by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 12, 2025 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana, Nigeria, Other Sports
The stage is set for a thrilling showdown at the 10th Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championship, after swimming powerhouse South Africa confirmed its participation in the event scheduled for October 16–19 at the Kasarani Aquatic Centre in Nairobi.
Their entry has been hailed as a “game-changer” by the Local Organising Committee, with chairperson and Africa Aquatics executive member Heize Kahindo noting that the presence of South Africa will elevate the competition to new heights.
> “We are delighted to welcome South Africa. Their swimmers will push the level of competition even higher and inspire others to achieve their personal bests,” Kahindo said.
The Nairobi championship is expected to attract top talent across the continent. Invitations have already gone out to other aquatic giants including Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Ghana, and Namibia. If they confirm, the event could become the most competitive in the championship’s history.
So far, confirmed teams include Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea, Benin, and hosts Kenya, who will field two squads in front of home fans.
Adding to the excitement, Kenya will host another major event, the Africa Junior and Senior Championships in Mombasa from October 21–24. Hosting back-to-back competitions is seen as a major endorsement of Kenya’s progress in overcoming past governance challenges within the sport.
The twin events carry a combined budget of Sh46 million, with Kahindo calling on government and private sector partners to step in with financial support. He emphasized that beyond medals, swimming can inspire youth, engage communities, and contribute to the economy.
> “Sport is a multi-billion-dollar industry with the power to change lives. This championship is more than a competition — it’s a chance to inspire a generation,” Kahindo added.
The championships will also welcome high-profile guests, including Africa Aquatics President Mohammed Diop and other global swimming dignitaries.
With home support and an emerging pool of talent, Kenya is optimistic about making a strong statement in the pool.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 12, 2025 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, International, USA
American sprint sensation Erriyon Knighton, once tipped by Usain Bolt as a potential world record breaker, has been handed a four-year ban from athletics after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld an appeal against his earlier no-fault ruling.
The 21-year-old, who competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics and finished fourth in the men’s 200m final, tested positive for a metabolite of the banned steroid trenbolone just before the U.S. Olympic trials. Despite being provisionally suspended in April 2024, Knighton was cleared by an arbitrator who ruled the substance likely entered his system through contaminated oxtail consumed at a Florida restaurant.
However, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), supported by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and World Athletics, appealed the decision, arguing Knighton’s explanation lacked proof and was statistically implausible. CAS agreed, stating there was no evidence to support the contamination claim, and ruled that he must now serve a four-year ban effective September 12, 2025.
This sanction sidelines the rising star until July 2029, forcing him to miss the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—a devastating blow for a sprinter once seen as the next big thing in global athletics.
Notably, CAS rejected calls to annul Knighton’s results from March 2024 onwards, meaning he will keep his fourth-place finish at Paris 2024.
Usain Bolt, who praised Knighton’s 19.49s personal best in the 200m back in 2022, had spoken highly of the American prodigy just last year on the Obi One Podcast:
> “He’s only just turning 20. He had my attention for a while. But it’s all about developing the talent. You need the right coach to nurture and build that talent.”
For now, however, Knighton’s career faces a long and uncertain pause, with the athletics world left wondering if he will ever fulfil the promise that once drew the admiration of the greatest sprinter in history.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 12, 2025 | Africa, Athletics
After a seven-year break, the famous Two Countries Marathon is back – stronger, bigger, and with a renewed mission to unite South Africa and Zimbabwe through sport.
On Friday, 20 September, the Bushveld will once again come alive as runners from across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and abroad gather for the marathon’s 21st edition. The event offers something for everyone: a 42km marathon, 21km half-marathon, 10km run, and a 5km fun run.
The flagship 42km race carries a unique charm. Participants are transported by bus to the Zimbabwean starting line, before racing their way across the border back into South Africa. For this once-in-a-lifetime experience, athletes are required to pre-enter and carry valid passports.
But this marathon is about more than pounding pavements and chasing medals. Organisers say it’s a celebration of people-to-people ties, a showcase of regional unity, and a shining example of what can be achieved when governments, communities, and the private sector join hands.
The race is spearheaded by the Limpopo Provincial Government through the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, in partnership with Matabeleland Province in Zimbabwe, the Soutpansberg Athletics Club, and the Trans-Limpopo Spatial Development Initiative (TLSDI), with crucial backing from private sponsors.
Local businesses in Musina are bracing for a welcome tourism boost, as athletes and supporters fill hotels, restaurants, and shops. Authorities have also committed to restoring the marathon as an annual sporting highlight, ensuring it grows year after year.
To add to the excitement, athletes will compete for R121,500 in prize money. Entry fees are set at R250 (42km), R150 (21km), R80 (10km), and R30 (5km fun run).
For more information, contact Ferreira Nel at (082) 749-0413 or Anel Roets at (072) 989-0769.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 12, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
In the wake of Nigeria’s faltering 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, the outspoken proprietor of Gabros International FC and former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) vice chairman, Chief Gabriel Chukwuma, has called for the immediate resignation of the federation’s leadership, insisting the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes are over.
Chukwuma, a long-time voice in Nigerian football, recalled that he had warned the Glass House months ago about the dangers of ignoring the need for a world-class coach. He even offered to contribute financially to secure such an appointment, but his plea was brushed aside.
Instead, he says, the NFF chose “business as usual” — prioritizing personal interests over results.
> “They deceived President Tinubu and Nigerians into believing the World Cup ticket was within reach,” Chukwuma lamented. “Look at a team boasting Victor Osimhen, a former African Footballer of the Year, and Ademola Lookman, the reigning one, yet they could hardly score five goals or win at home. Nigeria has talent, but they don’t play as a team.”
The veteran football administrator did not hold back, slamming NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and his board for presiding over multiple failures, from the U-17 and U-20 sides to the CHAN Eagles and now the flagship Super Eagles.
According to him, excuses about injuries and disrupted game plans — like coach Eric Chelle’s recent remarks after the South Africa defeat — are simply “stories to mask failure.”
> “Nigeria never had a coach ab initio. Anybody who is defeated must always find excuses. But after more than a year of preparation, blaming injuries is unacceptable.”
Chukwuma urged the Federal Government to stop “wasting funds” on what he described as a dead project, arguing that true accountability requires the NFF leadership to step aside.
> “If this were overseas, Gusau and his men would have resigned long ago. We must remove sentiments and call a spade a spade. Nigeria needs structure, discipline, and a world-class coach — not people who see football as a money-sharing venture.”
For him, the Super Eagles’ dream of appearing at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada is already gone — and the earlier Nigerians accept that reality, the better.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 12, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has described her nomination for the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or as nothing short of a miracle, marking a historic moment for African women’s football.
At just 24, Nnadozie has become the first African female goalkeeper to be shortlisted for the prestigious award, a recognition of her brilliance for both Paris FC and the Nigerian national team.
Her journey to this milestone has been remarkable. Earlier this year, she guided Paris FC to victory in the Coupe de France Féminine before bidding farewell to the French side in May. On the international stage, she stood tall between the sticks as Nigeria clinched a record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco. Her commanding displays not only secured Nigeria’s crown but also earned her the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.
Reflecting on her achievement, Nnadozie told BBC Sport:
> “It is a miracle for me. It shows that all the hard work, dedication and everything I’ve been doing in the past has been worth it.”
Nnadozie’s nomination is seen as a symbol of hope and inspiration, proving that African women footballers can now compete among the very best on the global stage.
