The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Super Eagles Tracker:  Osimhen leads Nigerians  as  UEFA Champions League heats up

    Super Eagles Tracker:  Osimhen leads Nigerians  as  UEFA Champions League heats up

    Nigerian stars are set to take centre stage in this week’s UEFA Champions League Matchday 4 fixtures, with in-form Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen spearheading Galatasaray’s bid to maintain their impressive European run.

    Osimhen, who has found the net three times in two Champions League appearances this season, will aim to extend his scoring streak when Galatasaray visit Ajax Amsterdam at the Johan Cruyff Arena tomorrow night.

    After an opening 5–1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, the Turkish champions bounced back with successive wins — a hard-fought 1–0 triumph over Liverpool followed by a 3–1 victory against Bodø/Glimt. The resurgence has been driven by Osimhen’s brilliance in attack, as he scored the winner against Liverpool and bagged a brace against Bodø/Glimt while assisting the third goal.

    Despite enduring a slow start to the season due to transfer uncertainties and injury setbacks, the Nigerian striker has rediscovered his rhythm, netting six goals in ten appearances across all competitions. A win in Amsterdam could push Galatasaray closer to sealing a spot in the knockout rounds.

    Elsewhere, several other Nigerians will also feature prominently across Europe’s biggest stage.

    At the Fortuna Arena in Prague tonight, Igho Ogbu and David Moses will line up for Slavia Prague against an in-form Arsenal side that has yet to drop a point in the group stage. The Gunners have scored eight goals and kept a perfect defensive record in Europe, marking them as one of the competition’s top contenders. Slavia Prague, still seeking their first win of the campaign, will need something special to stop Mikel Arteta’s high-flying side and revive their hopes of progressing.

    Beyond these headline fixtures, other Nigerian internationals will also be in action. Bruno Onyemaechi’s Olympiacos face PSV Eindhoven tonight.

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    In Belgium, Raphael Onyedika is expected to return to Club Brugge’s midfield when they host Barcelona tomorrow. The Belgian side will be desperate to respond after a 4–0 drubbing by Bayern Munich in their last group match. Barcelona, however, arrive in strong form, having recorded back-to-back Champions League victories and a 3–1 La Liga win over Elche at the weekend.

    Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta clash with Olympique Marseille tomorrow, while George Ilenikhena’s Monaco travel to Norway for a tricky tie against Bodø/Glimt tonight.

    In Portugal, Bayer Leverkusen with Nathan Tella will strive to return to winning ways after their 3-0 mauling at Bayern Munich when they face Jose Mourunho inspired Benfica tomorrow.

    As Matchday 4 unfolds, all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen — the man in form and at the heart of Galatasaray’s European dream — as he leads Nigeria’s contingent into another crucial week of Champions League football.

    UCL: TODAY’S  MATCHES

    Napoli vs. Frankfurt

    Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal

    Atletico vs. Saint-Gilloise

    Juventus vs. Sporting CP

    Liverpool vs. Madrid

    Olympiakos vs. PSV

    PSG vs. Bayern

    Tottenham vs. Copenhagen

  • Nigeria has better players  to beat  Gabon in W’Cup Play-off , says  Rohr

    Nigeria has better players  to beat  Gabon in W’Cup Play-off , says  Rohr

    Franco-German predicts Eagles, Leopards finale

    By Olamilekan Israel

    Franco-German coach Gernot Rohr, has urged the Super  Eagles  to maintain the same collective performance they showed against Benin if they are to overcome Gabon   in one of the semi-final s of the African play-offs   for World Cup 2026 in Rabat on November 13th .

    Currently attached with  The Cheetahs of Benin, Rohr  who  had previously managed  the two combatants , said the  ‘more quality’ Super Eagles must be wary of the Les Panthères (The Panthers), since they are  capable of upsetting  the apple carts.

    “Gabon and Nigeria are two good teams,” the 72-year-old  former Bordeaux coach told NationSport  from Cotonou yesterday.  “Some of their (Gabonese) players are still the same ones I worked with  between  2010 and 2012 when we reached the quarter-finals of  the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).”

    Rohr named  the like former African Footballer of  the  Year  Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

    as one of the players that  Nigeria must pay attention to, adding there are  other experienced players in their fold.

    He continued: “Aubameyang was a young player at that time (2012), and their captain, Bruno Ecuele Manga, is still there. But I think Nigeria has better players. If they play collectively like they did against Benin, I think they  can beat Gabon.”

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    Speaking further,  the vastly-travelled  Rohr with stints in Niger, Tunisia  and Burkina  Faso, said  it would be difficult to predict the eventual sole  winner  of the African Play-Off , adding both   Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo who  play in the other semi-finals, can be a hard nut to crack.  

    “The winner of  the  final ticket will be difficult to predict  because the match between Cameroon and DR Congo will not be easy,” said Rohr who incidentally qualified Nigeria to  her last  Mundial appearance at Russia 2018. “Perhaps, DR Congo are a bit stronger because they have individually better quality players than Cameroon.

     “ Again, Cameroon are also facing some administrative problems that  may affect their performance, so I think the final could be between Nigeria and DR Congo.”

    He  also discussed the upcoming continental playoffs in Mexico, describing it as “a tougher challenge” but expressing hope that the Super Eagles’ quality and depth could carry them through.

    Rohr quipped: “The continental playoffs in Mexico will be very difficult, but there’s still hope. I think Nigeria can do it because they have the best players and a good image,” he said. “It will be good for FIFA to have a nation like Nigeria, with almost 200 million people, at the World Cup.

    “It would make the tournament more exciting,” he added.

  • Finidi tips  Rivers United despite tricky Champions League draw

    Finidi tips  Rivers United despite tricky Champions League draw

    Coach  Finidi George  has reacted calmly to the outcome of Monday’s CAF Champions League group stage draw, which placed Rivers United  in Group A alongside defending champions Pyramids FC of Egypt, Morocco’s RS Berkane, and Zambia’s Power Dynamos.

    The draw, held in Johannesburg, saw 16 clubs split into four groups (A to D), with Rivers United emerging as Nigeria’s sole survivor on the continent following the early exits of Remo Stars, Kwara United and Abia Warriors in the qualifying rounds of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

    The Pride of Rivers secured their place in the group stage after edging Mozambique’s Black Bulls 3–2 on aggregate in the second qualifying round, having earlier dispatched Congo Democratic Republic opposition in the preliminaries.

    Their qualification marks a historic achievement, as they became the first Nigerian club to reach the CAF Champions League group stage since Lobi Stars in the 2018/19 season.

    Reacting to the draw, Finidi acknowledged the strength of their Group A opponents but maintained confidence in his team’s ability to compete at the highest level.

     “It is no doubt a difficult group,” Finidi admitted. “But if you want to play in such a lucrative club competition, you must be ready to play against the best teams at some stages.

    “We are going to prepare for the games, but for now our focus is on the domestic league. When the time comes for the CAF Champions League group stage, we will be primed for it by making the players mentally ready for the challenges at hand.”

    Rivers United will look to build on their recent continental progress and aim to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.

    Finidi’s emphasis on balancing domestic commitments with continental ambitions reflects a pragmatic approach as the Port Harcourt-based side targets both consistency and growth on multiple fronts.

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    With the group stage set to kick off in the weekend of November 21st  to 23rd, Finidi’s men are expected to intensify preparations, hoping to prove that Nigerian clubs still have what it takes to challenge Africa’s elite as the top two finishers in each of the four groups advance to the quarter-finals in March.

    The  Full draw:

    Group A: Power Dynamos (Zambia), Pyramids (Egypt), Renaissance Berkane (Morocco), Rivers United (Nigeria)

    Group B: Al Ahly (Egypt), JS Kabylie (Algeria), Royal Armed Forces (Morocco), Young Africans (Tanzania)

    Group C: Al Hilal (Sudan), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Mouloudia Alger (Algeria), St Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo)

    Group D: Esperance (Tunisia), Petro Atletico (Angola), Simba (Tanzania), Stade Malien (Mali)

  • FirstBank promises exciting Lagos Open Golf Championship

    FirstBank promises exciting Lagos Open Golf Championship

    As this year’s edition of annual FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship gathers momentum, top amateur golfers and aspiring golf professionals have taken to golf courses across country horning their skills in preparations for this year’s championship, even as the tournament sponsor, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited promises exciting week for participants.

    Played over 54-holes, the Lagos Open Golf Championship, a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event, administered by the R&A and USGA, attracts top amateur golfers from Nigeria and around the world. Over the years, golfers from far flung South Africa, West Africa sub-region and Kenya have participated in competition.

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    The championship; which is the longest running amateur golf tournament in the Nigeria, has turnout to be a nursery of some sort for aspiring golf professionals and has produced successful professional golfers.

    In 2018, visiting Kenya amateur golfer; Samuel Njoroge stole the show in Ikoyi winning the 57th edition of the championship and has gone on to become a successful professional golfer competing on the European Tour. Others like Andrew Odoh, Willy Gift, Ikoyi Club based Monday Eze are all former winners doing well in the professional elite class. Others like Port Harcourt based Sam Amadi, Peter Eben-spiff, Muyideen Olaitan are renowned top amateurs doing well in their businesses. 

    Over the years, FirstBank has remained the biggest promoter of golf in Nigeria, transforming the Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship into a globally recognized event on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).

  • World Polio Day: Para soccer thrill  spectators in Lagos

    World Polio Day: Para soccer thrill  spectators in Lagos

    Para soccer teams thrilled spectators at the Fashola Train Station ground in Agege, Lagos, during a one-day tournament held to commemorate this year’s World Polio Day. Despite physical challenges, the athletes showcased remarkable skill and determination, captivating the audience with their performance.

    Organised by the Polio Rescue Association, the event embraced the theme: “End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere.”

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the theme highlights the global commitment to eradicating polio by ensuring that every child, regardless of their location, receives the life-saving vaccine.

    The match featured impressive displays of football artistry, with Polio Rescue Team A clinching victory over Team B in a thrilling five-goal encounter.

    Watched by an enthusiastic crowd, the event served as a platform for advocacy—raising awareness about polio and promoting rehabilitation efforts for people living with disabilities.

    Players praised the Polio Rescue Association for organizing the tournament, emphasizing the need for increased support from government and corporate organizations for polio survivors and others affected by the disease.

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    Speaking at the event, Convener Olugbenga Kuye, called on the government to provide financial assistance to people with disabilities. Kuye, a former Chairman of the Lagos State Para Soccer Association, expressed delight at the teams’ performances and revealed plans to host regular tournaments across the five divisions of Lagos State to further engage the community.

    He commended the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF) for its continued support, urging the media to amplify awareness and encourage contributions from government bodies and well-meaning individuals.

    “We’re grateful to LSSTF for making this possible again. But we can do more. We want to expand these tournaments across all divisions and spread the joy we’ve seen here today,” Kuye said. “We are a reliable and trustworthy organization.”

    He added: “Our members need support not just in sports but in other areas of life. Many are unemployed and lack sustainable livelihoods. We don’t want them returning to the streets to beg. That’s why we’re bringing them together—so they can find purpose and dignity.”

    The Polio Rescue Association’s annual Para Soccer match in celebration of World Polio Day began in 2017 and continues to be a beacon of hope and advocacy for polio survivors.

  • Fatodu applauds Lagos Women Run organisers as EXPO starts  today

    Fatodu applauds Lagos Women Run organisers as EXPO starts  today

    The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has praised the organisers of the annual Lagos Women Run for their consistency over the years as he reiterated the Lagos State’s commitment to the event.

    Fatodu  described the initiative as a platform that celebrates the strength, resilience and limitless potential of women as Lagos Women Run marks its 10th  anniversary.

    The 10th  edition of the race, with the theme “One run, a thousand opportunities”, will also be heralded by an empowerment programme which starts today, November 4th . This four-day programme is designed to empower women with the different skills, knowledge, and support they need to succeed.

     “This year’s theme ‘One run a thousand opportunities’ is both symbolic and timely as it reminds us that a single heart of running can open countless doors for self-discovery, inclusion, and the collective progress of women in our society,” he said.

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    “Over these years, the Lagos Women Run has evolved from a modest effort to promote fitness among women into one of the most recognizable and unifying events for women across Nigeria, combining sports, empowerment, and social engagement on an impressive scale.”

    The Expo of the race will see women being trained on various aspects of business and also how to make their relationship works with one of the speakers, the Ambassador of the Race, U-Meleni Mhlaba Adebo, helping the women to see how they can use run to maintain their homes.

    EXPO Programme Lead, Sidikat Folami, has  assured that all was set for the event, a major pre for the Lagos Women Run.

     “Many of those who registered are looking forward to collect their kits and be part of the empowerment programme. We are ready and we thank all those who supported this far including the Lagos State Government and Lagos Recyclers Association (LAGRA),”Folami said.

    The Lagos Women Run is slated for Saturday November 8.

  • SWAN’s Distinguished Service Award excites Idoko

    SWAN’s Distinguished Service Award excites Idoko

    The former Vice chairman of Lobi Stars of Makurdi, Mike Okpe Idoko, has lauded the leadership of the Sports Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for honouring him alongside other eminent Nigerians   during  the  association’s recent 60th  anniversary celebration in Abuja.

    Idoko, in a statement, said he’s most delighted that the umbrella body of sports journalists considered him  worthy of the award in a society where people are mostly rewarded with scorn after they devoted all their energies to the development of sports in the country.

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    Idoko was among the eminent Nigerians who were honoured for their Outstanding Support to Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and Contribution to sports development in Nigeria.

    “I especially found this award soothing, because it’s coming while I’m still  alive and at a time people reward genuine efforts with scorn and disdain,” Idoko said.

    The one-time General Manager of Sunshine Stars of Akure stressed that he would forever cherish the award, adding that it’s a motivation to do more.

    “To the glory of God, I want to dedicate the award to my family and players and coaches who have passed through me. I want to assure SWAN that this award will spur me to rededicate my life to the development and promotion of sports, especially football in Nigeria,” he added.

  • Legacy Volleyball Club celebrates 20th anniversary  with mini- tourney

    Legacy Volleyball Club celebrates 20th anniversary  with mini- tourney

    As part of  activities marking its  20th anniversary, of Legacy Volleyball Club  will host the Super 4 Volleyball Tournament  between  November 7 and 8, at the Volleyball Court of  Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

    The two-day tournament will feature eight top teams across Lagos. In the men’s category, Legacy Volleyball Club will square off against Lekki Volleyball Club, Street Friendly Volleyball Club, and Amuwo Spikers. For the women’s event, Legacy, Lekki, 1015 Spikers and Amuwo Spikers will compete for a ₦500,000 winner-takes-all prize.

    The 20th  anniversary celebration will also feature a veterans’ match, charity visits to orphanages, and will conclude with a grand gala night on Saturday, November 22.

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    Speaking with journalists, the club’s president, Joy Ezenwa, described Legacy as “more than just a sports group, but a family.”

     “We are celebrating 20 years of Legacy, and it is a huge milestone,” she said. “We are coming together to celebrate the game, have fun, and reconnect with our old members. This is about celebrating the lives that the club has touched.”

    Reflecting on what has kept the club strong for two decades, Ezenwa credited unity and resilience.

     “Legacy is a family. We have had our challenges, but our bond keeps us going. We always find ways to overcome whatever comes our way without letting it affect our togetherness,” she noted.

  • Rivers United  face  holders  in  Champions League’s ‘group of death’

    Rivers United  face  holders  in  Champions League’s ‘group of death’

    By Daniel Oyekan

    Nigeria’s sole representatives on the continent, Rivers United, have been handed a tough draw in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage, where they will face some of Africa’s strongest club sides.

    The draw, conducted on Monday at the SuperSport Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa, placed the former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions in Group A alongside RS Berkane of Morocco, Pyramids FC of Egypt, and Power Dynamos of Zambia.

    This marks Rivers United’s first-ever appearance in the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition, following their 3–2 aggregate victory over Mozambique’s Black Bulls in the final qualifying round. The Port Harcourt-based club also became the first Nigerian side to reach the group phase since 2019.

    Group A is widely regarded as one of the toughest of the draw. Pyramids FC, defending champions of the CAF Champions League, are among the early favourites to retain their title after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 3–2 in last season’s final. RS Berkane, on the other hand, are the reigning CAF Confederation Cup champions, having lifted the trophy three times in the past six editions.

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    While Rivers United face a daunting challenge against two continental powerhouses, Power Dynamos will also be looking to make an impression in their first group stage appearance since 2020 — making Group A, a blend of experience and emerging ambition.

    Elsewhere, record 12-time winners Al Ahly of Egypt headline Group B alongside Young Africans (Tanzania), AS FAR (Morocco), and JS Kabylie (Algeria), while Mamelodi Sundowns lead Group C and Espérance de Tunis top Group D.

    The CAF Interclub group stage will kick off between 21 and 23 November 2025, with two matchdays scheduled before the AFCON 2025 break in Morocco.

    Matches will resume from January 23–25, 2026, before the knockout rounds begin on March 13, 2026.

    The eventual winners of the competition, according to CAF,  will receive USD 4 million, while runners-up will earn USD 2 million.

  • Onigbinde, Olowookere set for coaching jobs in Osun

    Onigbinde, Olowookere set for coaching jobs in Osun

    Former Doma United head coach, Akinade Onigbinde, is set to take charge of Osun United ahead of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

    With the new campaign fast approaching, the Osogbo-based club has intensified its preparations and is keen to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

    Onigbinde, widely respected for his tactical acumen and focus on youth development, impressed during his tenure at Doma United. His appointment is expected to inject fresh ambition and experience into the Osun United setup.

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    The management believes his arrival will help shape a more competitive team capable of challenging for top honours in what promises to be a tough NNL season.

    In a related development, Osun Babes are finalizing the appointment of Bankole Olowookere, current head coach of Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, as their new manager ahead of the 2025/2026 NWFL season.

    Olowookere, known for his calm leadership and tactical intelligence, recently guided the Flamingos to the second round of the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

    Club sources reveal that the deal is all but completed, with an official announcement expected soon. The management is confident that Olowookere’s experience in nurturing young talents will bring stability and success to the team as they aim for a strong NWFL campaign.