The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • AFCON  2025 Final  fiasco: Uchegbulam lauds CAF’s hefty penalties for  Morocco, Sénégal

    AFCON  2025 Final  fiasco: Uchegbulam lauds CAF’s hefty penalties for  Morocco, Sénégal

    • Calls for stiffer punishment on laser usage in African football

    Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam, former Vice-President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Board of Appeal, has commended the continental soccer ruling body for sanctions handed down following disorderly behavior by officials, players, and fans during the ill-fated 2025 AFCON Final between Morocco and Senegal on January 18 at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

    CAF’s Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday sanctioned several individuals involved in the melee, including suspending Senegal coach Pape Thiaw for five games and fining him $100,000 for “unsporting conduct” after he instructed his players to leave the pitch during the final.

    Read Also; FULL LIST: Clubs with direct qualifications for Champions League Round of 16

    The Senegalese federation was fined $615,000 for the team’s conduct and fan behavior, while players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match suspensions for unsporting behavior toward the referee.

    Hosts Morocco were also sanctioned with fines totaling $315,000 for ball boy conduct, player and staff behavior in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) area, and supporters’ use of laser pointers.

    Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi (two CAF matches, one suspended for a year) and Ismael Saibari (three CAF matches) were suspended for unsporting conduct after attempting to remove pitch-side towels from Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy during torrential rain in Rabat.

    However, Morocco’s bid to overturn the match result—following Senegal players’ pitch exit that caused a 14-minute delay—was dismissed by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee.

    Uchegbulam, former 1st Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said the penalties were appropriate and commended the panel for delivering balanced judgment.

    “Frankly, I think the sanctions meted out to both countries, especially Senegal, were in order,” Uchegbulam, who adjudicated disciplinary matters at CAF for 12 uninterrupted years between 2006 and 2018, told NationSports. “The committee showed courage in their handling of Senegal because harsh decisions could have jeopardized their campaign at the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.”

    Uchegbulam argued it would have been wrong for CAF’s Disciplinary Committee to grant Morocco’s request to overturn the result. “They cannot strip Senegal of their title since the match was concluded,” he stated.

    Nevertheless, Uchegbulam told NationSports he expected stiffer sanctions regarding laser use by Moroccan fans and Atlas Lions captain Hakimi’s conduct to serve as future deterrents.

    “They should have imposed a bigger penalty for laser use because this has become rampant with North African fans. It’s very unsportsmanlike, and they do this even at club competition level,” he said matter-of-factly.

    “As for Hakimi, I’m disappointed in his behavior. Can he do all of that in Europe where he plays for PSG? He deserved a bigger punishment.”

  • Tinubu condoles Chukwueze on mother’s passing

    Tinubu condoles Chukwueze on mother’s passing

    • NFF grieves with Super Eagles’ forward

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his condolences to Super Eagles forward, Samuel Chukwueze, on the passing of his mother, Mrs Sarah Chukwueze.

    The announcement of Mrs Chukwueze’s passing was made by Samuel’s sister, Princess Chukwueze, and his brother, David, on their respective social media platforms yesterday, 29th  January 2026, stating that the matriarch of the family had died after a brief illness.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President  extended his sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased.

    Read Also; AFCON 2025: CAF slams Senegal, Morocco for final chaos

    President Tinubu said he mourns with the Chukwueze family and encouraged them to find solace in the fond memories and enduring legacy of their late matriarch.

    He described the loss as deeply saddening, noting that it came only days after the passing of the father of Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi.

     “The passing of Mrs Chukwueze, the mother of one of our bright football stars, just a few days after the passing of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi’s father, is deeply saddening. I mourn with them, and I am with them in prayers during this difficult time,” the President said.

    President Tinubu prayed that God Almighty would grant the departed eternal rest and comfort the Chukwueze family at this difficult time.

    Speaking in the same vein, a distraught General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said: “We are aware that Mrs Sarah Chukwueze was a vital and supportive presence in the lives of her children, including our international player, Samuel Chukwueze. Samuel has always, at every opportunity, acknowledged his mother’s influence on his professional development.”

     “We are sad at her departure, coming only a few days after we had to mourn the sudden passing of the father of Super Eagles’ captain, Wilfred Ndidi.

     “We pray that God will grant her eternal rest, and also grant those she has left behind, including Samuel and his siblings, the fortitude to bear the big loss.

  • NPFL: Ikorodu City edge 3SC in South West derby as Kun Khalifat ends winless run 

    NPFL: Ikorodu City edge 3SC in South West derby as Kun Khalifat ends winless run 

    Ikorodu City climbed back into third place on the Nigeria Premier Football League table after edging Shooting Stars 1–0 in a fiercely contested South-West derby concluded yesterday.

    The Oga Boys struck as early as the second minute through Joseph Arumala, a goal that proved decisive and earned them maximum three points, pushing their tally to 38 points.

    The win saw Ikorodu City leapfrog Abia Warriors into third place, although both sides are level on points. Shooting Stars, despite the narrow defeat, remain sixth with 35 points, having earned no points from the encounter.

    In Owerri, Kun Khalifat finally snapped a seven-game winless run with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Kwara United at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. Chikamso Amaefula’s 52nd -minute strike sealed the much-needed three points for the Pride of Imo, their first home win since November 30 when they beat Plateau United 2–1.

    Despite the victory, Kun Khalifat remain bottom of the table on 22 points, while Kwara United dropped to 19th place with 24 points after failing to pick up any points from the clash.

    At the Southern University Stadium in Ozoro, Warri Wolves pulled off one of the results of the round by defeating reigning champions Remo Stars 1–0. Chisom Orji’s 52nd-minute goal earned the Seasiders three points, lifting them to ninth place on 33 points. The defeat leaves Remo Stars deep in trouble, sitting 17th  with 26 points, firmly in the relegation battle.

    Read Also; FULL LIST: Clubs with direct qualifications for Champions League Round of 16

    Earlier at the same venue, Bayelsa United were held to a goalless draw by Niger Tornadoes. Both sides settled for one point apiece, leaving the Prosperity Boys 13th on 28 points, while Tornadoes stayed seventh with 33 points.

    In Benin City, Bendel Insurance extended their winless run to two games after playing out a 0–0 draw with Barau FC at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. The result earned both teams one point each, with Insurance now eighth on 33 points, while Barau FC sit 16th with 26 points.

    Matchday 23:  Results

    Kun Khalifat 1–0 Kwara United

    Ikorodu City 1–0 Shooting Stars

    Warri Wolves 1–0 Remo Stars

    Bendel Insurance 0–0 Barau FC

    Bayelsa United 0–0 Niger Tornadoes

  • Olisa Ndah, Orlando Pirates  part ways by mutual consent

    Olisa Ndah, Orlando Pirates  part ways by mutual consent

    Orlando Pirates have seen another of their centre-backs leave after the departure of Nigeria international Olisa Ndah, who follows hot on the heels of MbekezeIi Mbokazi.

    While Mbokazi has gone to Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer, Ndah leaves as a free agent after agreeing to the termination of his contract at the club.

    Having done that in the January window, he will be free to join another club of his choice, even after it slams shut at the end of the month.

    Ndah has battled for game-time with the emergence of Mbokazi and Lebone Seema, and clearly his long-term prospects were still not good following the exit of the former.

    Read Also; AFCON 2025: CAF slams Senegal, Morocco for final chaos

    He made 73 starts and 81 appearances in all for the club, scoring a single goal against SuperSport United in the MTN8 in 2024.

    Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou picked Nkosinathi Sibisi and Seema as the centre back pairing against Sekhukhune United last weekend, leaving Ndah out in the cold again.

     “The Nigerian international requested an early release from his contract, a decision that follows careful and respectful discussions between the player and the club’s management,” said a statement from Pirates.

     “Central to these conversations was a shared understanding to afford Ndah the opportunity to secure regular game time elsewhere as he enters the next phase of his career.”

    Ndah, 28, joined the Buccaneers in 2021 and quickly established himself as a commanding presence at the heart of defence but he had two serious injuries during this time at the club which saw him lose his place.

  • Boxing Federation sets developmental agenda  for  2026 

    Boxing Federation sets developmental agenda  for  2026 

    In a bid to place Nigerian boxing on a stronger developmental footing, the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has released a comprehensive programme of activities for the 2026 sporting calendar, featuring a blend of local and international engagements.

    The road map, according to BSN Sports, is  compiled by the NBF Technical Committee and signed by Secretary General Vivian Azimene, outlines a structured, year-long schedule designed to enhance athlete development, coaching standards, and officiating capacity across the country.

    Activities will begin in January with a National Coaches Workshop in the North-Central zone. February will feature an international friendly series against Rwanda and Madagascar, alongside a National Open Trial to select boxers ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The month will also host the second phase of the National Coaches Workshop in the South-East.

    March is set to be one of the busiest months on the calendar, with events including the World Boxing U-19 Future Cup, an international friendly against Ghana, registration for the National Boxing League, and the opening of the National Camp in preparation for the Commonwealth Games. The South-South Coaches Workshop will also take place during the month.

    In April, Nigeria will participate in the African Boxing Championships and the first World Boxing Cup of the year. The National Boxing League and National Camp will continue, while the North-West Coaches Workshop will round off activities for the month.

    According to the document, programmes will continue steadily from May through August. In September, Bauchi State will host a Referees and Judges Refresher Course, followed by Nigeria’s participation in the National Youth Games.

    Read Also; FULL LIST: Clubs with direct qualifications for Champions League Round of 16

    October will shift attention to preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, alongside a Lagos-based Referees and Judges Refresher Course and the Military and Paramilitary Boxing Championships.

    November will feature the IOC/NOC course, the World Boxing Cup Final, a joint National Referees and Coaches Workshop, and the 2026 National Sports Festival. The federation’s activities for the year will conclude with the maiden President’s Belt Championship and an awards night.

    Speaking on the programme, NBF Vice President Hon. Omonlei Imadu expressed confidence that the federation’s structured approach would yield significant results.

     “We are working assiduously to achieve record success across all our activities this year,” Imadu said. “We have started well and intend to make a bold statement with a well-articulated and inclusive programme.”

    He added that sustainable development in boxing requires a holistic approach. “Our activities are designed to cover every aspect of the boxing value chain,” he noted.

    Imadu, who was recently elected Vice President of African Boxing, also expressed optimism that Nigerian boxers will secure medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

  • Rivers’ Deputy  Governor, Attorney General  endorse as Fubara, Nwabali, others  shine at South South Media and Entertainment Awards

    Rivers’ Deputy  Governor, Attorney General  endorse as Fubara, Nwabali, others  shine at South South Media and Entertainment Awards

    Rivers State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu has praised the leadership of the South South Media and Entertainment Awards following the giant strides made by the body since inception in 2024.

    The South South Media and Entertainment Awards (SSMEAwards) is an annual event that celebrates and recognizes achievements and also honours resilient and impactful individuals, institutions, and organizations in six South South States in Nigeria (Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta) for their significant contributions and achievements.

    The awards, themed around recognizing “Heroes and heroines of the South South,” celebrates visionaries, innovators, and leaders who demonstrate courage, grit, and excellence in shaping social and economic and the political landscapes, often inspiring continued contributions to society.

    Speaking after the successful completion of the last event  that saw His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State) being decorated as the Governor of the Year and Super Eagles goalkeeper  Stanley Nwabali  as the Sports Personality of the Year, Prof. Ordu said she was impressed with the drive of the body and urged the SSMEAwards leadership not to relent in its drive to improve service delivery in the six South South States in Nigeria.

    “I want to commend the SSMEAwards for this laudable drive which will in no small way improve unity, progress and service delivery in the South South. Keep up the good work and do not relent,” she said.

    Read Also; AFCON 2025: CAF slams Senegal, Morocco for final chaos

    Also speaking after an elaborate ceremony to mark the 2025 edition of the awards, Rivers State Attorney General and Honourable Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Chris Green said he was proud to identify the SSMEAwards as it was “unique opportunity to put the South South on the map for all the right reasons”.

    “First, let me congratulate everyone who came together to put together such a remarkable event which will, in no small way, put the South South on the map for all the right reasons,” said Barr. Green, a four-time Sports Commissioner in Rivers State and a  former board member of  the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF).

    “Personally, I will always identify with such projects which also aid in improving service delivery in South South Nigeria,” he added.

    On his part, President of the SSMEAwards,  Sammy Wejinya said the organization which is registered as a corporate entity at Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission will continue to act as a standard torch bearer in the improvement of service delivery in the region.

    “I want to thank the Rivers State Government, corporate bodies and public spirited individuals that threw their weight behind this initiative and the 2025 edition of the awards. It was a remarkable success.

    “We ate the SSMEAwards will not relent in our drive to be the leading light in ensuring that all sectors of the economy in the South South region of Nigeria are in line with global best practices,” he concluded.

    The 2025 SSMEAwards will be celebrating the “Heroes and heroines of the South South, which exemplifies individuals and institutions that had a significant impact in the six South South States of Nigeria (Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta) during the year under review.

    The awards recognized a diverse group of individuals and organizations across several fields, including education, business, technology, and the arts.

    SSMEAWARDS 2025 WINNERS AT A GLANCE:

    Young Person of the Year:Adoga Agbo Daniel (Graceland International School)

    School of the Year:  Pine Manor International School

    Media Personality of the Year (Male):Zubby Wokocha (Rhythm 93.7, Port Harcourt, Rivers State)

    Media Personality of the Year (Female):Sergeant Iquo (XL FM 106.9, Uyo)

    Book of the Year: Dream Count (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)

    Bank of the Year: Taj Bank

    Banker of the Year: Hamid Joda (Managing Director of TAJ Bank)

    Brand of the Year: Prince Mega Agency

    Company of the Year: Epenal Group Of Company Nig Ltd

    Minister of the Year: Festus Keyamo, SAN (Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development)

    Governor of the Year: Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State)

    Senator of the Year: Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West Senatorial district)

    Representative of the Year: Marie Ebikake (Brass/Nembe, Bayelsa State)

    Investor of the Year: High Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs (Chairman/CEO DLB Group)

    Sports Personality of the Year: Stanley Nwabali (Super Eagles goalkeeper)

    Media Organization of the Year: AIM (Owners of Cool FM, Wazobia FM and Nigeria InfoFM)

    Gym of the Year: Charlies Total Fitness Centre (Port Harcourt)

    Gym Instructor of the Year: Vextrong (Dance Mattaz)

    Night Club of the Year: Casablanca Abacha Road, New GRA, Port Harcourt

    All Star Club of the Year: Masgulf

    Hotel of the Year: J’s signature 14-16 Location Road, off Tombia Extension, GRA Phase

    Social Media Influencer of the Year: Soft Ajebota

    Local Government Area (LGA) Chairman of the Year: Gift Worlu (Obio-Akpor LGA)

    Construction Company of the Year: Lubrik Construction Company

    Academic Don of the Year: Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi (VC, Rivers State University)

    Shopping Mall of the Year: Next Cash And Carry Hypermarket, Port Harcourt

    Tertiary Institution of the Year: University of Port Harcourt (Port Harcourt)

    Oil Servicing Company of the Year: Substrata Oil & Gas Limited

    Real Estate Company of the Year: Odibola Properties

    Man of the Year :Prof.Isaac Zeb Obipi (VC, Rivers State University)

    Woman of the Year: Adaeze Chidinma Oreh (Rivers State, Health Commissioner)

  • NNL to go tough on poor officiating, hooliganism as second stanza begins Feb. 14

    NNL to go tough on poor officiating, hooliganism as second stanza begins Feb. 14

    The Nigeria National League (NNL), in collaboration with the Nigeria National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA), has resolved to take decisive steps against poor officiating, hooliganism and the win-at-all-cost mentality, following its Mid-Season Retreat held on Tuesday, in Ikenne, Ogun State.

    Rising from the retreat held at the ultra-modern Remo Stars Stadium, Beyond Limits FC auditorium, the league body and club chairmen strongly condemned the harassment and intimidation of match officials, describing the standard of officiating witnessed in the first stanza of the 2025/2026 season as unacceptable and capable of bringing the league into disrepute.

    The retreat proposed outright expulsion of any referee found to have compromised or failed to enforce the Laws of the Game, while also unanimously agreeing that match venues that promote hooliganism or disrupt fixtures would face stiff sanctions.

    To improve officiating standards, the retreat requested that referees from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) be deployed for the second stanza of the season.

    Read Also; FULL LIST: Clubs with direct qualifications for Champions League Round of 16

    The retreat reaffirmed its earlier decision that a Super 4 competition would be staged at the end of the season to determine the overall league winner, warning that any of the qualified clubs that fail to participate would forfeit their promotion slot to the next placed team in their conference.

    Participants also welcomed the proposed increase in prize money for the Super 4 and applauded BetPawa for the prompt implementation of the Locker Room Bonus during the first stanza, as well as its plan to provide further material support to clubs.

    The NNL and NALCOMA appreciated the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), and the NFF Board for their continued guidance and support, while also commending Hon. Kunle Soname for hosting the retreat at his state-of-the-art facility.

    The retreat upheld February 14, 2026, as the resumption date for the second stanza, urged clubs to conclude mid-season transfers promptly, and welcomed new league partners, Toptier Sports Management Ltd (TSM), charging the company to activate its investment deal ahead of the league’s restart.

    The retreat further applauded the cordial working relationship between the NNL Board led by Chief George Aluo and NALCOMA under Mr. Godwin Enakhena, while calling for improved communication to further strengthen league administration.

  • World Cup winner, Olympic champion Dunn  retires from football

    World Cup winner, Olympic champion Dunn  retires from football

    Crystal Dunn, an Olympic champion and World Cup winner who made 160 appearances for the U.S. women’s national team, has announced her retirement from professional soccer.

    A key figure in the United States’ 2019 World Cup win and their 2024 Olympic triumph, Dunn hoisted the championship trophy in the top-flight NWSL three times, with the North Carolina Courage in 2018 and 2019 and with the Portland Thorns in 2022.

    A versatile talent who was lethal in the midfield and forward positions, she became a critical piece of the national team’s defence, shining at left back despite it not being her preferred role.

    Read Also; AFCON 2025: CAF slams Senegal, Morocco for final chaos

    “I leave the game with a sense of peace and deep fulfilment for all that I’ve accomplished,” Dunn said in a statement.

    “I’m grateful for the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work with, from teammates and coaches to family and friends, and all the amazing moments we’ve shared. I’m very much looking forward to my next chapter ahead.”

    Dunn is the latest in a series of high-profile players from the United States’ modern golden age to retire. She played alongside the likes of Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, cementing herself as a bedrock of the U.S. backline.

    Among the first Black stars to break through in a once overwhelmingly white U.S. women’s soccer programme, Dunn served as a role model for the next generation.

    “I first kicked a soccer ball at the age of four, never knowing it would change my life,” said Dunn. “My journey wasn’t perfect, but it was beautiful.”

  • Holders PSG, Madrid top  clubs awaiting UCL  play-offs draw today

    Holders PSG, Madrid top  clubs awaiting UCL  play-offs draw today

    Title-holders Paris Saint-Germain and record 15-time winners Real Madrid are among the European giants who will have to come through the play-off round of this season’s Champions League after missing out on direct qualification for the last 16.

    The draw for the knockout stage play-offs takes place today  after the league phase concluded on Wednesday with the eighth and final round of games.

    There was real drama on the last night, in particular in Lisbon where Jose Mourinho’s Benfica beat his former side Real 4-2, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring a 98th -minute goal that allowed the Portuguese giants to snatch the last spot in the play-offs and nudged their opponents out of the top eight.

    Europe’s elite club competition is now more bloated than ever since the expansion last season to 36 teams in the Champions League proper.

    That means 144 matches are now required to eliminate just 12 teams, with the top eight in the overall standings going through to the last 16 and the next 16 teams advancing to the play-offs.

    At the end of it all, there are few real surprises, with the top 17 berths all occupied by clubs from the so-called big five European leagues of England (six), Spain (three), Italy (three), Germany (three) and France (PSG), with one exception in Portuguese giants Sporting.

    Some big names did fall by the wayside, with Italian champions Napoli being bundled out along with three former champions in Marseille, PSV Eindhoven and Ajax. Athletic Bilbao, Villarreal and Eintracht Frankfurt were eliminated too.

    Read Also; AFCON 2025: CAF slams Senegal, Morocco for final chaos

    The play-offs take place over two legs in February, with the eight winners completing the line-up for the last 16.

    The most remarkable achievements in reaching the play-offs belong to Qarabag – the champions of Azerbaijan who advanced despite losing 6-0 to Liverpool in their final outing – and, above all, Bodo/Glimt.

    Champions of Norway in four of the last six years, the outfit from north of the Arctic Circle beat Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in their last two matches to go through – despite their domestic season finishing at the end of November.

     “We should be extremely proud,” said their coach Kjetil Knutsen, and Bodo/Glimt can now look forward to a glamour tie against either Real or last season’s beaten finalists Inter Milan.

    The other possible tie for Madrid is an immediate rematch with Benfica, while other potential match-ups today  include PSG having to face domestic rivals Monaco and Borussia Dortmund having to play Bayer Leverkusen in all-Bundesliga showdown.

     “We will have to take the long route, but I don’t think anyone else can be considered favourites more than us,” said PSG coach Luis Enrique of having to face an extra knockout tie, mindful that doing so last year did not stop the French side from going on to win the title.

     “We deserve to be in this situation today,” admitted Real star Kylian Mbappe after his side’s loss in Lisbon saw them drop into the play-offs.

     “Now we have to play two more play-off games. It hurts to have to play those, we wanted to have the time in February to work on our game.”

    Real came through the play-offs last season, beating Manchester City before eventually losing to Arsenal in the quarter-finals.

    This time City are one of their potential opponents in the last 16 in March, along with Sporting, should they make it through the play-offs.

    Meanwhile, PSG already know they will play either Barcelona or Chelsea in the last 16, assuming they reach that stage – the Parisians beat Barcelona away earlier this season but lost to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final last July.

    Arsenal, having finished first in the league phase, will take on one of Dortmund, Leverkusen, Atalanta or Olympiacos in the last 16.

    Champions League knockout phase play-off draw teams

    SEEDED: Real Madrid (ESP), Inter Milan (ITA), Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Newcastle United (ENG), Juventus (ITA), Atletico Madrid (ESP), Atalanta (ITA), Bayer Leverkusen (GER)

    UNSEEDED: Borussia Dortmund (GER), Olympiacos (GRE), Club Brugge (BEL), Galatasaray (TUR), Monaco (FRA), Qarabag (AZE), Bodo/Glimt (NOR), Benfica (POR)

  • Australian Open: ‘Supreme’ Sabalenka, Rybakina set up final showdown

    Australian Open: ‘Supreme’ Sabalenka, Rybakina set up final showdown

    Aryna Sabalenka swept to her fourth successive Australian Open final with a 6-2 6-3 victory over Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in a semi-final overshadowed by geopolitical tension and will play familiar rival Elena Rybakina next.

    Rybakina set up a blockbuster rematch of the 2023 final at Melbourne Park by overcoming American Jessica Pegula 6-3 7-6(7), as the Russian-born Kazakh ramped up her own hunt for a second major title following her 2022 Wimbledon triumph.

    Top-seeded Belarusian Sabalenka will seek her third title at the tournament in four years and fifth Grand Slam trophy overall after another dominant display at what is now firmly her favourite hunting ground.

    “I just can’t believe that. It’s an incredible achievement but the job is not done yet,” world number one Sabalenka said. “I’m super happy with the win. She’s such a tough opponent and has been playing incredible tennis the whole week.”

    Read Also; FULL LIST: Clubs with direct qualifications for Champions League Round of 16

    The defining moment for Sabalenka proved to be a hindrance call from the chair umpire mid-rally in the first set for a late non‑standard grunt, a decision that stood following a video review and left the player fuming.

    “It was the wrong call, but whatever,” Sabalenka said. “She really — how do I say in a nice way — pissed me off, and it helped me and benefited my game.

    “I was more aggressive. I was not happy with the call.”

    Since Russia’s invasion of its neighbour Ukraine in 2022, for which Belarus has been a staging ground, players from Russia and Belarus have been banned from representing their nations at the Grand Slams and tour events.

    Svitolina has been vocal about the strain of playing the countries’ players, and said that she hoped to bring her country “light” at the Australian Open amid a tough winter.

    The 27-year-old Sabalenka, however, crushed those hopes in a furious display of raw power.

    She became the third woman in the professional era to reach the Australian Open decider four times in a row following Evonne Goolagong Cawley (1971-76) and Martina Hingis (1997-2002), who each played six finals in a row.

    “Gutted not to make it through tonight,” Svitolina told reporters. “Of course it’s very difficult when you’re playing a world number one on fire.”

    While 31-year-old Svitolina was comprehensively defeated, she fought hard from the first ball to the last. The 12th seed started with tenacity, hitting a forehand winner down the line on the first point returning serve.

    Sabalenka wobbled, giving up two break points with a loose backhand, but blasted her way out of danger.

    There was tension at 2-1 when Svitolina was awarded a point mid-rally, with Sabalenka penalised for hindrance.

    Incensed, she demanded a video review but the point stood. She channelled her frustration into breaking Svitolina, and then held for a 4-1 lead.

    Pinning Svitolina well behind the baseline, Sabalenka grabbed three set points and converted the third, roaring “Let’s go!” after a sizzling cross-court backhand winner.

    After 41 minutes of earth-shaking power, Sabalenka’s weapons finally misfired.

    She dropped the opening service game of the second set with a clutch of errors, raising cheers from a crowd yearning for a contest.

    But Sabalenka steadied herself, breaking Svitolina twice in succession. Svitolina never dropped her head and earned a break point when trailing 4-2 to put the match back on serve.

    Sabalenka was not to be denied, though. After thrashing a forehand winner down the line to save the break point, she proved unstoppable.

    Grabbing two match points with a huge serve, Sabalenka closed it out in style, swooping forward with a forehand cross-court winner to book her chance of claiming a third trophy at Melbourne Park.

    Meanwhile, fifth seed Rybakina later made a blazing start on Rod Laver Arena as the 26-year-old dictated terms with her trademark heavy hitting to pile the pressure on American Pegula, who looked out of sorts under the lights.

    Sixth-seeded Pegula settled her nerves and stayed in touch at 4-2 down after saving break points, but Rybakina dialled up the intensity again and took the opening set with a cross-court winner to put one foot in the final.

    Having finished her 2025 campaign by toppling Sabalenka in the season-ending WTA Finals to lift the trophy, Rybakina looked in a hurry to book her 15th clash with the Belarusian as she broke Pegula for a 2-1 lead in the second set.

    The clean forehand winner that put Rybakina ahead drew a frustrated response from Pegula, who composed herself to break back and later saved three match points to draw level at 5-5.

    Rybakina responded immediately, assisted by the net cord, but a determined Pegula did not give in and forced a tiebreak where she squandered two set points before finally fading away.

    “It was an epic second set. Jessica played so well, fought to the end and I’m happy to be in the final,” Rybakina said.

    “It was really, really stressful. I had an epic tiebreak here (in 2024) … a little flashback came to me. I’m happy it turned my way and looking forward to playing on Saturday.”