The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Klopp sets for historic  return to  Anfield

    Klopp sets for historic  return to  Anfield

    Jurgen Klopp will be back in the Liverpool dugout in two months’ time as part of the backroom staff of the Reds’ Legends match.

    On March 28, Liverpool Legends take on their Borussia Dortmund counterparts at Anfield in a bid to raise funds for the LFC Foundation and the club’s official former players association, Forever Reds.

    Liverpool icon Sir Kenny Dalglish had already been confirmed as the manager for the hosts and he will now be assisted by Klopp.

    Completing Dalglish’s backroom team will be fellow club greats Ian Rush and John Aldridge.

    A long-time supporter of LFC Foundation, Klopp has consistently praised the impact of the charity. He has highlighted its ‘incredible work’ delivered both locally and globally.

    Klopp left his role as Liverpool manager 18 months ago after almost nine years at the helm – winning seven honours along the way.

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

    He won the Champions League in 2019 before leading Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years in 2019-20.

    The German went on to become the only Liverpool manager to win the league title, European Cup/Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup with the Reds.

    This fixture will be particular poignant for the 58-year-old due to his history with Dortmund too – his previous club before taking the reins at Liverpool.

    During his seven years at the helm, he led the German giants to two Bundesliga titles, one German Cup and two German Super Cups – and finished runners-up in the 2012-13 Champions League final.

  • JUST IN: Super Eagles forward Chukwueze loses mother

    JUST IN: Super Eagles forward Chukwueze loses mother

    Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze is mourning the death of his mother, Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, following a brief illness.

    While the AC Milan winger did not make a public announcement, the sad news was first shared by his brother, David Chukwueze, who posted a series of emotional tributes on Instagram reflecting the family’s grief.

    In one post, David wrote, “Can’t even post your picture to say RIP mum.” In another, he added, “My forever love just left me without saying goodbye,” while also saying, “You didn’t even carry your grandchild.”

    The development was later officially confirmed by the National Sports Commission in a statement issued on Thursday. The Commission disclosed that Mrs Chukwueze passed away after a brief illness, noting that the announcement had already been made public by members of the family.

    Read Also: Chukwueze credits Silva for Fulham’s comeback win

    “The National Sports Commission is deeply saddened by the confirmed passing of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, mother of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze,” the statement read.

    The NSC described the late Mrs Chukwueze as a strong support figure in her son’s football journey and acknowledged the crucial role family plays in the lives of elite Nigerian athletes.

    “Across the landscape of Nigerian sport, the role of family remains central to the character and resilience shown by many of our elite athletes,” the statement said, adding that the Commission stands in solidarity with Chukwueze and his family during the period of mourning.

  • AFCON 2025: CAF slams Senegal, Morocco for final chaos

    AFCON 2025: CAF slams Senegal, Morocco for final chaos

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sanctioned Senegal and hosts Morocco after disorder marred the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 final in Rabat.

    CAF said its Disciplinary Board punished the Senegalese and Moroccan federations, players and officials for breaching the CAF Disciplinary Code during and after the finals..

    Senegal edged Morocco 1–0 after extra time, but protests, pitch confrontations and crowd unrest followed a controversial Video Assistant Referee decision late in the match.

    CAF handed Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw a five-match suspension for unsporting conduct and fined him 100,000 dollars for bringing the game into disrepute.

    Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match CAF bans for unsporting behaviour.

    The Senegal federation was fined 615,000 dollars.

    Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi got a two-match suspension, one suspended for a year. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match ban and 100,000-dollar fine.

    Read Also: Super Falcons to grace WAFU B  tourney ahead of WAFCON

    The Moroccan federation was fined 315,000 dollars for ball boys’ misconduct, VAR area invasion by officials and players, and supporters’ use of laser pointers.

    CAF also dismissed Morocco’s protest alleging regulatory breaches by Senegal, ruling that the complaint lacked merit under AFCON regulations.

    The final descended into chaos after a VAR-awarded penalty to Morocco triggered protests and a brief walk-off by Senegalese players, halting play for nearly 20 minutes.

    Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy later saved Brahim Díaz’s penalty, before Pape Gueye scored in extra time to secure Senegal’s historic victory.

    Before the sanctions, FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the incidents, describing the scenes as unacceptable.

    “We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members.

    “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Infantino said.

    “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.”

    CAF said the sanctions underscored its stance on discipline, fair play and respect for match officials, closing a turbulent chapter of AFCON 2025.

    (NAN)

  • FULL LIST: Clubs with direct qualifications for Champions League Round of 16

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

    The eight teams that have secured automatic qualification for the Round of 16 of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League have been confirmed following the conclusion of the league phase on Wednesday night.

    Under the new Champions League format, the top eight teams in the league standings advance directly to the Round of 16, while clubs that finished between ninth and 24th will contest a two-legged knockout phase play-off to determine the remaining last-16 places.

    Five English clubs made the cut, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all finishing in the top eight.

    Barcelona and Sporting CP also secured automatic qualification, joining Bayern Munich, who, alongside Arsenal, had already confirmed their place in the last 16 before the final round of matches.

    Read Also: Champions League: Full list of teams for knockout phase play-offs

    Meanwhile, reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain will have to go through the knockout phase play-offs once again. Real Madrid, the competition’s most successful club with 15 titles, also missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a 4–2 defeat to Benfica.

    Here are teams qualified directly for the Round of 16:

    1. Arsenal

    2. Bayern Munich

    3. Liverpool

    4. Manchester City

    5. Chelsea

    6. Tottenham Hotspur

    7. Barcelona

    8. Sporting CP

  • Champions League: Full list of teams for knockout phase play-offs

    Champions League: Full list of teams for knockout phase play-offs

    Several high-profile clubs will compete in the knockout phase play-offs for a place in the Round of 16 of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League after missing out on automatic qualification from the league phase.

    Reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain will once again have to navigate the knockout phase play-offs to stay in the competition. 

    Real Madrid, the most successful club in Champions League history with 15 titles, also missed out on direct qualification following a 4–2 defeat to Benfica in their final league-phase fixture.

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

    Under the new Champions League format, teams finishing outside the top eight must compete in a two-legged knockout phase play-off, with the winners advancing to the last 16.

    Teams confirmed for the knockout phase play-offs:

    1. Atalanta

    2. Atlético de Madrid

    3. Borussia Dortmund

    4. Benfica

    5. Bodø/Glimt

    6. Club Brugge

    7. Galatasaray

    8. Inter Milan

    9. Juventus

    10. Bayer Leverkusen

    11. Monaco

    12. Newcastle United

    13. Olympiacos

    14. Paris Saint-Germain

    15. Qarabağ

    16. Real Madrid

  • Tinubu condoles with  grieving  Ndidi on father’s death

    Tinubu condoles with  grieving  Ndidi on father’s death

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a message of condolence to Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, over the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing it as tragic and painful for the family and all who knew the deceased.

    Sunday Ndidi reportedly died in a road accident in Umunede, near Agbor, in Delta State, on Tuesday.

    His son, Wilfred Ndidi, is a Nigerian international footballer who currently plays for Turkish Super Lig side Beşiktaş and serves as captain of the Super Eagles.

    President Tinubu, in his condolence message, said he was deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Sunday Ndidi, noting the close bond he shared with his son.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Egypt friendly in doubt as NFF shift camp to Morocco

     “I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Sunday Ndidi. I share in the grief of his family, friends and associates, particularly Wilfred Ndidi, who shared a strong bond with his father as a mentor and guide in his remarkable career as an exceptional footballer,” the President said.

    He added that the late Ndidi’s values and personal conduct left a lasting impression on those around him.

     “There is no doubt that Sunday’s modest beginning and honesty greatly impacted those who looked up to him for inspiration,” the President noted.

    President Tinubu also prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved family and for the repose of the soul of the departed.

    He asked God Almighty to grant the Ndidi family the strength to bear the loss and to grant eternal rest to Sunday Ndidi.

  • Amuneke faces tough Pinnick conditions for  Super Eagles’ job

    Amuneke faces tough Pinnick conditions for  Super Eagles’ job

    Immediate  past President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, believes  former Nigeria international, Emmanuel Amuneke , is still a strong candidate to coach the Super  Eagles in the future.

    But  Pinnick  asserted  that the former  Barcelona winger  must deliver silverware at club level before he can  took the reins  of the  national men’s football team.

    Speaking on the Sunday Oliseh Global Football Insights Podcast, Pinnick said matter-of-factly, adding the Super Eagles job isn’t something you earn on past glory alone—even if you’re a Barcelona legend who won the U-17 World Cup.

    “I like him. We have a good relationship,” Pinnick claimed. “But the Super Eagles is not just for anybody to handle. Let’s see your results with Heartland FC.”

    As a player, Amuneke was box office as the he silky winger won titles across three continents with Julius Berger, Zamalek, Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona.

    He retired to coaching  in 2008 and cut his teeth with Julius Berger and Ocean Boys before landing his breakthrough moment in 2015: guiding  the Golden Eaglets to  FIFA U-17 World Cup glory in Chile with a team  that included Victor Osimhen,  Samuel Chukwueze and among others.

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    His next stop was Tanzania, where he masterminded their qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. By 2022, he was named Super Eagles assistant coach for the crucial World Cup playoff against Ghana.

    With credentials like that, many assumed Amuneke was a shoo-in for the top job in 2024. Instead, the NFF went with Finidi George, who’d just won the Nigerian league with Rivers United.

    But to land the Super Eagles’ job, Pinnick has  now given Amuneke some stringent  conditions  , adding  the former  Africa Footballer of the Year should  take Heartland, currently struggling in Nigeria’s lower leagues, back to the top flight. Then win the NPFL title. And then? Take a crack at the CAF Champions League—a trophy no Nigerian club has lifted in over two decades.

    “He’s at Heartland, a big club that has been there for over 40 years,” Pinnick explained. “Let him help the club win the Champions League. He’s still very young. Once that is done, it’s going to be automatic going to the Super Eagles.”

  • NNL, NALCOMA recommend life ban for dubious referees

    NNL, NALCOMA recommend life ban for dubious referees

    By Daniel Oyekan

    The Nigerian National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA) has recommended life bans for referees and club officials who engage in dubious practices that bring the game into disrepute.

    The recommendation came at the end of a one-day mid-season retreat held at the Remo Stars International Stadium in Ikenne, jointly organized by the Nigerian National League (NNL) Board and NALCOMA.

    Participants at the retreat commended the George Aluo-led NNL Board for securing sponsorship for the second-tier league and restoring confidence in Nigerian football’s second division.

    NALCOMA Chairman, Godwin Enakhena, praised the board’s efforts in transforming the league’s fortunes and improving standards.

    “We commend the George Aluo-led Board for restoring confidence in the league, which is now attracting corporate sponsors. The standard of the league has improved—there is better welfare for players, matches are streamed live, and there is less violence,” Enakhena said.

    However, Enakhena expressed concern over the conduct of some referees and club officials whose desperate attempts to secure home victories threaten the league’s progress.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Egypt friendly in doubt as NFF shift camp to Morocco

    “Some referees and clubs are acting as killjoys through their desperation to win at home at all costs. We totally condemn poor officiating induced by money and other considerations,” he stated.

    “While a lot is being done to improve the league, there are still some bad eggs among the referees and even club officials whose conduct can cause irreversible damage. We will not allow a few bad ones to destroy our league.”

    NALCOMA plans to recommend to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Board that any referee found culpable of breaching league rules in a dubious manner should face a lifetime ban from officiating.

    “This will serve as a deterrent to others with bad intent,” Enakhena emphasized.

    Beyond punitive measures, the NALCOMA chairman stressed the need for continuous training and reorientation of match officials to improve officiating standards.

    “We will also recommend proper retraining and reorientation of the arbiters because a half-baked referee cannot do a good job,” he concluded.

    The recommendations are expected to be formally presented to the NFF for consideration and implementation.

  • Bayelsa athletes  vow to defend Niger Delta Games crown

    Bayelsa athletes  vow to defend Niger Delta Games crown

    Bayelsa State‘s athletes are determined to retain their position atop the medals table when the second edition of the Niger Delta Games kicks off in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20-27.

    The state surprised many by clinching the inaugural title in Uyo, edging out Delta State by a single gold medal on the final day of competition. Bayelsa finished with an impressive haul of 46 gold, 29 silver and 15 bronze medals—86 in total.

    Now, athletes preparing for the Benin Games say they’re ready to prove their dominance was no fluke.

    “Bayelsa has gone beyond participation to winning tournaments,” declared wrestler Emmanuel Okike during training at the team’s camp in Yenagoa, the state capital. “We have been doing well in all the competitions we’ve attended, and I can confidently say we’re ready to retain first position.”

    Okike credited the team’s intensive preparations, particularly the wrestling squad’s rigorous training regimen, as the foundation for their confidence.

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    Fellow wrestler Ebiere Frank, competing in the 61kg freestyle category, echoed that determination. “We’re going to Benin to affirm our dominance in wrestling,” he said, adding that the Games would serve as vital preparation for other competitions later in the year.

    Both wrestlers praised the partnership between Dunamis-Icon Limited and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for creating the Games.

    “The region stands to benefit immensely from the continuous staging of these games through the discovery of talented sportsmen and women,” Ebiere noted.

    Basketball player Gonibo Jessica was equally bullish about her team’s prospects. “We’re bringing back the gold medal in basketball,” she asserted, describing the competition as “a stepping stone for young athletes to excel at national and international sporting events.”

    Jessica urged the NDDC to sustain its sponsorship of the Games, calling it “a launch pad for grassroots sports development.”

    Bayelsa will field male and female athletes across all 16 sporting events at the Games.

  • Stadium expert Egbe hails ‘birthday boy’ Fubara on infrastructure vision

    Stadium expert Egbe hails ‘birthday boy’ Fubara on infrastructure vision

    Nigeria‘s foremost stadium construction expert, Ebi Egbe, has extended warm birthday wishes to Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, while praising his developmental achievements in the state.

    Egbe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Sports Facilities Limited—the firm reconstructing the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt—expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership despite the challenges facing the state.

    “Your Excellency, I wish you a happy birthday and want to assure you that Rivers State is in safe hands under your leadership. Your developmental strides speak for themselves. You have remained unshakable despite the challenges of steering the affairs of the state. May God Almighty guide you safely to the promised land,” Egbe said in his goodwill message.

    The Bayelsa-born sports infrastructure specialist expressed gratitude for the opportunity to undertake the stadium reconstruction project, describing it as a testament to the governor’s commitment to empowering capable Niger Delta professionals.

    Read Also: Morocco 2025:  NFF launches NAIJA 4 THE WIN campaign for Super Eagles

    “As an Ijaw man from neighbouring Bayelsa State, I do not take for granted your confidence in a fellow Niger Deltan with the capacity to deliver. This monumental project will help talents in the region blossom, and we at Monimichelle Sports Facilities Limited remain eternally grateful,” he added.

    Egbe also prayed for divine renewal of the governor’s energy and wisdom to continue creating sustainable legacies for future generations.

    Beyond the birthday felicitation, Egbe has been at the forefront of advocating for improved sports facilities across Nigeria and Africa. He continues to campaign against substandard football playing surfaces, emphasizing that athlete welfare should be paramount in infrastructure decisions.

    “Players’ comfort and safety are among the strongest advantages of using our Monimichelle Nature Pure Natural infill pitches instead of traditional rubber-based systems that often cause injuries,” he explained.

    The Monimichelle CEO is also pushing for the replacement of concrete floors in sports arenas with the advanced SI-PU multi-purpose hybrid court system, which he says addresses the safety, performance, and durability limitations of painted concrete and basic acrylic surfaces.

    “SI-PU hybrid systems are elastomeric and flexible, reducing peak impact forces transmitted to the athlete’s body. This directly protects the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), Achilles tendon, knee cartilage, lower back, and hip joints,” Egbe concluded.