The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • ‘Only Ronaldo worth his pay in Saudi Pro League’

    ‘Only Ronaldo worth his pay in Saudi Pro League’

    Former Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad said Cristiano Ronaldo – who joined Al Nassr in December 2022 – is the only foreign player in the Saudi Pro League who truly deserves his multi-million-dollar salary.

    Prince Abdullah, who was in the post from 2014 to 2017 – before the huge influx of foreign players that has transformed the league – also warned that the influx is side-lining local talent and threatening the national team’s future.

    In an interview with the Fi Al-Marama TV program on Al-Arabiya, Abdullah called for urgent reforms to protect Saudi players and ensure competitiveness ahead of the 2034 World Cup, which the kingdom will host.

    Read Also: Atalanta demand  N84 billion from Gala  for Lookman

    “Ronaldo is the only foreign player worth what he earns because of the global exposure he brings to the league and the country,” he said of the Portuguese forward whose annual salary has been estimated at $211 million – $4 million a week.” Many others are paid far more than they deserve.”

    Prince Abdullah said Saudi players have become “extras” since the number of foreign players per team on matchdays rose to eight, urging a cut to seven and more investment in youth development.

    “Right now, building a strong league is coming at the expense of the national team,” he said. “We need a clear plan to prepare for 2034.”

    He also called for hiring elite coaches for youth categories and warned that without structural changes, Saudi players will struggle to regain prominence.

    Prince Abdullah, whose concerns about refereeing standards during his tenure led to him appointing former English referee Howard Webb as director of referees for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, also suggested scheduling big matches on Thursdays to enable top European referees to take charge.

  • Atalanta demand  N84 billion from Gala  for Lookman

    Atalanta demand  N84 billion from Gala  for Lookman

    Galatasaray  will have to cough €50m (about N84 billion) to prise away  Nigeria International , Ademola Lookman, from  Serie A outfit, Atalanta.

    The Turkish giants which presently  housed  another Nigerian star  forward, Victor Osimhen, has  not hidden  their  interest  to sign up  the 2024 African  Footballer of the Year  in the upcoming Transfer Window in January.

    But  according to the famous Italian Pink Newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport, Atalanta will only sell the Nigerian for €50m and won’t reduce the price.

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

    Lookman is reportedly interested in joining his  compatriot and international teammate, Osimhen in Turkey.

    The 28-year-old has struggled to make much impact at Atalanta this season after pushing to leave the Bergamo club for Inter Milan  in the summer.

    He  scored 20 goals in 41 appearances last season, establishing himself as one of Europe’s best wingers, but has scored just two  goals in 12 appearances across all competitions  in the on-going campaign.

    Lookman has contract with the Serie A club  until June  2027 but whether he would  move to Turkey in January remains to be seen.

  • Lookman shoots  Atalanta  to UCL victory in Frankfurt

    Lookman shoots  Atalanta  to UCL victory in Frankfurt

    Super Eagles  striker, Ademola Lookman, is back to his striking sharpness as he  grabbed  the curtain raiser  in  Atalanta’s Champions League 3-0 victory over  away to Eintracht Frankfurt last night.

    Lookman  scored   Atalanta’s first foal in the 60th minute  as he lashed on to an inviting  cross from the right by De Ketelaere to finish with a sizzling  volley off the inside of the boot to the far post.

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

    Two minutes later, he   was the provider as he rolled  the ball across the face of the goal for

    Ederson to beat the opposing  goalkeeper one-on-one.

     While Ketelaere scored the third  some three minutes later , Lookman  was in the thick of action before being substituted in the 82nd minute.

    Yesterday’s  win  was the first  for new coach   Raffaele Palladino  who suffered a 3-1 loss to Napoli on his debut with the club in the Serie A on Saturday.

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

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

    By Joshua Osinowo

    Former Super Eagles winger Tijani Babangida has blamed Nigeria’s failed 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on “self-inflicted” issues, insisting that former head coach Finidi George had the competence and experience to guide the team to qualification.

    Speaking in a recent interview, Babangida expressed deep frustration over the circumstances that led to Nigeria missing out on a direct ticket, stressing that internal problems  rather than lack of talent or technical know-how derailed the campaign.

    According to him, Finidi’s track record with Enyimba and his understanding of the national team setup were more than sufficient to steer the Super Eagles through the qualifiers.

     “I believe if Finidi didn’t have that problem with the team, with the experience he has with Enyimba and the coaching he’s doing, I’m sure he would have cleared all those matches,” Babangida told Brila Fm.“Because of that issue alone, we lost two matches and those two matches cost us our World Cup.”

    He noted that once the internal tensions settled, particularly after the controversy involving striker Victor Osimhen, the team looked more organised and began to win again. However, by then the damage had already been done.

    Read Also: TNFF  underlines  global economic power of football

     “When I saw them come back, the whole team became settled and we started winning again. But it was too late for us at that time,” he lamented.

    Babangida criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for allowing the conflict between Osimhen and the coaching crew to escalate, arguing that the situation should have been handled swiftly to prevent it from affecting results.

     “The NFF should not have allowed that problem with Osimhen to escalate. They were supposed to do what needed to be done, but they didn’t. It was very unfortunate,” he said.

    Despite the disappointing campaign, the former Ajax star urged the NFF not to lose faith in Nigerian coaches. He argued that domestic managers should continue to be given opportunities, but supported the idea of pairing them with highly experienced European technical advisers.

     “NFF should not be discouraged from giving our coaches a chance again. They can always bring in a very experienced European coach to assist them, but the opportunity must remain,” he added.

  • Osimhen  donates N5million  to ailing online food vendor

    Osimhen  donates N5million  to ailing online food vendor

    By Joshua Osinowo 

    Super Eagles striker and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has reportedly donated ₦5 million to assist with the medical treatment of popular online food vendor and Twitter personality, Aunty Esther, who is currently battling breast cancer.

    According  to Soccernet , Osimhen made the donation after encountering a distressing video of the elderly woman, identified as Esther Omolola Mensah, crying in pain on a hospital bed while revealing the extent of the damage the illness had caused. The footage, widely circulated on social media, stirred widespread sympathy and urgent calls for support.

    Aunty Esther, known for sourcing and delivering market items for her followers, had grown a loyal community online because of her warm personality and trustworthiness. However, her business ground to a halt in recent months as her health deteriorated. When her condition worsened, concerned social media users rallied around her, mobilising funds and ensuring she received immediate medical attention.

    Doctors later confirmed that she required extensive and costly treatment, prompting her supporters to create a verified fundraising account. Thousands of Nigerians have since contributed to the fund.

    Read Also: NFF, Jalla bicker over planned workshop on  amendment of statues at Ibadan AGM

    The biggest support came on Wednesday when Osimhen transferred ₦5 million to the account. The gesture sparked an emotional response from the beneficiary, who publicly expressed her gratitude.

     “Thank you uncle, Victor Osimhen. God bless u abundantly,” X user , Sir Dickson@Wizarab10,posted. .

    Osimhen’s act of kindness comes during a difficult period in his own season. The striker missed Galatasaray’s Champions League clash against Union Saint-Gilloise on Tuesday due to injury, watching from the sidelines as his team fell 1–0 at RAMS Park.

    His absence was noticeable, given his impressive tally of six goals in just three Champions League appearances, helping secure victories over Liverpool, Bodo/Glimt and Ajax.

    The Nigerian forward is expected to return to full fitness ahead of Galatasaray’s highly anticipated derby against Fenerbahce on December 1st . The Turkish champions currently sit atop the league table with 32 points, one ahead of their fierce rivals.

  • NWFL Premiership off with wins for  Bayelsa Queens, Heartland Queens

    NWFL Premiership off with wins for  Bayelsa Queens, Heartland Queens

    The 2025/2026 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership kicked off with a flurry of goals, dramatic finishes and spirited comebacks as matchday one delivered entertainment across all centres.

    In Yenagoa, Bayelsa Queens edged Edo Queens 3–2 in a gripping South-South derby decided by a last-gasp penalty.

    Edo Queens struck first through Rebecca Adegbemile (23′), but Bayelsa responded with goals from Kindness Ifeanyi (45′) and Janet Akekoromowei (48′) to flip the contest.

    Edo Queens fought back, with Robiat Taofeeq (85′) making it 2–2. Just when the visitors thought they had secured a point, Bayelsa Queens won a stoppage-time penalty, coolly dispatched by Blessing Illvieda (90+7′) to seal a dramatic home victory.

    In Owerri, Heartland Queens recovered from an early setback to down Ekiti Queens 2–1 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

    An early concession rattled the hosts, but they levelled through Chizoba Johnson’s 13th-minute penalty before grabbing the decisive winner in the second half to complete a determined comeback.

    In Lagos, Dannaz Ladies claimed a pulsating 3–2 win over Osun Babes. With the match locked at 2–2 deep into stoppage time, Nofisat Ayegbami (90+6′) struck a dramatic winner to ignite celebrations.

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

    In Lafia, Nasarawa Amazons produced a strong performance to beat Delta Queens 2–1. Delta took an early lead through Nora Davies (4′), but the Amazons responded through Imoh Jones (40′) before Hembanfan Ayatse (45′) completed the turnaround just before halftime.

    Adamawa Queens opened their campaign with a solid 2–0 win over Pacesetter Queens. Goals from Ifeoma Damian (37′) and Mary Sunday (66′) secured all three points in Makwada.

    The only away win of the day came in Akure, where FC Robo Queens defeated Sunshine Queens 1–0, courtesy of Marvellous Oladunni (45′).

    Three matches ended with shared spoils: Confluence Queens 2–2 Abia Angels, Naija Ratels 0–0 Ibom Angels and Ahudiyannem Queens 0–0 Remo Stars Ladies.

    With late winners, penalties, comebacks, and away successes, the opening day of the NWFL Premiership set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable season.

  • Boxers jostle  for spots ahead of LBHF Governor’s Belt Showdown

    Boxers jostle  for spots ahead of LBHF Governor’s Belt Showdown

    The race to secure places in the prestigious 2025 Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) Governor’s Belt intensifies this weekend as fighters step into the ring for the November Monthly Championships.

    On Saturday, November 29, the Agege Stadium will host a fierce contest where boxers battle for coveted slots in the end-of-year Governor’s Belt bouts.

    With competition heating up, every punch will carry the weight of ambition, as athletes aim to prove themselves worthy of a place in one of Nigeria’s most respected grassroots boxing events.

    LBHF’s monthly championship will deliver fireworks this weekend as three female bouts and seven male contests headline the card.

    In the women’s category, Mistura Otenaike of Surulere will slug it out against Aina Adekiwonsa of Lagos Island in the 48kg division. Eniola Idowu faces Oyindamola Agboola in the 45kg class, while an exhibition bout will see Zainab Ibrahim of Queen Elizabeth Junior Secondary School take on Peculiar Ifemaye of Glory International School, Agbado, in the 27kg class.

    The men’s contests promise fierce action. The opening bout pits Kareem Yusuf of Amuwo against Olamide Bello of Yaba in the 53kg category. In the 60kg division, Kola Ogunsemore of Lagos Mainland battles Qudus Akinwande of Badagry, while Ganiu Ayomide of Agboyi Ketu faces Daniel Nkem of Oshodi in another clash at the same weight.

    Other bouts include Seun Habu vs Fasosi Paisol in the 70kg, Christian Obi vs Paul Melvin in the 85kg, and Victor Okagbue vs Daniel Nwose in the 90kg.

    In the men’s exhibition contest, Modeed Omotayo of Layeni Junior Secondary School will square off against Michael Adedapo of Julius International School in the 30kg division.

    The tournament serves as a crucial qualifier for boxers seeking slots in the prestigious Governor’s Belt Championship later this year.

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

    According to LBHF Director David Mohamed, this weekend’s event is crucial as the last qualifying bouts before the Governor’s Belt finale.

     “Since we resumed LBHF in October, there has been serious interest from boxers across Lagos. We cannot accommodate everyone, so we aim to select the very best for the Governor’s Belt. This weekend’s bouts will surely produce another set of boxers for the end-of-year tournament,” he said.

    The monthly LBHF show series returned in October 2025 after a hiatus. Founded in 2010 by Minister of Finance Wale Edun, LBHF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to developing amateur and grassroots boxing in Nigeria. It is best known for hosting the Governor’s Belt Championship and monthly boxing shows.

    Recently, LBHF partnered with Mainstay Bulletproof Limited to support its events, strengthening its platform for young athletes to showcase their talent. Looking ahead, plans are in place for a new format starting in 2026, involving divisional championships across weight categories, followed by regional and national finals.

  • World Youth Championships: Nigeria petitions ITTF over visa denial  to Romania

    World Youth Championships: Nigeria petitions ITTF over visa denial  to Romania

    The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has lodged a formal petition with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) after its players were denied entry visas to compete at the on-going 2025 World Youth Championships in Romania.

    The development has sparked concern within Nigeria’s table tennis community, as the setback threatens the country’s participation in one of the sport’s most prestigious youth tournaments.

    In a letter signed by NTTF President Adesoji Tayo, the federation condemned the decision, describing it as a violation of the principles of international sportsmanship, inclusivity, and fair participation that ITTF and its partners uphold.

    “As an official representative of Nigeria and Africa in this prestigious global event, I firmly believe that the reasons provided for the visa refusal are unjust, discriminatory, and contrary to the spirit of unity which international sports is designed to foster,” Tayo stated.

    Read Also: TINFF 2025: Extra Mile wins best film by female filmmaker

    Despite weeks of intensive training by players and coaches, the visa denial has dampened the spirit of the contingent and resulted in financial losses for the federation. Nigeria was set to represent Africa in the boys’ U-19 and U-15 team events, having qualified as continental champions at the African Youth Championships in Lagos.

    The NTTF further noted: “Since our inability to participate is not a fault of NTTF, we hereby formally notify the ITTF and the host federation, Romania Table Tennis Federation, that NTTF will not be liable for any penalties or financial obligations arising from accommodation or hospitality reservations made in relation to this event.”

    Tayo urged ITTF to urgently intervene to prevent similar occurrences in the future, stressing that the visa refusal has disrupted Nigeria’s ambition of grooming another generation of world-class players.

  • Ardova HPL: Safety Babes, Rima Queens steal show on Matchday 2

    Ardova HPL: Safety Babes, Rima Queens steal show on Matchday 2

    Champions Safety Babes took another step towards  the defence of their  title by  whipping Ekiti Queens 49-22 on Matchday 2  of the  ongoing  2025 Ardova Handball Premier League Second Phase tournament  in Lagos.

    The champions, who had defeated River Queens 40-27 on Tuesday, dominated the Ekiti team and made sure of victory with a commanding display.

    The Ekiti girls who had beaten Defender Babes 35-27 on Tuesday could not keep up with the pace of the champions.

    In some other games in the female category, Rima Queens defeated Rivers, while Defender Babes lost to

    Omo Ogiefo Academy 29-22.

    Read Also: NFF, Jalla bicker over planned workshop on  amendment of statues at Ibadan AGM

    In the men’s category, COAS Shooters defeated Lagos Seasiders  36-28, while De Defenders lost to Rima Strikers 28-19. Also, Niger United walked over Adamawa Warriors to earn three points and 10 goals.

    Niger United Coach, Adebayo Yekini, said that the league has become competitive so much that that is little between the top teams and others.

    He said: “The league has become very competitive and all the team are putting in their best to win games. You can see that even the ones who lose games are putting in their best.”

    The Ardova Handball Premier League Phase 2  enters Matchday 3 today  at Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, Lagos and all matches will be played there till November 30 before matches resume at the NIS Indoor Sports Hall.

  • Ojo Council unveils sports fiesta for 100 days celebration

    Ojo Council unveils sports fiesta for 100 days celebration

    By Tokunbo Ogunsami

    As part of activities to mark her 100 days in office, the Chairman of Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Mrs Titilola Rufai, has unveiled a sports fiesta to unite and engage youths.

    She said as much during  a novelty match between Team Olojo FC and Team Osolu FC, organised by the council to mark the opening of the fiesta.

    Rufai said the aim of the fiesta was to engage youths in sporting activities and bring them together.

     “The idea is to bring youths in the council together to engage in sporting activities because an idle hand is the devil’s workshop.

    She said:  “Apart from football tournament that will begin on Tuesday, we also have indoor games for our youths.

     “They are ludo , snooker, scramble, table-tennis, ayo olopon, draught and boxing. This is the maiden edition. The idea is to bring out talents and stars.”

    Mr Ege Olusegun, who represents Ojo Constituency 01 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, said the fiesta was a good beginning for the chairman.

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

    The Osolu of Irewe Kingdom in Ojo, Oba Abideen Adekanbi, said the fiesta would encourage youths to concentrate more on sports, instead of engaging in cultism, crime and drug abuse.

    Chief Ajao Obasa, the Akogun of Ojo land, representing Oba Kalid Rufai, the Olojo of Ojo Kingdom, said the fiesta would promote unity among youths.

    The Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the fiesta, Alhaji Moruf Adekunle, said the football competition would be on for four weeks, while indoor games would be held for two days.

    He said the winner of the football competition would go home with N500,000, second position would collect N300,000, while third position would go home with N100,000.

    Adekunle said winners in indoor games would go home with fabulous prizes.