The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Georgian Cup: El-Amin wins as Babangida lauds FirstBank

    Georgian Cup: El-Amin wins as Babangida lauds FirstBank

    One of the country’s most successful polo teams, Kaduna El-Amin, stole the show once again in Kaduna when it emerged winner of the 2025 Georgian Cup. Led by patron, Mohammed Babangida, El-Amin led from start to finish, winning its 16th title after beating Kaduna Makarfi by a whopping 12 goals to 4.

    The victory was the sixteenth on the stable of the Kaduna-based team, and with it, it sets a new record as the team with the highest number of wins. The win also coincided with the 30th anniversary celebration of El-Amin.

    Satisfied by its dominance of the coveted Cup, Babangida gave kudos to the sponsors of the Cup, FirstBank, saying that without their partnership, it would have been impossible for his team to make history.

    “We cannot be here without FirstBank, we must appreciate what FirstBank have done for polo. We celebrated our 100-year anniversary together with FirstBank. FirstBank is the lifeline of everything you’ve seen here over the past weeks”, Babangida sounded with high notes of appreciation.

    Read Also: Ballon d’Or: NFF congratulates Nnadozie, Madugu

    Reacting, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to sponsorship of the Georgian Cup.

    “We will continue to sponsor the Georgian and remain committed the same way we are committed to all other sports sponsorship that we are engaged in, especially sporting initiative that engages our youths”, he said.

    Donated by FirstBank in 1918, the Georgian Cup is the oldest trophy in West Africa and one of the longest-running sports sponsorships in the world.

    Apart from Polo, FirstBank has a long history of supporting sports; the Elephant Boys play in the Nigeria Nationwide Football League, the Elephant Girls, its Basketball team was the Africa Champion, there is the Lagos Open Golf Championship, the OBJ Golf tourney in Abeokuta, and many more.

  • Eguavoen: Super Eagles won’t toy with World Cup Play-offs

    Eguavoen: Super Eagles won’t toy with World Cup Play-offs

    Former Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s chances ahead of next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs, Soccernet.ng reports.

    The 60-year-old tactician insists the team will approach the clash against Gabon with renewed belief and determination to qualify for the World Cup.

    Nigeria secured their place in the playoffs after finishing as one of the best runners-up in the CAF qualifying series.

    He said: “Of course everybody’s excited. I’m super excited because we all know what it means to be at the World Cup, and we missed out on the last one. We’ve put that behind us now—the boys know exactly what’s at stake, all of us do. I like the unity so far from Nigerians, and getting this qualification into the play-offs now, I think we will not toy with it,” he told OGTV

    Read Also: Ballon d’Or: NFF congratulates Nnadozie, Madugu

    He added, “Of course, we have a chance. From where we’re coming from, all hope was lost. I didn’t lose hope 100% because I still had a lot of faith and belief in the team.

    The prayer was that some other countries would drop points, which they did, and here we are. Now that God has given us a lifeline again, we have the quality, we have the personnel, we have everything to go for it. I’m 100% confident that we’ll do it.”

    The winner of Nigeria’s clash with Gabon will face either Cameroon or DR Congo for a slot in the inter-continental play-off as the race to reach the World Cup intensifies.

  • Play-offs: Eric Chelle gets Chukwueze boost

    Play-offs: Eric Chelle gets Chukwueze boost

    Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has received a welcome boost ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff, with Fulham manager Marco Silva confirming that Samuel Chukwueze has returned to team training, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

    Silva provided a fitness update on Chukwueze during his pre-match press conference on Friday before the Cottagers’ Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

    The AC Milan loanee is now back in contention for a place in Nigeria’s final squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifying fixture against Gabon’s Panthers in Morocco.

    Chelle is expected to unveil his squad in the coming days, and Chukwueze is widely tipped to make the list, provided he suffers no further setbacks.

    Read Also: NFF confirms Super Eagles friendlies in US

    The 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup winner sustained a calf injury during the first half of Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Benin on October 14 and was withdrawn at half-time.

    Subsequent scans upon his return to London revealed the issue to be more serious than initially feared.

    As a result, the winger missed three straight matches for Fulham, against Arsenal and Newcastle United in the Premier League, and the Carabao Cup win at Wycombe Wanderers.

    Having rejoined full training this week, Chukwueze’s fitness is being closely monitored, with Silva confirming that a late decision will be made on whether to include the Nigerian and other players returning from injury in the matchday squad to face Wolves.

    Since joining Fulham on deadline day, the former Villarreal star has yet to start a match for the London club, making three substitute appearances so far.

  • Ola Aina making good progress, says coach Dyche

    Ola Aina making good progress, says coach Dyche

    Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has provided an encouraging update on Nigeria defender Ola Aina‘s recovery ahead of their Premier League encounter against Manchester United.

    Aina sustained a hamstring injury while on international duty with the Super Eagles during their 1-1 draw against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September.

    The setback has kept him sidelined for ten matches across all competitions, six in the Premier League, one in the Carabao Cup, and three in the UEFA Europa League.

    Speaking during his pre-match conference, Dyche confirmed that Aina is making steady progress in his rehabilitation but remains unavailable for selection.

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

    “We have a couple of knocks. Ola is making good progress,” the Forest manager revealed.

    “And Zinchenko is a no at the moment. Unfortunately, it took longer than we thought.”

    Aina’s absence has been deeply felt, with Forest struggling to find consistency and currently sitting in the Premier League’s relegation zone.

    However, Dyche will be hoping for the defender’s swift return to fortify and boost his side’s defensive stability.

    Meanwhile, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will also be keeping tabs on Aina’s recovery, as the full-back’s fitness could determine his availability for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

  • Man United to back Amorim with transfer reinforcements

    Man United to back Amorim with transfer reinforcements

    Manchester United have a “clear plan” to continue backing head coach Ruben Amorim in the transfer market and have already identified the areas of the squad which need to be strengthened, according to director of football Jason Wilcox.

    United have spent close to £250 million ($329m) on new players since Amorim took the job at Old Trafford in November 2024.

    The Portuguese coach has overseen an upturn in form with three wins in a row and Wilcox insists the club will bring in more players, either in January or next summer.

    “We have got a clear plan,” Wilcox said in an interview with United’s website. “We know what we have got to do, we know the areas of the team that we have got to improve.

    “For us to get in the top four and consistently challenge for Champions League places, win Champions Leagues, win Premier Leagues, we have got to invest in the squad.

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

    “We have got to buy the right players. The right players who are talented but also who can deal with the pressure, who can take the squad forward.”

    Amorim has relieved the pressure around his job after consecutive wins over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton.

    Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe suggested during the October international break that he is willing to give the 40-year-old “three years” to implement his plan.

    And Wilcox has backed the British billionaire’s comments by saying the board will “stay calm” even if United’s form dips.

    “We have just got to keep this going now,” Wilcox said. “Not get too carried away when we win and not get too disappointed when we lose. We know we are making progress.

    “I am sure there are going to be bumps in the road but we have just got to make sure we stay calm irrespective of the noise outside.”

  • LONDON CALLING

    LONDON CALLING

    • Chelsea chase record six wins at ‘impregnable Tottenham’s Stadium

    A London derby that rarely fails to deliver endless entertainment, Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea today in the pick of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures.

    The fierce rivals enter game-week 10 on the back of contrasting EFL Cup results, as Spurs were dumped out by Newcastle United while the Blues edged a seven-goal spectacular with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

    One shot at domestic silverware has already passed Thomas Frank by, as his consistently inconsistent Tottenham side were no match for Newcastle’s aerial prowess at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening.

    Two headers from Fabian Schar and the towering Nick Woltemade was all it took for the Magpies to eliminate Spurs from the fourth round of the EFL Cup, the rudest of rude awakenings for the Lilywhites after their statement Premier League success a few days beforehand.

    The Europa League winners became the first side to sink Everton at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium home, where flying Dutchman Micky van de Ven inspired Tottenham to their fifth Premier League win of the campaign with a brilliant brace before Pape Sarr also got in on the act.

    A run of just one win from five games does not paint a pretty picture for Tottenham, but the Premier League table arguably does – only leaders Arsenal and second-placed Bournemouth are better off than Spurs, who sit five points below the Gunners after nine games.

    However, the hosts do not have their home form to thank for their bronze medal placement – Tottenham have taken just one point from their last three top-flight games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where only Burnley have succumbed to defeat in the Premier League this term.

    Such a statistic spells pessimism against a Chelsea side rejoicing in their third consecutive win away from home, albeit an incredibly hard-fought one, as Premier League basement boys Wolves came close but no cigar to pulling off a captivating EFL Cup comeback.

    Read Also: Peterside  calls for credible administrators in NFF

    Despite the customary Chelsea red card – this time to Liam Delap – the Club World Cup winners’ young guns did the damage in an absorbing 4-3 success, one that was particularly momentous for the history of English football.

    Indeed, the seven-goal thriller marked the first time that a Premier League side had four different scorers aged 21 or under in a single game, but neither neither Chelsea’s juvenile prospects nor senior stars could prevent the Blues from falling to a shock loss to Sunderland in the top flight.

    That 2-1 upset at Stamford Bridge – Chelsea’s third loss in five league games – left Maresca’s men in an unremarkable ninth in the standings, and only twice before have the visitors lost four times in their opening 10 matches of a Premier League campaign.

    However, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a particularly happy haunt for Chelsea, whose unforgettable 4-3 success there last season represented their fifth Premier League victory at the ground – no visiting team has won more.

  • REAL GALATICOS

    REAL GALATICOS

    • Alonso shares secrets of managing Madrid’s dressing room

    Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has acknowledged that not all of his players in the dressing room can receive the same treatment. Despite winning El Clasico last Sunday, this week has seen his handling of the squad dynamics questioned more than at any other point in his young tenure.

    Ahead of Los Blancos clash’ with Valencia  tonight, much of the focus was on Vinicius Junior’s reaction to Alonso and his subsequent apology. The two reportedly have a fraught relationship, and Alonso was forced to answer five questions on how the matter had been handled during his pre-match press conference.

    However Vinicius is reportedly not the only Real Madrid star unhappy with Alonso’s approach. He was asked how he manages the personalities in the dressing room at the Santiago Bernabeu, and how it was different to doing so at Bayer Leverkusen.

     “[By] Being myself. The most important thing is to be genuine, not to try to pretend. Always think about what’s best for the team. Always maintain good relationships, based on respect, but understanding that not everyone is the same. You have to have emotional intelligence.”

    It came as a surprise to many that Alonso elected to start Eduardo Camavinga in midfield during El Clasico last Sunday, and more so when he ended up on the right side. Alonso was asked about the decision.

    Read Also: Peterside  calls for credible administrators in NFF

     “We knew it was a strength we possessed [dominating midfield] and that we could utilise it, not just for a specific strategy. Other days we’ll need a different approach, but given the opponent we faced, and due to upcoming events, that’s what we’ll need. It worked out well. Not only tactically, but also mentally. That’s the foundation for tactical success. The Clasico offers us valuable lessons for the future.

    The major negative news this week was that captain Dani Carvajal will be out of action until 2025, after undergoing knee surgery.

     “Carva played 20 minutes, he did very well, he competed… and on Monday morning it was a surprise to receive that call from the doctor. We’ll definitely miss him. And since it seemed we’d be counting on him… We think seven or eight weeks. We’re waiting for him.

  • New champions expected as Senator Abiru’s table tennis tourney ends today

    New champions expected as Senator Abiru’s table tennis tourney ends today

    By Daniel Oyekan

    From an initial pool of 30 teams representing Nigeria, Togo, and the Benin Republic, the race for the podium at the 2nd  Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships climax today, November 1, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

    The grand finale will be graced by the tournament sponsor, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, alongside other dignitaries, including the President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), Wahid Enitan Oshodi.

    As the first mixed team tournament of its kind in Africa, this year’s edition has attracted over 150 players, all vying for a share of the increased ₦5.5 million prize pool—up from ₦4 million last year and in the absence of  the defending champions this year, the battle for the top prize has been fierce.

    At  the press conference to launch the event, Senator Abiru emphasized the tournament’s alignment with his youth development philosophy.

    “Our youth development philosophy goes beyond classrooms and computer labs,” he said.  “The discipline, focus, and teamwork that make great innovators are the same traits that define great athletes.

    “ It was on this belief that we launched the Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships in 2024, the first of its kind in Africa, as a platform to celebrate excellence, inclusion, and community spirit through sports,” he said.

    Read Also: NFF sets record straight on FIFA,CAF funds

    A total of 42 matches were played on the opening day, setting the stage for an intense knockout round on Day 2, which determined the finalists.

    Competition Manager Segun Peters praised the quality of play, noting the tournament’s growth and the emergence of new talent:

    He said:  “This year’s tournament has been very impressive. From the group stages to the knockout rounds, the players have been exceptional, with many matches ending 3-2. This reflects a significant improvement in both the quality of play and the calibre of players.”

    Meanwhile, both  President of  ITTF Africa, Mr.  Oshodi and President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Adesoji Tayo,  has praised the bold initiative of Senator Abiru, describing the tournament as first of its kind in Africa.

     “We are grateful to the senator for his commitment to youth development and for keeping his promise to stage this event,” Oshodi said.

    The NTTF President quipped: “In 2024, Nigeria became the first African nation to host this prestigious event. This milestone reflects our country’s readiness and the proactive efforts of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation in preparing for qualification and participation in both the 2025 World Mixed Team Cup in Chengdu and the 2028 Olympics,” he said.

  • Things to know as Tottenham host Chelsea in fierce London rivalry

    Things to know as Tottenham host Chelsea in fierce London rivalry

    Tottenham will host Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend in a high-stakes London derby, a clash loaded with intensity, flair, and pressure.

    Both teams will be desperate for a win, with Spurs looking to prove their early-season promise and Chelsea aiming to find consistency after a mixed start. With bragging rights, momentum, and confidence on the line, this fixture promises end-to-end action and a fierce battle in every area of the pitch.

    Stats to know

    ·       Tottenham have won just one of their last 13 Premier League meetings with Chelsea.

    ·       Chelsea have claimed five wins in six league visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

    ·       Chelsea have lost three of their last five Premier League games, more than in their previous 16 combined.

    ·       Thomas Frank has lost only two of his eight Premier League matches against Chelsea.

    ·       Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus has completed the most dribbles in the Premier League this season.

    The rivalry renewed

    There’s tension in the air. North London knows it, West London feels it. Tottenham and Chelsea—two proud, volatile clubs—are both desperate for a result that can shift their seasons.

    For Spurs, it’s about proving their bright start wasn’t a false dawn. For Chelsea, it’s about finding consistency after weeks of mixed performances. Both sides crave momentum, and neither can afford another stumble.

    Recent form

    Tottenham sit inside the top four after nine matches (five wins, two draws, two losses). Their football has been bold and attacking but occasionally erratic, and they’re coming off a 2–0 Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle. With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined, new signing Mohammed Kudus has become their main creative spark.

    Chelsea, meanwhile, sit mid-table (four wins, two draws, three losses). They’ve struggled for rhythm under Enzo Maresca but showed resilience with a Carabao Cup win over Wolves. When they click, they look dangerous—but too often, inconsistency and defensive lapses undo their efforts.

    Team news

    Tottenham’s injury list is easing, with Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie nearing returns. Kudus has been a standout performer, while midfielders Palhinha and Bentancur are regaining form.

    Chelsea’s injury troubles continue—Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, and Benoît Badiashile remain doubts. João Pedro’s creativity and Enzo Fernández’s control will be vital if the Blues are to dictate play.

    Key battle: Mohammed Kudus vs João Pedro

    Kudus has dazzled since joining Spurs, combining flair with end product and already registering four assists. Pedro, meanwhile, has two goals and three assists for Chelsea, showing glimpses of the creativity and composure the Blues have been missing since Eden Hazard’s departure.

    Read Also: Tottenham close in on £51.8m move for Leipzig star Xavi Simons

    Tactical outlook

    Tottenham will press high and look to dominate possession, while Chelsea will rely on Fernández and Caicedo to absorb pressure and hit on the counter. Both sides have attacking quality but defensive vulnerabilities, suggesting this could be an open, end-to-end game.

    Match details

    Date: Saturday, November 1

    Kick-off: 4:30 p.m. GMT

    Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

    Referee: Jarred Gillett

    VAR: Craig Pawson

    With both teams searching for rhythm and confidence, this derby could define the direction of their seasons. Bragging rights, belief, and momentum are all on the line in North London.

  • Dyche provides positive injury update on Ola Aina

    Dyche provides positive injury update on Ola Aina

    Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche has delivered encouraging news on the recovery of Nigerian defender Ola Aina.

    Aina suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty with Nigeria in September and subsequently underwent surgery. 

    The 29-year-old was initially expected to be out of action until around December.

    Dyche has offered an update on Aina’s progress, along with other injured players in the squad.

    “I have made a note of them because we have got a couple of knocks,” Dyche told press conference.

    Read Also: Ola Aina ‘over the moon’ on new Forest contract

    “Angus Gunn hasn’t been playing but is part of the squad, but he has opened up his knee ligaments.

    “Woody [Chris Wood] is going to be possible for the Leeds game. He won’t make this one. We will have to see how that goes.

    “Ola [Aina] is making good progress. Zinchenko is a no at the moment, unfortunately, and it is going to be a bit longer than we thought.

    “Bakwa [Dilane] is still a no, but is making good progress. I’m having to read them off a list so I don’t forget them.

    “We’re hoping no more occur, that’s for sure. A few knocks, but nothing too serious at the moment,” the former Everton boss concluded about the injuries.