The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • 14th NNPC sports fiesta kicks off in Abuja

    14th NNPC sports fiesta kicks off in Abuja

    The 14th NNPC Ltd. Sports Fiesta will kick-off at the weekend (Sunday, November 30th 2025) at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja as the Company strives to retain its legendary status of the team to beat in the Nigeria Oil & Gas Industry Games (NOGIG) coming up later in February, next year.

    This year’s edition of the biennial event themed “Energy In Motion: Compete, Connect & Celebrate” will see a total of 450 athletes participating, symbolizing NNPC Ltd’s belief in the integral role of physical well-being in enhancing organizational productivity among employees.

    The one-week tournament, which will climax on Saturday, 6th December, 2025, will feature teams from NNPC Ltd’s six zones representing the Company’s three core values: Team Integrity (Port Harcourt/Benin); Team Excellence (Lagos/Warri) and Team Sustainability (Abuja/Kaduna).

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

    NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Andy Odeh disclosed this a press statement on Friday.

    He said during the keenly contested fiesta, the Company’s employees are expected to compete in 13 sports, namely football, basketball, volleyball, chess, squash, scrabble, 8-ball pool, golf, tennis, table tennis, badminton, swimming and athletics.

    The fiesta will also serve as a platform for selecting NNPC Ltd’s potential flagbearers at the forthcoming 20th Nigeria Oil & Gas Industry Games (NOGIG) in February 2026, where the Company will defend its title of overall winner, a feat it has maintained over the years.

  • Embassy of France committed to football development in Nigeria

    Embassy of France committed to football development in Nigeria

    The Embassy of France in Nigeria has restated its commitment to the development of youth football in Nigeria with the successful hosting of U15 tournament in Makurdi.

    After the tournament, players from Simoiben FC who finished third at the tournament, which was done in collaboration with Moses Simon Foundation and the Benue State Football Association, were hosted by the embassy in Abuja.

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

    The players were received by the Attached Cooperation and in particular Katty Regis, who addressed the players on the need to stay disciplined, focused if they want to reach the peak of career using their God given talents.

    In a statement on their social media handle, the Embassy said they believe in sports to open doors, build confidence and create opportunities for all.

    They said their commitment goes beyond the football field as they support youth, education and inclusion through sport as a tool for empowerment in Nigeria, while also thanking Moses Simon Foundation for investing in youth and inclusion through sports.v

  • CRANKING LONDON DERBY

    CRANKING LONDON DERBY

    • Arteta seeks another statement win at Stamford Bridge

    A six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table and a dominant midweek win over Bayern Munich are no cause for relief for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who anticipates a big challenge when they visit second-placed Chelsea tomorrow.

    Chelsea are on a three-match winning streak and thrashed Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday.

    But Arsenal, who beat local rivals Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, are determined to maintain their relentless pace as they chase their first Premier League title since 2004, Arteta told reporters on Friday.

    “After beating Spurs, we had to make a statement against Bayern Munich, we did that. Now we have to go to the next one,” the manager said. “It’s a big game, a big London derby. We’re going to play a really good opponent, they are in really good form. We know the challenge and the opportunity we have. We are fully ready for it.”

    Arteta said Chelsea, who have staged a strong comeback in the league after losses to Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion in September, deserve to be in the title race.

    “The squad they have assembled, the numbers they have, the amount of quality, the manager and the coaching staff they have, it makes sense what has happened which is very positive. They deserve to be there,” the Spaniard added.

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    Arsenal, who had to settle for draws on their last two trips to Stamford Bridge, are hoping Leandro Trossard will be fit tomorrow  after the Belgian attacker picked up a knock against Bayern, Arteta said.

    “With Leo, there is another test today. We have to see how he is feeling. It doesn’t look much. We still have a few hours and we have to wait and see. There is a potential chance,” he added.

    Arteta stressed the need for his players, who are unbeaten in all competitions since August, to maintain their levels of consistency.

    “Not that they surprised me but you have to be able to perform in the manner they did individually throughout long periods of the game against our opponents. That’s very difficult to do,” he added.

  • Wounded Barca, shaky Madrid need La Liga morale boost

    Wounded Barca, shaky Madrid need La Liga morale boost

    Spanish champions Barcelona and current league leaders Real Madrid are looking to build confidence this weekend in La Liga after chastening nights in the Champions League.

    Barca host Alaves  today while Madrid visit Girona on Sunday, as the top two aim to fend off in-form pair Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, who are hot on their tails.

    Barcelona suffered a morale-crushing 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge by Chelsea on Tuesday, while Real Madrid’s defence wobbled alarmingly in also conceding three at Greek side Olympiacos, although they managed to claim a 4-3 victory thanks to four goals from Kylian Mbappe.

    After the hefty loss in London, Barca coach Hansi Flick was left perplexed and scrabbling around for some positivity.

     “I see how we train, the quality, the intensity. It’s totally different than maybe six weeks ago,” he told reporters.

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

     “Players are coming back, increasing the quality in the training. I have good feeling about that and am (feeling) positive.”

    The Chelsea defeat was the first time Flick’s Barca had failed to score in 2025.

    Raphinha has made a couple of substitute appearances on his way back from injury and the Brazilian may get to play a larger role when Alaves visit the reopened Camp Nou.

     “You can see I am happy that Raphinha is back again… Marcus (Rashford) is at his level after flu, Pedri will come (back from injury soon),” said Flick.

    Barca’s first Camp Nou match in two-and-a-half years was a 4-0 thumping of Athletic Bilbao last Saturday, and a similar performance against Alaves would help paper over some cracks in the short-term.

  • Atalanta rule out Lookman sale after Champions League feat

    Atalanta rule out Lookman sale after Champions League feat

    Following his outstanding performance in Wednesday’s  3-0thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, Atalanta  have reportedly scrapped plans to sell Ademola Lookman in the upcoming  January Transfer Window.

    Raffaele Palladino secured his first win as Atalanta manager, as his side earned a 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in MD5 of the Champions League.

    La Dea sealed the all three points in a frantic five-minute period, as the Italian side scored three goals between the 60th  and 65th  minute.

    Read Also: Atalanta demand  N84 billion from Gala  for Lookman

    This victory saw Atalanta move up to 10th  in the UCL table, but the main takeaway was the performance from Lookman as the Nigerian registered two goal contributions. He opened the scoring after 60 minutes and was involved in the action again just two-minutes later – providing the assist for Ederson.

    According to news making the rounds in the Italian media, Lookman’s eye catching performance has   forced  Atalanta to rule out  the sale of the 28-year-old striker who is contracted  to the Serie A side until 2027.

    Accordingly, coach Palladino who seems to have revived the confidence  of the  former African Footballer of the Year  after  torrid time following   his botched transfer in the summer , is said   would  soon offer him  an improved  deal to keep  him at the Bergamo-based side.

    Incidentally, Lookman  would  welcome such  development following his posturing  after Wednesday’s heroics for Atalanta.

    “You know, what’s happened has happened. A lot’s gone on. Some things people know, others they don’t,”  Lookman reportedly told Sky Sport Italia . “Right now is the time to work hard for the team and we need to win games, that’s the most important thing, to get stronger every day. That is what I am concentrated on and so is the team, working together every day to get results.”

     “I think it’s important right now to get the victory, as 3-0 away from home is a really good result,” Lookman added.

    Atalanta are now 10th  in the Champions League overall standings with 10 points from five matches, just two places outside the Top-8 bracket that guarantees automatic passage to the Round of 16.

  • Alake golf tournament takes centre stage in Abeokuta

    Alake golf tournament takes centre stage in Abeokuta

    This year’s edition of the Alake Golf Tournament holding at the Abeokuta Golf Club will  conclude  tomorrow  after  it teed-off  with pomp yesterday at Oke Mosan, in the Ogun State capital.

    The tournament, put together in celebration and honour of the Alake of Egbaland, HRM, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; the Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, attracted golfers from across the country.

    The highly anticipated tournament which is already generating lots of interest within the country,    organizers say, is aimed at bringing together golf enthusiasts from across Nigeria to foster camaraderie, promote competitive golfing and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Egbaland and its revered monarch.

    Read Also: W’Cup 2026: Babangida links Super Eagles’ setback to internal squabbles

    “This tournament is aimed at bringing together Nigerians, especially golfers from across the country to celebrate our revered king,” Abeokuta Golf Club Captain, Sunday Ajiboye said.

    He added that the tournament also serve as a platform to honour the monarch’s enduring legacies and contributions to Egbaland in particular.

    Over 100 golfers comprising amateurs and professionals will compete in a two-day Pro/Am event.

    Since its debuts on the Nigeria golfing calendar, the Alake Golf Tournament has remain one of the most consistent tournament and has been played annually ever since. 

  • CAFCL: Finidi targets  victory for Rivers United against Berkane

    CAFCL: Finidi targets  victory for Rivers United against Berkane

    Coach Finidi George  has expressed full confidence in Rivers United’s  readiness for  Moroccan heavyweights RS Berkane today’s CAF Champions League group stage showdown  at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo .

    Speaking in his the pre-match press conference yesterday, the former Super Eagles’ coach welcomed the visitors but maintained that his team is fully focused on securing maximum points to revive their Group B campaign after last weekend’s setback in Cairo.

    Finidi described the return to Uyo as a welcome boost after their 3–0 loss  to Pyramids FC, insisting that the atmosphere at home and the support from fans will fuel their determination.

    Read Also: Atalanta demand  N84 billion from Gala  for Lookman

    He revealed that Rivers United had taken crucial lessons from their loss in Egypt, stressing that such lapses—especially the drop in concentration after the 50th minute—will not be repeated. According to him, the group stage debutants are equipped with the right information and tactical awareness required to handle Berkane.

    The Rivers United’s Technical Manager confirmed that his backroom staff have thoroughly studied RS Berkane and understand what to expect from the 2022 CAF Confederation Cup champions. He praised the players’ response in training since returning from Cairo, noting that their intensity, focus, and hunger to correct previous errors have been evident throughout the week. Finidi added that the team’s preparation has been tailored to ensure total concentration for the full 90 minutes, a major area he highlighted as non-negotiable.

    He reassured fans that Rivers United will approach the fixture with the seriousness it deserves, as victory is essential to keep their qualification hopes alive.

    With kick-off scheduled for 5 pm today, Finidi concluded by expressing belief in his players’ ability to deliver a positive result.

    He reiterated that Rivers United are “quite positive” about their chances and will play their “A-game” against Berkane. He described the match as an opportunity for the team to show character, bounce back immediately, and set their CAF Champions League campaign back on track.

  • CAFCL: Confident Chaabani tips Berkane  to steal  vital points in Uyo

    CAFCL: Confident Chaabani tips Berkane  to steal  vital points in Uyo

    Coach Mouine Chaabani said Renaissance Sportive Berkane are Nigeria to secure a major away result against Rivers United in their second Group Stage match of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League.

    The Moroccan side opened their campaign in emphatic fashion, sweeping aside Zambia’s Power Dynamos 3-0, and now hope to sustain that early momentum in Uyo.

    Speaking ahead of today’s clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Chaabani expressed optimism about his team’s readiness and ambition. “We will travel to Nigeria to face Rivers United to return with a positive result, and we hope that it will be an away victory,” he said, noting that the North Africans are determined to push far in this year’s competition.

    Read Also: W’Cup 2026: Babangida links Super Eagles’ setback to internal squabbles

    The coach, however, acknowledged the challenge his side faces in Uyo. “We know it won’t be an easy match, and our goal is to reach the furthest possible point in the CAF Champions League,” he added, stressing that his squad remains focused despite the tough environment that awaits them.

    For Rivers United, the encounter represents a chance at redemption after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to defending champions Pyramids FC in Cairo on matchday one. The Pride of Rivers will be under pressure to respond in front of their supporters and revive their qualification hopes.

  • AFCON 2025: Aina mulls  exit from Super Eagles

    AFCON 2025: Aina mulls  exit from Super Eagles

    Ola Aina could well be the next key Super Eagles star to throw in the towel after captain William Ekong after he openly expressed his disappointment to the NFF president Ibrahim Gusau how he was abandoned when he was injured on international duty.

    A top source told only SCORENigeria: “Ola (Aina) is seriously considering quitting the Super Eagles. “He was far from happy when he was abandoned after he got injured playing for the Super Eagles.

     “He confronted the NFF president on this, clearly disappointed with how he was left on his own even though he was injured on national service.”

    In September, the Nottingham Forest defender, one of the standout stars in the Premier League last season, suffered a hamstring injury that needed surgery when he played against South Africa in Bloemfontein.

    Read Also: Atalanta demand  N84 billion from Gala  for Lookman

    Sources close to the player claimed he was deeply hurt that he was abandoned after this injury.

    It was  further gathered that how Ola Aina was badly treated was part of the grudges of the Super Eagles when they staged a pay strike before their 2026 World Cup Playoffs tie against Gabon in Rabat, Morocco.

    It was also gathered that this was what informed the NFF president to embark on a fence-mending visit to Ola Aina at his base in England thereafter.

    It is now left to be seen whether this visit has pacified the player to drop the idea of turning his back on the Super Eagles.

  • Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup final winners crowned

    Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup final winners crowned

    Organisers have announced  winners of the 10th Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup which was held at Antalya Gloria Golf Resort between November   17 and 21 November.

    Acclaimed as the world’s most extensive and largest corporate amateur golf tournament, it quickly became one of the most prestigious amateur golf events on the international stage.

    The Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup 2025 gross champion was Adeel Shafqat from Pakistan. The player secured the championship with a score of 151, which was 7 over the par value of the golf course.

    Competing in the Gold TAWGC Category, Jose Garcia San Juan from United Arab Emirates won the title by earning 73 stableford points over two rounds. Seifeddine Zarzour from Algeria came in second, while Abdul Rehman Qureshi, competing on behalf of Pakistan, came in third.

    Read Also: W’Cup 2026: Babangida links Super Eagles’ setback to internal squabbles

    The winner of Silver Category was Agustin Valdes Kato from Mexico, who reached 78 stableford points over two rounds. In second place was Michael Sharaiha, competing for Jordan, and in third place was Wang Fan from China.

    Since 2013, more than 750 tournaments have been held in 85 countries and 130 destinations, with over 60, 000 amateur golfers participating. This year, more than 10, 000 golfers have competed in over 122 events in 83 countries around the world.

    Turkish Airlines SVP Sales (Region I) Ahmet Harun Baştürk, commenting on the organization, said: “Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup has become a valuable platform that goes beyond being just a sports event, strengthening the strong bonds we have built with our guests around the world. We are delighted to have brought together thousands of amateur golfers under the same roof this year.

    The Grand Final in Antalya once again demonstrated how the tournament has evolved into a global brand event over the years. As Turkish Airlines, we believe that our support for sports makes significant contributions to both our international presence and our vision of connecting cultures.”

    120 amateur golfers from all around the world competed in this year’s Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Grand Final.