The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • MultiChoice boosts grassroots football  with fresh scheme

    MultiChoice boosts grassroots football  with fresh scheme

    Leading video entertainment company, MultiChoice – a Canal Plus company, has extended its support to the Nigerian football community by providing equipment to select grassroots teams across Lagos, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening local leagues and supporting the wider football ecosystem. The gesture, which manifested in the donation of items that include branded bibs and match balls, benefited teams across different communities.

    At one of the league centres in Ojota, Coach Tunde of Dynamic FC described the support as timely. “Most of our players buy their own training gear, so getting this kind of support means a lot to us.  It shows that MultiChoice is thinking about the grassroots, not just the top leagues we watch on TV. We hope they continue so more players and teams can benefit,” he said.

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    In Ikoyi, a Sunday League player, Abbey, said the items boosted morale among teams preparing for their weekend matches. “It makes us feel seen,” he said. “We always watch football on SuperSport, so having them support us directly is encouraging. We want more of this, more presence, more help, more investment in the local game.”

    League officials said the support would help improve organisation, match quality and participation across the centres.

    MultiChoice Nigeria said the initiative aligns with its wider effort to deepen its connection with football communities nationwide and contribute to the growth of the local game in the future.

  • Age-cheats: AFN  affirms zero tolerance for breaches with swift probe  

    Age-cheats: AFN  affirms zero tolerance for breaches with swift probe  

    The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has moved swiftly to address fresh concerns surrounding the credibility of age-grade athletics in the country, launching an urgent investigation into alleged conflicting birth dates of athletes at the 2025 African U-18 and U-20 Championships held in Abeokuta.

    The development follows a formal query from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of World Athletics, which flagged several Nigerian athletes for suspected discrepancies in their registered ages.

    The AIU has requested a detailed explanation from the AFN, prompting immediate action from the federation’s leadership.

    Read Also: Chukwueze happy with life at Fulham

    In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja, AFN Secretary-General, Israel Inwang, revealed that AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, has ordered a comprehensive probe into the matter. He stressed that the reputation of Nigerian athletics remains a top priority and must be protected at all costs.

    Chief Okowa—renowned for his uncompromising stance against age manipulation—disclosed that a special investigative committee will be officially inaugurated  and saddled  with the task of identifying the facts, scrutinizing all implicated cases and recommending sanctions for any athlete or official found culpable.

     “We must protect the integrity of the sport and the image of Nigeria,” Okowa reiterated. “I have always championed fairness in age-grade competitions, and I do not want to believe that our athletes or officials are involved. But we will get to the bottom of this.”

    The AFN’s firm response underscores its determination to preserve Nigeria’s global image in athletics, safeguard the future of young athletes, and enforce strict compliance with international integrity regulations.

  • ‘Detty December’: TheCable endorses  GOtv Boxing Night Jam Festival

    ‘Detty December’: TheCable endorses  GOtv Boxing Night Jam Festival

    Leading online newspaper, TheCable, has listed GOtv Boxing Night Jam Festival as one of the standout events to attend in this year’s festive, placing the hybrid boxing and music show among the December’s top entertainment attractions.

    Scheduled for 26 December at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, GOtv Boxing Night Jam Festival blends live professional boxing with musical and comedic performances, a format the organisers, Flykite Productions, explained is designed to appeal to both boxing fans and lovers of urban entertainment. TheCable’s listing highlights the event’s growing reputation as a festive season draw, noting its mix of sport, music and family-friendly ambience.

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    This edition will feature six bouts across weight categories, including the much talked about light heavyweight between Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) Africa champion, Rasheed “ID Buster” Idowu of Nigeria and Ghana’s  Nii Offei Dodoo.

    Music performances will intersperse the fight schedule, maintaining a festival-style ambience on the night. Last week, the organisers confirmed Afrobeats star, Shoday, as one of the artistes to perform live and stated that they will announce more in the coming days.

    The organisers explained that the event was conceived to deepen Nigeria’s boxing culture while providing end-of-year entertainment for a wide audience.

    TheCable’s endorsement is the latest in a series of media recognitions for the event.

  • Ikoyi Tennis Masters Tournament concludes Dec . 13

    Ikoyi Tennis Masters Tournament concludes Dec . 13

    The 2025 edition of the Ikoyi Club annual Masters Tennis Tournament is now in full swing with all the participants competing for the title.

    The annual year-ending event of the elite club tennis section involves the best eight male and female smashers in the year under review.

    And so the tennis courts of Ikoyi Club 1938 has been busy for the tournament which started on December 5th   and will run till 13th  .

    Chairman of the Tennis Section, Diran Famakinwa, heaped praises on the sponsors Megamound for the partnership with the section which has made this event possible.

    This year, a total of N4m prize money is to be shared by all the participants in accordance to how they finish at the end of the day.

    In 2024, the winner won N300,000 and this year, it has increased to N500,000. All the 16 players are expected to go home with something after the event on December 13.

    Famakinwa, stressed that the club was elated to work with Megamound for the second edition of the annual year-ending Masters.

    He said:  “This event is a celebration of the excellent skills displayed in the year by the player in the Ikoyi Club Tennis section. 

    Read Also: Chukwueze happy with life at Fulham

     “The eight top male players and the eight top female players throughout the year are the ones competing for honours and you can imagine the fireworks expected in this competition. It is the battle of the fittest. We are excitedly waiting to crown the winners of the 2025 edition in both the male and female categories.

     “Last year, it was Mr.  Destiny Da Silva who won the men’s  Masters  and  Ms. Nene Lawani also won the female version of the event. “

    The Executive Director of Megamound, Mrs Olamide Claud-Ennin, said  the outfit was also proud to work with Ikoyi Club Tennis section and the sponsorship will continue for many years to come.

    opening games on Friday, Nene Lawani defeated Kthaeina Link 6/2, 6/1 in the female cadre while another match in the category saw Effiong Ejeh defeated Nefe Etomi 6/4, 6/4.

    On Tuesday, Men’s defending Champion, Destiny Da Silva takes on Godwin Kienka on Court 5, Kalada Kienka battle with Akeem Mustafa on Centre Court while Remi Amao takes on Nefe Etomi on Court 4.

    The Tennis Masters ends on Saturday December 13.

  • NPFL: Nasarawa United Reclaim  Top Spot with win over 3SC

    NPFL: Nasarawa United Reclaim  Top Spot with win over 3SC

    Nasarawa United returned to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League table on yesterday after securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Shooting Stars in Lafia, just eight days after losing the position to Ikorodu City.

    Following a cagey first half — highlighted by a glaring miss from Shooting Stars forward Qamar Adegoke — the breakthrough finally came in the 65th minute when Moyi Hassan struck decisively for the Solid Miners. His effort proved enough to seal all three points and propel the hosts back to the top of the standings.

    Read Also: Chukwueze happy with life at Fulham

    Ikorodu City, who led the log after Matchday 15 and maintained their position on Sunday with a goalless draw against Wikki Tourists in Bauchi, now drop to second. They sit on 28 points from 16 matches, two behind Nasarawa United, who have climbed to 30 points from the same number of games.

    Shooting Stars’ defeat sees them slip to seventh place with 23 points as their push for a stronger league position stalled in Lafia.

    Elsewhere, Katsina United failed to record back-to-back wins at their temporary home ground in Ilorin, falling 1-0 to Bendel Insurance courtesy of a 72nd-minute strike from Elmer Arunta.

  • Int’l Retirement: Troost-Ekong admits  ‘bittersweet’ decision  as Iwobi pays tribute

    Int’l Retirement: Troost-Ekong admits  ‘bittersweet’ decision  as Iwobi pays tribute

    By Joshua Osinowo

    Former Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong has described his retirement from international football as “bittersweet” after more than ten years of representing Nigeria.

     His departure has sparked emotional reactions within the squad, with midfielder Alex Iwobi leading the tributes.

    Troost-Ekong, who announced his retirement last Thursday, said the decision came after long reflection on his journey with the national team.

     “It’s been a lot of time and thinking that has gone into this decision. I just felt like it was the right time for me,” he said. “I’ve had such a great run with the Super Eagles, to be part of that team for over 10 years.”

    He admitted that missing out on the FIFA World Cup influenced the timing of his retirement, calling it one of his unfulfilled goals.

     “The decision was slightly weighed by missing out on the World Cup. That was one of my big targets for how I envisioned ending my time with the team.”

    Troost-Ekong added that stepping aside felt right as younger players continue to emerge in the squad.

     “It felt like a gradual passing of the baton. It just felt like the right time to step away and let the next generation, the boys I’ve been with, have a chance to write their own story.”

    The 31-year-old confessed the moment was emotional but necessary. “Yeah, it feels sad, a bit bittersweet, but it just felt like the right time for me.”

    His retirement has been felt strongly within the team, with Iwobi describing the announcement as painful.

     “It’s obviously a sad one for us because he’s a big part of our team,” Iwobi said. “He’s a brother. He’s helped Nigeria, he’s helped me, and I just hope that the next chapter goes well for him.”

    Iwobi stressed that even when Ekong was not playing regularly toward the end of his career, his leadership remained a key part of the squad’s identity.

     “Towards the end he wasn’t playing as much as he would have liked, but he was still a big part of our team. His voice, the way he was leading us, the way he made sure the togetherness in the team was strong… he’ll be very missed. He was a big leader for us.”

    Read Also: Chukwueze happy with life at Fulham

    Despite Ekong’s exit, Iwobi believes the Super Eagles will adjust.

     “I’m sure we have other leaders that can follow in his footsteps,” he said.

    The Fulham midfielder also confirmed his readiness for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, adding that Ekong’s presence will still be felt.

     “God willing, if I stay fit, I’ll be there representing Nigeria at AFCON. Even if he can’t be with us physically, he’ll be with us in spirit.”

    Troost-Ekong retires as one of Nigeria’s most dedicated defenders, having featured at multiple AFCON tournaments and the 2018 World Cup.

  • kidnap ordeal:  HFN President sympathises with Benue Buffaloes

    kidnap ordeal:  HFN President sympathises with Benue Buffaloes

    The President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Jibril Saidu Ojih, has expressed deep sympathy to the players, coaches  and management of Benue Buffaloes who were kidnapped on their way back from Lagos after participating in the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 Phase 2, which concluded last Friday.

    The team, which finished 9th  in the just-concluded league, was abducted by armed men while travelling back, just after Otukpo, Benue State but were later rescued through the swift intervention of troops of the Nigeria Army.

    Jibril in a statement,  condemned the traumatic experience, describing it as “a sad and heart-breaking ordeal that no athlete, coach, or official should ever be subjected to while also thanking the Nigerian Army for their quick response.

     “I extend my deepest sympathy to the entire Benue Buffaloes team. What they went through is unimaginable which no sport person should be subjected to. We thank God and the Nigeria Army for their safe rescue,” Jibril said

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    The HFN President also sympathised with the Benue State Sports Ministry, acknowledging the emotional and psychological toll the incident has taken on the state’s sports community.

     “Our hearts go out to the Benue State Sports Ministry. The board of the Handball Federation of Nigeria and the entire Nigeria handball family is with you in this trying moment. You are not alone.”

    He  commended the Nigeria Army for its prompt intervention, noting that their swift response prevented what could have been an even worse situation. He called for improved safety for travelling sports teams, stressing that athlete welfare must be prioritised nationwide.

    Jibril reaffirmed the federation’s support for Benue Buffaloes as they recover from the incident.

    “We will stand by the team and ensure they receive all the support they need as they heal and look forward to future competitions,” he assured.

  • Niger Delta Games’ coaches, technical officials to be trained, says Ikpokpo

    Niger Delta Games’ coaches, technical officials to be trained, says Ikpokpo

    Coaches and Technical Officials of the Niger Delta Games (NDG) would benefit from a training programme planned to improve their efficiency ahead of the 2026 Games.

    Sir Itiako Ikpokpo (KSM) Managing Director of Dunamis Icon Limited, the Managing Consultant for the Niger Delta Games said as much over the  weekend.

    Speaking  on plans by the organisers  of the NDG to sustain the discovery of talents in the years ahead, Ikpokpo lamented the poor remuneration of coaches and wondered how their employers expect them to travel to communities to identify new talents.

    “We are working with partners, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and specifically for this event only, the Nigeria Local Content Development and Management Board to organise a workshop in January for Coaches and Technical Officials,” he said on a TV programme.

    He urged governments in the States and at the federal level to fund sports the same way they are funding road and hospital projects.

    Read Also: Osimhen wants Onyedika at Galatasaray

    “For us to make any impact in sports, government must invest in sports infrastructure. It is good to build roads and hospitals, and it is also important that we invest in sports infrastructure.” Ikpokpo challenged the governments.

    Continuing on the challenge of infrastructure deficit, Ikpokpo, who is the chairman of the Delta State Athletics Association, lamented that schools are built in Nigeria without provisions for sports grounds.

    “The schools are the cradle of sports development, yet we have people building schools with no sports facilities.”

    He promised that the 2nd  NDG scheduled to take place in Benin, the Edo State capital, will be an improvement on all fronts than the last edition.

  • Smart City’s home tie against  Heartland  postponed indefinitely

    Smart City’s home tie against  Heartland  postponed indefinitely

    Heartland FC have informed their supporters and the general public that the Nigeria National League (NNL) has announced an indefinite postponement of their Matchday 6 Southern Conference A fixture against Smart City FC.

    The tie, earlier scheduled for Saturday, December 13 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, has been put on hold following adjustments by the NNL due to high pitch activity and fixture congestion at the Lagos venue.

    Read Also: Osimhen wants Onyedika at Galatasaray

    The NNL confirmed that the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Football Association have been duly briefed to ensure smooth coordination of all rescheduled matches.

    Heartland FC will communicate a new date for the Smart City fixture once it is officially announced by the league body.

    Meanwhile, the Naze Millionaires will be involved in a midweek tie in Akure against Sunshine Stars in a Matchday 5 tie tomorrow at the Ondo Sports Complex at the back of their 3-2 home win over Inter Lagos FC last weekend in Owerri.

  • Fresh Crisis hit  Katsina United  over unpaid  five-month  salary

    Fresh Crisis hit  Katsina United  over unpaid  five-month  salary

    Katsina United’s turbulent season plunged deeper into crisis yesterday afternoon after their players staged a protest over five months of unpaid salaries—just hours before their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 16 clash against Bendel Insurance, which they eventually lost 1–0.

    The unrest unfolded at the team’s Ilorin camp, where frustrated players blocked the team’s coaster bus from departing for the George Innih Stadium, llorin, the venue of their league tie with Bendel Insurance. The protesting squad members insisted they would not honour the fixture unless the club addressed their salary arrears, which some players say date back to the start of the current campaign.

    The standoff forced club officials into a last-minute scramble, resulting in the deployment of an alternative vehicle to convey the available players to the stadium. The disruption inevitably affected the team’s preparation and momentum, reflected in their laboured performance during the match.

    Read Also: Osimhen wants Onyedika at Galatasaray

    Bendel Insurance capitalised on the disjointed state of their hosts, sealing victory in the 72nd minute through Elmer Arunta’s composed finish—securing their first away win of the season and lifting them out of the relegation zone.

    Amid the protest, Goalkeeper  John Enaholo voiced the frustrations of the squad, revealing that none of the 22 newly recruited players had received a single month’s salary.

     “All of us — the 22 new players — have not been paid for the past five months. It’s painful. We’ve complained many times but nothing has changed,” he said.

    The incident adds to a growing list of off-field issues for Katsina United, who are already serving sanctions and playing at a neutral venue following crowd trouble in a previous fixture against Barau FC at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina.