The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • AFN names  Asaba’s Stephen Keshi Stadium as camp base

    AFN names  Asaba’s Stephen Keshi Stadium as camp base

    The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has selected the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, as the official camping base for home-based athletes preparing for major national and international championships.

    The camp will serve as the launch pad for Team Nigeria’s preparations for a packed calendar that includes the World Relays Championship in Gaborone, Botswana in May, the Senior Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Championships in Accra, Ghana, the CAA Region II Senior Championships in Dakar, Senegal, as well as the World Junior Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States.

    AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, led an inspection tour of the facilities alongside the Federation’s Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, the federation’s scribe Israel Inwang and the Athletes’ Representative.

    The visit was aimed at ensuring that the stadium and supporting infrastructure meet the standards required for high-performance training ahead of the crucial competitions.

    A major boost to the camping programme is the support of the Delta State Government, with Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori approving the use of the facilities at the Stephen Keshi Stadium free of charge. The gesture further reinforces Delta State’s reputation as a strong supporter of sports development in Nigeria.

    The camping exercise, according to the AFN, will be conducted in phases and closely supervised by the federation’s Technical Committee to ensure effective monitoring, proper conditioning and gradual build-up of athletes across different events and age categories.

    Addressing athletes expected to be called up, Okowa assured them of the federation’s full commitment to their welfare and overall success, stressing that creating a stable and supportive environment remains a top priority of the current administration.

    Speaking to journalists after the inspection, the AFN president, who also serves as Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), disclosed that the federation has already submitted a comprehensive response to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) regarding queries on age discrepancies involving some under-18 and under-20 athletes.

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     “It will take some time for the AIU to respond to our report, but I am confident of a positive outcome. The exercise we have embarked upon is a continuous process,” Okowa said.

    He also issued a stern warning to coaches who may be involved in, or encouraging, sharp practices, urging them to desist or face serious sanctions from the federation.

    According to him, the AFN remains determined to uphold integrity and credibility in Nigerian athletics.

    On the report submitted by the AFN probe panel, Okowa revealed that the board would soon convene to thoroughly examine and deliberate on the findings, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and transparency within the sport.

    The AFN president concluded by commending the Delta State Government and the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Joshua Oborevwori, for their hospitality and support, describing Asaba as a welcoming and conducive environment for Nigeria’s athletes as they prepare to fly the nation’s flag on the continental and global stage.

  • Ondo’s Smokin Hills to host  2026 Business Network Golf Tourney

    Ondo’s Smokin Hills to host  2026 Business Network Golf Tourney

    In a move that underscores golf’s rising status as a business networking tool, top professionals and entrepreneurs are set to gather at Smokin Hills Golf Resort, Ilara-Mokin, on February 21 for the 2026 Business Network Golf Tournament.

     The one-day event, sponsored by Bode Adediji Partnership and Kontinental Developers Limited, promises to bring together business leaders, industry professionals, and emerging entrepreneurs from across Nigeria and beyond. Beyond competition, the tournament is designed as a platform for networking, relationship-building, and discussions on investment and enterprise in a relaxed, leisure-focused setting.

    Convener of the tournament, Adediji, a respected estate surveyor and valuer, said the initiative is both a contribution to sport and a recognition of golf’s wider developmental significance. “This is our little way of contributing to the sporting community,” Adediji said. “There is a school of thought that links the growth of golf and its infrastructure with the overall socio-economic progress of a nation. In many ways, golf serves as an index of development.”

    Adediji pointed to countries like Japan, China, South Korea, the United States, and Italy, where thriving golf cultures coexist with strong infrastructure and structured leisure systems that support business and professional growth. “Leisure and recreation management is an integral part of modern business culture worldwide,” he said. “Golf provides a space where ideas flow, partnerships are formed, and strategic conversations take place away from formal boardrooms.”

    The choice of venue reinforces the tournament’s prestige. Developed by High Chief Michael Adeojo, Chairman of Elizade Motors, the 18-hole Smokin Hills Golf Resort is located about 20 minutes from Akure, Ondo State’s capital, in the university town of Ilara-Mokin.

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    It is currently the only golf facility in Ondo State and has rapidly become one of Nigeria’s most scenic and technically challenging courses even as golfers describe the layout as a perfect blend of aesthetics and strategy.

    Mature trees line several fairways, bunkers guard key approach zones, and subtly contoured greens reward creativity and precision.

    Yet despite its championship pedigree, the course remains accessible to golfers of varying skill levels, from beginners to seasoned players. “Even weekend golfers can enjoy the experience,” Adediji noted. “But more experienced players will appreciate the technical depth, requiring patience, creativity, and strategic thinking around the green.”

    Organisers emphasised that the tournament is not only about sport. It is a deliberate effort to link leisure with professional development, using golf as a medium to encourage dialogue, collaboration, and investment. Attendees will have the opportunity to forge partnerships, exchange ideas, and expand their professional networks while enjoying the game. With its combination of scenic beauty, technical challenge, and business purpose, the 2026 Business Network Golf Tournament is set to be a landmark event. Organisers plan to make it an annual fixture, positioning Smokin Hills as a premier venue where sport, enterprise, and development intersect in Nigeria’s growing business landscape.

  • Morocco to appeal CAF rulings on disorderly AFCON  final

    Morocco to appeal CAF rulings on disorderly AFCON  final

    Morocco’s football federation (FRMF) said ON Tuesday   it would appeal the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) disciplinary rulings over last month’s chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, which the hosts lost 1-0 after extra time.

    FRMF criticised the sanctions as disproportionate to the “seriousness and gravity” of the incidents during the 18 January match, which was overshadowed by a 14-minute interruption after Senegalese players staged a walk-off, a pitch invasion by their fans and confrontations involving players and staff.

    CAF’s Disciplinary Committee handed Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw a five-match ban and fined him $100,000 (£82,000) after he instructed his team to leave the pitch following a VAR decision to disallow a goal late in regular time.

    Senegal’s football federation was fined $615,000 (£508,000) for the behaviour of their players and supporters, with Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr receiving two-match bans for unsporting actions directed at the referee.

    Morocco, whose appeal to have the match result overturned was rejected by CAF, were also hit with sanctions totalling $315,000 (£260,000).

    Their penalties relate to what CAF described as misconduct by Moroccan players, staff, and supporters, including the use of laser pointers and improper intervention in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) area.

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    Captain Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match suspension, one of which is suspended for a year, while Ismael Saibari was banned for three games, with both players penalised for attempting to remove Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel in heavy rain conditions.

    “The FRMF will appeal the decisions in order to safeguard all rights guaranteed by law,” said a statement issued by the federation, which specifically cited “the withdrawal of Senegalese players and the conduct of their supporters” during the final as grounds for contesting the rulings.

    CAF, however, described the tournament as a success overall, highlighting record revenues despite the controversy surrounding the final.

    CAF confirmed the sanctions will apply to its competitions, further souring the conclusion to what Morocco had hoped would be a triumphant campaign on home soil.

  • NBF picks 41 pugilists  for Maiden African Boxing League  

    NBF picks 41 pugilists  for Maiden African Boxing League  

    The Nigeria Boxing Federation has unveiled the list of boxers to fly the country’s flag at the African Boxing League.

    The inaugural event will kick-off in April and will feature pugilists from over twenty African nations.

    In readiness for the championship, the NBF technical and tournament committee have listed forty-one boxers to represent the country across the various weight categories.

    In the male category, the listed boxers are: Sodiq Oduniyi 55kg, Samuel Dahusi 55kg, Raymond Abodunrin 55kg, Musefiu Quam 60kg, Abdulahi Robiu 60kg, Ajisola 60kg, Abdulrahman Abdulwahab 65kg, Ridwan Raheem 65kg, and Michael Babalola 70kg.

    Others are Ibrahim Yakubu 70kg, Alata 70kg, Daniel Joshua 80kg, Prince Gardy 80kg, Chuwka Emmanuel 80kg, Jamiu Saheed 90kg, Olomitutu Michael 90kg, Ifeoluwa Ogunniyi 90kg, Agbadike Emmanuel 90+kg, Ebuka Henry Obierika 90+kg, and Adeniyi Adesoji 90+kg.

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    In the  women’s category are: Ayomide Mayowa 51kg, Amirah Oluwatoyin 51kg, Adesina Zainab 51kg, Aliyat Olalekan 54kg, Aliyat Ganiyu 54kg, Kadijat Ajisola 57kg, Akinremi Asisat 57kg, Shoyombo Anuoluwapo 57kg, Asisat Gbadamosi 60kg, and Adeniji Aliyat 60kg.

    Others are Sakirat Kareem 60kg, Damilola Sodipe 65kg, Omolayo Adaramola 65kg, Jinadu Akimot 65kg, Blessing Orakwe 70kg, Adaobi Onara 70kg, Onyechi Anya 70kg, Queen James 70+kg, Mary Bassey 70+kg and Chidimma Nmugeu 70+kg.

    Coaches  attached to the contingent are: Lasisi Mayowa, SaboMohammed,Tolani Balogun, Waheed Sobaloju, Kamol Wahab, Penda Agwhlolo, Kemi Adebayo, Gift Ituonye, Alice Alumbugu coach Mary Ekpo.

    The draws for the league will be held in March. Team Nigeria would travel to other nations for their away bouts while their home fixtures would be staged in Nigeria.

    The vice president of the Nigeria Boxing Federation Hon. Omonlei Imadu said the boxers will resume camping later this month ahead of the tournament.

  • Teluwo, Borisade honoured  at Dowen College’s Inter-House Sports

    Teluwo, Borisade honoured  at Dowen College’s Inter-House Sports

    By Juliet Igbang

    Dowen College, Lekki, has  held its inter-house sports competition at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Lagos.

    The event also recognised the Sports Ambassador, Dr. Adewale Teluwo, founder of Obanta Football Club, alongside the Chairman, Board of Governors, Dr. Taiwo  Borisade.

    In attendance were  parents, guardians, school administrators, sports enthusiasts,  including the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende.

    Principal of Dowen College, Dr. Adebisi Layiwola, described the students as the heroes of the day and urged them to seize the opportunity to display their talents.

    She encouraged the competitors to participate with integrity, respect, and a strong sense of sportsmanship, noting that regardless of the outcome, all participants were winners.

     “This is your moment to shine. Compete with integrity, respect one another, and enjoy the experience. Whatever the outcome, you are all winners,” she said.

    Dr. Layiwola also commended the staff, coaches, and teachers for their dedication in preparing the students for the competition and called on everyone present to uphold the values of sportsmanship to make the event memorable.

    The ceremony featured the swearing-in of officials, oath-taking by referees and competitors, and the lighting of the torch, officially declaring the competition open.

    The march-past followed, beginning with Emerald House (Green House), which impressed the audience with a colourful display. This was followed by Ruby House (Red), Sapphire House (Blue), and Topaz House (Yellow), all of whom displayed discipline and creativity.

    Speaking at the event,  Ogunlende hailed  the students for their impressive performances and the organisers for a well-coordinated programme, even as he praised the level of creativity and discipline displayed during the march-past.

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     “You are all winners today, but there must be an ultimate winner. Whoever emerges victorious will truly deserve it,” he said.

    The track events kicked off with the 800-metre race. In the girls’ category, Sapphire House emerged first, followed by Ruby House, while Emerald House initially led the race. In the boys’ category, Ruby House claimed first position, with Topaz House finishing second.

    In the 100-metre junior race, Sapphire House won the girls’ category, while Topaz House won the boys’. For the 400-metre race, Sapphire House emerged winners in the girls’ category, while Topaz House dominated the boys’. In the senior category, Ruby House won both the boys’ and girls’ events.

    Other activities included relay races, long jump competitions, and victory ceremonies, adding excitement to the day. The event also featured participation from invited primary and secondary schools.

    Dr. Layiwola explained that the inter-house sports competition was organised to help students develop physical fitness, teamwork, and character.

  • Uba Sani pledges world-class upgrade for Ahmadu Bello Stadium

    Uba Sani pledges world-class upgrade for Ahmadu Bello Stadium

    Governor Uba Sani has promised that Ahmadu Bello Stadium will be transformed to a FIFA-standard sports facility capable of  hosting international competitions.

    He noted that the stadium was built in 1965 so it has to be completely remodelled to meet the needs of modern times.

    Sani disclosed that the stadium will be transformed to a 32, 000 seating capacity when the remodelling is completed, which will double its current capacity.

    The Governor  made this known when the National Institute for Sports, led by its Director General, Comrade Phillip Shuaibu, paid him a courtesy visit at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Tuesday.

    He pledged that the upgraded Ahmadu Bello Stadium will be the second most spacious after the national stadium in Abuja.

    He described the DG of NIS  as versatile, adding that before Shuaibu came on board, the Institute was moribund but he has as started turning it around.

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    Recalling that he and the DG were in the trenches together for the restoration of democracy in 1999, he said that  Shuaibu performed well as Edo State Deputy Governor.

    Speaking earlier, Shuaibu said that the mandate of NIS is to develop manpower for the sports ecosystem, including the training of coaches and paramedics.

    According to  Shuaibu , he took steps to reposition the Institute when he assumed office, by constituting a 32-member star-studded team that came up with a 10-year work plan, conducted trainings and created six zonal offices for proper coordination.

    He said that the North west zonal office will be located in Kaduna while Yola and Jos will host the zonal offices of the North East and North Central geopolitical zones respectively.

    According to him, the South-South zonal office will be located at Benin and  the South East as well as South West offices will be at Enugu and Abeokuta towns respectively.

    Comrade Shuaibu thanked Governor Sani for promising to provide a fully furnished office for the take-off of the North West zonal office.

  • Rivers unveils  seven-member LOC for Niger Delta Games

    Rivers unveils  seven-member LOC for Niger Delta Games

    Four-time Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Chris Green leads a seven-member Local Organizing Committee (LOC) set up to oversee the affairs of the Rivers State contingent to the  2026 Niger Delta Games (Edo 2026).

    The other members of the committee are Professor Ken Anugweje, Emma Ndah, Awele Salubi, Obia Inyengiyikabo and Emmanuel Jaja, who will serve as the secretary of the LOC.

    Veteran sports journalist,  Sammy Wejinya, was appointed as Media head/Director of Communications of the LOC.

    Speaking after the inauguration, Chairman of the LOC, Barr. Chris Green charged other members of the committee to bring their wealth of experience to bear in ensuring that ‘Team Rivers’, the Rivers State contingent to the games win laurels and conduct themselves creditably in Edo State.

    “Only the best in their respective fields have been selected to serve in the LOC and I want to use this avenue to charge all the appointed members to bring their wealth of experience to bear as we open yet another vista in the chapter of Sports in Rivers State,” he said.

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    The 2026 Niger Delta Games (Edo 2026), sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will take place in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20th  to 27th .

    The games will feature 17 different sports held at the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City and other locations

    Rivers LOC Members f or Edo 2026

    Barr. Chris Green (Chairman)

    Prof. Ken Anugweje (Member)

    Comrade Emma Ndah (Member)

    Obia Iyengiyikabo (Member)

    Awele Salubi (Member)

    Emmanuel Jaja (Secretary)

    Sammy Wejinya (Media Head/Director of Communications)

  • Aribo seeks regular action after loan move to Leicester

    Aribo seeks regular action after loan move to Leicester

    Joe Aribo has expressed excitement after completing a loan move to Leicester City from Southampton for the remainder of the Championship season.

    The 29-year-old Nigerian midfielder said he was eager to return to regular football after a difficult spell with limited game time.

    Aribo praised Leicester’s facilities and described the club as an ideal environment to rediscover his best form.

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    Known for his versatility, Aribo revealed he is comfortable playing in multiple positions across midfield and attack and hopes to contribute goals as well as creativity.

    He added that the move represents an opportunity to prove himself again and make a strong impact for the Foxes.

  •  Romano  reveals how Napoli missed signing Lookman

     Romano  reveals how Napoli missed signing Lookman

    Napoli pushed until the final moments of the transfer window in their attempt to sign Ademola Lookman but were ultimately blocked by financial constraints.

    Italian outlet Il Mattino reported that the Nigerian forward was Napoli’s top target, with Atalanta demanding €40 million following the player’s desire to leave after the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

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    Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Napoli would have matched Atletico Madrid’s offer for Lookman if not for budgetary limitations imposed on the club.

    Unable to complete the deal, Napoli turned to Brazilian striker Alisson Santos from Sporting Lisbon, a move Romano described as a “forced choice.”

  • Super Falcons’ camp  opens  Feb 20 for  WAFCON defence

    Super Falcons’ camp  opens  Feb 20 for  WAFCON defence

    The Super Falcons will open camp on February 20 as preparations intensify for the defense of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.

    Officials confirmed to SCORENigeria that the 10-time African champions will train in Nigeria before traveling to Abidjan for a WAFU B invitational tournament involving hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Senegal. The competition will run from February 27 to March 7.

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    The 2026 WAFCON, which also serves as a qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, will begin on March 17. The four semi-finalists will secure World Cup tickets.

    Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi.