Sports

IKF Honours Cross River Governor Otu for Sports Development

Published

1 month ago

October 6, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) has honoured Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, with its International Recognition Award for Sports Development in recognition of his contributions to sports and the growth of Kabaddi in the state.

In a letter dated September 15, 2026, the world governing body commended Governor Otu for his leadership and sustained support for sporting activities, particularly his encouragement of athletes and efforts to promote Kabaddi in Cross River.

The award is scheduled to be presented to the governor during the International Delegates Meet on October 29, as part of activities marking the Kabaddi Commonwealth Championship in India.

The championship is scheduled to hold from October 21 to 30, 2026.

In an invitation signed by its President, Vinod Kumar Tiwari, the IKF expressed hope that Governor Otu would attend the championship and personally receive the award.

The international recognition highlights the growing attention to Cross River State’s sports development initiatives and its efforts to create opportunities for young athletes.

It also reflects the state’s increasing engagement with Kabaddi, a sport that continues to gain international recognition and participation.

The award is expected to further strengthen the relationship between Cross River State and the international Kabaddi community while highlighting the importance of sustained investment in grassroots sports development.

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Sports

Drogba, Amuneke, Eguavoen Lead African Legends’ Arrival in Lagos

Published

12 hours ago

November 7, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With just one day to the much-anticipated Legends of Africa Football Game, Ivorian football icon Didier Drogba has arrived in Lagos, joining an impressive assembly of former African internationals already in the city ahead of Sunday’s star-studded encounter.

Drogba’s arrival further heightens anticipation for the game, which will bring together some of the continent’s most celebrated football figures at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

Also in Lagos are Nigerian football greats Mobi Oparaku, Emmanuel Amuneke, Emmanuel Babayaro, Garba Lawal, Austin Eguavoen and Mutiu Adepoju, alongside other members of the legendary Super Eagles generations of 1994 and 1996.

The African contingent also features distinguished names including Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor, Senegal’s El-Hadji Diouf, Ghana’s Stephen Appiah and Cameroon’s Rigobert Song, among other former international stars.

The excitement will extend beyond the legends’ reunion, with popular Nigerian entertainers and celebrities preparing for a special Celebrity Match as part of the event. Yhemolee, Sheggz, Jeriq, Teddy A and Charles Okocha are among the personalities set to feature in the celebrity fixture, scheduled to begin at 1:30pm.

The Celebrity Match will form part of a wider programme of activities designed to give fans a full day of football, entertainment and celebration before the main legends’ fixture, which kicks off at 5pm. Gates open at 1:30pm.

Organized by Toptier Sports Management in collaboration with Afreximbank and CANEX as part of CANEX WKND 2026, the game will feature 15 Nigerian legends taking on 13 African icons in a celebration of the players whose achievements helped shape the history of football on the continent.

Beyond the match, the programme includes a football clinic involving 500 young players, entertainment and special recognition for the heroes of African football.

The Legends of Africa Football Game promises a memorable gathering of football royalty, bringing together generations of fans to celebrate the enduring legacy of the continent’s finest players.

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