The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • W’Cup 2026 Play-Offs: Mikel hails ‘brilliant’ Osimhen  for  Super Eagles’ revival

    W’Cup 2026 Play-Offs: Mikel hails ‘brilliant’ Osimhen  for  Super Eagles’ revival

    Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has showered special praise on Victor Osimhen for rising to the occasion to ensure that Nigerians could still dream of their team playing at next year’s World Cup.

    Last month, Osimhen fired a hat-trick for the Super Eagles fly past Benin 4-0 to make the CAF World Cup Playoffs on the final day of the qualifying tournament.

     “Our (Nigeria) World Cup dream is still alive,” Mikel Obi  said as per SCORENigeria on his Obione Podcast. “I spoke about it before the last two games. I said whatever is happening, whatever is going on with the FA, all the negativity, all the corruption and everything that is going on, those two games were must-win games, and we did that.”

    Mikel singled out Osimhen for special praise.

     “Credit to the boys, they absolutely did that, and of course, the main man we’ve talked about so many times on this podcast,” he remarked.

     “Absolutely brilliant. Yes, it was against Benin. People can say he scored a hat-trick, but you still have to score this hat-trick; you still have to show up. It was our biggest game of the season.

     “If we didn’t win that game, we wouldn’t be talking about trying to qualify for the World Cup.

     “Victor Osimhen has singlehandedly kept us alive. One of the biggest games, he’s come out and scored a hat-trick. You can see the intensity, passion and aggressiveness he shows.

    Read Also: NFF  hails Tinubu’s  unflinching support for Nigerian football

     “When the pressure is on, the big boys step up, and that’s exactly what he has done. He’s the big boy in that team right now and we all needed him.

     “The games that he didn’t play and the number of games that we won without him compared to the games we won with him in the team are incredible,” he added.

    In a related  development, Osimhen has equally earned the  plaudits of his  Super Eagles’ teammate Paul Onuachu  who reportedly  rated the Galatasaray’s forward a ‘better striker’ than himself.

    Both Nigeria internationals clashed  in Saturday’s Trendyol Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray  and Trabzonspor which ended goalless  at Rams Park Stadium  and Onuachu  admitted Osimhen ‘is the better striker’  when reportedly quizzed by a journalist en route to the RAMS Park exit.

  • Abia Warriors  zoom to NPFL top after Tornadoes triumph

    Abia Warriors  zoom to NPFL top after Tornadoes triumph

    Abia Warriors climbed to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table following a hard-fought 2–1 away victory over Niger Tornadoes in Minna, as Matchday 11 served up drama, goals and crucial shifts in momentum across the league yesterday.

    Sunday Megwo opened the scoring for the Umuahia-based side in the 38th  minute, calmly finishing off a flowing move that stunned the home crowd. Just before the break, an own goal by Tornadoes’ Sunday Akinmoladun compounded their misery, giving the visitors a commanding two-goal cushion at halftime.

    Although Abdulrasheed Dabai pulled one back for Tornadoes in the 54th  minute, Abia Warriors held firm to secure their seventh win of the campaign. The victory lifted them to the top of the table on 21 points, two clear of Nasarawa United, who have played one game less. It was a statement win that underlined the Warriors’ credentials as genuine title contenders this season.

    Meanwhile, Rivers United produced one of their best performances of the season, edging out Nasarawa United 1–0 in Port Harcourt. Timothy Zachariah’s decisive strike in the 45th  minute handed the Pride of Rivers their fifth win in nine matches, moving them up to eighth with 16 points. For Nasarawa, it was a setback that cost them the league leadership after a promising run.

    In Lagos, Ikorodu City bounced back from recent setbacks with a comfortable 2–0 win over Kun Khalifat. Goals from Chidera Oparaocha in the 29th  minute and Ibifubara Dagogo on the hour mark pushed the Oga Boys into third place with 18 points, maintaining their impressive home form this season.

    Elsewhere, Enyimba ended a winless spell with a morale-boosting 2–0 victory over struggling Kano Pillars in Aba. The People’s Elephant struck twice in the first half to seal the points, moving up to sixth with 16 points. Pillars, on the other hand, remain marooned in the relegation zone with just five points from 11 games, a worrying return for the former champions.

    Defending champions Remo Stars suffered a stunning 3–1 defeat in Ilorin as Kwara United ran riot in front of their home fans. The Harmony Boys were clinical throughout the encounter, taking advantage of defensive lapses from the visitors to secure their biggest win of the season.

    In Ibadan, Shooting Stars were frustrated to a 1–1 draw by Katsina United, while in Maiduguri, El Kanemi Warriors and Rangers International played out a goalless stalemate.

    Bendel Insurance also settled for a 1–1 draw against Warri Wolves in Benin — a result that allowed Wolves to hold on to fourth position on the table.

    Read Also: NFF  hails Tinubu’s  unflinching support for Nigerian football

    Bayelsa United showed great resilience in Yenagoa, coming from behind to beat Plateau United 2–1. Monday Gideon had given the visitors an early lead with his fifth goal of the season, but Emo James’ brace turned the tie around to earn the Prosperity Boys their fourth win of the campaign and lift them to 12th on 14 points.

    Barau FC and Wikki Tourists also battled to a goalless draw in Kano, a result that did little to improve either side’s position in the lower half of the standings.

    As the NPFL heads into Matchday 12, Abia Warriors will aim to consolidate their position at the top, while Nasarawa United and Ikorodu City look to keep the pressure on in what is shaping up to be a thrilling title race.

    NPFL Matchday 11 Results:

    3SC 1–1 Katsina United

    Niger Tornadoes 1–2 Abia Warriors

    Rivers United 1–0 Nasarawa United

    Ikorodu City 2–0 Kun Khalifat

    Enyimba 2–0 Kano Pillars

    Insurance 1–1 Warri Wolves

    Kwara United 3–1 Remo Stars

    Barau FC 0–0 Wikki Tourists

    Bayelsa United 2–1 Plateau United

    El Kanemi Warriors 0–0 Rangers

  • Falcons’ star Gift Monday mourns dad with  emotional tribute

    Falcons’ star Gift Monday mourns dad with  emotional tribute

    Nigerian international and Washington Spirit forward Gift Monday has paid  an emotional tribute to  “my first hero and my greatest supporter”, following the death of his adorable father.

    The news came as a shock to many within the football community, as the 23 year-old attacker revealed the depth of her loss with emotional tribute  to her social media pages.

    “My dad was more than a father, he was my foundation, his sacrifices, his wisdom, his hard work shaped the kind of person I am today.” She said.

    Those close to Gift Monday confirmed that her father was more than just a parent, he was her constant source of motivation, a man who nurtured her passion for football from her earliest days.

    Read Also: GTI seeks investors’ partnership after successful NFF’s AGM

    That dream would one day blossom into one of Nigeria’s brightest football careers. From her breakout performances in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) with FC Robo Queens, to lifting the WAFU Women’s Cup and representing Nigeria at the WAFCON and World Cup stages, Gift Monday has always carried her father’s influence with her, his words of discipline, humility, and courage echoing in every stride.

    Already, messages of condolence have poured in from her teammates, coaches, and fans, hailing her father as “a man who raised a shining ambassador for Nigerian football.”

    Gift Monday’s pain is palpable, yet her resolve remains unbroken. In her closing words, she promised to keep his legacy alive through her performances on the pitch, a vow that mirrors the fighter she has always been.

    “You may be gone, Daddy, but your love will forever be my light. I’ll keep playing for you, always.”

  • Oyo claims title at 2nd  Senator Abiru Mixed Team Championships

    Oyo claims title at 2nd  Senator Abiru Mixed Team Championships

    Unseeded Oyo State stunned the field to emerge champions at the 2nd Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships, which concluded over the weekend at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

    Led by the dynamic duo of Wasiu Azeez and Halima Hussein, Oyo defied the odds in a tournament featuring 30 teams from Nigeria, Togo, and the Benin Republic.

    Despite being unseeded, Oyo and Bayelsa battled their way to the final, outplaying top-seeded teams such as Lagos, Edo, and Kwara.

    The final, witnessed by the tournament’s financier and sponsor, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, showcased thrilling rallies and dazzling skills that captivated spectators.

    Oyo took an early lead by winning the mixed doubles, but Bayelsa’s Hope Udoaka levelled the score. Azeez then delivered a spirited comeback, overturning a 1-0 deficit to defeat Samuel Boboye 3-1.

    Hussein, alongside her women’s doubles partner Khadijat Okanlawon, sealed the victory by defeating Udoaka and Iyanuoluwa Falana, securing a 3-1 triumph for Oyo.

    In the third-place match, Kwara bounced back from their semifinal loss with a dominant 3-0 win over Lagos Team 2, clinching the bronze medal at the N5.5 million prize money event.

    Read Also: NFF chieftains commend Salami on revival of Shooting Stars

    Senator Abiru, in his closing remarks, praised the athletes for their outstanding performances and reaffirmed his commitment to the championship’s growth.

     “This tournament has once again shown that when we create the right environment for our youth, talent flourishes, friendships blossom, and excellence thrives. Throughout the championship, we witnessed an abundance of passion, skill, and sportsmanship. Our athletes from across Nigeria and other parts of Africa reminded us of the beauty of competition and the unity that sports can foster,” he said.

    Looking ahead, Abiru promised an even more expansive edition in 2026: “We are already preparing to make the next edition bigger, better, and more inclusive. Our goal is to position the Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships as a premier sporting event in Africa—one that places Lagos East, Lagos State, and Nigeria firmly on the continental sports map.”

    He concluded with a call to action: “As we close this year’s edition, let us carry forward the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and fair play. Let us continue to support and celebrate our young people, for in them lies the promise of a greater tomorrow.”

  • Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup: Urhobo College plans downfall of   Ogbeijoh Grammar School

    Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup: Urhobo College plans downfall of   Ogbeijoh Grammar School

    After earning  a berth for the final of the Delta State Principals’ Cup via a boardroom decision, Uvwie-based Urhobo College  is working hard to grab the opportunity with both hands.

    The final of the tournament sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc in collaboration with Delta State Government is scheduled to take place on Thursday November 6 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

    Originally, Urhobo College lost 3-0 to Otokutu Grammar School in the semifinal played at the Government College, Ughelli but after a strong protest by the Ovwie LG Champions against Otokutu over the use of ineligible players, Urhobo College got the nod to play in the final.

    The team led by Coach Fred Oteri is now fully set for the finals slated for Thursday

    Read Also: NFF confirms Super Eagles friendlies in US

    They have  reportedly been in camp at the Kenwood Hotels and Suits, Effurun, courtesy of an old boy of Urhobo College and philanthropist, Chief Idama Amurun, sponsor of the Sheriff Oborevwori U-17 Unity Cup.  Aside,  the team has been playing series of friendly games to put them in top shape , the team has also been getting full support from the old student association.

    Urhobo College will be up against Warri South West LG Champions, Ogbeijoh Grammar School, Ogbeijoh in the final.

    Meanwhile, Delta FA Chairman, Chief Ken Nwanmocha, has commended organisers of the Zenith Bank/Delta Principals Cup, Hideaplus

    Limited, on the recent decision to disqualify a school for fielding an ineligible player. The FA boss said it was a step in the right direction and it will serve as deterrent to other schools in future.

    “It is only appropriate to maintain standard and integrity of the tournament. We are all set for the final and hopefully the Governor himself will be with us to celebrate the future football stars of the country,” Nwanmocha noted

  • Envoy  underlines sports as key to cultural exchange between China, Nigeria

    Envoy  underlines sports as key to cultural exchange between China, Nigeria

    The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has identified sport as a vital medium for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between his country and Nigeria.

    Speaking at the finals of the Chinese Ambassador’s Cup Wushu Championship in Abuja on Yu said Wushu represents more than just physical training — it embodies values central to both Chinese and Nigerian cultures.

     “Wushu is a precious treasure of Chinese culture. It not only builds our bodies but also shapes our character and spirit. It embodies core Chinese values — self-discipline, self-improvement, and a commitment to respecting and helping others.

     “These resonate deeply with Nigerian culture, which also cherishes hard work and social harmony.”

    He also noted that Wushu has “taken root and flourished” in Nigeria, drawing practitioners from both cities and rural communities.

    The ambassador also linked the sport’s growth to China’s Global Civilisation Initiative and ongoing China–Africa cooperation efforts.

    According to him: “At the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, President Xi Jinping and President Bola Tinubu held a successful meeting where they agreed to strengthen cultural and sports exchanges, designating 2026 as the ‘China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.”

    Yu also announced that Wushu will feature as an event at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, calling it a milestone for Africa’s martial arts community.

     “This is a significant moment for every Wushu enthusiast here today. It opens up new opportunities for the sport’s growth across Africa,” he added.

    He encouraged Nigerian athletes to see Wushu as “more than just a sport,” but as a way to connect with Chinese culture and to serve as ambassadors of the China–Nigeria friendship.

    Read Also: NFF chieftains commend Salami on revival of Shooting Stars

     “The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria will continue to support the development of Wushu in Nigeria. We will work with the National Sports Commission and the local Wushu community to create more platforms for exchange and learning,” the ambassador assured.

    He added: “I look forward to the day when more Nigerian Wushu enthusiasts will visit China, see famous sites like the Shaolin Temple, and experience the depth and beauty of Chinese Wushu culture.”

    The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, commended the Chinese Embassy’s support, saying the sport holds immense potential among Nigerian youth.

    Wushu is gaining ground in Nigeria, and with continued support, it will create another path for our youths to achieve their dreams. Now that it’s reaching the Olympic level, we will take it even more seriously,” Dikko said.

    At the championship, Justice Unanka won gold in the Taolu Single category, Naima Sanusi triumphed in Tai Chi, Goodluck Emmanuel took gold in the 75kg Male Sanda, and Winnifred Agara won the 60kg Female Sanda event.

    Wushu, a modern sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts, features Taolu (routines or forms), Tai Chi (a style focusing on balance and fluid motion), and Sanda (combat sparring involving punches, kicks, and throws).

    The event, held at the National Stadium, drew a large crowd of spectators eager to watch the athletes showcase skill, discipline, and cultural pride.

  • Arokodare’s coach sacked after winless EPL start

    Arokodare’s coach sacked after winless EPL start

    Wolves sacked head coach Vitor Pereira on Sunday after failing to win any of their opening 10 Premier League games.

    Pereira signed a new three-year deal in September after guiding Wanderers to safety last season and he bolstered the striking  rank of the team with the signing of Nigeria international Tolu Arokodare in the summer.

    However, a return of just two points so far this campaign has put the club’s eight-year stay in the top flight at serious risk.

    A 3-0 defeat at Fulham on Saturday left Wolves eight points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table.

     “Wolves have parted company with head coach Vitor Pereira, after a winless start to the 2025⁄26 season,” the club said in a statement. “Upon his arrival at Molineux last December, Pereira and his coaches made an immediate impact, guiding the team to a successful second half of the Premier League campaign.

     “However, results and performances this term have fallen below acceptable standards, and as a result a change in leadership was deemed necessary.”

    Read Also: NFF confirms Super Eagles friendlies in US

    After finishing 16th  last season, Pereira had to cope with losing talismanic forward Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, while full-backs Rayan Ait-Nouri and Nelson Semedo also departed in the close season for Manchester City and Fenerbahce respectively.

    Fan frustration has been building towards the club’s Chinese owners Fosun for some time over a perceived lack of investment in the squad.

    Pereira had been a fan favourite in his early months in charge, often going to celebrate victories with supporters in pubs close to Molineux.

    But that relationship soured this season and he had to be escorted away from an angry confrontation with supporters following last weekend’s 3-2 defeat to Burnley.

    “Unfortunately, the start to this season has been a disappointment and, despite our strong desire to give the head coach time and matches to find an improvement, we have reached a point where we must make a change,” added Wolves executive chairman Jeff Shi.

  • CAF Champions League: Rivers United in Pot 3 as group phase draws hold  today

    CAF Champions League: Rivers United in Pot 3 as group phase draws hold  today

    Moroccan club Renaissance Berkane are among the top seeds for the CAF Champions League group draw  today, even though they have never played in the competition before.

    Seedings are based on results in both the Champions League and the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup over the past five seasons.

    While Berkane have not been involved the premier African club competition, they reached three Confederation Cup finals during that period, winning two.

    The team known as the Orange Boys – they are based in the northeast citrus-growing region of the kingdom – accumulated 52 points over the five seasons.

    That earned them the final place among the top seeds after record 12-time Champions League winners Al Ahly of Egypt and previous title-holders Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and Esperance of Tunisia.

    Defending champions Pyramids of Egypt, surprise winners last season with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Sundowns, are among the second seeds.

    The line-up for the draw at a TV studio in Johannesburg includes three other former champions – Mouloudia Alger and JS Kabylie of Algeria and FAR Rabat of Morocco.

    Read Also: Reps to probe alleged misuse of FIFA grants by NFF

    ASEC Mimosas and Stade Abidjan of Cote d’Ivoire  and Orlando Pirates were former winners who failed to get past the qualifying phase.

    Apart from Berkane, Saint-Eloi Lupopo of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Power Dynamos of Zambia, Rivers United of Nigeria and Stade Malien of Mali have reached the group stage for the first time.

    CAF Champions League: The Seedings

    Pot 1: Al Ahly (EGY), Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA), Esperance (Tunisia), Renaissance Berkane (MAR)

    Pot 2: Simba, Young Africans (both TAN), Pyramids (EGY, holders), Al Hilal (SUD)

    Pot 3: Petro Luanda (ANG), FAR Rabat (MAR), Mouloudia Alger (ALG), Rivers United (NGR)

    Pot 4: JS Kabylie (ALG), Stade Malien (MLI), Saint-Eloi Lupopo (COD), Power Dynamos (ZAM)

    CAF Confederation Cup: The Seedings

    Pot 1: Zamalek (EGY), Wydad Casablanca (MAR), Chabab Belouizdad, USM Alger (both ALG)

    Pot 2: Al Masry (EGY), Stellenbosch (RSA), Djoliba (MLI), Maniema Union (COD)

    Pot 3: Kaizer Chiefs (RSA), Otoho (CGO)

    Pot 4: AZAM, Singida Black Stars (both TAN), ZESCO  United  (ZAM), San Pedro (CIV), Olympique Safi (MAR), Nairobi United (KEN)

  • Nigeria’s trio set for World Sambo Championships in Kyrgyzstan

    Nigeria’s trio set for World Sambo Championships in Kyrgyzstan

    Nigeria will make its second appearance at the 2025 World Sambo Championships, scheduled to take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, between  November 7 and  9.

    Organized by the Fédération Internationale de Sambo (FIAS), the World Sambo Championships are the premier global event for both Sport Sambo and Combat Sambo, including the Blind Sambo (SVI1 category).

    Representing Nigeria this year are Fatai Balogun, Samuel Kekere and Sodiq Ajibade, competing in the Combat and Blind Sambo categories.

    Balogun will compete in the men’s 88kg Combat Sambo, while Kekere, who made history in 2024 as the first African to compete in Blind Sambo at the World Championships, returns to the global stage in the men’s 64kg Blind Sambo.

    Ajibade, making his debut, will represent Nigeria in the men’s 98kg Blind Sambo, aiming for a podium finish.

    Expressing his excitement ahead of his second outing, Kekere praised FIAS for its support and commended Sheriff Hammed, Vice President and General Secretary of the Sambo Association of Nigeria, for his instrumental role in facilitating the team’s participation.

    Read Also: NFF, Jalla bicker over planned workshop on  amendment of statues at Ibadan AGM

    The three-day championship will feature top sambists from around the world, with competitions across Sport Sambo (men and women), Combat Sambo (men and women), and Blind Sambo (men, SVI1 category).

    The total prize fund for the 2025 edition stands at $341,000, with equal prize money across all disciplines:

    Gold medallists receive $4,000; Silver medallists get $3,000 while Bronze medallists will pocket $2,000

    In Sport Sambo, athletes will compete in groups with repechage from the finalists, while Combat Sambo will be contested without repechage.

    Additionally, President of Sambo Association of Nigeria, Loveth Howell and Sheriff Hammed are expected to attend the World Congress.

  • Jalla faults Dikko on controversial Ugborodo FIFA Project

    Jalla faults Dikko on controversial Ugborodo FIFA Project

    By Olamilekan Israel.

    A football stakeholder, Prince Harrison Jalla, has faulted the claim made by Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC),  Mallam Shehu Dikko, that no one had received any payment directly  from the FIFA Forward Funds.

    Speaking in a statement, Jalla described Dikko’s remarks as “misleading and far from the truth.”

    He explained that, contrary to Dikko’s public assertion, verifiable records show that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had indeed received and disbursed the FIFA Forward Funds through its Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) account.

    According to Jalla, the FIFA Forward Funds were paid directly into the NFF’s Central Bank account, which is under the control and supervision of the football body. He cited specific transaction details to back up his claim.

     “On October 25, 2020, with reference number S47547746 and transaction details PHUB: FT 2029003132/CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA, the sum of USD 262,116.28 was transferred to the First Bank account of the contractor handling the Ugborodo project as the first tranche payment,” Jalla revealed.

    He further disclosed that another payment of USD 306,045.52 was made on May 7, 2021, to the same contractor through the same CBN account, adding that these were the only two payments made so far for the Ugborodo project.

    Jalla explained that the level of work done on-site and the building materials currently wasting away clearly correspond with the total funds released so far.

     “The project is sited in my maternal hometown, and I am speaking from first-hand knowledge,” he added.

    He criticized Dikko for “defending corruption” within the NFF instead of focusing on his responsibilities as the Chairman of the NSC.

    Read Also: NFF chieftains commend Salami on revival of Shooting Stars

     “Dikko must stop defending the NFF. Nigerians already know that the NFF is corruption personified. He should focus on his duties as Chairman of the NSC and constitute the NSC Board without further delay. Dikko has spent one year as Chairman, running the NSC as a sole administrator,” Jalla stated.

    Jalla also raised concerns about the inclusion of a $200,000 tax charge in the contract agreement between the NFF and the contractors handling both the Kebbi and Ugborodo projects, questioning the legitimacy of taxing FIFA funds.

     “A sum of $200,000 each was inserted as tax  but where in the world are FIFA funds taxable?” he asked rhetorically.

    He further challenged the NFF and the NSC Chairman to account for the remaining funds meant for the completion of the Ugborodo project, emphasizing that transparency and accountability remain key to restoring credibility in Nigerian football administration.

     “The simple question remains: Where is the balance of the money to complete the Ugborodo project?” Jalla asked.

    He urged Dikko to prioritize the completion of the Ugborodo project rather than defending the NFF leadership, which, according to him, has been “repeatedly linked with mismanagement and financial impropriety.”