Z-PRO MEDIA

By Maxwell Kumoye      The ongoing Nigeria National Para Games is fast becoming more than just a competition, it is a powerful statement of intent, a celebration of resilience, and a bold step toward a more inclusive future for sports in the country. Across venues buzzing with energy and determination, athletes with disabilities are not only showcasing elite talent but also redefining perceptions of ability.  The Games have created a platform where skill, discipline, and passion take center stage, reinforcing the idea that sports in Nigeria is for everyone, regardless of physical limitations. At its core, the Para Games represent inclusiveness in action. It bridges longstanding gaps, ensuring that para-athletes receive the recognition, structure, and opportunities they deserve.  For many participants, this is more than a chance to compete, it is validation of years of hard work in a system that is now paying closer attention to their needs. Beyond th...

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...