The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Forest embarrass champions Liverpool at Anfield

    Forest embarrass champions Liverpool at Anfield

    Liverpool’s season of abject misery worsened as they were beaten with embarrassing ease by a hugely impressive Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

    Arne Slot’s Premier League champions were looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat at Manchester City, but instead ran into a Forest side revitalised under new manager Sean Dyche and looking back to their best.

    Liverpool head coach Slot gave £125m British record signing Alexander Isak a start, but he was totally anonymous once more and only lasted 67 minutes.

    Forest went ahead after 33 minutes when defender Murillo shot powerfully past fit-again Liverpool keeper Alisson to subdue an already anxious Anfield.

    Igor Jesus had a second ruled out for handball, but Forest doubled their advantage 47 seconds after the break when former Liverpool defender Neco Williams set up Nicola Savona for a crisp finish in front of The Kop.

    Liverpool could barely raise a response in a desperate display, Forest increasing their lead 12 minutes from time when Morgan Gibbs-White scored after Alisson saved from Omari Hutchinson.

    It means Liverpool have now lost six of their past seven Premier League games as Slot’s near £450m summer spending spree comes under further scrutiny.

  • EPL: Chelsea ease past Burnley to go second in table

    EPL: Chelsea ease past Burnley to go second in table

    Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez delivered a comfortable 2-0 win at Burnley to lift Chelsea to second in the Premier League.

    The opener came when Neto met Jamie Gittens’ cross at the far post, while Fernandez sealed victory with a late run into the box after a counter-attack involving Neto and substitute Marc Guiu.

    The Blues rarely moved out of second gear during the 90 minutes and were able to rest unused substitute Moises Caicedo, with matches against Barcelona and Arsenal to come.

    However, resting players looked a gamble early on as Burnley started brightly, with Jaidon Anthony having two early shots blocked and Loum Tchaouna forcing a save from Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez with a strike from the edge of the box.

    Chelsea started slowly and had only tested Burnley keeper Martin Dubvravka with a tame long-range effort from Trevoh Chalobah.

    But after Neto’s header put them ahead they took control, withdrawing captain Reece James at half-time yet growing increasingly dominant.

    Neto struck a post soon after the interval, while substitute Malo Gusto saw a shot saved amid further attempts from Joao Pedro, Gittens, Fernandez and Marc Cucurella.

    Chelsea’s second-half display was largely about game management as they gave little away and dominated possession, finishing with about 60%.

    In-form striker Zian Flemming fired Burnley’s only second-half chance over, 30 minutes after his side’s previous effort, and substitutes Lyle Foster and Armando Broja could not inspire a comeback.

    After Chelsea made several changes of their own, young striker Guiu provided Fernandez with a cutback to turn home the second goal.

    Burnley remain 17th in the table and could drop into the relegation zone later on Saturday, with Nottingham Forest and West Ham still to play.

    Chelsea climbed to second, having played a game more than their rivals.

  • Palmer fractures toe by stubbing it on door

    Palmer fractures toe by stubbing it on door

    Chelsea’s Cole Palmer will be absent for another week because he fractured his toe when he stubbed it on a door on Wednesday night.

    The England forward was set to resume first-team training this week after two months out with a groin injury.

    But the 23-year-old will remain out for slightly longer because of the injury to the small toe on his favoured left foot.

    He will miss the Blues’ next three fixtures – Saturday’s Premier League game at Burnley, Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against Barcelona and next weekend’s match at home to Arsenal.

    “He is probably not available for Saturday for sure, Barcelona for sure or Arsenal for sure,” said Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.

    “Unfortunately, he had an accident at home where he hit his toe. It is nothing important, but he won’t be back in the next week.

    “I wake up many times during the night – I hit my head, my legs, my everything – so it can happen.”

    Palmer’s most recent appearance was during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on 20 September.

    The Blues have played 11 games in all competitions since then – winning eight and losing two – and sit third in the Premier League table.

    “I think that his team-mates are better players with Cole playing,” added Maresca. “I feel much better when Cole is on the pitch, and we all want Cole on the pitch.

    “At the same time, when Cole is not on the pitch, we need to find a solution. The team is doing very well but we are better with Cole. He was almost back with us.”

    Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto and Benoit Badiashile are all available for the trip to Turf Moor.

    Chelsea have Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi in their so-called ‘bomb squad’ and Maresca confirmed nothing has changed with the pair, despite the defender’s involvement with the Under-21s and first-team training during the international break.

    “Axel and Raheem are Chelsea players,” he said. “Axel is helping the second team, he’s helping the younger players.

    “During the international break we had just five, six players here, so we needed some second-team players. Axel was part of some sessions with second-team players, but I think it was just one session with us.”

    BBC

  • NOC hails Sunshine Schools for successful sports administration course

    NOC hails Sunshine Schools for successful sports administration course

    The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has commended Sunshine Schools, Ibadan, for successfully hosting a three-day Sports Administration Course (SAC) in the ancient city.

    Organised by Olympic Solidarity and the NOC in collaboration with Dynaspro Sports and Sunshine Schools, the programme brought together key sports stakeholders including Directors of Sports, Sports Officers, Heads of Sports Departments, Sports Marketers, and Games Masters.

    More than 20 participants from within and outside Oyo State took part in the training, which was facilitated by International Olympic Committee (IOC)-certified officials.

    NOC General Manager, Emmanuel Nwaneri, praised Sunshine Schools for providing a conducive atmosphere and for engaging coaches and managers across the state.

     “I must commend Sunshine Schools for this initiative. They invited coaches and managers from different sectors to be part of the programme. It’s very encouraging and impressive that it goes beyond the school itself, empowering academies and coaches within Oyo State. This is grassroots sports development,” he said.

    He explained that the SAC is an IOC initiative through its Olympic Solidarity Department, designed to empower sports administrators and managers at local and national levels with best practices in sports management.

     “We have partner schools where we run these programmes as part of Olympic education. Sunshine Schools collaborated with us to empower sports managers, coaches, and administrators in Oyo State, and that’s why we are here,” Nwaneri added.

    CEO of Sunshine Schools, Temitayo Williams, described the training as part of the school’s vision to integrate sports into its curriculum.

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     “Sports has always been a long-term dream for this school. Hosting this programme is like an answer to prayer. Our next step is establishing the Sunshine Sports Academy. We believe sports is central to our vision, and to achieve it, we must embrace experts in the field. However, there is still a big gap in nurturing school talents to help them reach stardom,” she said.

    =Programme Director at NOC, Prof. Fasan Clement, urged other schools nationwide to emulate Sunshine Schools by equipping sports handlers with modern coaching techniques and management skills.

    Participants described the course as an eye-opener, noting that the knowledge gained would help them administer sports more effectively in line with global standards.

    The initiative, part of the IOC’s global educational programme through Olympic Solidarity, aims to equip sports administrators with essential tools to drive development and excellence. It also expands participants’ understanding of the Olympic Movement, the Olympic Games, and the management of sports organisations.

    Attendees were trained on Olympic values, principles of good governance, and effective organisational management, with the ultimate goal of strengthening support systems for athletes.

  • Full Tank, Touch talk tough ahead of GOtv Boxing Night bout

    Full Tank, Touch talk tough ahead of GOtv Boxing Night bout

    Up and coming boxers, Toheeb “Full Tank” Hassan and Ezekiel “Touch” Seun have been talking tough ahead of their much-anticipated national super bantamweight challenge bout at GOtv Boxing Night 34, setting the stage for one of the most combustible contests on the card.

    The eight-round duel, scheduled for 26 December at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, pits two of the division’s most high-pressure fighters against each other. Both men are looking to use the contest as a springboard to further their careers, making the matchup one of the most anticipated of the five bouts of the night.

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

    Seun, known for his relentless front-foot style, vowed to impose himself from the first bell. “There is no stepping back in this fight. Full Tank will feel every punch. I am coming to make a statement,” he said.

    Hassan, whose durability and high work rate earned him the nickname “Full Tank,” dismissed Seun’s threats and promised to see him off. “Touch cannot touch me the way he thinks. Eight rounds are a long time with me. I will break him down,” he warned.

    Their meeting is one of several fiercely matched contests scheduled for GOtv Boxing Night 34: Jams Festival. Other fights on the card include the national lightweight clash between Segun “Odi” Gbobaniyi and Tobiloba “Smiling Assassin” Ijomoni; Sodiq “Smart Lion” Suleiman vs Emmanuel “Ability” Abimbola in the light welterweight division; and Sadam “Baby Boxer” Oladipupo vs Imole “System” Oloyede in an eight-round lightweight bout.

    GOtv Boxing Night 34: Jams Festival, organised by Flykite Productions, takes place on Boxing Day and will feature live music and entertainment alongside the night’s bouts.

  • Lagos Open: Mactay wins as First Bank pledges support for charities

    Lagos Open: Mactay wins as First Bank pledges support for charities

     FirstBank Corporate Golf Challenges for Charities, a part of the annual Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championships, came to a thrilling end at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 on Thursday, with Team Mactay emerging the winner.

    To come top in the keenly contested encounter, Team Mactay shot a total of 89 stable points to beat their closest rival, Team Arravo, to the second position. Comprising star players like Mike Makinde, Tim Ayomike, Folabi Balogun, and Tayo Rotimi, the team fired from all cylinders to win the contest.

    Team Arravo fought to come in the second position. Their score of 83 points was 6 shots adrift from the winning Mactay.

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    With a score of 77 points, Team First Asset Management, represented by Felix Majekodunmi, Femi Feyide, Dokun Oyenuga, and Musbau Amologbe, came in the third position, while Team Glenfiddich came fourth after shooting 75 points.

    Team FirstBank came fifth, while Team Sunbeth ducked in the Sixth position, Team First Securities Brokers came 7th, while Team Coscharis, with a score of 67 points, completed the top eight in the 18-hole tournament.

    Meanwhile, tournament sponsor, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, has pledged its support to charities, saying money raised in the Corporate Challenge would be given to charities. Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications of FirstBank Group, while commending golfers for their participation in the challenge, the passion shown, the camaraderie, and competitive spirit are inspiring proof that leaders can deliver impact on the fairway just as they do in the boardroom, saying their participations extend far beyond this course. Similar initiatives in the past benefited schools like Pacelli School for the Blind and the Down Syndrome Foundation.

  • Tella returns for Leverkusen  against Wolfsburg

    Tella returns for Leverkusen  against Wolfsburg

    Bayer Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand has confirmed that Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella is back in the squad ahead of their Bundesliga game against Wolfsburg on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

    Tella has been dealing with a niggling injury since the second week of September. In a recent interview, he revealed that he had been feeling some discomfort for a while, but it worsened during Die Werkself’s 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on September 12.

    However, two weeks ago, Coach Hjulmand revealed that the Super Eagles star could return to action after the international break.

    Read Also: Super Falcons, Nnadozie win  big at 2025 CAF Awards

    The former Southampton player returned to full first-team training earlier in the week. In what is a boost for Bayer Leverkusen, Coach Hjulmand has now confirmed that Tella will be available for action in their Bundesliga game at Wolfsburg.

    When asked about the Super Eagles star in the pre-match conference, Hjulmand stated: “Nathan [Tella] is back in the squad,” per Werkself Xtra.

    Although Tella is now fully fit, it is unlikely that he will start. He has spent over two months on the sidelines and will need time to reach full match fitness.

  • PSG, Barcelona renew interest in Osimhen, agent confirms

    PSG, Barcelona renew interest in Osimhen, agent confirms

    Top European clubs PSG and Barcelona are interested in signing Victor Osimhen, his agent has confirmed.

    George Gardi, who brokered the record-breaking transfer of Osimhen from Napoli to Galatasaray this past summer, told Sky Sports Germany that both clubs wish to sign the striker.

    However, the agent also stated that Osimhen does not plan to quit the Turkish giants at present.

    Similarly, Galatasaray President Dursan Ozbek has declared that much-prized striker Victor Osimhen could be sold at any time.

    Read Also: Super Falcons, Nnadozie win  big at 2025 CAF Awards

    “We said that if we bought Osimhen, Galatasaray will benefit from this deal. Given his age and performance, he’s a player who can be sold to another club at any time,” Ozbek told GT Spor and Haberturk TV.

    “All these factors positively influenced our decision on Osimhen. Galatasaray’s financial situation also made this transfer possible.”

    Galatasaray bought Osimhen this summer for a record-breaking 75 million euros in a deal that will run until June 2029.

    They will therefore be encouraged by the latest declaration from the Galatasaray President on the player’s availability.

  • Okocha laments Super Eagles’ decline, demands proper football structure

    Okocha laments Super Eagles’ decline, demands proper football structure

    By Joshua Osinowo

    Nigerian football icon Austin Jay Jay Okocha has expressed deep disappointment over the Super Eagles’ recent performance, stressing that the problems facing the team run far deeper than what fans see during the 90 minutes of play.

    Okocha said he was not impressed with the match the Super Eagles played, noting that the inconsistency and lack of control on the pitch reflect bigger structural issues within Nigerian football.

    The former national team captain explained that Nigeria has always been a country rich in football talent and potential, but has continuously failed to convert that natural advantage into consistent results. “Nigeria can never lack talent because of our population,” he said. “We even have a fantastic squad now, but why are we not consistent? Why are we not winning back-to-back games?”

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    According to Okocha, the problem is not simply about the players or the coach; instead, he believes the core issue lies in Nigeria’s long-standing habit of searching for quick fixes rather than investing in a lasting football foundation. “It’s the same thing—putting a proper structure in place and letting that structure work. We always believe in quick fixes in football, but there is no quick fix,” he insisted.

    Okocha emphasised that true success begins long before the whistle is blown, stressing the importance of preparation, planning, and organisation off the pitch. “I don’t think it’s just the players. It might be other things off the pitch. You have to prepare off the pitch before you get on the pitch,” he added.

  • Napoli president faces trial for Osimhen’s ‘fraudulent’ transfer

    Napoli president faces trial for Osimhen’s ‘fraudulent’ transfer

    Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis will face trial after an Italian court said he and other officials falsified the figures in the transfer of Victor Osimhen from Lille five years ago.

    De Laurentiis and other top Napoli officials will begin trial on September 2, 2026. Osimhen’s transfer involved player exchanges, which were inflated.

    According to the public prosecutor’s office, Napoli used fictitious capital gains and accounting manipulations to falsify the club’s financial statements, a version firmly rejected by De Laurentiis, who, according to La Gazzetta, never attended the hearings.

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    The Italian daily newspaper reported comments from the three lawyers of the Napoli owner: “We are absolutely stunned by the judge’s decision. The prosecution and the prosecutors emphasized in their (previous) arguments that Naples has not benefited from any advantage in this case.”

    For their part, Napoli issued a similarly scathing statement.

    “We express our shock and dismay at the indictment issued by the investigating judge in Rome,” it read.

    “All the technical investigations, carried out with the utmost rigor, have unequivocally demonstrated the regularity of the club’s actions, both in the accounting of transactions and player transfers.