The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • NPFL: Nasarawa United, Abia Warriors slip again as Plateau United, Pillars shine

    NPFL: Nasarawa United, Abia Warriors slip again as Plateau United, Pillars shine

    Nasarawa United missed a golden opportunity to draw level with leaders Rivers United after being held to a 1–1 draw by relegation-threatened Enyimba in Lafia while Abia Warriors’ poor home form continued with a listless draw against Wikki Tourists as some games of the Matchday 23 were played yesterday.

    JoFrank Istifanus fired the Solid Miners ahead in the 69th  minute, but Kalu Nweke calmly converted a 73rd-minute penalty to rescue a point for the People’s Elephant, who survived nine minutes of stoppage time.

    The result keeps Nasarawa second on 39 points, two adrift of Rivers United, who remain top with 41 points and were not in midweek action due to their CAF Champions League engagement. Enyimba moved up to 28 points amid off-field uncertainty following reports of Sporting Director Ifeanyi Ekwueme’s resignation.

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    In Jos, Plateau United extended their unbeaten run to five matches with a crucial 2–1 victory over Rangers International. Temitope Vincent starred for the Peace Boys, scoring in the 15th minute before converting a penalty on 40 minutes, while Chidiebere Nwobodo pulled one back for Rangers in the 28th minute. The win lifted Plateau United temporarily out of the relegation zone into 15th place with 27 points.

    Abia Warriors’ struggles at home continued as they were forced to settle for a 1–1 draw against Wikki Tourists in Umuahia. Emeka Obioma opened the scoring for the Umuchineke Boys in the 51st minute, but Taheer Abubakar equalised five minutes later.

    Despite failing to win at home since December 21, Abia Warriors remain third on the table with 38 points.

    In Kano, ex-Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa proved decisive, scoring the 72nd -minute winner as Kano Pillars edged Katsina United 1–0 to climb to 25 points.
    In the remaining fixtures to be decided today, Bayelsa United will return to Ozoro hoping to string together back-to-back home wins when they face Niger Tornadoes. The Prosperity Boys are edging toward mid-table security, but Tornadoes arrive confident after bouncing back from defeat to Nasarawa United with a win over Enyimba. It’s a clash that could swing either way.

    Also today, Kun Khalifat will host Kwara United in Owerri. Fresh from a gritty draw away to Remo Stars, the Pride of Imo need maximum points to keep survival hopes alive. However, Kwara United boast an impressive recent record in Owerri, remaining unbeaten there over the past two seasons.

    Lagos plays host to a South West derby as Ikorodu City take on Shooting Stars. Their first-round meeting ended in a draw, but with both sides level on 35 points in fifth and sixth respectively, bragging rights and league position are at stake. Ikorodu City, the Oga Boys, are under greater pressure to win with the loss in Maiduguri , while the Oluyole Warriors look slightly more settled.

    In another Ozoro showdown, Warri Wolves battle reigning champions Remo Stars. Wolves are eager to bounce back from a heavy loss to Rangers, while Remo—surprisingly hovering close to the relegation zone—cannot afford another defeat as pressure mounts.

    In Benin City, Bendel Insurance aim to respond after their nine-game unbeaten run was halted by Shooting Stars. The Edo Arsenal remain formidable, boasting seven wins in their last ten outings, but Barau FC have shown a knack for springing surprises.

     Results : Matchday 23

    Nasarawa United 1–1 Enyimba

    Plateau United 2–1 Rangers International

    Abia Warriors 1–1 Wikki Tourists

    Kano Pillars 1–0 Katsina United

  • Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Organisers announce bib, cut-off ,  medal policy

    Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Organisers announce bib, cut-off ,  medal policy

    Organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2026 have released the official race schedule alongside detailed cut-off and medal eligibility guidelines, providing clarity for the thousands of runners preparing for Africa’s biggest road.

    The announcement forms part of the final phase of preparations for the event and underscores the organisers’ commitment to transparency, fairness and adherence to international marathon standards.

    According to the official schedule, the 42-kilometre marathon will commence at 6:30 a.m. and officially close at 12:00 p.m., giving participants a total race window of six hours. The 10-kilometre race will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will also close at 12:00 p.m.

    Organisers explained that while all registered runners are permitted to compete at their own pace within the official race window, the stipulated cut-off time applies strictly to medal qualification and not to participation in the event.

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    In line with the marathon’s integrity policy, only runners who complete the full race on or before the official cut-off time will be awarded an Access Bank Lagos City Marathon finisher’s medal.

    Runners who are picked up by the official sweeper bus will be deemed not to have completed the race. Their bib numbers will be marked and such marked bibs will not be eligible for medals. Organisers added that bibs will also be marked at the finish line after medal collection to ensure strict enforcement of the policy.

    Any runner whose bib is marked will not receive a medal, while participants who cross the finish line after the official cut-off time will be issued a certificate of participation only.

    Despite the firm guidelines, organisers stressed that the marathon remains a celebration of endurance and determination, acknowledging and applauding every runner who takes on the challenge, regardless of finishing time.

  • Fury confirms April comeback fight against Makhmudov

    Fury confirms April comeback fight against Makhmudov

    Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury will face Arslanbek Makhmudov in his comeback fight in April, weeks after saying he would come out of retirement.

    The bout between the Briton and Canada-based Russian Makhmudov will take place in the UK on April 11, with no venue yet announced, and will be broadcast on Netflix.

    Fury quit boxing in January last year after suffering a second straight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk – the latest in a string of retirements.

    The 37-year-old “Gypsy King” said earlier this month he would return to the sport in 2026 and has been training in Thailand.

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     “Well it’s official, I’m back doing what I love to do,” Fury posted on Instagram. “I’ve brought the biggest network along with me @netflix @netflixuk this is going to be astronomical. Blessed by God.”

    Fury has a record of 34 wins, two defeats and one draw.

     “I am thrilled about the opportunity,” said 36-year-old Makhmudov, who has won 21 of his 23 fights. “I’m coming to deliver a war.

     “Tyson Fury has been a big champion. I will be more ready than ever to leave with a massive W.”

    Fury had been expected to build towards a long-awaited fight against fellow British former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, but Joshua’s future is uncertain after a car crash in December, in Nigeria, in which two of his close friends were killed.

  • Sinner sets up Australian Open blockbuster with Djokovic

    Sinner sets up Australian Open blockbuster with Djokovic

     “Physically strong” reigning champion Jannik Sinner will face 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster Australian Open semi-final after taming Ben Shelton in straight sets.

    The Italian second seed swatted aside the American eighth seed 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 and has dropped only one set in moving ominously into the last four.

    The other semi-final at Melbourne Park is between world number one Carlos Alcaraz and third-ranked Alexander Zverev.

     “We go day by day, today I felt I was moving again a little bit better, I feel physically stronger again,” the relentless Sinner said after easing into a sixth consecutive Grand Slam semi-final.

     “We all know what challenge I am up to,” he said of facing Djokovic, 38. “These are the moments you practise for and wake up for in the morning.

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     “It improves you as a player and a person, we are lucky to have Novak still here playing incredible tennis for his age.”

    Sinner and Shelton came into the quarter-final with the Italian having won eight of their nine previous meetings in straight sets.

    The left-hander Shelton has got the better of Sinner just once, in their first encounter, in 2023.

    Sinner’s dominance includes winning their Melbourne semi-final 12 months ago, and it was to be more of the same on a cool evening on Rod Laver Arena.

    Sinner raced into a 4-1 lead in the first set as he sent Shelton, who is a year younger at 23, scurrying to all corners of the court.

    A Sinner ace sealed the first set in 49 minutes and, despite having the crowd willing him on, Shelton was broken again in falling two sets down.

    Four-time major champion Sinner was imperious and looked unflustered on the few occasions that the aggressive Shelton put him under the cosh.

    They went with serve in the third set and Shelton did his best to feed off what he has approvingly called a “rowdy” Melbourne crowd.

    But he struck his 33rd unforced error to give Sinner three break points, and after saving one of them, the American double-faulted to gift his opponent a 5-4 lead and signal the end was close.

    Djokovic, a record 10-time winner in Melbourne, took his place in the semi-finals when Italian opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired hurt.

  • Australian Open : Djokovic through to semi-finals after Musetti injury

    Australian Open : Djokovic through to semi-finals after Musetti injury

    Novak Djokovic‘s quest for a record Grand Slam title continued in dramatic circumstances after fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti quit their Australian Open quarter-final match with an injury after taking a two-set lead at Melbourne Park.

    Musetti’s retirement when leading 6-4 6-3 1-3 meant Djokovic pulled off a great escape at his most successful hunting ground, with the 10-times champion’s bid for a standalone 25th  major to break the tie with Margaret Court still alive.

    “I don’t know what to say, except that I feel really sorry for him and he was a far better player,” Djokovic said.

    “I was on my way home tonight. These things happen in sport and it’s happened to me a few times, but being in quarter-finals of a Grand Slam, two sets to love up and being in full control, I mean it’s so unfortunate.

    “I wish him a speedy recovery and he should have been the winner today, there’s no doubt.”

    The 38-year-old Serb returned to action after an extended break following fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik’s walkover on Sunday, and his freshness showed during a sharp start where he brought plenty of variety and grabbed an early break.

    But some loose points thereafter allowed Musetti to level at 2-2 and the Italian then surged past Djokovic for the first time in the contest with an overhead shot before comfortably wrapping up the opening set on serve.

    “My strategy worked very well for the first couple of games and then it changed completely,” Djokovic said.”I had four winners in the first two games and no unforced errors and then the rest of the match I had another four winners and probably 40 errors. That’s what Lorenzo does to you, makes you play when you think the point is finished.

    “When you attack him you don’t know what to expect, whether it’s going to be a passing shot, a crosscourt or a short slice, or if he’s going to go full flat in your body or hit a looping ball to my weakest shot, which is overhead.

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    “I tried my best … I wasn’t feeling the ball today the first couple of sets but that’s also due to his quality and his variety in the game. I’m extremely lucky to get to get through this one.”

    Fiery winners from both flanks helped Musetti break in the opening game of the next set, and though the 23-year-old let the advantage slip immediately, he edged in front again and soon doubled his lead in the match, to leave Djokovic on the ropes.

    Djokovic soldiered on following treatment for a foot blister and went 2-1 up with a break in the third, when it was Musetti’s turn to call the trainer to the court for what appeared like a right thigh issue.

    Musetti looked to manage the problem and play on but he was far from 100% and threw in the towel a game later to gasps from the Rod Laver Arena crowd, handing Djokovic his 103rd match win at the tournament to eclipse Roger Federer’s mark.

    Djokovic faces the winner of the quarter-final between defending champion Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton.

    “I’m going to double my prayers tonight, for sure, and show gratitude to God for giving me this opportunity,” Djokovic said.

    “I’m going to do my best in a couple of days to use it … Today I wasn’t happy with my performance but it’s another day in the office and hopefully in a couple of days, I can come out and be at my best, because that’s what’s needed.”

  • Sterling leaves Chelsea by mutual consent

    Sterling leaves Chelsea by mutual consent

    Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea by mutual consent after reaching an agreement to end his contract early.

    The 31-year-old had 18 months remaining on his £325,000‑a‑week deal.

    Sterling leaves after three-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge following his move from Manchester City for £47.5m in 2022.

    “We thank Raheem for the contribution he made while a Chelsea player and wish him well for the next stage in his career,” Chelsea said.

    The England international made 81 appearances for the Blues but had not played a competitive match for Chelsea since May 2024.

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    He had been training separately with the so‑called “bomb squad” at the club’s Cobham base after failing to secure a move in the summer.

    Several clubs, including Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen, explored a deal for the England winger, while a potential switch to Fulham did not materialise.

    It is understood that Sterling, who started his career at Liverpool and has won 13 trophies in total, is keen to remain in London but is open to playing anywhere, either at home or abroad.

    Sterling signed a five-year £325,000-per-week contract in 2022, relocating his young family in the process.

    The £47.5m transfer was a statement of intent by Todd Boehly, who at the time was acting as sporting director, and Clearlake Capital.

    However, the people behind the deal are no longer in charge at the club.

    In addition to Boehly’s diminishing influence, Thomas Tuchel was the head coach who oversaw Sterling’s arrival.

    Then came Graham Potter, then Frank Lampard, and then Mauricio Pochettino, all within Sterling’s first two seasons at the club, in which he played 81 times and scored 19 times as Chelsea finished 12th  and then sixth.

    But two years into his contract Chelsea effectively ended his role as a first-team player when new manager Enzo Maresca decided Sterling was not in his plans.

    He did not play for the club again and spent last season on an underwhelming loan at Arsenal.

  • FIFA: International transfer spending hit $13.08 billion in 2025

    FIFA: International transfer spending hit $13.08 billion in 2025

     Clubs around the world completed a record 24,558 international transfers in men’s football in 2025, with total spending rising to $13.08 billion, world soccer’s governing body FIFA said in its Global Transfer Report published on Wednesday.

    The number represents an increase of more than 7% from 2024 and marks the highest volume of international men’s transfers ever recorded.

    Across all levels of the game – men’s and women’s professional soccer as well as amateur football – FIFA said an all-time high of 86,158 international player transfers were completed in 2025.

    Among the most expensive deals of the year was German midfielder Florian Wirtz’s move from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen to Premier League champions Liverpool, one of several headline transfers involving major European clubs.

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    Liverpool signed the 22-year-old for a guaranteed 100 million pounds ($137.77 million) and up to 16 million pounds in potential bonuses.

    The top five international transfers also featured Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool), Jhon Duran (Aston Villa to Al-Nassr), Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig to Manchester United) and Nick Woltemade (VfB Stuttgart to Newcastle United).

    Women’s football saw another year of significant growth, with 2,440 international transfers completed in 2025, more than a 6% rise from the previous year. Total transfer spending reached a record $28.6 million, more than 80% higher than in 2024.

    One of the standout transfers was American side Orlando Pride signing Mexican winger Lizbeth Ovalle from Liga MX Femenil club Tigres for a women’s world-record transfer fee of $1.5 million.

    FIFA recorded 59,162 amateur players moving to clubs abroad in 2025, a new high and a 9.4% increase from the previous year.

  • 2,000 young entrepreneurs to benefit from industrial, skills programme in Ibadan

    2,000 young entrepreneurs to benefit from industrial, skills programme in Ibadan

    No fewer than 2,000 young Nigerian entrepreneurs are expected to benefit from a large-scale industrial and skills development programme scheduled to hold at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State, from March 17 to 21, 2026.

    The initiative comes as stakeholders intensify efforts to revive local manufacturing and stem youth migration by equipping young people with practical, industry-relevant skills.

    The weeklong programme, which will attract over 5,000 participants from across the country, is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical production, leadership and regulatory skills required to build sustainable businesses and strengthen the nation’s industrial base.

    Organisers said the initiative is aimed at redirecting youth energy from consumption-driven ventures to local production and value creation.

    The programme received a boost with the sponsorship of the registration fees of 2,000 participants by WellaFitta Resources Limited, a move expected to widen access for young entrepreneurs who might otherwise be excluded due to financial constraints.

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    A representative of the company, Pharm. (Mrs.) Jooda, said the intervention aligns with efforts to promote productive youth engagement and deepen local manufacturing capacity, particularly within Nigeria’s healthcare and allied sectors.

    Industry leaders and business experts expected at the event include Prof. Martins Emeje, Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency; Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, Chairman of Fidson Healthcare Plc; Abimbola Balogun, Co-founder and Executive Director of So Fresh; and Taofik Odukoya, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vanguard Pharmacy Limited.

    Others are Abimbola Adebakin of Advantage Health Africa, Yinka Afonja of ACE Mall, Gbenga Adesina, and Pharm. Abiodun Ajibade, FPSN, the project lead and chief convener.

    Ajibade, who also leads GleanForte Academy Limited, said the initiative complements government efforts to diversify the economy and increase youth participation in the productive sector.

    He noted that while Nigerian youths have gained international recognition in information technology and entertainment, manufacturing and industrial production remain critical for long-term economic stability.

    According to him, gaps in entrepreneurial confidence and practical business skills have contributed to poor decision-making among many young people, including the growing preference for migration.

    He added that the programme is structured to trigger a shift in mindset, encouraging participants to see opportunities in local production rather than dependence on imported goods.

    A major feature of the event will be an industrial exhibition showcasing over 2,000 locally manufactured products, including household items, beauty and wellness products, renewable energy solutions and indigenous crafts.

     Organisers said the exhibition will provide market visibility for local producers and create opportunities for direct engagement with industry players and consumers.

    Participants will also undergo specialised clinics on regulatory compliance, including product registration processes with relevant agencies, a key requirement for meeting international standards and accessing export markets.

    Organisers said logistics and security arrangements have been finalised ahead of the event, with participants and exhibitors expected from all parts of the country. Registration and exhibition bookings are ongoing.

  • Tragic as Wilfred Ndidi’s father dies in road crash

    Tragic as Wilfred Ndidi’s father dies in road crash

    • NSC,NFF condole Super Eagles’ captain

    Super Eagles captain Wilfred Onyinye Ndidi has announced the heartbreaking death of his father, Sunday Ndidi who tragically passed away after being hit by a car in the town of Umunede, near Agbor, Delta State.  

    The midfielder’s club, Besiktas announced his death through a message on their X account sending shockwaves through the Nigerian football community.

    “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the tragic death of Sunday Ndidi, the beloved father of our player Wilfred Ndidi, in a fatal traffic accident,” the  club said in statement. “We offer our deepest condolences to the deceased and extend our sympathies to our player Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones.”

    The midfielder equally shared  the devastating news in an emotional tribute on  Instagram , expressing deep pain, disbelief, and sorrow over the loss of a man he described as a pillar in his life and career. 

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    In a heartfelt message, Ndidi reflected on their bond, unfinished conversations, and cherished memories, recalling how he once dedicated his first national team goal celebration to his late father.

    He wrote:  “You call me this morning with excitement in your voice but deep down na goodbye you dey tell me… What about things we talked about, so we no go talk again, na only memories? Even when I score my first-ever national team goal, I do that Papilo dance for you, but you just go like that.”

    The tribute has since drawn an outpouring of condolences from teammates, fans, and football stakeholders  including the chieftains of the National Sports Commission (NSC)  and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF),   offering prayers and support during this difficult time. 

    Reacting to the death of  the deceased, the  Director General of the NSC,  Hon. Bukola Olopade urged the entire sports family to put the  Ndidi family in their prayers in this difficult time.

    ” On behalf of the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Nigerian Sports family, I want to express our heartfelt  condolences to Wilfred Ndidi and his family for the unfortunate loss,” he said in a statement.“ I know for a fact how close Wilfred Ndidi is to his father and the role the man has played in the success story of his son.”
    “Wilfred Ndidi has been a patriotic servant for our great country over the years, playing for the Super eagles and also representing Nigeria in good light playing club football in Europe. All these are a product of the kind of upbringing he was given by his parents.”

    In the same vein, the Nigeria Football Federation has expressed shock and sadness over the death of the captain of the senior men national football team.

    NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said: “This is very sad. The player just gave his very best to the nation at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco where we finished with the bronze medals. He had returned to Turkey with great motivation and high hopes of helping his club to win silverware this season, and also help the Super Eagles reach new heights this year.

     “We are really shocked at the moment and cannot say much, but we earnestly pray for the repose of the soul of Mr. Sunday Ndidi and pray that the Almighty God will comfort our team captain, his siblings, relations and indeed all those he has left behind.”

  • Man City vs. Galatasaray:  Guardiola wary of  ‘top-class player ’ Osimhen

    Man City vs. Galatasaray:  Guardiola wary of  ‘top-class player ’ Osimhen

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described Nigeria International  striker Victor Osimhen as a “top-class player” and one his side must be wary of ahead of their final UEFA Champions League group-phase clash against Galatasaray tonight  at the Etihad Stadium.

    Both teams approach the fixture with high but differing expectations. Manchester City are targeting a win that would secure them an automatic place in the round of 16, while a positive result for the Turkish champions would see Galatasaray advance to the round-of-16 playoffs.

    City have recorded four wins, two defeats and a draw in the competition and currently sit 11th  on the table with 13 points – the same tally as sixth-placed Paris Saint-Germain but separated by goal difference.

    Galatasaray, meanwhile, have posted three wins, three defeats and one draw, leaving them 17th  on the standings as they aim to finish Matchday 8 inside the top-24 places.

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    While both sides boast exciting attacking talent, attention will naturally fall on the strikers. Manchester City parade arguably the deadliest forward in world football in Erling Haaland, while Osimhen is widely regarded as one of the top five strikers in Europe and among the most sought-after.

    Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola stressed his side’s determination to win while acknowledging the quality within the Galatasaray squad, which includes Osimhen, former City players Leroy Sané and Ilkay Gündogan, and Premier League-experienced midfielders Mario Lemina and Lucas Torreira.

     “We will try to win tomorrow. Galatasaray are leading the Turkish league and all their players are exceptional,” Guardiola said.

     “The quality they have – Osimhen is a top-class player. They link well with him. Leroy and the wingers are so quick. Gundo and Lemina are experienced players. They are one of the biggest clubs and they always have good players. We have to make an incredible effort with our fans.”

    Osimhen who  recently registered his 50th  goal for Galatasaray  during the weekend’s 3-1 league victory over Fatih Karagumruk,   has already netted six times in this Champions League campaign.

    Aside Osimhen, Guardiola also  said he was looking forward to a reunion with Galatasaray midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and winger Leroy Sane, both of whom enjoyed trophy-laden spells at City under the Spanish manager.

    “I am grateful to both of them. Incredible contributions and lovely people and I am happy to see them back tomorrow,” he added.

    “He (Ilkay Gundogan) was here longer than Leroy but Leroy gave us something unique. He was a special player and had a connection with Kevin (De Bruyne).

    “Gundogan was captain in the treble-winning season and a massive character. A big player in the big games. Top.”