Sports

FEDA Invest in Team Drogba’s Electric Boat Racing Sport

Published

2 years ago

September 28, 2024

OCHEFA

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The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) a subsidiary of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has made a strategic investment in Team Drogba, competing in the inaugural E1 Series, the world’s first-ever all-electric boat racing championship.

In a statement announcing the investment, Afreximbank said : ” This investment aligns with Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) strategy, which includes sports as a key vertical for advancing Africa’s economic and cultural footprint.”

Co-owned by African football icon, Didier Drogba and Lilium Capital Group, Team Drogba’s participation in the E1 series will not only raise Africa’s profile on the global sporting stage but also support the growth of Africa’s blue economy.

The Team’s participation in the competition will help highlight sustainability and marine ecosystem restoration and general environmental awareness.

Through this collaboration, FEDA and Team Drogba aim to inspire innovation and sustainability in Africa’s sports industry, fostering economic growth and development across the continent.

The partnership reflects FEDA’s commitment to empowering African athletes, promoting technological advancements, and supporting climate adaptation solutions, all while contributing to Africa’s global competitiveness.

Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of Board of Directors, Afreximbank noted: “FEDA’s investment in Team Drogba highlights the transformative power of Africa’s creative sectors.

By aligning this initiative with our CANEX strategy, we are driving forward our vision for Africa’s future, one that leverages sports to not only showcase talent but also stimulate economic transformation.”

Speaking for Team Drogba, legendary football player Didier Drogba said : “This collaboration with FEDA and Afreximbank ushers in an exciting chapter for African sports and sustainability efforts.

The E1 Series is an opportunity to merge our collective dedication to sport with a commitment to the environment and African progress. Together, we are setting a foundation for innovative and sustainable growth that will inspire change across the continent.”

Simon Tiemtoré, President of Lilium Capital Group added, “We are thrilled to be part of this pioneering venture. Team Drogba’s participation in the E1 Series not only showcases African excellence on the world stage but also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and innovation.

At Lilium Capital Group, we are deeply committed to initiatives that drive both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

This collaboration with FEDA underscores our shared vision for a future where Africa leads in both sports and sustainable development.”

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FIFA ranks Super Eagles third in Africa, 26th globally

Globally, France has reclaimed the number one spot after wins over Colombia and Brazil, overtaking Spain, which was held to a goalless draw by a ten-man Egypt. Argentina, England, Portugal, and Brazil round out the top six.

Published

2 days ago

April 1, 2026

OCHEFA

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The world’s football body , FIFA, has ranked Nigeria’s Super Eagles third in Africa (behind Morocco and Senegal), and 26th globally.

In a post on FIFA’s website on Wednesday, the ranking reflects Nigeria’s strong performances in friendlies, including a 2‑1 win over Iran and a 2‑2 draw with Jordan, as well as their showing at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

In the 2025 AFCON tournament, Nigeria won five matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique, and Algeria, drew with Morocco in the semi-finals, and defeated Egypt in the third-place playoff.

Other nations saw minor adjustments in the rankings.

Iran slipped from 20th to 21st following consecutive defeats, while Jordan moved up to 63rd after draws with Nigeria and Costa Rica.

Sports

FirstBank Sponsors Samuel Okwaraji U-16 Football Championship 2026

The tournament will engage secondary schools from all 36 states and the FCT, in a two-stage competition.

Published

2 days ago

April 1, 2026

OCHEFA

36 Views

FirstBank, through its First@Sports initiative, is sponsoring the maiden edition of the Samuel Okwaraji Under 16 Football Championship.

The competition is a nationwide youth football tournament organised to honour the late Samuel Okwaraji, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated football legends renowned for his patriotism, discipline, and commitment to national service.

The tournament will engage secondary schools from all 36 states and the FCT, in a two-stage competition.

The first stage will feature zonal eliminations across the six geopolitical zones, followed by a national final in Abuja featuring the top 12 qualifying teams.

In a statement , the Managing Director/ CEO of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, said: “Football is the strongest unifier of Nigerians. It brings communities together, inspires discipline, and nurtures talents across the country.

FirstBank is making a deliberate incursion into grassroots football development with this sponsorship, creating an enabling environment for the next generation of Samuel Okwarajis to discover, refine, and maximise their potential, thereby shaping the future of Nigerian football.”

In his remarks, Senator Osita Izunaso, the Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee commended FirstBank for throwing its weight around the championship.

Sports

Sportsville Awards: Olopade Leads NSC Delegation to Honour Dikko with Transformative Impact Award

Published

3 days ago

March 31, 2026

Charles Flames

64 Views

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, on Tuesday led a high-powered delegation from the Commission to the prestigious Sportsville Awards in Lagos to honour NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko.

Dikko is set to receive the Transformative Impact Award at the 2026 edition of the Sportsville Special Recognition Awards, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to repositioning Nigerian sports.

The NSC delegation’s presence underscored the Commission’s unity and support for its Chairman, who has been widely praised for driving reforms, fostering inclusivity, and delivering renewed optimism in Nigerian sports administration alongside Olopade.

Former NPFL scribe Salihu Abubakar and other stakeholders have already extended congratulations to Dikko, describing the nomination as well-deserved.

Stakeholders, including Dr. Danladi Bako, have lauded Sportsville as one of the most authentic sports awards in the country, commending the organisers for recognising genuine impact in the sector.

The sixth edition of the Sportsville Awards, which also featured former Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, as a top guest, celebrates excellence and transformative contributions across Nigeria’s sporting ecosystem.

Other nominees include Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo and several prominent figures in sports development.

Hon. Olopade, who himself was recently crowned Sports Administrator of the Year at the New Telegraph Awards, dedicated previous honours to President Bola Tinubu and Chairman Dikko, highlighting the collaborative leadership driving Nigeria’s sports renaissance.

Mallam Shehu Dikko’s leadership at the NSC has been credited with major gains in infrastructure, athlete welfare, and international competitiveness, marking a turning point for Nigerian sports.

The event is expected to draw key stakeholders from the sports industry, government, and private sector as it honours individuals making lasting contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria.

Full coverage and reactions from the awards ceremony are anticipated as the night unfolds in Lagos.