Category Sports

RYNI News | Blessing Isiuwa
4 August 2025

History was made under the floodlights of the Palais des Sports de Treichville on Sunday night as Nigeria’s women’s basketball juggernaut, D’Tigress, roared past Mali with a commanding 78–64 victory to clinch their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title—and seventh overall, solidifying their reign as the undisputed queens of African basketball.

With this win, D’Tigress not only defended their crown, but carved their name in golden ink—becoming the first team in tournament history to win five back-to-back championships. Their dominance was further underscored by their staggering 29-game winning streak, a run that has remained unbroken since 2017.

A Battle of Fire and Focus

The final was no cakewalk. Mali arrived with vengeance in their eyes and fire in their stride, seizing an early lead to end the first quarter 26–21. Sika Koné and Amina Dembele spearheaded Mali’s offensive charge, threatening to derail Nigeria’s march to history.

But champions are never rattled—they recalibrate. D’Tigress responded with poise, anchored by Murjanatu Musa’s physical presence and Victoria Macaulay’s reliable bench performance. By halftime, the game had evened out at 41–41, setting the stage for a second-half showdown.

Then came the Nigerian surge.

The Queens Strike Back

Amy Okonkwo lit up the scoreboard with 19 points, while floor general Ezinne Kalu delivered a clinic in composure, racking up 20 points and orchestrating the offense with surgical precision. Promise Amukamara and Macaulay provided crucial support, and Musa added timely rebounds and grit in the paint.

A game-defining third quarter saw Nigeria wrestle control with a 20–15 run, capped by a clutch three-point play from Okonkwo. By the fourth, D’Tigress had not only taken the lead but seized the moment—closing out the game with a decisive 17–8 burst that left Mali chasing shadows.

Coach Wakama’s Rising Legacy

At the helm of this relentless squad is Coach Rena Wakama, the trailblazing tactician who, in 2023, became the first woman to lead D’Tigress to a title. Now with back-to-back championships, her legacy is growing just as fast as her team’s legend.

A Nation Applauds

President Bola Tinubu, in a congratulatory message, hailed the team’s discipline, unity, and excellence, stating: “Once again, our daughters have brought glory to Nigeria. They are an inspiration to the continent and a beacon of what is possible through resilience and teamwork.”

As the curtain falls on the 2025 AfroBasket tournament, one thing is undeniable: D’Tigress are not just champions—they are a dynasty in motion.

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RYNI News : By Omotayo Stephen . O
28 July 2025

In an unprecedented celebration of sporting excellence, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has catapulted Nigeria’s Super Falcons into the annals of national pride—bestowing upon each member of the championship-winning squad the coveted Order of the Niger (OON) and a jaw-dropping $100,000 in cash, alongside ₦10 million from the Nigerian Governors Forum.

The honors come in the wake of the Falcons’ historic comeback victory over Morocco at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final—a nail-biting 3–2 triumph that not only sealed Nigeria’s 10th continental title but reignited a nation’s belief in the unyielding power of perseverance.

In a symbolic move that blends valor with reward, Tinubu described the Falcons as “ambassadors of the Nigerian spirit,” lauding their determination and drive as “nothing short of heroic.” The President’s commendation, delivered through spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, celebrated the team’s “unbreakable resolve,” singling them out as “living proof that when Nigerians unite in purpose, victory is inevitable.”

Esther Okoronkwo dazzled as the game’s standout performer—breaking the Moroccan wall with a blistering strike and an assist that paved the way for Jennifer Echegini’s thunderous winner, a half-volley that silenced the Rabat crowd and echoed across Africa.

The nation’s top brass took note.

In a rare show of cross-government solidarity, the Nigerian Governors Forum followed the President’s lead by awarding an additional ₦10 million per player, solidifying the moment as not just a sports victory, but a national movement of gratitude.

Sources at the State House confirm that the team will soon be hosted in Abuja, where President Tinubu will formally confer the OON medals in what promises to be a rousing ceremony of honor, joy, and nationwide celebration.

This moment of glory also brings a strategic pivot: Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in sports as a vehicle for national unity, youth empowerment, and economic growth. With renewed pledges to reform local leagues and attract private sector investment, the Falcons’ triumph may serve as the spark that ignites a golden era for Nigerian sports.

In a country often beleaguered by headlines of hardship, the Super Falcons have handed Nigeria something rare—a victory that’s not just on the pitch, but in the soul of a nation.

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RYNI News : By Blessing Isiuwa
27 July 2025

In a final that had drama, passion, and the raw essence of footballing grit, the Super Falcons of Nigeria delivered one of the most iconic comebacks in African football history, stunning hosts Morocco 3–2 to clinch a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title at the electric Stade Olympique on Saturday night.

Trailing by two goals at the break, surrounded by a sea of red and roars from a fervent Moroccan crowd, Nigeria stared down the barrel of defeat. But what unfolded in the second half was nothing short of poetic — a performance that combined resilience, tactical bravery, and clinical execution, reaffirming Nigeria’s undisputed status as the continent’s queens of the beautiful game.

The Atlas Lionesses, buoyed by a raucous home crowd and the dream of continental glory, came out firing. Skipper Ghizlane Chebbak ignited the stadium in the 12th minute with a stunning strike from distance, leaving goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie rooted. Just over ten minutes later, Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled the lead, calmly slotting home after a precise through ball from Ibtissam Jraidi. At 2–0, it felt like Morocco’s night was destined.

But football, in its unpredictable glory, had other plans.

Enter Esther Okoronkwo, the spark Nigeria desperately needed. A VAR-reviewed handball by Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina handed Nigeria a lifeline in the 62nd minute. Okoronkwo stepped up and converted with icy composure. Game on.

Momentum shifted like a tidal wave. The Falcons began to fly.

In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned architect, threading a delicate pass to Folashade Ijamilusi, who rifled home the equalizer, silencing the stadium and reigniting Nigerian belief.

Then came the climax — the crowning moment. With just two minutes of regulation time left, a well-rehearsed set piece saw Okoronkwo once again at the heart of it, delivering a measured assist to Joe Echegini, who swept home the winner with surgical precision. Bedlam on the Nigerian bench. Tears in the stands. A nation roared, while another wept.

Morocco, gallant in defeat, had hoped to etch their name into African football’s golden book. But their dreams were deferred by a side that refuses to be eclipsed — a side whose DNA is dominance.

This victory was more than just a title. It was a legacy reaffirmed, a statement made: that even amidst a rising tide of challengers, Nigeria still reigns supreme. Ten titles from thirteen tournaments is not just dominance — it’s dynasty.

As the green-and-white confetti rained down and the Super Falcons lifted the trophy once more, one truth rang out from Rabat to Lagos: Legends don’t fade — they rise, they rally, and they reign.

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RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen . O
23 July 2025

In a heart-pounding semi-final clash that will forever echo in the annals of Nigerian football, Michelle Alozie emerged as an unlikely heroine, delivering a 94th-minute stunner that shattered South African hearts and catapulted the Super Falcons into the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The drama began with Rasheedat Ajibade’s clinical penalty just before halftime, a result of a costly handball by South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane. Nigeria went into the break with a slender lead, only for Linda Motlhalo to equalize for Banyana Banyana from the spot midway through the second half, following a foul by Osinachi Ohale.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, extra time seemed inevitable—until Alozie, a defender for Houston Dash, launched a speculative long-range ball into the South African box. It seemed harmless. But the ball took on a life of its own, skipping past defenders and goalkeeper Andile Dlamini before nestling in the net. A stunned silence from the South Africans turned into raucous celebration for Nigeria. The Super Falcons had done it—2-1.

For Alozie, this wasn’t just a goal—it was her first-ever strike at a WAFCON tournament, and what a way to open her account. The timing, the execution, and the impact turned an ordinary play into a moment of legend.

Despite the heartbreak of Gabriela Salgado’s injury late in the game, Nigeria’s grit never wavered. The Falcons stood tall, weathering pressure and capitalizing on a rare late opening to seal one of their most dramatic wins in recent memory.

Now, with a record-extending 10th WAFCON title within reach, the Super Falcons look ahead to Saturday’s final in Rabat, where they will face either host Morocco or regional rivals Ghana.

Why This Moment Matters:

Alozie’s Breakout Moment: Her first WAFCON goal is already iconic.

Clutch Performance: Scored in the dying seconds to eliminate the reigning champions.

Defining Legacy: A moment that will be replayed in African football history for years.

The Falcons are flying high—and with Alozie’s magical strike, their wings look stronger than ever.

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By RYNI Media | June 19, 2025

@DoublePrince

In a significant boost for youth empowerment and technical development in Nigeria, the Resourceful Youth Network Initiative (RYNI), a leading non-governmental organisation dedicated to youth capacity building, has commended the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for approving the Start Innovation Hub in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as a certified Skills Training Centre.

This landmark approval, conveyed in a letter signed by Engr. S. M. Yusuf, Director of Vocational, Technical, and Skills Development at NBTE, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje, marks a transformative step toward expanding access to formal technical education in the South-South region of Nigeria.

According to the NBTE, the hub has been officially authorised to provide training in two high-demand disciplines: Computer Hardware Repair and Maintenance and Social Media Communications. These programmes, chosen for their relevance in today’s digital economy, will empower young people with practical, industry-relevant skills needed to thrive in the tech-driven job market.

Under the new arrangement, a recognised Sectoral Awarding Body will oversee the assessment of trainees, ensuring rigorous quality assurance standards. Upon successful completion, trainees will receive nationally recognised certificates issued by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), endorsed by the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN). This certification confers formal recognition and enhances employability across a broad spectrum of technology-driven fields.

“I am directed to inform you that the Executive Secretary has approved the Centre to operate as a Skills Training Centre,” the letter stated. “Please accept my congratulations on behalf of the Executive Secretary.”

The National Board for Technical Education, Nigeria’s apex regulatory body for technical and vocational education and training (TVET), continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a workforce that is not only employable but equipped for innovation and entrepreneurship.

In reaction to this development, RYNI lauded the NBTE for its strategic foresight in bridging the skills gap and accelerating human capital development. Speaking through a statement released in Uyo, RYNI described the approval as “a bold endorsement of the power of youth-led innovation and a testament to the NBTE’s commitment to decentralising access to technical education.”

“This is more than an administrative greenlight—it’s a gateway for thousands of young Nigerians to transform their passion into profession,” the statement noted. “We commend the NBTE for this visionary move, and we congratulate the leadership of Start Innovation Hub for this well-deserved recognition.

”Start Innovation Hub, a renowned tech incubator in Akwa Ibom, has long been at the forefront of digital inclusion and youth upskilling. The new NBTE certification underscores its growing role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future, particularly through practical training that aligns with global standards.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with youth unemployment and underemployment, initiatives like this stand out as actionable solutions with long-term impact. By integrating formal technical certification into grassroots innovation spaces, the NBTE is laying the groundwork for a generation of job creators rather than job seekers.

This development is poised to catalyse a ripple effect across Nigeria’s youth empowerment ecosystem, inspiring more collaborations between government bodies, private sector actors, and non-governmental organisations like RYNI to deliver on the promise of inclusive, skills-based education.

With the approval of the Skills Training Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom joins the ranks of forward-thinking states investing in the future of work. As RYNI aptly puts it, “This is a win for the youth, a win for development, and a win for Nigeria.”

© RYNI Media@DoublePrince