The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Idongesit siblings count gains from  Fencing World Cup in Cairo

    Idongesit siblings count gains from  Fencing World Cup in Cairo

    Nigerian siblings Sarah and Mahathir Idongesit  has  described their participation at  the at the FIE Junior World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, as valuable exposure ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Championships.

    Sarah, competing in the women’s epee, impressed in her debut outing by advancing from a group of seven fencers in Pool 4. However, her progress was halted in the knockout round following a defeat to Russia’s Viktoria Ramenskova.

    Mahathir, meanwhile, faced a tougher challenge and was unable to progress beyond the group stage, having been drawn against some of the finest young fencers in the world.

    Despite the results, the siblings described their participation as a crucial learning experience.

    “Competing in Egypt has added more knowledge to me, especially going up against some of the best fencers in the world. This is a rare opportunity I truly cherish, and I hope to attend more tournaments ahead of the Commonwealth Championships in Nigeria later this year,” Sarah said.

    For Mahathir, the tournament was equally valuable: “I had no expectations for this competition, and that took away the pressure. I aimed to improve and gain experience, which I hope to build on before the Commonwealth Championships later in the year,” he explained.

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    The two‑day FIE‑sanctioned event featured participants from over 30 countries, underscoring its competitive depth.

    Meanwhile, Nigerian fencing coach Bola Suru, supported by the International Fencing Federation (FIE), was part of the technical crew in Cairo.

    She contributed to the three‑day FIE training camp that preceded the tournament, designed to support athletes during this critical phase of preparation ahead of the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026.

    According to Suru, the camp—made possible through Olympic Solidarity—offered valuable exposure and learning opportunities, further strengthening Nigeria’s pathway in international fencing.

  •  CAF  to inspect Ikenne, Sagamu facilities for continental school tourney

     CAF  to inspect Ikenne, Sagamu facilities for continental school tourney

    Officials from the Confederation of African Football will arrive in Nigeria on Monday to inspect facilities that Nigeria is putting up to host this year’s CAF African Schools Football Championship Final Phase.

    The CAF African Schools Football Championship, launched four years ago, is an annual U15 tournament with the objective of developing youth football and promoting education across the African continent. It is supported by a $10 million investment from the Foundation owned by CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, and features zonal qualifiers leading to the continental final tournament.

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    The competition is for both boys and girls. The 2024 finals were held in Accra, Ghana where Tanzania’s boys and Ghana’s girls emerged victorious. Winners receive up to $300,000 in infrastructural development, and the tournament involves partnerships with organizations like United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO), for health education.

    CAF officials Omar Amr (Safeguarding), Fatima Elmissaoui (ASFC officer), Herve Dassoundo (Marketing & Branding), Mahmoud Amer ((Travel/Logistics), Diabate Zakarhiya (Safety & Security), Hend Thabet (Travel & Accommodation), Joshua Knipp (ASFC Competition) and the Executive Director of WAFU B, Philippe Tchere will inspect proposed competition and ancillary venues in Ikenne-Remo and Sagamu on Tuesday, 3rd  February and Wednesday, 4th  February.

    Focus will be on the Remo Stars Stadium and training pitches in Ikenne-Remo, the FC Ebedei Stadium and training pitches in Sagamu, as well as hospitals and hotel facilities within these two towns. 

  • Osimhen grabs eighth goal in  Turkish Super Lig

    Osimhen grabs eighth goal in  Turkish Super Lig

    Victor Osimhen scored his eighth goal in the Turkish Super Lig tonight as well as provided an assist for Galatasaray to trounce Kayserispor 4-0 to consolidate top spot.

    Osimhen hit target from the penalty spot in the 26th minute to make it 2-0.He then assisted for his team’s third goal on the hour.

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    Galatasaray are six points clear of second-placed Fenerbache with 49 points from 20 matches.

  • CAF Champions League: Power Dynamos drown  Rivers United In Uyo

    CAF Champions League: Power Dynamos drown  Rivers United In Uyo

    The hopes of Nigeria’s representatives, Rivers United, reaching the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League  has suffered a major setback on Sunday following a shock home defeat  yesterday to Zambia’s Power Dynamos in Uyo.

    Rivers United had boosted their qualification chances with an impressive away draw against the same opponents on Matchday 3 in Zambia, raising expectations of a crucial home victory.

    However, the Nigerian champions failed to build on that result, producing a disappointing performance in front of their supporters.

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    Power Dynamos showed greater composure and tactical discipline and were rewarded in the 50th  minute when Chiboni struck the decisive goal, silencing the home crowd and handing the Zambian side a vital away victory.

    The defeat leaves Rivers United in a difficult position in the group, with their qualification hopes now hanging in the balance as the competition heads into the decisive final rounds of the group stage.

  •  Poland 2026: Falconets show fighting spirit in win over FC Robo

     Poland 2026: Falconets show fighting spirit in win over FC Robo

    Nigeria’s U-20 Women National Team, the Falconets, continued their build-up to the first-leg encounter against Senegal with a 2–1 victory over Nigeria Women Premier League top team, FC Robo in a friendly match played in Ibadan.

    As earlier reported, the Falconets arrived in Ibadan on Monday, 27 January, to intensify preparations for the crucial fixture scheduled for Saturday, 7 February, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan. The friendly match against FC Robo formed part of the technical crew’s assessment programme aimed at testing the team’s performance, tactical execution, and match fitness ahead of the upcoming tie.

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    Reacting after the encounter, Head Coach Moses Aduku expressed satisfaction with the outcome while noting areas for improvement.

    “So far, so good. We won the game, but there are still little adjustments to be made in the team ahead of Saturday’s game against the Senegalese,” he said. “However, there were positives, especially the fighting spirit. The way the girls responded to score the winning goal was very encouraging. It showed character, resilience, and the determination not to relent in our quest to qualify.”

  • Lagos 7Km run excites participants as organisers hail turnout

    Lagos 7Km run excites participants as organisers hail turnout

    Over 130 participants took to the streets in Lekki, Lagos for the 5th  edition of the 7Km Run/Walk for fitness and wellness

    The exercise organized by I am Alive and Thankful in conjunction with passionate committee of friends had the team ‘Accountability Walk/Run.’

    And so, everybody was a winner on Saturday as they ran and walked through the streets for fitness with the takeoff and finish point at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Lekki.

    The event was strictly not about winning but Samson Ukpa (male category) and Thomas Blessing (female category) were singled out as outstanding participants. They received attractive gifts from the organisers.

    Also, the youngest participant, a two-year-old, Speranza Williams, and a 62-year-old, Mr Edobor, the oldest participant, were each rewarded with a cash prize of N250,000.

    One of the participants, Apewe, said: “I haven’t done any exercise or fitness in about three months. It’s nice to come out and be energetic. Meeting people from different spheres of life. I had fun and I would do this again. Fitness isn’t about being slim. Fitness encompasses a lot, mental, physical, it is a framework. It is all about the mind-set. Coming out, doing it once in a while is encouraging. You cannot be too young or too old to exercise.”

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    A Ghanaian participant, Jane, said she was excited to be a part of the walk from the beginning to the end.

     “Good health is expensive, I enjoyed myself much more than I expected, though I choose to walk throughout l, kept my pace and not run at all. My expectations is an extension, we did 7km this time, we can do 10km next time so we can keep moving,” she said.

    Onome Obruthe, organizer and convener, rated the event as “excellent”.

    “A lot of people turned out and we met our target. We are trying to promote a healthy living lifestyle, run and walk at your pace, This is the first time in 5 years we are giving cash prizes and gifts to people just for motivation.”

    Tochi Pearl, also part of the organizing team, said that, this edition was delightful one especially with the turnout.

  • Lekan Salami Stadium : Fans  assured of speedy fixing  of Pitch for 3SC’s home matches

    Lekan Salami Stadium : Fans  assured of speedy fixing  of Pitch for 3SC’s home matches

    Chairman of Shooting Stars Football Club, Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami, has assured that the Oluyole Warlords will continue playing their home matches  as all efforts are geared towards fixing the pitch of the Lekan Salami Stadium.

    The information was contained in a letter forwarded to the Chairman of 3SC on Friday,

    The club had reportedly received a signed letter from the   Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL, Davidson Owumi, complaining  at the situation of the pitch of Lekan Salami Stadium which is at variance  with the broadcast and television rights  recently entered into with the league board.

    Salami said  the management of  3SC has taken proactive measures to support the efforts of the Ministry of Youth Sports and the Oyo State Sports Council, who are responsible for maintaining the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, particularly regarding the regular watering of the pitch.

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    “We shall not be having a home match until about two weeks, and the authority has stopped all other activity on the facility which gives us ample time to fix the pitch back to its lush green state. The challenges faced by the agencies managing the stadium were inadequate supply of water but we have joined forces  in complimenting their efforts in that area,”  he said.

    According to him, this collaborative approach aims to ensure that the pitch is not only restored but also maintained effectively in the long run. With the upcoming matches in mind, the focus remains on creating an optimal playing surface that meets the standards expected by both players and fans alike.

    The collaboration of the 3SC management with the ministry has begun to pay off, according to Taiwo Adesola, the secretary of the Oyo State Football Association, who confirmed to the sporting press that that pitch, just within a few days of enjoying adequate watering, is turning green.

    This revitalisation according to the Oyo FA scribe is expected to enhance the overall matchday experience, as well as improve player performance. As the season progresses, the commitment to maintaining high-quality facilities will undoubtedly contribute to the success of all teams that will be using the facility.

  • Kwara United strengthen squad with six new players

    Kwara United strengthen squad with six new players

    Kwara United Football Club has strengthened its squad with the addition of six new players as the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season enters a crucial phase.

    The new recruits are Abdulsalam Abdulsalam, an attacker from Kada Warriors; Hannafi Akaje Babatunde, a defensive midfielder from ABS FC; Gabriel Abutu Jeremiah, a defensive midfielder from Lobi Stars; Samsudeen Mohammed, a centre forward also from Lobi Stars; Salisu Mustapha, an attacker from Kano Pillars; and Okoloko Otega Jonathan, a central midfielder from Morak FC.

    The players trained with the rest of the squad on Saturday under the supervision of Head Coach Ashifat Suleiman at the Rashidi Main Bowl of the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, as preparations intensified for the NPFL Matchday 24 clash against Warri Wolves.

    Kwara United also received a boost with the return of some injured players. Ibrahim Yahaya and Alao Mohammed are back in contention, while Arinze Ogbonna has returned after his trials. However, Adeshina Gata remains sidelined as he continues his recovery.

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    In the reverse fixture played in Ozoro earlier in the season, the Harmony Boys held Warri Wolves to a goalless draw. They are now targeting maximum points in front of their home supporters as they push to climb out of the relegation zone.

    Speaking on a radio sports programme, Coach Ashifat Suleiman expressed optimism that the team would return to winning ways following the arrival of the new signings and the return of key players. He also appealed to supporters and stakeholders to continue supporting the club during this critical period of the season.

    Meanwhile, Victor Adeoye has left the club to go on trials, while Ajiboye Moses, Ngomere Chisom, Said Mubarak, Jimoh Wasiu, Obiora Kingsley, and Chibuzor Ogbodo Eze have departed the club to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

    Kwara United, who still have an outstanding fixture against Rivers United, will host Warri Wolves today by 4:00 pm in Ilorin.

  • Pope: Winter Olympics ‘rekindle hope’ for world peace

    Pope: Winter Olympics ‘rekindle hope’ for world peace

    Pope Leo XIV said that the Winter Olympics – starting in less than a week’s time in northern Italy – were an opportunity to “rekindle hope for a world at peace”.

    The American-born pontiff, after wishing the best to athletes and organisers in remarks after the Angelus prayer, noted that the modern Olympic Games were founded on a credo of international peace and “fraternity”.

    With the Milan-Cortina Games, he expressed hope that “all those who care about peace among peoples and are in positions of authority will take this opportunity to make concrete gestures of detente and dialogue”.

    The Winter Olympics will begin on Friday with its opening ceremony, and run to February 22, followed by the Winter Paralympics from March 6 to 15.

    Read Also: NFF will decide my future as Super Eagles coach – Chelle

    In his remarks, the pope also stressed “greatly troubling news regarding an increase in tensions between Cuba and the United States of America”.

    He urged the two countries to engage in “sincere and effective dialogue, in order to avoid violence and every action that could increase the suffering of the dear Cuban people”.

    US President Donald Trump has been ramping up his threats against Cuba, following his deployment of the military in early January to attack Caracas and grab Venezuela’s leader, Nicolas Maduro.

    On Thursday, Trump issued an executive order threatening extra tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba, whose government he accused of aligning with “numerous hostile countries, transnational terrorist groups, and malign actors”.

  • Alcaraz downs  Djokovic to win ‘dream’ Australian Open  

    Alcaraz downs  Djokovic to win ‘dream’ Australian Open  

    Carlos Alcaraz swept past Novak Djokovic to win his first Australian Open on Sunday and become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, denying the Serbian great an unprecedented 25th major.

    The Spaniard was imperious after a slow start in dismissing the 38-year-old, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena to claim a seventh Slam title and cement himself as undisputed world number one.

    He becomes the youngest man in the Open era to win all four majors, adding to his two titles each from Wimbledon and the French and US Opens.

    At 22, he surpassed legendary countryman Rafael Nadal – in the crowd to witness the feat – who was 24 when he did the same.

    A seventh Slam put him alongside John McEnroe and Mats Wilander and one behind Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl.

     “Lifting the trophy for the first time in Australia was crazy,” Alcaraz said, before writing on a TV camera lens: “Job finished. Four out of four complete.”

    He added: “A dream come true. I dreamt about getting an Australian Open and completing the career Grand Slam.”

    He paid tribute to Djokovic.

     “You were talking about how I’m doing the things I am, but what you’re doing is really inspiring, not only for tennis players but athletes around the world.”

    It was a first defeat for Djokovic in a Melbourne final, having won all 10 previously, leaving him still searching for a landmark 25th  major to better Australia’s Margaret Court, who was also watching on centre court.

    Djokovic, striving to become the oldest man to lift a Grand Slam singles trophy, last won one at the US Open in 2023. Since then Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have dominated.

     “I must be very honest and say that I didn’t think I would be standing in the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam again, so I owe you the gratitude of pushing me forward in the last couple weeks,” Djokovic said, speaking to the fans in the stadium.

    He went on to hint this could be his last time at Melbourne Park.

    “God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months, so it has been a great ride.”

    He also joked with Nadal in the stands, saying: “There are too many Spanish legends. I feel like I was one against two tonight. It’s not fair.”

    Both men battled through five long sets in their semi-finals, Alcaraz against Alexander Zverev and Djokovic with Sinner, and recovery was always going to be key.

    But they showed few signs of fatigue in another gladiatorial contest.

    They both opened with comfortable holds before Djokovic was presented with the first break point chance at 2-1.

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    Alcaraz saved it, but the aggressive fourth seed kept pressing and converted on his third, then consolidated for a 4-1 lead.

    Djokovic was reading Alcaraz’s serve well and once he got in the rallies was authoritative, with a sensational forehand winner earning him two set points.

    He claimed the set in a statement 33 minutes, having dominated the big moments.

    It was vintage Djokovic, but Alcaraz upped the tempo to break for 2-1 in the second set, pumping his fist when he saved a break point and held in the next game.

    Djokovic put drops in his eyes and began rubbing them, unable to tame a now rampant Alcaraz, who broke again for 5-2.

    There were some sensational rallies that had the crowd on their feet in set three, which went with serve until Djokovic slapped a forehand wide under pressure to slip 2-3 behind.

    He gamely saved four set points at 3-5 but with his energy levels dropping was unable to save a fifth.

    On the back foot, Djokovic then saved six break points in an 11-minute opening service game in set four to stay alive.

    But Alcaraz ground him down and pounced as Djokovic served to stay in the match to seal a famous win.

    It ensured he remained world number one and Sinner two, with Djokovic moving up a place to three.