The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • WAFU B U17: Ghanaian, Nigerien officials for Nigeria, Burkina Faso match

    WAFU B U17: Ghanaian, Nigerien officials for Nigeria, Burkina Faso match

    Ghanaian official Adaari Abdul Latif will be the referee for today’s WAFU B U17 Championship group B opener between five-time world champions Nigeria and the Burkina Faso U17 boys at the Accra University Stadium.

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    Latif will work with compatriot Emmanuel Dolagbanu (assistant referee 1) and Nigeriens Sakina Hamidou (assistant referee 2) and Brahamou Sadou Ali (fourth official) at the game that will kick off 3pm Ghana time (4pm Nigeria time). Latre-Kayi Edzona Lawson-Hogban from Togo will be the commissioner while Ivorian Songuifolo Yeo will serve as referee assessor.

    The championship serves as a qualifying competition for next year’s Africa U17 Cup of Nations.

  • Organisers unveil new payment plans for NPFL Live subscription

    Organisers unveil new payment plans for NPFL Live subscription

    Propel Sports Africa (PSA) has unveiled an additional subscription payment method for NPFL Live Users looking to subscribe and watch their favourite clubs NPFL games on their mobile devices and laptops.

    Basil Kabbani, Chairman of PSA, the rights holders of NPFL broadcast streaming of matches, announced on Monday that payment via Paystack, an online payment gateway service provider had been fully integrated for ease of payment with debit and credit cards including cards denominated Naira. This channel in additional to subscription by airtime for MTN subscribers, and card payments via Stripe which already exist for the platform

    Read Also: Forum focuses on driving partnership for a greater Africa

    “We realised that some of our subscribers had experienced challenges accessing our streaming platforms when attempting to make payment using their Naira Cards, and worked to deliver this additional option for them. Nigerians are already familiar with using Paystack in making online purchases, and it is this same very simple process that is now available as an additional subscription payment option”, a very excited Kabbani disclosed over a WhatsApp call from his base in England.

    Propel Sports will in the days ahead embark on a public orientation blitz on all media channels to educate fans on how to use this additional subscription method

     “A single game subscription starts at as low as N400, while a month’s subscription pass costs N2560, A week’s subscription pass to the platform can also be purchased for N980. The weekly and monthly subscriptions give you access to ALL content on the platform, including previously shown games, for the period of your subscription”, explained Victor Okobi, the Country Director for Propel Sports Africa

    Victor Okobi also explained that an instructional video of the additional payment process will be posted on the NPFLLive social media platforms (including X, (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and YouTube) shortly. These videos, with instructions in English, the major Nigerian Languages and Pidgin English will be pinned to NPFL Social Handles and on the npfl-live.com website for easy reference by NPFL-Live Users

    “We are happy to announce that when the NPFL season resumes on May 25 with Matchday 33, fans will have the additional option of paying for their subscription with their Naira debit and credit cards, giving them access to our high definition video live matches and highlights,” Victor Okobi said.

    No fewer than five NPFLLive games have been produced, using sophisticated AI technology enabled cameras, every MatchDay since the start of the NPFL 2023/24 season.

  • Southampton PUT £15 million pounds tag on Onuachu

    Southampton PUT £15 million pounds tag on Onuachu

    English Championship side Southampton have slapped huge cash on Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu who is currently on loan at Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor.

    The attacker joined the Saints during the winter transfer of last season but failed to live up to the billings.

    He farmed out on loan to Trabzonspor last summer following the relegation of Southampton to the championship.

    His adventure in Turkey has been fruitful so far and he has scored 15 goals for Trabzonspor from 23 games in all competitions to take the club to third place on the table with two league games to the end of the season.

    Read Also: Paul Onuachu: Super Eagles going for AFCON trophy

    He has also led Trabzonspor to the final of the Turkish Cup where they will face Besiktas on May 23rd, 2024.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Trabzonspor Ertugurul Dogan on yesterday morning confirmed that Southampton has slapped £15 million on the Nigerian International.

    Dogan kept mum on whether they will pay the cash or apply for another loan deal.

  • South Africa name 36 in  provisional list for Eagles

    South Africa name 36 in  provisional list for Eagles

    South Africa Football Association has released the Bafana Bafana provisional list for their next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles.  

    Nigeria defeated South Africa in the semi-final of the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast and the World Cup is seen as an avenue to avenge their defeat.

    Bafana Bafana  head coach, Hugo Broos yesterday announced the provisional list of 36 players that will start the preparation for the game.

    Expectedly goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, midfielder Aaron Mokoena, and Al Ahly of Egypt forward Percy Tau featured prominently in the team.

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    After playing Nigeria on the 7th of June, the former African champion will face the Warriors of Zimbabwe in their match day 4.

    South Africa are second in the World Cup qualifying group with three points behind Rwanda who have a point more in first spot after two games. Nigeria are third with two points.

    Bafana preliminary squad

    Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Bruce Bvuma, Ricardo Goss, Veli Mothwa.

    Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie, Innocent Maela, Given Msimango, Khuliso Mudau, Siyabonga Ngezana, Thabiso Monyane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mothobi Mvala, Terrence Mashego, Grant Kekana, Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Tapelo Xoki, Thabo Moloisane.

    Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Grant Margeman, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams.

    Forwards: Themba Zwane, Patrick Maswanganyi, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Mihlali Mayambela, Devin Titus, Mlondi Mbanjwa, Elias Mokwana, Percy Tau, Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng.

  • Niger United maintain winning streak at Ardova H’ball  tourney

    Niger United maintain winning streak at Ardova H’ball  tourney

    Defending Champions, Niger United of Minna yesterday continue their winning run  at  the ongoing Ardova Handball Premier League in Benin, Edo State by edging Kano Pillars 21-18 in a lively encounter.

    The closely-fought game saw both sides coming out in the early minutes of the encounter to assert dominance. However, the two teams were evenly matched as it took some strong defensive display on the part of the defending champions to emerge victorious.

    Pillars had their moments in the game but failure to convert their scoring chances was their bane and now have one win from their first three played.

    Read Also: Niger United, Safety Babes rule Ardova Handball

    It was also a battle of technical wit between United’s coach, Adebayo Yekini and Coach Solomon Yola of Pillars as both dished out instructions from court side to inspire their players.

    Coach Yekini won the battle as he recorded his third win from three games in pursuit of his desire to retain the title

    In other games played in the male category Rima Strikers beat Correction Boys 33-32. The Correction Boys deserved at least a draw in this tie but were undone by the defensive display of the Strikers in the final moment of the game.

    Also,Tojemarine Academy walk over Confluence Stars, while D:Defenders defeated newly-promoted side, Adamawa Warriors 36–28.

    In the female category, Imo Grasshopper lost to Rivers Queens 29-33. It was a crushing defeated for the Owerri side who had won their first two games and were tipped to beat the Port Harcourt side.

    Also, Defender Babes beat Plateau Peacocks 28–20, Seasider Babes lost to Safety Babes 23-33, while COAS Babes fell to Rima Queens  21–34.

  •  Zenith Bank Tennis Grand Slam begins  today

     Zenith Bank Tennis Grand Slam begins  today

    The annual Zenith Bank Tennis Grand Slam tournament at the prestigious Ikoyi Club 1938 begins today.

    Over 90 tennis players are expected to feature in the competition which is now in its 9th  edition.

    The categories to be competed for are Men singles drawn into Group A and Group B, Women singles, Veterans singles and the Men and Women Team events.

    Defending Champion Rume Dubre is expected to file out is Men’s group A just as Azubuike Okonkwo, the Club’s captain, will lead hostilities in Group B. 

    Some of the other players to feature in the men singles are Destiny Da Silva, Olanrenwaju Odiahi, Farinu Ayotunde, Emelie Okika, former football international, Jonathan Akpoborie and former section Chairman, Akeem Mustafa.

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    For the Ladies singles, Nora Azubuike, Maryann Chukwueke, and Lady Captain, Oluwawemimo Ogunsanya are some of those expected to compete for honours while Godwin Kienka and  Edet Akpaso will feature in the Veterans Singles.

    The Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, noted that the outfit was proud to be in partnership with Ikoyi Club for this competition.

    Tennis section Chairman, Diran Famakinwa, told our correspondent that all was set for the competition which is the club’s prime tennis event every year.

    “This is one event we all look forward to every year and we are happy it’s here again. It has been nine years of good partnership with Zenith Bank and we are hopeful this competition will get better every year,” Famakinwa said.

    Lady Captain, Ogunsanya added that all the technical preparation had been done to ensure a hitch-free tournament.

    The event which starts today will see smashers battle for honours at the tennis courts of the Ikoyi Club 1938 till May 25.

  • NNL Super 8  fixtures  unveiled

    NNL Super 8  fixtures  unveiled

    Ikorodu City and Inter Lagos will slug it out in Matchday One of the NNL Super 8 on June 8 in the Southern Conference while Nasarawa United will resume hostilities to stage a return to the topflight with a game with El Kanemi Warriors the same day in the Northern Conference.

    Read Also: NNL Super 8 shifted to June in Enugu

    It was the hallmark of the Nigeria National League (NNL) draw held yesterday for the Super 8 championship slated for the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu between June 7th  and 14th .

    The eight teams that qualified for the championship are; Nasarawa United, Sporting Supreme of Abuja, Sokoto United and El-Kanemi Warriors. Others are Beyond Limits FC, Madiba FC, Inter Lagos and Ikorodu City.

    NNL SUPER 8 FULL DRAW:

    NNL Northern Conference

    Day One- 8th June

    El Kanemi Warriors vs Nasarawa United -8am

    Sporting Supreme vs Sokoto United- 11 am

    Day Two- 9th June

    Nasarawa United vs Sokoto United -2pm

    El Kanemi Warriors vs Sporting Supreme- 5 pm

    Day Four- 11th June

    Sporting Supreme vs Nasarawa United- 10am

    Sokoto United vs El Kanemi Warriors -4pm

    NNL Southern Conference

    Day One- 8th June

    Beyond Limits vs Madiba -2 pm

    Ikorodu City vs Inter Lagos- 5pm

    Day Two- 9th June

    Madiba vs Inter Lagos-8am

    Beyond Limits vs Ikorodu City-11 am

    Day Four- 11th June

    Ikorodu City vs Madiba-10am

    Inter Lagos vs Beyond Limits -4 pm

  • Infantino praises “consistent progress” by CAF, African member associations

    Infantino praises “consistent progress” by CAF, African member associations

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino has praised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the “consistent progress” it and its members have made in developing football on the continent.

    A frequent visitor to the continent, including the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year and the CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco in April, the FIFA President has witnessed first-hand both the organisational know-how, passion and enthusiasm that exists in Africa.

     “The CAF Confederation meeting in Bangkok was a great opportunity for me to reiterate FIFA’s commitment to growing the game in the beautiful, football-loving continent of Africa,” said Mr Infantino after the gathering of FIFA’s African Member Associations ahead of Friday’s 74th FIFA Congress in Thailand’s capital.

    “I attended the CAF Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year as well as the CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations and the consistent progress is evident. I must also thank and congratulate CAF President Patrice Motsepe for taking a leading role in this regard.

    Read Also:  FIFA World Cup 26: Finidi gets tips tor tricky upcoming ties

     “The talent in Africa is great and we will keep investing to create more football opportunities for everyone,” the FIFA President said.

    While the inaugural African Football League – launched earlier this year – boosted elite club football on a continental level, the progress made by national teams is clear. Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™  and their female counterparts shone on their FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand™ debut last year, earning a knockout stage place along with two of their African counterparts, South Africa and Nigeria.

  • Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR

    Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR

    Premier League clubs will be given the chance to scrap VAR from next season when they vote on the controversial review system at their annual general meeting next month.

    Wolves have submitted a resolution to abolish VAR to the Premier League, triggering a vote of the top flight’s 20 teams on June 6.

    The Molineux club said VAR is “undermining the value of the Premier League brand” after another season marred by a host of debatable decisions.

    In order for VAR to be axed by the Premier League, 14 of the 20 clubs will have to vote against it.

    Wolves are expected to canvas other clubs in order to gain support before the meeting.

    VAR was introduced in the Premier League in 2019 with the aim of helping referees avoid clear and obvious errors that had marred matches in the past.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Premier League clubs to vote on eradicating VAR

    But there have been numerous controversies surrounding the technology this season as Premier League managers and fans grow increasingly vocal in their disdain for the system.

     “The introduction of VAR in 2019⁄20 was a decision made in good faith and with the best interests of football and the Premier League at its heart,” a Wolves statement said.

     “However, it has led to numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand.

     “The decision to table the resolution has come after careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, PGMOL and our fellow competitors.

     “Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result we should remove it from the 2024⁄25 season onwards.”

    Wolves boss Gary O’Neil revealed he has regularly received apologetic phone calls from Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Howard Webb after VAR decisions that went against his team.

    The impact of VAR on goal celebrations, the length of time taken for checks and a lack of communication in the stadium are all issues that have irked supporters and cited by Wolves as reasons for scrapping the system.

    However, the Premier League believes VAR is still a valuable tool.

    The English top flight, which is in regular dialogue with referees’ governing body PGMOL, believes the number of incorrect decisions would increase without VAR which could damage the competition’s reputation.

     “The Premier League can confirm it will facilitate a discussion on VAR with our clubs at the Annual General Meeting next month,” a Premier League spokesperson said.

     “Clubs are entitled to put forward proposals at Shareholders’ meetings and we acknowledge the concerns and issues around the use of VAR.

    “However, the League fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside PGMOL, to make continued improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and fans.”

  • Adeleke opens Osun Country Club

    Adeleke opens Osun Country Club

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and celebrity singer David Adeleke yesterday inaugurated Osun Country Club to promote lifestyle and cultural exchange.

    Adeleke said the club will further promote the unity and cultural diversity in the state.

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    He said: “As we begin this journey, let’s remember that what we do now will figure the future for those who come after us. Let’s work together to make this club not only enjoyable for us, but also something that helps our community in a good way. Let’s start this journey with determination, and a common goal of creating a legacy that will be recalled for a long time.”

    President of the club Chief Abiola Falayajo said: “Over 30 years ago, Osun State was born. Yet, since then, a country club with state of the art facilities that will serve the interests of all our people has been lacking.