Z-PRO MEDIA

...Golden relay glory, field power, and praise from a top athletics analyst Uzor Odigbo By Maxwell Kumoye    Team Nigeria athletics delivered another statement performance on the global stage, smashing expectations at the ISSA Games 2025 in Riyadh with a thrilling mix of speed, strength, and championship mentality. The night belonged first to the Mixed 4x400m Relay Team, who tore through the track with authority to claim gold ahead of Bahrain and Türkiye.  From the explosive start to the electric anchor leg, Nigeria showed a blend of precision, chemistry, and bravery that left the crowd roaring. It wasn’t just a win; it was a masterclass. The quartet of Gafari Badmus, Anita Itohan Enaruna, Ezekiel Asuquo, and Patience Okon-George delivered the precious medal. In a brilliant Season’s Best of 3:16.27. On the field, Adetola Olatoye powered her way to a well-earned silver in the women’s shot put, standing tall beside Turkey’s Emel Valley - gold and Bahrain’s Noora...

...Edo born defender Knocks loudly on the Super Eagles door...Winning the Defender of the Season award is a great honor – Urhoghide By Maxwell Kumoye      FC Dallas found their rock this season, and his name is Osaze Urhoghide. Towering, relentless, and impossible to ignore, the 6'4” Dutch-born Nigerian has been crowned FC Dallas MLS Defender of the Season, capping off a campaign that has electrified fans both in the United States and back home in Nigeria. And now, the whispers have turned to shouts: Should Osaze get a Super Eagles call-up? This year, Urhoghide didn’t just defend, he dominated. Week after week, the Edo-rooted powerhouse stood tall for Dallas, marshaling the back line with authority and confidence. His season-defining moment came on the final day, a thunderous, decisive goal, his second of the year, that sealed Dallas’ playoff berth and earned him MLS Player of the Week, sharing the spotlight with none other than Lionel Messi. Dallas would even...

By Maxwell Kumoye with additional report by Raymond N' Media    Grassrunners FC lit up the Remo Stars Stadium on Tuesday with a blistering, no-mercy performance as they battered Just John FC 5–2 in a pulsating N-Youth League showdown that had goals, grit and pure drama from start to finish. The hosts wasted no time asserting dominance. In just the 8th minute, the electric Timileyin Anuoluwa Adelabu opened the floodgates, firing Grassrunners in front.  But if the home supporters thought it would be a smooth ride, Just John FC had other ideas, replying almost instantly for 1–1 before flipping the script to take a shock 1–2 lead, silencing the once-roaring Ikenne crowd. Adelabu, however, refused to let the story end there. With fire in his boots, he struck again before halftime, dragging Grassrunners back to 2–2 and setting the tone for a ferocious second half. And what a half it was. Grassrunners returned from the break like a team possessed, unleashing wave aft...

By Maxwell Kumoye    Benin City erupted in colour and anticipation on Tuesday as the maiden South-South Basic Education School Games officially kicked off at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. And leading the chorus of praise was the Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Honourable Ebanehita Sonia Omonzane, who hailed Governor Monday Okpebholo for bringing the groundbreaking championship to life. Speaking with sports journalists moments after the opening ceremony, Honourable Omonzane described the event as a “landmark achievement” for the South-South region and a proud moment for Edo State. “This is the first time the school games will be held in the zone. I sincerely appreciate our Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for accepting to sponsor and host this event. Edo State is privileged to serve as the pioneer host,” she declared, beaming with pride. With a buzzing stadium and a fully charged atmosphere, the stage is set for five days...

…Urges Super Eagles to channel heartbreak into dominance at the 2025 AFCON finals By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           The Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Mrs. Sabina Chikere, has urged the Super Eagles to transform the anguish of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup into a fiery resolve to conquer Africa when the 2025 AFCON kicks off in Morocco. Nigeria’s hopes of appearing on football’s grandest stage were extinguished on Sunday following a dramatic 4-3 penalty loss to DR Congo after a tension-soaked 1-1 draw. The defeat struck the nation like a thunderbolt, leaving millions heartbroken, with Mrs. Chikere joining the list. Speaking with deep emotion, she described the match as “a painful reminder of how cruel football can be,” noting that she watched every minute with faith in the team’s capability and with firm belief in the talents of Victor Osimhen and his...

  ...As Canada's Adam Logan wins the individual diadem By Maxwell Kumoye in Ghana          In a blistering, history-bending performance that electrified Accra, Team Nigeria ripped the Best Country crown away from the all-powerful United States, storming to the summit of the 2025 WESPAC World Scrabble Championship and rewriting African Scrabble history in the process. From Day One to Day Four, the 15-man Nigerian squad didn’t just compete, they ruled, turning the Ghanaian capital into a theatre of dominance. And at the centre of the storm? Oluwatimilehin Doko the 25-year-old sensation spearheading Nigeria’s conquest alongside Abdulmumin Jimoh, Tega Okiemute, Godwin Victor, and captain Rex Ogbakpa. NIGERIA’S NUMBERS WERE BRUTAL 350 wins +8975 cumulative points spread 54.7% winning ratio These weren’t just statistics, they were a statement. A roar. A dethroning. A message to the United States, who arrived with 19 players: “This is Africa’s tim...

...Hails “a monumental year” of progress By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye    The heartbeat of Nigerian sports is pounding stronger in Edo State and at the center of the excitement stands a beaming Mrs. Sabina Chikere, Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations at the Edo State Sports Commission. With a wide grin and a voice brimming with gratitude, Chikere could hardly contain her joy as Governor Monday Okpebholo marked one year in office, a year she described as “monumental” for sports in the state. “Edo has become a paradise of tranquility and progress, a safe haven for sports development,” Chikere said proudly, saluting the Governor’s steadfast dedication and the unwavering support of his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa. In an exclusive chat with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, Chikere recounted a string of achievements that have turned the South-South powerhouse into a beacon of sport excellence. Under Okpebholo’s dyna...

...Applauds her unwavering support towards sports in Nigeria  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           In the dense-woods of sports and sports development in Nigeria, one name stands out, one name hangs high, one name leads the chart, from the Heartbeat of the Nation with every breath she breathes, she takes Nigerian sports to a new dimension, her name is Mrs. Sabina Chikere, the Director of Sport Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC). Mrs. Sabina Chikere, one of the brains behind the recent sports development in Edo State was recognised by Africa's flagship sports body, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN) under the leadership of President Isaiah Benjamin, for her commitment towards sports in Nigeria. The revered award was presented to Mrs Sabina Chikere by the Chairman of the Edo State chapter of SWAN, Kehinde Osagie on Thursday, stating that her resolute support towards sports in the stat...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye            Ekiti State basked in celebration on Monday as Governor Biodun Oyebanji clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC), governorship ticket for the 2026 election — a victory widely seen as a reward for his over three years of steady, people-centered governance. Amid cheers at the Ekitikete Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, 885 delegates from all 177 wards across the state unanimously affirmed Oyebanji’s candidacy, sealing what many described as a “referendum of progress.” “The endorsement wasn’t just political — it was a validation of performance. From massive road rehabilitation projects that have opened up rural communities, to landmark investments in youth empowerment, digital innovation, and sports infrastructure, his administration has redefined what grassroots governance means in Ekiti,” that's the submission of Dr. Olusola Osetoba. Dr. Olusola Osetoba, the Governor’s Technical Adviser on Sports, haile...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye   The Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations at the Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Mrs. Sabina Chikere, has called for increased support and investment in women’s sports to enable girls in Nigeria to thrive and bring more glory to the nation. Mrs. Chikere made this appeal on Saturday during an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG’s Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, as part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child. She emphasized the importance of empowering the girl child, noting that women play a vital role in the progress of every society and possess the potential to elevate Nigeria’s standing through sports. “We are celebrating the girl child and acknowledging their achievements. I am very excited because, in no distant time, we will see more women making their mark in the sporting sector and bringing honour to Nigeria,” she said. As the Special Guest of Honour at the Cricke...

...As NSF names 15 words warriors for Scrabble World Championship ...Ebomah brothers, John and Peter in the final roster dominated by players from Warri SC By Maxwell Kumoye Current Continental Champion, Oluwatimilehin Doko, heads the list of 15 words warriors who have been carefully selected to represent Nigeria at the forthcoming World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA), Championship in Accra, the capital of Ghana - the 'Gateway to Africa'. The 15 man roster made public by the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), is dominated by 5 wordsmiths from the fearsome 2023 NSF Inter Club Kings - Warri Scrabble Club. Winner of the 2025 Lekki Scrabble Classics, Abdulmumin Jimoh, is another super heavyweight in the team with serial champion, John Aiyedun, as well as Team Nigeria's captain to the last West African Scrabble Championships and National Sports Festival gold medallist, Ben Quickpen. Recently crowned Emmanuel Egbele Annual Scrabble Tournament winner, Emm...

...Commends the Governor for reviving sports in the state as Nigeria hits 65 By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           The Technical Advisor to the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Biodun Oyebanji, on Sports Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, is full of praise for Governor Oyebanji on Nigeria's 65th Independence Day for his giant strides towards sports in the state. Dr. Olusola Osetoba described Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a beckon of hope and restoration for sports in the State. She gave her verdict on Wednesday in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye. Dr. Olusola Osetoba said sports was on the verge of collapsing in the state before Governor Oyebanji's assumption into office, emphasizing that the revival taking place in Ekiti State could not have been possible without his resolut support. She further emphasized that prior to his assumption the was mocked and looked dow...

...Sports in Nigeria, Edo State on the right track - Sabina Chikere By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           The Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission, Mrs Sabina Chikere, commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his effort to transforming sports in the country and taken it to a high pedestal with the creation of the National Sports Commission, (NSC), under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Honourable Bukola Olopade. She gave this heart warming commendations on Wednesday in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye on Nigeria's Independence Day. The top Edo State sports official, emphasized that the growth in Nigeria's sporting firmament could not have been possible without the Renewed Hope agenda of the President, adding that the leadership...

...Needs more corporate backing to improve  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Lagos      One of Africa's leading music producers, songwriter, singer and entrepreneur, Temidayo Joseph Babatope, affectionately called Puffy Tee says Afrobeat music is hitting the right notes in Nigeria and the world. Temidayo Joseph Babatope gave this verdict in his Nigeria @65 Independence Day message tagged 'WE ARE PROVING OUR WORTH'.  He explained that Nigerian artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other individuals in the entertainment industry are pulling the right strings and are singing from a similar hymm sheet. “We are halfway there, the journey to stardom for Afrobeats is still far. Afrobeats is recognized globally, but only a few big time artists have made it to the top. But that's not the desired height for Nigeria, the country is filled with talent, once these talents are harnessed properly we will be top 20s, 30s afrobeats artist in the world...