• Why Financial, Energy, Bakery Giants Rally Behind Landmark Tournament.

Top financial and energy institutions, including First Bank, the United Bank for Africa (UBA), and AITEO Group, have thrown their weight behind the South West Games 2025, solidifying the tournament’s status as a force for youth empowerment and regional development. Their support marks a major investment in grassroots sports, reinforcing the role of athletics in economic growth, tourism, and job creation.

The South West Games 2025 is a game-changing initiative poised to unearth exceptional talent and drive sustainable socio-economic transformation in the region. With corporate giants such as First Bank, UBA, and AITEO Group backing the tournament, it is set to redefine the landscape of sports in Nigeria. Beyond athletic excellence, it will spur investments in tourism, commerce, and job creation.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the President of the Organizing Committee, Akogun Lanre Alfred, stated that their endorsement signals a strong corporate commitment to the development of sports as a vehicle for social and economic advancement.

Alfred emphasized the profound impact of this support, stating, “With corporate giants such as AITEO, First Bank, UBA, and OldEnglish Bakery, rallying behind this initiative, the South West Games 2025 is set to reshape the landscape of Nigerian sports. Beyond the competitive spirit, the tournament will stimulate investment, create employment opportunities, and elevate Nigeria’s status on the global sporting stage.”

According to Alfred, the South West Games 2025 will serve as a vital platform for discovering and nurturing young talent while fostering economic vibrancy across various sectors. “This is more than a sporting event; it is a movement that will drive business opportunities, promote regional tourism, and empower a new generation of athletes,” he added.

The COO of OldEnglish Bakery, Adebowale Odesola , expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that, “The South West Games 2025 will create opportunities for young athletes while stimulating economic activities across multiple sectors. Beyond the competition, it will drive business opportunities, support local enterprises, and foster youth development.”

“This is more than just a tournament; it is an avenue for transformation. The synergy between corporate organizations and sports stakeholders will ensure that the South West Games 2025 sets a new benchmark for excellence. We are proud to be part of this historic initiative, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the region,” Odesola added.

According to him, the inclusion of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games (BATSWAG) is a visionary initiative that will accelerate grassroots sports development and provide a platform for young Nigerians to achieve global recognition. “By nurturing young talent, we are not only promoting sports but also securing a brighter future for the next generation of Nigerian athletes,” he remarked.

However, AITEO Group, a leading player in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, is no stranger to sports sponsorship, having been a major supporter of Nigerian football. Its decision to sponsor the South West Games further cements its reputation as a corporate entity invested in grassroots development. By partnering with the tournament, AITEO Group aims to provide young athletes with world-class training facilities and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the South West Games becomes a breeding ground for future national and international champions.

In the same vein, First Bank’s involvement aligns with its long-standing commitment to nation-building and youth empowerment. As Nigeria’s oldest and most trusted financial institution, First Bank recognizes the power of sports in shaping lives, instilling discipline, and opening new frontiers for economic opportunity. By championing this initiative, the bank reaffirms its role in fostering sustainable development through strategic investments in youth-focused programs.

The United Bank for Africa (UBA), renowned for its pan-African reach and dedication to community development, has also thrown its weight behind the tournament. UBA’s sponsorship underscores its mission of enriching lives and creating platforms for young Nigerians to showcase their talents on a grand scale. The bank’s support extends beyond financial backing, as it seeks to empower athletes with financial literacy programs and entrepreneurial opportunities that will secure their futures beyond sports.

The South West Games 2025 will feature 1,200 athletes and 120 officials across multiple sporting disciplines, with one of the major highlights being BATSWAG, a sub-event designed to discover and groom young talents under the age of 18.

Beyond the sporting spectacle, the Games are expected to generate a ripple effect of economic benefits, boosting local businesses, hospitality, tourism, and job creation. The participation of corporate giants such as First Bank, UBA, and AITEO Group further validates the tournament’s economic significance and long-term impact on the region.

The growing list of eminent personalities and institutions that have thrown their weight behind the tournament has served as a remarkable boost to preparations en route to the kickoff date. Other distinguished figures and institutions who have endorsed the initiative include Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba (CFR); Bashorun Dele Momodu, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab; National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Director-General, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe (OON); business magnates, Julius Rone; Solaye Jeremi, legendary footballer, Segun Odegbami (MON); former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick; as well as corporate giants such as UTMFLNG, SPYER Limited and Odu’a Investment.

With excitement building ahead of the March 26th kickoff, the endorsement of the South West Games by corporate titans signals a new era for sports development in Nigeria. As preparations intensify, all eyes are set on what promises to be an unforgettable showcase of talent, resilience, and economic advancement.

Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has been called back to the national team for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, marking his return after several years of absence.

The Nigeria Football Federation released the squad on Tuesday.

Musa, who last played for the Super Eagles before their silver-winning campaign at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, leads the provisional squad announced by newly appointed head coach, Eric Chelle.

The squad also includes in-form Genk striker, Tolu Arokodare, who has been in outstanding form in the Belgian Jupiler League, scoring 15 goals this season.

Arokodare is one of four new players in Chelle’s squad, alongside Anthony Dennis (FC Göztepe), Papa Daniel Mustapha (formerly of Niger Tornadoes), and Slavia Prague’s Igoh Ogbu.

The squad also features the return of Remo Stars goalkeeper, Kayode Bankole, and Southampton forward, Paul Onuachu, as Nigeria aims to revive its qualification prospects.

Currently fifth in Group C, the Super Eagles will face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 and will host Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25.

Goalkeepers:

Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Paralimni, Cyprus); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)

Defenders:

William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Jordan Torunarigha (Gent FC, Belgium); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International)

Midfielders:

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Anthony Dennis (Goztepe SK, Turkey); Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)

Forwards:

Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough FC, England); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Southampton FC, England); Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)

Anuoluwapo Opeyori has claimed the men’s singles title at the 2025 All-African Senior Badminton Championship.

The 27-year-old triumphed over Egypt’s Adham Elgamal in the final on Sunday at the Gymnase de Japoma in Douala, Cameroon.

Opeyori dominated the first set with a 21-7 victory, but the Egyptian fought back, making the second set a much harder contest. The second set ended 23-22, with both players giving their all.

This win marks Opeyori’s fifth continental title, having secured the gold in the men’s singles for the last four consecutive years.

Opeyori first won the gold in 2019, and then went on to win the title in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The victory in Cameroon served as redemption for Opeyori following his disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he was eliminated in the group phase.

Opeyori had served as Team Nigeria’s captain during the 33rd Olympiad.

Nigeria was represented by nine other athletes at the All-African Senior Badminton Championship.

In the mixed doubles, Ukeh Deborah and Alhaji Aliyu Shehu bagged a bronze against Egypt, while the men’s doubles pair of Ikechukwu Victor and Emmanuel Joseph earned bronze against Algeria.

The championship took place from February 10 to 16.