The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Honda tips Japan to win W’Cup 2026

    Honda tips Japan to win W’Cup 2026

     Japan has the potential to win next year’s World Cup, said  Keisuke Honda, one of the country’s biggest football stars in the first two decades of the millennium.

    “They have the potential (to) become at least the best four in the World Cup next year, maybe champion,” Honda, who won 90 Japan caps and played for his country at three World Cups, said at the AVCJ Private Equity Forum in Hong Kong.

    “There is nothing impossible, and they have a lot of good player(s) now so I hope they are gonna (make it),” added Honda, the co-founder of Japan-focused venture capital firm X&KSK.

    Japan has already qualified for next year’s World Cup in North America. At the last edition in Qatar in 2022, they beat European powers Spain and Germany on their way to the last 16.

    Honda, 39, played in a globetrotting career for clubs in at least five countries, including Italy’s renowned Serie A team AC Milan.

    Now a venture investor focusing on start-ups in Japan and the United States, Honda told the audience he had not given up his football dream.

    Read Also: 2026 World Cup: African  hopefuls set to  seal  berths

    “My dreams are two things now, to be the best investors in the world and the best coach in the world, which means become a champion of the World Cup as a coach,” he said.

    The versatile midfielder told Reuters on the sidelines of the forum that he hoped to one day coach Japan’s national team.

    Honda’s venture capital firm raised about 15.3 billion yen in its first investment fund in January, with backing from investors such as Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, SBI Group and Nomura, X&KSK said in a statement at the time.

    Honda also co-founded Dreamers VC with American actor Will Smith. The venture investment firm focuses on consumer, tech, entertainment and biotech sectors in the U.S., its website shows.

  • ALTECS unveils maiden edition of U-17 secondary school football competition

    ALTECS unveils maiden edition of U-17 secondary school football competition

    All Things Education Consultants UK (ALTECS) has unveiled its maiden edition of the U-17 Secondary School Football Competition.

    The event, held recently at Greensprings School, Lekki, featured some of Lagos’ top private secondary schools.

    It was a day of competitive football, talent scouting, and academic outreach.

    The tournament, described by organisers as a “fusion of education, opportunity and sports development,” brought together eight schools, including British International School (BIS), Atlantic Hall, Dowen College, International School Lagos, Corona School, Caleb School, and others.

    Mr. Johnson Agogo, ALTECS UK representative, said the initiative was created to help African students access academic and sporting opportunities in Britain and beyond.

    “Our priority is education, but we added sports to identify talented students and possibly create international pathways for them,” Agogo said. “This is our first sports edition, and by the next one we’ll have more sponsors and UK partners supporting a bigger and better programme.”

    Agogo named the founders of the UK-based consulting firm as Emmanuel Oyedeji Awe and Ebipeju Olukoya, adding that ALTECS is committed to using sports as a bridge for educational advancement.

    The event’s Sports Coordinator, Coach Joseph Duruihuoma, a seasoned PE teacher and sports administrator with over a decade of experience, said the competition is strictly for students below 17.

    “We host tournaments yearly and termly, but this is the first consultant-driven one,” he said. “ALTECS has done exceptionally well. Coaches trust our platform, and many of these students already dream of studying in the UK and beyond. ALTECS is opening that door.”

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    He added that the competition included a large trophy, medals, and individual prizes, with scouts monitoring standout players.

    Former national swimming athlete and sports administrator, Mrs. Wemimo Raje, applauded the organisers for linking sports and academics.

    “This is grassroots development. Some of these students will get scholarships. Sports is no longer for dropouts, education and sports must go together, and ALTECS understands that synergy,” she said.

    She criticised Nigeria’s over-concentration on football while neglecting other sports but noted that private initiatives like this signal a new direction for youth development.

    One of the standout players, 14-year-old Eli Nwachukwu of British International School, said he hopes the competition opens professional doors.

    “I’d love to play football professionally,” he said. “If a UK scholarship comes through ALTECS, it would be a great opportunity.”

    Eli, a central defensive midfielder, said his team has strong chemistry and is confident of going far in the tournament.

    Despite the excitement on the pitch, Agogo insisted that academics remain the heart of the initiative.

    “We don’t encourage any student to abandon school. What we promote is combining education with sports so they can pursue both in the Uk and around the globe,” he said.

    The tournament ended with cheers, red-carpet interviews, exhibition stands, and scouts evaluating emerging prospects.

    Organisers affirmed that the next edition will expand to include more schools, sponsors, and UK-based academies.

    With grassroots sports struggling for support nationwide, ALTECS UK’s intervention has opened a new channel, where Nigerian students can chase academic excellence while nurturing athletic dreams.

  • Bournemouth’s Semenyo has £65m January release clause

    Bournemouth’s Semenyo has £65m January release clause

    Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has a £65m release clause in his contract that can be activated during the first two weeks of the January transfer window, BBC Sport has been told.

    The Ghana international attracted interest from several clubs including Manchester United and Tottenham in the summer only for the 25-year-old to sign a new five-year deal at Vitality Stadium on 1 July.

    However, BBC Sport has learned that his new contract contains a release clause of £65m that can be triggered in the first two weeks of the winter transfer window in order to allow Bournemouth enough time to replace their star player.

    The winter transfer window opens on Thursday, 1 January 2026 for Premier League and English Football League (EFL) clubs and closes at 19:00 GMT on Monday, 2 February.

    Semenyo has been in excellent form in the Premier League this season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 11 appearances for Andoni Iraola’s side.

    Last season he hit double figures for the first time in his career – 11 goals in the league and 13 in all competitions.

    Read Also: EPL: Bournemouth fight back as Semenyo shines in 3–1 victory over Fulham

    Londoner Semenyo qualifies for Ghana through his father.

    He was rejected by Arsenal, Spurs and Millwall as a youngster before joining the football programme at SGS College in Bristol, run by former Leeds and Forest Green Rovers manager Dave Hockaday.

    Bristol City signed him in 2017 but he needed loan spells at Bath, Newport and Sunderland before breaking into the Robins first team during the 2020-21 season.

    In January 2023 he made a £10m move to Bournemouth and has been improving ever since.

    Semenyo’s goals helped Bournemouth finish ninth last season but they sold three of their back four – Illia Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen – for almost £150m during the summer.

    They also failed to make goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan move from Chelsea permanent, with the Spaniard joining Arsenal instead – but keeping hold of Semenyo has proved vital for the club this season.

  • Tinubu to Super Eagles: focus  on  AFCON

    Tinubu to Super Eagles: focus  on  AFCON

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Super Eagles to shift their full attention to the 2026 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, urging the team to recover quickly from Sunday’s World Cup playoff defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President said the team must now “focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations” after narrowly missing out on a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive cycle.

    Nigeria’s qualification hopes were extinguished in Rabat after a tense match ended 1-1 in extra time, with DR Congo edging the Eagles 4-3 on penalties to move into the Inter-Confederation play-off.

    Despite the disappointment, President Tinubu commended the players for their determination throughout the qualifiers, noting that they had shown resilience, particularly after winning the first leg of the playoff.

     “Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” he said.

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

    The President also called for a comprehensive review of the country’s football operations, urging administrators, coaches, players, and stakeholders to return to the drawing board and “plug all the loopholes” that undermined the qualification campaign.

    While acknowledging the pain felt by fans nationwide, he stressed that the upcoming AFCON—scheduled for January to February 2026—provides an immediate opportunity for redemption.

     “Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” President Tinubu said, rallying the team to prepare adequately and aim for a strong continental outing.

    In a related development,  the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised  to President Tinubu, the Federal Government and the Nigerian public following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    In a statement released  through its Communications Department, the federation described Sunday’s defeat to the Democratic Republic of  Congo in the Africa Play-Offs Final in Rabat as “a moment of profound sadness,” noting that the result fell far short of national expectations.

    The NFF acknowledged the emotional impact of missing out on a second consecutive World Cup, stressing that in a country where football functions as a unifying force and a national symbol, the setback carries “great weight and emotional depth.”

  • PLAY-OFFS: Chelle claims voodoo behind loss to  DR Congo

    PLAY-OFFS: Chelle claims voodoo behind loss to  DR Congo

    Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle has accused the Democratic Republic of the Congo of using voodoo during their penalty shootout on Sunday.

    DR Congo eliminated Nigeria from FIFA World Cup contention, claiming a 4-3 win on penalties at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Morocco on Sunday.

    Locked at 1-1 after extra time thanks to first half goals from Nigeria’s Frank Onyeka (3’) and DR Congo’s Mechak Elia (52’), extra-time substitute Timothy Fayulu proved to be the difference maker, saving two penalties to send the Leopards through to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

    Following the match, Chelle was involved in a heated altercation with DR Congo staff and accused the Leopards of using voodoo during the shootout.

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

     “During all the penalty, the session, the guy of Congo did some voodoo. Every time, every time, every time. So this is why I was a little nervous after him,” said Chelle, which was captured in a video posted by ESPN Africa on X.

    Chelle claimed he saw a member of the DR Congo staff throwing a liquid towards the goal.

    Nigeria have now failed to qualify for a second successive World Cup, while the Leopards will look to secure their spot at the tournament through the upcoming intercontinental play-offs.

  • W’Cup 2026: NFF begs Tinubu, Nigerians over  Super Eagles’ setback

    W’Cup 2026: NFF begs Tinubu, Nigerians over  Super Eagles’ setback

    • By Joshua Osinowo

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised  to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and the Nigerian public following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    In a statement released  through its Communications Department, the federation described Sunday’s defeat to the Democratic Republic of  Congo in the Africa Play-Offs Final in Rabat as “a moment of profound sadness,” noting that the result fell far short of national expectations.

    The NFF acknowledged the emotional impact of missing out on a second consecutive World Cup, stressing that in a country where football functions as a unifying force and a national symbol, the setback carries “great weight and emotional depth.”

    According to the statement, the atmosphere in the dressing room after the match was sombre, with players visibly distressed as they absorbed the disappointment. The Federation added that the board, technical crew and playing personnel fully recognise the gravity of the situation and the expectations of millions of Nigerians.

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

    The NFF also highlighted the extensive support received throughout the qualification campaign—from the Federal Government, National Sports Commission, National Assembly, key ministries and agencies, the diplomatic service, media stakeholders and fans across the world.

     “Football in Nigeria is more than a sport; it is a national language and a powerful symbol of identity and unity,” the Federation said, pledging to respond with sincerity, accountability and concrete action.

    With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco approaching, the NFF stated that the tournament presents an opportunity for renewal and for the team to demonstrate the resilience traditionally associated with Nigerian football.

    The Federation further announced that, in the coming days, its leadership will embark on a comprehensive review of the technical, administrative and structural lapses that contributed to the unsuccessful World Cup campaign. It assured Nigerians that decisive steps will be taken to reposition the national teams for future success.

     “We will rebuild trust. We will restore pride. We will reclaim our standing on the global stage,” the statement concluded, reaffirming Nigeria’s reputation as a nation defined by resilience and optimism.

  • Eroded football’s system behind Eagles’  W’Cup 2026 mishap , says Green

    Eroded football’s system behind Eagles’  W’Cup 2026 mishap , says Green

    Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has continued to draw strong reactions from stakeholders, with Rivers State Commissioner for Youth and Sports , Barrister Chris Green, delivering one of the most searing assessments yet.

    The  former Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee, said the setback was not a sudden occurrence but the consequence of years of neglect, mismanagement and short-term thinking within Nigerian football.

    According to him, the nation has repeatedly applied “patch and quick-fix solutions” to deep-rooted structural problems that require honesty, competence and long-term planning.

    “Our foundation has been eroded,” he said. “You cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stay. Incompetence, lack of capacity, ethnicity, nepotism, favouritism, hatred and lure for money are the bane of our football.”

    Green noted that Nigeria’s decline has been visible for years, insisting that the team has not been truly “super” for a long time.

    “Brace up lads, stop crying. We know where the problem lies,” he said. “They have taken the ‘giant of African football’ toga from us. It didn’t start today, and unfortunately we are yet to get to the climax.”

    He expressed sadness over the emotional toll the failure has taken on fans, recalling how “people shouted their voices hoarse” and even died watching the Super Eagles struggle in recent years. But he stressed that lamentation alone will not change anything.

    “Enough tears shed. It’s time for positive action towards revamping and restructuring of our football,” he urged, calling for a collective decision to rebuild the sport on integrity, merit, professionalism and sustainable development.

    Green added a note of appreciation to those who continue to highlight these issues publicly, acknowledging a shared desire for a better future for Nigerian football.

    Nigeria will now miss the World Cup for two consecutive editions having also failed to qualify for the 2022 edition held in Qatar , a development many stakeholders hope will trigger the long-overdue reforms the commissioner has consistently advocated.

  • W’Cup 2026 : Ex-Minister Dalung opens can of worms on Nigerian football

    W’Cup 2026 : Ex-Minister Dalung opens can of worms on Nigerian football

    • By Olamilekan Israel

    Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has accused key actors within Nigeria’s football administration of fostering a system of corruption, impunity and deliberate sabotage that, he says, continues to derail the country’s progress on the global stage.

    Dalung made the allegations in a statement posted on his Facebook page, where he reflected on his tenure as Minister from 2015 and detailed what he described as entrenched practices designed to undermine transparency and accountability.

    According to him, the decay within football governance is “why Nigeria repeatedly fails to qualify for the World Cup since 2018,” insisting that the issues are neither accidental nor inexplicable.

    Dalung revealed that his understanding of the sports ecosystem predates his appointment, citing his experience as part of Nigeria’s delegation to the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali, where he witnessed conflicts over player bonuses and alleged misconduct by officials.

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

    He recounted an encounter with a veteran cleaner who told him that “in sports, we work harder for failure than for success.” Dalung said this statement shaped his perception, explaining that football administrators allegedly profit more when the national team fails early because unspent allowances and bonuses are never retired or accounted for.

    The former minister said he attempted to introduce reforms and enforce accountability during his tenure, but his efforts were met with resistance. According to him, groups within the football system frequently misrepresented his actions as “interference” and reported him to FIFA to shield corruption.

    He added that parts of the sports media were often misinformed and inadvertently helped to deflect attention away from the real issues.

    In response to the persistent mismanagement, Dalung said he set up a high powered Technical Committee led by Col. Abdulmumuni, with former NFA chairmen, past secretaries, coaches, ex-internationals, private sector representatives and government officials.

    The committee reportedly identified corruption, unpaid bonuses, nepotism, injustice, impunity and lack of transparency as major factors crippling Nigerian football.

    One of its most striking recommendations was for Nigeria to voluntarily withdraw from international football for six months and request FIFA to establish a Normalization Committee to restructure the sport before returning.

    Dalung stated that although the Ministry approved the proposal and communicated it to the Presidency and FIFA, the plan collapsed after President Muhammadu Buhari fell ill. He alleged that the Presidency bypassed his office and wrote directly to FIFA disowning the recommendation, a move he described as “a major victory for corruption and impunity.”

    The former minister said Nigeria’s recent World Cup failures are a direct consequence of unresolved systemic issues. He warned that until football governance is reformed with transparency and courage, “the ghosts of corruption and impunity will continue to define our destiny.”

  • Barau beat Rangers to swim out of relegation zone

    Barau beat Rangers to swim out of relegation zone

    Nigeria Premier Football League newcomers, Barau FC have zoomed out of the drop zone after they defeated Rangers International FC 2-0 yesterday in a rescheduled tie played in Kano.

    The Maliya Boys got their goals through  Muhammed Umar and Joseph Kemin in the 26th  and 76th  minutes to record their third win of the season.

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

    They have moved to the 16th spot with 13 points from 12 games but the loss by the Flying Antelopes see them slid to the seventh spot with 19 points from 13 games.

    The home win is no doubt a relief to Barau FC head coach, Ladan Bosso who has seen his job brought under scrutiny following the Maliya Boys impressive start to the season.

  • Happy Boy vows  to ‘terminate’ Tiny at GOtv Boxing Night 34

    Happy Boy vows  to ‘terminate’ Tiny at GOtv Boxing Night 34

    Sodiq “Happy Boy” Adeleke has promised to unleash a war when he fights Durotimi “Tiny” Agboola for the national super bantamweight title on 26 December at GOtv Boxing Night 34.

    Adeleke, the most recent winner of the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for Best Boxer at GOtv Boxing Night 33, enters the contest is seeking to dethrone Agboola, the defending champion at the show billed for the Tafawa Balewa Square.  At the immediate past edition of the show, Adeleke went home with N1m attached to the better boxer prize. The young boxer is expected to be one of the night’s major attractions.

     “Tiny (Agboola) will be made to look tiny. I cannot afford to lose this fight. I will not lose. I am sure. This is my first title attempt and I have to make it count. It will be war. Real war. He cannot escape,” he threatened.

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

    Other key contest on the night include the national lightweight challenge clash between Segun “Odi” Gbobaniyi and Tobiloba “Smiling Assassin” Ijomoni, light welterweight clash between Sodiq “Smart Lion” Suleiman and Emmanuel “Ability” Abimbola and Ezekiel “Touch” Seun’s duel with Toheeb “Full Tank” Hassan in the super bantamweight division, while Sadam “Baby Boxer” Oladipupo faces Imole “System” Oloyede in an eight-round lightweight contest.

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

    Speaking about the event, Bamidele Johnson, Chief Operating Officer, Flykite Productions, said the boxing and entertainment will provide a thrilling year-end package for Lagosians.

     “The matchups announced so far reflect the level of competition we aim to deliver every December. The entertainment package that we will announce soon will also be top notch. This show has always been big and will be big this year,” said Johnson.