The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • NPFL: Remo Stars sink deeper into relegation zone after loss to Plateau United

    NPFL: Remo Stars sink deeper into relegation zone after loss to Plateau United

    Reigning champions Remo Stars slipped deeper into relegation  zone after a damaging 2–1 defeat to Plateau United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, in one of the concluding fixtures of NPFL Matchday 24 yesterday.

    Jonathan Okechukwu had shoot the Peace Boys ahead in the 29th  minute before the Sky Blue Stars’ equaliser in the 63rd minute through former Rivers United attacker, Albert Korvah.

    The game ended in a dramatic twist through Harrison Ebah long range shot in stoppage time which sealed Plateau United’s first away victory of the campaign.

    The result saw Remo Stars drop to 18th  on the table with 26 points, firmly in the relegation zone.

    Plateau United, rejuvenated under new head coach Gbenga Ogunbote, extended their unbeaten run to six matches. The Peace Boys climbed to 14th  position with 30 points, moving clear of relegation danger and underlining their resurgence.

    In Ilorin, Kwara United snapped their winless run with a 2–1 victory over Warri Wolves at the George Innih Sports Complex. Saheed Olaniyi opened the scoring in the 17th  minute before converting from the penalty spot early in the second half (48′). Warri Wolves responded through Peter Ita in the 75th  minute, but it proved insufficient to deny the hosts maximum points.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 15 Premier League most expensive signings since 2010

    Despite the win, Kwara United remain in the drop zone, sitting 17th  with 27 points, while Warri Wolves stay ninth on 33 points, missing the chance to close in on the continental places.

    Over in Kano, Barau FC edged Ikorodu City 1–0, thanks to a first-half strike from Uche Moses in the 28th minute. The narrow victory pushed the Maliya Boys up to 13th  place with 30 points, strengthening their mid-table position.

    Ikorodu City, however, maintained their impressive campaign despite the setback and remain fourth with 38 points, keeping them firmly in the title and continental qualification conversation.

    Meanwhile, the fixture involving El Kanemi Warriors and Kun Khalifat in Maiduguri was not played after Kun Khalifat reportedly failed to honour the tie due to a vehicle breakdown. The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is expected to make a ruling on the matter, with El Kanemi hopeful of being awarded all three points and goals.

    NPFL Matchday 24 Results

    Remo Stars 1–2 Plateau United

    Kwara United 2–1 Warri Wolves

    Barau FC 1–0 Ikorodu City

  • Week two delivers 24 goals at Nat. Idowu U-14 Football League

    Week two delivers 24 goals at Nat. Idowu U-14 Football League

    Nathaniel Idowu-Ajegunle U-14 Football LeagueThe Nathaniel Idowu-Ajegunle U-14 Football League continues to deliver excitement, with Week 2 producing an impressive 24 goals, surpassing the 21 netted in the opening round.

    The grassroots tournament, staged at the Nathaniel Idowu pitch in Ajegunle, Ajeromi‑Ifelodun Local Council of Lagos, is fast becoming a showcase of youthful attacking flair.

    Organised by the Ajeromi‑Ifelodun Sports Council with support from the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, the league is committed to nurturing grassroots football and giving young players a platform to shine.

    Pure Talents FA maintained their fine form with a commanding 6–2 victory over Young 11 FA, courtesy of goals from Fidelis Prosper, Chukwu Gozie, Ajaloleru Yesiru, and Adekunle Daniel. Joseph Philip and Theodore Triumph struck for Young 11, but their efforts could not prevent defeat.

    Read Also: Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta

    Michael May FA secured a solid 2–0 win over Best of Best International, with Gavor Marvelous and Akinbowale Winner on target. Bright Future FA and Divinely Blessed FA battled to a 1–1 draw, while Fortune FA impressed again with a resounding 6–2 triumph over Strong Dove FA.

    Sharp Talent FA showcased their cutting edge in front of the goal, thumping Ajegunle United SC 3–0 through strikes from Divine Nwayawo, Sulaiman Ibrahim, and Shogbamu Emmanuel. Coal City FA rounded off the weekend with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Moore Wins FA.

    The league has begun attracting support from individuals and organisations. Joy Ekwem pledged to supply water to all teams throughout the competition, while Kelvin Osaze, CEO of Kelvin Osaze Transport Services, donated ₦200,000 to the League Management Committee and an additional ₦50,000 as educational support for Surajudeen Mujeeb, the youngest player representing Bright Future FA.

    In addition, every Man of the Match performance was rewarded with a t‑shirt courtesy of Adedotun Coker, Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association.

  • Organisers name Diri, others for Newstap/ SWAN 5-Star Award

    Organisers name Diri, others for Newstap/ SWAN 5-Star Award

    Organizers of the annual 5- Star Newstap Communication/ Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) award have announced winners of the second edition  of the prestigious  award instituted in  honouring eminent personalities who have made immense contributions to football and sports development in Nigeria  over the years.

    After a rigorous selection  process by a committee of respected members,  Governor of Bayelsa State Senator Douye Diri, The CEO/Director-General National Institute for Sports (NIS) , Comrade Philip Shaibu, CEO of Nilayo Sports, Mrs Yetunde Olopade (wife of Director-General National Sports Commission Hon. Bukola Olapade), internationally acclaimed boxing promoter Hon. Omonlei Yakubu Imadu and proprietor  of Grassroots football  club Ahudiya Nnem FC , Chief Robert Onyeani , were named winners of the award.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 15 Premier League most expensive signings since 2010

    According to the Editor of Newstap Communication Ltd, Ifeanyi Eduzor, the Awardees were carefully chosen for their immense contributions to football and sports development over the years.

    He affirmed  that the ceremony will take place at the Blessing  Hall of Eko Club Surulere, Lagos on March 6th  by 5pm.The maiden edition of the Award  was chaired by the Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC) Mallam Shehu Dikko.

    Eduzor said plans are in top gear to make this year’s event most memorable and colourful.

    The organizers have already named a three-man LOC headed by the Deputy Editor of New Telegraph Newspaper Adekunle Salami. Other members of the LOC are Editor of Sporting Vanguard Tony Ubani and John Joshua- Akanji, who was SA to former Sports Minister Chief Sunday Dare.

  • Lazio reject transfer for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

    Lazio reject transfer for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

    Despite continued transfer speculation in the January window, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru remains a Lazio player with no move materialising before the deadline.

    Read Also: Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta

    Lazio were able to block or reject offers, including reported interest from Premier League clubs and a recent loan bid from Bournemouth, which the Serie A side turned down as per Daily Sports.

    Dele-Bashiru has struggled for regular starts under the current coaching setup but remains part of Lazio’s plans, and the club is not under pressure to sell this winter.

  • Super Eagles’ Nnadi joins Marseille

    Super Eagles’ Nnadi joins Marseille

    Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has completed his move to French Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille from Belgian club Zulte Waregem on the winter transfer deadline day.

    The transfer fee is reported at €6 million making Nnadi one of the most valuable departures in Zulte Waregem’s history as per Soccernet.ng.

    The 22-year-old defensive midfielder impressed in the Belgian Pro League this season and attracted interest from clubs in England and Europe before Marseille sealed the deal.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 15 Premier League most expensive signings since 2010

    He has arrived in Marseille to complete formalities and is expected to join Roberto de Zerbi’s squad immediately.

    Nnadi was in the Super Eagles squad to the recently held 2025 AFCON where he played a game to help Nigeria to bronze medal.

  • Ijeh FC  lifts  GOY Five-Aside football tourney title  

    Ijeh FC  lifts  GOY Five-Aside football tourney title  

    Ijeh FC has won the sixth  edition of the GOY Five-Aside Football tournament which was concluded on  Saturday, January 31.

    Organised by the lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Constituency II, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, the annual grassroots tournament attracted male and female teams from across the community and once again underscored the growing role of sports in youth development.

    In the final match, Ijeh FC defeated Dodan Barracks FC 2–1 to lift the trophy and claim the N1 million first prize, while Dodan Barracks settled for N750,000 as runners-up; Giwa Barracks Youth finished third and received N500,000.

    Earlier, the third-place playoff saw Giwa Barracks edge Ogogoro FC 3–1 on penalties, while the novelty female match featured Caxton Martins FC against Aminat Babes FC, thrilled spectators with an energetic display.

    In the women’s category, Aminat Babes FC were champions, carting home N500,000, while Caxton Martins FC finished second with N300,000.

    Read Also: Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta

    Hon. Yishawu announced that each participating team would receive N200,000 as support.

    Speaking at the event, Yishawu described sports as a powerful tool for social, economic and mental development, particularly for young people. He noted that organised competitions provide structure, discipline and a pathway for talent discovery.

     “Sports sharpen the mind, improve focus and can become a viable career. Beyond the players, it creates an ecosystem—coaches, referees, vendors and organisers all benefit,” he said.“ This is why we will continue to provide platforms like this for our youths.”

    He urged community leaders and parents to actively support youth participation in sports, stressing that attitudes have shifted from discouraging sports to recognising its value in personal and professional growth.

    The Executive Chairman of Iru/Victoria Island LCDA, Mrs. Aminat Oluwakemi Alabi, praised the initiative, describing it as “a very good programme” with lasting benefits for the community. She encouraged young girls to embrace sports, noting that it is now a lucrative and healthy professional path.

    The football tournament, which commenced on January 24, 2026, featured 22 teams representing various communities in Eti-Osa II.

  • NVBF Super Cup: Customs, Correctional Service dominate men’s category as COAS, CNS shine

    NVBF Super Cup: Customs, Correctional Service dominate men’s category as COAS, CNS shine

    Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Club began their 2025 Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Super Cup campaign in dominant fashion, recording a straight-sets victory over Life Camp VC at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja yesterday.

    In the second match of the competition, Customs imposed themselves early with aggressive serving and solid blocking to take the opening set 25–21, despite a spirited fightback from Life Camp.

    The Customs side tightened their grip in the second set, showcasing superior coordination and quick transitions to pull clear at 25–18. Their composure at key moments continued to frustrate Life Camp.

    The third set proved more competitive, but Customs maintained their intensity to edge it 25–23, completing a convincing 3–0 win and underlining their status as strong contenders for the Super Cup title.

    Earlier in the day, Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) Volleyball Club also recorded a commanding 3–0 victory over Ajase Ipo of Ilorin in another men’s encounter.

    The opening set was fiercely contested, with Ajase Ipo pushing NCS to the limit before the Correctional Service side edged it 28–26 through calm execution at decisive moments.

    NCS asserted clear dominance in the second set, improving their defensive organisation and attacking efficiency to claim it 25–17. Ajase Ipo showed renewed fight in the third set, but NCS once again displayed discipline and experience to close it out 25–23, sealing another straight-sets victory.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 15 Premier League most expensive signings since 2010

    In the women’s matches on Day 1 of the Super Cup, COAS Spikers recorded a comfortable 3–0 win over Fire Service. They claimed the sets 25–21, 25–12 and 25–16 to begin their campaign on a strong note.

    CNS Spikers also cruised to a 3–0 victory against Excelsior, winning all three sets 25–0, 25–0 and 25–0, after Excelsior were unable to field a complete team.

    Meanwhile, Day 2 fixtures of the NVBF Super Cup Tournament hold today in Abuja with Chief of Naval Staff Volleyball team facing Ajase Ipo hoping to make it two straight wins in the first game of the Men’s event. In the other Men’s game, Defender Volleyball team will square up with Nigeria Customs Service. The two games will be played by 2pm and 4pm in that order.

    In the Women’s category, Nigeria Customs Service will try Fire Volley ball team for size by 10am while Vipers Volleyball team will trade spikes with Chief of Naval Staff Volleyball team by 12 noon.

  • Umoh outlines needed  elements for volleyball’s revival

    Umoh outlines needed  elements for volleyball’s revival

    A member of the Board of Trustees of Life Camp Volleyball Club, Paul Umoh, has emphasised the urgent need for increased exposure, sponsorship and stronger structural support to boost performance and reposition  of volleyball in Nigeria.

    Speaking  at the ongoing 2025 Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Super Cup in Abuja, where Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Club defeated Life Camp VC 3–0, Umoh described the current phase of the sport as challenging but filled with enormous potential.

    According to him, while the volleyball “family” in Nigeria continues to grow, its full potential can only be realised with the right support systems in place, particularly in the area of funding and sponsorship.

    Read Also: Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta

    He identified poor sponsorship as one of the major setbacks confronting the sport, noting that many talented players struggle to fully commit to volleyball due to the lack of financial backing from clubs and corporate organisations.

    “With proper sponsorship, clubs will be better positioned to sign players on decent contracts, keep them motivated and create long-term value for both the athletes and the sport,” Umoh stated.

    He commended the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for the visible improvements recorded in recent years but stressed that sustained development efforts remain crucial.

    Umoh concluded by calling on administrators, corporate bodies and stakeholders to work collectively to make volleyball more attractive, competitive and sustainable in Nigeria.

  • Monrovia gear up for Africa Scrabble Championship

    Monrovia gear up for Africa Scrabble Championship

    Preparations for the 16th Africa Scrabble Championship (ASC) have shifted into high gear following the official confirmation of Monrovia, Liberia as the host city.

    Since the announcement, the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA) and the National Scrabble Association of Liberia (NASAL) have been locked in intense planning, and the early signs point to a landmark tournament that will reset the standards of the game on the continent.

    From October 21–25, 2026, the iconic Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex on Tubman Boulevard will become the epicentre of African Scrabble, welcoming the continent’s sharpest minds for what is already being described as the most ambitious edition in the championship’s 32-year history.

    PANASA has confirmed that NASAL’s proposed tournament budget is the largest ever for an Africa Scrabble Championship.

    The unprecedented financial commitment has drawn widespread praise across the continent, with African federations hailing Liberia’s bold investment in the growth of the sport.

    “This will be a record-breaking championship in every sense,” PANASA officials noted, describing the budget as a game-changer for player welfare, organisation and competitive incentives.

    For the first time in ASC history, the top 20 finishers will all walk away with cash prizes, a significant departure from previous editions where only a handful of players were rewarded.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 15 Premier League most expensive signings since 2010

    Even more striking, the top five pay-outs will be the highest ever recorded in the championship’s three-decade existence, while the eventual champion will earn a record purse, the richest reward ever offered to an African Scrabble winner.

    The incentives go beyond cash. The top three players will also receive distinctive, specially designed trophies, adding prestige to podium finishes and further elevating the championship’s profile.

    In a major show of goodwill to players, registration fees for quota players have been pegged at 2022 rates, despite prize money increasing by up to 100 percent in most categories, a rare move that underlines the organisers’ commitment to inclusivity and participation.

    Building on reforms introduced in 2024, the Diaspora Route will again be available, allowing African players living abroad who cannot attend national qualifiers to compete at the championship through their home associations.

    Each country may register up to 15 home-based players, with an additional maximum of five diaspora players, raising the total possible team size to 20 players per nation.

    The registration process remains streamlined and official, only Presidents, Chairmen of national associations or designated Team Captains are authorised to register teams on the tournament portal.

    With logistics, visas, accommodation and travel arrangements already being fine-tuned, PANASA has urged national associations to actively disseminate tournament details to their players.

    Further information is available on the dedicated tournament page, while inquiries can be directed to Chrispine Okeyo (PANASA Technical Director) or Lester Morris, President of NASAL.

    As Africa’s best Scrabble minds begin their countdown, one thing is certain and clear, Monrovia 2026 will not just crown a champion, it will redefine the Africa Scrabble Championship and the sport.

  • Carabao Cup : Arsenal braced for in-form Chelsea

    Carabao Cup : Arsenal braced for in-form Chelsea

    A 3-2 advantage going into Tuesday’s League Cup semi-final second leg at home offers no extra comfort to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who expects in-form Chelsea to pose his team a difficult challenge.

    Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea have won all five matches since losing to Arsenal in the first leg last month, directly qualifying for the Champions League’s round of 16 after finishing sixth in the European competition’s league phase and rising to fifth in the Premier League.

    “Tomorrow we have the home advantage, but we have a lot to do to beat a really good Chelsea side,” Arteta told reporters. “I think Liam is doing an incredible job… we need to make it very concrete to win it.”

    Read Also: Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta

    Rosenior, who took charge at Chelsea last month, has won every match other than the first-leg clash with Arsenal, and called Arteta’s men the favourites to win the tie.

    “They’re a goal up and they’re at home. They’ll expect to go through. We need to take it as far as we can,” the Chelsea manager said.

    But Arsenal, upbeat after a 4-0 league win at Leeds United, received a new injury blow with midfielder Mikel Merino set for surgery on a fractured foot he suffered during the loss to Manchester United.

    “He is a big player for us. It’s a big blow… it’s a very rare injury. We’ll have to keep monitoring it,” Arteta said.

    With the winter transfer window closing on Monday, Arteta said Arsenal would see if someone was available to fill the void.

    “When you lose a big player in the squad… you need to do everything you can to see if someone is available. If not, we move on,” the manager said.

    “The news of Mikel was very surprising. My day will be a bit busier than usual.”