Former Nigerian footballer and coach, Samson Siasia, has inaugurated a new Astro Football Pitch at the School of The Hard Knocks in Abuja, Nigeria. The event celebrated the efforts of the School's CEO, Dr. Jerry Akubo, in providing a facility that aims to engage youths productively and steer them away from crime. Siasia praised the sports complex for its potential to change the game in youth development. The complex boasts various sports facilities, including football fields and a gym. The event also featured the unveiling of the School Of Hardnocks Team Jerseys and was attended by notable figures such as Chief Peter Ashetu and representatives from the Nigeria Police Force and Daddy's House Foundation.

Jose Mourinho, the former Chelsea Manager, explained his decision to convert John Mikel Obi from an attacking midfielder to a defensive midfielder. Mourinho highlighted Mikel's physical attributes and his ability to retain the ball as key reasons for the change. Despite criticism from some football observers who believe the switch negatively impacted Mikel's game, Mourinho defended his choice, citing the need for balance in the team and Mikel's quick thinking and simplicity in play. Mikel, who joined Chelsea in 2006, achieved significant success, including multiple FA Cup wins and European titles. The article also includes a poll asking readers if they think Mikel became a better footballer after the conversion.

Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, representing the National Institute for Legislative & Democratic Studies (NILDS), emphasized the importance of robust research and capacity-building for improving legislation at the 6th capacity-building workshop for NILDS academic staff. The event, which was a collaboration with the German political foundation Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, highlighted NILDS's focus on staff training in line with international best practices. Prof. Sulaiman noted significant improvements in staff performance, bill analysis, drafting, research, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. He reported increases in research outputs, policy briefs, drafted motions, and bill drafting and analysis between 2022 and 2023, and stressed the need for continuous growth through staff training.

The Nigeria Customs Service basketball club won against Universite de Douala with a score of 57-46 in the African Women’s Basketball League 2023 Zone III Qualification match in Alexandria, Egypt. The team, led by Coach Abdulrahman Mohamed and with a notable performance by the team captain, a D’Tigress player, secured a strong lead by halftime. The team also succeeded in a separate match in Abuja, defeating the MFM Basketball Club of Lagos 55-49, with Captain Nkem Akarawe playing a significant role. The victories were attributed to the team's dominance in rebounds and assists, and the support from CGC Adewale Adeniyi MFR was acknowledged.

At a workshop in Abuja, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman of the National Institute for Legislative & Democratic Studies (NILDS) emphasized the importance of gender parity in security operations and conflict resolution in Nigeria. Represented by Prof. Adewale Aderemi, Sulaiman highlighted the global trend away from inclusive politics and the need for women's active engagement in peacebuilding, citing their crucial role in conflicts like those in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Despite advocacy, the women, peace, and security agenda faces challenges. Prof. Istifanus Zabadi of Bigham University also spoke on the exclusion of women in security operations and the slow progress towards achieving UNSCR 1325 objectives. The workshop aimed to foster synergy among security agencies and government bodies to improve gender balance in addressing security issues.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has awarded cash prizes totaling approximately N4 million to the winners of the 2022 Academicals football cup for primary and secondary schools in Anambra State. The ceremony was conducted by Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission. Prizes were distributed to various categories, with Ukpor High School and Washington Memorial Grammar School winning in the male U17 category, and Christ The Redeemer College and Stella Maris College in the female U17 category. Umuaraba Primary School and Anyaegbunam Primary School won in the U13 category. Additionally, six students received N25,000 each for individual achievements. The initiative is part of the Anambra State Sports Solution Initiative (ANSSI) aimed at discovering national and Olympic champions. The government's commitment to making the Anambra School Sports Festival an annual event was also reaffirmed.

Wales have been drawn to play against Finland in the semi-finals of the Euro 2024 play-offs, with the match scheduled to take place in Cardiff on March 21. If Wales wins, they will host the winner of the Poland vs. Estonia match in the final. The draw was conducted in Nyon, Switzerland. Wales' manager, Rob Page, expressed relief at avoiding Ukraine, whom they beat in a World Cup play-off, and confidence in playing at home with the support of the 'Red Wall'. He sees the draw as a great opportunity for Wales to qualify for Euro 2024, which would be their fourth major tournament in recent years. Finland and Iceland are also mentioned as having completed their qualifiers, with Finland finishing behind Denmark and Slovenia, and Iceland behind Portugal, Slovakia, and Luxembourg.

Rwanda's national football team secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers, held in Butare. This win places Rwanda at the top of Group C with four points from two matches. Goals from Innocent Nshuti and Gilbert Mugisha in the first half set the pace for Rwanda's triumph. The result is significant for the group dynamics, as it prevents South Africa from taking a four-point lead. The match was also crucial for Nigeria and other teams in the group. Rwanda had previously drawn with Zimbabwe, and their next match will be against Benin Republic. South Africa, now in second place, will face Nigeria in their upcoming fixture. The group's standings are closely contested, with Nigeria, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe tied on points, and Benin Republic at the bottom.

Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, led by coach Jose Peseiro, faced another setback with a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe. The disappointing result follows a similar draw against Lesotho, leaving Nigeria with just two points from two games in the World Cup qualifiers. Peseiro cited long travel times to Rwanda for the match as a contributing factor to the team's poor performance. Despite changes made during the game, Nigeria failed to secure a win. The current standings in Group C show South Africa leading, with Nigeria and Zimbabwe trailing behind. The World Cup qualifiers will continue in June 2024, with Nigeria facing a challenging path ahead.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to begin their FIFA World Cup qualification campaign against Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Stand-in Captain Kenneth Omeruo of Kasimpasa SK emphasized the importance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after missing the previous tournament. Super Eagles Manager Jose Peseiro expressed confidence in goalkeeper Francis Uzoho despite criticism. Lesotho's caretaker Coach Leslie Notsi sees the match as a chance for his team's exposure, while their Captain Sekhoane Moerane stated they respect but do not fear Nigeria. The Super Eagles aim to win their first two games, starting with Lesotho and then Zimbabwe, to secure the sole qualification spot in their group.