First Zealmediacast Blog

…As Ali Yaro backs strong preparation for Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire By Maxwell Kumoye President of CAVB Zone 3, Ali Yaro, has praised the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for successfully hosting the African Nations Cup Beach Volleyball Zone 3 Qualifiers, describing the tournament as a crucial platform for the development of the sport in West Africa.Speaking during the competition, Yaro commended…

By Maxwell Kumoye European football governing body UEFA has strongly criticised FIFA’s decision to suspend the implementation of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match World Cup ban, following an appeal by U.S. President Donald Trump for the case to be reviewed.In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, UEFA described FIFA’s action as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable”,…

…Eyes hosting African Championships…FG approves plans to establish a National Sports Infrastructure Development Bond – NSC By First Zealmediacast Blog The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s sports infrastructure, with hockey emerging as a major beneficiary of the ongoing nationwide facilities upgrade programme.NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko…

…Eyes hosting of African Championships….FG approves plans to establish a National Sports Infrastructure Development Bond – NSC By First Zealmediacast Blog The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s sports infrastructure, with hockey emerging as a major beneficiary of the ongoing nationwide facilities upgrade programme.NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu…

By Maxwell Kumoye A veteran Nigerian journalist and former Bureau Chief with Daar Communitions Plc has appealed to the public for financial assistance as he battles the devastating effects of stroke and severe osteoarthritis, which have left him incapacitated and in need of urgent medical care.The former media executive, an Economics graduate of the University of Ibadan, began his journalism…

By Maxwell Kumoye Nigeria’s teams continued their impressive run on Day 2 of the 2026 African Nations Cup Beach Volleyball Zone 3 Championship, delivering a good performances in both the men’s and women’s events in Badagry, Lagos State.The host nation’s men’s first team made light work of Liberia, cruising to a convincing 2-0 victory.Nigeria won the opening set 21-12 before wrapping up the…

By Maxwell Kumoye Nigeria has been drawn in a challenging Group E for the next phase of the FIBA Africa Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, where the D’Tigers will face Cameroon, South Sudan, Cabo Verde, Tunisia and Guinea.The draw sets up a demanding schedule for Nigeria, with their opening game against regional rivals Cameroon on August 27, before taking on South Sudan the following day. The…

By Trust Ittai Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has launched a scathing attack on FIFA after the governing body suspended a one-match ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun ahead of their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 showdown.Garcia questioned the timing and fairness of the decision during his pre-match press conference on Sunday, suggesting it undermined the integrity of the…

…As the Pharoahs switch to indoor training ahead of Argentina testBy Mishael Emmanuel Egypt’s preparations for Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Argentina were disrupted on Sunday after a thunderstorm in Atlanta forced the team to cut short their outdoor training session.According to the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), the squad was moved indoors to complete the remainder of…

…Set up Norway quarter-final clash By Mishael Emmanuel England booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after producing a spirited 3-2 victory over hosts Mexico in a dramatic last-16 encounter at the iconic Azteca Stadium.The match, delayed by an hour due to severe thunderstorms, lived up to its billing as Thomas Tuchel’s men overcame a hostile atmosphere and a…

…Set up Norway quarter-final clash By Mishael Emmanuel England booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after producing a spirited 3-2 victory over hosts Mexico in a dramatic last-16 encounter at the iconic Azteca Stadium.The match, delayed by an hour due to severe thunderstorms, lived up to its billing as Thomas Tuchel’s men overcame a hostile atmosphere and a…

By Mishael Emmanuel Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has stepped down after just three months in charge following the Black Stars’ FIFA World Cup campaign, which ended in the Round of 32.The 73-year-old, who was managing at his fifth consecutive World Cup, was appointed in April to replace Otto Addo, who left the role 72 days before the tournament.Announcing his departure on Instagram on Sunday,…

By Maxwell Kumoye Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.Brazil squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead in the first half when Bruno Guimaraes failed to convert from the penalty spot, a miss that ultimately proved costly.The match appeared destined…

…Backs NSC sports economy visionBy FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has thrown its weight behind the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s sports sector under the leadership of the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, describing his reforms as a major step towards building a sustainable sports economy.The endorsement came during a…

By Mishael Emmanuel Thousands of jubilant fans lined the streets and gathered at Praia International Airport on Sunday to welcome home Cape Verde’s national football team, the Blue Sharks, following their courageous 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending champions Argentina in one of the biggest stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The players and coaching staff received a hero’s reception as…

Boateng compared the current squad with the Ghana side that reached the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where the Black Stars came within a penalty shootout of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.“We had team spirit in 2010. In 2014, we didn’t have team spirit. That’s why we went home. It’s all about the spirit,” he added.The former AC Milan and…

By Trust Ittai Algerian football icon Riyad Mahrez has brought the curtain down on two remarkable chapters of his career, announcing his retirement from international football while also leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli Saudi FC after three memorable seasons.Al Ahli confirmed Mahrez’s departure on Saturday with a heartfelt tribute, thanking the winger for his immense contribution to the…