Author: The Nation

  • Niger Delta Games’ coaches, technical officials to be trained, says Ikpokpo

    Niger Delta Games’ coaches, technical officials to be trained, says Ikpokpo

    Coaches and Technical Officials of the Niger Delta Games (NDG) would benefit from a training programme planned to improve their efficiency ahead of the 2026 Games.

    Sir Itiako Ikpokpo (KSM) Managing Director of Dunamis Icon Limited, the Managing Consultant for the Niger Delta Games said as much over the  weekend.

    Speaking  on plans by the organisers  of the NDG to sustain the discovery of talents in the years ahead, Ikpokpo lamented the poor remuneration of coaches and wondered how their employers expect them to travel to communities to identify new talents.

    “We are working with partners, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and specifically for this event only, the Nigeria Local Content Development and Management Board to organise a workshop in January for Coaches and Technical Officials,” he said on a TV programme.

    He urged governments in the States and at the federal level to fund sports the same way they are funding road and hospital projects.

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    “For us to make any impact in sports, government must invest in sports infrastructure. It is good to build roads and hospitals, and it is also important that we invest in sports infrastructure.” Ikpokpo challenged the governments.

    Continuing on the challenge of infrastructure deficit, Ikpokpo, who is the chairman of the Delta State Athletics Association, lamented that schools are built in Nigeria without provisions for sports grounds.

    “The schools are the cradle of sports development, yet we have people building schools with no sports facilities.”

    He promised that the 2nd  NDG scheduled to take place in Benin, the Edo State capital, will be an improvement on all fronts than the last edition.

  • Smart City’s home tie against  Heartland  postponed indefinitely

    Smart City’s home tie against  Heartland  postponed indefinitely

    Heartland FC have informed their supporters and the general public that the Nigeria National League (NNL) has announced an indefinite postponement of their Matchday 6 Southern Conference A fixture against Smart City FC.

    The tie, earlier scheduled for Saturday, December 13 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, has been put on hold following adjustments by the NNL due to high pitch activity and fixture congestion at the Lagos venue.

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    The NNL confirmed that the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Football Association have been duly briefed to ensure smooth coordination of all rescheduled matches.

    Heartland FC will communicate a new date for the Smart City fixture once it is officially announced by the league body.

    Meanwhile, the Naze Millionaires will be involved in a midweek tie in Akure against Sunshine Stars in a Matchday 5 tie tomorrow at the Ondo Sports Complex at the back of their 3-2 home win over Inter Lagos FC last weekend in Owerri.

  • Fresh Crisis hit  Katsina United  over unpaid  five-month  salary

    Fresh Crisis hit  Katsina United  over unpaid  five-month  salary

    Katsina United’s turbulent season plunged deeper into crisis yesterday afternoon after their players staged a protest over five months of unpaid salaries—just hours before their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 16 clash against Bendel Insurance, which they eventually lost 1–0.

    The unrest unfolded at the team’s Ilorin camp, where frustrated players blocked the team’s coaster bus from departing for the George Innih Stadium, llorin, the venue of their league tie with Bendel Insurance. The protesting squad members insisted they would not honour the fixture unless the club addressed their salary arrears, which some players say date back to the start of the current campaign.

    The standoff forced club officials into a last-minute scramble, resulting in the deployment of an alternative vehicle to convey the available players to the stadium. The disruption inevitably affected the team’s preparation and momentum, reflected in their laboured performance during the match.

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    Bendel Insurance capitalised on the disjointed state of their hosts, sealing victory in the 72nd minute through Elmer Arunta’s composed finish—securing their first away win of the season and lifting them out of the relegation zone.

    Amid the protest, Goalkeeper  John Enaholo voiced the frustrations of the squad, revealing that none of the 22 newly recruited players had received a single month’s salary.

     “All of us — the 22 new players — have not been paid for the past five months. It’s painful. We’ve complained many times but nothing has changed,” he said.

    The incident adds to a growing list of off-field issues for Katsina United, who are already serving sanctions and playing at a neutral venue following crowd trouble in a previous fixture against Barau FC at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina.

  • CGC Volleyball  Premier League: CNS Women stunned as Customs, Police, Kada, COAS Shine

    CGC Volleyball  Premier League: CNS Women stunned as Customs, Police, Kada, COAS Shine

    After Saturday’s rest break, the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League Final Phase resumed with high-octane action on Day 6 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, delivering crucial victories, surprise rebounds, and shifts in momentum across both the men’s and women’s categories. Building on the drama and intensity of Day 4—where CNS extended their dominance, Police surged, and Customs remained consistent—Day 6 further clarified the title race as the championship enters its defining stretch.

    In the Men’s cadre, League leaders CNS Spikers secured another important win, defeating NAF Rockets 3–1 (23–25, 25–5, 25–17, 27–25). After dropping the first set, CNS responded ferociously—especially in the second set where they held Rockets to just five points—before sealing the victory in a tense fourth-set finish. The result keeps CNS firmly at the top of the standings.

    Defending champions Nigeria Customs Service delivered one of the cleanest performances of the day, sweeping Kada Kings 3–0 (25–15, 25–17, 25–18). Customs controlled every phase of play, maintaining the strong form they showed earlier in the week.

    In one of the most surprising results of the final phase, Nigeria Correctional Service overpowered COAS Spikers 3–0 (25–20, 25–20, 25–21). Correctional showed improved composure and sharper attacking efficiency to earn a rare and morale-boosting win.

    Reinvigorated Nigeria Police Force maintained their upward trajectory with a confident 3–0 victory over Sunshine Spikers (26–24, 25–19, 25–17). Police showed disciplined blocking and aggressive serving to complete a comfortable sweep.

    Offa VC delivered one of their best outings of the tournament, defeating NSCDC 3–0 (26–24, 25–20, 25–16). The result provides a much-needed lift for Offa, who had struggled for consistency earlier.

    In a thriller, Kano Pillars narrowly defeated UCEM 3–2 (25–18, 22–25, 25–19, 15–25, 20–18). Both sides exchanged heavy punches across five sets, and the decisive set produced peak drama as Pillars held off multiple match points to win 20–18. The victory keeps Pillars in the title conversation after their earlier Day 4 setback against CNS.

    In the Women’s category, Kada Queens recovered from two sets down to defeat Olalomi Royal Queens 3–2 (22–25, 19–25, 28–26, 25–21, 25–13). It was one of the most spirited comebacks of the competition, with Kada taking full control in the final set.

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    NSCDC Women continued their resurgence, sweeping Life Camp 3–0 (25–8, 25–11, 25–23). Life Camp improved much later in the match but could not avoid another straight-set loss.

    NAF Rockets Women were in blistering form, defeating Benue Queens 3–0 (25–21, 25–21, 25–18). Rockets’ superior attack and defence earned them a deserved sweep.

    Day 6 produced the biggest upset in the women’s division as COAS Spikers stunned log leaders CNS Spikers 3–1 (15–25, 25–22, 25–21, 25–19). After CNS dominated the opening set, COAS shifted momentum dramatically with improved blocking and strong service pressure. The win tightens the title race significantly.

    The women’s defending champions, Nigeria Customs Service, delivered a ruthless 3–0 demolition of Wikki Queens (25–10, 25–6, 25–8). Customs were flawless in every department and strengthened their chase for top spot.

    With the competition entering its closing days, the race for the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League crown is now wide open, intense, and unpredictable—exactly the drama expected from Nigeria’s biggest elite volleyball league.

  • Edo Queens’  Vincent Precious undergoes successful surgery

    Edo Queens’  Vincent Precious undergoes successful surgery

    Edo Queens midfielder, Vincent Precious, has successfully undergone surgery following the knee injury she sustained in the club’s hard-fought 1–0 home victory over Heartland Queens.

    Precious picked up the injury during the tense league encounter last Wednesday and was immediately attended to by the club’s medical team before further examinations confirmed the need for surgical intervention. The procedure, conducted earlier this week, was declared successful, offering a major boost to her recovery prospects.

    In an official message, the club expressed heartfelt support for the influential player, describing her as a “warrior” whose courage and resilience continue to inspire both teammates and fans.

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     “We send love, strength, and warm wishes to our warrior Vincent Precious, who sustained an injury in our last match against Heartland Queens and has now undergone successful surgery. Your courage inspires us all — and as you begin your recovery journey, know that the entire Edo Queens family is solidly behind you. We can’t wait to see you back stronger, Precious!”

    Edo Queens also affirmed their commitment to ensuring the midfielder receives the best possible rehabilitation and support as she begins her journey back to full fitness.

    Fans have since joined the club in pouring out messages of encouragement, hoping to see Precious return to the pitch stronger and better.

  • ASSAD unveiled as Official Mascot for Morocco 2025

    ASSAD unveiled as Official Mascot for Morocco 2025

    As excitement builds to the kick-off of Africa’s biggest event; the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, CAF and the Local Organising Committee (“LOC”) have unveiled the Official Mascot for the competition, ‘ASSAD’ or ‘ⵉⵣⵎ’ in Amazigh.

    Inspired by the Atlas lion, one of Morocco’s most iconic national symbols and a unifying and powerful figure across the African continent.  His name, meaning “lion” in Arabic, embodies strength, pride, and cultural authenticity that resonates deeply with fans both in Morocco and throughout Africa.

    As an ambassador for the tournament, Assad embodies the joy, passion, and energy that define Africa’s most prestigious football competition.  He will play a crucial role in  building an emotional connection and engaging audiences of all ages, especially children and families, who are central to football’s culture and its future.

    Assad will play a leading role in fan engagement across stadiums, fan zones, and community events. He will support global marketing and promotional campaigns, enrich digital content and interactive experiences, and contribute to CAF’s long-term brand narrative.

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    Assad’s visual identity centres on a friendly, youthful lion whose expressive features and energetic personality reflect the warmth, creativity, and diversity of Africa. His colour palette and overall style align seamlessly with the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 brand, ensuring a unified and dynamic tournament look.

    Assad has been created not only for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025, but for the future of African football. He will continue to feature in CAF grassroots and youth development programmes, school and community football initiatives, and future digital storytelling. As a long-term ambassador for African football, Assad aims to inspire and connect with the next generation across the continent.

    With Assad leading the way, the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience, celebrating unity, pride, and the power of African football. The introduction of Assad represents a major milestone in shaping the tournament’s character and deepening its cultural impact.

  • Traore to lead  The Stallions of  Burkina Faso

    Traore to lead  The Stallions of  Burkina Faso

    Sunderland striker Bertrand Traore has been picked to compete in a sixth Africa Cup of Nations as part of a 25-man Burkina Faso squad named on Monday.

    The 30-year-old was only 16 when he first appeared for Burkina Faso at the 2012 finals, making a substitute appearance in their last group game after the Burkinabe had already been eliminated, and has competed in four tournaments since, captaining the side two years ago.

    He will be the key player in the squad for this year’s finals in Morocco, which coach Brama Traore named for their Group E campaign where they open against Equatorial Guinea in Casablanca on December 24 and then play Algeria and Sudan.

    The 32-year-old full back Steeve Yago will be competing at his fifth Cup of Nations, while it is the fourth for goalkeeper Herve Koffi, midfielder Blati Toure, and centre back Issoufou Dayo.

    A total of 15 players are retained from the last Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire , where Burkina Faso were eliminated in the round of 16.

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    Squad

    Goalkeepers: Herve Koffi (Angers), Kylian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag), Farid Ouedraogo (Al Hilal)

    Defenders: Abdoul Ayinde (KAA Gent), Issoufou Dayo (Umm Salal, Qatar), Nasser Djiga (Rangers), Issa Kabore (Wrexham), Arsene Kouassi (Lorient), Adamo Nagalo (PSV Eindhoven), Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen), Steeve Yago (Aris Limassol)

    Midfielders: Cedric Badolo (Spartak Trnava), Stephane Aziz Ki (Wydad Casablanca), Ismaila Ouedraogo (Odense), Saidou Simpore (National Bank Egypt), Blati Toure (Pyramids), Gustavo Sangare (Noah), Mohamed Zoungrana (Mouloudia Alger)

    Forwards: Ousseni Bouda (San Jose Earthquakes), Cyriaque Irie (Freiburg), Pierre Kabore (Hearts), Georgi Minoungou (Seattle Sounders), Dango Ouattara (Brentford), Bertrand Traore (Sunderland), Lassina Traore (Shakhtar Donetsk).

  • UCL:  Liverpool sacked Salah for Inter Milan’s  trip

    UCL:  Liverpool sacked Salah for Inter Milan’s  trip

    Mohamed Salah has been left out of the squad for Liverpool’s Champions League match at Inter Milan.

    The club have decided to remove Salah from selection for a short period after he gave an explosive interview on Saturday, claiming that he was “thrown under the bus” by Liverpool and his relationship with head coach Arne Slot had broken down.

    Sources told BBC Sport that the decision has been taken with the full support of Slot and that it is in the best interest of all parties involved for Salah to have a brief period away from selection given the nature and timing of the player’s public comments.

    It is understood there will be no formal disciplinary action taken by the club.

    The 33-year-old is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations next Monday and also looks likely to also miss Liverpool’s game against Brighton on Saturday.

    Liverpool’s 19-man squad flew to Milan yesterday.

    Salah gave his interview after he was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United – the third straight game the Egypt international has started on the bench.

    The previous two games had seen Salah come on as a substitute in a 1-1 home draw at Sunderland, while he was left on the bench in a 2-0 win at West Ham.

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    His last start was in a 4-1 defeat by PSV Eindhoven at Anfield in a Champions League group game and his last goal came in a 2-0 win at Aston Villa on Saturday, 1 November.

    Salah has scored five goals in 18 appearances in the Premier League and Champions League this season.

    Overall, he has 250 goals in 420 Liverpool appearances and his 29 top-flight goals in the 2024-25 campaign helped the Anfield side win the Premier League title last season.

    Salah, who joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017, signed a new two-year contract with the club in April.

    Former England striker Wayne Rooney has said Salah is “destroying his legacy” at the club and said prior to the forward being left out of the Inter game that Slot should not involve him in Italy or for the home match against Brighton on Saturday.

    “In my head, I’m going to enjoy that game because I don’t know what is going to happen now,” Salah said on Saturday.

    “I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to Africa Cup of Nations. I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”

  • Salah is destroying his Liverpool legacy, says Rooney

    Salah is destroying his Liverpool legacy, says Rooney

    Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is destroying his legacy at the club with his fiery reaction to being left out of the side, former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney said.

    Salah has failed to start their last three matches and lashed out at the club and coach Arne Slot following Saturday’s 3-3 Premier League draw with Leeds United, saying he had been made a scapegoat for their poor start to the season.

    The Egyptian, who signed a two-year contract extension in April, has become an iconic figure in an eight-year spell at Liverpool in which he has won two Premier League titles and scored 250 goals in all competitions.

    However, he has scored just five goals and appeared in 19 games in all competitions this season.

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    “He is absolutely destroying his legacy at Liverpool,” Rooney said on his podcast. “It would be sad for him to throw it all away. He’s gone about it all wrong.

    “Arne Slot has to show his authority and pull him in and say, ‘you are not travelling with the team, what you said is not acceptable.’

    “Take yourself off to AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) and let everything calm down. If I was him there would be no way he would be in the team.”

    Salah had said he felt as if he had been “thrown under the bus” with Liverpool failing to reproduce their title-winning form from last season.

    They are ninth in the current campaign, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal after 15 games.

    “If anything, he has thrown Liverpool under the bus with his words… ,” Rooney said. “I am sure over the next couple of years he will regret saying what he has.”

  • Fed Govt reduces signature bonus to $3m, $7m

    Fed Govt reduces signature bonus to $3m, $7m

    The Federal Government has reduced the signature bonus to between a minimum of $3 million to a maximum of $7 million in the 2025 bid round, as against the $10 million per block charged in the 2024 oil block bid round.

    This is an indication of 70 per cent and 30 per cent crash, according to the “FAQ’s on the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC’s) 2025 Licensing Round.”

    The document was released virtually yesterday said: “The Nigerian government has graciously reduced the signature bonus to between $3 million and $7 million.”

    The document noted that the Minister of Petroleum Resources has approved the new signature bonus in order to reduce entry barriers.

    “All Bidders shall be required to submit a bid within a range of $3 million and $7 million as approved by the minister of petroleum for the reduction of entry barriers,” said NUPRC.

    The document explicitly stated that the designated signature bonus account is United States dollar- denominated, an indication that it is not dominated in local currency (Naira).

    NUPRC said the exercise is a score based approach, taking into consideration the following parameters: Signature bonus (provided it is within the prescribed limit), and Work programme.

    It also said the score based approach considers unit cost per barrel with reference to the work programme, professionalism, human and technical capacity.

    It also looks into percentage of bank guarantee made available Balance sheet,  Turnover, Green story and decarbonisation programme and Corporate governance structure.

    On the minimum financial requirement for an entity to participate in the licensing round,  NUPRC said an average $100 million is required for deep offshore blocks while an average &40 million is required for onshore and shallow water blocks.

    The document said the requirements include the following:   “Average annual turnover of $100,000,000.00 for deep offshore blocks and $40, 000,000 for onshore and shallow water blocks or

     “Minimum Cash in bank of $100,000,000.00 for deep offshore blocks and $40,000,000.00 for onshore and shallow water blocks or Bank Guarantee  to  the  tune  of  $100,000,000.00 for  deep offshore, $40,000,000.00 for onshore, and shallow water blocks or

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    “For newly incorporated companies, a parent company guarantee to the tune of USD$100,000,000.00 in deep offshore, $40,000,000.00 in onshore and shallow water.”

    NUPRC said no bidder, whether participating individually or as a member of any consortium, shall submit applications for more than two assets in total across all applications.

    It stressed that “participation in more than one consortium shall count towards this limit. For the avoidance of doubt, where a company has equity, direct or indirect ownership, or management involvement in multiple consortium vehicles, all such applications shall be aggregated and treated as a single bidder’s applications.”

    The document said the applicant’s Technical Competence will be evaluated using work experience across the under-listed work areas:      Geological and geophysical capabilities;    Drilling and well engineering; Reservoir evaluation and management;   Production engineering and technology;   Development planning and Facilities engineering and management.