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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...