The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • PLAY-OFFS: Leopards stop Super Eagles  in penalty shootout

    PLAY-OFFS: Leopards stop Super Eagles  in penalty shootout

    Democratic Republic of Congo kept alive hopes of a World Cup place as they edged Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the end of extra time to win the African qualifying playoffs in Morocco last night.

    DR Congo now await the draw on Thursday for the inter-confederation playoff in March where six teams will chase two places at the 48-team finals.

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

    Captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive kick after Congolese substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu, brought on a minute before the shootout, made two saves in the shootout.

    Frank Onyeka had Nigeria ahead in the third minute but Meschack Elia equalised for the two sides to be level 1-1 after extra time.

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

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

    Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been named among the final three nominees for the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, setting up a blockbuster showdown with Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi.

    CAF confirmed the final shortlist on Sunday via its official X handle, reducing the contenders from an initial 10-man list unveiled in October.

    Osimhen’s nomination crowns a remarkable year in which he shone brightly on loan at Galatasaray, firing the Turkish giants to a domestic double. The 26-year-old registered 37 goals and seven assists across all competitions last season, form he has carried into the new campaign with nine goals already, including a Champions League-leading six strikes, ahead of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane.

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    On the international stage, Osimhen has been equally decisive for Nigeria, netting a hat-trick against Benin Republic in a 4–0 win and scoring twice in the 4–1 semifinal playoff victory over DR Congo to keep the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream alive.

    He faces stiff competition from Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, the Premier League’s Golden Boot and Player of the Season winner following a title-winning campaign, and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, who helped deliver a historic treble including the Champions League.

    The winner will be unveiled at the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, 19 November.

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

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

    Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie have been named among the final three nominees for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards respectively, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing dominance in African women’s football.

    CAF announced the finalists on Sunday via its X platform. Ajibade will compete for the continent’s top honour alongside Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy.

    The PSG forward delivered a stellar year, inspiring Nigeria to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title in Morocco. Her brilliance earned her both the Player of the Tournament and a place in the Team of the Tournament, positioning her as a leading favourite for the award.

    Read Also: NFF  hails Tinubu’s  unflinching support for Nigerian football

    Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is also poised for history as she bids for a third consecutive Goalkeeper of the Year crown. The 24-year-old Brighton star won the Coupe de France Féminine and was instrumental in Nigeria’s triumphant WAFCON campaign. She will contend with Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini.

    Nigeria’s strong representation continues with rising star Shakirat Moshood making the final three for the Women’s Young Player of the Year category, while the Super Falcons are shortlisted for Women’s National Team of the Year.

    The winners will be honoured at the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, 19 November.

  • Lookman wins Atalanta’s Goal of Month award

    Lookman wins Atalanta’s Goal of Month award

    Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has won the Goal of the Season Award for October.

    Ademola Lookman’s equaliser against AC Milan was picked by Atalanta fans via social media as the Italian club’s best goal of the past month.

    The 28-year-old fired  into the roof of the net for his side’s leveller in the 35th  minute of the keenly contested encounter.

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

    It was the former Leicester City’s star first goal of the season for the former UEFA Europa League champions.

    The tricky winger polled 53% of the votes, while his closest rival Marco Brescianini got 20%. Dominic Vavassori, who came third got 19%, while Francesco Gasparello polled 8%.

    Lookman has made seven appearances for La Dea this season.

  •  ‘Four star’ White Tigers retain Spires 5-Aside Tourney   

     ‘Four star’ White Tigers retain Spires 5-Aside Tourney   

    Lagos Island-based  White Tigers have emerged champions of the 2025 Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament in Lagos.

    The Coach Emmanuel Olom-tutored side defeated Papa SA football club 4-0 in the final of this year’s event at the Stables Sports Center in Surulere on Saturday  to retain the crown they first won last season. 

    White Tigers went home with a prize money of N5 million, Papa SA received the sum of N3 million as runner-up while Greater Tomorrow FC pocketed a consolation prize of N1 million after they defeated Chekas United 3-1 to claim the third placed honours.

    For the individual honours, Ojo Rhaman finished as this season top scorer will 14 goals, and he also emerged as the MVP of the tournament. He received the sum of N500,000 for both awards.

    Coach Emmanuel Olom of white Tigers got N250,000 as the coach of the tournament, while the Golden Glove award went to the  goalkeeper of Papa SA  Sadiq Ridwan who received N250,000 cash prize as well. 

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

    The initiator of the tournament, Dr. Bankole Allibay, said Spires will continue to sustain the standards as they hope to build on the success of this year’s event ahead of 2026 and beyond.

    He said: “We have already commenced our preparations ahead of the next edition, and we are talking to a few brands to see how we can jointly take this to a whole new level.

    “The Spires 5-Aside Tourney is beyond just playing football, it’s a deliberate move to empower the youth hence we introduce the “Sports Meet Tech” component as part of this year’s program and footballers were able to learn modern skills like artificial intelligence, machine learning, graphics designs, coding and more. So, the success is there for everyone to see. “

    This year’s tournament had (40) forty teams compete in the divisional qualifiers, while the (16) sixteen finalists made it to the state championship.

  • Ikorodu City go top of NPFL for first time as Wikki stun Enyimba in Aba

    Ikorodu City go top of NPFL for first time as Wikki stun Enyimba in Aba

    Ikorodu City ascended to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League table for the first time in their history after defeating Plateau United 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena yesterday, while Wikki Tourists shocked nine-time champions Enyimba with a stunning 1-0 away win in Aba.

    Beginning Matchday 13 in third place, Ikorodu City capitalised on dropped points by Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors to leapfrog both sides. After a tight first half, Joseph Arumala opened scoring two minutes into the second period, and Alade Balogun doubled the advantage in the 53rd minute. Plateau United’s Wisdom Ndon reduced the deficit, but the Oga Boys held on for a memorable victory.

    The win takes Ikorodu City to 24 points from 13 games—six wins, six draws, and just one defeat—placing them above Nasarawa United on goal difference.

    Nasarawa slipped to second following a 1-1 draw away to Kun Khalifat in Owerri, a match in which Anas Yusuf gave them an early lead before Stanley Otu equalised in the second half. The loss points at home in recent games had forced the CEO of Kun Khalifat to dissolve the Management and technical crew of the club in a sweeping changes announced shortly after the game.

    Read Also: Super Eagles’ pay dispute : Height of peculiar mess in NFF  

    The shock of the day came at the Enyimba Stadium as Wikki Tourists claimed their first away win of the season courtesy of an Abubakar Aliyu strike in the 33rd  minute. Despite heavy pressure from the hosts, Wikki’s resolute defending ensured a famous victory that lifted them to seventh place with 19 points.

    Elsewhere, Rivers United edged Warri Wolves 2-1 to climb to third with a game in hand; Niger Tornadoes beat Katsina United 2-0; El Kanemi Warriors defeated Kwara United 2-0; and Bayelsa United recorded a 2-1 home win over Abia Warriors.

    NPFL Results

    Ikorodu City 2-1 Plateau United

    Rivers United 2-1 Warri Wolves

    Tornadoes 2-0 Katsina United

    Kun Khalifat 1-1 Nasarawa United

    Enyimba 0-1 Wikki Tourists

    El-Kanemi 2-0 Kwara United

    El Kanemi 2-0 Kwara United

    Insurance 3-2 Kano Pillars

  • Sunshine School hosts NOC Sports Administration Course in Ibadan

    Sunshine School hosts NOC Sports Administration Course in Ibadan

    By Olamilekan Israel

    Sunshine School, one of Nigeria’s leading institutions based in the historic city of Ibadan, will host the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC)-certified Sports Administration Course (SAC) for stakeholders across the country.

    Organised by Olympic Solidarity in collaboration with the NOC, Dynaspro Sports, and Sunshine School, Ibadan, the three-day course is designed for key sports stakeholders, including Directors of Sports, Sports Officers, Heads of Sports Departments (HODs), Sports Marketers, and Games Masters.

    The programme will take place at Sunshine School, Ibadan, Oyo State, with participants expected to arrive on Monday, 17th  November and depart on Friday, 21st   November.

    The Sports Administration Course (SAC) is an introductory-level training programme tailored for elected officials and paid staff of National Olympic Committees (NOCs), National Federations (NFs), club managers, physical education teachers, sports journalists, and other professionals engaged in sports development.

    Developed using the framework and manual provided by Olympic Solidarity—the educational arm of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)—the course aims to broaden participants’ understanding of the Olympic Movement, the Olympic Games, and the management of sports organizations.

    Read Also: GTI seeks investors’ partnership after successful NFF’s AGM

    Participants will gain insights into Olympic values, principles of good governance, and effective organizational management, with the ultimate goal of strengthening support systems for athletes.

    This initiative, part of the IOC’s global educational programme through Olympic Solidarity and the Nigeria Olympic Committee, seeks to equip sports administrators with essential tools and knowledge to drive development and excellence in their respective organizations.

    According to Dr. Temitayo Williams, Chairperson of Sunshine School, hosting the training provides the institution with an opportunity to align with global standards in sports administration.

    “We are excited to host this training. It is an opportunity we have long anticipated, and now that it is here, we look forward to further collaborations that will enhance the fortunes of sports while giving our students the chance to showcase their talents on the field of play,” Williams said.

    The programme will be delivered both onsite and virtually, facilitated by two IOC-certified National Course Directors: Mr. Nweri Emmanuel and Dr. (Mrs.) Esther Oluwatoyin Aluko. They will be supported by Mrs. Deborah Chidobi, Project Officer, alongside distinguished speakers including Prof. Fasan Clement, Programme Director at the Nigeria Olympic Committee.

    In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel commended the collaboration with Sunshine School, noting that such partnerships advance the NOC’s mission of expanding Olympic education and developing competent sports administrators nationwide. He emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building to strengthen sports management and governance at all levels.

  • WESPAC 2025:Team Nigeria dethrone USA  at World Scrabble Championship

    WESPAC 2025:Team Nigeria dethrone USA  at World Scrabble Championship

    Canada’s Adam Logan clinches  individual title 

    In a blistering, history-bending performance that electrified Accra, Team Nigeria ripped the Best Country crown away from the all-powerful United States, storming to the summit of the 2025 WESPAC World Scrabble Championship and rewriting African Scrabble history in the process.

    From Day One to Day Four, the 15-man Nigerian squad didn’t just compete, they ruled, turning the Ghanaian capital into a theatre of dominance.

    Oluwatimilehin Doko the 25-year-old sensation spearheading Nigeria’s conquest alongside Abdulmumin Jimoh, Tega Okiemute, Godwin Victor and captain Rex Ogbakpa.

    Nigeria’s numbers were brutal: 350 wins; +8975 cumulative points spread and 54.7% winning ratio.

    These weren’t just statistics, they were a statement as Team Nigeria stunned United States, who arrived with 19 players:

    Two years ago in Las Vegas, Nigeria narrowly lost the Best Country title to the USA.

    In Accra, they came for revenge and they collected it.

    While Nigeria stole the headlines, Ghana emerged as the soul of the championship, finishing a brilliant second place with 114 wins, ahead of continental rivals Kenya.

    Read Also: Super Eagles’ pay dispute : Height of peculiar mess in NFF  

    Led by the steady brilliance of Stanley Ubiedi, Addo George, Charles Menson, Edwin Boamah, and Fatawu Bayenang, the Black Stars’ warriors lit up the halls with grit and flair.

    Stanley Ubiedi, finishing 13th  in the world with 20 wins and a +739 spread, a performance that had the home crowd on its feet.

    Behind Nigeria and Ghana, the continent surged, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and South Africa all cracked the Top 10 in the Best Country standings, a resounding declaration that African Scrabble has stepped into a new era.

    In the individual category, debutant Doko delivered one of the greatest African performances in WESPAC history, finishing fifth  in the world after a fierce 21-win campaign with +1395 points.

    He narrowly missed a place in the grand finale, but etched his name among the elite.

    Not since Wellington Jighere’s world-shocking 2015 title and finished fourth two years ago, Doko is one of the very privileged African player hit such heights.

    And Nigeria didn’t stop there, five Nigerians stormed into the prestigious Top 20, the best ever outing by any African nation: Oluwatimilehin Doko; Tega Okiemute; Abdulmumin Jimoh; Godwin Victor and Rex Ogbakpa

    The individual category title went to Adam Logan of Canada. He defeated Nigel Richards 4-2 in the best of seven  final.

    As the final tile was played, the green-white-green corner erupted. Nigeria partied deep into Saturday night, led by the newly elected NSF President, Engineer Bright Idahosa, who hailed the team’s unity, courage, and championship spirit.

     “We are proud of your achievements,” Idahosa said, glowing. “Your unity and resilience carried the true Nigerian spirit despite all challenges.”

    Head coach Anthony Ikolo added:  “This team gave everything. Toppling the USA after their 19-player strength shows the heart of champions.”

    The triumphant team are expected back  in Lagos today  bringing home a crown Nigeria has chased for years.

  • 2025 Pension Fund Administrators Games begin in Abuja Nov. 25

    2025 Pension Fund Administrators Games begin in Abuja Nov. 25

    No fewer than ten top Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) will compete in the 2025 PFA Games as the race for prestige, pride and corporate supremacy would ignite Abuja from Tuesday, November 25 to Saturday, November 29.

    Over five electrifying days, athletes will square off in Football (7/9-a-side), Co-Ed Volleyball, Table Tennis, Snooker, Scrabble, Chess, Team-Bonding Activities, and eSports (FIFA) — a full-scale showcase of physical grit, mental sharpness, and team spirit.

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

    At the  draw ceremony at the weekend, organisers reiterated strict rules: no NYSC Corps members or interns will be allowed to participate. Staff verification will 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.

     “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.”

    From the contenders’ corner, confidence is already running high.

    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.”

    The challenge is also coming from PenCom, whose 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.

  • Portugal thrash  Armenia  to qualify for W’Cup 2026

    Portugal thrash  Armenia  to qualify for W’Cup 2026

    Portugal crushed Armenia 9-1 despite the absence of suspended talisman Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday to clinch qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals.

    Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Paris Saint-Germain’s Joao Neves both scored a hat-trick as Roberto Martinez’s side racked up a huge win in Porto to top Group F.

    Renato Veiga got the ball rolling for Portugal, with Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Conceicao also on the score sheet.

    After a draw in Hungary in October and a surprise defeat in Ireland on Thursday, in which Ronaldo was sent off, Portugal wrapped up qualification at the third attempt in their final group match.

    They will compete in a seventh consecutive edition of the World Cup, a tournament which the Euro 2016 champions are yet to win.

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

     “We always want to win in the same way – to be convincing and control the game. It’s not always possible, but today we were effective and achieved a good victory,” said Fernandes.

    With midfielder Fernandes playing a key role throughout, Portugal made a quick start by scoring in the seventh minute.

    Fernandes’s vicious in swinging free-kick from just outside the left side of the box was pushed onto the post by goalkeeper Henri Avagyan but Veiga was on hand to head home the rebound.

    The visitors shocked the hosts by scoring on their first attack to equalise, with Grant-Leon Ranos crossing for Armenia captain Eduard Spertsyan to strike.

    However, Portugal quickly stepped up a gear and racked up an unassailable lead. Paris Saint-Germain striker Ramos intercepted a back pass and squeezed home his country’s second after rounding Avagyan.

    Portugal put together a tidy move for their third, with Neves blasting home from the edge of the box after being teed up by Fernandes.

    Neves netted a spectacular second with a free-kick which flew into the top right corner, leaving Avagyan with no chance.

    Fernandes netted the fifth in first half stoppage time with a low penalty after Ruben Dias was fouled.

    The Manchester United midfielder continued where he left off after the break, slotting home his second after being fed by Ramos.

    Fernandes completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after debutant substitute Carlos Forbs was felled.

    Neves followed suit for Portugal’s eighth goal, smashing home after Veiga headed Fernandes’s cross into his path.

    Juventus forward Conceicao added the ninth in stoppage time to seal one of his country’s biggest-ever victories.

     “Now we can truly dream about the World Cup, I was very pleased with the players’ response (after the Ireland defeat),” said Martinez.

    “We’re at the World Cup! Let’s go, Portugal!” wrote Ronaldo on social media platform X.

    The striker could miss the start of the tournament depending on whether FIFA extend his suspension beyond the mandatory one-match ban he served against Armenia.

    Ireland stunned Hungary with a late winner to triumph 3-2 in the other Group F match and reach the play-offs, with Troy Parrott following up his midweek brace against Portugal with a hat-trick.

    UEFA World Cup Qualifiers

    Azerbaijan 1-3 France

    Ukraine 2-0 Iceland

    Hungary 2-3 Ireland

    Portugal 9-1Armenia

    Serbia 2-1Latvia

    Israel  vs. Moldova

    Italy  1-4  Norway