Sports
Grand Opening of 13th African Games at University of Ghana Sports Stadium Unites Continent in Celebration of Sports and Culture
The University of Ghana Sports Stadium radiated with the vibrant colors and infectious energy of African unity as the curtains were raised on the grand spectacle of the 13th African Games.
With 54 nations participating and jostling for supremacy in 29 different sports, the stage was set for an electrifying display of athletic prowess, cultural richness, and the enduring spirit of sportsmanship.
The opening ceremony, held amidst a backdrop of continental unity, love, and the collective spirit of competition, showcased the diversity and richness of African culture. From captivating traditional dances to awe-inspiring displays of artistic talent, attendees were treated to a visual feast that underscored the unique heritage and shared values of the continent.
Adding to the excitement of the occasion were special musical performances by some of Africa’s most celebrated artists. Icons such as Shatta Wale, King Promise, Path Thomas, Ebo Taylor, and Kamo Mphela electrified the atmosphere with their soul-stirring melodies, further igniting the passion and enthusiasm of the crowd.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were His Excellency, President Nana Akufo-Addo, and the Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif. In his remarks, Minister Ussif emphasized that beyond the pursuit of victory, the African Games serve as a joyous celebration of African sports, culture, and values.
“We stand here today not only as competitors but as ambassadors of unity and excellence,” remarked Minister Ussif. “Ghana, as the proud host of these games, extends its hand in friendship to all participating nations. May the spirit of camaraderie and fair play guide us as we embark on this exhilarating journey together.”
As the games officially commenced, Minister Ussif extended his heartfelt wishes for success to all participating countries, urging them to savor every moment of the competition and embrace the opportunity to forge lasting bonds of friendship and mutual respect.
The 13th African Games promises to be a celebration of athleticism, culture, and the enduring spirit of the African continent. As athletes from across the region converge to showcase their talents and compete for glory, the world watches in anticipation of the extraordinary feats and unforgettable moments that lie ahead.
Sports
Plateau Vipers, Benue Queens Crowned Champions at HFN North Central Division One Tourney
Joel Ajayi
The President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Jibril Seidu, has said the federation will continue to intensify its grassroots talent development drive through zonal competitions across the country.
Seidu stated this on Saturday in Abuja at the finals of the 2026 North Central Division One Handball Championship, where Plateau Vipers defeated Suleja Shooters 29-24 to emerge champions in the men’s category.
In the women’s final, Benue Queens of Makurdi defeated City Queens of Suleja to claim the title.
The eight-day tournament featured teams from across the North Central Zone, with Plateau Vipers of Jos, Confluence Stars of Lokoja, Unity Boys of Abuja, Suleja Shooters and Nasarawa Ambassadors of Lafia competing in the men’s category.
In the women’s category, Nuela Handball Academy of Ilorin, Inikpi Babes of Idah, Benue Queens of Makurdi and City Queens of Suleja competed for honours.
At the end of the competition, four teams — two male and two female — emerged as the North Central Zone’s representatives for the national Division One league.
According to Seidu, the tournament was organised as part of the federation’s deliberate strategy to take handball development back to the regions and discover talents that might otherwise remain unnoticed.
He said the HFN board, inaugurated on October 25, 2025, resolved that grassroots development was essential to creating a sustainable pipeline of players for national and international competitions.
“All the teams you have seen here are from the North Central Zone of the country, and every state is represented with an academy or state team,” he said.
Seidu explained that the new approach marked a departure from the previous system, where talent identification was largely centred on the federation’s major league competitions.
He said taking competitions to the regions would provide young players with greater opportunities to showcase their abilities while strengthening the foundation of handball across the country.
The HFN president also linked the grassroots initiative to Nigeria’s recent achievements in international handball, stressing the need to develop younger players who can eventually replace members of the current national teams.
He noted that Nigeria had qualified for the 2027 Men’s Junior Handball World Championship in North Macedonia, describing the achievement as evidence of the potential within the country’s handball system.
“How do we replace these players with upcoming players? This is the avenue for us to get players,” he said.
Seidu added that the federation was determined to make handball more visible and accessible, describing it as one of Nigeria’s major sporting disciplines with significant potential for growth.
The North Central tournament is part of a wider zonal programme designed to decentralise handball development across Nigeria.
According to the federation, similar competitions are being organised across other zones, including the South East, North East, North West and South South, with qualifiers from each zone expected to converge at a designated venue for the next stage of the competition.
The federation also appealed for greater support from sponsors, stakeholders and state associations to sustain its grassroots development programme.
It expressed appreciation to the participating states, academies, team sponsors and other stakeholders for their support and commitment to the growth of handball in Nigeria.
The federation said the initiative would provide a platform for discovering the next generation of Nigerian handball stars while expanding the sport’s reach beyond its traditional centres.
While Speaking the elated coach of Benue Queen Godwin Tondo has promised a stronger and more tactical performance after guiding the team to victory at the 2026 North Central Division One Handball Championship in Abuja.
He attributed the success to the team’s long-term youth development programme, noting that the squad was built through a deliberate process of identifying and nurturing young talents.
According to him, the programme began with the selection of 92 girls from secondary schools, who were subsequently trained and developed over a four-year period.
He said the team’s success was a product of sustained hard work and commitment despite the challenges encountered during preparations for the tournament.
“I feel very pleased being a champion today. The road to this stage was very, very hard, but I am very happy that we have got the result from all the toughness of the game,” he said.
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