The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • African Futsal body unveils ambitious plans for 2026

    African Futsal body unveils ambitious plans for 2026

    The Association Africaine de Futsal (AAF) has unveiled an ambitious lineup of tournaments and development programmes for 2026, as it intensifies efforts to grow futsal across Africa and position the continent as a global force in the sport.

    The plans were disclosed during a press conference, where AAF Publicity Secretary, Edewor Oputa, outlined a packed calendar featuring youth competitions, school tournaments and international appearances.

    According to Oputa, the year will kick off with the AAF Under-17 Futsal International Tournament in Kenya, which will showcase some of Africa’s brightest young talents.

    “We are thrilled to kick off the year with our Under-17 Futsal International Tournament in Kenya, which will feature some of the best young talent from across the continent,” Oputa said.

    “This is just the beginning of an exciting journey,” Oputa added.

    He revealed that the continental body will also participate in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where futsal will feature as a side event, while Togo will host the maiden African Futsal Inter-School Tournament later in the year.

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    “As we prepare to take part in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and host our inaugural African Futsal Inter-School Tournament in Togo, our focus remains on building a strong foundation for the sport,” he added.

    In a major boost to development efforts, Oputa announced that Brazilian futsal icon Falcao will tour three African countries in March this year, mentoring young players and sharing his vast experience.

    “We are committed to developing futsal in primary and secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions and football clubs throughout Africa.

    “Our goal is to build African futsal to a global level by 2035,’Oputa stated.

    He noted that the AAF is working closely with FIFA, CAF and national football federations to ensure sustainable growth and wider participation across the continent.

    The association’s 2026 calendar includes: AAF Under-17 Futsal International Tournament, Kenya (May 2026); Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, Scotland (Futsal side event-July 23 to August 2); AAF African Futsal Inter-School Tournament, Togo (August 2026) and Youth Olympic Games, Senegal (Futsal side event-October 31 to November 13).

  • HAFCON 2026: Golden Arrows  crush Zambia for second successive wins   

    HAFCON 2026: Golden Arrows  crush Zambia for second successive wins   

    Nigeria’s senior men’s handball team, the Golden Arrows, continued their impressive start to the 27th  Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup with a dominant 36–18 victory over Zambia yesterday in Kigali, Rwanda sealing a perfect two wins from two games in Group A.

    Barely 24 hours after stunning seven-time champions Algeria 25–23 in their opening match, the Nigerians showed maturity, depth and attacking flair against Zambia. The Golden Arrows raced into a 17–10 halftime lead and never looked back, tightening their defence and accelerating the tempo in the second half to record one of the most convincing wins of Matchday 2.

    The emphatic result further underlined Nigeria’s growing confidence on the continental stage and firmly placed them among the early contenders in Kigali.

    Beyond Nigeria’s commanding display, Matchday 2 delivered drama and shifting narratives across all four groups of the competition.

    In Group A, hosts Rwanda were involved in a high-profile clash with Algeria in a late kick off which they lost 46-25. Algeria who were seeking redemption after the defeat to Nigeria in the first game led 23-10 at half time and increased the gap in second half to win the game comfortably, while Nigeria’s rout of Zambia reshaped the group standings and set up a mouthwatering last group stage showdown.

    Group B saw Egypt underline their pedigree with a strong 41–28 win over Angola, while Gabon bounced back in style, defeating Uganda 33–16 to keep their hopes alive.

    In Group C, Cameroon edged Kenya 28–24 in a closely contested encounter, while Tunisia showed their class with a solid 35–25 victory over Guinea.

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    Group D produced surprises as Congo Brazzaville defeated Benin 26–22, and Cape Verde continued their fine form with a 33–28 win over Morocco, throwing the group wide open.

    All participating teams will observe today as a rest day, allowing players to recover and coaches to fine-tune strategies ahead of a decisive Matchday 3 on Saturday, January 24.

    For Nigeria, attention now turns to a blockbuster Group A clash against hosts Rwanda, a fixture that could determine the progress or otherwise for the Eastern African. With two wins already secured, the Golden Arrows will aim to maintain momentum against a Rwandan side buoyed by home support at the BK Arena.

    Elsewhere, Algeria face Zambia in a must-win encounter having beaten Rwanda to revive their campaign, while other groups feature crucial ties that could define qualification prospects heading into the knockout stages.

    Matchday 3 Fixtures (Saturday, January 24)

    Group A: Zambia vs. Algeria; Nigeria vs. Rwanda

    Group B: Angola vs. Gabon; Uganda vs. Egypt

    Group C: Kenya vs. Tunisia; Guinea vs. Cameroon

    Group D: Morocco vs. Congo Brazzaville; Benin vs. Cape Verde

  • Organisers warn against athletes’ poaching for Niger Delta Games

    Organisers warn against athletes’ poaching for Niger Delta Games

    Dunamis-Icon Limited,  organisers of the Niger Delta Games (NDG) on Wednesday in Benin reiterated that states are prohibited from presenting non-indigenous athletes at the 2nd edition of the games scheduled for Edo State from February 20-27.

    This is even as the company and the host state, Edo reaffirmed their commitments  to organising the biggest regional sporting fiesta that will surpass the maiden edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.  

    The position of the organisers was emphasised at a press conference inside the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in  Benin City, by the managing consultant of Dunamis-Icon Limited, and project manager of the Niger Delta Games, Sir Itiako Malik Ikpokpo.

    “We are determined to stamp out the practice of athletes poaching, buying of discovered athletes from other states. So, states can only field athletes verified to be an indigene of the state”, declared Ikpokpo, who also is the Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee.

    Clarifying the regulation, Ikpokpo said: “We want to encourage grassroots development of sports by discovering and nurturing talents in the nine states. There is no state that cannot find talents that can represent them.”

    According to him, “the Niger Delta region has consistently produced some of Nigeria’s finest athletes”, stressing that “the nine Niger Delta states are blessed with abundant sporting talents.”

    Towards ensuring compliance, the organisers have set up a monitoring system that will be deployed for screening, while coaches have been advised to scout talents at the grassroots. In his words, “true athletes are found in classrooms and communities.”

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    He went to also state that the rules have been adjusted to permit only athletes who are 20 years old and below.

    Delving into the schedule of the games, Ikpokpo announced that athletes are expected to arrive in Benin City on February 19, while the opening ceremony of the Games will take place on February 20 at 5:00 p.m.

    He further announced that local government trials will commence next week, as organisers are determined to improve on the standards set during the maiden edition in Akwa Ibom State.

    Ikpokpo expressed appreciation to members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Edo State Chapter, and other media practitioners for their support for sports development in the Niger Delta region and the country at large.

    A total of 17 sports will be featured at the Games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

  • CAF Champions League: Rivers United seeks revival after poor start

    CAF Champions League: Rivers United seeks revival after poor start

    Nigeria’s Rivers United return to continental duty this weekend under mounting pressure, knowing that anything short of a positive result could severely dent their hopes of progressing in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League.

    The Port Harcourt-based side have endured a difficult start to their group campaign, losing their opening two matches before the competition paused for the Africa Cup of Nations. Now bottom of Group A, Rivers United head to Zambia on Saturday to face Power Dynamos in what has become a must-win encounter as the group stage reaches its halfway mark.

    With only four matches to play and qualification margins often razor-thin, Matchday 3 represents a defining moment for the Nigerian champions. A third straight defeat would leave Rivers United with a mountain to climb, while a victory could reignite belief and bring them back into contention ahead of the reverse fixtures.

    The clash in Ndola comes just hours before another heavyweight showdown in Group A, where Morocco’s RS Berkane welcome defending champions Pyramids FC of Egypt in a tie expected to shape the group’s hierarchy. For Rivers United, the results elsewhere will matter—but first, they must arrest their own slide.

    Read Also: Victor Osimhen not leaving AFCON camp — NFF official

    lsewhere in the CAF Champions League, attention shifts to Cairo today as record holders Al Ahly host Tanzania’s Young Africans in Group B, with the Egyptian giants aiming to tighten their grip on qualification. In Pretoria, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Hilal Omdurman lock horns in a pivotal Group C contest that could determine early group supremacy.

    North Africa also takes centre stage in Group D, where Espérance de Tunis face Simba SC in a high-stakes duel, while Petro Atlético travel to Mali to battle Stade Malien as both sides push for momentum.

    The CAF Confederation Cup resumes with equally intense storylines, as traditional powerhouses and ambitious challengers fight for breathing space in congested groups. Former champions USM Alger and Wydad Casablanca headline the weekend’s fixtures, while Zamalek face an all-Egyptian showdown against Al Masry in Group D.

    With the group stage now at its midpoint, every point carries added weight, and several clubs across the continent will be looking either to consolidate early promise or claw their way back into the qualification race.

  • Oredipe named Bayelsa Athletics Association’s chairman

    Oredipe named Bayelsa Athletics Association’s chairman

    Dr. Samuel Kolawole Oredipe has been appointed the new chairman of the Bayelsa State Athletics Association following  the expiration of the  tenure of Mr. Godwin Oghogho.

     A former middle-distance runner, Dr. Oredipe brings a wealth of experience to his new role after  previously serving  as Vice-Chairman of the state’s  athletics body  as well as currently serving as the Auditor of  Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

    His official  appointment was confirmed in a letter endorsed by the Director of Sports at the Bayelsa State Sports Council,  Andrew Aye, who noted that the decision was based on Dr. Oredipe’s significant contributions to the growth and development of athletics in the state over the past five years.

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    Aye urged the new chairman to sustain collaboration with key stakeholders in order to further advance athletics in Bayelsa State.

    Beyond  sports administration , Dr. Oredipe is a broadcaster and serves as the Director-General of Bayelsa State Government New Media.

    He is also the founder of SamKay Athletics Club, Yenagoa, a grassroots outfit credited with discovering and nurturing young track and field athletes who have gone on to represent Bayelsa State at national competitions and Nigeria at the international level.

    With his blend of administrative experience and grassroots involvement, Dr. Oredipe is expected to usher in a new phase of growth for athletics in Bayelsa State.

  • New Route  earmarked for 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

    New Route  earmarked for 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

    The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon (ABLCM) is set to enter an exciting new era as organisers unveil a brand-new race route for the landmark 11th edition, scheduled for Saturday, February 14.

    In a first for Africa’s biggest road race, the 42km marathon will now start at ORCA Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, sweep through sections of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, and climax at the iconic Eko Atlantic City, showcasing Lagos as the beating heart of road racing in Africa.

    The strategic route change signals the dawn of a new decade for the marathon, prioritising a smoother athlete experience, modern infrastructure, and a refreshed race story that puts Lagos firmly on the world stage as a fast-rising global city.

    After ten editions on a familiar course that has become woven into Nigeria’s sporting culture, organisers say the refreshed route honours the marathon’s rich legacy while injecting fresh energy, curiosity, and spectacle for runners, fans, and international audiences alike. The inclusion of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road also offers a stunning showcase of one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure projects through a World Athletics Gold Label race watched across the globe.

    “The 11th  edition is not just another race; it represents evolution,” said Mrs Yetunde Olopade, the MD/CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, owners of ABLCM. “The new route allows us to reimagine the marathon experience while staying true to our values of excellence, safety, and world-class delivery.”

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    A World Athletics Gold Label event, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon continues to draw elite athletes from around the world, alongside thousands of recreational runners, while commanding extensive local and international media attention.

    Beyond competition, the race remains a powerful platform for sports tourism, urban storytelling, youth engagement, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

    While the headline-grabbing 42km route has been refreshed for the 11th  edition, the 10km race will retain its familiar course, ensuring continuity for participants in that category.

    Additional information, including route maps, athlete updates, and race-day logistics, will be released via official Access Bank Lagos City Marathon channels.

  • NWFL adjusts calendar after player availability dispute

    NWFL adjusts calendar after player availability dispute

    The Nigeria Women’s Football League has stopped  the 2025/26 season in a move aimed at preserving fairness and sporting integrity across the competition.

    Following the completion of Matchday 7 on Wednesday, the NWFL confirmed that league action will resume on February 18, after reviewing concerns raised over players’ availability due to national team commitments. The situation, which affected one club significantly, prompted intervention at federation level.

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    NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi explained that the decision was taken to ensure no team is unfairly disadvantaged as the season progresses. The adjustment means Matchday 8 will now usher in the league’s return, while the planned mid-season break has been shortened to one week to keep the calendar on track.

  • Calabar gears up for NUGA as UNICAL seals hosting mandate

    Calabar gears up for NUGA as UNICAL seals hosting mandate

    The University of Calabar has begun laying the foundation for what it hopes will be a landmark edition of the Nigeria University Games Association competition in 2026.

    After formally receiving the NUGA hosting flag and signing the Memorandum of Agreement, the institution reaffirmed its commitment to delivering well-organised and memorable Games.

    Vice Chancellor Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong highlighted Calabar’s reputation for peace and hospitality as key assets for the event.

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    With preparations already underway for the August 2026 Games, UNICAL aims to combine sporting excellence with cultural celebration, ensuring athletes and officials enjoy a rewarding experience.

    The university’s leadership described the hosting rights as both an honour and a responsibility to set new standards for university sports in Nigeria.

  • Rovers reset season with Abdullahi Tyabo’s appointment

    Rovers reset season with Abdullahi Tyabo’s appointment

    Calabar Rovers FC have moved swiftly to address their struggles in the Nigeria National League by appointing seasoned tactician Abdullahi Umar Tyabo as Technical Adviser.

    The unveiling at the U.J. Esuene Stadium on Wednesday signalled a clear intent by the club’s leadership to halt a poor run of form and re-establish competitiveness.

    Cross River State Sports Commission Chairman Lawrence Etta expressed confidence that Tyabo’s experience would bring stability and direction.

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    With full technical authority handed to him, Tyabo is tasked with rebuilding the squad, improving results and restoring the identity that once defined Rovers FC.

    His appointment follows the disbandment of the previous technical crew after a string of disappointing performances which got to its crescendo after they were beaten 2-0 at home by Akwa United in the last game of the first stanza.

    The former Akwa United and Gombe United coach has already pledged commitment to the challenge, as Rovers look to mount a stronger push in the second half of the season with a tough away tie against Akwa United on February 14th .

  • ANFASSC sets sights on WAFCON in Morocco after successful outing  at AFCON 2025

    ANFASSC sets sights on WAFCON in Morocco after successful outing  at AFCON 2025

    The Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC) has returned to Nigeria following a successful and impactful outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles secured a bronze medal finish and once again reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong presence on the continental football stage.

    Throughout the tournament, ANFASSC played an active, organised, and disciplined role in supporting the Super Eagles, maintaining a visible and coordinated presence that reflected national pride, unity, and purpose. From the group stages through to the third-place playoff, the club’s structured chants, cultural expressions, and responsible conduct contributed to a positive matchday atmosphere and effective fan representation for Nigeria.

    The AFCON 2025 campaign stands as a proud moment for the Nigerian supporters’ community and a collective effort that merits recognition. ANFASSC believes that the consistency, professionalism, and national visibility demonstrated throughout the tournament underscore the importance of organised supporters in modern football and the need to continually encourage and strengthen such structures.

    ANFASSC acknowledges the cooperation and engagement of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and relevant sports authorities, whose coordination and support contributed to smooth operations, improved structure, and constructive engagement during the tournament.

    The working relationships built throughout AFCON 2025 remain valuable as Nigeria prepares for future international engagements.

    Special recognition is accorded to the President of ANFASSC, Prince Abayomi Ogunjimi, whose leadership and personal commitment stood out throughout the competition. His constant presence in and around the stadium, combined with his colourful and culturally expressive attire, projected Nigeria’s identity with pride and dignity. His representation reflected a legacy-driven approach to supporter leadership and showcased Nigeria positively on the continental stage, deserving national acknowledgment and encouragement.

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    ANFASSC also expresses appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Ahmad Gambo Saleh, Esq., Mr.  Yemi Idowu, the National Sports Commission, Dotnet Hub Foundation and other partners and supporters, among many others, for their support, goodwill  and belief in structured sports development and national representation.

    As attention turns to future competitions, ANFASSC notes that the conclusion of the last WAFCON tournament further highlights the urgent need for increased supporter mobilisation. Recent experiences, particularly the AFCON final, clearly demonstrated to the global football community the critical impact of supporters in large numbers in driving team morale, influencing matchday atmosphere, and sustaining performance under pressure. In this regard, ANFASSC advocates for a deliberate expansion of Nigeria’s organised supporters’ presence, targeting a mobilisation strength of 400 to 500 supporters for future major tournaments.

    The club notes that organised supporters in other African nations, such as the Lumumba supporters of Uganda, have received national recognition for similar contributions, reinforcing the value of supporters as cultural ambassadors and morale drivers for national teams.

    In line with this vision, preparations are already being considered ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, with ANFASSC reaffirming its commitment to structured planning, early mobilisation, and stakeholder engagement to ensure strong, visible, and disciplined support for Nigeria’s women’s national team.

    The AFCON 2025 experience provides a solid foundation for improved planning, collaboration, and impact as ANFASSC continues its mission to support Nigerian teams with unity, discipline, and purpose, while contributing meaningfully to the growth, organisation, and global image of Nigerian sports.