The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • CIO Golf Classic: Okafor reveals plans to jack up purse to N100m

    CIO Golf Classic: Okafor reveals plans to jack up purse to N100m

    Chief Ikenna Okafor, Chairman of Keeves Global Leasing and organizer of the CIO Golf Classic in Port Harcourt, has announced plans to increase the tournament’s prize purse to ₦100 million ($70,000 USD) for the next edition scheduled for November 2026.

    This represents a rise from the current ₦75 million ($50,000 USD) purse awarded at the 6th  edition held recently at Python Golf Club in Port Harcourt with pomp and ceremony following the presence of  Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara during the closing ceremony.

    But speaking in Lagos at the weekend, Okafor revealed his vision  to make the CIO Golf Classic the premier golf tournament in Nigeria and part of the Safari Tour in Kenya, leveraging international currency pegging to maintain global interest.

    According to him, the purse of the CIO  Golf Classic will  be increased to $70,000 or ₦100 million at  the next edition of the tournament slated for November 2026 Winna.com.

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    He said the long-term vision is to eventually grow the prize purse to $1 million USD within ten years.

    “The truth is that I have a big dream for the CIO Golf Classic,” Okafor said in an interview with a select media. “We are happy that we  had a successful tournament this year in Port Harcourt where the professional golfers competed for N75 million purse but we are going to make it bigger next year  with a purse of N100m or $70,000 USD.”

    He added: “Our goal is to reach a prize price of one million dollars within the next ten years and we are truly on course  with our vision and mission to make  the CIO Golf Classic the first choice for top golfers  especially under the Safari Tour of Kenya.”

    Okafor cites challenges in Nigerian golf such as underinvestment, poor infrastructure, and limited government support, contrasting this with the success of golf in other countries with better planning and funding.

    Though the CIO Golf Classic  has grown significantly, attracting professional golfers from over 14 countries across Africa and beyond, Okafor lauded Governor Fubara for attending  the recent closing ceremony  where he  pledged continued support  of Rivers State government for future editions.

    He called for a more enabling environment nationwide to help golf thrive, highlighting the economic benefits the sport can bring.

    Meanwhile, Okafor has spoken candidly about his foray into golf  and gave a damning verdict on Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the North America. Watch out.

  • Atalanta boss raps Lookman, others over loss to Napoli

    Atalanta boss raps Lookman, others over loss to Napoli

    Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino has lamented his side’s missed opportunities in their 3-1 defeat to Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Saturday night, stressing that Ademola Lookman and the other forwards could have done better in front of goal.

    Lookman, who has endured a difficult start to the season, featured for most of the encounter before being substituted in the 82nd  minute for Daniel Maldini as Atalanta chased a late comeback.

    The Nigerian forward has managed just one goal in eleven appearances across all competitions this season, and his struggles continued against Napoli.

    Lookman found it difficult to break through the hosts’ compact defence, much to the frustration of Atalanta’s travelling supporters.

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    He registered two attempts during the match, one on target and the other off target, but failed to significantly influence the game.

    Speaking to  Sky Sport after the game, Palladino praised the impact of his substitutes, especially Gianluca Scamacca, who scored Atalanta’s lone goal.

    “Gianluca came on with the right spirit. I also liked the other substitutes: they all brought courage and quality,” he said as quoted by Tuttoatalanta.

    However, the Italian tactician did not hold back in expressing disappointment over the wasted chances by his frontline.

    “I have a strong forward lineup: Scamacca scored today, but we also came close with De Ketelaere, Lookman, and Samardzic. I expect a lot from them: they’ve done a great job, and there’s a lot to build on.”

    With the defeat compounding Atalanta’s inconsistent start to the campaign, Lookman will be eager to rediscover his form as the Bergamo side looks to spark a revival under the new manager.

  • Cross Rivers  expresses readiness for  National Council of Sports

    Cross Rivers  expresses readiness for  National Council of Sports

    • By Olamilekan  Israel

    The Cross River State Government has assured delegates and residents that Calabar remains safe and fully prepared to host the forthcoming  National Council on Sports scheduled for this week.

    The 2nd  National Council on Sports is  scheduled to take place between  November 25th and 29th in the Cross River State’s capital.

    The government, in a press release statement, has given its assurance following recent speculations alleging insecurity in the state. It described the reports as unfounded and inconsistent with the `serene, orderly and peaceful’ atmosphere currently experienced across Cross River.

    According to the statement signed by Linus Obogo, Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bassey Edet Otu, the state has, in recent days, successfully hosted major national events without incident. Among them was the National Council on Health meeting, attended by the Minister of Health and key stakeholders from across the country.

    Obogo said Governor Otu’s administration has strengthened the state’s security architecture, ensuring residents and visitors enjoy uninterrupted safety.

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    He added that Cross River `remains calm, secure and hospitable’ and is fully ready to host national and international events of any scale with excellence confidence and efficiency.

    Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission (NSC) , said it  has concluded arrangements for the event, adding the annual gathering remains Nigeria’s highest policy-making platform on sports development, bringing together state Commissioners of Sports, senior government officials, sports administrators, and key stakeholders from across the nation.

    This year’s Council Meeting is themed: “The Business of Sports — Creating Jobs, Wealth and Utility under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    The theme aligns strongly with the sports transformation vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration continues to position sports as a viable economic sector capable of generating employment, stimulating investments, and expanding national opportunities for youth engagement.

    The Cross River State Library Complex, beside the U.J. Esuene Stadium, the official venue of the Council Meeting. Sessions will begin daily at 9:00 a.m.

    Participants will examine key areas including sports financing, infrastructure development, talent production systems, grassroots mobilisation, sports tourism, digital innovation, and institutional partnerships. Recommendations from the Council will feed into national policy for the 2025/2026 sports year.

    The NSC invites all stakeholders to join in shaping the future of sports administration in Nigeria.

  • NFF president visits Ola Aina in London

    NFF president visits Ola Aina in London

    The president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has paid a visit to Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina in London, wishing him a quick recovery as the full-back continues his rehabilitation from injury.

    Aina has been sidelined for both club and country after suffering a hamstring injury that required surgery during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

    The setback ruled him out of recent international fixtures and several matches for Nottingham Forest, leaving both the NFF and his club closely monitoring his rehabilitation process.

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    Nottingham Forest’s coaching staff recently confirmed that Aina is making steady progress with the sports science team and physiotherapists, although he has not yet returned to full team training.

    The club remains cautious with his timeline, ensuring the defender completes every stage of his recovery without setbacks.

    Despite the disruption, there is growing optimism around Aina’s availability for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for December in Morocco.

    The former Torino player is expected to recover in time for the tournament, where his experience and versatility would be crucial for the Super Eagles.

    The meeting also provided an opportunity for the federation president to receive first-hand updates on Aina’s rehabilitation and offer encouragement as the player works toward a full re

  • Eagles Tracker: Awaziem’s roller-coaster night saves Nantes as Nigerian stars record mixed results  

    Eagles Tracker: Awaziem’s roller-coaster night saves Nantes as Nigerian stars record mixed results  

    Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem delivered a dramatic blend of misfortune and redemption as FC Nantes battled to a 1-1 home draw against FC Lorient in the French Ligue 1 yesterday.

    Awaziem, making his 12th  appearance of the season and returning from Nigeria’s World Cup Playoff final loss to DR Congo, inadvertently put the visitors ahead after scoring an own goal deep into first-half stoppage time. But the centre-back rose to the occasion in added time at the opposite end, smashing home a powerful equaliser to rescue a crucial point for the Yellow and Greens. The draw leaves Nantes in 15th  place with 11 points from 13 matches.

    In Italy, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru remained was unavailable  as Lazio cruised to a 2-0 victory over Lecce. The win lifted the Biancocelesti to eighth position on the Serie A table with 18 points from 12 games. Tyronne Ebuehi was also absent for Lecce.

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    Over in the Bundesliga, Victor Boniface made a 73rd -minute appearance for Werder Bremen, replacing former Liverpool attacker Marco Grüll, but could not influence their 2-0 defeat to RB Leipzig. Bremen now sit ninth with 15 points from 11 games, while Boniface has contributed two assists in eight league outings.

    In Turkey, Ibrahim Olawoyin came on in the 62nd  minute but could not prevent Çaykur Rizespor from collapsing to a 5-2 home defeat against Fenerbahçe. Rizespor had led 2-0 at halftime before conceding five times in a disastrous second half. They are now 11th with 14 points from 13 matches, while Olawoyin has scored once this season from six games.

    In Belgium, teenage sensation Benjamin Fredrick, who played through injury in Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo the upper Sunday, was rightly rested by FCV Dender in their shock 2-1 away victory over Royal Antwerp. It was only Dender’s second win of the season, though they remain bottom with eight points from 15 games.

    Fredrick, who had played all 14 previous league matches and accumulated two yellow cards, missed his first game of the campaign due to the knock sustained on international duty. His compatriot Jordan Attah Kadiri was an unused substitute. The forward has featured eight times this season, scoring once.

  • Winners emerge at  2nd  Capital City Race in Lagos

    Winners emerge at  2nd  Capital City Race in Lagos

    Aminat Adenike of Lagos State and Jonathan James of Plateau State emerged champions in the women’s and men’s categories respectively at the second edition of the Capital City Race held on Saturday in Ikeja.

    Adenike clocked 35 minutes, 43.73 seconds to clinch the women’s title and the N500,000 prize money, narrowly edging out Plateau State’s Blessing Shambor, who finished second in 35:55.24. Vivian Obadiah, also from Plateau State, completed the podium in 35:43.74.

    In the men’s category, James dominated the 10km race with a winning time of 31:00.04, claiming the top prize ahead of fellow Plateau runners Irmiya Dachuny (31:12.40) and Musa Bala (31:54.84).

    “I am happy that I am winning this race. I thank God,” James said after his victory.

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    Adenike, celebrating her maiden victory at the event, expressed delight at representing Lagos State on home soil saying, “I believed in myself that I can compete with anybody.”

    The race, which started from Ikeja City Mall and concluded at the AVMCC Field, GRA, Ikeja, attracted even more participants than last year’s maiden edition that drew over 1,000 runners.

    Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) Technical Director, Uthman Okunnu praised the improvement in organisation compared to the inaugural event.

    “Obviously the first year, there were some teething problems but I will say this time around, it is really a good one but it can be better,” Okunnu said. “This time around, we had more runners, distribution of medals very seamless, the ceremony very good. And the organisation this time around was great, more sponsors as well.”

    Race convener Oladapo Ajayi revealed ambitious plans to expand the Capital City Race concept beyond Lagos.

    “What we want to do is that they don’t even have to come all the way to Lagos. We want to take the capital city race to them,” Ajayi said. “All the 36 states in Nigeria have their own capital cities. So, we run capital city race in Kaduna, in Asaba, all capital cities.”

    Ajayi, who was inspired by his personal passion for running and fitness, expressed satisfaction with the event’s growth.

    “We did it last year for the first time, this year again it’s bigger, it’s better, more numbers. It just goes to show you that people are willing to participate, you just need to create something that they would like,” he said.

    “Next year again, we’ll be back in Lagos but hopefully next year, I want to do a few more states outside of Lagos so watch out. Capital City is coming to another capital city outside of Lagos.”

    Okunnu also acknowledged Plateau State’s dominance, particularly in the women’s category where they claimed two of the three podium positions.

    “You really must give it to Plateau because of the altitude of where they’re coming from and at the same time, they train a lot but for Lagos, we are very proud of Aminat who was able to get us on the podium,” Okunnu added.

    The event, which received endorsement from the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Sports Commission, was supported by Planet Bottling Company, makers of Reaktor energy drink, and the Fembol Group.

  • Alake 20th  Coronation: Ogun rule commemorative squash tourneys

    Alake 20th  Coronation: Ogun rule commemorative squash tourneys

    Hosts, Ogun State, dominated the recently concluded South West Junior  Boys/Girls Squash Championship, organized as part of celebration of the 20th coronation anniversary of the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo

    The State’s cadet and junior players won three of the four final games played over the weekend at the Alake Squash Court inside, the  Ake Palace in Abeokuta

    Elizabeth Adebayo clinched the  under 16 Girl-single’s title after defeating hard- fighting  Chioma Ude from Lagos State 3-2 sets

    Elizabeth had lost the first set  5/11, before winning the second set 11/7, she lost the third set 6/11 and later came back forcefully to pick the last two sets 11/6,11/6

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    It was all Ogun State final In the under 16 Boy-singles event which saw Ayomide Omotayo having an easy ride over Peter Adeleke with three straight sets 11/5,11/8,11/7

    It was a double tragedy for Lagos State’s Chioma Ude who fell 0-2 to another Ogun State’s player  Awawu Balogun who won the U-19 Girls Final decided few hours later

    Lagos team however, dominated  the keenly contested final in the U- 19 Boy-singles event between Quadri Yusuf  who beat team-mate, Joshua Daniel 3-2 sets  8/11,9/11,11/9, 11/2,11/9

    The Alake , Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo led top Egba’s Chiefs amongst dignitaries that watched the trilling finals among youngsters who exhibited great skills in squash game

    Sponsor of the tournament, Chief Tokunbo Omisore described the competition as his humble contribution to the 20th coronation of Alake and growth of sports in Egbaland, Ogun State and Nigeria at large

    He added that the major objective of the championship was to discover and nurture future stars from Egbaland to represent Ogun and the country

    Omisore, an Egba chief in an interview, challenged other chiefs in Egbaland to also use sports and vocational skills acquisition programmes to harness huge potential of youths to enable them contribute positively to the economic growth of the ancient kingdom

    Similarly, President of Royalty Club of Egbaland, Tunde Aregbesola explained that the club decided to organize the squash competition to mark the coronation anniversary because of the love of the paramount ruler for the game

    The club according to him,  has been organizing the competition which has continued to produce great players who have been representing both Ogun and the country for the past one decade

    He was full of appreciation for Chief Omisore for bankrolling the competition, assuring that the club would continue to sustain the rich tradition of discovering and nurturing great talents in the game of squash.

  • Attah, Onyeama lead dignitaries to commission  7-Aside Astro Turf in UI

    Attah, Onyeama lead dignitaries to commission  7-Aside Astro Turf in UI

    The University of Ibadan on Friday, November 21, celebrated a landmark as the Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association (EXUIFA), in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited JV, commissioned a multimillion-naira 7-Aside Astro turf beside the UI Stadium.

    The commissioning ceremony attracted prominent dignitaries, notably Engr. Anthony Attah, MD/CEO of Renaissance Africa, whose organisation funded and steered the project from conception to completion, as well as Dr. Allen Onyema, MD/CEO of AirPeace.

    Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ajayi lauded Renaissance Africa and EXUIFA for what he described as the “astonishing speed and quality” of the transformation, commending both bodies for delivering a world-class sporting facility that significantly raises the bar for UI’s athletics and community recreation.

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    In an address delivered through the General Secretary, Lawrence Osuagwu, EXUIFA President Edwin Evbie hailed the project as “a victory for mankind and the next generation,” stressing that the facility stands as a symbol of gratitude, unity and enduring hope for students, athletes, and the wider UI community.

    “This is more than a pitch,” Evbie noted. “It is a legacy that will nurture future champions and strengthen community bonds.”

    He also expressed profound appreciation to the Renaissance Africa JV and Engr. Attah for their vision and partnership.

    Evbie further recognised the critical role played by the EXUIFA Board of Trustees led by Mogaji (Prof.) Olusegun Adekunle, the Executive Committee, and the two dedicated project committees. Despite substantial technical challenges, their commitment ensured the project’s timely delivery. “This project shows that when alumni unite behind a mission, nothing is impossible,” he said.

    The newly completed spectator stand  was named as the Dr. Isiaka Abiodun Salami Stand, in  honouring UI’s longest-serving soccer coach and former Director of Sports. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Dr. Salami remarked that he felt “deeply honoured that such a historic project happened during my lifetime,” offering prayers for continued uplift and success for all EXUIFA members.

    Guests were also treated to a friendly match between EXUIFA and the sponsors’ team, offering a lively first feel of the high-performance turf. Speaking afterwards, Evbie remarked that the arena “is hope for the next global star who will rise from this ground.”

    With this milestone, EXUIFA has further solidified its standing as one of the University of Ibadan’s most impactful alumni bodies—demonstrating how passion, unity and clear vision can reshape the future of Nigeria’s premier university.

    Now in its 11th  year, the EX-UI Footballers Association will celebrate its 11th  World Annual Reunion on Saturday, December 20  in Ibadan, where members from across the globe are expected to reunite and commemorate their shared legacy.

  • NPFL: Rampant Nasarawa United pull three points clear

    NPFL: Rampant Nasarawa United pull three points clear

    Nasarawa United have opened up a three-point cushion at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League after ruthlessly dispatching El-Kanemi Warriors 3-0 at the Lafia City Stadium in a dominant Matchday 14 performance.

    The Solid Miners, who were briefly knocked off the summit following their 1-1 draw in Owerri last weekend, reclaimed control in emphatic fashion against Kabiru Dogo’s side — a team once under his guidance.

    Last season’s top scorer, Anas Yusuf, rediscovered his fiery form, netting twice in the 38th  and 46th  minutes to take his tally to six goals this season. Garba Mohammed struck again for the hosts two minutes later to seal the win. Nasarawa United now sit on 27 points, with Ikorodu City — on 24 points — looking to reclaim top spot when they face Kano Pillars in Katsina today.

    Elsewhere, Abia Warriors missed a key opportunity to break into the top two after being held to a goalless draw by a disciplined Bendel Insurance side in Umuahia. Insurance, steered by former Warriors boss Kennedy Boboye, extended his streak of avoiding defeat against his ex-teams. Abia Warriors remain fourth with 23 points, while Insurance move up slightly to 18th with 13 points.

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    In Warri, Warri Wolves’ home struggles persisted, settling for a 1-1 draw against Kun Khalifat — a rematch of their NNL Super 8 encounter last June. Adebambo Ademola put Wolves ahead early, but Kun Khalifat equalised in the 38th minute straight from a corner. Wolves sit eighth with 19 points, while Kun Khalifat stay 17th  on 14 points.

    In Ilorin, Kwara United and Shooting Stars ended goalless, while a 70th-minute strike from Kenechukwu Agu handed Rangers International a narrow 1-0 win over Niger Tornadoes.

    Wikki Tourists needed a late rescue in Bauchi as Nasiru Jibrin’s 87th -minute goal salvaged a 1-1 draw against Bayelsa United, who had taken an eighth-minute lead through Ifeanyi Ogba.

    At the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Remo Stars cruised to a 2-0 victory over Barau FC courtesy of goals from Ahmed Akinyele and Victor Mbaoma in the opening half. The win lifts Remo Stars to 10th on 19 points, while Barau FC sink deeper into relegation trouble.

    Today’s fixtures will see Katsina United host Enyimba in Ilorin, marking their first game at their adopted home after their banishment from Katsina due to crowd trouble. Kano Pillars will also be in action in Katsina, facing Ikorodu City — a side they defeated 3-0 there last season.

    NPFL Results:

    Nasarawa United 3-0 El-Kanemi

    Warri Wolves 1-1 Kun Khalifat

    Kwara United 0-0 Shooting Stars

    Rangers 1-0  Tornadoes

    Wikki Tourists 1-1 Bayelsa United

    Abia Warriors 0-0 Insurance

    Remo Stars 2-0 Barau FC

  • Eze’s derby hat-trick sends Arsenal six points clear

    Eze’s derby hat-trick sends Arsenal six points clear

    Eberechi Eze scored a majestic hat-trick for Arsenal as they trounced north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 to open up a commanding six-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

    For 36 minutes the derby was a cagey contest with Tottenham frustrating Mikel Arteta’s side, but the hosts struck three times in 10 minutes either side of halftime.

    Leandro Trossard broke the deadlock from close range before Eze, the player Arsenal snatched in a summer transfer tussle with Tottenham, rifled in Arsenal’s second after 41 minutes.

    The second half was only seconds old when Eze again found space on the edge of the area to dispatch another shot inside the post and put his side in complete control.

    Read Also: Eze nets historic hat-trick as Arsenal secure 6point gap

    Tottenham got a lifeline out of the blue in stunning fashion in the 55th minute when Richarlison lobbed Arsenal keeper David Raya from near the centre circle.

    The visitors were more of a threat in the second half but Arsenal never really looked troubled and Eze completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute with another clinical finish.

    Arsenal, unbeaten in nine league games, have 29 points from 12 games, with second-placed Chelsea on 23. Tottenham’s first away league defeat of the season left them ninth on 18 points.

    Eze was at the centre of a summer transfer battle between the two north London clubs, with Arsenal scooping the former Crystal Palace forward from under the noses of their rivals.

    If that was not bad enough, the England international rubbed Tottenham’s noses in it on Sunday as he lit up his first north London derby in scintillating fashion.

    Tottenham had been impressive away from home under new manager Thomas Frank with no defeats and only three goals conceded in the Premier League before Sunday.

    Frank set his side up conservatively for his first taste of the derby with containment not entertainment on his mind.

    Three central defenders, two holding midfielders and deep full backs restricted Arsenal to just one real chance in the opening half an hour with Eze’s scooped pass met on the volley by Declan Rice and Guglielmo Vicario saving well.

    Vicario was not called into serious action again until the 33rd minute when he sprang to his right to keep out a Bukayo Saka free kick.

    But the breakthrough came soon after as, for once, Arsenal found space in the Tottenham area with Mikel Merino’s chipped pass controlled by Trossard with his back to goal.

    The Belgian took a touch and his shot on the turn nicked off Micky van de Ven to give Vicario no chance.

    Tottenham’s negative game plan was in tatters when Eze turned on the edge of the area and fired a low shot through a crowd and beyond Vicario.

    The visitors sent on attacking midfielder Xavi Simons at halftime but within seconds of the restart it was effectively all over as a contest as once again Eze was allowed too much time and he thrashed a shot past Vicario.

    Tottenham had not landed a glove on Arsenal for 55 minutes but scored with their first shot on target as Joao Palhinha won the ball just inside Arsenal’s half and Richarlison, spotting Raya off his line, floated a 45-metre shot into the net.

    It maintained Tottenham’s record of scoring in every away derby at Arsenal since 2017 and for a while they were re-energised.

    But any hope of a comeback ended when Eze yet again found space and his finish was sublime.