President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Sulaiman Gora, has expressed confidence that Team Nigeria will secure a clean sweep at the upcoming Africa Scrabble Championships. Gora stated that the federation has prepared extensively, with top players undergoing rigorous training camps to ensure dominance in the continental event. He emphasized that Nigeria’s track record and the players’ current form give the team a competitive edge over other African nations. “Our goal is nothing short of victory in all categories. We have the talent, discipline, and strategy to make Nigeria proud once again,” Gora said. The Africa Scrabble Championships will feature the continent’s best players, with Nigeria aiming to extend its reputation as a global Scrabble powerhouse.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with $100,000 each for winning their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title. Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) President, Musa Kida, announced the gesture, noting that the financial reward and national honours were part of the President’s appreciation for the team’s historic achievement. D’Tigress defeated Mali 78–64 in the final, extending their unbeaten African run and cementing their dominance in the sport. Kida dedicated the victory to President Tinubu, praising his Renewed Hope Agenda for boosting sports development in Nigeria. “This is a proud moment for our nation. Mission five has become Mission V accomplished,” Kida said.

As the 2025/26 English Premier League season kicks off, African footballers are once again set to make a significant impact on the global stage. From established stars to rising talents, these players are expected to light up the competition with their skills, goals, and leadership. Top of the list is Mohamed Salah of Egypt, who remains a vital figure for Liverpool as they push for another title challenge. Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, now at Chelsea after a record-breaking transfer, is expected to lead the line and bring his lethal finishing to England’s top flight. Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus will look to build on his impressive performances for West Ham last season, while Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez returns to the Premier League with Arsenal in a surprise move. Also in the spotlight is Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea, who aims to cement his place as a consistent goalscorer, and Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra of Brighton, a dynamic winger who dazzled in his debut season. With the Premier League’s global audience, the performances of these African stars will not only boost their clubs’ fortunes but also serve as an inspiration to young players across the continent. Fans can expect flair, power, and unforgettable moments as these players showcase African football excellence on one of the world’s biggest stages.

Ghanaian Premier League sides Asante Kotoko and Bibiani GoldStars will host their CAF Inter-Club competition home matches at the Accra Sports Stadium, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed. The decision comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rejected both clubs’ original home venues for failing to meet the body’s minimum standards for hosting international matches. Asante Kotoko, who will feature in the CAF Champions League, and Bibiani GoldStars, set to participate in the CAF Confederation Cup, will now make Accra their temporary home ground for the duration of the competition. GFA officials noted that the Accra Sports Stadium meets CAF’s infrastructure and safety requirements, ensuring both teams can host their matches in compliance with international standards. While the relocation may present logistical challenges, both clubs have expressed determination to make the most of their new home advantage and maintain strong fan support in the capital. The CAF Inter-Club competitions are set to kick off later this month, with fixtures for the preliminary rounds already released.

Saint Lucia / International — Olympic women's 100m champion Julien Alfred has dismissed recent injury rumors, affirming she's in "good health and good spirits" despite missing several Diamond League meets, according to Punch Newspapers. The sprint star stated that her absence was strategic—meant to allow extra preparation time ahead of the season’s final, rather than due to any physical ailment.  Earlier this week, competition organizers confirmed Alfred would skip the Diamond League meets in Silesia, Lausanne, and Brussels, citing an injury. Officials noted that, despite the announcement, she remains in top form, with a winning season that included a personal-best 21.71 seconds in the 200m in London and a season-best 10.75 seconds in the 100m.  Alfred’s injury withdrawal was confirmed by organizers, but the champion herself has clarified it was a tactical decision not due to injury and emphasized her readiness for the season’s final stages.

Lagos, Nigeria — Former Lagos Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola has called for the integration of multi-use sports and cultural facilities into urban development schemes. Speaking at the Lagos Physical Planning Summit 2024, he urged policymakers to envision stadia, concert arenas, film studios, and convention centers as core to the city’s transformation.  Fashola stressed that such facilities are “the required infrastructure for the expression of talent and the creation of jobs”, particularly for young people grappling with unemployment. He highlighted the potential of M.I.C.E. tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) and how these amenities, in proximity to transit hubs, can stimulate economic activity.  Building on national sports infrastructure strategies, he noted that stadiums should transcend their basic sporting function—offering spaces that serve multiple community needs while being revenue-generating. 

The reigning champions of the Nigerian Premier Basketball League (NPBL), Rivers Hoopers, are gearing up to defend their crown as the new season approaches. With the competition set to tip off in the coming weeks, the Port Harcourt-based side has intensified preparations, aiming to maintain their dominance in the league. Team officials confirmed that the Hoopers have retained key players from last season’s victorious squad while adding fresh talent to strengthen their roster. Head coach Ogoh Odaudu expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, noting that their experience from both domestic and continental competitions would be vital. “We know the target is on our backs as champions, but we are focused, prepared, and determined to defend our title,” he said. The NPBL title defence will not come easy, as rival teams have also bolstered their lineups, promising a fierce and competitive season. Basketball enthusiasts across Nigeria are eagerly awaiting the tip-off, with the Hoopers aiming to etch their name further into the league’s history books.