The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • ‘The Oracle’  Ogunbote targets  NPFL  survival  for Plateau United

    ‘The Oracle’  Ogunbote targets  NPFL  survival  for Plateau United

    Newly appointed Plateau United Technical Adviser, Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, has declared that his primary mission is to rescue the club from relegation and secure its Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) status.

    Popularly known as “The Oracle”, Ogunbote made this known during a parley with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Plateau State Chapter, shortly after assuming duty.

     “My goal of coming to Plateau United is to salvage the club from its present 19th  position on the log,” Ogunbote stated. “The aim is to maintain our Premiership status, but we must be very intentional about it.”

    The former handler of Shooting Stars, Lobi Stars, Giwa FC and Sunshine Stars urged his players to adopt a fearless mentality, encouraging them to aim high despite the club’s current struggles.

     “We must aim above the stars. Per adventure we fall, we will fall among the stars. If we finish strong, escape will be guaranteed,” he added.

    Read Also: Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

    Ogunbote confirmed that his contract runs until the end of the season, with a renewal clause subject to mutual agreement, while outlining his short-term strategy of managing the squad effectively before deeper restructuring.

     “For now, we will manage the situation, introduce new players gradually and use them as substitutes in key areas to better understand the team,” he explained. “Every session we’ve had has focused on goalscoring because only goals bring relief. Football is about two things: scoring and protecting your goals.”

    The Plateau United TA also commended club chairman Alhassan Yakmut for his administrative experience, calling on all stakeholders to unite in preserving the club’s image as one of the league’s respected brands.

  • Cross River unearths  new talents  for Niger Delta Games

    Cross River unearths  new talents  for Niger Delta Games

    Cross River State sports authorities may have made major breakthrough in talents discovery as the State’s trials for the 2nd  Niger Delta Games berthed in the central senatorial district.

    Organised by the Liaison Committee members of the NDG in conjunction with the Cross River State Sports Commission led by Lawrence Etta, the trials serve to select athletes that will participate in the state finals to pick those who will represent the state at the games.

    “The trials for the Games has continued to ignite hope and inspiration among young sporting talents in both the urban and rural communities in Cross River State.

    “The competition’s talent discovery drive has recorded remarkable success, particularly within the Central Senatorial District” remarked Ettah

    He said the initiative has brought together promising young athletes from diverse local governments and villages—many of whom are experiencing organized sports exposure for the very first time.

    “The ongoing talent hunt has not only uncovered raw and exceptional abilities but has also created unforgettable moments of joy and motivation for future champions.

    “For several participants, the exercise marks their first opportunity to leave their immediate communities, interact with peers from other areas, and dream beyond their local environment”, Ettah told NDG Media.

    Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee,  Sir Itiako Ikpokpo(KSM), was impressed by the report and said it has captured a cardinal essence of organising the Games.

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

    “This is primarily one of the reasons for the Games, providing opportunities for those in the hinterland to compete and put their talents to use in sports.

    “We want to provide a platform for every youth in the Niger Delta region to find expression for their raw skills and perhaps become a national and international champion,”  Ikpokpo stated.

    The initiative has drawn widespread commendation from athletes, community leaders, and sports stakeholders, who praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dunamis-Icon Limited and the Cross River State Government for their commitment to youth empowerment through sports. They also described the programme as a timely and innovative platform capable of reshaping the future of sports in the region.

    Members of the state liaison committee include Queen Gladys Igut, the Secretary,  Mrs Rosemary Usang, the Director of Sports, Ettah Emmanuel, the Head of Media and Publicity and David Enwa.

  • NNL: Enegwea  remains confident as Heartland faces  Smart City

    NNL: Enegwea  remains confident as Heartland faces  Smart City

    Heartlands FC assistant coach, Taiwo Enegwea, has expressed optimism about the club’s chances as the Naze Millionaires turn their attention to Thursday’s Nigeria National League (NNL) clash against Smart City FC in Lagos.

    Heartland were held to a frustrating 0–0 draw by table-toppers Beyond Limits FA in their Matchday fixture on Saturday, January 10, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

    Despite dominating possession and dictating the tempo for long spells, the hosts were unable to find a breakthrough against a disciplined and well-organised Beyond Limits defence.

    The Naze Millionaires carved out several scoring chances and pinned their visitors back, but the breakthrough proved elusive. Their clearest opportunity arrived in the second half when Imo SWAN Heartland FC Player of the Month for December, Joel Okoro, dazzled with a brilliant solo run before being fouled inside the penalty area. Okoro stepped up to take the spot kick, but the Beyond Limits goalkeeper, Daniel Aiyenugba produced a decisive save to keep the scores level.

    Read Also: Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

    Heartland continued to press late into the game, launching a series of attacks in search of a winner, but Beyond Limits held firm to secure a valuable away point that kept them top of the league standings.

    Speaking after the match, Enegwea commended his players’ effort while admitting the outcome fell short of expectations.

     “The boys really tried but we didn’t get the result we wanted. I believe they have learnt from this,” he said.

    Looking ahead to the rescheduled encounter against Smart City FC, Enegwea is confident Heartland can secure a positive result on the road.

     “Lagos is a free city and anybody can come there and get supporters if you play good football. We intend to get a result against Smart City in Lagos. With what we played today, I’m convinced we will pick maximum points,” he added.

    Heartland will be aiming to convert their dominance into goals in Lagos as they continue their push for promotion in the highly competitive NNL as they are currently fourth on the log with 11 points from 7 games.

  • NPFL Transfers: Wikki Tourists reinforce midfield, attack

    NPFL Transfers: Wikki Tourists reinforce midfield, attack

    Wikki Tourists FC have stepped up preparations for the second half of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with the acquisition of three new players during the January transfer window.

    Leading the reinforcements is the return of attacking midfielder Abubakar Aliyu, fondly known as “Korea,” who re-joins the Bauchi-based side from Nasarawa United. His creativity and experience are expected to add bite and imagination to the midfield as the club targets a stronger showing in the remainder of the campaign.

    Read Also: Morocco 2025:  NFF launches NAIJA 4 THE WIN campaign for Super Eagles

    Wikki Tourists have also secured the services of winger Obed Ponkap from Barau FC. The wide man is expected to provide pace, width and penetration on the flanks, offering the technical crew more attacking options going forward.

    Completing the trio is forward Ibrahim Shuaibu, who arrives from Remo Stars FC to bolster the club’s attacking department. Shuaibu’s addition is aimed at improving Wikki Tourists’ goal-scoring threat as the league enters its decisive phase.

    The club has called on its supporters to extend a warm welcome to the new signings and continue to rally behind the team as they push for improved results in the second stanza of the NPFL season.

  • Ghana to host 2026 Africa Aquatics Swimming Championships

    Ghana to host 2026 Africa Aquatics Swimming Championships

    Ghana has been confirmed as host of the 2026 Africa Aquatics Swimming Championships, scheduled to hold from May 5–10, 2026, at the Borteyman Sports Complex, Accra.

    The six-day championship will feature a modified format, accommodating Seniors, Juniors, Masters, and Inter-Zonal Championships for the first time.

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    The Bureau of Africa Aquatics praised Ghana for its continued commitment to the development of aquatic sports across the continent.

    Ghana has built a strong reputation as a hub for African swimming, having successfully hosted several major events, including the 2021 AA Junior & Senior Championships, the 2023 Zone II Junior Championships, and the 2025 Zone II Junior and Senior Championships.

  • Rovers FC sacks  coaching staff

    Rovers FC sacks  coaching staff

    Rovers FC have dissolved their entire technical crew with immediate effect following a string of disappointing results which got to his crescendo with the home loss to Akwa United last weekend.

    The decision, announced yesterday, comes as part of efforts to arrest the club’s poor performances and reposition the team for improved outcomes following the team’s 2-0 home defeat to Akwa United in the concluding fixture of the 2025-26 NNL first stanza .

    Read Also: Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

    Further details on interim arrangements and new appointments are expected to be communicated by the club in due course.

    Rovers FC finished the first stanza with 10 points from eight games and will kick off the second stanza on January 31st with a tough away tie in Uyo against Akwa United who will be eyeing a double.

  • Shooting Stars bolster bench with Lebanese tactician

    Shooting Stars bolster bench with Lebanese tactician

    Shooting Stars Sports Club have strengthened their technical bench with the appointment of Ali Kandil ahead of the second half of the season.

    The Lebanese coach joins the Oluyole Warriors, reuniting with former boss Nurudeen Aweroro, as the club pushes for improved performances.

    Read Also: Ladipo: NFF interference killing Football Supporters Club

    Kandil previously served as assistant coach at Ikorodu City FC before being appointed head coach in July 2025, where he led the club through 19 NPFL matches, recording eight wins, eight draws and three losses.

    He holds diplomas in Football Business and Digital Marketing in Sports, and is known for his preference for a 4-3-3 attacking formation.

    His arrival is expected to bring tactical depth and fresh ideas to the Shooting Stars setup.

  • NBF announces open trials ahead of 2026 Commonwealth Games

    NBF announces open trials ahead of 2026 Commonwealth Games

    The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has announced plans to conduct an open trial for boxers ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

    According to a statement from the federation’s Communications Department, the screening exercise will be open to pugilists across all weight categories, with the date and venue to be announced once arrangements are finalized.

    NBF Vice President, Hon. Omonlei Imadu, assured stakeholders that the selection process would be transparent, credible and fair.

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

     “I make bold to say the days of impunity in boxers’ selection for international events are over,” Imadu declared. “We have put machinery in place to ensure that every athlete gets equal opportunity to make the final shortlist.”

    He noted that the current NBF board is committed to changing the narrative of boxing in Nigeria by upholding integrity and professionalism in athlete selection.

    Imadu further urged boxers and their coaches to intensify preparations, stressing that only athletes with the right skills, mentality and readiness would be selected.

     “Our aim is to pick boxers who can bring glory to the nation. Coaches must ensure their pugilists are in perfect shape ahead of the screening process,” he said.

    The 23rd Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026.

  • Teenage super sub Mbaye could prove decisive for Senegal

    Teenage super sub Mbaye could prove decisive for Senegal

    Senegal’s 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye has emerged as a potential future star for African football, and his role as a super substitute at the Africa Cup of Nations could yet prove decisive for his team.

    One of a number of exciting new players on display over the last three weeks at the tournament in Morocco, Mbaye has made the biggest impact, featuring in each of Senegal’s matches off the bench.

    As they prepare to face Egypt in Wednesday’s semi-final in Tangiers, his impact will be part of the planning as Senegal look to advance to Sunday’s final.

    His powerful and pacy running, dribbling skills, and a sharp nose for goal have given Senegal a serious addition to their already much-vaunted attack.

    “He’s a gem, and we need to nurture him,” said coach Pape Bouna Thiaw. “We know what he can bring to this team, and we will do everything we can to ensure he thrives and is at his best.”

    Mbaye netted in Senegal’s 3-1 win over Sudan in the round of 16, officially becoming, at 17 years, 11 months, and 11 days, the second youngest scorer in tournament history. The youngest is Chiva Nzigou of Gabon, who was allegedly 16 when he scored in the 2000 finals, but has since admitted being an age cheat, although the record is not expunged.

    Mbaye, who turns 18 this month, was close to a goal in Senegal’s second group game against the Democratic Republic of Congo when he was brought on a minute after the Congolese took the lead in Tangiers.

    Eight minutes later, a surging run down the right led to him firing off a shot that the goalkeeper could not hold, allowing Sadio Mane to equalise.

    “He has this spark within him. He’s young, but you don’t notice that on the pitch. Every time he comes on, he brings something extra,” said Senegal teammate Krepin Diatta.

    Read Also: Osimhen-Lookman Row: NFF  dismisses ruckus in Super  Eagles’ camp

    Mbaye won his first cap in November, in a friendly against Brazil, having one month previously played for France’s under-19 team, with Thiaw visiting him at Paris St Germain to persuade him to switch allegiance.

    “It was easy to convince the player. Ibrahim wanted to play for Senegal,” said the coach.

    They had been tracking him from last season when PSG used him as a starter for their opening match of the Ligue 1 campaign. He was an unused substitute in the Champions League final against Inter Milan in May and this season has started eight times for the French giants, including October’s Champions League win at Barcelona.

    Thiaw says the experience of rubbing shoulders with Senegal’s top players will be beneficial for Mbaye.

    “He is in a squad where he has the chance to work wi

    ith players like Sadio Mane, who has won everything and can guide him, like Kalidou Koulibaly and Gana Gueye, who are familiar with the highest level. Now, we need to protect him properly,” added the coach.

  • Arbeloa named new Madrid coach after Alonso’s exit

    Arbeloa named new Madrid coach after Alonso’s exit

    Coach Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid by mutual agreement a day after their 3-2 defeat by bitter rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, according to the LaLiga club.

    “Xabi Alonso will always have the love and admiration of all Real Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has represented the values of our club at all times. Real Madrid will always be his home,” the club said in a statement.

    They added that second-team manager and former defender Alvaro Arbeloa will take over the first team job.

    Real parted ways with Alonso a little more than seven months after appointing him, following a poor run of results in all competitions.

    Former Real midfielder Alonso, who was handed a three-year contract in May after an impressive stint with Bayer Leverkusen, saw his tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu quickly unravel.

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    The former Spain international had guided Leverkusen to a historic unbeaten campaign to win the Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 season, along with a German Cup triumph and a Europa League final appearance, prompting Real to bring him back to the club as manager.

    However, Alonso’s return failed to replicate the success of a fellow former Real Madrid midfielder, Zinedine Zidane, who famously led the club to three consecutive Champions League titles.

    His tenure was marred by internal discord, with reports of clashes with senior players, including co-captain Federico Valverde and winger Vinicius Jr.

    Real’s poor performances under Alonso included humbling losses to Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup, to Atletico Madrid in LaLiga, and Liverpool and Manchester City in the Champions League.

    Arbeloa will take over the job immediately and will be on the sidelines tomorrow  as Real visit second-division side Albacete in a Copa del Rey round of 16 tie.

    After leading LaLiga earlier in the season with a comfortable five-point advantage over old rivals Barcelona, Alonso’s Real collapsed and are now second, four points behind last year’s champions Barca.

    Alonso’s appointment was initially seen as a long-term project, but his dismissal signals the club’s impatience with Real falling short of their high standards.

    The 44-year-old, who made 236 appearances for Los Blancos as a player between 2009 and 2014, won a LaLiga title, two Copa del Rey trophies, and the club’s long-awaited 10th European crown during his years in midfield.

    Alonso also began his coaching career at Real’s academy, managing the Under-14 side to league and tournament success in the 2018-19 season, before progressing to Real Sociedad’s reserve team and then Leverkusen.

    His successor, Arbeloa, has been the coach of Real Madrid Castilla since June 2025 and has spent his entire coaching career in the club’s youth academy since 2020.

    Arbeloa played for Real during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, between 2009 and 2016, playing 238 matches and winning eight titles, including two Champions League trophies.

    He was also in the Spain squad that won the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships, making 56 international appearances.