scoring 16 goals, but they struggled to create real danger against a well-organized Spain side. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penal...

Fenerbahce have made a major statement in the transfer market, completing the signing of English forward Mason Greenwood from Olympique de Marseille in a deal worth €39 million ($44.5 million). The Turkish giants confirmed on Tuesday that an agreement had been reached with both the player and the French club. According to the club, the transfer fee will be paid in three equal instalments over the next three years, while Fenerbahce will also take care of any solidarity payments required under FIFA regulations. The move brings an end to Greenwood’s short stay in France, after he joined Marseille from Manchester United in July 2024 on a five-year contract. Now, the Istanbul side will be hoping the 24-year-old can bring goals, creativity, and much-needed firepower as they continue their push for a first Turkish Super Lig title since 2014. Greenwood scored 37 league goals in 66 appearances over two seasons for Marseille, and expectations will be high for him to make an instant impact. Will ...

By Maxwell Kumoye and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye     Nigeria's men's volleyball team made a winning start to their campaign at the 2026 African Nations Cup Zone 3 Qualifiers, hitting Niger Republic 3-1 on Tuesday. Nigeria claimed the opening set 25-22 before Niger Republic fought back to level the contest with a 25-19 victory in the second set.  Coach Taiwo Oladipupo's side, however, showed resilience to regain control, edging the third set 25-23 before producing a dominant display in the fourth set to seal the match 25-9. Reacting to the victory, head coach Taiwo Oladipupo expressed delight with his team's performance while praising the players for their response after dropping the second set. "First of all, I thank Almighty God for giving us our first win of the tournament. I'm very happy with the result. The boys lost the second set, but they responded brilliantly by winning the third and fourth sets," Oladipupo said. The coach acknowledged that ...

By Maxwell Kumoye    For decades, the development of sports in Nigeria has revolved almost entirely around government funding.  From national trials and championships to international competitions and athletes' welfare, many Sports Federations and Associations have continued to depend almost exclusively on allocations from the government.  While government has an undeniable responsibility in sports development, this culture of overdependence has become one of the greatest obstacles to the growth of Nigerian sports. The reality is simple, no modern sporting nation develops solely on government funding.  Across the world, successful sports federations aggressively pursue corporate sponsorships, commercial partnerships, media rights, merchandising opportunities and private investments.  These revenue streams allow them to organize regular competitions, develop grassroots talents and execute long-term development plans. In Nigeria, however, many federations bec...