CMSPORTS

The much-anticipated Showtime Bowl XII final is set for June 1, 2025, at Showtime Arena Lagos, featuring the unbeaten Lagos Athletic Knights against the resilient Warriors Flag Football team. The winner will claim an unprecedented ₦22.7 million prize package, including a ₦10 million cash prize, a ₦9 million championship trophy, ₦1.8 million in player rings, and ₦900,000 worth of gold medals — the biggest payout in Nigerian sports history for a single event. The Lagos Athletic Knights have dominated the season with a flawless 7-0 record and a commanding 36-14 semifinal win over Lagos Raptors. The Warriors earned their place with a decisive 48-7 semifinal victory against Ikan Sports. Both teams have demonstrated remarkable skill and determination, promising a thrilling finale for fans. Showtime Flag Football League continues to gain momentum with teams like Ikan Sports, Lagos Raptors, Panthers Sports and Greenbacks, all fiercely competing in the league.  This season’s success has ins...

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have secured a spot in the Unity Cup final after edging Ghana's Black Stars 2-1 in a thrilling match at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford. Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 14th minute, chesting down a pass from Sodiq Ismaila and firing past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Five minutes later, Samuel Chukwueze's free-kick led to Semi Ajayi's header, which deflected off a Ghanaian defender and past Asare for Nigeria's second. Ghana's skipper Jordan Ayew scored the Black Stars' only goal with 20 minutes left, combining with Christopher Bonsu Baah and Brandon Thomas Asante. The Super Eagles will face Jamaica's Reggae Boyz in Saturday's final at 5 pm, while the Black Stars take on Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Warriors in the third-place match starting at 12:30 pm. Jamaica edged the Soca Warriors 3-2 with a penalty kick in added time on Tuesday to set up the final showdown with Nigeria.

The 22nd National Sports Festival, also known as the Gateway Games 2024, will come to a close on Thursday with a spectacular closing ceremony at the MKO Sports Arena in Abeokuta. After 11 days of thrilling competitions, the festival has showcased the country's top athletes and promising talents, with new records being set and old records being shattered. The festival has been a true showcase of sporting excellence, with Ogun state emerging as a sporting hub. The crowd that attended the male football final between Ogun state and Kwara State, which Ogun won 4-1, was a testament to the enthusiasm of the people. The festival has also produced new exciting young talents, including the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) who won some surprise medals. Throughout the festival, crowds filled every venue, from the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja and Baptist Boys High School, to Obafemi Awolowo Square and Remo Stadium in Ikenne, as well as the NYSC Orientation Camp in Shagamu and Ilisan Town Hall in I...

Flag football, a sport new to Nigeria's National Sports Festival, was showcased as a demonstration sport at the ongoing Gateway Games, featuring teams from different states across the country.  The head of Public Relations and Communications at Showtime Flag, Esther Kalu spoke about the sport's introduction and future plans. A New Era for Flag Football in Nigeria Flag football's debut at the National Sports Festival marks a significant milestone for the sport in Nigeria. According to Esther Kalu, "If I had the opportunity to speak to them (the players), it's to let them know that what you have done here today by participating in the demonstration of Flag Football at the National Sports Festival is something that youths are looking for across the nation. I would encourage them to take it to the next dimension." Kalu highlighted the key differences between flag football and other similar sports, saying, "The variation typically for flag football is the non-...

The ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta has received accolades from Ama-Ebi Ebikpolade Stow, Chairman of Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association and representative on the board of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation. According to Ama-ebi , the festival has been "colourful and intense," showcasing the preparedness of all participating states. Ama-Ebi Ebikpolade Stow,  Chairman of Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association and board member of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation. He commended the organizers for providing standard facilities and equipment for table tennis, saying, "They have got the floor, which is very necessary for the game of table tennis. And the tables, I can see they are top-notch. The butterfly is center full 25. So as far as the equipment goes, it's a standard one." However, Ama-ebi  noted that table tennis development in Nigeria still faces challenges, citing the need for support from the federal government and private sector involvement. ...

As the 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State continues to unearth talents and future champions, two bronze medals winner in Weightlifting event, Adamma Dorcas has stated that winning the medals at the Festival will motivate her to aim Higher.  Dorcas who won the two bronze medals in 49kg women category for Team Kano told Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) media that she prepared well for the competition adding that the target was to win Gold.  "I came prepared for the festival. Winning bronze will motivate me to aim and go higher. My target was gold medal but since I didn't reach that, I will go back and train harder.", she said.  She expressed gratitude to her coaches and the Kano State Weightlifting Associatiom for their support and expressed optimism to upgrade her performance. "Our Coaches are wonderful. I can't thank them enough. I wouldn't say I regret not winning gold but like I said, this is a step towards greater success." Dorcas won h...

As preparations intensify for the much-anticipated National Sports Festival set to hold in Ogun State, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olapade, has met with state delegates, assuring them of a groundbreaking event that will set new standards in the history of the games. In a spirited address, Hon. Olapade promised an opening ceremony that will be nothing short of spectacular, highlighting core values such as love, focus, discipline, and unity.  He emphasized that the festival will not only be a celebration of sports but also a testament to integrity. “Let medals be won with honor, not by crook,” he admonished, stressing the importance of fair play and true sportsmanship. He also lauded the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, for his unwavering dedication to the success of the festival.  “Mallam Dikko has shown immense commitment and love for this project. That spirit must be cascaded down to every athlete and official,” he said. H...

The 22nd National Sports Festival, dubbed Gateway Games, kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony that exuded energy, colour, and national pride. Among the dignitaries who graced the event was Ambassador Adewale Adeogun, National Coordinator,  Tinubu National Think-Tank (TNT) who praised the event's vibrant atmosphere and seamless organization, highlighting its potential to empower Nigerian youth. Ambassador Adeogun who is also a member of the Governing Council of Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta state praised the exceptional hosting of the National Sports Festival in Ogun State under Governor Dapo Abiodun's leadership, marking the first Sports Festival during President Tinubu's administration. He highlighted the event's infectious energy and flawless execution, noting the evident enthusiasm and delight among athletes, officials, and the local community. He was confident that Nigerian sports is in capable hands, led by the Chairman of the National Sp...

Seven-time champions Nigeria and hosts and four-time champions Egypt will both fight hard for the bronze medals when they clash in the third-place match of the ongoing Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals in Cairo on Sunday. Both teams were rated by pundits to emerge from their semi-final clashes, but the result went the other way and they are now due to play the losers’ final at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in downtown Cairo. Morocco and South Africa will tango in a repeat of the 1997 Final, which the Atlas Cubs won 1-0 in Meknes. It is the fifth time that Nigeria, who won the title in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015 will be playing for the bronze medals. For Egypt, it will be the fourth time. Both have won the bronze medals three times previously. Also, both Nigeria and Egypt contested the 2005 Final in Cotonou, with the Flying Eagles coming out top following a 2-0 win. Isaac Promise (of blessed memory) scored both goals. As hosts in 1995, after losing their semi final tie...

 Let the Games Begin: Opening Ceremony for 22nd National Sports Festival Holds Sunday in Abeokuta The crème de la crème of Nigerian sports will converge in Abeokuta this weekend, as the nation’s foremost multi-sport event, the National Sports Festival (NSF), kicks off in grand style.  The 22nd National Sports Festival , dubbed “Gateway Games Ogun 2024,” will open with a colourful ceremony that promises cultural splendour and athletic excellence. Vice President, His Excellency, Kashim Shettima will formally declare the Games open, marking the commencement of two weeks of national unity through sport. The spirit of patriotism, unity, and celebration—hallmarks of the National Sports Festival since its inception in 1973—will once again come alive as Ogun State plays host, following its memorable hosting in 2006. Ogun State Governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has assured the nation that the state is fully prepared to host athletes, officials, and guests from across the c...

It is a date with another set of Lion Cubs on Monday afternoon and Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has assured that Nigeria’s U20 boys are focused and determined to achieve a win that will guarantee them a place at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals. Unbeaten in their group B campaign, the Flying Eagles however finished second behind another set of Lion Cubs from Morocco, and had to proceed to Ismailia for their game against title-holders Senegal. Senegal also finished second in their group C, which also included Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and Central African Republic. The 19-team finals have been whittled down to eight contenders, with Tanzania and Zambia eliminated in group A, Tunisia (despite their three points) and Kenya thrown out from group B and Central African Republic stopped in group C.  On Saturday, General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi called on the seven-time champions to play differently when they confront the Cup holders on Mon...

With just six days remaining, excitement continues to build across Nigeria as Ogun State prepares to host the 22nd National Sports Festival, also known as the Gateway Games 2024. Scheduled to take place from May 16th to 31st, this year’s edition is more than a sporting competition—it is a national celebration of unity, culture, and development. The festival will feature 33 sports, drawing participation from all 36 states of the federation, the FCT, and invited junior athletes, with over 10,000 athletes expected to compete. It promises to be one of the largest gatherings of sports talent in the history of the event. A Cultural Showcase Like No Other Ogun State, deeply rooted in heritage and tradition, is set to offer a powerful display of Nigerian culture. From vibrant performances during the opening and closing ceremonies to daily exhibitions of art, dance, and indigenous craftsmanship, the festival will celebrate the diversity that defines the nation. Visitors and participants alike w...

National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko has thrown his weight behind the global war against cancer. The NSC Chairman made this declaration while hosting the Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the World Soccer Legends' War Against Cancer.  The group led by its National Coordinator Jacob Onu and Special Adviser to the Committee HRH Alhassan Yakmut, former Director-General of the National Sports Commission, were at the Commission's Headquarters to submit their work plan to the Chairman and intimate him on their activities. According to the program billed to hold on October 4, UN World Cancer Day, several famous African soccer legends have been contacted to feature in the charity match to create awareness for the scourge of cancer on the continent and beyond.  Mallam Dikko believes it is a worthwhile project. His words, "I have been involved in the Cancer Walk in Abuja for the past ten years. If you have been observant, every year, I am there. I headlined the 20...

National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Katsina State Governor His Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda rose from a strategic meeting at the NSC Secretariat with an understanding to forge a collaboration between the Commission and the state for the advancement of mutual interests in sports.   Discussions centered around the sports economy, upgrading sporting facilities in the state, grassroots sports development and schools sports. These areas aligned with the Commission's vision.  Thrilled by the sports economy vision of the Commission, H.E Dr. Dikko Radda plans to replicate this in the state and make sports a major economic driver. In his reckoning sports should contribute largely to the GDP of the state. To this end, he has set up an economic team and was accompanied by his economic adviser.  Key to this, will be to replicate the Commission's sports city vision in the state. The collaboration would aim to turn the Muhammad Dikko Stadium Katsina into ...

In a bold step that reflects deep commitment to sports innovation and athlete empowerment, Showtime Arena has announced the full deployment of cutting-edge unmanned PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera systems, transforming how sports are broadcast in Nigeria—just in time for the nation's biggest stage: the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta. This major tech leap arrives as the Nigeria Flag Football Federation, under the visionary leadership of Azeez Amida, prepares to demonstrate flag football for the first time at the National Sports Festival, following the green light from the National Sports Commission. For Showtime Arena, this isn’t just about improved broadcasting—it’s a clear statement of intent to elevate every sport and every athlete. “Our belief in the growth of Nigerian sports, athlete welfare, and the limitless potential of our youth is what drives us,” said Adebare Adejumo, Commissioner of the Showtime Flag Football League. “By investing in this world-class PTZ camera tec...