Sports
First Lady, CDS, FCT Minister Among Dignitaries to Grace Maiden Kingdom Unity Games Kick-Off Saturday

……As 32 Teams Battle in Football, Basketball, and Volleyball
Joel Ajayi
Abuja will this weekend host a historic sporting spectacle as the maiden Kingdom Unity Games Abuja (KUGA) 2025 kicks off on Saturday, September 6, at 3:00 PM inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The week-long event, running from September 6–13, is a faith-based sports initiative designed to promote peace, unity, and youth development across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring states.
A host of dignitaries are expected at the opening ceremony, led by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who will serve as Guest of Honour.
Also expected are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, among several others.
Speaking at a pre-event press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Convener, Ambassador Solomon Omonokhua, underscored the transformative vision behind the initiative.
“Although rooted in the Christian community, KUGA is open to all—Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths. It is a platform for building national unity, fostering peace, and constructively engaging our youth through sports,” he said.
Ambassador Omonokhua explained that the Games seek to discover and mentor young athletes, create academic and career opportunities, and reduce insecurity by productively engaging young people.
“This event is designed to pull youths off the streets, nurture their talents, and provide platforms for growth—not just for their families, but for society as a whole.
“Sports is a powerful tool for breaking barriers of religion, tribe, and social class. It unites, heals, and empowers. What we are building is more than just a tournament—it’s a movement,” Omonokhua affirmed.
The 2025 edition will feature three major sporting categories: Football: 24 male teams drawn from church es representing five major Christian blocs; Basketball: 16 male and female teams and Volleyball: 16 male and female teams
In total, 32 teams will compete for cash prizes, medals, and branded kits, with additional surprise packages to be unveiled at the closing ceremony.
While KUGA 2025 is currently FCT-based, the long-term goal is to scale it into a full national event by 2026, with participation from all states across Nigeria. The FCT serves as a testbed for nationwide implementation.
Sports
Nigeria Jets Out Tuesday for 2025 Hockey AFCON as Federation President Engr Nkom Backs Teams for Podium Finish

Joel Ajayi
With the 2025 Hockey African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Egypt from October 11 to 18, both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams are set to depart Nigeria on October 7, brimming with confidence and determination to make the nation proud.
The President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Engineer Simon Nkom, speaking after a series of friendly matches at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said the teams’ early preparation and intensive training camps have positioned them for a successful outing in Egypt.
“In sports—whether it’s hockey, handball, or basketball—fitness is key. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to build the players’ strength and resilience ahead of this major competition. This is the African Cup of Nations—the highest level of hockey on the continent. We’ve prepared well, and I’m confident our teams will finish on the podium,” he stated.
Nkom highlighted the significant progress Nigerian hockey has recorded in recent years, noting that the country’s world ranking improved from 56th to 36th, while in Hockey 5s, Nigeria now stands 12th globally.
“A few years ago, people barely knew hockey existed in Nigeria. Today, our women’s team ranks 3rd in Africa, and the men’s team is 4th. This growth is a product of deliberate grassroots development and consistent effort,” he added.
To ensure smooth participation and avoid past challenges of late arrivals at tournaments, the federation has finalized logistics for early departure.
“We’ve made all arrangements for the teams to leave early to acclimatize and play friendly matches before the competition begins. The players are motivated, relaxed, and ready to give their best. By God’s grace, they will return home with their heads held high,” Nkom assured.
The HFN President also lauded the federation’s board members for their commitment and teamwork over the past four years, which he said has greatly contributed to the sport’s steady rise in Nigeria.
Head coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the federation’s support and lauded the players’ work ethic throughout the extended training camp.
“We’ve worked very hard — morning and evening sessions, tactical drills, conditioning. The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” Abdullahi said, adding that the early arrival in Egypt would give Nigeria a crucial psychological and tactical edge.
Men’s team captain, Michael John, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and determination to make history in Egypt.
“We’re perfectly fine — we’ve trained hard and prepared well,” he said. “We’re just waiting for the whistle to blow. By God’s grace, we won’t disappoint our country or those who worked hard to send us there.”
Similarly, women’s team captain, Alfa Cornelius, echoed optimism about the team’s prospects.
“We’ve been camping for over a month, and the coaches have done a wonderful job. We’ve worked hard to match our opponents in both strength and skill. I’m 100% confident that we’ll perform excellently in Egypt,” she said.
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