The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • 2025 AFCON: Chippa United raises  the alarm on Nwabali’s fitness for Super Eagles

    2025 AFCON: Chippa United raises  the alarm on Nwabali’s fitness for Super Eagles

    Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, is facing serious uncertainty ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco following a worrying update on his fitness status.

    Chippa United head coach, Vusimuzi Vilakazi, confirmed that Nwabali is currently battling two injuries — an ankle issue and a more concerning hand injury that reportedly “needs an operation.”

     Both problems were reportedly aggravated during his recent national team duties with the Super Eagles.

    According to Vilakazi, the 28-year-old shot-stopper “could miss out” on the continental tournament, with his availability now described as a “huge doubt.”

    Nwabali has not featured for Chippa United since Nigeria’s AFCON playoff clash against DR Congo last month — the match that ended in penalty heartbreak for the Super Eagles. His continued absence from club action, coupled with medical assessments pointing to the possibility of surgery, has heightened concerns about his readiness for the AFCON campaign which starts in Rabat on December 21st.

    Read Also: Osimhen wants Onyedika at Galatasaray

    With the tournament rapidly approaching, the Super Eagles technical crew will be anxiously monitoring the situation, as Nwabali’s impressive performances earlier in the qualification cycle had solidified him as Nigeria’s leading option between the sticks.

    For now, the goalkeeper faces a race against time — and Nigeria faces the possibility of heading into AFCON without one of its most reliable performers.

    Adeleye Adebayo, Francis Uzoho, Amas Obasogie, and Ebenezer Harcourt and Maduka Okoye are the other goalkeepers invited by Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle in the provisional 54 man list he is expected to prune down to 28 in the next few days.

  • Super Eagles’ final squad  to be unveiled Thursday

    Super Eagles’ final squad  to be unveiled Thursday

    NFF confirms Cairo for pre-AFCON friendly  

    By Tosin Osinowo

    The Super  Eagles’ final squad  for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will not be unveiled  until the Confederation of African Football (CAF)  deadline of   Thursday, December 11, even as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed yesterday that  the  postponed national team’s  pre-AFCON friendly match against Egypt will hold in Cairo on December 16.

    Sources close coach Eric Sekou  Chelle  told our correspondent  last night  the  final 25-man  squad for  the AFCON  would  not be released until  Thursday as the Franco-Malian  trainer finalizes  the eagerly awaited list.

    “ The final squad for the AFCON  will be out on Thursday, December 11,” the source told NationSport.

    In a related development, the  NFF  has given the raison d’être for the postponement of the pre-AFCON friendly between Nigeria and Egypt.

    According to the NFF, the decision by world football-governing body, FIFA, that Clubs can hold on to their players until Monday, 15 December 2025 before they are released for the 35th  Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco  necessitated the shift in plans.

    Read Also: Osimhen wants Onyedika at Galatasaray

    “Seven-time winners Egypt and three-time winners Nigeria were scheduled to clash in a tune-up game in Cairo on Sunday, 14 December, in line with an earlier regulation that ruled that players be released earlier. The game has now been moved to Tuesday, 16 December as a result of the regulation,” the NFF said. “Aside from the postponement, the game will now be a practice match in order to allow the two teams to make use of more than five substitutes in the encounter, which will kick off at 8pm Egypt time (7pm Nigeria time) at the Cairo Stadium.”

    The Super Eagles are in Group C of the 35th  Africa Cup of Nations finals alongside 2004 champions Tunisia, 1978 runners-up Uganda, and Tanzania.

    Nigeria’s first match is on Tuesday, 23 December against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, where they will also tackle Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles (Saturday, 27 December) and the Cranes of Uganda (Tuesday, 30 December).

    The Pharaohs, who hosted the finals in 2019, are in Group B alongside 1996 hosts and winners South Africa, 2010 hosts Angola, and Zimbabwe. Their matches will be at the Stade d’Agadir. 

  • Joshua to pocket N135 Billion for Jake Paul fight

    Joshua to pocket N135 Billion for Jake Paul fight

    Anthony Joshua has revealed he will NOT be earning a career-high purse against Jake Paul.

    Joshua will take on YouTuber Paul in Miami next Friday in a controversial heavyweight showdown. Joshua has not fought since he was badly knocked out by Daniel Dubois at Wembley 15 months ago and views his meeting with Paul as a tune-up for a potential clash with Tyson Fury next September.

    Joshua is expected to earn as much as £70million ( currently about ₦135,250,907,890.39), just days before Christmas with Netflix splashing out on what promises to be one of the most-watched fights in boxing history.

    Read Also: Chukwueze happy with life at Fulham

     But the former two-time heavyweight world champion has admitted it won’t be a record pay-day. When asked by TMZ if this would be his biggest purse to date, Joshua said: “Unfortunately not.”

    Joshua also admitted he can’t afford to be taken many rounds by Paul, and that he needs to knock out the social media star. “I really understand where they’re coming from. I understand. I get it,” he said of those who have demanded he stops Paul early.

    “I know the expectations and demands these fans have. And I respect it. If I didn’t respect it, I’d be honest with you and say, ‘No they’re talking rubbish,’ but I do. I do get it because I hold myself in that same regard, so I need to [KO Jake] and that’s my intention, to seek and destroy.”

  • MultiChoice boosts grassroots football  with fresh scheme

    MultiChoice boosts grassroots football  with fresh scheme

    Leading video entertainment company, MultiChoice – a Canal Plus company, has extended its support to the Nigerian football community by providing equipment to select grassroots teams across Lagos, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening local leagues and supporting the wider football ecosystem. The gesture, which manifested in the donation of items that include branded bibs and match balls, benefited teams across different communities.

    At one of the league centres in Ojota, Coach Tunde of Dynamic FC described the support as timely. “Most of our players buy their own training gear, so getting this kind of support means a lot to us.  It shows that MultiChoice is thinking about the grassroots, not just the top leagues we watch on TV. We hope they continue so more players and teams can benefit,” he said.

    Read Also: Chukwueze happy with life at Fulham

    In Ikoyi, a Sunday League player, Abbey, said the items boosted morale among teams preparing for their weekend matches. “It makes us feel seen,” he said. “We always watch football on SuperSport, so having them support us directly is encouraging. We want more of this, more presence, more help, more investment in the local game.”

    League officials said the support would help improve organisation, match quality and participation across the centres.

    MultiChoice Nigeria said the initiative aligns with its wider effort to deepen its connection with football communities nationwide and contribute to the growth of the local game in the future.

  • Age-cheats: AFN  affirms zero tolerance for breaches with swift probe  

    Age-cheats: AFN  affirms zero tolerance for breaches with swift probe  

    The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has moved swiftly to address fresh concerns surrounding the credibility of age-grade athletics in the country, launching an urgent investigation into alleged conflicting birth dates of athletes at the 2025 African U-18 and U-20 Championships held in Abeokuta.

    The development follows a formal query from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of World Athletics, which flagged several Nigerian athletes for suspected discrepancies in their registered ages.

    The AIU has requested a detailed explanation from the AFN, prompting immediate action from the federation’s leadership.

    Read Also: Chukwueze happy with life at Fulham

    In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja, AFN Secretary-General, Israel Inwang, revealed that AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, has ordered a comprehensive probe into the matter. He stressed that the reputation of Nigerian athletics remains a top priority and must be protected at all costs.

    Chief Okowa—renowned for his uncompromising stance against age manipulation—disclosed that a special investigative committee will be officially inaugurated  and saddled  with the task of identifying the facts, scrutinizing all implicated cases and recommending sanctions for any athlete or official found culpable.

     “We must protect the integrity of the sport and the image of Nigeria,” Okowa reiterated. “I have always championed fairness in age-grade competitions, and I do not want to believe that our athletes or officials are involved. But we will get to the bottom of this.”

    The AFN’s firm response underscores its determination to preserve Nigeria’s global image in athletics, safeguard the future of young athletes, and enforce strict compliance with international integrity regulations.

  • ‘Detty December’: TheCable endorses  GOtv Boxing Night Jam Festival

    ‘Detty December’: TheCable endorses  GOtv Boxing Night Jam Festival

    Leading online newspaper, TheCable, has listed GOtv Boxing Night Jam Festival as one of the standout events to attend in this year’s festive, placing the hybrid boxing and music show among the December’s top entertainment attractions.

    Scheduled for 26 December at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, GOtv Boxing Night Jam Festival blends live professional boxing with musical and comedic performances, a format the organisers, Flykite Productions, explained is designed to appeal to both boxing fans and lovers of urban entertainment. TheCable’s listing highlights the event’s growing reputation as a festive season draw, noting its mix of sport, music and family-friendly ambience.

    Read Also: Chukwueze happy with life at Fulham

    This edition will feature six bouts across weight categories, including the much talked about light heavyweight between Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) Africa champion, Rasheed “ID Buster” Idowu of Nigeria and Ghana’s  Nii Offei Dodoo.

    Music performances will intersperse the fight schedule, maintaining a festival-style ambience on the night. Last week, the organisers confirmed Afrobeats star, Shoday, as one of the artistes to perform live and stated that they will announce more in the coming days.

    The organisers explained that the event was conceived to deepen Nigeria’s boxing culture while providing end-of-year entertainment for a wide audience.

    TheCable’s endorsement is the latest in a series of media recognitions for the event.

  • Ikoyi Tennis Masters Tournament concludes Dec . 13

    Ikoyi Tennis Masters Tournament concludes Dec . 13

    The 2025 edition of the Ikoyi Club annual Masters Tennis Tournament is now in full swing with all the participants competing for the title.

    The annual year-ending event of the elite club tennis section involves the best eight male and female smashers in the year under review.

    And so the tennis courts of Ikoyi Club 1938 has been busy for the tournament which started on December 5th   and will run till 13th  .

    Chairman of the Tennis Section, Diran Famakinwa, heaped praises on the sponsors Megamound for the partnership with the section which has made this event possible.

    This year, a total of N4m prize money is to be shared by all the participants in accordance to how they finish at the end of the day.

    In 2024, the winner won N300,000 and this year, it has increased to N500,000. All the 16 players are expected to go home with something after the event on December 13.

    Famakinwa, stressed that the club was elated to work with Megamound for the second edition of the annual year-ending Masters.

    He said:  “This event is a celebration of the excellent skills displayed in the year by the player in the Ikoyi Club Tennis section. 

    Read Also: Chukwueze happy with life at Fulham

     “The eight top male players and the eight top female players throughout the year are the ones competing for honours and you can imagine the fireworks expected in this competition. It is the battle of the fittest. We are excitedly waiting to crown the winners of the 2025 edition in both the male and female categories.

     “Last year, it was Mr.  Destiny Da Silva who won the men’s  Masters  and  Ms. Nene Lawani also won the female version of the event. “

    The Executive Director of Megamound, Mrs Olamide Claud-Ennin, said  the outfit was also proud to work with Ikoyi Club Tennis section and the sponsorship will continue for many years to come.

    opening games on Friday, Nene Lawani defeated Kthaeina Link 6/2, 6/1 in the female cadre while another match in the category saw Effiong Ejeh defeated Nefe Etomi 6/4, 6/4.

    On Tuesday, Men’s defending Champion, Destiny Da Silva takes on Godwin Kienka on Court 5, Kalada Kienka battle with Akeem Mustafa on Centre Court while Remi Amao takes on Nefe Etomi on Court 4.

    The Tennis Masters ends on Saturday December 13.

  • NPFL: Nasarawa United Reclaim  Top Spot with win over 3SC

    NPFL: Nasarawa United Reclaim  Top Spot with win over 3SC

    Nasarawa United returned to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League table on yesterday after securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Shooting Stars in Lafia, just eight days after losing the position to Ikorodu City.

    Following a cagey first half — highlighted by a glaring miss from Shooting Stars forward Qamar Adegoke — the breakthrough finally came in the 65th minute when Moyi Hassan struck decisively for the Solid Miners. His effort proved enough to seal all three points and propel the hosts back to the top of the standings.

    Read Also: Chukwueze happy with life at Fulham

    Ikorodu City, who led the log after Matchday 15 and maintained their position on Sunday with a goalless draw against Wikki Tourists in Bauchi, now drop to second. They sit on 28 points from 16 matches, two behind Nasarawa United, who have climbed to 30 points from the same number of games.

    Shooting Stars’ defeat sees them slip to seventh place with 23 points as their push for a stronger league position stalled in Lafia.

    Elsewhere, Katsina United failed to record back-to-back wins at their temporary home ground in Ilorin, falling 1-0 to Bendel Insurance courtesy of a 72nd-minute strike from Elmer Arunta.

  • Int’l Retirement: Troost-Ekong admits  ‘bittersweet’ decision  as Iwobi pays tribute

    Int’l Retirement: Troost-Ekong admits  ‘bittersweet’ decision  as Iwobi pays tribute

    By Joshua Osinowo

    Former Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong has described his retirement from international football as “bittersweet” after more than ten years of representing Nigeria.

     His departure has sparked emotional reactions within the squad, with midfielder Alex Iwobi leading the tributes.

    Troost-Ekong, who announced his retirement last Thursday, said the decision came after long reflection on his journey with the national team.

     “It’s been a lot of time and thinking that has gone into this decision. I just felt like it was the right time for me,” he said. “I’ve had such a great run with the Super Eagles, to be part of that team for over 10 years.”

    He admitted that missing out on the FIFA World Cup influenced the timing of his retirement, calling it one of his unfulfilled goals.

     “The decision was slightly weighed by missing out on the World Cup. That was one of my big targets for how I envisioned ending my time with the team.”

    Troost-Ekong added that stepping aside felt right as younger players continue to emerge in the squad.

     “It felt like a gradual passing of the baton. It just felt like the right time to step away and let the next generation, the boys I’ve been with, have a chance to write their own story.”

    The 31-year-old confessed the moment was emotional but necessary. “Yeah, it feels sad, a bit bittersweet, but it just felt like the right time for me.”

    His retirement has been felt strongly within the team, with Iwobi describing the announcement as painful.

     “It’s obviously a sad one for us because he’s a big part of our team,” Iwobi said. “He’s a brother. He’s helped Nigeria, he’s helped me, and I just hope that the next chapter goes well for him.”

    Iwobi stressed that even when Ekong was not playing regularly toward the end of his career, his leadership remained a key part of the squad’s identity.

     “Towards the end he wasn’t playing as much as he would have liked, but he was still a big part of our team. His voice, the way he was leading us, the way he made sure the togetherness in the team was strong… he’ll be very missed. He was a big leader for us.”

    Read Also: Chukwueze happy with life at Fulham

    Despite Ekong’s exit, Iwobi believes the Super Eagles will adjust.

     “I’m sure we have other leaders that can follow in his footsteps,” he said.

    The Fulham midfielder also confirmed his readiness for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, adding that Ekong’s presence will still be felt.

     “God willing, if I stay fit, I’ll be there representing Nigeria at AFCON. Even if he can’t be with us physically, he’ll be with us in spirit.”

    Troost-Ekong retires as one of Nigeria’s most dedicated defenders, having featured at multiple AFCON tournaments and the 2018 World Cup.

  • kidnap ordeal:  HFN President sympathises with Benue Buffaloes

    kidnap ordeal:  HFN President sympathises with Benue Buffaloes

    The President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Jibril Saidu Ojih, has expressed deep sympathy to the players, coaches  and management of Benue Buffaloes who were kidnapped on their way back from Lagos after participating in the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 Phase 2, which concluded last Friday.

    The team, which finished 9th  in the just-concluded league, was abducted by armed men while travelling back, just after Otukpo, Benue State but were later rescued through the swift intervention of troops of the Nigeria Army.

    Jibril in a statement,  condemned the traumatic experience, describing it as “a sad and heart-breaking ordeal that no athlete, coach, or official should ever be subjected to while also thanking the Nigerian Army for their quick response.

     “I extend my deepest sympathy to the entire Benue Buffaloes team. What they went through is unimaginable which no sport person should be subjected to. We thank God and the Nigeria Army for their safe rescue,” Jibril said

    Read Also: Osimhen wants Onyedika at Galatasaray

    The HFN President also sympathised with the Benue State Sports Ministry, acknowledging the emotional and psychological toll the incident has taken on the state’s sports community.

     “Our hearts go out to the Benue State Sports Ministry. The board of the Handball Federation of Nigeria and the entire Nigeria handball family is with you in this trying moment. You are not alone.”

    He  commended the Nigeria Army for its prompt intervention, noting that their swift response prevented what could have been an even worse situation. He called for improved safety for travelling sports teams, stressing that athlete welfare must be prioritised nationwide.

    Jibril reaffirmed the federation’s support for Benue Buffaloes as they recover from the incident.

    “We will stand by the team and ensure they receive all the support they need as they heal and look forward to future competitions,” he assured.