The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Nigeria vs. Algeria: Goldberg sets festival of drums & light  for Super Eagles 

    Nigeria vs. Algeria: Goldberg sets festival of drums & light  for Super Eagles 

    As anticipation builds ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final match between Nigeria and Algeria, Goldberg Lager Beer is placing fans at the heart of the football experience with the return of its Festival of Drums and Lights under the Our Beat, Our Gold campaign.

    The Super Eagles will be battling it out against the Desert Foxes tomorrow, 10th  January, and Goldberg is set to host a major fan experience at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development (PAKO Field), Awe Close, Dopemu, Lagos.

    The activation will open at 3:00 p.m., ahead of the 5:00 p.m. kick-off, giving fans enough time to soak in the atmosphere before the Super Eagles take on a familiar North African rival.

    While the Super Eagles prepare for what promises to be a tough quarter-final  tie against Algeria, Goldberg’s focus remains on creating a space where Nigerians can come together, connect and express their shared love for football.

    Following the strong response recorded during Nigeria’s emphatic win over Mozambique, the brand is bringing back its Festival of Drums and Lights, a celebration that blends football with music, culture and community spirit.

    The experience is designed to reflect the rhythm and emotion that surround Super Eagles match days.

     “Our Beat, Our Gold is about how Nigerians live football,” said Kunle Aroyehun, Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg. “It’s in the sounds, the drums, the lights, the conversations and the belief we share. With the Festival of Drums and Lights, we are simply creating the right environment for fans to feel that connection as the Super Eagles push for a fourth AFCON title.”

    The Dopemu venue will come alive with colour, rhythm and live performances, offering fans more than just a place to watch the match.

    Music acts Mavo, Zlatan Ibile and Segun Johnson will perform live, adding energy to the build-up and keeping the mood alive throughout the evening.

     “Get ready to feel the heat,” Aroyehun said. “This is not just about ninety or 120 minutes of football. It’s about celebrating the journey, the culture and the fans who stand behind the team every step of the way.”

    Goldberg’s Festival of Drums and Lights is part of a wider effort to deepen fan engagement throughout AFCON 2025.

    As the Official Beer and Sponsor of the Super Eagles, the brand has activated viewing centres and match-day experiences across Lagos and beyond, giving supporters safe and welcoming spaces to watch games together with ice-cold Goldberg Lager Beer in hand.

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

    Backed by Nigerian Breweries Plc since 2018, Goldberg has built a lasting presence in Nigerian football, playing a key role in growing Super Eagles followership across the country.

    Ahead of the Algeria clash, the Super Eagles will be banking on discipline, belief and collective effort as they aim to book a place in the semi-finals.

    Algeria have long been one of Africa’s strongest teams, making the quarter-final a major test in Nigeria’s quest for continental glory.

    For Goldberg, however, the message is clear: whatever the outcome, the fans remain central.

     “Football has a special power to unite us,” Aroyehun said. “As the Super Eagles step onto the pitch, we want Nigerians to feel proud, connected and fully part of the moment. That is what Our Beat, Our Gold stands for.”

    This Saturday in Dopemu, Goldberg will bring drums, lights and fans together as the Festival of Drums and Lights turns match day into a moment of football, culture and support for the Super Eagles.

  • AFCON on SuperSport: Nigeria set for familiar test against  Algeria

    AFCON on SuperSport: Nigeria set for familiar test against  Algeria

    The Super Eagles will continue their Africa Cup of Nations campaign tomorrow  at 5:00 pm in Marrakesh, where they face Algeria in the quarter-finals. The match, alongside all AFCON games will be broadcast live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.

    Nigeria progressed to the last eight with the most emphatic result of the Round of 16, recording a 4–0 victory over Mozambique. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams were all on the score sheet, while Alex Iwobi controlled midfield proceedings in a performance that reinforced the Super Eagles’ attacking depth.

    The win also saw Nigeria become the first team in AFCON history to record victories in their opening four matches of a single tournament. With 12 goals scored so far, they enter the quarter-finals as the competition’s leading attacking side, though focus has briefly shifted to a minor on-field disagreement between Osimhen and Lookman during the Mozambique match.

    Despite the incident, Nigeria’s overall momentum remains intact as they prepare for a more demanding test against Algeria on Saturday at 5:00 pm.

    Read Also: NFF issues AFCON 2025 final ultimatum to Chelle

    Algeria arrive with a different profile, advancing after a 1–0 extra-time win over DR Congo and conceding just one goal across the tournament. Their progress has been built on defensive structure and game management rather than attacking volume, setting up a tactical contrast against Nigeria’s fluid front line.

    History adds further significance to the meeting. Algeria have held a slight edge over Nigeria in previous AFCON encounters, including the 2019 semi-final decided by a late Riyad Mahrez free-kick. Past tournaments have often produced narrow margins between the two sides, reinforcing the sense of a closely matched rivalry.

    The quarter-final schedule begins on  today, with Mali facing Senegal at 5:00 pm, followed by Cameroon against Morocco at 8:00 pm. On Saturday, Nigeria face Algeria before Egypt meet defending champions Ivory Coast at 8:00 pm.

    All quarter-final matches will be broadcast live on the SuperSport AFCON channel on DStv Channel 202 and GOtv Channel 59, with Open Access available to DStv Yanga and GOtv Jolli subscribers.

    As the tournament narrows to its final contenders, attacking momentum, defensive discipline and decision-making under pressure are set to define which teams advance beyond the last eight.

  • Malcomines, Kangiwa, Minna Bago seek encore at Port Harcourt  Polo

    Malcomines, Kangiwa, Minna Bago seek encore at Port Harcourt  Polo

    Defending Champions, Jos Malcomines, Katsina Kangiwa, Minna Bago are set for sensational  defence of their titles as the 2026 Port Harcourt International Polo Tournament, themed “United by The Game”, gallops off this weekend at the foremost GRA Polo Ground in the Garden City.

    The trio led by the Jos-based polo kings that won the high goal trophy last year, have laid strong claims to retain the titles insisting that they are in the Garden City for more Niger Delta polo glories this year.

    The 2026 prestigious annual festival will also serve as a special memorial, marking 20 years since the passing of past club president and polo icon,  Roland Cookey-Gam.

    The President of Port Harcourt Polo Club, Prince Henry Agbodjan, who disclosed this at a media briefing, stated that this year’s edition seeks to deepen unity and inclusiveness, declaring that the annual festival has over the years, serves as a major commercial boost for Rivers State economy as well as the Niger Delta region.

    “As part of preparations for this tournament, we have one of our own who we lost 20 years ago in a plane crash. Rowland Cookey-Gam as you can see clearly in the emblem for this year’s tournament.”

     “This year, we’re going to use this tournament to eulogize him, remember him, and of course, appreciate his work for polo within the Harcourt Polo Club and polo in general around the world.”

    Prince Agbodjan noted that the club was able to achieve its goals during the last tournament, especially in the area of catching them young and taking polo to the grassroots.  “So, we are going to build on the program that was very well received by the public by intensifying the program.”

    Read Also: Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

    He commended the Rivers State Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), alongside other private and corporate sponsors for their continued support to the club over the years, whilst assuring that the flagship polo tournament in the country would continue to draw people from all walks of life.

    Major prizes to be contested for in the weeklong carnival include King Alfred Diete-Spiff, King T.J.T Princewill, T.Y Danjuma, Armed Forces Remembrance, President, Governor Cups, as well the Rowland Cookey-Gam played in honour of late former president of the club, Rowland Cookey-Gam.

    Captain of Port Harcourt Polo Club, Dr. Ikenna Nebolisa who also confirmed that Port Harcourt was ready to rock in the weeklong polo extravaganza, disclosed that players from Iran, Mexico, England, Argentina, among others would be participating at the tourney, in addition to entries from Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Jos.

    He noted that the tournament, themed ‘United in the Game,’ aims to provide a lively and enjoyable experience for polo enthusiasts nationwide, with billboard entertainment and a variety of social activities to spice the New Year celebrations.

    The captain added that, apart from the matches, attendees could look forward to opportunities to purchase items at affordable rates from the tournament’s Micro Market throughout the fiesta.

    Dr. Nebolisa also disclosed that matches would take place daily while the teams would compete in high-goal, medium goal and Low-goal categories.

  • Federal Gov’t  confirms release of Super Eagles’  AFCON bonuses

    Federal Gov’t  confirms release of Super Eagles’  AFCON bonuses

    The Federal Government has announced that all group-stage bonuses due to players of the Super Eagles at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations have been released and are expected to reflect in the players’ domiciliary accounts within hours.

    The disclosure was made by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, in response to reports suggesting that the national team was considering boycotting training sessions and could refuse to travel to Marrakech for their quarter-final encounter against Algeria.

    In a post on her official X handle, Uzoka-Anite provided an update on the administrative steps taken to resolve concerns surrounding the payment of match bonuses to the Super Eagles, stating that the issue had been addressed through coordinated action by the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

     “The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have successfully streamlined to ensure faster, more predictable disbursements aligned with international best practice,” the minister said.

    She explained that all bonuses earned during the group stage of the tournament had already been processed through the required regulatory procedures. “All group-stage bonuses were fully released and have now cleared the necessary regulatory stages,” she said.

    Read Also: Morocco 2025:  NFF launches NAIJA 4 THE WIN campaign for Super Eagles

    Uzoka-Anite added that the government had introduced a fast-track process to meet the players’ preferences regarding currency denomination. “We have implemented a fast-track conversion process to move funds into foreign currency, honouring the players’ preferences,” she stated.

    According to the minister, the final stage of the payment process is already underway. “The final transfers to domiciliary accounts are currently in flight. Players can expect these funds to reflect starting today (Thursday) or tomorrow (Friday),” she said.

    She noted that the government’s priority remains the welfare and morale of the national team as they progress into the knockout phase of the tournament.

    “Our focus remains entirely on supporting the team’s welfare so they can maintain their incredible momentum in the knockout rounds,” Uzoka-Anite said.

    She added that the administration is committed to ensuring that off-field issues do not distract the players from their performance on the pitch. “We move forward with one goal: Bringing the trophy home!” she said.

  • Super Eagles hold first training in Marrakech for Fennecs

    Super Eagles hold first training in Marrakech for Fennecs

    The Super Eagles are back in business after they held their first training in Marrakech yesterday moments after they arrived  from Fes, where they have played their first four matches  at  the ongoing 20925  Africa Cup of Nations  (AFCON)  in Morocco.

    The team, led by coach Eric Sekou Chelle, travelled by Royal Air Maroc and checked into Savoy Le Grande Hotel. This move to Marrakech follows a pay strike threat over unpaid bonuses.

    The entire squad, including key players Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, participated in the training as they prepare for the quarter-final match against Algeria (nicknamed the Fennecs) at the 45,000-capacity Grand Stade de Marrakech.

    Read Also: Morocco 2025:  NFF launches NAIJA 4 THE WIN campaign for Super Eagles

    Media and public were not allowed at the training, but a viral video shared by officials shows the team’s readiness. The Super Eagles will have a final training session today before the crucial game tomorrow.

    Yesterday marked coach Chelle’s one-year anniversary in charge; under his management, Nigeria has played 16 matches, earning 10 wins, 5 draws, and 1 loss, scoring 34 goals and conceding 15.

    The quarter-final match against Algeria is expected to be Chelle’s biggest test as the team aims for a semi-final berth in Morocco 2025.

    The winner between Nigeria and Algeria will face  the winner of today’s other quarter-final match between the hosts Morocco or Cameroon in the last four.

  • Morocco 2025: Osimhen, Lookman, Akor committed to over-running Desert Warriors

    Morocco 2025: Osimhen, Lookman, Akor committed to over-running Desert Warriors

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Desert Warriors of Algeria are set for a terrific showdown in the 45,000-capacity Grand Stade de Marrakech tomorrow, in the third quarter-final match of the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals.

    Both countries, with five African titles between them, will throw everything into the encounter as they seek a place in the last-4 of perhaps the biggest and most glamorous AFCON tournament in the competition’s 69-year history.

    Both teams have been landlords elsewhere. The Eagles flew from Fès – where they had played all their group phase and Round of 16 matches – to Marrakech on Thursday afternoon, while the Fennecs also had to travel from Rabat (where they also played all their previous four games).

    Three-time champions Nigeria netted 12 times in their first four matches (three group phase games and the Round of 16), while the Fennecs (otherwise known as Desert Warriors) have struck eight times, including knocking three each past Sudan and Equatorial Guinea in Group E. They eliminated the Democratic Republic of Congo with an added-time goal while the Super Eagles made short work of the Mambas of Mozambique.

    Nigeria’s twin-terrors Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, and new face Akor Adams, who is highly motivated by his first AFCON goal (against Mozambique in the Round of 16) and the steady recuperation of his mother, look too hot to handle for the 1990 and 2019 champions.

    Osimhen and Lookman were the driving force behind Nigeria’s runner-up accomplishment in Cote d’Ivoire two years ago, and have proved equally impactful here with each netting three goals, while Lookman has five assists and Osimhen has one.

    However, the truth is that the Fennecs have their own pack of match-winners, who have proven over the years to be highly dependable and can eke out a result when it is least expected.

    Baghdad Bounedjah scored the only goal of the 2019 Final against Senegal in Cairo, which handed Algeria their second AFCON trophy, and has remained one of the most potent strikers in the history of the Fennecs.

    Captain Riyad Mahrez has turned out to be as brutally efficient as Rabah Madjer (who carried the nation on his shoulders as the North African country hosted and won the AFCON trophy in 1990), Lakhdar Belloumi and the nifty Abdelhafid Tasfaout.

    Ismael Bennacer is another tricky customer, though he operates from the midfield, and defender Ramy Bensebaini scored the only goal when the Fennecs pipped Nigeria in a friendly in Austria in October 2020.

    Adil Boulbina netted the scorcher that ended the hopes of Leopards of DR Congo, and the Super Eagles must also beware of midfielders Ibrahim Maza and Hicham Boudaoui, as well as striker Anis Hadj-Moussa.

    Nonetheless, Nigeria has looked very capable in this championship, with the group playing with purpose, grit, pride and passion, and captain Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi have delivered energetically and with panache.

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

    Osimhen’s brace against Mozambique took him within three goals of Nigeria’s all-time record of 37 goals, and Lookman now has six AFCON goals, with his brace against Cameroon and strike against Angola in the knockout rounds of the last competition in Cote d’Ivoire. Both forwards will be eager to add to their tally here.

    Paul Onuachu is galvanized by his strike against Uganda in the group phase turning out to be the 150th  AFCON goal for Nigeria, and could play some part in  tomorrow’s duel.

    The winner of the encounter will take on the winner of the second semi-final, between Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions and Morocco’s Atlas Lions, taking place today in Rabat.

    Incidentally, when Morocco hosted the AFCON in 1988 (the only previous championship the North African Kingdom staged), Cameroon clashed with Morocco in the first semi-final while Nigeria and Algeria clashed in the second semi-final. The quartet are now repeating history at the quarter-final stage.

    Thirty-eight years ago, Nigeria edged Algeria in a marathon penalty shootout after regulation and extra time ended 1-1, while Cameroon edged hosts Morocco to set up a Nigeria-Cameroon Final. The Indomitable Lions won that controversial Final 1-0.    

  • Mali vs. Senegal: Mane admits best teams don’t win AFCON

    Mali vs. Senegal: Mane admits best teams don’t win AFCON

    As a keenly anticipated fixture at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations this week, Senegal and Mali will do battle in the Quarter-finals of the showpiece at Grand Stade de Tanger on this evening. Kick-off is at 5:00pm Nigerian time.

    The Eagles advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament following a 3-2 penalties victory over Tunisia at Stade Mohammed V last Saturday.

    While the game ended at 1-1 in regulation time, penalties were needed to separate the two nations following 120 minutes of football in Casablanca. However, crucial misses by Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane gave Mali the opportunity to book their spot in the final eight.

    The Lions of Teranga had it much easier in their respective Round of 16 obligation when they bagged a 3-1 win over Sudan at Stade de Tanger this past Saturday. Sudan took an early lead by Aamir Yunis in the sixth minute of the match, which injected a sense of urgency by Senegal as Pape Gueye (2) and Ibrahim Mbaye scored the winning goals for their nation.

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

    Speaking after Senegal’s Round of 16 victory, experienced star Sadio Mane believes that approaching each game as it comes will be crucial in their bid to win the showpiece for the second time.

    “In Africa, there are national teams that are candidates to win the title, and I believe we are among them, but with my experience I always tell the players to remain calm no matter what happens, because the best team does not always win this tournament,” Mane uttered.

     “The proof is that we played well more than once and saw the results in the end. Playing well is important, but it is not the most important thing at the moment.

     “What matters now is focus and dealing with the tournament match by match, because the Africa Cup of Nations is not easy, and what matters is winning, not how.”

  • Morocco coach Regragui unfazed by Cameroon’s  past records

    Morocco coach Regragui unfazed by Cameroon’s  past records

    Morocco coach Walid Regragui has  sought to remove some of the pressure on his team as he suggested Cameroon had more to lose in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between the sides.

    The tournament hosts are the favourites to win the competition given their home advantage as well as the fact they are Africa’s leading side in the FIFA world rankings.

    But the expectation on them brings an enormous weight of pressure that is in contrast to Cameroon, who have reached the last eight despite a chaotic build-up to the Cup of Nations which saw them appoint a new coach weeks before their opening game.

    There is also a historical precedent: the last time Morocco hosted the Cup of Nations was in 1988, when their dream of winning the title was ended in defeat by Roger Milla’s Indomitable Lions in the semi-finals in Casablanca.

     “The reality is that Cameroon have generally been Morocco’s bête noire. They have often come here and won. But that was in the past. We are the new Morocco so what happened then no longer matters,” Regragui said on the eve of Friday’s clash.

    He then suggested that Cameroon’s failure to qualify for the upcoming World Cup means they have more to lose than a Moroccan team desperate to win the continental title in front of their fans, half a century after their sole Cup of Nations triumph to date.

     “The reality now is that Cameroon are on form, and this is their competition because they have everything to lose,” Regragui insisted.

     “If they go no further they will have to wait two or three more years for another major tournament.

     “We also have something to lose because we are at home but in four months we have the World Cup so we have another competition to play.

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

     “That is why Cameroon will be motivated, more than usual. There is pressure on us but on them too.”

    The Morocco coach was also full of praise for his Cameroonian counterpart David Pagou, whose calm demeanour has helped a young side progress from their group and then eliminate South Africa in the last 16.

     “We are playing the host nation, a top side who have really good individuals as well as a collective that works well together,” admitted Pagou. “And also, not that I am a historian but Morocco have not lost at home in a very long time. So that is an extra source of motivation.”

    For Morocco, the Lille striker Hamza Igamane is fit again after injury but Regragui acknowledged that midfield lynchpin Sofyan Amrabat is still struggling with an ankle problem while veteran defender Romain Saiss is also not fully fit.

    However, captain Achraf Hakimi is set to start again after doing so for the first time in the tournament in the narrow last-16 win against Tanzania.

     “Achraf hadn’t played 90 minutes in almost two months. He played very well against Tanzania but we have not yet seen Achraf at his best. Hopefully we will tomorrow,” Regragui said of the African player of the year, who suffered an ankle injury with Paris Saint-Germain in early November.

  • ‘Mourning’ Joshua undecided  about  boxing future

    ‘Mourning’ Joshua undecided  about  boxing future

    Pays tributes to late friends

    Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has yet to decide on his boxing future following the tragic loss of two close friends in a fatal road accident in Nigeria.

    Joshua was involved in the crash, which claimed the lives of Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, while he was left injured and rushed to hospital. The incident occurred while the boxer was on holiday in Nigeria, shortly after his victory over Jake Paul.

    In an emotional Instagram post, Joshua paid tribute to the deceased, describing them as brothers.

     “Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers,” Joshua posted on Instagram.

     “I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.

    Read Also: Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

    “100 percent it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers,” he added.

    Though  there are growing speculation that the 36-year-old might retire from boxing, his promoter Eddie Hearn has urged patience, insisting it is too early to discuss Joshua’s career plans.

    Speaking to talkSPORT, Hearn stressed that the focus should be on Joshua’s physical and emotional recovery.

     “This is a terrible tragedy and Anthony’s going to need his own time. At the moment, there’s nothing to discuss about his career,” Hearn said, calling for privacy and prayers for all affected families.

    Joshua had been linked with a return to the ring in Saudi Arabia and a potential blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury later in the year. Despite claims from a family member suggesting retirement was being considered, Joshua himself has not made any definitive decision.

  • Oshodi  confirmed as Chairman of  Lagos State Sports Trust Fund’s  Board

    Oshodi  confirmed as Chairman of  Lagos State Sports Trust Fund’s  Board

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has confirmed Mr. Wahid Enitan Oshodi as Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF) Board of Trustees, following his nomination by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    The confirmation followed the presentation of a screening report by the Chairman of the ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Fatai Mojeed, who led the exercise in line with Sections 106 and 192 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

    According to the report, the committee assessed the nominee based on the documentation of his credentials, personal appearance, performance, and overall presentation during the screening.

    Members of the Assembly also raised questions, all of which Mr. Oshodi responded to satisfactorily.

    Hon. Mojeed noted that the committee reviewed previous nominations to the position and found Mr. Oshodi suitable and qualified for the role. Consequently, the committee unanimously recommended that the former Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development be approved as Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF) Board of Trustees.

    The House adopted the committee’s report and confirmed Mr. Oshodi’s appointment.

    The speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa therefore directed the clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko to send the resolution of the house to the Governor.