Sports
Dignitaries Gather in Lagos to Honour NFSC Chairman’s Late Mother, Remember Father
Lagos is currently playing host to high-profile dignitaries, sports stakeholders, foreign envoys, and business leaders who have stormed the city to pay their respects to the family of Reverend Samuel Ikpea, National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), in honour of his late mother and in remembrance of his late father.
The funeral of Mrs. Alice Ikpea, who passed away on November 2, 2024, and the remembrance of Mr. Patrick Agbadamasi Ikpea, who died in January 1990, will be jointly celebrated on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
The combined ceremony will be held at Nebo Hall, Nigeria Army Ordnance Corps, beside Albati Barracks, Ojuelegba, Surulere, Lagos, with events expected to commence promptly at 12 noon.
Legacy of Service and Faith
Late Mrs. Alice Ikpea, born on June 7, 1940, hailed from Igata, Iddo of Okpella, Edo State. She passed away after a brief illness and was laid to rest 24 hours later, in accordance with her personal wish.
Her husband, Mr. Patrick Agbadamasi Ikpea, who was born on March 14, 1935, was a respected medical practitioner. He served meritoriously at Sapele and the General Hospital in Agbede, Edo State. Known for his deep commitment to humanitarian service and Christian values, he left an enduring legacy in his community.
The late Patrick was born into the illustrious Ikpea dynasty of Ehanlen, Ewu, Edo State, and was widely celebrated for his acts of philanthropy and devotion to faith.
A Son’s Tribute
Speaking ahead of the event, Reverend Samuel Ikpea, the organiser and one of the surviving children, expressed heartfelt gratitude and admiration for his parents.
“My parents lived a good life and served God according to the teachings of Jesus Christ,” he said.
“I have no regrets having both of them as my parents. If I come to this world again, I will want to come through them, if God permits,” the NFSC National Chairman stated.
Community and Global Recognition
The event has attracted significant attention not just because of the family’s legacy, but also due to Reverend Samuel Ikpea’s prominent role in Nigerian football and national development. His position as National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club has earned him goodwill and admiration within the sports community and beyond.
Several sports stakeholders, including former athletes and administrative figures, are expected at the event, alongside international guests and prominent family members.
About the Ikpea Dynasty
The Ikpea family is widely known across Edo State and Nigeria for its contributions to public service, healthcare, and sports. The upcoming event is both a celebration of life and a moment of reflection for a lineage that continues to impact lives across generations.
Sports
Wema Bank Clinches Fourth Consecutive Victory at Nigeria Bankers Game 2025
Wema Bank has extended its dominance in corporate sports after emerging the overall winner of the Nigeria Bankers Game (NBG) 2025 for the fourth consecutive year.
The bank topped the tournament with nine gold medals, securing victories in table tennis, volleyball, scrabble, video games and women’s track events.
The latest win cements Wema Bank’s reputation as the most successful institution in the competition’s recent history.
Why it matters
The Nigeria Bankers Game is one of the banking industry’s biggest employee-engagement and wellness tournaments.
Winning four times in a row strengthens Wema Bank’s internal brand, builds staff morale and positions the institution as a leading force in workplace sports culture.
The achievement also coincides with the bank’s 80th anniversary, giving the milestone a symbolic impact.
Tournament highlights
The bank’s gold-medal portfolio included:
Table Tennis (Female Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles)
Volleyball
Scrabble
Video Games
100m Female
200m Female
4x100m Female Relay
Wema Bank’s Oluwaseun Adewunmi was also named the Overall Outstanding Athlete of the 2025 edition.
Corporate reaction
Wema Bank CEO Moruf Oseni described the victory as a landmark moment for the institution.
“Wema Bank Plc has once again won the Nigerian Bankers Games title for the fourth consecutive year. This remarkable feat sets a new benchmark in the Nigerian banking industry,” he said.
“As we commemorate 80 years of impact and service, this victory carries even deeper meaning for us as an institution.”
He praised the team’s commitment:
“Your dedication to training and your stellar performance across all events showcased the absolute best of our institution. This championship confirms that Wema Bank is a powerhouse where excellence is the standard.”
Athlete’s reaction
Overall Outstanding Athlete, Oluwaseun Adewunmi, said the recognition was a proud moment.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award. This achievement is a shared victory that belongs to my teammates and everyone who supported us.”
She added that the bank’s support system made the win possible.
Industry reactions
Sports analysts say Wema Bank’s sustained dominance reflects consistent investment in staff training and workplace wellness programmes.
Human-resource specialists note that competitive corporate sports can improve teamwork, reduce stress and raise productivity.
What’s next
Wema Bank says it will continue investing in employee wellness and performance culture.
The bank also plans to strengthen its sports development programme ahead of the next NBG tournament.
Sports
Nigeria Police Unveil Mascot and Theme for Asaba 2026 Police Games
The Nigeria Police Force has unveiled the mascot, logo and theme for the 2026 Police Games, set to hold in Asaba, Delta State, marking what officials describe as a renewed commitment to fitness, professionalism and unity within the Force.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the unveiling represented “a renewed spirit” ahead of the 15th edition of the Games.
“We are not just unveiling a mascot; we are unveiling a renewed spirit,” he told guests at the ceremony in Abuja.
The Police Games, one of the Force’s oldest traditions, gather officers from across the country to compete in various sporting categories while promoting discipline, wellness and esprit de corps.
Why It Matters
The IGP said sports had become central to the Force’s effort to build “disciplined, fit and focused” officers capable of delivering quality policing.
“A stronger Police Force begins with stronger officers,” he said, adding that investment in physical and mental readiness remained a priority.
He also praised Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for hosting the Games, describing the state as “a home of sporting excellence.”
The 2026 edition will run under the theme “Beyond the Badge; Excellence in Action!”, with the slogan “Discipline, Dignity and Dedication!”
Governor Oborevwori: Games Will Strengthen National Unity

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said hosting the Games was an honour for his state.
“The Biennial Police Games have become a platform for strengthening camaraderie, discovering talent, and promoting discipline among officers,” he said.
He noted that the logo, mascot and theme symbolise “identity, pride, courage and the shared values that define policing and sportsmanship.”
Delta State, he added, would welcome participants “to an atmosphere of peace, hospitality and celebration.”
Industry Reactions
The event has attracted attention across social platforms, with supporters praising the Force’s renewed commitment to officer development.
What the Mascot Represents
According to the IGP, the mascot embodies the Force’s core values:
courage that protects,
unity that binds,
fitness that strengthens,
and excellence that defines the institution.
“It reminds us that true victory lies in service delivered with discipline, dignity, and dedication to the Nigerian people,” he said.
What’s Next
The Force says preparations are in full swing, with expectations that the 2026 Games will set “new records” for participation and performance.
The Police Sports Planning Committee, led by AIG Fom Pam Joseph, has been tasked with delivering a competition that reflects the Force’s renewed strategic vision.
Sports
Africa Knockout 11 Thrills Lagos as Fearless Energy Drink Backs Rising MMA Stars
The Africa Knockout (AKO) championship, one of the continent’s leading mixed martial arts platforms, staged its 11th edition in Lagos on Saturday — showcasing Africa’s growing presence in global combat sports.
Industry analysts say the event signals the rising commercial and sporting value of MMA in Nigeria, driven by growing youth participation and new corporate investments.
Corporate backing boosts event
This year’s championship was powered by Fearless Energy Drink, a recurring supporter of youth-driven sports initiatives.
The brand says its sponsorship aligns with its vision to “empower bold and ambitious youth activities,” reinforcing AKO’s mission to discover the next generation of African fighters.
A night of intense action in Lagos
Held at La Madison Place in Lekki, the event drew a lively audience eager for high-adrenaline matchups.
The Middleweight headliner between South Africa’s Chad Hanekom and Cameroon’s Jordan Fongno went the full distance, with Fongno taking a narrow split-decision technical victory. The result cements him as one of the division’s rising threats.
In the Featherweight division, Angola’s Tulundat Daniel defeated Ivory Coast’s Bibi Zazah after a tense, three-round contest.
Nigerian fighters dominate multiple divisions
The night also highlighted Nigeria’s increasing footprint in African MMA.
In an all-Nigerian Bantamweight battle, Stephen Akintewe outclassed Jamiu Musa in one of the event’s most competitive pairings.
“I fight to win. I’ll keep pushing myself, and I’m grateful to my coach for his support and guidance,” Akintewe told reporters after the bout.
Nigeria secured another major victory in the Lightweight category, where Pelejah Osoba triumphed over Equatorial Guinea’s Lonan Fanghamou.
“I am very happy to win this fight and will build on this momentum,” Osoba said.
Another all-Nigerian Bantamweight contest saw Peter Onuh defeat Eberechukwu Ibeh, giving the local crowd another reason to cheer.
Industry reactions
Sports analysts say AKO continues to “deepen the Nigerian MMA talent pipeline,” attracting scouts, sponsors and new audiences.
Some MMA commentators on social media described the event as “one of Africa’s most entertaining nights of combat this year.”
What’s next
Organisers say AKO will intensify its talent development programmes in 2026, with more regional qualifying bouts and international partnerships expected.
Analysts believe the sport is on track to become one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing youth entertainment sectors — if strategic investments continue.
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