NSC Hails Sarah Ogoke, As D’Tigress Icon Bows Out at 35

 By Odukoya Adedeji

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has paid glowing tribute to former D’Tigress captain Sarah Ogoke following her decision to retire from international basketball at the age of 35.

Ogoke formally announced her retirement in Lyon, France, on Monday, where she was honoured in a colourful ceremony attended by teammates and organised by Xejet, partners of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team.

NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko praised Ogoke for her immense contributions over more than a decade in national colours, noting that the entire country is proud of her achievements. He also conveyed the admiration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting the administration’s recognition of her service to Nigerian sports.

Dikko further applauded the influence Ogoke has had beyond basketball, adding that First Lady Oluremi Tinubu deeply appreciates the inspiration she provides to women and young girls through her resilience, discipline, and achievements both on and off the court.

Also speaking, NSC Director General Bukola Olopade described Ogoke as a rare figure in Nigerian sports, commending her ability to balance a successful basketball career with academic excellence as a medical doctor, alongside her roles as a wife and mother. He added that her experience and expertise would continue to benefit Nigerian sports even after her retirement from active national duty.

Ogoke leaves the national team as one of its most decorated players, having played a key role in D’Tigress’ dominance in African basketball, including five AfroBasket titles since 2017.

She steps away from international competition as a celebrated athlete and accomplished professional, with the team hoping to honour her legacy with a victory against Germany in their final game of the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament in Lyon.

 Court Remands Chief Anthony Woherem in Kuje Prison Over Forgery, Money Laundering Case

 Chief Anthony Woherem has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment over alleged forgery and money laundering before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Woherem was arraigned on March 11, 2026, before Justice Binta Nyako of Court 3 in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/681/2025.

The court granted the defendant bail in the sum of N150 million with two sureties of N50 million each, while the defendant is to provide N50 million himself.

Justice Nyako ruled that the sureties must possess verifiable property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The court also ordered Woherem to deposit all his travelling documents with the court as part of the bail conditions.

He was subsequently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of the bail conditions.

Justice Nyako adjourned the case until May 13, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

A source close to the case informed our reporter that the matter eventually progressed to court after Woherem allegedly deployed different strategies aimed at intimidating the complainant and her witnesses.

Meanwhile, an interim police investigation report linked Woherem to alleged criminal conspiracy, threat to life, forgery, and unlawful conversion of property.

The report followed a petition dated Feb. 2, 2025, submitted to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja.

The petitioners, Mr Damiebi Denni-Fiberesima and Mrs. Alice Denni-Fiberesima alleged that Woherem forged documents relating to landed property along NTA Road, Mgbuoba, Rumuokuta in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Mrs Denni-Fiberesima claimed the land was given to her and her husband by their late father, Chief Edward Wanele Woherem as a wedding gift in February 2003.

According to the petition, Woherem allegedly forged a Deed of Grant, obtained a Certificate of Occupancy, and sold the property to Lawrence Ozoemena without family consent.

“I am relieved that the matter is now before the court after a long period of seeking justice,” Mrs Denni- Fiberesima said.

She alleged that the disputed property rightfully belonged to her family following the gift by their late father.

“Our father publicly presented the land to my husband and I as a wedding gift, and the documents were properly executed before witnesses,” she said.

Mrs Denni-Fiberesima also called on the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and fair trial.

“I believe the court process will bring out the truth and ensure justice is served for everyone involved,” she added.

 CMCM Beats Sportellectuall In Dominant 3–0 Friendly Victory

By Odukoya Adedeji

CMCM Football Club continued their impressive run of form with a convincing 3–0 victory over Sportellectual FC in a friendly match played at the Isheri Mini Stadium, Berger. Lagos.

The team produced another confident and disciplined performance, showing improved cohesion and control as they dominated proceedings from start to finish.

Ridwan Munir opened the scoring for CMCM FC with a well-taken strike to set the tone for the encounter. John Usman later doubled the advantage with a composed finish, while Mohammed Abubakar sealed the victory with the third goal, completing a commanding outing for the side.

In goal, Kehinde Abdullahi delivered another assured performance, keeping a clean sheet and denying the opposition any opportunity to get back into the game.

Speaking after the match, Head Coach Oriaku Michael expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, highlighting the steady improvement in the squad.

“The team is getting better by the day. We are seeing steady progress in the way the players understand themselves and execute our plans on the pitch,” he said.

Technical Director, Otunba Olusola Orelaja, also reflected on the victory, noting that while the result is encouraging, the team remains a work in progress.

“Even though we won the match, there is still a lot of work to be done. This team is still developing, and we will continue working hard to improve,” he stated.

Orelaja also expressed appreciation to the General Overseer of Christ Miracle Church Mission, Pastor Peter Abiola Adebisi, for the opportunity to serve and for his vision of positively impacting the lives of young people through the initiative.

Since assuming office as Technical Director, Otunba Olusola Orelaja has overseen an impressive run for the club, recording three victories, nine goals scored, and just one goal conceded, reflecting the team’s growing discipline, organization, and competitive spirit.

 NBF Set To Finalize Team Nigeria’s Boxers For 2026 Commonwealth Games

By Odukoya Adedeji

The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) will today conclude its national open trials with the championship bouts set to select boxers that will represent the country at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The decisive fights will take place at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex inside the National Stadium, Surulere in Lagos, where finalists across the 10 weight categories will compete for places on Team Nigeria ahead of the Games scheduled for Glasgow, Scotland.

A total of 128 boxers — 101 men and 27 women — began the four-day competition earlier in the week, with the field gradually narrowing down to the finalists who will now contest the championship bouts for national selection.

Secretary-General of the federation, Vivian Azimene, expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and competition at the trials. She noted that athletes who make the final team will proceed to a training camp, while other impressive performers will be retained as sparring partners as preparations intensify for the Games.

According to her, the federation is optimistic about Nigeria’s chances at the Commonwealth Games, given the country’s strong tradition whenever boxing features at the multi-sport event.

Several notable contests have already been decided during the trials. In the men’s 75kg category, Wahab Abdulrahman defeated Qudus Adeniji to book a place in the semi-finals, while Quadri Ilori edged Israel Ogbodo via split decision to progress.

More than 80 bouts have been fought so far in the tournament, with several diaspora-based fighters also making a strong impression against their home-based counterparts.

Nigeria is expected to compete in 10 weight divisions at the Games — five in the men’s category (55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg and 90kg) and five in the women’s category (51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg and +70kg).

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Nigeria returned with four medals. Elizabeth Oshoba secured a silver medal, while Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe, and Ifeanyi Onyekwere each claimed bronze, under the leadership of team captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba.

 Commonwealth Games 2026: 

Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation Opens Camp for  Qualifiers

By Odukoya Adedeji

The Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation has intensified preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games qualifiers with the invitation of 16 players to a closed camping programme in Abuja.

The two-week camp will hold from March 8 to 21 at Package ‘B’ of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, as both the men’s and women’s teams gear up for the crucial continental showdown.

In the men’s squad are Shittu Musbau, Adetayo Emmanuel Kehinde, Abel Oluwaseun, Akinde Tony, Bailey Oluwasegun, Durowoju Taiwo Babalola, Mohammed Muritala and Rilwan Abubakir.

The women’s team features Olabisi Ijigbamigbe, Nofisat Adefala, Amakor Patricia, Aishat Yahaya, Christiana Olowolagba, Grace Nwaozuzu and Folashade Obagbemi.

The qualifiers, officially known as the 2026 IWBF Africa 3x3 Championship, will take place in Luanda, Angola, from March 22 to 27, with top teams booking their spots for the Commonwealth Games.

President of the federation, Oluwaseyi Johnson, expressed strong optimism about Nigeria’s chances, stressing that both players and technical crew are fully committed to delivering a solid outing.

“We are fully prepared and determined to excel at the 2026 IWBF Africa 3x3 Championship, which serves as the Commonwealth Games qualifiers. Our players are committed, and the technical crew is working tirelessly to ensure we put up a strong performance,” Johnson said.

He praised the National Sports Commission for its continuous support, noting that the enabling environment provided has strengthened the team’s build-up.

“With this level of support and dedication from our athletes, I am confident Nigeria will make the nation proud on the continental stage,” he added.