As Football Club Barcelona prepares to activate their International Advisory role with the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, two key technical staff who will be central to the partnership are Bernat Villa Gorriz and Alberto Lafuente Rincón. Bernat Villa Gorriz is an experienced football coach, technical director, and football development specialist. He has over 15 years professional experience in elite player development, coaching education, and international football projects. With a degree in Industrial Engineering and the UEFA-A Coaching License, combining strong analytical skills with high-level coaching expertise, Gorriz began his coaching career in Catalonia, working with well-known clubs such as youth-focused…
Author: Pelumi Adele
The Director General of the national Sports Commission, Hon Bukola Olopade has given kudos to Nigeria current Tennis player, Daniel Adeleye for restoring parity for Nigeria at the Davis Cup World Group 11 qualifier between host country, Nigeria and Uzbekistan which served-off at the magnificent Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) on Saturday 7 after the draws Friday 6 February, The first game between Nigeria’s Abua Canice and Khumoyun of Uzbekistan Sultanov ended 2-0 ( 6-4, 6-3 ) in favour of Sultanov. Only for Nigeria’s national seed I, Daniel Adeleye to restore parity by beating Uzbekistan’s Abdulaziz Usmonjonov…
By Olivia Ekpe The 5th edition of the Andoma Peace and Unity Basketball Tournament is set to conclude today at the Lafia City Hall in Nasarawa State, with the female and male finals promising to deliver thrilling action . The tournament has been a resounding success, with teams from different backgrounds coming together to showcase their skills and sportsmanship. The event has not only promoted basketball but also served as a platform for fostering unity and peace among young people. In the lead-up to the finals, teams put on impressive displays, with Ham Warriors and Titans emerging victorious in their…
By Olivia Ekpe Uzbekistan’s Davis Cup coach, Denis Istomin, has boastfully dismissed Nigeria’s chances of winning their World Group II qualifier this weekend. “They have no chance,” Istomin said, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to secure a win. The highly anticipated match is set to begin today at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, with Nigeria looking to capitalize on home advantage. However, Istomin remains unfazed, pointing to Uzbekistan’s stronger Davis Cup pedigree and experience in big matches. The play-off will be played from February 6-8, 2026, with the winner advancing to World Group II. Can Nigeria pull off an…
BY PELUMI ADELE Starting Thursday February 5 2026, and wrapping up Thursday March 19 2026, The Federal Ministry of Works will fix the crumbling asphalt on the ramp and service lane that links Inner Marina to the bridge, plus the inbound and outbound main carriageway sections. The work kicks off with the service lane, then moves to the main lanes, so drivers will see a phased closure. Inbound traffic from Inner Marina: From head to the Apongbon under-bridge roundabout, connect to Adeniji Adele Road, continue through Ebute Ero, and use the ramp to Apongbon/Eko Bridge. Inbound from TBS, Third Mainland…
The Nigeria Boxing Federation has unveiled the list of boxers to fly the country’s flag at the African Boxing League. The inaugural event will kick-off in April and will feature pugilists from over twenty African nations. In readiness for the championship, the NBF technical and tournament committee have listed forty-one boxers to represent the country across the various weight categories. In the male category, the listed boxers are: Sodiq Oduniyi 55kg, Samuel Dahusi 55kg, Raymond Abodunrin 55kg, Musefiu Quam 60kg, Abdulahi Robiu 60kg, Ajisola 60kg, Abdulrahman Abdulwahab 65kg, Ridwan Raheem 65kg, and Michael Babalola 70kg. Others are Ibrahim Yakubu 70kg,…
A major crisis has erupted in Nigerian basketball administration. Members of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Congress have formally accused the outgoing board of violating the federation’s constitution by extending its tenure beyond the legally allowed four years. In a strongly worded petition to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), state basketball associations and other statutory Congress members declared that the board elected on January 31, 2022, lost its legal and moral authority on January 31, 2026, when its term expired. The petitioners emphasize that Congress is the supreme body of the federation, and the 2019 NBBF Constitution-drafted with input from…
Organizers of the second edition of the annual SWAN/ Newstap Award has announced the setting up of a three man Local Organizing Committee for the award. Photo : Faces at the maiden Newstap/SWAN Five Stars Award last year According to a press release signed by the Editor of Newstap.com.ng, Ifeanyi Eduzor, the LOC will be headed by the Deputy Editor of Telegraph Newspapers. Others are; veteran journalist and Group Sports Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Tony Ubani and former media aide to Sunday Dare, one time Minister of Sports , Jay Jay Akanji. The release explained that the LOC is expected…
.. Kick-off fixed for February 26th As preparations for the 2026 edition of the Governor’s Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup, enter top gear, the Central Organizing Committee (COC) of the competition has sent out its technical team to assess the suitability of match venues.The technical team will be inspecting the proposed match centres to ascertain the condition of the playing turf and how easily accessible the communities are. The technical team will also be conscious of security considerations. There are a total of 35 proposed match centres across the state with 30 centres scheduled to…
Olumide Oyedeji, the man widely tipped to lead the next board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), has shown leadership beyond the court, extending a powerful hand of compassion to Mozambique in its moment of grief. Deeply moved by the devastating floods that struck the southern African nation a few days ago, the NBA alumnus and ambassador sent heartfelt condolences and sympathetic message to the government and people of Mozambique, mourning those who lost their lives and standing with families displaced by the disaster. Mozambique occupies a place of pride in Oyedeji’s heart. He notes with nostalgia that he captained…