By Njoku Chijioke

Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, have arrived in Cairo, Egypt, as they gear up for a spirited campaign at the seventeenth Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

Led by Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu, the team touched down at Cairo International Airport on Sunday and checked into Jewel Sports City and Aqua Resort.

Their first training session was scheduled for Monday evening.

As part of their final preparations, the Flying Eagles will lock horns with Egypt’s Young Pharaohs in a friendly match today, offering the Nigerian side a valuable test before the tournament kicks off.

The Flying Eagles begin their quest for continental glory on May 1 against Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.

Group stage matches will unfold between April 27 and May 18, with the tournament serving as a pathway to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.

Only four teams will qualify to represent Africa at the global showdown taking place from September 27 to October 19.

With seven continental titles already in the bag, Nigeria remains the most decorated side in the history of the competition.

The team is determined to extend its legacy by not only lifting the trophy again but also booking a place among the world’s elite youth teams.

By Adenike Lawal

Abuja will play host to a game-changing event this Saturday, April twenty sixth, as the maiden edition of the Sports Meet Nigeria Conference takes place at Cubana Hotel in Jabi.

The high-powered gathering is set to unite investors, broadcasters, media professionals, marketers, PR experts and other key players across the sports value chain, all driven by one goal — to transform the business of sports in Nigeria.

The conference is the brainchild of Akeola Lukumanu Ayinde, a seasoned sports business consultant, FIFA agent, and boxing promoter.

Ayinde, who doubles as the Chief Executive of ESEM GROUP, envisions a shift from raw passion to structured investment and innovation in the sector.

A major highlight of the day will be the unveiling of his new book, Beyond the Game – Unveiling the Potential of Sports in Nigeria.

Describing it as a wake-up call, Ayinde said the publication urges a bold rethink of sports as a driver of economic growth and national pride.

“This is not just another talk shop,” said Halima Imam, the Event Director. “It is a serious platform for forging partnerships that will deliver real value to Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.”

Creative Director Musa Sunusi Ahmad added that the event will bridge creativity and commerce.

“To grow globally, Nigeria needs both the artistic energy and business strategy in sports,” he said.

The conference promises keynote addresses, expert panels, networking, and opportunities for groundbreaking deals — all aimed at unlocking the vast potential within Nigeria’s sports industry.

By Adenike Lawal

Nigerian chess maestro and education advocate, Tunde Onakoya, has set a new global milestone by breaking the world record for the longest chess marathon, playing continuously for over 61 hours in New York City’s iconic Times Square.

Onakoya, 30, alongside his playing partner, US chess master Shawn Martinez, surpassed the previous record of 56 hours and 9 minutes set by Norwegian duo Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2024.

He is now aiming for 70 hours of uninterrupted gameplay to crown the historic feat.

Announcing the record-breaking moment on social media, Onakoya declared: “For all the dreamers! We’ve officially BROKEN THE RECORD with my brother.” But beyond the record, his message was clear—it is a campaign for hope and education.

The chess marathon is part of a bold fundraising campaign to build the largest free preschool in Africa for homeless children, under the banner of his nonprofit, Chess in Slums Africa.

The initiative has drawn global support, including backing from Afrobeats icon Davido and Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

Despite battling fatigue, Onakoya remained focused. “The hardest part isn’t the lack of sleep—it’s carrying the weight of so many dreams. But that’s also the fuel,” he shared.

Onakoya’s rise from a Lagos barbershop where he first learned chess, to global acclaim, has inspired millions.

His mission remains the same—turning one chessboard into a million dreams.

While official confirmation from Guinness World Records is awaited, the world is already celebrating a new symbol of African excellence and purpose-driven resilience.