The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Benin 2-1 Nigeria: Cotonou erupts in celebrations as fans blast Finidi 

    Benin 2-1 Nigeria: Cotonou erupts in celebrations as fans blast Finidi 

    Cotonou , the capital of neighbouring  Republic of  Benin, reportedly thrown into a state of ecstasy last night  after  The Cheetahs  claimed a shock 2-1 win over the Super Eagles of Nigeria  in their 2026 FIFA world Cup qualifier  at the Felix Houphouët Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.  

    Hitherto regarded a contest between a Goliath (Nigeria) and David (Benin)  but it as the later that claimed  a famous  win  in their adopted home ground in Abidjan  after CAF had ruled  that their home pitches were not up to standard.

    But The Cheetahs  now being coached by former Super Eagles trainer, German Gernot Rohr,  inflicted a 2-1 defeat on their illustrious  side  to send  their fans back home in Cotonou  into wild jubilation.

    “ This  was a real miracle,” Beninese foremost journalist, Elvis Dedjinou Zanclan , told NationSport after the match.“ Two games won successively, first again Rwanda and  now, the super Eagles; this is unbelievable.”

    Zanclan then added: “My point of view  at the end of the match  was that the Nigerian players  thought the game  was won  before the kick -off. I think Finidi’s team is the first Nigerian side to lose to Benin in history.

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    “Of course, Cotonou is bubbling and celebrating,” he noted. 

    By contrast,  the Super Eagles’ defeat  was painfully received  as Nigerians reportedly   took to the social media app, X(formerly Twitter ) to demand the immediate sacking of  Coach Finidi George over the team’s poor performance.

    In a  report by Sahara Reporters , many of  Nigerian micro blog users  vented their anger on the former Ajax Amsterdam’s winger.

    A commentator, Samstar said, “Finidi George is just a clueless coach with a very big head. Please sack him now and also jail him for stressing all Nigerians #SoarSuperEagles.” 

    Another analyst, Buchi Laba regretted being among those who called for George’s appointment few months ago. 

    He wrote: “I pushed heavily for Finidi George to get the job. I’m a very stupid person. Never ever take any advice coming from me. I no get sense.” 

  • Minister invites NFF over poor World Cup results

    Minister invites NFF over poor World Cup results

    Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has demanded a detailed technical report from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) following the Super Eagles’ disappointing performance during the June FIFA window.

    The Super Eagles managed to secure only one point from a possible six, following a 1-1 with South Africa in Uyo and losing 2-1 to Benin Republic in Abidjan in its third and fourth game respectively in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.

    These results leave the Super Eagles with a total of just three points from a possible twelve, of the four games played thus far in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico.

    The Minister expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcomes, especially considering the substantial support the NFF has received from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in addition to the kind of open and positive working relationship between the Ministry and the NFF.

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    “The recent results are unacceptable,” Senator Enoh stated in a release signed by his Special Assistant (Media),Diana-Mary Nsan. “Despite the immense support from President Tinubu and the high expectations of Nigerian football fans, the Super Eagles have underperformed.

     “The NFF must provide a comprehensive technical report explaining the reasons behind this poor showing and give cause why there mustn’t be consequences for the disappointment caused both Government and the generality of Nigerians. “

    Senator Enoh emphasized that Nigerian football fans demand and deserve answers and accountability from the NFF. “Our supporters are passionate and devoted. They deserve an explanation for why our national team has not been performing to the expected standards since after the last AFCON he added.

  • BFN sends Opeyori to Italy ahead of Paris 2024 camping

    BFN sends Opeyori to Italy ahead of Paris 2024 camping

    President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria(BFN),Francis Orbih, has affirmed the country’s number one badminton star Anuoluwapo Opeyori stands a good chance at next month’s Paris 2024 Olympic Games with  quality preparations. 

    Opeyori, who has dominated Africa in the men’s singles from 2019 till date, winning four African Championship titles and two African Games titles, secured a spot at the Paris Games last month, becoming the first Nigerian badminton player to qualify for two consecutive Olympics after featuring at Tokyo 2020.

    Speaking  at the ‘send forth’ ceremony in Lagos ahead  of  organised a special dinner to send forth the country’s number one badminton star Anuoluwapo Opeyori’s  departure  to Italy to intensify his training ahead of the Olympic Games, Orbih  said  he was happy the 27-year-old  badmintonist  has done well heading to Paris 2024. 

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     “History was made in badminton after Anuoluwapo Opeyori secured a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. I am full of joy because Anu is the first Nigerian badminton player to feature in the men’s singles at the Olympic Games and also the first Nigerian badminton player to attend two Olympics back-to-back,” Orbih stated at the event.

    He further  outlined the federation’s programme for Opeyori, which he said would begin with a three-week training tour of Italy this week.

    He continued: “We titled this programme ‘Send forth’ because we intend him to travel to Italy next week (this week) for a training camp  for about three weeks. After that, the ministry will open its training camp in Germany July 1, he’ll join the team Nigeria there. 

    “We also intend him to play the Mauritius International and one other championship. After the training camp he needs to go to the court and put to use the skills he acquired in camp. After that he goes straight to the Olympics.”

    President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee(NOC), Habu Gumel, also  urged Opeyori to put up a fine outing in France.

    “I’ll watch all your matches in Paris no matter how tight my schedule will be, so go make Nigerians proud,” Gumel said. 

    Also present at the  send forth  event were top dignitaries including ace comedian and BFN brand ambassador Ali Baba, a former Commissioner for Sports, Lagos State, Enitan Oshodi, DG of the Lagos State Sports Commission Lekan Fatodu as well as representatives of Mutual Benefits Assurance, Mikano Group, Dufil Prima Foods, Avis, Bond Global Energy, Studio 24, Ikoyi Club 1938 officials and members, amongst others.

  • NFF expresses anger over wrong anthem 

    NFF expresses anger over wrong anthem 

    The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed anger at the mix-up by the Benin  Football Federation in playing the old Nigeria national anthem before Monday’s FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Abidjan.

    NFF’s Head of International Competitions, Dayo Enebi Achor, said the NFF handed a recording of the new national anthem of Nigeria to the Benin FA authorities at the Match Coordination Meeting in Abidjan on Sunday evening.

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     “We gave them the recording of our new national anthem, only for them to play the wrong one at the beginning of the match. We protested strongly, and insisted that the Super Eagles would not start the second half until the new national anthem of Nigeria was played.”

    The Benin FA authorities eventually played the new national anthem of Nigeria before the commencement of the second half of the match.

  • NPFL: Huge crowd  expected as  Shooting Stars host Rangers on June 12 

    NPFL: Huge crowd  expected as  Shooting Stars host Rangers on June 12 

    Ibadan is set to witness another thrilling showdown as Shooting Stars host Enugu Rangers in a highly anticipated NPFL match tomorrow,  June 12th.

    The match will air live on StarTimes Beta Sports Channel 244 at 5:30pm.

    With both teams boasting passionate fan bases, a massive crowd is expected to fill the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere for this clash. Enugu Rangers’ sudden surge of fans in their previous two games in Lagos and Enugu will be a morale boost to the team as they eye the NPFL title.

    The match carries significant implications for both sides as they vie for crucial points in the league standings.

    Enugu Rangers currently sit on 62 points, while awaiting the NPFL’s verdict on the outcome of the match against Enyimba, which was suspended deep into stoppage time on Sunday due to a pitch invasion by fans protesting a penalty awarded to the home side.  Winning is crucial for Enugu Rangers to be in a comfort zone in the race for the league title.

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    With 56 points and having won 14 home games, Shooting Stars will be looking to leverage their home advantage and secure a victory that could propel them further up the table. However, Shooting Stars have struggled against clubs from the Southeast this season, home and away, with a record of five losses, one draw, and one win.

    Their first encounter this season saw Enugu Rangers secure a 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars.

    As Wednesday approaches, anticipation continues to build among supporters of both clubs. Football enthusiasts are eager to witness the on-field action and experience the electrifying atmosphere that is expected to fill the Ibadan stadium. 

    Before the epic encounter. StarTimes Beta Sports Channel 244 will air the Gombe United vs Abia Warriors match at 3:30pm. 

  • Germany’s Ovtcharov eyes  title at WTT Contender Lagos

    Germany’s Ovtcharov eyes  title at WTT Contender Lagos

    German international Dimitrij Ovtcharov will be making his second trip to Nigeria after failing to clinch the men’s singles title at the maiden WTT Contender Lagos in 2023 but the world No. 14 is eager to return to right the wrong in his second attempt at the title when the 2024 edition begins on June 19 to 23 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.

    The 35-year-old fulfilled the promise he made to Lagos fans in 2023 after sending several table tennis equipment to young players across the country and it is on the heels of the massive support he got in his maiden visit that he decided to make another shot at the title relying on the support of the Lagos fans.

    The former world No. 1 had won a total of two silver and four bronze medals at the Olympics since he debuted at Beijing 2008 in China, making him one the most decorated male Olympians in the table tennis category in terms of the number of medals awarded.

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    Following his special technique in his serves, the German was picked by Time magazine as one of the top 50 innovations of 2008.

    With huge support from the Lagos fans, Ovtcharov worked his way to the final in 2023 where he faced China’s Zhou Qihao.

    The final between Ovtcharov and the Chinese star had all the elements of a grand finale as the venue was jam-packed with Lagos fans but it was Qihao who reigned supreme in a 4-1 win over the German star. 

    Meanwhile, the organisers have confirmed the participation of players from China, South Korea, India, Denmark, Brazil, Spain, Benin Republic, Ghana, Algeria, and Egypt at the five-day $80,000 prize money tournament.

  • Enoh, Elegbeleye  sympathize with  Doma FC  over  road accident 

    Enoh, Elegbeleye  sympathize with  Doma FC  over  road accident 

    Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has prayed  for a swift recovery to the players and officials of Doma United FC following a road accident involving their contingent on their way home from the NPFL Matchday 35 fixture in Owerri.

    While there were no fatalities, several players reportedly  sustained various degree of injuries  and currently receiving treatment. “I am deeply saddened to hear about the accident involving Doma United FC,” Senator Enoh  said in a release signed by his Special Assistant (Media),Diana-Mary Nsan. “I extend my prayers and best wishes for a quick and full recovery to all those affected. We are grateful that no lives were lost, but the well-being of our players remains a top priority.”

    Meanwhile, the Minister has  urged clubs to actively pursue partnerships with airlines to facilitate safer travel for long-distance journeys. 

    “I understand the cost implications, but we must prioritize the welfare of our players. Collaborating with airlines for air travel can significantly reduce the risks associated with long road journeys,” he said. “This unfortunate event underscores the importance of strict club licensing and ensuring that all clubs meet the required standards for player safety and welfare.”

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    In a related development, Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Honourable  Gbenga Elegbeleye has equally sent a solidarity message to the Chairman and Management of Doma United over the unfortunate incident.

    Elegbeleye who put a call through to the Doma United Chairman, Alhaji Suleiman Umar, expressed sympathies on behalf of the NPFL Board and Management, noting that he was happy that there were no fatalities arising from the road crash.

    The Gombe-based club was on their way back when the bus skidded off the road along Makurdi-Lafia road during heavy rains.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with Doma United and the contingent at  this very difficult time,” Elegbeleye said.

    “On behalf of the NPFL Board and Management, I wish the injured persons speedy and full recovery with hope that they would return to action soon. 

    ”We are particularly relieved that there was no loss of lives in the accident and we pray for the safety of all other teams and their fans as we gradually roll up the season,” Elegbeleye added.

  • Ancelotti  confirms Real  Madrid for  Club World Cup

    Ancelotti  confirms Real  Madrid for  Club World Cup

    Real Madrid and manager Carlo Ancelotti have clarified the Champions League winners will compete at next year’s Club World Cup despite the Italian earlier saying the club would “refuse the invitation”.

    Ancelotti’s comment appeared in an interview with Italian newspaper Il Giornale, external which was released on Monday.

    But the 65-year-old later posted on social media to say his words were “not interpreted in the way I intended”.

    He added: “Nothing could be further from my interest than to reject the possibility of playing in a tournament that I consider could be a great opportunity to continue fighting for big titles with Real Madrid.”

    Real are one of 12 European teams already qualified for the 32-team FIFA tournament to be held in the USA between 15 June and 13 July 2025.

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    In a statement, the La Liga champions said: “Real Madrid would like to announce that at no time has there been any question regarding our participation in the new Club World Cup to be organised by FIFA in the coming 2024/2025 season.

    “Our club will therefore take part, as planned, in this official competition and we are proud and excited to be involved in it and we will once again inspire our millions of fans all over the world with another trophy.”

    In the interview with Il Giornale, Ancelotti was quoted as saying: “FIFA can forget it, footballers and clubs will not participate in that tournament.

    “A single Real Madrid match is worth 20 million and FIFA wants to give us that amount for the whole cup. Negative. Like us, other clubs will refuse the invitation.”

    The European Club Association (ECA) had distanced itself from Ancelotti’s interview remarks.

    Last month, FIFA rejected claims that world players’ union Fifpro and the World Leagues Association (WLA), which includes the Premier League, were not consulted over plans.

    Fifpro and the WLA called on FIFA  to reschedule the tournament amid a threat of legal action.

    Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has previously said the football calendar is “getting to a tipping point” with the amount of matches that teams are being asked to play.

    FIFA  president Gianni Infantino last month said he hoped Fifpro and the WLA would stop this “futile debate”.

    “Even with the new Club World Cup of FIFA with 32 teams and 63 matches every four years, FIFA  is organising around 1% of the games of the top clubs in the world,” he said.

    “All other matches, 98, 99%, are organised by the different leagues, associations, confederations, by all of you – and that’s good.

    “But here comes the thing – the one or two per cent of matches that FIFA organises is financing football all over the world.”

  • NWFL mourns Bayelsa Queens’ coach Okara

    NWFL mourns Bayelsa Queens’ coach Okara

    The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) is shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Domo Okara, head coach of Bayelsa Queens.

    Okara, who guided the Prosperity Girls to numerous successes on the local and international scenes, was reported to have died suddenly on Saturday morning at the age of 47.

    “We are devastated and at a loss for words. We are still grappling with the news. Many who interacted with him just days earlier said he was in good health. This is truly heart-breaking,” NWFL Chairperson, Nkechi Obi, said.

    “Okara was an icon of women’s football coaching in the country. This is a time of mourning for women’s football in Nigeria because he was more than a coach. He was a mentor, a leader, and an inspiration to many. We pray that God grants him eternal rest and gives his family, friends, the Bayelsa Queens FC family, and the Nigerian football community the strength to endure this sudden and significant loss.”

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    The NWFL leadership also extended its heartfelt condolences to the Government of Bayelsa State, the Bayelsa Ministry of Youth & Sports Development, the management, players, supporters of Bayelsa Queens, and coach Okara’s family and friends.

    Before his demise, coach Okara led Bayelsa Queens to numerous victories, including the 2022 West Africa Zone B (WAFU-B) Women’s Champions League Qualifiers title, a third-place finish in the 2023/2024 NWFL Premiership Super Six, and a runners-up spot in the preceding season.

    His leadership was also pivotal in securing the President Federation Cup title in 2023 and achieving Nigeria’s best finish – winning bronze at the 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco.

  • Enyimba, Remo Stars , Rangers  face acid  tests  in NPFL title race

    Enyimba, Remo Stars , Rangers  face acid  tests  in NPFL title race

    The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race remains wide open as the season enters matchday thirty-six, live on StarTimes Beta Sports channel 244.

    While Enugu Rangers maintain their lead at the top, they face a challenging away game against Shooting Stars on June 12th  at the Lekan Salami Stadium. A victory in this match is crucial for Enugu Rangers to solidify their position and secure the coveted N150 million prize money.

    The title race is still open for Enyimba and Remo Stars with sixty points and fifty-nine points respectively

    So, the battle for first, second and third place, which guarantees continental club campaign qualification, is intensifying.

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    Nothing was decided Sunday night and league-topping Rangers must gird their loins to battle Shooting Stars on June 12. Enugu Rangers need not lose any of their remaining three games to lift the title and coast home with the N150 million prize money. The match will air live on StarTimes Beta Sports Channel 244 at 5:30pm.

    Both Remo Stars and Shootings Stars lost their shine last weekend in away games and they need to recoup midweek to still stay in the hunt. “This league has a nail-biting edge and as the final stretch sharpens at both the top and bottom echelons, it is fair to say that our league is gingerly finding its true groove and fans can’t wait to toast to their champion,” veteran Sports analyst, Mitchel Obi said.  

    Tomorrow, Remo Stars will face a critical match against Heartland, a team fighting desperately to avoid relegation. Enyimba also face a relegation-threatened opponent in Bayelsa United, making their clash equally crucial.

    As the season reaches its climax, the NPFL is witnessing a thrilling title race with multiple teams vying for glory. The league’s growing popularity is evident in the fervent support from fans across the country, who eagerly awaits the crowning of their champion.

    With the stakes higher than ever, the upcoming midweek fixtures promise to deliver thrilling action and unexpected twists. Fans can expect a nail-biting finish to the season as teams’ battle for every point to secure their desired positions in the league table. NPFL matches air live on StarTimes Beta Sports Channel 244.