The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • UEFA picks Germany to host Women’s Euro 2029

    UEFA picks Germany to host Women’s Euro 2029

     Germany will host the 2029 Women’s European Championship, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said at the governing body’s executive committee.

    Denmark and Sweden had submitted a joint bid while Poland was also a candidate.

    Italy and Portugal had withdrawn their bids before the vote, focusing on their preparations to co-host the men’s Euro 2032 and 2030 men’s World Cup, respectively.

    “All the presentations and all the bids were great but there is only one winner, in football as in life,” Ceferin said.

    Germany hosted the tournament in 2001 and as West Germany in 1989, both times winning on home soil.

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

    “It was a long journey. We have so many people working at DFB (German football association) to get this tournament. Thanks to all who supported us, we felt this support throughout the campaign,” DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said.

    Before the executive committee meeting, a small group of activists unfurled a banner demanding UEFA ban Israel from European competition over the country’s military operations in Gaza, also setting off pink flares.

    They were overseen by police and no incident was reported.

  • I avoid social media to protect myself, says Amorim

    I avoid social media to protect myself, says Amorim

    Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says he protects himself and his family from social media abuse by not reading it.

    A BBC investigation found that more than 2,000 extremely abusive social media posts or messages, including death and rape threats, were made about managers and players in the Premier League and Women’s Super League in a weekend last month.

    Amorim, Liverpool manager Arne Slot and Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe were the most common targets of abuse in the men’s top flight.

    “It’s normal in any profession when you are exposed to it,” said Amorim. “I don’t read it; I protect myself. I don’t watch TV when they are talking about Manchester United, not because I don’t agree – most of the times I do – but it’s a way of me being healthy.

    “My feeling as a coach is enough. I don’t need other feelings. The only way – there is no other way – is to protect myself.”

    Read Also: Top 10 highest-paid African footballers in 2025

    The analysis in BBC’s investigation was conducted with data science company Signify.

    It looked at posts made during 10 Premier League matches and six WSL matches on 8 and 9 November, and found messages including racist slurs, homophobia and threats of violence.

    Managers were targeted more than players, while 82% of abusive posts were posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

    Of all the abusive messages, 61% were sent from accounts in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Data suggests the overall number is on the rise.

    “I lose money from sponsors,” said Amorim. “On Instagram I could earn a lot of money (but) for my protection of my family and living a normal life it is not worth some more dollars or pounds.”

    “Nobody can be tougher than me when we lose and when we don’t play well.

    “Nowadays, it’s really normal to have that abuse, so it’s the only way to survive in this world.”

    United finished 15th  in the table last season, their lowest finish since being relegated in 1973-74.

    They were beaten by Tottenham in the final of the Europa League as they missed out on a place in Europe.

    This season they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town and are seventh in the Premier League before  today’s home game against West Ham.

  • Mbappe magic ends Madrid’s winless woes with dazzling double at Bilbao

    Mbappe magic ends Madrid’s winless woes with dazzling double at Bilbao

    An inspired Kylian Mbappe scored two fabulous goals to guide Real Madrid to a commanding 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, ending their three-game winless streak in LaLiga.

    The win keeps Real in second place with 36 points from 15 matches, one behind leaders Barcelona.

    Real started brightly, with Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon called into action within the opening minutes. Misjudgements by the home defence gifted chances to Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, only for Simon to deny both with exceptional saves. However, the hosts’ resistance crumbled in the seventh minute.

    Mbappe, receiving a long ball near the halfway line, brushed aside two defenders in a dynamic solo run before curling a stunning strike into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.

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

    The combination of Mbappe and Vinicius Jr terrorised Athletic’s defence throughout the first half, though Madrid’s forwards were often wasteful in front of goal.

    Athletic nearly punished Real for their missed chances in the 24th  minute when Gorka Guruzeta intercepted Federico Valverde’s wayward pass and unleashed a fierce strike, only for Thibaut Courtois to produce a superb reflex save.

    Moments later, Courtois thwarted Alex Berenguer’s close-range effort in another display of his agility.

    Madrid doubled their lead just before halftime. A patient build-up culminated in Trent Alexander-Arnold delivering a pinpoint cross from the right wing to the far post. Mbappe nodded the ball back inside the six-yard box, where Eduardo Camavinga headed in from close range.

    There was still time before the break, however, for Courtois to make another great stop to deny a thunderous Mikel Jauregizar shot from outside the box.

    The second half saw Real ease off the tempo, but Mbappe was far from done. In the 59th minute, spotting Simon marginally out of position, the French forward unleashed another curling effort from outside the box to seal the win.

    It was Mbappe’s 16th  goal in 15 games in LaLiga this season, double the eight goals scored by Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, who is in second place in LaLiga’s scoring chart.

    “It was an important match because we wanted to break the (bad) dynamic,” Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso told a press conference.

    “We came in with the necessary preparation and calm. The team played a very complete match. It’s the most well-rounded match we’ve played yet, and in a demanding stadium at that. Now we have to keep going.”

    The comprehensive victory will provide Alonso with much-needed momentum as they look to close the gap on Barcelona at the top of LaLiga.

    They will face Celta Vigo on Sunday before hosting Manchester City in a highly anticipated Champions League clash at Santiago Bernabeu next Wednesday.

  • Merino, Saka score as Arsenal beat Brentford

    Merino, Saka score as Arsenal beat Brentford

    Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka scored as Arsenal beat Brentford to restore their five point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

    Manager Mikel Arteta made three changes to the side that drew with Chelsea on Sunday with Ben White, Noni Madueke and captain Martin Odegaard coming in.

    And it was White and Madueke who combined in the build-up on 11 minutes with right-back White crossing for Arsenal’s make-shift front man Merino to head home.

    Merino has had to play regularly as Arsenal’s frontman because of injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyokeres and his goal was his 13th  in 2025, the most of any Arsenal player during the year.

    Read Also: Top 10 highest-paid African footballers in 2025

    Bukayo Saka added the second in stoppage time after being played through on goal by Merino from midfield, and despite the best efforts of Caoimhin Kelleher, the ball bounced over the line.

    Brentford were pinned back for large parts of the game but went close to equalising in the first half when Kevin Schade’s header from a corner was pushed onto the crossbar by David Raya.

    The only worry for Arteta was that Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice both had to be taken off with knocks.

    The victory extends Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 18 games across all competitions and was also their eighth successive win at home.

  • Ibeabuchi set for December bout, targets Foreman’s record in Lagos

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

    Nigerian heavyweight veteran Ike Ibeabuchi will return to the ring in December in Lagos, where he will fight for the World Boxing Bureau (WBB) Heavyweight Championship.

    A victory in the highly anticipated 24 December showdown at the Teslim Balogun Stadium would place him on course to break George Foreman’s age record as the oldest man to win a recognised heavyweight title.

    The WBB, a global boxing body that has been in existence for 26 years, has officially sanctioned the Lagos contest.

    Ibeabuchi will face Kabiru Towolawi in a 12-round main event on a packed fight card promoted by Prizefighting dot tv.

    Promoter Miyen Akiri said the Lagos show, which will stream on Prizefighting dot tv, is set up to give the former world-rated boxer a clear pathway in his comeback. He noted that victory in December would put Ibeabuchi “in a position to fight Oleksandr Usyk, the Ring Heavyweight Champion,” adding that the team simply wants “a fair, well-organised fight night that marks the next stage of his comeback.”

    Ibeabuchi also spoke openly about his ambitions. According to him, “the fire for me to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world is burning hot within me. I will knock Usyk out just like George Foreman knocked out Michael Moorer.”

    Ibeabuchi was one of the most feared heavyweights of the late 1990s and carries a professional record of 21 wins (16 KOs) without defeat.

    His rise included standout victories over David Tua and Chris Byrd before a long break from boxing. He made a successful return in August 2025 in Lagos, stopping Idris Afinni in three rounds.

    His team believes the December fight offers him not only a championship belt but also a major step toward challenging the current world champions.

    Foreman set the heavyweight age record at 45 in 1994. If Ibeabuchi wins the WBB title at 52, he would surpass that milestone and strengthen his claim for a future world title shot.

  • Top 10 highest-paid African footballers in 2025

    Top 10 highest-paid African footballers in 2025

    African stars continue to shine in the global football arena, commanding not only worldwide admiration but also some of the sport’s most impressive paychecks. With leagues in Saudi Arabia, Europe, and other regions investing heavily in top talent, 2025 has ushered in a new era of unprecedented earnings for players from the continent.

    From explosive attackers to dependable defenders, Africa’s finest are redefining the financial landscape of the game. According to expert salary trackers, here is the breakdown of the top 10 highest-earning African footballers this year.

    These 10 players represent the pinnacle of African football excellence in 2025, based on Capology salary data as analysed by Billionaires.Africa.

    1. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) – Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) Topping the charts with a staggering €931,316 per week, Riyad Mahrez embodies the Saudi windfall.

    The 34-year-old winger, fresh off a Champions League triumph with Manchester City, joined Al-Ahli in 2023 and has since become a creative force, blending silky dribbles with pinpoint crosses. His annual haul exceeds €48 million, underscoring his enduring market value.

    2. Sadio Mané (Senegal) – Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia), not far behind at €753,846 weekly, Sadio Mané’s pace and finishing prowess keep him among the elite. The 33-year-old, a Bayern Munich alum and Liverpool legend, thrives alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, where his €39 million yearly salary fuels his philanthropy back home in Senegal. Mané’s blend of speed and humility makes him a fan favourite worldwide.

    3. Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal) – Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), earning €654,038 per week, Kalidou Koulibaly is the defensive colossus of this list. The 34-year-old Senegalese captain, who shone at Napoli and Chelsea, anchors Al-Hilal’s backline with his towering presence and tactical nous. His €34 million annual pay reflects his role in Saudi’s ambitious push for Asian dominance.

    4. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – Galatasaray (Turkey), Osimhen’s explosive €512,885 weekly salary marks him as Africa’s rising goal machine. At 26, the Nigerian striker’s loan move to Galatasaray from Napoli has reignited his form after a turbulent summer. With over €26 million yearly, Osimhen’s aerial threat and work rate position him as the next big transfer target for Europe’s giants.

    5. Franck Kessié (Ivory Coast) – Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia), midfield maestro Franck Kessié commands €263,846 per week, a testament to his box-to-box energy. The 28-year-old Ivorian, who lifted the Africa Cup of Nations, has adapted seamlessly to Al-Ahli, contributing €13.7 million annually. His vision and tenacity make him indispensable in high-stakes matches.

    6. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – Liverpool (England), the “Egyptian King.” Mohamed Salah pockets €253,910 weekly, staying true to his Liverpool dynasty. At 33, his contract extension through 2027 ensures €13.2 million yearly, rewarding his record-breaking goals and assists. Salah’s flair and consistency keep Anfield dreaming of silverware.

    7. Edouard Mendy (Senegal) – Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia), Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy earns €207,308 per week for his shot-stopping heroics. The 33-year-old, a Champions League winner with Chelsea, brings composure to Al-Ahli’s net, justifying his €10.8 million annual wage. Mendy’s journey from lower leagues to stardom inspires goalkeepers across Africa.

    8. Omar Marmoush (Egypt) – Manchester City (England), rising star Omar Marmoush nets €187,325 weekly after his blockbuster move to Manchester City.

    The 26-year-old Egyptian forward’s versatility—striking or wide—has him on €9.7 million yearly. His clinical finishing is already etching his name in Etihad lore.

    9. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – Paris Saint-Germain (France), speed demon Achraf Hakimi hauls in €139,615 per week at PSG. The 27-year-old Moroccan right-back, a World Cup standout, dazzles with his overlaps and defensive grit, earning €7.3 million annually. Hakimi’s athleticism makes him a cornerstone of France’s glamour club.

    10. Iñaki Williams (Ghana) – Athletic Bilbao (Spain), rounding off the list is Iñaki Williams with €105,192 weekly at Athletic Bilbao. The 31-year-old Ghanaian forward’s loyalty to the Basque side, combined with his explosive runs, secures €5.5 million yearly. Williams’ Basque-African heritage adds a unique flavor to La Liga’s intensity. As African footballers shatter salary ceilings, their success stories extend far beyond the pitch—fueling community projects and inspiring the next generation.

  • Fulham 4-5 Man City: Chukwueze’s  brace, Iwobi’s  stunner  light up Craven  Cottage  in nine-goal thriller

    Fulham 4-5 Man City: Chukwueze’s  brace, Iwobi’s  stunner  light up Craven  Cottage  in nine-goal thriller

    Super Eagles’ duo of Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi delivered a dazzling attacking show, while compatriot Calvin Bassey stood tall in defence, as Fulham pushed Manchester City to the brink in a breathtaking 5–4 contest at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night.

    Manchester City may have left with all three points, but the night belonged largely to Nigeria’s attacking duo, who spearheaded Fulham’s spirited fightback after the Premier League champions raced into a commanding lead.

    City entered the game with Erling Haaland chasing history, and the Norwegian ended his goal drought in the 17th minute, converting Jeremy Doku’s cross to reach his 100th  Premier League goal faster than any player in history.

    Before then, he had already rattled the post early in the game, signalling the danger to come.

    Fulham, who started brightly in spells, were kept in the tie early on by excellent defending from Calvin Bassey. The Nigerian centre-back repeatedly snuffed out City attacks, made crucial interceptions, and provided leadership at the back even as pressure mounted.

    City’s quality, however, broke through again. Haaland turned provider for Tijjani Reijnders in the 37th minute, before Phil Foden unleashed a long-range screamer to put Pep Guardiola’s side 3–0 up just before halftime.

    Fulham refused to melt under pressure. Their best performer of the first half, Emile Smith Rowe, headed home a lifeline to make it 3–1 at the break.

    Marco Silva made a bold statement at halftime by introducing Samuel Chukwueze, and the Super Eagles winger transformed Fulham’s attack instantly.

    But City restored their cushion almost immediately through another composed Foden finish, and an unfortunate Berge deflection made it 5–1.

    Still, Fulham continued to fight—and it was Alex Iwobi who sparked hopes of an improbable comeback. The Nigerian midfielder drilled a low long-range strike into the bottom corner in the 57th minute, cutting the deficit to 5–2 and injecting belief into the stadium.

    The winger, initially quiet after his introduction, exploded to life in the 72nd minute, racing onto a loose ball to smash home Fulham’s third goal. Craven Cottage erupted—and Chukwueze wasn’t done yet.

    Eight minutes later, he struck again, finishing a flowing counterattack to make it 5–4 and send the home crowd into a frenzy. The brace capped his most electrifying performance since joining Fulham, showcasing the pace, directness, and clinical finishing the Super Eagles winger is renowned for.

    Read Also: Abandoned FIFA Project: Monimichelle faults NFF on funding as equipment  rot away in Ugborodo  

    Amid the chaos, Calvin Bassey delivered one of his most assured performances of the season. His recovery runs, well-timed blocks and composure under intense pressure kept Fulham competitive. Without him, the damage could have been far worse.

    His late defensive interventions helped Fulham stay within touching distance as they threw bodies forward chasing an equaliser.

    Fulham came inches away from a dramatic 90+ minute leveller when Josh King’s effort was cleared off the line by Josko Gvardiol.

    Despite the defeat, Fulham’s Nigerian trio stole the spotlight—Chukwueze with a brilliant brace, Iwobi with a superb goal and tireless creativity, and Bassey with a commanding defensive display.

    Manchester City, meanwhile, leave Craven Cottage as only the second visiting team to win there this season, closing the gap at the top of the Premier League standings.

    But on a night filled with elite football, it was the Super Eagles stars who provided the magic.

  • AFCON 2025: Super Eagles’ camp opens in Cairo Dec. 10  

    AFCON 2025: Super Eagles’ camp opens in Cairo Dec. 10  

    Chelle names 54 in provisional list

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles’ training camp for the for the upcoming 35th  Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, will open in Cairo,  Egypt on Wednesday, December 10.

    This much was revealed  yesterday just as Coach Eric Sékou Chelle named Captain William Ekong, ace forward Victor Osimhen, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in a provisional list of 55 players for the upcoming prestigious continental showpiece.

    Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, midfielders Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses and Chidera Ejuke are also listed.

    The list also has Nigeria Premier Football League stars Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji and Adekunle Adeleke.

    According to the NFF, a final list of 28 players will be drawn from the provisional list in a matter of days. This contingent will be expected to arrive at their  training camp in Egypt on  10th  December and would play a couple of friendly matches before the tournament begins on Sunday, 21st  December.

    Read Also: Super Eagles: NFF  Scrap U.S. friendlies to prioritize World Cup Play-Offs

    Nigeria is in Group C of the tournament alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.

    Super Eagles: 54 players in provisional list

    Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars); Maduka Okoya (Udinese ); Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC); Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos);

    Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham ); Calvin Bassey (Fulham); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes); Zaidu Sanusi ( Porto); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague); Felix Agu (Bremen); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn); Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors);

    Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham); Frank Onyeka (Brentford ); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa )Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias); Peter Agba (Maccabi Haifa); Tom Dele-Bashiru (Gençlerbirligi)

    Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray); Simon Moses (Paris FC); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla); Tolu Arokodare (Wolves); Akor Adams (Sevilla); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod); Sadiq Umar ( Sociedad); Kelechi Iheanacho (Celtic); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham ); Victor Boniface ( Bremen); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor); Terem Moffi ( Nice); Nathan Tella (Leverkusen); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos); Abdulrasheed Shehu (Niger Tornadoes); Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen); Ekeson Okorie (Nasarawa United); Chisom Orji (Warri Wolves); Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi (OH Leuven, Belgium); Philip Otele (FC Basel);Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra); Emmanuel Michael (Linzer Athletik).

  • Liverpool rules out Salah for pre-AFCON friendly against Nigeria

    Liverpool rules out Salah for pre-AFCON friendly against Nigeria

    Egyptian attacker Mohamed Salah will miss the Pharaohs’ international friendly game with the Super Eagles billed for December 14th  after Liverpool confirmed  that he would only be released for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations a day later.

    Liverpool  boss Arne Slot officially confirmed yesterday  that Salah will depart to join the Egyptian squad on 15th  December , ending speculation about when the winger would link up with the Pharaohs.

    The announcement also put to rest the desire to have the Liverpool goal machine available for the tie with Nigeria.

    Read Also: NFF sets record straight on FIFA,CAF funds

    That date ensures Salah will remain available for Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League match against Sunderland (December 3rd ), Leeds United (December 6th  and Brighton & Hove Albion on 13th  December.

    This move follows coordination between player, club and country, Slot said — following a period of negotiations with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and Liverpool’s management.

    With AFCON starting 21st  December in Morocco and running until 18th  January 2026, Liverpool now know they’ll be without Salah for several Premier League games — beginning with the fixture away to Tottenham Hotspur on 20th  December, and continuing through games against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 27th  December at home — among others.

    Slot stressed that despite recent rotations and a dip in form, Salah remains a professional and a key figure for both club and country.

  • Pomp as NDDC unveil Edo to host 2nd Niger Delta Games  

    Pomp as NDDC unveil Edo to host 2nd Niger Delta Games  

    Dunamis-Icon Limited and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have awarded the hosting rights of the 2nd  Niger Delta Games to Edo State.

    The State was  yesterday, December 2nd . unveiled as the host state of the games which the NDDC has identified as a platform to provide youths in the region opportunities to express their talents in sports.

    The announcement was made at a very impressive ceremony at the Ballroom of the Edo State Government House and attended by the Governor, Monday Okpebholo, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Stanley Ogbuku Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa and the Executive Director, Finance, Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye and Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the Chairman and managing director of Dunamis Icon amongst other top state functionaries and the NDDC top management.

    In his remarks, Ogbuku explained the choice of Edo State to host the second edition of the games.

    “Edo State was a deliberate choice to host the second edition of the games because it has good facilities that will just allow us to come here in 2026 and have fun”, Ogbuku stated and assured the Governor that in the cause of bringing the event to Benin, the NDDC will also rehabilitate some of the sports facilities in the state.

    He recalled that a number of sports infrastructure in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State were rehabilitated for the 1stc NDG in April 2025.

    “We uplifted the Uyo Township Stadium and brought back their swimming pool to effective use. The tracks at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium was also rehabilitated as part of our interventions while the Gross Domestic Product of the state increased as a result of the influx of over 3000 athletes, 500 technical officials and huge number of visitors within the one week window.

    Governor Okpebholo said that Edo State would not only provide an enabling environment and facilities for the games, but will also host to win.

    Read Also: W’Cup 2026: Toro hails NFF, stakeholders for Super Eagles’   playoff spot

    Governor Okpebholo, while accepting the state’s selection to host the games,  pledged that Edo State would deliver a sports festival better than the previous edition.

    “You have chosen the right state,” the Governor said.

     “We are not just the Heartbeat of the Nation for nothing. We have the strength, we have the athletes, and we have what it takes to win every sporting activity.”

    “In Uyo at the last games, we went with our third eleven, this time, we will have our first eleven and win in every sport.

    Ikpokpo, the Project Consultant, in his welcome address traced the beginning of the games concept to the cardinal purpose of building a new generation of very young athletes from the region to fill the gap of the old generation of Athletes who made Niger Delta and Nigeria proud.

    “We found a partner in the NDDC that believes in impacting the lives of the youths through sports…and the Niger Delta Games has provided the platform that serves to engage our youths,” Ikpokpo stated.

    Bayelsa State emerged champions of the inaugural edition of the games which held from April 1to 8 in Uyo.