Academics
Nigerian Athletes Hit Top Form Ahead of Commonwealth Games Trials
With the 2026 Commonwealth Games Trials just weeks away, Nigerian athletes are producing a string of outstanding performances across the globe, strengthening confidence that Team Nigeria can meet its ambitious targets at the Games in Glasgow later this year.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has set a goal of winning at least 20 gold medals and securing a top-five finish at the Commonwealth Games, and the country’s athletics stars are already demonstrating the quality required to achieve those objectives.
At the forefront is world record holder Tobi Amusan, who appears to be returning to peak form after an impressive start to the season. The women’s 100 metres hurdles specialist successfully defended her African title before embarking on a strong Diamond League campaign.
Amusan opened her Diamond League season with a third-place finish in Shanghai, followed by second place in Xiamen, before claiming victory in Rabat, where she equalled her season’s best time of 12.28 seconds and broke her own meeting record.
The Nigerian star recently added another gold medal to her collection at the New Taipei Athletics Open in Taiwan, winning in a meet-record 12.72 seconds despite running into a headwind.
Her consistent performances have reinforced her status as one of Nigeria’s brightest medal prospects for Glasgow.
The men’s sprint event has also received a major boost with the emergence of Kanyinsola Ajayi as Nigeria’s newest sprint sensation.
The Auburn University athlete stunned the athletics world at the NCAA East Regional Championships when he clocked 9.84 seconds to break Olusoji Fasuba’s long-standing Nigerian record of 9.85 seconds, set two decades ago.
Ajayi’s remarkable run not only made him the fastest Nigerian in history but also propelled him to the top of the global rankings for 2026.
With the national trials scheduled for June 20 to 22 at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, Ajayi is expected to be one of the star attractions as he bids to secure his place on Team Nigeria.
Competition in the men’s 100m is expected to be fierce, with Enoch Adegoke, Chidera Ezeakor, Israel Okon and Favour Ashe all in strong contention.
Another athlete attracting attention is Samuel Ogazi, whose rapid rise in the men’s 400m has excited athletics followers.
The University of Alabama athlete recently posted a personal best of 43.82 seconds, a performance that elevated him to the top of the world rankings and renewed optimism for Nigeria in an event where the country has often struggled for consistency at the elite level.
African record holder Ezekiel Nathaniel is also expected to play a prominent role in Glasgow. The 400m hurdler has continued to compete against world-class opposition and remains one of Africa’s leading performers in the event.
His record-breaking achievements and growing international experience have made him a strong medal contender.
The women’s sprint and relay squads are equally rich in talent. Athletes such as Blessing Ogundiran, Rosemary Nwankwo, Rosemary Chukwuma and Miracle Ezechukwu are expected to provide fireworks during the trials, while quarter-miler Ella Onojuvwevwo continues to impress after recording multiple sub-50-second performances this season.
In the field events, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi remains Nigeria’s most dependable performer.
The shot put specialist once again demonstrated his quality by winning gold at the Znamensky Memorial in Russia with a throw of 21.27 metres.
Over the years, Enekwechi has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most consistent international performers, regularly reaching podium positions and enhancing the country’s reputation in the throwing events.
As anticipation builds ahead of the AFN National Trials, expectations are growing around a Nigerian athletics team blessed with a blend of proven champions and exciting emerging talents.
Should current form continue, Team Nigeria’s athletics contingent could be on course for one of its most successful Commonwealth Games campaigns in recent memory.
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By Kunle Solaja.
Burkina Faso and Benin headline a competitive Group F draw as the race for qualification to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations gathers momentum.
Burkina Faso host Benin on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Mauritania face Central African Republic in the group’s second fixture.
The Stallions of Burkina Faso are expected to lead the qualification battle, but Benin and Mauritania are both capable of mounting serious challenges.
Matchday Two sees Benin host Mauritania while Central African Republic take on Burkina Faso. The group then moves into potentially decisive double-headers involving Burkina Faso and Mauritania, as well as Benin and Central African Republic.
The return clash between Benin and Burkina Faso on March 22, 2027 could prove crucial in deciding qualification places.
Group F Fixtures (Chronological Order)
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Burkina Faso vs Benin
- Mauritania vs Central African Republic
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Benin vs Mauritania
- Central African Republic vs Burkina Faso
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Burkina Faso vs Mauritania
- Benin vs Central African Republic
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Mauritania vs Burkina Faso
- Central African Republic vs Benin
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Benin vs Burkina Faso
- Central African Republic vs Mauritania
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Mauritania vs Benin
- Burkina Faso vs the Central African Republic
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The countdown to Africa’s biggest football festival has officially begun. On Friday, with 100 days to go before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, organisers have unveiled giant countdown clocks in each of the six host cities, building anticipation for the continent’s premier competition.
The clocks have been installed in Rabat, Casablanca, Fès, Tangier, Marrakech and Agadir — the venues that will welcome tens of thousands of fans this December.
They will tick down to the much-anticipated opening game between hosts Morocco and Comoros, scheduled for 21 December at 20h00 local time in Rabat.
The 35th edition of the tournament will mark Morocco’s first time hosting the AFCON since 1988, and the Kingdom has pledged a world-class fan experience in some of Africa’s most iconic stadiums.
Each city is expected to come alive with football fever, blending Morocco’s renowned hospitality with the vibrant atmosphere of the African game.
The month-long competition will climax in Rabat on 18 January 2026, when a new champion will be crowned.
Beyond the tournament itself, the symbolic clocks also highlight Morocco’s rising role on the global football stage, with the Kingdom set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
With the final stretch to kick-off now underway, the clocks stand as a striking reminder of the history, drama and unforgettable memories that await at AFCON Morocco 2025.
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Academics
Ibhawoh Foundation Celebrates Academic Excellence, Awards Scholarships to Edo Law Students
The Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to education and youth empowerment with the successful hosting of its annual Award Presentation Ceremony on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Benin City.
This year’s event honoured two outstanding law students with scholarship prizes of ₦100,000 each.
The recipients were Favour Obaseki, a 300-level Law student at Ambrose Alli University, and Itohan Osemwegie, a 400-level Law student at the University of Benin.
Both were recognized for their exceptional academic performance and dedication to personal growth.
The ceremony attracted members of the Foundation’s Governing Board, respected figures from the academic and legal sectors, and other invited dignitaries.
Delivering his remarks, Mr. Gerard Ibhawoh, Chair of the Foundation, congratulated the scholars and encouraged them to maintain their pursuit of excellence and integrity.
“Keep the flag flying,” he said. “Let this recognition be a steppingstone in your journey toward becoming change-makers in your professions and communities.”
Ibhawoh also highlighted the Foundation’s recent collaboration with the Community Sport and Development (CSED) Initiative.
The partnership has led to the successful delivery of netball and badminton workshops aimed at training teachers and students in several Edo State schools—a step toward holistic youth development through both academics and sports.
However, the Foundation Chair noted a reduced number of awardees this year, citing a decline in the quality of essay submissions. He expressed concern about the misuse of artificial intelligence tools by some applicants.
“While technology is a valuable aid, an overreliance on AI in academic work undermines original thinking and poses a real threat to authentic scholarship,” he warned.
Also speaking at the event, Prof. (Mrs.) Uyilawa Edosomwan, a member of the Foundation’s Governing Board, encouraged the recipients to see the award as a launchpad for future achievements.
“Let this moment inspire you toward even greater milestones in your academic and professional journey,” she said.
Since its inception in 2015, the Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh Foundation has impacted over 321 students through scholarships and educational grants, while also empowering 185 individuals through mentorship, vocational training, international exchanges, and professional development programs.
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