The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • EPL: Haaland scores late penalty as Man City stun Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield

    EPL: Haaland scores late penalty as Man City stun Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield

    Erling Haaland scored a dramatic 93rd-minute penalty as Manchester City pulled off a stunning comeback against Liverpool to keep the Premier League title race alive.

    A battling win for Pep Guardiola’s second-placed side cut Arsenal’s lead at the top to six points, with 13 games remaining.

    Bernardo Silva’s 84th-minute equaliser had initially cancelled out Dominik Szoboszlai’s superb free-kick 10 minutes earlier.

    Then in added time, Matheus Nunes was bundled over inside the box by Liverpool keeper Alisson and referee Craig Pawson pointed to the spot.

    Haaland made no mistake, as he scored his 21st Premier League of the season to send the visiting fans wild.

    City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma then made a brilliant save to deny Alexis Mac Allister – a minute before City had the ball in the net again through Rayan Cherki’s finish from inside his own half, with Alisson out of his goal after supporting his side’s attack.

    Read Also: Ladipo: I’ll use new role as CASS patron to unify African supporters club

    But the effort was ruled out after a video assistant referee (VAR) check, with Szoboszlai instead sent off for fouling Haaland before the ball rolled in, and a free-kick awarded to City instead.

    Either way, it didn’t matter as City won at Anfield for the first time since 2021, but in front of fans for a first time since 2003.

    City dominated possession in the first half but failed to make it count by taking their chances, with Alisson making a good block to deny Haaland in the first minute and again later in the half.

    Their front three of Haaland, Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush constantly asked Liverpool’s defence questions but lacked that ruthlessness in front of goal.

    It took 25 minutes for Arne Slot’s side to have an attempt on goal themselves, but they were much better after the break, with Hugo Ekitike twice coming close to the opener.

    First, his right-footed strike went narrowly wide with Donnarumma beaten, and minutes later, Salah found Ekitike with a superb sliced cross but the Frenchman’s header drifted agonisingly wide.

    With a draw no good for City, the game opened up and Ruben Dias came close with a shot, before Florian Wirtz was denied by a terrific block from Marc Guehi at the other end.

    Somehow the game remained goalless until the 74th minute when Szoboszlai stepped up to score his ninth goal of the campaign with an absolute belter from a set-piece – in the same manner that he did against Arsenal here in August.

    But unlike that day when Liverpool held on for victory, City showed tremendous resilience to complete a memorable comeback.

    With speculation about his future, it remains to be seen if Guardiola has managed his last game for City at Anfield.

    But if he has, he will end with a rare win. This was his 11th visit and his only previous win (D4 L6) came here in 2021, when the game was played without fans due to the pandemic.

    This was also only City’s third league win at Liverpool in 23 meetings as they completed a notable first league double over their rivals since the 1936-37 campaign.

    BBC

  • Davis Cup: Adeleye fights back to secure vital win over Uzbekistan

    Davis Cup: Adeleye fights back to secure vital win over Uzbekistan

    Nigeria’s number one player, Daniel Adeleye, produced a determined comeback to defeat Abdulaziz Usmonjonov of Uzbekistan in the Davis Cup World Group II Playoffs on Saturday at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club.

    After dropping the opening set, Adeleye showed composure and grit to record a 4–6, 6–2, 6–4 victory, earning Nigeria a crucial point and reigniting the home side’s challenge in the tie.

    Usmonjonov started brightly, using his consistency and court coverage to edge the first set. Adeleye, however, responded like a top-ranked player, raising his intensity in the second set as he began to dictate rallies and put pressure on his opponent’s serve, racing to a 6–2 win.

    The deciding set was tightly contested, with both players refusing to give ground.

    Backed by a lively Lagos crowd, Adeleye displayed resilience and maturity in the key moments, breaking late before calmly serving out the match to seal a memorable victory.

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

    Speaking after the match, the Nigerian number one highlighted the importance of staying mentally strong.

    “I knew I had to be patient and trust my game, even after losing the first set,” Adeleye said. “Playing at home gives me extra motivation, and I’m happy I could deliver for the team.”

    Usmonjonov acknowledged the shift in momentum, admitting Adeleye’s improved level made the difference.

    The win proved pivotal for Nigeria as the tie remained finely balanced, with Adeleye’s performance underlining his leadership role and importance to the team’s hopes in the World Group II Playoffs.

  • Ladipo: I’ll use new role as CASS patron to unify African supporters club

    Ladipo: I’ll use new role as CASS patron to unify African supporters club

    By Olusegun Raphael

    President General of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club (NFSC) worldwide, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, has described his election as Patron of the Confederation of African Sports Supporters (CASS), as one of the biggest achievements of his career. 

    Speaking during a media briefing, Ladipo said the recognition marked a major milestone in his career and reflects years of dedication to promoting sports, unity, and positive fan culture on the continent and beyond.

    “I invited you today to celebrate this moment because when I started this journey, I never knew it would take me to this level,” he said. “Just last month in Casablanca, Morocco, I was elected and nominated as Patron for the Confederation of African Sports Supporters. That, to me, is a very big one.”

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

    According to him, the investiture ceremony will be held in Nigeria in March, with delegates from several African countries expected to attend. He revealed that Reverend Samuel Ikpea has been unanimously approved as chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the event.

    Ladipo also disclosed that at least 65 members of the Ghana National Supporters Union will be in Nigeria to celebrate his election, describing the gesture as a strong sign of continental solidarity.

    “If supporters from another country can travel down to honour me, it shows what this appointment means for African football unity,” he said.

    He explained that CASS serves as the umbrella body for supporters’ groups across Africa, similar to how CAF oversees football associations, with a mandate to promote peaceful and organised fan engagement.

  • Ikoyi Lady Captain Onwu bows out on a high

    Ikoyi Lady Captain Onwu bows out on a high

    Lady Captain of the Ladies Subsection of Ikoyi Club 1938, Peggy Onwu, has concluded her tenure as the 2025–2026 golfing year draws to a close, capping what members described as an impactful administration driven by environmental sustainability, youth development, and increased women’s participation in golf under her ‘Go Beyond’ theme.

    Speaking at the end-of-year tournament tagged ‘Peggy’s Final’, held recently at the club, Onwu said the event symbolised a fitting conclusion to a year defined by progress and purposeful engagement within and beyond the golfing community.

    “It has been another brilliant day and we are extremely grateful. We had good weather and great company. Today marks the end of this golfing year, and it has been a year of going beyond just playing golf,” she said.

    Onwu noted that her administration placed strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and climate change awareness, introducing eco-friendly initiatives around the golf course and in neighbouring communities.

    According to her, golfers typically spend three to four hours on the course and require hydration, which often results in plastic waste. To tackle this, the Ladies Subsection installed waste receptacles across the course to promote cleanliness and responsible waste disposal.

    She added that the environmental advocacy extended beyond the club through climate sensitisation campaigns and tree-planting exercises in nearby schools.

    Read Also: FCC Boss targets national unity through strategic NFF partnership

    “We visited schools around us, carried out climate awareness programmes and encouraged each child to plant and adopt a tree. The idea is that they will return in the future and be inspired by the environment they helped nurture,” she said.

    Onwu also highlighted efforts to boost members’ financial literacy through enlightenment sessions on tax reforms and digital banking, noting that the initiative improved members’ understanding of safe and efficient financial transactions.

    A major milestone of her tenure, she said, was the hosting of the 50th Ladies Open tournament at Ikoyi Club 1938, which attracted participants from 12 countries.

    Looking ahead, Onwu disclosed plans to sustain youth development through the establishment of a golf training academy for girls aged five to 18, stressing that the sport plays a vital role in mental development, focus, strategy and confidence building.

  • Man Utd beat Tottenham to win fourth straight game under Carrick

    Man Utd beat Tottenham to win fourth straight game under Carrick

    Tottenham skipper Cristian Romero was accused of letting his team-mates down as his first-half red card helped condemn his side to defeat as Manchester United extended their winning run under Michael Carrick.

    Bryan Mbeumo put United in front after 38 minutes at Old Trafford when he applied a brilliant finish to a superb corner routine involving Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.

    Fernandes wrapped up the win late on as he turned home Diogo Dalot’s inswinging cross.

    But the main focus was on Romero. So critical of Tottenham’s board in midweek, the Argentine gave referee Michael Oliver no option other than to brandish a red card with a tackle that caught Casemiro just above the ankle and left the Brazilian screaming in pain.

    It was Romero’s second red card of the season, which means he will miss four games, including the north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February.

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

    The result means Tottenham have now gone seven Premier League games without a win, a run that has yielded just four points and leaves them 14th and too close to the relegation places for comfort.

    Although they were not at their best, United at least avoided the same embarrassment they suffered against an Everton side reduced to 10 men even earlier in the game in November, when David Moyes’ side claimed victory.

    The result led to more chants backing interim manager Carrick as United consolidated their position in the top four.

    With each passing game, Ruben Amorim’s decision to condemn Mainoo to the substitutes bench for the entire Premier League season looks more ridiculous.

  • U20 WWC Qualifier: Nigeria walk tight rope as Ifeanyi’s goal lifts Falconets over Senegal

    U20 WWC Qualifier: Nigeria walk tight rope as Ifeanyi’s goal lifts Falconets over Senegal

    Nigeria created several opportunities but had only Kindness Ifeanyi’s 51st-minute goal to show for their dominance in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup third-round, first-leg qualifier against Senegal.

    Substitute Ifeanyi powered home a header from a corner kick by defender Tumininu Adeshina to give Nigeria victory, with the fixture delicately poised as both teams will again be at each other’s jugular in seven days in Dakar, in the concluding leg of the fixture.

    Nigeria’s top striker, Janet Akokoromowei was forced off the encounter in the first period by injury, but Shakirat Moshood and Taiwo Afolabi initiated many telling moves that could have resulted in more goals for the two-time World Cup silver medallists.

    Read Also: FCC Boss targets national unity through strategic NFF partnership

    Nigeria dominated for large spells of the encounter, covering every blade of grass and creating numerous chances, but were unfortunate not to convert most of them. The Falconets recorded their first incursion into the opponents’ goal area in the 12th minute, when Moshood weaved past two defenders, but her cross was blocked and then cleared by the Senegalese defence.

    Nigeria finally broke the deadlock six minutes after the restart when Ifeanyi rose highest to head home a well-taken corner kick, giving the Falconets the lead.

    She came close to doubling the advantage in the 66th minute, but Ndiaye stretched full length to push her effort away.

  • Niger Delta Games: Coaches urged to discover future talents

    Niger Delta Games: Coaches urged to discover future talents

    State Sports Commissions and Councils of the Niger Delta Region have been invited to take advantage of the Niger Delta Games to create long-term athletes development structures rather than seeking immediate results.

    At the screening of registered athletes presented by Akwa Ibom State at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Braveman Wodi, who led a four-member screening panel, noted that one of the cardinal objectives of the Games is to discover, groom and prepare young athletes to become national champions in the future.

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

    “Our coaches must prioritise long-term athlete development over immediate medal ambitions, which is the overall aim of the games” Wodi advised.

    Addressing journalists after the event, Wodi stated that the exercise was aimed at ensuring eligibility and providing a level playing field for all participants at the games, which he noted were organised to engender grassroots engagement, as well as to identify and promote budding talents.

  • EPL: Arsenal open nine-point gap ahead of Liverpool, Man City clash

    EPL: Arsenal open nine-point gap ahead of Liverpool, Man City clash

    Arsenal, on Saturday, opened a nine-point advantage at the top of the Premier League, thanks to a 3-0 thrashing of Sunderland.

    The Gunners came into the game knowing that they could stretch their lead, with two of their title rivals, Liverpool and Manchester City, facing off at Anfield tomorrow.

    Although they struggled to break down the Black Cats for most of the first half, Mikel Arteta’s men eventually went in front, with Martin Zubimendi lashing home an effort from outside the box.

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

    Viktor Gyokeres came off the bench to grab a brace as Arsenal finished the game comfortably.

    With Aston Villa drawing 1-1 at Bournemouth, the gap between Arsenal and the teams in second and third is nine points.

    City could cut the lead back to six if they beat Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

  • EPL: Palmer scores first half hattrick in Chelsea win

    EPL: Palmer scores first half hattrick in Chelsea win

    Cole Palmer scored a first-half hat-trick as Chelsea won at bottom-of-the-table Wolves to continue their good run of form under Liam Rosenior.

    The forward had four Premier League goals this season before Saturday’s match but almost equalled that tally in just one game as he produced an impressive display.

    His first two came from the penalty spot, first converting coolly into the bottom corner after Joao Pedro had been fouled, then sending the goalkeeper the wrong way for his second, again coming after Pedro had been fouled.

    Palmer then drove in from Marc Cucurella’s pass to wrap up the hat-trick in the 38th minute, with the Wolves defence having fallen apart.

    Read Also: Arsenal sink Chelsea to reach  League Cup final

    Those three goals also ensured his name entered the history books as he became the first player in the Premier League to score three first-half hat-tricks.

    Wolves were better at the start of the second half with Mateus Mane hitting the woodwork before Arokodare turned in from close range following a corner.

    But despite an improved display from the hosts, Chelsea were able to keep them at bay for the remainder of the match.

    The win – Chelsea’s fourth in a row under Rosenior – keeps them firmly in the top-four picture. They remain fifth in the table, one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

  • EPL: Arsenal lead by nine points after beating Sunderland

    EPL: Arsenal lead by nine points after beating Sunderland

    Viktor Gyokeres scored twice as Arsenal comfortably beat Sunderland to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points.

    The Gunners looked like they were going to be frustrated by a well organised Sunderland defence before Martin Zubimendi’s excellent strike beat Robin Roefs, after hitting the post.

    Sunderland did cause problems, with Brian Brobbey unsettling the Arsenal backline with his physicality and the forward had a shot cleared off the line by Kai Havertz after keeper David Raya fumbled a long ball into the area.

    Declan Rice and Havertz went close with curling strikes before substitute Viktor Gyokeres slammed the ball into the net after being teed up by Havertz in the 66th minute.

    The Swedish international scored his second in stoppage time after Gabriel Martinelli rolled the ball across the box and Gyokeres finished into an empty net.

    After Aston Villa’s draw with Bournemouth and Manchester City not in action until Sunday afternoon, the victory adds more pressure on Arsenal’s title rivals.

    BBC