The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Showdown expected as Spires 5-Aside Tourney hits semis tomorrow

    Showdown expected as Spires 5-Aside Tourney hits semis tomorrow

    The last four teams in the second season of the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament in Lagos have emerged .

    In the pulsating quarter-final fixtures, last season’s champions White Tigers defeated  All Saints FC 3-2, Papa SA edged Blood and Sand football club 7-6 on penalty shootout after regulation time ended with one goal on either side. Chekas United secured a 2-1 victory against Wasola FC, while Greater Tomorrow advance with a 3-1 victory via penalty shootout after regulation time ended with two goals apiece in their fixture against New Generation Football Club. 

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    All is now set for the semi-final showdown tomorrow , November 12th , at the Stables Sports Centre, Bode Thomas Surulere.

    Greater Tomorrow FC will lock-horns against the defending champions White Tigers, while Chekas Utd will hope to secure a place in the grand-finale when they file out against Papa SA football club.

    The initiator of the tournament Dr.  Bankole Alibay said they have intensified their readiness ahead of the grand-finale on Saturday, the 15th of November.

    ” The final will be one of the best blend of Football, Music, and the street culture even seen in Nigeria, we already have these things sorted out and you have to be at the venue this Saturday to see things for yourself,” he said.

    Sixteen qualified teams across the five divisions in Lagos took part in the second edition of the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament.

  • Nigeria to host Africa Vovinam Vietvodao Championships

    Nigeria to host Africa Vovinam Vietvodao Championships

    The Nigeria Vovinam Vietvodao Federation (NVVF) has announced that it has been officially granted the hosting rights for the 6th  Africa Vovinam Vietvodao Championships and Technical Courses, as sanctioned by the World Vovinam Vietvodao Federation (WVVF).

    The prestigious continental event is scheduled to take place in 2026, with the exact date to be announced soon. This hosting right marks another significant milestone for Nigeria in promoting and advancing the growth of Vovinam Vietvodao across Africa.

    Speaking on the development, Grandmaster Adelusi Ojo Oluwadare, President of the NVVF, described the opportunity as a great honour and a testament to Nigeria’s commitment and contribution to the martial art’s development on the continent.

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    He stated: “This is a proud moment for Nigeria and for all lovers of Vovinam Vietvodao. The success of the upcoming championship and technical courses will be a collective effort, and we call on all stakeholders, practitioners, and partners to join hands to ensure a memorable and impactful event. More exciting opportunities are on the way as we prepare for 2026.”

    The NVVF assures that preparations will begin in earnest to deliver a world-class championship and technical course that will uphold the high standards of the WVVF while showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and organizational excellence.

  • Elegbeleye excited  over  new broadcast partnership  for NPFL

    Elegbeleye excited  over  new broadcast partnership  for NPFL

    In a landmark development for Nigerian sports media, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has partnered with Inview Technology, the operators Digital Switch Over (DSO), in a move expected to transform the broadcast, marketing, and commercial landscape of club football in the country.

    Speaking about  the partnership, NPFL Chairman , Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye , hailed the collaboration as a long-awaited “game changer” for the league.

     “This partnership is designed to deliver world-class live coverage, centralised content management, and unified sponsorship and marketing strategies. It will enhance fan engagement and create new revenue opportunities for clubs and stakeholders,” Elegbeleye said.

    Under the agreement, Inview Technology will provide end-to-end broadcast and streaming solutions, launch a dedicated NPFL TV channel named AfroSoccer, and uphold international production standards while offering local technical training to build domestic capacity in sports media.

    The NPFL, meanwhile, will facilitate coordination, regulatory support, and access to league fixtures, venues, and clubs.

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    “We are committed to providing an enabling platform for our partners to execute the innovative strategies they bring to the league,” Elegbeleye added.

    Fans can look forward to a more immersive experience, whether watching on television or via mobile devices in stadiums or elsewhere. NPFL matches will be broadcast in high definition on the AfroSoccer free-to-air channel, the FreeTV Mobile App, and across more than 25 partner television channels, ensuring nationwide accessibility. The FreeTV App also allows users to pause, rewind, replay, or watch their favourite matches on-demand, anytime and anywhere.

    The collaboration is poised to raise the NPFL’s global profile, unlock new commercial opportunities, and strengthen local expertise in sports media production, ushering in a new era for football broadcasting in Nigeria.

  • Eguma targets improvement after Enyimba’s draw in Umuahia

    Eguma targets improvement after Enyimba’s draw in Umuahia

    Enyimba head coach, Stanley Eguma, has hailed his players for their tactical discipline and commitment after the People’s Elephant secured a hard-fought goalless draw against Abia Warriors in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 12 fixture on Sunday.

    The tension-soaked encounter at the Umuahia Township Stadium saw both teams cancel each other out in a display of defensive resilience and technical awareness, with few clear-cut chances at either end.

    Speaking after the game, Eguma expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, describing the result as fair given the quality of their opponents and the difficulty of playing away from home.

     “It was generally a good game; the two teams played a high tactical game,” Eguma told NPFL media. “We are happy to have got the draw, although we planned for the maximum points. Abia Warriors are a stubborn side, and they gave us a tough match.”

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    The experienced tactician praised his players for sticking to the game plan and showing the right mentality throughout the contest. He, however, emphasized that the team would use the performance as a foundation to build on in subsequent matches.

     “Our opponents are a good side, no doubt, and my boys played according to our game plan. We will continue to build on this draw as we look to improve and get better results in our upcoming games,” Eguma added.

    With the result, Enyimba remain sixth on the NPFL table with 17 points from 12 matches as they continue their push toward the top spots in the league standings.

  • Atalanta sack  controversial  Lookman’s coach

    Atalanta sack  controversial  Lookman’s coach

    Atalanta s have sacked manager Ivan Juric following a 3-0 home defeat by Sassuolo at the weekend, which left the club languishing in 13th  place in Serie A after 11 matches.

    The Croatian, appointed in June to succeed Gian Piero Gasperini after his nine-year tenure, struggled to replicate the form that led to Atalanta finishing third in the standings last season.

    They have managed two league wins this campaign and trail leaders Inter Milan by 11 points.

    He was recently upbraided  following a touchline row with Nigeria International striker Ademola Lookman,  

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    “Atalanta BC announces that Ivan Juric has been relieved of his duties as first team coach,” the club said in a statement. “Atalanta BC would like to thank Ivan Juric and his staff for their hard work and wishes them all the best for the future.”

    The 50-year-old became AS Roma manager after the sacking of Daniele De Rossi in September 2024, but lasted less than two months in the job before being fired.

    He then took charge of Southampton in December of the same year, only to leave the club a day after their relegation from the Premier League.

    Former Fiorentina boss Raffaele Palladino has been tipped by local media to be the new manager of Atalanta, who prepare to travel to Napoli on November 22 after the international break.

  • W’Cup 2026 Play-Offs: Super Eagles’ camp  buzzing with players, officials in Rabat

    W’Cup 2026 Play-Offs: Super Eagles’ camp  buzzing with players, officials in Rabat

    Ekong, Ndidi Iwobi, Chukwueze, Moses  already in

    Chelle to conduct first  training for Gabon today

    The Super Eagles are gearing up for their  crucial CAF World Cup Play-Off match against Gabon, with their camp in Rabat buzzing with activity as players and officials begin to arrive ahead of the highly anticipated match on Thursday.

    Coach Eric Sékou Chelle and his technical team welcomed the squad to their hotel, Rive Hotel in Rabat , where they are preparing for the Four-Nation African Play-Off.

    The early arrivals yesterday included players from Fulham—Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze—who were soon joined by Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare, Turkey-based defender Wilfred Ndidi and forward Olakunle Olusegun. The camp further energized with the late arrivals of Moses Simon and defensive players including team captain William Troost-Ekong as well as Benjamin Fredericks and Chidozie Awaziem who were the last two expected late last night.

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    The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has indicated that by today, most of the remaining invited players are expected to join the squad, allowing the Super Eagles to commence their training sessions in preparation for the semi-final clash against Gabon. Training will kick off this evening, followed by an official training at the match venue on Wednesday.

    “ We are expecting a full house of the invited players by tomorrow (today)  and training  will begin Monday’s evening,” an official of the team told our correspondent last night

    In the other  semi-final match, Cameroon will face the Democratic Republic of Congo, with both winners vying for Africa’s single spot in the Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico next year at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan on Sunday’s  evening.

    Super Eagles Already in Rabat: Calvin Bassey; Alex Iwobi; Samuel Chukwueze; Tolu Arokodare; Olakunle Olusegun; Wilfred Ndidi; Moses Simon; William Troost-Ekong; Benjamin Fredericks; Chidozie Awaziem

  • Ndidi reaffirms Eagles’  commitment to clinch World Cup ticket

    Ndidi reaffirms Eagles’  commitment to clinch World Cup ticket

    Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi believes  with combined determination of his teammates, the Super Eagles will overcome the hurdle in Morocco in their quest to secure a spot in the Intercontinental Playoffs scheduled for March 2026.

    Speaking ahead of  this  week’s CAF FIFA World Cup Playoffs in Rabat, Ndidi, recently appointed vice-captain of Turkish giants Beşiktaş, said matter-of-factly:   “The strength of the team lies in our pace and power in transition, creativity in wide areas and a solid spine.

    “We also have depth—players who can come in and change the game. When we’re connected and intense, we’re dangerous, ” he noted.

    While optimistic, Ndidi remains grounded in the realities of knockout football.  “With unity and discipline, we believe we can do it.”

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    The Super Eagles vice-captain emphasized that no opponent will be taken lightly.

     “We respect every opponent. Playoffs come down to fine margins, not reputation. Our focus is on preparation—sharp training, good recovery, and executing the game plan. If we do that, our quality will shine through.”

    He added: “As a team, we want to qualify while staying respectful of the task. We’ll prepare well, give everything, and maintain our humility.”

    Reflecting on the team’s journey to the playoffs, Ndidi noted the valuable lessons learned.

    “We’ve learned to respect the details—game management, set pieces, recovery, and discipline without the ball. Trusting the process, sticking to simple, clear roles and keeping the team spirit high are key.”

    He also acknowledged the challenges that come with high-stakes matches.

    “We must manage pressure, handle away environments, and stay focused for the full 90 minutes. Fatigue is a factor with travel and tight schedules, so recovery and squad rotation are crucial.”

    To the Super Eagles’ global fanbase, Ndidi offered reassurance and a promise of commitment.

     “Expect commitment, organization, and intensity. We want to be difficult to play against, control key moments, and show courage when it matters most. The promise we can make is effort and togetherness.”

  • Crowd violence: Katsina United hit with ₦9m fine, banished to Jos

    Crowd violence: Katsina United hit with ₦9m fine, banished to Jos

    NPFL denies alleged slitting of player’s throat

    The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has slammed Katsina United with heavy sanctions following multiple breaches of the league’s Framework and Rules during their Matchday 12 fixture against Barau FC on Saturday.

    According to a statement from the NPFL, the club failed to provide adequate and effective security at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, allowing unauthorised persons to access restricted areas during the match. This security lapse reportedly led to widespread disorder and attacks on visiting players and officials.

    Supporters of Katsina United were also found guilty of throwing harmful objects onto the pitch, resulting in injuries to Barau FC players. The unruly fans further harassed match officials and members of the visiting team, behaviour described by the league body as “capable of bringing the game into disrepute.”

    As part of the sanctions, Katsina United have been ordered to play all their subsequent home matches in Jos, Plateau State, and behind closed doors. The club has also been fined a total of ₦9 million for various infractions, including ₦1 million each for throwing objects, failing to control supporters, and bringing the game into disrepute. An additional ₦2 million fine was imposed for inadequate security.

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    Furthermore, the club will pay ₦2 million each as compensation for the treatment of injured Barau FC players and damages to the visiting team’s buses, as well as for holding the match officials and away team hostage for several hours after the game.

    Katsina United have 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal the sanctions.

    In a related development, the NPFL in another statement said it was untrue the  reported slitting of  the throat of Abraham Nana of Barau FC, adding the  said player was hurt by an object hauled from the stands and was treated on the pitch which led to the match being halted for a few minutes.

    According to the league body, NPFL Office maintains an active Situation Room with all Match Commissioners, and through this medium, we monitor and direct affairs to ensure hitch-free matches.

    The NPFL  said  it will continue to uphold the rules to ensure fair competition and exciting League under safe atmosphere while assuring the ‘of safety at our matches through control measures put in place’.

  • Golf: Tijani, Talal , Obata  rule  India Cup at Ikoyi Club

    Golf: Tijani, Talal , Obata  rule  India Cup at Ikoyi Club

    The 2025 India Cup Golf Tournament was rounded at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos, with eleven-handicapper Paul Tijani leading the winners’ chart with 70, two under net score. He beat Justin Zhang to the runner-up place through countback scoring after 18 holes.

    The winner’s trophy was presented to Tijani at the closing ceremony gala, which crowned the one-week golf activities of the Tournament, which now stand as a major expression of the Indo-Nigeria business community.

    According to Keshab Vaswani, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, the bond and expression of camaraderie throughout the event underscore the value that the event contributes to the business environment.

     “We have been at this for quite some time, and each time the event is staged, we can see the event helping forge stronger business ties and affords some businesses, showcase their expertise to the community, ” he said.

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    This year’s event is supported by Inbev, African Steel Industries, Zenith Bank, 7Up Bottling Company, and CFAO Motors, among others.

    In the men’s gross category, Akar Talal, spotting four handicap, led the field with a five-stroke edge over Remi Olukoya, who picked the runner up trophy, while Tim Ayomike settled for third place after his 18-hole round.

    Lady’s winner, Ifeoma Obata had to return an incredible score of 67, five under net to steer clear of rival Joan Sho-Silva with two shots. Evelyn Oyome shot an 80 gross score to lead her category, while Beatrice Oluwashina stood out in the higher handicap (29-36) class.

     “I think the bigger part of the India Cup this year was the opportunity for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), with the gifts and opportunities extended to the junior golfers, caddies, and professional golfers who were all captured extensively this year,” Vaswani added.

  • EAGLES TRACKER: Awoniyi helps Forest to first win under Dyche as Lookman, Osimhen endure Defeats

    EAGLES TRACKER: Awoniyi helps Forest to first win under Dyche as Lookman, Osimhen endure Defeats

    Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi featured as Nottingham Forest claimed their first Premier League victory under new manager Sean Dyche, defeating Leeds United 3-1 at the City Ground. Awoniyi was introduced in the 59th  minute and helped steady the Reds’ attack as they sealed a much-needed win.

    In England, Crystal Palace hitman Chrisantus Uche remained an unused substitute in the goalless draw against Brighton. The youngster is yet to add to his three league appearances for the Eagles this season.

    Over in Italy, Ademola Lookman and his Atalanta side endured a disappointing evening as they were outclassed 3-0 by visiting Sassuolo. The Nigerian winger was replaced in the 78th minute after a subdued display.

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    In France, Terem Moffi came off the bench in the 79th  minute to help Metz secure a 2-1 home victory over Nice.

    Meanwhile, in Turkey, Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Kocaelispor, while in Belgium, Raphael Onyedika’s Club Brugge were edged 1-0 away by arch-rivals Anderlecht.