New Sentinel

Category: Sports

  • Cycling Africa holds 5th Cycling Lagos Webinar to Spotlight Nigeria’s Untapped Recycling Potential

    Cycling Africa holds 5th Cycling Lagos Webinar to Spotlight Nigeria’s Untapped Recycling Potential

    Cycling Africa has announced plans to bring together experts, policymakers, environmental advocates, recycling practitioners, businesses and other key stakeholders at the 5th Cycling Lagos Webinar to explore how Nigeria can unlock the vast potential of recycling, expand its recycling capacity, and transform waste into economic and environmental opportunities.
    The webinar, scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2026, is part of activities leading up to the 5th edition of Cycling Lagos, which will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
    Speaking on the virtual event in Lagos, President/Chief Executive Officer, Cycling Africa, Bamidele Adeleye, said the webinar would provide a platform for experts and stakeholders to discuss practical solutions to Nigeria’s growing waste management challenges while exploring the economic opportunities within the recycling value chain.
    Adeleye said the webinar will feature industry leaders and key stakeholders, including National President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), Dr. Olugbenga Adebola; Director, Sahara Group Foundation, Mrs. Chidilim Menakaya; and Regional Coordinator – South West Division, Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN),  Princess Florence Oluwafeyikemi Egbeyemi, among others.
    He said the event, which is expected to attract key players in the waste management industry, will be moderated by former Chairman of the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) and Executive Producer of Brandworld Media, Clara Okoro.
    Themed “Trash to Treasure: Unlocking Recycling Capacity for a Sustainable Future,” the Cycling Africa Boss explained the webinar forms part of the 2026 Cycling Lagos campaign, which focuses on promoting responsible waste management, recycling, environmental sustainability and the development of cleaner and healthier communities.
    According to Adeleye, the campaign is designed to change the way Nigerians perceive waste by encouraging individuals, businesses and communities to see discarded materials not simply as refuse, but as resources with significant economic and social value.
    “Nigeria generates a huge volume of waste every day, yet a significant proportion of recyclable materials remains underutilised. We believe that stronger public awareness, investment in recycling infrastructure, effective policies and greater collaboration among stakeholders can help unlock the enormous potential of the recycling sector,” Adeleye said.
    “Cycling Lagos has always been about more than cycling. It is a platform for promoting healthy lifestyles, sustainable communities and positive social change. This year, through the Trash to Treasure campaign, we are using cycling to draw attention to the urgent need for better waste management and the opportunities that recycling presents for Nigeria.”
    He said the webinar would also examine the roles of government, private-sector investors, recycling companies, manufacturers, consumers and community-based organisations in building a more effective circular economy.
    He said participants are expected to share ideas and practical experiences on waste collection, sorting, recycling, reuse, extended producer responsibility, job creation and opportunities for young people within the recycling ecosystem.
    Interested participants are to scan the QR code on the event flyer or click on https://webinar.zoho.com/meeting/register?sessionId=1090760158  to complete their registration.
    The 5th Cycling Lagos will culminate in a major cycling event at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, bringing together cyclists, families, corporate organisations, government representatives, environmental advocates and members of the public.
    Cycling Lagos is organised and marketed by Cycling Africa in collaboration with the Lagos State Cycling Association.
    Cycling Africa is a sports marketing organisation exploring the unique potential of cycling to promote healthy lifestyles, sports tourism, environmental sustainability and community development across African cities. The organisation also manages the annual Cycling Kano event in collaboration with the Kano State Government.
    For enquiries about sponsorship, partnership, or participation, please visit www.cyclinglagos.com or send an email to info@cyclinglagos.com.
  • POLO AVENUE INVITES LAGOS TO ITS EXCLUSIVE 2026 SAMPLE SALE

    POLO AVENUE INVITES LAGOS TO ITS EXCLUSIVE 2026 SAMPLE SALE

    Polo Avenue, Nigeria’s premier luxury fashion destination, is set to
    host its highly anticipated 2026 Sample Sale, offering discerning shoppers an
    exclusive opportunity to discover exceptional luxury fashion at remarkable prices.
    Taking place from 11th – 25th July 2026 at 59 Raymond Njoku Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, the
    two-week shopping experience will feature a carefully curated selection of readyto-wear, handbags, shoes and accessories from some of the world’s most coveted
    luxury maisons, including Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, Casablanca, and
    more, with up to 70% off selected pieces.
    Designed as more than a seasonal sale, the Polo Avenue Sample Sale offers clients
    the opportunity to experience luxury retail in an elegant setting while discovering
    iconic pieces from globally renowned fashion houses. Whether refreshing a
    wardrobe or investing in timeless statement pieces, visitors can expect exceptional
    value without compromising on quality, craftsmanship or style.
    Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Sample Sale will showcase limited
    quantities across multiple luxury categories, with new discoveries awaiting clients
    throughout the event.
    With exceptional pieces available in limited quantities, early visits are strongly
    encouraged to enjoy the widest selection before they are gone.
    Clients are also invited to follow Polo Avenue’s social media platforms for exclusive
    previews, product highlights and updates throughout the two-week shopping
    experience.

  • Sports Industry Awards Nigeria to honour FirstBank for longstanding sports sponsorship legacy 

    Sports Industry Awards Nigeria to honour FirstBank for longstanding sports sponsorship legacy 

    FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and the leading financial inclusion service provider, is set to receive prestigious recognitions for its sustained contribution to Nigeria’s fast evolving sports industry at the forthcoming Sports Industry Awards Nigeria.
    The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 19, in Lagos.
    Organised by leading Sports Management Agency, MatchRoom Sports & Media Limited in collaboration with SPORTBUSINESS & Brands magazine, the Sports Industry Awards Nigeria celebrates excellence and outstanding achievements across the sports industry.
    The awards will highlight top performers in sports sponsorship, events, marketing campaigns, and partnerships spanning January to December 2025.
    Interestingly, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been intentional with supporting initiatives that engender human development across the country while cementing legacies.
    FirstBank’s recognition underscores its remarkable legacy in sports sponsorship, notably its support of the Georgian Cup at the Kaduna Polo Club since 1919, which is one of the longest-running sports sponsorships globally. The Bank is also being honoured for its decades long backing of its football and basketball teams, reinforcing its commitment to grassroots and elite sports development.
    Through its innovative First@Sports initiative, FirstBank continues to make significant contributions to the growth of the sports industry in Nigeria.
    For two unforgettable days last year, Lagos became Africa’s capital of clean energy, glamour, and innovation, all powered by FirstBank of Nigeria, the sponsor of the continent’s first-ever E1 Lagos Grand Prix.
    The FirstBank Football Club, popularly known as the “Elephant Boys,” has nurtured notable talents such as Fatai Amoo, Sam Nwobum, Lookman Oshun, and Wasiu Ipaye, all of whom have represented Nigeria at various levels. The club has competed in multiple tiers of the Nigeria Football Federation leagues for over 40 years, including the historic Division One League alongside teams like Shooting Stars, Rangers International, and Calabar Rovers.
    Similarly, the FirstBank Basketball Club, fondly called the “Elephant Girls,” has enjoyed over three decades of success, including continental championship victories in 2003 and 2009. The team also represented Nigeria at the 2025 Women’s Basketball League Africa.
    Commenting on the recognition, CEO of the Sports Industry Awards Nigeria, Ojeikere Aikhoje, praised FirstBank’s enduring impact:
    He said: “FirstBank has demonstrated a strong commitment to nation-building through the development of the sports industry and has remained innovative with sustained sponsorship. The bank’s sponsorship of the Georgian Cup is legendary. Moreover, it remains the only financial institution in Nigeria to sponsor football and basketball clubs within the national leagues for decades.”
    FirstBank is also nominated in two other categories: Sports Sponsor of the Year and Sports Event of the Year.
    The awards ceremony will be held at the prestigious Lagos Country Club, Ikeja GRA, bringing together key stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate excellence in sports.
  • Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur : Richarlison fires home late equalizer for Spurs

    Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur : Richarlison fires home late equalizer for Spurs

    *Richarlison scored a late equaliser for Tottenham on Sunday.

    Richarlison’s 90th-minute equaliser earned Tottenham’s under-fire interim head coach Igor Tudor a stay of execution with a 1-1 draw at Anfield as Liverpool conceded another late goal to dent their Champions League qualification hopes.

    Substitute Randal Kolo Muani held off Virgil van Dijk to roll a pass for the Brazil international to slot past international team-mate Alisson Becker and have Tudor punching the air as he ran out of his technical area to celebrate his first point in his five matches.

    The result hardly strengthened the Croatian’s position as they remain in deep trouble but it did move Spurs a point above the relegation zone.

    Boos which rang around Anfield at the final whistle after Richarlison’s fifth goal at Anfield highlighted the level of discontent at another underwhelming performance from Arne Slot’s side after taking a first-half lead.

    Goalkeeping issues cost Tottenham again them with Guglielmo Vicario failing to adequately deal with Dominik Szoboszlai’s 18th-minute free-kick.

    Vicario had been restored to the starting line-up after Tudor’s decision to start Antonín Kinsky against Atletico Madrid in the midweek Champions League contest ended with him being substituted after 17 minutes having been at fault for two of three goals.

    If there was any defence for the Italian goalkeeper, and there was little, it was that Szoboszlai has now scored four direct free-kick goals in the Premier League this season.

    It is the most by a Liverpool player in a single campaign with only David Beckham (2000-01) and Laurent Robert (2001-02) — both scoring five — having managed more and the Hungary captain is now responsible for a quarter of all free-kick goals in the league this season.

    But frustrations rose at the lack of open-play chances and that turned into anger when former Everton forward Richarlison equalised in front of the Kop.

    Slot has to answer more questions about another sub-par display. Although the point moved them fifth place they failed to capitalise on Chelsea’s defeat on Saturday.

    There was an air of tension inside Anfield and that seemed to extend to Tudor, who appeared to confuse Tottenham’s bald-headed player liaison officer Allan Dixon for Slot on the touchline, greeting the club’s member of staff with a friendly arm around his waist before walking over to the home dugout.

    But the anxiety was also felt on the pitch, where Slot had opted for pace on both flanks, handing 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha his first Premier League start and preferring Jeremie Frimpong to the out-of-form Mohamed Salah.

    Based on some of the individual performances in the Champions League defeat to Galatasaray Salah, Ibrahima Konaté, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike could have no complaints about being left out.

    Spurs’ injury and suspension problems meant they were without 12 players, including their first-choice centre-back pairing, and could name only seven substitutes, of which only two were senior outfield players.

    Szoboszlai eased the nerves with another 25-yard special which Vicario got a full hand to but could not keep out. He did better in tipping Ryan Gravenberch’s strike onto the post.

    But Richarlison, playing alongside Dominic Solanke up front, was proving a nuisance with three good chances either side of half-time.

    Ngumoha, who took his time to get into the game, had a rare shot across the goal but in his television commentary former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said his old team were “sleepwalking” through the game.

    The triple substitution of Salah, Ekitike and Curtis Jones failed to energise them and Tottenham seized on that vulnerability to snatch a point.

  • Senegal beat Morocco silly last Night, lift second AFCON trophy

    Senegal beat Morocco silly last Night, lift second AFCON trophy

    ​Senegal defeated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) host, Morocco 1-0 on Sunday night to win the tournament for the second time in their history.

    ​The Teranga Lions secured their only previous trophy during the 2021 edition held in Cameroon.

    ​The first half of the encounter ended in a stalemate, with both sides failing to breach one another’s defence.

    ​However, the Senegal players stormed off the pitch after a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco deep in stoppage time.

    ​Eventually, play resumed, but Brahim Diaz—while taking the spot-kick—attempted a Panenka which didn’t come off well, as Edouard Mendy saved the penalty.

    ​Pape Gueye eventually settled the match in extra time to ensure the West African nation emerged victorious.

    Credit-The Niche

  • Kano State Government Unveils Cycling Kano 2025 Jersey Ahead of Saturday’s Event

    Kano State Government Unveils Cycling Kano 2025 Jersey Ahead of Saturday’s Event

    L-R: Mr Ahmed Abdulrazaq, Project Coordinator, Cycling Kano; Mr Sani Musa Danja, Senior Special Adviser to Kano State Governor on Sports and Youth Development and Mr Bamidele Adeleye, Managing Director, BrandEscort Communications at the unveiling of Cycling Kano 2025 Jersey, in Kano on Wednesday December 17, 2025.
    The Kano State Government on Wednesday officially unveiled the Cycling Kano 2025 jersey ahead of the highly anticipated cycling event scheduled for Saturday December 20, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to sports development, youth engagement, and the promotion of healthy living across the state.
    The unveiling ceremony, held at the office of the Senior Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sani Musa Danja, showcased the vibrant jersey design and colours, which reflect Kano State’s rich cultural heritage, unity, and enduring passion for sports. The jersey will be worn by participants during Saturday’s event, which is expected to attract cyclists, sports enthusiasts, and spectators from across the state and beyond.
    Speaking at the unveiling, Mr. Danja described the Cycling Kano initiative as a key component of the state government’s broader strategy to promote grassroots sports development and encourage an active and healthy lifestyle among residents.
    “Cycling Kano is more than a sporting event; it is a movement that promotes wellness, discipline, and community bonding. The jersey symbolizes our shared identity and our resolve to position Kano as a hub for sporting excellence,” he said.
    The Kano State Government commended sponsors, partners, and stakeholders for their support in making the event a reality and urged residents to turn out in large numbers to participate and cheer on the cyclists.
    Saturday’s event is scheduled to commence at 7:00 a.m. from the Emir’s Palace in Kano, with adequate security and medical arrangements in place to ensure a safe and successful outing.
    Cycling Kano is a state-backed initiative aimed at promoting cycling as a competitive sport, a means of physical fitness, and an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, while fostering unity and youth empowerment across Kano State.
    The 2025 edition of the event, scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 20, 2025, is sponsored by the Kano State Government, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, and NNPC, with additional support from Peak Yogurt and CWAY.
  • Zenith Bank rolls out drums for D’Tigress, rewards team with N200m

    Zenith Bank rolls out drums for D’Tigress, rewards team with N200m

    Sponsors of the Women National Basketball League, Zenith Bank Plc, on Tuesday at a reception held at their Abuja head office in Maitama, rolled out the drums for the victorious D’Tigress of Nigeria after the team secured a record-breaking 5th back-to-back AfroBasket title. The bank rewarded the team with N200m.

    Each of the players will receive N10m which will be paid into their Zenith Bank accounts while the technical crew and others will share the remaining.

    D’Tigress, after beating Mali 78-64 in the final played in Abidjan on Sunday arrived the country on Monday afternoon and were hosted by President, Bola Tinubu, where they were rewarded with National Honours of OON and cash rewards.

    After sponsoring the national women league for 18 years with some of the players in the past title winning team going through the league as two of the current team, Murjanatu Musa, the MVP of the Air Warriors team that won the league title in 2022 and Ifunnaya Okoro with the current coach of the team, Rena Wakama, also participating in the league as a player with First Bank Women Basketball team.

    Present at the reception were some of Zenith Bank’s Executive Directors, who expressed their appreciation to the D’Tigress for making the country proud. They are Adobi Nwapa, Akin Ogunranti, Henry Oroh and Louis Odom.

    The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, President of the NBBF, Musa Kida and some of his board members were also at the colourful event

    While appreciating the D’Tigress for a job well done, the GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji OON, said the outfit would continue to support the women basketball in Nigeria as they look forward to the team excelling at the world stage.

    “Your victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket is not just a win for Nigeria, it is a win for African sports,” she said.

    “At Zenith Bank, we celebrate your victory – not just as supporters, but as longstanding partners in the development of women’s basketball in Nigeria.

    “I hereby reaffirm Zenith Bank’s steadfast commitment to advancing women’s basketball and promoting sports development across Nigeria.”

    Responding to the kind gesture, the captain of the team and the Most Valuable Player of the AfroBasket, Amy Okonkwo, on behalf of the team, appreciated the financial institution for doing a lot for women basketball in the country.

    Picture above shows L-R: Executive Director, Mr. Henry Oroh; Executive Director; Mr. Louis Odom; D’Tigress Captain, Amy Okonkwo; President, NBBF, Engr. Musa Kida; Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Zenith Bank Plc., Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON; Head Coach, D’Tigress, Rena Wakama; Executive Director, Mrs. Adobi Nwapa and Executive Director, Mr. Akin Ogunranti during the reception hosted by Zenith Bank to celebrate D’Tigress’ 2025 Afrobasket Women’s Championship triumph in Abuja.

  • Portugal Football Club Signs on 19-Year-Old Nigerian- born Footballer, Yaqub Usman-Malah

    Portugal Football Club Signs on 19-Year-Old Nigerian- born Footballer, Yaqub Usman-Malah

    Brito Sporting Club of Portugal, a football club founded in 1956, has signed an official contract with a United Kingdom-based highly-talented, young Nigeria-born footballer, Yaqub Usman-Malah.

    The official unveiling of the young promising footballer was carried out on Saturday, January 4, 2025.

    Yaqub, born in Nigeria in 2006, is a budding Nigerian talent with unquantifiable promise and potential.

    Prior to his official contract with Brito Sporting Club of Portugal, he was a student and a trainee player with the Brooke College Football Academy in the United Kingdom.

    At Brooke College Football Academy, Yaqub had an impressive goal average of 17 goals in 32 matches with no injuries in 116 training days, cumulating into 2, 270 minutes of on-field action.

    A clear testimony of his outstanding performance at the Academy was provided by the lead coach of the Under-17B team Yaqub played with.

    The lead coach, Tomasz Wasylik, described Yaqub as a ‘well-liked person’ and a role model to his teammates due to his professionalism and unmatched work rate.

    The Lead Coach further stated that Yaqub has played in National School Cup competitions against other colleges and programmes in the 2023/2024 session and is a good ‘tactical player’, ‘technically good” and can ‘play in multiple positions on the field’.

    It is expected that Yaqub will live to the potential and promise identified by Coach Tomasz Wasylik of the Brooke College Football Academy and achieve greatness in his new club.

    “While looking forward to the display of his unarguable skills and boundless stamina, we wish Yaqub a successful career and a place in the halls of football greatness across the globe,” Yaqub’s father, Mr Usman Malah said in a statement issued to the media, on Wednesday 8, 2025.