The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Another  bonus row threatens Super Eagles’ AFCON campaign

    Another  bonus row threatens Super Eagles’ AFCON campaign

    • Players boycott training sessions
    • May not travel to Marrakech today

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria are reportedly yet to receive their match win bonuses for four games played at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), raising concerns behind the scenes ahead of their Saturday’s quarter final tie with the Fennecs of Algeria.

    The development comes at a crucial stage of the tournament, where focus and unity are vital as Nigeria pushes deeper into the competition after they smashed the Mambas of Mozambique 4-0 on Monday in Fez.

     A correspondent  with the British Broadcasting Corporation(BBC), Oluwashina Okeleji , claimed the unpaid bonuses affect both the players and members of the coaching crew.

    While the exact financial figures were not disclosed, the delay is understood to involve standard match incentives agreed upon before the commencement of the tournament, covering four victories so far at AFCON 2025.

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    Despite the unresolved financial issue, the Super Eagles squad has remained professional and committed to their national duty. Sources close to the team indicated that the players have continued to show discipline and togetherness, prioritising Nigeria’s quest for continental glory over off-field distractions.

    But according to Okeleji,  the situation could take a more serious turn if the issue is not resolved promptly as the team will not train or travel to Marrakech today.

    Okeleji  stated on X (formerly Twitter):“Players and coaching staff of #Nigeria are waiting on #AFCON2025 bonus payments. Win bonuses from four matches – vs. Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda & Mozambique – have yet to be received. Squad remain focus but will NOT train or travel to Marrakech on Thursday if this isn’t resolved”

    This is the second strike in three months. In the last international break in November 2025, the players also went on strike before their crucial World Cup playoffs against Gabon but the matter was settled within 24 hours.

    Ironically, the authorities recently  unveiled  an improved  bonus package to motivate the team toward continental glory.

    Each player  is expected  to earn $30,000 for qualifying from the group stage with maximum points and an additional $12,500 following the emphatic 4-0 win over Mozambique in the Round of 16.

    Further bonuses await, including $15,000 for a quarterfinal victory over Algeria, $17,500 for winning the semifinal, and $20,000 for lifting the trophy.

  • Chelle, Lookman exalt ‘energetic’ Adams on AFCON  feat

    Chelle, Lookman exalt ‘energetic’ Adams on AFCON  feat

    Coach Eric Sekou Chelle and striker Ademola Lookman have both praised the impactful performances of new Super Eagles forward Akor Jerome Adams at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The 25-year-old Sevilla striker, making his AFCON debut, scored his first goal in the tournament during Nigeria’s emphatic 4-0 win over Mozambique in the Round of 16.

    This marked Akor’s fourth appearance in the competition, and both Chelle and Lookman highlighted his significant contribution to Nigeria’s journey to the quarter-finals.

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    Lookman told ESPN:  “Akor’s a very, very strong player. He brings different qualities to the other attackers. Obviously, his game understanding is there, he understands that sometimes he drops and sometimes he plays. He’s not just a number nine, but he pins defenders back, holds the ball up, there are different elements to his game. As long as he continues to perform like that, he will continue growing and growing, and will get better and better.”

    Coach Chelle emphasized Akor’s tactical versatility and teamwork:  “[Akor’s] a player who brings a lot of movement on the pitch, he brings a lot. He’s a player with many qualities, to play with others, to make them shine, and he has amazing physical capacity, it’s very impressive. I’m very happy with him, and with all of the players in the group. We’re crafting a group here, and it’s the group that makes the difference. The goals we score come from collective moments. It’s not one player who beats 10 players with a dribble and scores, these collective moves are what makes the team shine. I’m very happy with him, but it’s just one match, and we must focus on the next one.”

    Akor first impressed with Nigeria’s U-20 team at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. However, injuries delayed his senior call-up until October 2025 when Chelle handed him his debut during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, scoring as a substitute against Lesotho.

    Chelle, who previously coached the Mali national team, has been following Akor’s development since his days at Montpellier, where he played alongside some Malian players.

    With such praise and confidence from both coach and teammates, the energetic forward looks set to be a key asset as the Super Eagles pursue their fourth AFCON title in Morocco 2025.

  • Bayern pass over interest on  Osimhen

    Bayern pass over interest on  Osimhen

    Bayern Munich have reportedly cooled their interest in Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, insisting there is no urgency to strengthen their centre-forward position.

    According to Bild, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl clarified that Osimhen would only become a serious option if Harry Kane were to consider leaving the club at the end of the season.

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    Such a scenario appears unlikely, with Kane reportedly opting not to activate his €65 million release clause. While Bayern continue to monitor the market for long-term planning, their immediate focus remains on securing reliable backup options rather than pursuing Osimhen.

    The Nigerian forward, currently representing his country at AFCON in Morocco, is under contract with Galatasaray until 2029 and valued at approximately €75 million.

  • Zenith Bank affirms commitment  to sports  development in 2026

    Zenith Bank affirms commitment  to sports  development in 2026

    The Management of Zenith Bank Plc has expressed the desire to maintain its position of taking sports to the next level with its activities in the New Year.

    Chief Executive Officer and Group Managing Director of the outfit, Dame Adaora Umeoji, has reaffirmed the commitment of the apex bank to sports development.

    She said that in the New Year, Zenith Bank would do much more to take its respective sports events to higher levels respectively.

    Umeoji said: “We are always deliberate with our dealings with sports. We are committed to do it again in the New Year. We are proud of what we are doing and we will do more.

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     “Over the years, we have made our marks with our sponsorship of sports events especially basketball in which the women national team in recent times has some of our products representing Nigeria and winning laurels.

     “We have also been consistent with youth development drives in the past years because the purpose is to help build future champions for the country in their respective sports disciplines.”

    Zenith Bank are the sole sponsor of the annual national women’s basketball league, the outfit also sponsors the annual Delta State Principals Cup and the Headmasters Cup. The bank also sponsors tennis and swimming at elite social club level. 

    For basketball, the consistency in about two decades has raised the standard of the national women team with many players graduating from the league to join D’Tigress of Nigeria.

    D’Tigress only last year won the AfroBasket Competition for the 5th  consecutive time. The team was thereafter treated to a lavish reception in Abuja by Zenith Bank.

  • Onazi demands  urgent action on drunk driving after  Lagos scare

    Onazi demands  urgent action on drunk driving after  Lagos scare

    Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has called on authorities to clamp down on drunk driving in Lagos following a terrifying near-fatal encounter with intoxicated motorists.

    The 2013 AFCON-winning midfielder took to Instagram to recount the incident, which occurred on Sunday night, describing reckless driving under the influence as a growing menace on Lagos roads.

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     “The government has to do something about drunk people driving in Lagos,” Onazi wrote. “I almost lost my life last night with two drunk boys in the car.”

    The 33-year-old urged the government and relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, to strengthen enforcement and introduce stiffer penalties, warning that lives remain at constant risk without decisive action.

    Onazi enjoyed a distinguished international career, featuring for Nigeria at the 2013 Confederations Cup, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and earning a place in the 2018 World Cup squad before injury ruled him out.

  • Aruna, Goda begin 2026 campaigns at WTT Champions Doha

    Aruna, Goda begin 2026 campaigns at WTT Champions Doha

    After the disappointment of missing out on the end-of-year WTT Cup Finals for the first time, Africa’s table tennis stars Quadri Aruna of Nigeria and Hana Goda of Egypt will open their 2026 campaigns on Thursday, January 8, at the WTT Champions Doha in Qatar.

    For the first time in the history of the WTT Cup Finals, no African player featured in the 2025 edition, as both Aruna and Egypt’s Omar Assar missed qualification based on their overall performances last season. Aruna, the only African to have consistently featured in the Cup Finals since its inception in 2021, ended 2025 as the continent’s highest-ranked male player but failed to make the top 16 cut. Goda, Africa’s top-ranked female player, also missed out after falling short of the top-16 threshold required for entry into the lucrative tournament.

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    Now, both players will look to bounce back at the Lusail Sports Arena in Doha, where they face tough Asian opposition in the opening round of the singles event. Aruna will renew his rivalry with China’s Liang Jingkun, while Goda faces a stern test against former World No. 1 Zhu Yuling of Macao.

    Aruna and Jingkun share a competitive history. The Nigerian famously defeated the Chinese star at the 2021 WTT Cup Finals, but their first encounter at the 2018 Korean Open saw Jingkun dominate with a 4-1 victory. Their clash in Doha will mark their third meeting, with both players eager to tilt the head-to-head record in their favour.

    For Goda, the duel against Yuling will be their first-ever meeting on the international stage. The Egyptian prodigy will be aiming to upset the established order at a tournament where players battle for crucial ranking points and a share of the $500,000 prize purse.

    Meanwhile, Assar endured a disappointing start to the year. His new partnership with Austrian coach and former world champion Werner Schlager began with defeat, as the Egyptian surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 3-1 against Japan’s Shunsuke Togami in the first round of the men’s singles. Despite the setback, Assar has signalled his intent to challenge the sport’s elite in 2026.

    This marks the first time the Qatari capital will host the purple WTT Champions, adding further prestige to the season-opening event.

  • NWFL: Bayelsa Queens, FC Robo maintain perfect start as Matchday 5 delivers goals, drama

    NWFL: Bayelsa Queens, FC Robo maintain perfect start as Matchday 5 delivers goals, drama

    Bayelsa Queens and FC Robo Queens continued their imperious starts to the 2026 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership season, recording victories on Matchday 5 to remain unbeaten and top their respective groups.

    In Group A, Bayelsa Queens returned from Uyo with a hard-earned 2–1 victory over Ibom Angels. The Prosperity Girls took control early through Kesiena Ojiyovwi, who struck in the opening minute, before Janet Akekeromowei doubled the lead in the 40th minute. Ibom Angels pulled one back after the break via Helen David in the 59th minute, but Bayelsa held firm to secure all three points. The result keeps Bayelsa Queens top of the group with 12 points from four matches, while Ibom Angels remain seventh with four points. The game was, however, overshadowed by reports of crowd violence after full-time, with Bayelsa Queens head coach Whyte Ogbonda reportedly injured during the melee.

    Also in Group A, Rivers Angels kept the pressure on the leaders with a convincing 3–0 win over Adamawa Queens in Gombe. Abasiofon Uwah was the star of the show, netting a brilliant hat-trick in the 56th, 63rd and 81st minutes. Rivers Angels are second on 12 points from four games, trailing Bayelsa Queens only on goal difference, while Adamawa Queens dropped to fourth with seven points from five matches. Elsewhere, Ekiti Queens celebrated their first home win of the season with a 1–0 victory over Naija Ratels in Abeokuta, courtesy of Ismail Zainab’s 73rd-minute strike. In Ibadan, Pacesetter Queens and Heartland Queens played out a goalless draw, leaving Heartland Queens fifth with five points, while Edo Queens stayed third with nine points despite not featuring this matchday.

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    In Group B, FC Robo Queens extended their flawless run to five wins from five matches after edging Ahudiyannem Queens 1–0 in Lagos. Opeyemi Ajakaiye struck inside the first minute to secure the win, opening a four-point gap between Robo Queens and second-placed Nasarawa Amazons, who sit on 11 points. Nasarawa Amazons also handed Remo Stars Ladies their first defeat of the season, winning 1–0 in Ikenne through Ayatsea Hembafan’s 11th-minute goal.

    Abia Angels climbed to third place in Group B with an 8-point tally following a 2–0 home win over Sunshine Queens in Aba. Ekezie Onyedikachi opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time before Winner David sealed the result in the 76th minute. Delta Queens were also convincing, defeating Dannaz Ladies 2–0 in Asaba with goals from Amarachukwu Onuorah (29’) and Rita Tsebe (90+1’). In Iyamho, Osun Babes claimed a narrow 1–0 victory over Confluence Queens thanks to Naimot Kazeem’s 62nd-minute effort, improving their points haul to seven for the season.

  • Uche claims first Palace honour with stunning Europa strike

    Uche claims first Palace honour with stunning Europa strike

    Super Eagles attacker, Christantus Uche’s sublime strike in Crystal Palace’s tense 2-2 draw against KuPS Kuopio in the UEFA Europa Conference League has been voted the club’s Goal of the Month for December.

    The Nigerian forward secured 75.6 percent of the votes, earning his first individual accolade since joining the Eagles on loan last summer. Handed a rare start, Uche seized his opportunity with a moment of pure brilliance that left supporters in awe.

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    His outside-of-the-boot finish—his first goal at Selhurst Park—came after collecting a pass from Justin Devenny, cutting inside his marker and unleashing a sensational trivela into the top corner against the Finnish champions.

    Despite the plaudits, Uche’s long-term future in England remains uncertain. Limited playing time has cast doubt over his chances of activating the clause in his loan deal from Getafe, which requires ten starts to trigger a permanent move—an increasingly difficult target under the current circumstances.

  • Lobi Stars, Doma United resume training ahead of second stanza

    Lobi Stars, Doma United resume training ahead of second stanza

    Lobi Stars FC have resumed training after the Christmas and New Year break with renewed determination as they push for a return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.

    Addressing players and officials, club chairman Simon Terver Ikya delivered a firm message, calling for total sacrifice, unity, and unwavering commitment as the season enters a decisive phase.

    Ikya stressed that only a united team can overcome the challenges ahead, reinforcing the club’s singular objective of reclaiming top-flight status.

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    With new signings integrating seamlessly alongside existing players, the squad responded through representatives Barnabas Imenger Jnr., Akile Monday, and Abdulazeez Tijani, pledging full dedication as Lobi Stars prepare for a defining stretch of the campaign.

    In a related development, Doma United have resumed training following a two-week break ahead of the second stanza of the 2026 Nigeria National League season.

    The Savannah Conference C leaders returned to intense sessions under head coach Najib Mabo, with the squad remaining intact and no departures recorded during the break.

    Club CEO Alhaji Suleiman Umar urged players and officials to maintain unity and focus as the season enters its decisive phase. The players responded positively, showing high spirits and determination to continue their impressive campaign.

  •  Nwaiwu moves to Trabzonspor on  four-year deal

     Nwaiwu moves to Trabzonspor on  four-year deal

    Chibuike Nwaiwu has completed a high-profile move to Turkish Super Lig giants Trabzonspor after successfully passing his routine medical examinations.

    The Nigerian signed a four-year contract with the former league champions, marking a major step forward in his European career.

    The transfer fee is reported to be €9 million, inclusive of performance-related bonuses, underlining Trabzonspor’s strong belief in the midfielder’s quality and potential.

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    Nwaiwu joins from Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC, where his consistent performances attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.

    Renowned for his versatility, Nwaiwu is capable of operating in multiple midfield roles, combining tactical discipline with technical ability. His adaptability is expected to add depth and balance to Trabzonspor’s squad as they push for domestic and continental success.

    Before his move to Europe, Nwaiwu built his reputation in the Nigerian Premier League, featuring prominently for Enyimba International and Heartland FC. His rise from the local league to the Turkish top flight highlights his steady development and growing influence.