The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Transfers: Milan to demand  €30m Euros for ‘new born’ Chukwueze from Fulham  

    Transfers: Milan to demand  €30m Euros for ‘new born’ Chukwueze from Fulham  

    Following his recent performances in the English Premiership, Milan reportedly wants around  €30 million  for a permanent transfer for Nigeria International winger. Samuel Chukwueze.

    Chukwueze on Tuesday,  impressed with a brace (two goals) in Fulham’s thrilling 4-5 loss against Manchester City at Craven Cottage.

    Fulham were 1-5 down but fought back with goals from Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi, both Super Eagles internationals.

    Chukwueze is currently on loan from AC Milan to Fulham, with an option to buy.  Milan hopes to cash in from this transfer to reinvest in new players next season.

    Manager Marco Silva has eased Chukwueze into Premier League football and appears to have revitalized him.

     even as  Chukwueze has shown eagerness to stay longer at Fulham and is thriving under Silva’s management.  He emphasized that the belief from his coach and teammates has been crucial to his form. 

    “I think I’m finding myself. The coach believes in me,” he said matter-of-factly in an interview with the club’s website . “That’s the most important thing – a coach that believes in you, pushes you and the fans. My teammates push me a lot, so I have to give them credit and the coach credit as well.”

    Read Also: Ibeabuchi set for December bout, targets Foreman’s record in Lagos

    Despite scoring twice against City, he was disappointed with the team’s loss and highlighted the importance of team success over individual accolades. 

    “For me, it’s a good feeling to score two goals, but not a good feeling to lose.

     “If I had scored my two goals and we won, it would have meant a lot to me – but for now, it doesn’t mean a lot.”

    “It was a crazy game today. We conceded goals we shouldn’t have conceded, but I liked the spirit of the team for the comeback.

     “The chances we created in the second half were almost there. It was a difficult one to take because we wanted three wins in a row, and it didn’t happen, but we’ll keep our heads up.”

    He added that  Fulham will be aiming for a win in their upcoming match: “We fought until the last minute (against Man City)  and on Sunday (against Crystal Palace) we’re going to give everything for the fans.”

  • Super Eagles may cancel AFCON camp in Egypt

    Super Eagles may cancel AFCON camp in Egypt

    The Super Eagles look set to jettison a plan to set up a training camp in Cairo, Egypt, to prepare for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco later this month.

    According to SCORENigeria , a proposed warm-up game against Egypt fixed for December 14 will no longer be possible because overseas clubs do not have to release players before then.

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     “It’s most likely the match against Egypt is off and if that be the case, there will be no point in camping in Egypt,” a source informed SCORENigeria. “The best option would be for the players to head straight to Morocco.”

    According to the NFF, the Super Eagles will open camp in Egypt on December 10.

    Nigeria open their 2025 AFCON campaign on December 23 against Tanzania. Tunisia and Uganda are the other teams in Group C.

  • Man United, EPL  rivals benefit from AFCON release delay

    Man United, EPL  rivals benefit from AFCON release delay

    FIFA has announced that the release date for players to travel to Africa Cup of Nations has been delayed, giving the vast majority of players an extra week of club action before joining up with their national teams.

    Players had previously been expected to join up with their teams beginning from Dec. 8, but the new date will now allow for players across Europe’s major leagues to take part in games across the weekend of Dec. 13 and Dec. 14.

    Read Also: Ibeabuchi set for December bout, targets Foreman’s record in Lagos

    Under FIFA’s rules, which have been modelled on those used for the winter 2022 World Cup, players must report to their respective national sides within seven days of their opening game.

    It means, for example, that Liverpool will be able to feature Mohamed Salah when they host Brighton on Dec. 13 and Manchester United will have Bryan Mbuemo and Amad Diallo available when they face Bournemouth on Dec. 15.

    FIFA added that it encourages clubs who still have any scheduling issues to engage in talks with national sides “in good faith to find appropriate individual solutions.”

  • Iheanacho gets new trainer at Celtic

    Iheanacho gets new trainer at Celtic

     Nigeria International  Kelechi  will henceforth work under  a new  trainer  after Celtic confirmed the appointed Wilfried Nancy as their new head coach.

    He was prised  from the Columbus Crew and ending a more than month-long search for a permanent successor to Brendan Rodgers who incidentally  dragged  Iheanacho to Celtic park.

    Nancy  reportedly signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the Scottish giants and will officially begin work today.

    Rodgers resigned on Oct. 27 following a 3-1 loss to Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts the previous day. Martin O’Neill was subsequently placed in interim charge of the team, with Shaun Maloney alongside him.

    Since then, Celtic have won all five of their domestic games — including a 3-1 Scottish League Cup semifinal win over Old Firm rivals Rangers to set up a final against St. Mirren on Dec. 14. The only loss O’Neill has presided over was a 3-1 Europa League defeat to Midtjylland.

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    “I am so happy to be named Celtic Manager, it is a massive honour for myself and my family,” Nancy said in the team’s announcement. “Before I say anything else I want to do one thing — I want to thank the great Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney for all they have done in recent weeks with the team. The job they have done has been fantastic.

    “Now it’s up to me to carry on this great work and carry our great club forward and I can’t wait to get going and become part of such a brilliant institution. Celtic is one of the world’s proper football clubs, real atmosphere and heart and soul, real high standards and real demands, which I am ready for.”

    Nancy’s first game in charge will be at home to Hearts, who Celtic trail by four points, on Sunday.

    “We are really pleased to welcome Wilfried to Celtic,” Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell said. “He is a Manager with a record which demonstrates the kind of football which we know Celtic supporters love to see. We will give Wilfried all our support as we look to once again bring success to our fans.”

  • Rohr names Remo Stars’ keeper in  Benin’s provisional team

    Rohr names Remo Stars’ keeper in  Benin’s provisional team

    Cheetahs of Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has named Remo Stars goalkeeper Serge Obassa in his 30-man preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Obassa is expected to be included in the final squad for the competition.

    Saturnin Allagbe and Dandjinou Marcel are the two other goalkeepers on the list.

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    Regulars including captain Steve Mounie,  Mohamed Tijani, Verdon Oliver, and Djodel Dosou were included in the squad.

    Rohr is expected to prune down the list to 25 next week.

    The Cheetahs will set up camp in Ben Slimane, Morocco on Wednesday, 10 December.

    Benin are drawn in Group D with Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo and Botswana.

    The West Africans will begin their campaign against the Leopards of Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, December 23.

  • Organisers declare Edo’s facilities fit  for Niger Delta Games

    Organisers declare Edo’s facilities fit  for Niger Delta Games

    Consistent with its project execution routine, Dunamis-Icon Limited, Project Consultants of the Niger Delta Games, has concluded the first phase of physical inspection and evaluation of facilities for the event, 24 hours after the presentation of the hosting right to Edo State was performed. The project management team was guided round select facility locations in Benin City by Desmond Amadin Enabulele, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, and the team leader, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo expressed satisfaction with the sports infrastructure assets of the host.

    “Edo is a ready-made choice based on all the factors that are necessary to host this kind of big event. We are expecting over 3000 athletes coaches, alongside journalists and technical officials, with an approximate number of people outside spectators in the range of 5000. So, we need facilities that work for the games, “Ikpokpo explained.

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    He commended the Edo State Government for the good state of facilities at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, and promised that the state will be assisted with the renovation of some of the facilities as may be necessary to ensure good competition experience for the athletes.

    “I have been to the iconic Ogbe Stadium and must commend the Edo State Government for maintaining the facilities there. We are also considering taking some events to the University of Benin, so that people in that part of the city can also feel and enjoy the fun. Where need be, we will also see how to assist the state and the University of Benin to add value to some of the sporting facilities”.

    Dunamis Icon Limited is the franchise rights owner to the games conceived and designed to provide a platform for unity and integration, and identifying and grooming talented  youths from the region into national and international stars.

    The NDDC as the flagship interventionist agency for the nine states that make up the region, is the prime sponsor of the games as part of their strategic focus on youth engagement and human capital development.

    The inspection tour began at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, after a brief meeting with Enabulele and the Sports Commission team at his office.

    Areas inspected include the stadium’s main bowl, the tartan track, the state box, the VIP lounges and other key areas like the ceremonial room, the media studio and other indoor facilities.

    Other facility locations assessed are the Wire Road Sports Centre being listed to host basketball and volleyball games, the University of Benin Sports Complex, and the Etete Sports Centre.

    In the entourage of Dunamis-Icon were the Project Director, Fred Edoreh; Director of Facilities and Equipment, Dr Emmanuel Ochuko Igbigbisie; the head of Communications, Harry Iwuala; Head of Transport and Logistics, Israel Umueri Afoke. Others are Theresa Ineke, Head of Secretariat, Godwin Enakhena, the Head of Scouting, Edi Lawani, the Head of Culture Affairs and Entertainment and Elder Siegha Porbeni of the Technical Department.

    The Edo Sports Commission Chairman was also supported by Hon. Frank Ilaboya and Mrs Sabina Chikere, Executive Directors, with Mr Baldwin Bazuaye (MON) also in the company.

  • Record entries for table tennis at 2025 African Youth Games

    Record entries for table tennis at 2025 African Youth Games

    The popularity of table tennis among young people across Africa continues to rise, as this year’s African Youth Games (AYG) in Angola records a historic turnout.

    More than 30 countries have confirmed participation in the continental youth sports fiesta, marking the largest entry in the event’s history.

    From the 14 nations that featured in the maiden edition in Morocco in 2010, to 24 in Botswana in 2014, and 25 in Algeria in 2018, the 2025 edition in Angola has surpassed expectations with several countries making their debut.

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    President of ITTF Africa, Wahid Oshodi, hailed the development as a milestone for the sport.

    “The turnout of teams for the 2025 AYG in Angola reflects the growth of table tennis among young people in Africa. This number even surpasses the list of competing nations at the last African Games in Ghana. With more support and encouragement for Member Associations, we can expect even greater participation at the next African Games in Egypt,” he said.

    Among the nations listed for the 2025 AYG are: Algeria, Burundi, Benin Republic, Botswana, Chad, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and host nation Angola.

    The African Youth Games is a major multi-sport competition for athletes aged 14–17. The 2025 edition will take place from December 10 to 20 in Luanda and other Angolan cities, featuring around 33 sports across six host cities.

    The Games also help in promoting sport, talent development, and cultural exchange across Africa. This year’s edition is historic, as Angola becomes the first Portuguese-speaking country to host the AYG. The event coincides with the nation’s 50th independence anniversary, making it a landmark celebration for Angola and the continent.

  • Tiny vows to ‘rubbish’ Happy Boy at GOtv Boxing showdown

    Tiny vows to ‘rubbish’ Happy Boy at GOtv Boxing showdown

    National super bantamweight champion Durotimi “Tiny” Agboola has challenged  Sadiq “Happy Boy” Adeleke ahead of their title clash at GOtv Boxing Night 34, scheduled for 26 December at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    The event, featuring live music and comedy, includes two title bouts, an international contest, and three additional fights.

    Speaking from his Ibadan base, Tiny dismissed Happy Boy as a boxer not yet ready for national-level pressure. “He needs to up-skill. He is still new in this game. He calls himself Happy Boy, but he will go home sad and depressed. I am happy when I make people sad in the ring, and Happy Boy will be my next victim,” he said.

    Read Also: Ibeabuchi set for December bout, targets Foreman’s record in Lagos

    In the other title fight, Sadam “Baby Boxer” Oladipupo will take on Imole “System” Oloyede for the national lightweight crown.

    On the undercard, Emmanuel “Ability” Abimbola will square up against Sodiq “Smart Lion” Suleiman in an eight-round light welterweight bout. Abimbola, a former Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy winner, dismissed the undefeated Suleiman with characteristic bluntness. “Smart Lion, my foot. This is a pussy cat calling himself a lion. He will learn the difference when the bell rings,” he said.

    Smart Lion, however, said being underrated only fuels him. Other contests lined up include the national lightweight clash between Segun “Odi” Gbobaniyi and Tobiloba “Smiling Assassin” Ijomoni; the super bantamweight meeting between Ezekiel “Touch” Seun and Toheeb “Full Tank” Hassan; and the international showdown featuring Nigeria’s Rasheed “ID Buster” Idowu against Ghana’s Nii Offei Dodoo. GOtv Boxing Night 34 will air live on SS Africa 1 (GOtv Ch. 63, DStv Ch. 207)

    GOtv Boxing Night 34 is sponsored by GOtv, with support from MultiChoice, Zetaweb, the Lagos State Sports Commission and TheCable.

  • Riyadh 2025: Alli reveals secrets  of Team Nigeria’s success at Islamic Solidarity Games

    Riyadh 2025: Alli reveals secrets  of Team Nigeria’s success at Islamic Solidarity Games

    Team Nigeria’s remarkable showing at the Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games was the product of intentional planning and a renewed commitment to athlete welfare, according to Deputy Chef-de-Mission Yussuf Amuda Alli.

    Alli, who heads the NSC Elite and Podium Board, said the National Sports Commission under Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade adopted a preparation model that prioritised athletes’ needs, comfort and financial security. He said this deliberate shift ensured the team stayed focused and motivated throughout their time in camp and during competition.

    He explained that the NSC created a stable training environment, paid all allowances ahead of schedule and introduced a prompt reward system for medallists. “A gold medallist receives $1000 immediately. Silver attracts $500 and bronze $300. Every entitlement was paid on time, and that is why you didn’t hear a single complaint from any athlete,” Alli said.

    Read Also: Ibeabuchi set for December bout, targets Foreman’s record in Lagos

    The improved support translated directly into Nigeria’s best-ever outing at the Games. The 34-athlete delegation produced 30 medals, including 11 gold, 12 silver and 7 bronze. Weightlifting accounted for six gold, four silver and three bronze, while athletics delivered two gold, four silver and three bronze. Wrestling earned two gold and two silver medals. Powerlifting added one gold, and boxing, para athletics and taekwondo contributed one medal each to round off the tally.

    This performance represents a major turnaround from previous editions. Nigeria did not win any medals in Mecca in 2005 and missed out on the cancelled Tehran Games. The team also finished without a medal in Palembang in 2013. Nigeria registered six medals in Baku in 2017 and five in Konya in 2021 before the dramatic leap in Riyadh.

    Alli noted that long-standing issues such as delayed bonuses and unresolved allowances have now been addressed. “The era when athletes worried about payments is over. The Athlete-First Policy led by the Chairman and the DG has changed the culture of sports administration in Nigeria,” he said.

    Looking ahead, Alli expressed confidence in the nation’s chances at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. “We have already mapped out our approach with the Chairman and the DG. Implementation has already started, and I can assure Nigerians that what we did in Riyadh is only a preview of what to expect in Glasgow,” he concluded.

  • Holders Fosla, others reach HerGame Girls Championship Semi-Finals

    Holders Fosla, others reach HerGame Girls Championship Semi-Finals

    Four teams – Generation Next, Fosla Academy, Horvel Angels and SIK Paragon have booked their places in the semi-finals of the 2025 HerGame Girls Football Championship following a decisive round of knockout fixtures in Abuja.

    Yesterday, December 3rd, Generation Next extended their impressive run with a disciplined 1–0 win over Jeremiah Angels, maintaining the attacking sharpness and defensive organisation that has defined their tournament form.

    Defending champions Fosla Academy kept their title defence alive after edging BIA Angels 1–0 in a tense encounter settled by a moment of brilliance, reinforcing their status as favourites.

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    Horvel Angels delivered one of the standout performances of the day, defeating Nazareth Queens 1–0 to secure their first-ever semi-final appearance and cap a landmark outing for the fast-rising side.

    SIK Paragon of Jos completed the semi-final lineup with a commanding 2–0 victory over Talent Developer, displaying superior physicality and clinical finishing to advance.

    With the championship entering its crucial final phase, two high-stakes fixtures are now set with Generation Next to face an in-form Horvel Angels, while reigning champions Fosla Academy clash with SIK Paragon in what promises to be a fiercely contested showdown between two well-organised sides.

    The finalists will emerge today  as anticipation builds ahead of the grand finale on Saturday, December 6 in Abuja.