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.

 Nigerian Olympic Committee To Host Governance Course in Abuja

By Odukoya Adedeji

The Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) will host an advanced gender-inclusive governance course later this month in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen leadership standards across the country’s sports federations. The programme is backed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Scheduled for March 23–25, 2026, the three-day course will be held at the Media Centre, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. The initiative is supported through the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity programme.

The training is targeted at former female athletes and women currently serving on the boards of National Sports Federations. It is designed to strengthen governance capacity, promote inclusive leadership, and improve institutional effectiveness within Nigeria’s sports system.

President of the NOC, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel will officially declare the course open. He stressed that sustainable sports development depends on transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance structures. 

According to him, empowering more women with the right leadership tools will improve compliance with international standards and lay a stronger foundation for long-term growth.

The curriculum will be delivered under the IOC’s global education framework and is based on the IOC Sports Administration Course manual.

 Participants will receive training in governance reform and strategic planning, financial oversight, ethical leadership, and safeguarding, as well as policy implementation and organisational management.

Beyond classroom sessions, the programme will also provide a platform for mentorship and peer collaboration. It aims to build a strong network of women leaders capable of influencing reforms and driving strategic progress within their respective federations.

The NOC reaffirmed its commitment to aligning Nigeria’s sports governance with global best practices, noting that the initiative is expected to boost board diversity, strengthen oversight structures, and increase women’s participation in top-level decision-making roles across the sector.