The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Gutted Bassey shifts focus to AFCON after W’Cup 2026 blow

    Gutted Bassey shifts focus to AFCON after W’Cup 2026 blow

     Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey says that although he is deeply disappointed by Nigeria’s failure to secure a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the team’s best efforts, the focus must now shift to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

    Nigeria fell 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo on Sunday in the final of the African World Cup Qualifying Play-off Tournament in Morocco, with the Central African side claiming the continent’s sole ticket to the Inter-confederations playoffs in March.

    Despite the team’s overall poor showing, Bassey, alongside Benjamin Fredrick, was among the few standout performers for the Super Eagles in the encounter.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Osimhen makes final three for  Men’s POTY

    Although he had a fairly outstanding performance out of the pack, Bassey was one of the three Super Eagles players who missed their penalties during the shoot-out. He struck his effort over the crossbar before Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi also failed to convert.

    The Fulham defender emphasized that while the team gave everything, it simply wasn’t enough on the day. He added that instead of dwelling on the disappointment, the players must use the setback as motivation heading into the AFCON in Morocco next month.

    “We did everything we could. We’ve got to keep our heads held high… we go again at AFCON.”

    Nigeria, three-time winners of the AFCON, will be hoping to lift the trophy for the first time in over a decade. The Super Eagles last triumphed in 2013 and came agonisingly close in 2024, losing 2-1 in the final to hosts Cote d’Ivoire

  • Fubara hails successful hosting of CIO Golf Classic in Port Harcourt 

    Fubara hails successful hosting of CIO Golf Classic in Port Harcourt 

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has acknowledged the positive impact of having seven countries gather in Rivers State for the just concluded 6th CIO Golf Classic at the Python Golf Club, Port Harcourt, on Sunday, November 16th.

     “We need to find a way to put events like this in the spotlight. The successful hosting of this event underscores the safety and hospitable character of Rivers State,” Said Fubara who was the special guest of honour at the event’s closing ceremony.

    The CIO Classic, in its sixth edition, staked a total purse of N75 million naira (approximately $ 50,000 USD), the largest total purse for professional golfers this year. This effort, according to the Chairman of the sponsoring company, Ikenna Okafor, aligns with the globalization goal of the event.

     “Today, this event is the biggest professional prize purse event in West Africa.” He continued, “… and we have secured a strategic alliance with the Safari Tour of Kenya to Co-Sanction this event. What that does is to give leverage to all the Nigerian players at this event to get other international opportunities. This clearly positions CIO Classic as the single most important tournament for all West African professionals to step onto the global stage,” he added.

    Governor Fubara, who praised Keeves Global Leasing management for initiating and sponsoring the event from inception, added that the importance and pedigree the event has attained make it one that the state will be willing to work alongside the organisers in deepening the values everybody derives from it.

     “The State will be willing to work with the organisers in the future for the benefit of all,” he noted.

    Meanwhile, Nigeria extended its dominance at the event with Francis Epe, the number one-ranked player, exerting himself over the field of 107 professional players that had competed at the event. Epe, (from Ikoyi Club 1938, in Lagos), shot 11 under par for the four days to pocket the N15 million-naira winner’s cheque.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Ajibade, Nnadozie lead Nigeria’s charge for women honours

    He was three shots ahead of Udom Sateer  from the host club (-8 in 72 holes), while Vincent Torgah from Tema Golf Club in Ghana finished at -7 to claim the third prize.

    Epe, multiple winners on the Nigerian Tour and current leader on the Nigeria’s Professional Golfers’ Association’s order of merit (Ranking System), said he came to the event with a positive feeling that the week would go well for him.

     “I had a good feeling about this from the start, and knew if I just played my game and stayed focused, the win was possible. My swing, my putt, and the good feeling gave me the week. I think credit should also go to the sponsor for believing in Nigerian players. He has consistently funded this event for the past few years. This is wonderful, and I believe the scores are getting better. I also want to credit Udom Sateer, who finished second. He is the real hero of this tournament. He kept his cool from the start of the event till his last ball. He might not have won, but he showed class and composure.”

    Players from Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Cameroon, Lebanon, Gambia, and host Nigeria took part in the event, while all Safari Tour players earned points towards the 2026 Magical Kenya Open 2026.

  • Excitements build-up for 2025 PFAS Games in Abuja

    Excitements build-up for 2025 PFAS Games in Abuja

    Ahead of the 2025 Pension Fund Administrators Games to be staged in Abuja between Tuesday, November 25 and Saturday, November 29, some of the contenders have started boasting about what to expect as the race for prestige, pride and corporate supremacy takes centre stage at the Federal Capital Territory.

    This year’s event will see athletes from ten top Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) compete in

    Football (7/9-a-side), Co-Ed Volleyball, Table Tennis, Snooker, Scrabble, Chess, Team-Bonding Activities, and eSports (FIFA).

    At the  draw ceremony held  last weekend , the organisers said there would be  adherence to rules  and regulations  as no NYSC Corps members or interns will be allowed to participate while staff verification would l be carried out via RSA PIN to ensure integrity across all events.

    Speaking at the event, Promise Onyedikachi Moses, Executive Assistant at Turf Arena Sports Centre (TASC), said the 2025 edition is designed to raise the bar.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Osimhen makes final three for  Men’s POTY

     “The camaraderie and family atmosphere at the last edition were beautiful. This year, we’re adding new twists to make the games more competitive, engaging and memorable.”

    Meanwhile, some of the contenders are already talking tough ahead of the kick-off of the games

    Trustfund Pension’s   Modestus Amaefule, champions in 2023, made their intentions clear: “We’re here to reclaim the title. With our preparation and management support, we are the team to beat.”

    But they face stiff resistance from FCMB Pension, the reigning champions and two-time winners (2022 & 2024). Representing them, Isah Kabir Umar said: “We’re not relinquishing the title. We remain relentless, focused, and far from complacent.”

    PenCom’s representative, Najib Shehu, boldly declared: “To win, we must beat everyone — and we’re ready. Our staff made sacrifices to be here, not to make up the numbers but to compete fiercely.”

    FCMB Pension won the 2024 edition after a dramatic five-day battle in Abuja. With rivalries renewed and ambitions soaring, the 2025 PFA Games are shaping up to be the most intense edition yet.

  • Football tourney enters group phase at Obasa Games

    Football tourney enters group phase at Obasa Games

    By Olamilekan Israel

    ‎The group phase of the football tournament in the ongoing Obasa Games 2025 will start today, November 19 and end on November 29, the organisers have revealed.

    ‎The preliminary stage, which started on Friday with the opener between Flexy 89 FA and Papa Academy FA, ended yesterday November 18.

    ‎According to the organisers, the Round of 16 games will start on December 2nd while the Quarter- final matches will be played between December 7th and 9th.

    ‎The semi-final clashes have been fixed for December 10th while the third-placed game will be staged on December 11th.

    ‎The grand finale, which is expected to be held at the Anwarul Islam Model College, Oniwaya, Agege playing field, will come up on December 13.

    ‎Also, the other Games final rounds are expected to start at the Agege Stadium from November 24th – 28th following the completion of the elimination round from the six educational districts in Lagos State.

    ‎Obasa Games, which will run for one month across Lagos State, was organised by King Sports International in honour of the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.

    ‎Speaking at the  opening  ceremony of the Obasa Games 2025, the Chairman Agege Local Government Area who doubles as the event’s  Main Organizing Committee (MOC)  Chairman , Hon. Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa stressed  the  essence of the Obasa Games is to offer opportunities to talented youths in Lagos State.

    ‎”We will engage them over the next month, allowing them to enjoy sports and participate actively, paving their way to become future champions,” Obasa said.

    Read Also: W’Cup 2026: Toro hails NFF, stakeholders for Super Eagles’   playoff spot

    ‎This year’s edition is themed “From the Streets to Stardom-Celebrating Grassroots Talent, Inspiring Champions’, a message Abdul Ganiyu said reflects collective belief that greatness often begins in the most modest of places.

    ‎He said: “It is a tribute to raw, untapped potential that exists across Lagos, waiting only for an opportunity to shine. The Obasa Games stand as that opportunity-a bridge between ambition and achievement.”

    ‎“Since its inception in 2023, the Obasa Games has grown to become one of Lagos State’s most celebrated grassroots sporting platforms- a vibrant arena where youthful passion meets discipline, teamwork, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence.  What began as a local vision has now evolved into a state-wide movement that continues to identify, nurture, and elevate sporting talents from the very heart of our communities.

    ‎”We owe special gratitude to the Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudasiru Ajayi Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, whose vision, leadership, and steadfast support for youth development continues to inspire this initiative. His unwavering commitment to the growth of sports and empowerment of young people remains a beacon of hope for our communities.”

  • Osimhen undergoes MRI scan for injury

    Osimhen undergoes MRI scan for injury

    Victor Osimhen will undergo an MRI scan to determine the severity of the injury he suffered during the World Cup Playoffs final against DR Congo.

    Osimhen did not appear for the second half of the Playoffs final.

    Read Also: W’Cup 2026: Toro hails NFF, stakeholders for Super Eagles’   playoff spot

    Officials told SCORENigeria that a hamstring injury is suspected and out of precaution and in order not to aggravate the complaint, he was replaced for the second half by Jerome Akor.

    His Turkish club Galatasaray will welcome Genclerbirligi in continuation of the Super Lig Saturday.

  • Rivers United  begin Champions League’s group phase campaign in Cairo on Saturday 

    Rivers United  begin Champions League’s group phase campaign in Cairo on Saturday 

    Africa’s biggest club competitions return this weekend as the Group Stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup gets underway across the continent.

    A star-studded field features reigning TotalEnergies CAF Champions League winners Pyramids FC, record 12-time champions Al Ahly, four-time winners Espérance de Tunis, South African powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns, Moroccan giants RS Berkane and AS FAR, alongside ambitious challengers from every CAF zone.

    In the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, former champions Zamalek and USM Alger headline a compelling cast that includes Wydad, CR Belouizdad, Kaizer Chiefs, Stellenbosch, Azam, ZESCO United and exciting debutants Nairobi United.

    Opening night delivers immediate blockbusters: Pyramids welcome Rivers United in Cairo while RS Berkane face Power Dynamos in a North–South clash rich with subplots.

    Heavyweights return with purpose as Al Ahly begin their hunt for a 13th crown against JS Kabylie, Espérance host Stade Malien, and Mamelodi Sundowns test their rhythm versus St Éloi Lupopo.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Ajibade, Nnadozie lead Nigeria’s charge for women honours

    Regional narratives light up the Confederation Cup, where an Egyptian derby group springs into life with Zamalek hosting ZESCO United and Al Masry meeting Kaizer Chiefs.

    Fresh chapters are also written by debutants and rising forces, with Nairobi United travelling to Wydad, OC Safi visiting Djoliba, and Maniema Union hosting Azam in a tantalising East–Central Africa duel.

    Two matchdays will be played before the start of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. The group phase will pause during the continental showpiece and resume in January 2026.

    CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:  MATCHDAY 1 FIXTURES (All times GMT)

    Friday, 21 November

    13:00 — Al-Hilal Omdurman (SUD) vs. MC Alger (ALG)

    Saturday, 22 November

    13:00 — Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) vs. St Éloi Lupopo (DRC)

    13:00 — Young Africans (TAN) vs. AS FAR Rabat (MAR)

    16:00 — Al Ahly (EGY) vs. JS Kabylie (ALG)

    16:00 — Espérance Tunis (TUN) vs. Stade Malien (MLI)

    19:00 — RS Berkane (MAR) vs. Power Dynamos (ZAM)

    19:00 — Pyramids (EGY) vs. Rivers United (NGA)

    Sunday, 23 November

    13:00 — Simba (TAN) vs. Petro Atlético (ANG)

    CAF CONFEDERATION CUP: MATCHDAY 1 FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT)

    Saturday, 22 November

    19:00 — CR Belouizdad (ALG) vs. Singida Black Stars (TAN)

    Sunday, 23 November

    13:00 — Maniema (DRC) vs. Azam (TAN)

    13:00 — Stellenbosch (RSA) vs. AS Otoho (CON)

    16:00 — Al Masry (EGY) vs. Kaizer Chiefs (RSA)

    16:00 — Djoliba (MLI) vs. OC Safi (MAR)

    19:00 — USM Alger (ALG) vs. San Pedro (CIV)

    19:00 — Wydad (MAR) vs. Nairobi United (KEN)

    19:00 — Zamalek (EGY) vs. ZESCO United (ZAM)

  •   GTI mourns Rangers’ Media Director Okolie

      GTI mourns Rangers’ Media Director Okolie

    Strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, have joined other football stakeholders across the country in mourning the death of Rangers International of Enugu’s Director of Media and Communications, Mr. Norbert Okolie.

    In a statement released to the media in Lagos on Monday, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, said the organisation received with deep shock the news of the passing of the veteran photojournalist, who made immense contributions to the growth and development of the elite league.

    “GTI Group received with shock the passing of one of the outstanding Media Directors of NPFL clubs, Norbert Okolie, who, according to the management of Enugu Rangers, died over the weekend after a brief illness.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Ajibade, Nnadozie lead Nigeria’s charge for women honours

    “His death has created a huge vacuum in the football ecosystem because Okolie enriched his work by elevating the quality of media content produced for the elite league and his club, Rangers International.

    “Okolie, who was once the Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), carried out his duties with dedication, professionalism, and great passion. He will be greatly missed by his friends, colleagues, and the entire Rangers and NPFL families.

    “We extend our sincere condolences to his immediate family and to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) over his demise,” the statement read.

    Ekejiuba further extended GTI’s heartfelt condolences to Okolie’s family, Enugu Rangers, SWAN, and the NPFL Media Directors Association, calling on football fans nationwide to unite in prayer for the bereaved family.

  • WESPAC 2025: Victorious Team Nigeria’s World  Scrabble Champions returns

    WESPAC 2025: Victorious Team Nigeria’s World  Scrabble Champions returns

    Team Nigeria touched down in Lagos on Monday, carrying not just luggage, but a statement, a thunderous declaration that the new kings of world scrabble wear green and white.

    Twenty players. Seven officials. One united force.

    And together, they dethroned the  United States in Accra to emerge World Scrabble Champions, outclassing 27 other nations in a tournament packed with intensity, adrenaline, and pure grit.

    Led by a one-time continental champion and captain Rex Ogbakpa, the Nigerians didn’t just win, they dominated.

    The duo of Oluwatimilehin Doko, current continental champion and his tactical partner Abdulmumin Jimoh, both from the Gateway State, carved through the field with clinical brilliance, turning the once-invincible Americans into mere spectators. It was chess with letters, war with words and Nigeria was the master strategist.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Ajibade, Nnadozie lead Nigeria’s charge for women honours

    Adding firepower were the five “Word Lords’’ from Warri Scrabble Club, whose razor-sharp gameplay kept opponents scrambling. Lagos came loaded too, with Dipo Akanbi, John Aiyedun, and Hakeem Olaribigbe, all Lagos civil servants, stamping authority with ice-cold precision.

    Edo State’s pride, Godwin Victor and George Ezinore, stood tall, delivering performances that echoed Nigeria’s strength in depth.

    In the heart of the victory, the message was unmistakable. Team Nigeria’s never-say-die spirit, unity, and courage were the real champions.

    And nobody captured this better than Lagos ace Dipo Akanbi, who hailed the squad’s attitude as “a brotherhood built on fight, faith, and absolute belief,” praising the collective spirit that fuelled the triumph.

    World Champion Wellington Jighere showered praise on the team, describing their performance as “a powerful reminder of Nigeria’s unmatched pedigree in global scrabble.”

    Vice President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Lovejoy Ogbuokiri Ezinna, not only applauded the historic win but also backed his words with financial support to the team, a gesture that drew warm appreciation from players and officials who had given everything for the country.

    The oldest member of Team Nigeria, Chinedu Thorpe amorously called Sidespin, captures the feeling of the group with these short but very heart-warming words, “Thank you NSF for a wonderful and remarkable opportunity to represent the country.

     “Congratulations Team Nigeria once again. We rule the World.”

    Back home, preparations are already underway to present the gleaming gold-plated trophy to the National Sports Commission (NSC), a moment that will etch yet another chapter in Nigeria’s rich scrabble legacy.

    For now, the champions savour the glory. In two years, they will defend not just a title but the pride of a nation.

    Team Nigeria reigns. And the world is officially on notice.

  • NWFL warns clubs over late registration ahead of Nov. 26  Premiership  kick-off

    NWFL warns clubs over late registration ahead of Nov. 26  Premiership  kick-off

    The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has issued a firm warning to clubs yet to complete their digital registration and club licensing procedures ahead of the new Premiership season, stressing that non-compliant teams risk sanctions, including relegation.

    With the November 22 deadline fast approaching, the league organizers, in a statement on Tuesday by Media Director, Samuel Ahmadu, confirmed that Castmog Ladies, Osun Babes, and Naija Ratels are among the clubs still behind schedule in meeting the mandatory digital documentation and licensing requirements.

    All processes are now conducted through the league’s digital registration portal to ensure transparency and efficiency as part of efforts to professionalise women’s football in Nigeria.

    NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, urged the outstanding clubs to complete their submissions without delay, reaffirming that the deadline will not be extended.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Osimhen makes final three for  Men’s POTY

     “The digital registration and licensing process is designed to ensure that every club meets the minimum professional standards required to compete,” Shabi said.

     “We expect full compliance before the November 22 deadline. Any club that fails to meet these financial and administrative obligations will face the consequences as outlined in our regulations. Our commitment is to run a credible, properly structured league.”

    The NWFL reiterated its determination to enforce all regulatory provisions to guarantee a seamless start to the new season and uphold the integrity of the competition.

  • Trump unveils fast-track visas for World Cup ticket holders

    Trump unveils fast-track visas for World Cup ticket holders

    President Donald Trump has unveiled special fast-track visas for people with tickets to the 2026 World Cup – but his administration warned it was no guarantee of entry to the United States.

    The United States has promised a seamless experience for next year’s tournament despite concerns that Trump’s border crackdown could hurt fans.

     “For those who intend to join us for the World Cup, I strongly encourage you to apply right away,” Trump said as he announced the scheme in the Oval Office with Gianni Infantino, the boss of global soccer body FIFA.

    Infantino – who has repeatedly appeared at Trump’s side since the Republican’s return to the White House in January – said the so-called “FIFA Pass” was a “very important announcement.”

     “If you have a ticket for the World Cup, you can have a prioritized appointment to get your visa,” Infantino said.

     “We’ll have between five and 10 million people coming to America from all over the world to enjoy the World Cup, and with this FIFA pass, we can make sure that those who buy a ticket, that are legitimate football fans or soccer fans, they can come and attend the World Cup in the best conditions.”

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio however issued a warning to those hoping to come for the tournament.

     “Your ticket is not a visa,” Rubio said at the announcement. “It doesn’t guarantee admission to the US. It guarantees you an expedited appointment, you’re still going to go through the same vetting.”

    Rubio said ticket holders would get an interview within six to eight weeks under the plan but urged people to act now.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Osimhen makes final three for  Men’s POTY

     “Don’t wait till the last minute,” he said.

    Trump has made the World Cup a centrepiece event of both his second presidency and the 250th anniversary of US independence next year.

    But the giant sporting extravaganza has not escaped the political turmoil caused by Trump’s hard-line stance on a host of issues.

    Trump has raised the possibility of moving games from certain host cities amid a crackdown on what he says is crime and migration in some Democratic-run cities.

    The draw for the World Cup is due to take place in Washington on December 5.

    FIFA will present a new peace prize on the same day, with widespread speculation that it   could go to Trump.