The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Lagos Open winner Babatunde Oyalami: FirstBank nurturing dreams, giving hope to young golfers  

    Lagos Open winner Babatunde Oyalami: FirstBank nurturing dreams, giving hope to young golfers  

    The US Masters Golf Tournament and The Open (British Open) are widely considered the two greatest golf tournaments in the world for producing stars and making history. In Nigeria, the FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship is considered the greatest amateur tournament in the country producing stars, nurturing dreams, giving hopes and making history.

    Last weekend at the highbrow Ikoyi Club 1938, history was made yet again and hope given. With a gross score of 231 over 54-Holes, Babatunde Oyalami made history by winning the 64th Lagos Open. An opening 78, a second day score of 75 and a closing 78 earned him three-shot victory over the field.

    And as it has always been the case, the next step for Oyalami is pro career. “I am very happy to win this competition. I also want to say a big thank you to FirstBank for the sponsorship of Lagos Open. Winning this tournament to me is like a dream come true and I can also now say that I am ready to turn professional just as most other winners”, he said. “I want to turn professional to make my country, my state and my home town proud”, Oyalami added.       

    If the tournament was memorable for Oyalami, it was even more for 15-year old Destiny Oyero, the youngest lad on the Lagos Open field. He didn’t just participate; he made the cut to the final round and says he will be better prepared next time. “I am very happy playing this tournament. I will be here again next year better prepared. This tournament has rekindled my hope for a future career in golf”, the little Oyero said. He wasn’t alone; Lucky Onyefu from St. Mark Golf and Country Club, Otukpo is yet another lad dreaming of a future career in golf.

    Read Also: SportyBet appoints Asisat Oshoala as brand ambassador

    Nurtured and strengthened, some former winners are already living their dreams. Andrew Odoh is a notable name in the Nigeria golf circle and plays regularly the Sunshine Tour of South Africa. Kenyan Sam Njoroge won the 2018 edition, turn pro the following year and he’s dominating the Kenya tour. Back home, Monday Eze of Ikoyi Club is yet another. For coming top in the 18-hole round over the weekend, he earned his biggest pay cheque ever in golf, a whooping N10m.

    Trained is South Africa, Willy Gift is a great striker of the golf ball and a leading figure in the Nigerian professional golf circuit for many years.

    “The First Bank golf tournament is one of the most prestigious tournaments we have in Nigeria. Its 64 years old and that tells you about the people and the bank itself. Sponsoring this tournament for 64 years is actually intentional. They have raised champions, I am a past champion as an amateur, and they have raised more champions in this tournament after me and they will still raise more champions in this tournament because of their intentionality. Kudos to First Bank”, said the former champion in a show of appreciation.

    And the amateurs! Well, the likes of Uyi Akpata 1995 winner, Peter Eben-spiff, 2019 winner and S U Amadi five-time winner are some of the Lagos Open successful businessmen.

    Beyond golf, the leading bank reached out to Bethesda Home and School for the Blind and Pacelli School for the Blind each getting N3m cash donation.

    It’s all part of their legacy. For 64 years firstBank has deepened its commitment to the sports development through its first@sports, a platform dedicated to promoting excellence, nurturing young talents, and strengthening community engagement, the Chief Executive Officer of First bank Olusegun Alebiosu, represented by Nnaemeka Ejeh , Group Executive, Retail Banking (South) speaks of the Banks resolve.

    The amateur open championship has a long history, global ranking status, and proven track record of developing talent, solidifying its reputation as the pinnacle of amateur golf in Nigeria.

    Truly, this year’s edition was legendry and would be remembered for countless memorable moments.

  • SportyBet appoints Asisat Oshoala as brand ambassador

    SportyBet appoints Asisat Oshoala as brand ambassador

    SportyBet, the flagship betting platform owned by global sports and entertainment company Sporty Group, has announced the appointment of Nigerian football icon Asisat Oshoala as its newest official brand ambassador. 

    The announcement marks a historic moment for the brand as it continues to spotlight African excellence and deepen its connection with fans across the continent.

    Widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time, Oshoala is a record six-time winner of the CAF African Women’s Footballer of the Year award, the most by any player in history. 

    Her rise from FC Robo in Lagos to the global stage is one of the continent’s most inspiring sporting journeys. 

    She was named Best Player at the 2014 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, helping Nigeria secure its ninth title, and later brought her goal-scoring prowess to clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona.

    During her historic tenure at FC Barcelona Femení, Oshoala surpassed the 100-goal mark and played an essential role in helping the club secure two UEFA Women’s Champions League titles in the 2020/21 and 2022/23 seasons.

    Oshoala leads a trio of recent ambassador appointments, which also includes South African rugby superstar Cheslin Kolbe and football legend Benni McCarthy. 

    Together, they strengthen SportyBet’s growing community of world-class athletes and reinforce the brand’s status as a global leader at the intersection of sport, entertainment and technology.

    “It is with the utmost pride that we welcome Asisat Oshoala, Cheslin Kolbe and Benni McCarthy as SportyBet brand ambassadors,” said Miguel Puche, Global Brand Director at Sporty Group.

    “Asisat stands as one of Africa’s greatest sporting icons. Her excellence, discipline and global influence align perfectly with our vision. She, alongside Kolbe and McCarthy, represents the future of African sport and the bold ambition that defines SportyBet.”

    Oshoala’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Sporty Group, which is preparing to launch a slate of major initiatives across its ecosystem. The move underscores the brand’s commitment to innovation, creativity and delivering unmatched sports engagement experiences to fans and users around the world.

    With Asisat Oshoala now part of its ambassador family, SportyBet continues to champion African talent on the global stage by elevating stories, celebrating greatness and reshaping the future of sports across the continent.

  • Ardova HPL: COAS coach eyes top spot finish

    Ardova HPL: COAS coach eyes top spot finish

    COAS Shooters’ coach, Emeka Nnamani , has said that his team has a good chance of finishing tops if his players continue to display resilience and confidence on the handball court.

    Nnamani stated as much after his team defeated Benue Buffaloes 37-28 at the on-going second phase of the 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League in Lagos.

    The coach, who said he has a crop of young players who are willing to give their all and adhere to instruction, added that the league has been tough with all the teams giving their best in every game.

    He said: “We have won three and drawn a game since the second phase which started in Lagos on Tuesday and I am happy my players are giving their best in every game.

    Read Also: NFF chieftains commend Salami on revival of Shooting Stars

    “They all carry out tactical plans to the letters and that is why we are second on the table. However, we hope to improve with every game as it is still possible to finish first. It’s a tough task but we will give our all. In the game against Buffaloes, COAS Shooters were better at both ends of the court, attacking and scoring goals, while also denying their opponents scoring opportunities with their solid defensive display.

    Buffaloes were also undone by their misses in front of goal but can take solace in the fact that they gave their best in the game.

    In some other games, De Defenders defeated Lagos Seasiders 37-30,Rima Strikers walked over Adamawa Warriors to earn three points and 10 goals, while Niger United beat Osun United 34-23.

  • SuperSport to broadcast London Derby with ‘open window’

    SuperSport to broadcast London Derby with ‘open window’

    The London derby and top-of-the-table clash between Chelsea and Arsenal is the pick of the Premier League fixtures on SuperSport’s live broadcast this weekend. The weekend will also see DStv and Gotv customers enjoy open access to tomorrow’s Premier League matches down to GOtv Jolli and DStv Yanga packages.

    Today’s matches begin at 4:00 p.m. with Manchester hosting Leeds. This game along with all the premier matches will be broadcast on SuperSport Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65). City have suffered back-to-back losses in the league and Europe, and now trail Arsenal by seven points. Leeds, stuck in the relegation zone after three straight defeats, urgently need a result.

    Everton meet Newcastle at 6:30 p.m. as the Toffees chase a third consecutive victory. Newcastle, despite beating City last weekend, stumble into this fixture after a midweek Champions League loss to Marseille. The day ends with Tottenham against Fulham at 9:00 p.m., with Spurs searching for their first win in four matches across all competitions. Fulham, narrowly above the drop zone, hope to build on last weekend’s win.

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

    Tomorrow’s fixtures begin at 1:00 p.m. with Crystal Palace hosting Manchester United. United are winless in three after their defeat to Everton, while Palace in  fifth, continue to push for a top-four spot. At 3:05 p.m., West Ham take on Liverpool. Liverpool’s struggles deepened with a 3–0 loss to Nottingham Forest and a heavy Champions League defeat to PSV, while West Ham also look to regain rhythm after inconsistent form.

    The weekend’s headline fixture sees Chelsea welcome Arsenal at 5:30 p.m. Arsenal, league leaders, have won six of their last seven and followed up with a dominant Champions League win over Bayern Munich. Chelsea, also in strong form after victories over Burnley and Barcelona, aim to cut the six-point gap separating them from the top.

  • GOtv Boxing Night 34: UBO Champion‘ ID Buster’ to battle Ghana’s Dodoo

    GOtv Boxing Night 34: UBO Champion‘ ID Buster’ to battle Ghana’s Dodoo

    Reigning Ubo (Africa) light-heavyweight champion, Rasheed “ID Buster” Idowu, will return to the ring in what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated bouts of the year, as he faces Ghana’s Nii Offei Dodoo at GOtv Boxing Night 34.

    The encounter is one of the six lined up for the event, which will be held at Tafawa Balewa Square on 26 December. The blockbuster encounter, billed as one of the event’s headline fights, will bring together two fierce West African rivals with contrasting yet equally compelling storylines. Idowu, Nigeria’s rising knockout specialist, enters the fight riding a wave of momentum after his emphatic title defence earlier in the year. His explosive style and growing fan base make him a potential standout attraction at GOtv Boxing Night.

    Dodoo, on the other hand, will go into the bout with a reputation for durability and tactical discipline, qualities that have made him one of Ghana’s most respected light-heavyweights. His camp has already described the fight as “a statement opportunity” and promised to halt Idowu’s ascent.

    Speaking in Lagos, Idowu said he welcomes the challenge and sees the bout as another step toward global recognition.

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

    “I respect Dodoo, but on fight night, respect ends at the bell. I’m ready to give fans a performance they won’t forget,” he said.

    Organisers, Flykite Productions, say GOtv Boxing Night 34 is designed to deliver a festive-season spectacle, featuring elite match-ups, emerging talent and top-tier entertainment.

    With Nigeria–Ghana boxing rivalries historically producing fireworks, expectations are high that the Idowu–Dodoo showdown will be the night’s most electrifying contest and possibly a springboard toward bigger international opportunities for the victor.

    The event is sponsored by GOtv and supported by MultiChoice, ZetaWeb, TheCable and Lagos State Sports Commission.

  • Egypt FA await Liverpool, over availability of Salah for Nigeria friendly

    Egypt FA await Liverpool, over availability of Salah for Nigeria friendly

    The Egyptian Football Association is awaiting official responses from Liverpool and Manchester City regarding the availability of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush for the Pharaohs’ upcoming friendly against Nigeria, according to Filgoal.

    The Pharaohs, who are the most successful team in the history of the Afcon, will face Nigeria in a friendly match on December 14 at Cairo Stadium as part of their preparations for the tournament in Morocco.

    Read Also: Reps to probe alleged misuse of FIFA grants by NFF

    Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has entrusted the matter entirely to EFA President Hani Abu Rida, who has already initiated contact with the two Premier League clubs in an effort to secure the players’ release for the friendly match with the Super Eagles, but no formal replies have been received so far. A key point of contention remains whether Salah and Marmoush can realistically participate in the Nigeria friendly, given the fixture congestion both clubs face.

  • Silva challenges Chukwueze to do more

    Silva challenges Chukwueze to do more

    Fulham coach Marco Silva has explained that he still needs to see more brilliant performances from Samuel Chukwueze before he can give the forward an increase in game time, Soccernet.ng reports.

    Chukwueze joined Fulham from AC Milan in a season-long loan on the last day of the summer transfer window. However, his start to life at the club has been slow.

    All six of his appearances so far have come off the bench. His most recent outing, however, showcased his real quality.

    Chukwueze entered the fixture in the 64th minute and changed the complexion of the game completely.

    He quickly took up the mantle of being the tormentor-in-chief for the Cottagers and eventually supplied the assist for Raúl Jiménez’s lone goal.

    Given that performance, it would be expected that Chukwueze would earn a more prominent role on the team in the coming weeks.

    Read Also: NFF president visits Ola Aina in London

    However, Fulham coach Marco Silva, while appreciative of Chukwueze’s efforts, maintains that the Super Eagles star needs to do more before he becomes a regular starter.

    “If you look in three months, how many times he was out of this club was too long for a new player,” Silva said, per Jack Kelly.

    “I have the privilege to see him in the sessions, doing the type of things that he adds differently for us – creativity, last pass, last definition.

    “I’m pleased with him, but I have to see more. It’s not his fault that I have to see more. I think all the context didn’t give us the chance to see more.

    “I need to see more in sessions and more time in games to see the adaptation for the intensity, for the aggressiveness in the right way that PL demands from players.

    He is a very good player I knew before. That he has the talent I knew before.”

  • Maiden West Africa Para Games begin in Abeokuta

    Maiden West Africa Para Games begin in Abeokuta

    No fewer than 700 athletes will take part in 12 games as the first West Africa ‘Zone A&B’ Para Games kicked off Friday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    The Local Organising Committee Chairman, Victor Achakpo, revealed that 190 athletes will be representing Nigeria at the games, and those arrangements to make it a successful one have been put in place.

    He appreciated the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Ogun State Government, and other partners for their immense support in ensuring the hosting of the games, despite being shifted more than twice.

    Achakpo said, “The games will be a hitch-free one. Abeokuta is safe as the organisers have taken care of accommodations, venues, transportation, medicals, security, and feeding of all the athletes. He also stated that 16 West African countries, with two invited countries, would be participating in the games, assuring participants of a free and fair games.

    Read Also: NSBMB :NFF welcomes scientific body to boost national  teams

    “The whole of West African countries are participating with two invited countries, DR Congo and Cameroon. We are good to go.  We already have over 700 athletes in Ogun state. The host country has over 190 persons; we have taken care of their accommodations, game venues, transportation, medicals, and security.

    “I want to assure everyone that Nigeria, Ogun is safe, sports is one thing that unites any nation, and sports will unite us, when I say sports, I am talking about para sports now,” he added.

    The President, Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, Mr Sunday Odebode, equally lauded the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for accepting to host the first of its kind para games, while appreciating the Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, for making sure Nigeria hosts the games.

  • Osimhen faces late fitness test ahead derby with Fenerbache

    Osimhen faces late fitness test ahead derby with Fenerbache

    Galatasaray star striker Victor Osimhen is expected to undergo a late fitness test ahead of Monday’s ‘Intercontinental Derby’ against bitter city rivals Fenerbache.

    Turkish leading newspaper Sabah reported that Galatasaray are leaving nothing to chance to ensure the striker plays Monday, particularly after the disappointing home loss in the UEFA Champions League to Union St.Gilloise of Belgium.

    Since his hamstring injury on Super Eagles duty against DR Congo, Osimhen has not trained with the rest of the team.

    He himself has said he wishes to feature in the derby.

    Monday’s showdown at Fenerbache is delicately poised with Galatasaray top of the Super Lig table on 32

    Galatasaray star striker Victor Osimhen is expected to undergo a late fitness test ahead of Monday’s ‘Intercontinental Derby’ against bitter city rivals Fenerbache.

    Turkish leading newspaper Sabah reported that Galatasaray are leaving nothing to chance to ensure the striker plays Monday, particularly after the disappointing home loss in the UEFA Champions League to Union St.Gilloise of Belgium.

    Since his hamstring injury on Super Eagles duty against DR Congo, Osimhen has not trained with the rest of the team.

    He himself has said he wishes to feature in the derby.

    Monday’s showdown at Fenerbache is delicately poised with Galatasaray top of the Super Lig table on 32 points after 13 rounds of matches, while their biggest local rivals are second and a point behind.

    Meanwhile, Galatasaray President Dursun Ozbek has announced a bonus of a million euros should Victor Osimhen and the rest of the team beat bitter Istanbul rivals Fenerbache on Monday in the local derby.

    This massive win bonus is what Galatasaray have paid out for each of the team’s victories in the UEFA Champions League.

    Read Also: NFF, Nigeria Police commit to greater safety and security measures in Abuja

    After a flying start to the new season, the defending Turkish champions have lately struggled for form so much so that this week they fell at home to Belgian champions Union St.Gilloise in the Champions League.

    2025 AFCON: Super Eagles to open Egypt camp on Dec. 10

    SCORENigeria now understands that the Super Eagles will set up training camp in Egypt to prepare for the 2025 AFCON in neigbouring Morocco.

    The Eagles will open camp on December 10 and are due to tackle 2026 World Cup qualifiers Egypt in a friendly on December 14 in Cairo as part of their build-up for the AFCON in Morocco.

    The Egypt game will be a good dress rehearsal for the three-time champions as they face fellow North Africans Tunisia in Group C.

    As announced by CAF, AFCON qualifiers can fly into Morocco five days to the opening game of the tournament on December 21.

  • Oyalami wins FirstBank Lagos Open Golf with three shots

    Oyalami wins FirstBank Lagos Open Golf with three shots

    Babatunde Oyalami caps a brilliant week with victory at the 64th FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship on Sunday, winning the tournament’s coveted trophy. Oyalami grossed 231-over 54-holes to emerge the winner. The Osun-based golfer started his game with an opening 78, a second-day score of 75, and a closing 78 for 231 total, winning by 3 shots.

    With a gross score of 324 over 54 holes, Osaze Iyare came second, beating the third-placed Ibrahim Bilya by two shots. Bilya carded an opening 84, a second day score of 75, and a closing 77 to duck in the third position.

    St. Mark Golf and Country Club, Otukpo-based, Monday Joseph was further down on the winners’ chart after grossing a total of 237, while Michael Isife from Enugu Golf Club completed the top five in the gross category.

    Happy with his performance, Oyalami, while thanking FirstBnk for the opportunity to play in the Lagos Open, said the victory has opened a way for his professional career, noting that just like most of the previous winners, he is ready to take a plunge into the elite professional cadre.

    Read Also: Super Eagles’ pay dispute : Height of peculiar mess in NFF  

    “I am very happy to win this competition. I also want to say a big thank you to FirstBank for the sponsorship of the Lagos Open. Winning this tournament to me is like a dream come true, and I can also now say that I am ready to turn professional just as most other winners”, he said.

    Pro Monday Eze, two-time winner of the Lagos Open, won the first prize of N10 million staked in the professional category while others got consolation prizes. Apart from the cash award to professionals, Bethesda Home and School for the Blind and Pacelli School for the Blind got N3m each donated to their schools.

    Pledging to continue to impact positively in the growth of sports across the country, the Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, represented by Nnaemeka Ejeh, Group Executive, Retail Banking, South, says FirstBank will continue to deepen its commitment to sports development through its First@sports initiative, a platform dedicated to promoting excellence, nurturing young athletes, and strengthening community engagements.