The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • W’Cup 2026 Play-Offs: Rabat to host Nigeria, Gabon decider

    W’Cup 2026 Play-Offs: Rabat to host Nigeria, Gabon decider

    The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has become clearer for Nigeria’s Super Eagles following the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s confirmation of Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, as the host for their decisive playoff clash against Gabon on November 13th.

    CAF’s announcement ends weeks of speculation over the venue, after initially naming Morocco as host nation earlier in October without specifying the exact city.

    The latest update now allows the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Super Eagles technical crew to intensify preparations with full knowledge of where the all-important encounter will take place.

    According to respected journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, the Olympic Stadium in Rabat has been selected as the match venue. The stadium, which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, is regarded as one of the finest football arenas in Africa.

    For Nigeria, this fixture represents another crucial step in their quest to secure one of Africa’s remaining tickets to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

    Organisers approve Rugby for 27th  NUGA Games in Jos

    Rugby has been approved among the 22 sporting events for the 27th  Nigeria University Games (NUGA), scheduled to take place at the University of Jos, Plateau State, between November 6 and 16/.

    According to the organisers, the approved sports include rugby, tennis, table tennis, athletics, badminton, basketball, chess, cricket, handball, judo, taekwondo, scrabble, swimming, football, volleyball, hockey, boxing, e-sports, rowing and yachting, karate, beach volleyball, and squash.

    Reacting to the inclusion of rugby, the President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr. Ademola Are, described it as a “welcome development” and a testament to the tireless efforts of stakeholders who have continued to advocate for the sport.

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

     “This is encouraging and the reward for the consistent efforts of those who keep speaking for rugby in the right places. We must continue to project the sport until it gets the recognition it truly deserves,” he said.

    In his acceptance speech after being sworn in as President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr. Ademola Are reiterated his commitment to working closely with NUGA to ensure that rugby continues to gain ground across Nigerian universities.

     “This achievement is part of the result of our continuous collaboration with NUGA to expand the reach of rugby in universities nationwide,” he said.

  • Celtic appoint O’Neill  after Rogers’ departure 

    Celtic appoint O’Neill  after Rogers’ departure 

    Brendan Rodgers has resigned as Celtic manager with the Scottish giants’ major shareholder accusing him of “divisive, misleading and self-serving” behaviour.

    Former boss Martin O’Neill, 73, and ex-player Shaun Maloney will take charge until a permanent successor is appointed, the club said Monday.

    Rodgers’ second spell at Celtic ended after Sunday’s 3-1 Scottish Premiership defeat at Hearts left them eight points adrift of the Edinburgh side in second.

     “Brendan leaves with our thanks for the role he has played during a period of continued success for the club and we wish him further success in the future,” a statement said.

     “We are pleased that during this interim period former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and former Celtic player Shaun Maloney have agreed to take charge of Celtic first-team matters,” it said.

    The club added that the search for a replacement was already under way, with former manager Ange Postecoglou among the bookmakers’ favourites following his recent sacking by Nottingham Forest.

    Rodgers, 52, returned for a second spell at Celtic Park in 2023, winning successive titles, to add to his league triumphs from 2017 and 2018.

    But clouds have gathered over the club this season with Celtic knocked out of the Champions League by Kazakhstan minnows Kairat Almaty.

    Rodgers had appeared at odds with his employers over their summer transfer policy.

    After Celtic’s first defeat at Dundee in 37 years this month, he said the team had “lost a lot of firepower, a lot of goals”.

    Read Also: TINFF 2025: Extra Mile wins best film by female filmmaker

     “And there’s no way you’ll go into a race and be given the keys to a Honda Civic and say, ‘I want you to drive it like a Ferrari’. It’s not going to happen.”

    In a separate statement on Monday, Celtic’s main shareholder Dermot Desmond hit back, saying Rodgers’ criticism had come “entirely out of the blue”.

     “Despite ample opportunity he was unable to identify a single instance where the club had obstructed or failed to support him. The facts did not match his public narrative,” he said.

     “Regrettably, his words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading, and self-serving.

     “They have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club and fuelled hostility towards members of the executive team and the board.”

    Rodgers previously managed Swansea, Liverpool and Leicester, and arrived at Celtic for the second time in June 2023 to succeed Postecoglou.

    The Northern Irishman had been at Celtic between May 2016 and February 2019, completing successive league and cup trebles.

    His first season in charge saw Celtic finish with a record 106 points and become the first Scottish side to complete a top-flight season undefeated since 1899.

    Rodgers continued Celtic’s domestic supremacy by winning league titles in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, and also lifted the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup.

  • Arsenal’s Saliba, Martinelli to miss Carabao Cup clash

    Arsenal’s Saliba, Martinelli to miss Carabao Cup clash

    Arsenal pair William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli have been ruled out of today’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Brighton.

    Defender Saliba was forced off at half-time of Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace, while forward Martinelli limped down the tunnel after coming on as a second-half substitute.

    Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who confirmed Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will be available to face the Seagulls, is unsure how long the duo will remain sidelined.

    Asked about Saliba, Arteta replied: “He’s out. We are assessing him but he won’t be involved in this match.”

    Speaking of Martinelli, the Spaniard said: “It looks as well he’s going to be out.

    “We have to do some more tests and see the extent of the injury but this game is going to be too early for him.”

    The loss of Martinelli adds to Arsenal’s attacking issues, with Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus already unavailable due to injuries.

    “In the front line, that’s where we have more difficulties with Noni out, with Kai out, with Gabi Jesus out, with Gabi Martinelli out as well,” Arteta, who plans to rotate his squad, said. “That’s the area where we have to be more careful, more conscious, because we don’t have that many options.

    Read Also: Five2 Media’s Extra Mile wins best film by female filmmaker – Nollywood at TINFF 2025

    “We are going to try to manage the load as good as possible, to make sure that the players are fresh, they can compete really well, and the team can maintain the level that it is showing.”

    Victory over London rivals Palace left Arsenal four points clear at the top of the Premier League, with seven wins, a draw and one defeat from nine fixtures.

    Arteta is embracing the optimism around the club.

    “That’s what we want,” he said. “When our people are excited and you see that the team is competing at the level consistently, they are the right reasons to believe.

    “If you want to win big trophies, you certainly have to install that feeling amongst the team, the club, and around it.

    “We are in a really good position at the moment but we know how early it is and how difficult every game is.”

    English League Cup Fixtures

    Arsenal vs. Brighton

    Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace

    Swansea versus Man City

    Wolves vs. Chelsea

    Newcastle United vs. Tottenham

  • PSG set revenue record of 837 million euros

    PSG set revenue record of 837 million euros

    Paris St Germain posted record revenue in the 2024-2025 season of 837 million euros ($976.11 million), the Champions League winners announced in their financial results.

    PSG, third in the Deloitte Football Money League in January, beat their previous revenue high of 806 million euros.

    The Ligue 1 club generated 367 million euros of commercial revenues and 175 million euros from matchday income, with the Parc des Princes sold out for 170 consecutive matches.

    Read Also: NFF to revamp youth football structure , says Gusau

    The 2024-2025 season was one for the history books as PSG won their first Champions League title plus the Ligue 1 crown, French Cup and Trophee des Champions before losing in the Club World Cup final.

    “This performance shows the maturity of the project since the arrival of its main shareholder QSI, and confirms the solidity of the club’s economic model, now among the most successful in the world”, PSG said in a statement.

    Qatar Sports Investments took over the club in 2011.

    Revenue from the Club World Cup up to the quarter-finals was included in this season’s financial report, while the latter stages will be reflected in next year’s results.

    Despite record revenue, PSG registered an annual loss although the club did not disclose the deficit. Last season, PSG reported a loss of approximately 60 million euros.

  • Enugu  confirms  Okorie as state’s athletics boss

    Enugu  confirms  Okorie as state’s athletics boss

    The Enugu State government has appointed former national hurdler and AFN Performance Director Victor Okorie as Chairman of the Enugu State Athletics Association Board.

    His  inauguration conducted by the state’s  Commissioner for Sports, Ike Ekweremadu Jr, also saw 10 other members unveiled to drive a fresh era of track and field development in the state.

    Meanwhile in a goodwill message, Coach Chukwuashi hailed the appointments and urged the new board to bring passion and integrity to the job.

    Okorie, visibly elated, thanked Ekweremadu for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to revive Enugu’s dominance in athletics.

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

     “We’ll give everything to restore Enugu to the top of Nigerian athletics,” he vowed.

    A respected figure in grassroots sports across the South East, Okorie’s new mandate includes preparing the state’s athletes for the upcoming National Sports Festival and other major competitions.

    The board members include:

    *Victor Okorie

    • Coach Elizabeth Chukwuashi

    • Onovo Boniface

    • Henry Nwosu

    • Eze Justus

    • Agu Justin

    • Emeka Benjamin Chukwu

    • Chris Onwuzuruike

    • Ephrem Ochonma

    • Ken Onuaguruch

    • John Ikpechi

  • Chelsea join European Chase for Nigerian youngster

    Chelsea join European Chase for Nigerian youngster

    Club World Cup champions Chelsea have entered the race to sign highly rated Nigerian winger Sani Suleiman, joining a host of European clubs monitoring the AS Trencin sensation, as reported by Tribalfootball.

    Suleiman, 19, has been in outstanding form since returning to his Slovak club after representing Nigeria at the U20 World Cup. His recent assist against Skalica earned Trencin a valuable draw and saw him named in the Nike Liga Team of the Week.

    Chelsea’s scouting team have reportedly requested updated information on the young winger, who is attracting growing attention across Europe. Suleiman’s contract runs until June 2026, with Trencin holding a two-year extension option, effectively securing his services until 2028 — a clause that strengthens the club’s hand in any transfer talks.

    Read Also: NFF to revamp youth football structure , says Gusau

    The Nigerian’s impressive displays have also drawn interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers, and Bayer Leverkusen, alongside several Italian clubs making preliminary enquiries.

    According to the CIES Football Observatory, Suleiman was recently rated the most complete U21 winger in the world, based on seven key performance metrics, and ranked among the top 200 U20 outfield players globally.

    With his meteoric rise and increasing demand, this season could mark Suleiman’s final campaign at Trencin, as Europe’s elite continue to circle one of Africa’s brightest young talents.

  • Super Falcons qualify for 2026 WAFCON after defeating Benin on aggregate

    Super Falcons qualify for 2026 WAFCON after defeating Benin on aggregate

    The Super Falcons have sealed their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating Benin Republic 3–1 on aggregate.

    The ten-time African champions booked their qualification with a 1–1 draw against Benin in the return leg played at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, having earlier won the first leg 2–0 at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo.

    Nigeria got off to a bright start in the home tie, taking the lead in the 12th minute. Esther’s corner kick sailed past several defenders and found Ashleigh Plumptre, whose powerful header found the back of the net. 

    Read Also: Nigeria vs. Benin: Madugu  dreams  2027 World Cup  with  Super Falcons

    The goal marked Plumptre’s first for the Super Falcons since switching allegiance from England in 2021.

    Benin Republic later pulled one back in the second half, but it was not enough to overturn Nigeria’s aggregate advantage.

    With the result, the Super Falcons advance to next year’s WAFCON, where they will defend their continental crown.

    The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will take place from March 17 to April 3 and will also serve as the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The top four teams from the tournament will earn automatic World Cup slots, while two others will compete in inter-confederation playoffs for a chance to qualify.

  • I want to take Nigeria to 2026 World Cup – Osimhen

    I want to take Nigeria to 2026 World Cup – Osimhen

    Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has reaffirmed determination to help Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    The three-time African champions missed the last edition of the tournament in Qatar, but will now battle through the playoffs in Morocco next month where they will face Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo after failing to secure automatic qualification.

    Eric Chelle’s men will begin their campaign with a semi-final clash against Gabon on Thursday, November 13.

    Osimhen, who scored a hat-trick in Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Benin Republic earlier this month, said he is fully committed to leading his country to the global stage.

    Read Also: Turkish Super Lig: Ruthless Osimhen keeps scoring streak in Gala comeback win

    “I want to be in the World Cup with my country. I am giving my everything there too,” the 26-year-old told Sporx.

    “My focus is here now (Galatasaray). Next month is the World Cup playoffs. I will help my teammates with my goals, assists and everything.”

  • Comment Participer aux Paris Sportifs Internationaux avec Pin-Up

    Comment Participer aux Paris Sportifs Internationaux avec Pin-Up

    Les grands événements sportifs attirent beaucoup de joueurs en Afrique. Le Championnat du monde, la Ligue des champions, la NBA ou l’UFC intéressent tout le monde grâce à leurs matchs passionnants et à leurs athlètes célèbres. Chaque rencontre est une occasion de suivre ses équipes préférées et de ressentir l’excitation du sport.

    Pin-Up rend tout cela facile. La plateforme propose plus de 40 sports différents et des milliers d’événements chaque semaine. Les joueurs peuvent faire des paris sportifs internationaux, suivre les scores en direct et profiter d’une expérience simple et sûre. Avec ce site de paris sportif, tout le monde peut participer aux paris et vivre le frisson des grands tournois depuis l’Afrique.

    Pourquoi choisir Pin-Up site de paris sportif

    Choisir une bonne plateforme est important pour parier facilement et en toute sécurité. Pin-Up est le meilleure site de paris sportif pour ceux qui veulent suivre les grands événements internationaux sans difficulté.

    Voici ses avantages :

    • Large choix d’événements : plus de 40 sports et des milliers de matchs chaque semaine.
    • Plateforme fiable : vos données et votre argent sont protégés.
    • Navigation simple : trouver et placer un pari est facile, même pour les débutants.
    • Conditions locales : tout est adapté pour les joueurs d’Afrique, avec des méthodes de paiement et un support adaptés.

    Avec Pin-Up, suivre les scores en direct et parier sur les grands événements est simple. La plateforme rend le jeu accessible à tous, sans stress et en toute confiance.

    Sports et compétitions disponibles

    Sur Pin-Up, il est facile de faire des paris sportifs sur de nombreux événements. Vous pouvez suivre les scores en direct et parier sur vos matchs préférés, qu’ils soient locaux ou internationaux.

    SportPrincipaux événementsTypes de paris
    FootballUEFA Champions League, EPL, CAFVictoire, score exact, buteur
    Basket-ballNBAVictoire, handicap, total points
    TennisATP, WTAGagnant du match, sets, score exact
    BoxeUFC, combats internationauxVainqueur, KO/TKO, rounds
    E-sportCS:GO, Dota 2, League of LegendsMatch gagnant, handicap, total cartes
    Autres sportsRugby, Volleyball, HandballVictoire, handicap, score total

    En 2025, il y aura encore plus de sports et d’événements à suivre sur Pin-Up. Les joueurs peuvent parier facilement et profiter de l’excitation des grands matchs partout dans le monde.

    Comment créer un compte sur Pin-Up

    Créer un compte sur Pin-Up est rapide et facile. Cela permet de commencer à placer des paris sportifs en ligne en toute sécurité.

    Voici comment faire étape par étape :

    1. Saisie des données : remplir vos informations personnelles.
    2. Confirmation et activation : vérifier votre identité pour sécuriser le compte.
    3. Choix du sport : sélectionner l’événement ou la discipline pour parier.
    4. Placer un pari : choisir le montant et valider votre mise.
    5. Suivi des résultats : regarder le score et suivre l’événement.
    6. Retrait des gains : récupérer vos gains facilement avec les options disponibles.

    Avec un compte Pin-Up, il est simple de profiter des paris sportifs en ligne et de toutes les fonctions de la plateforme. Suivre les étapes correctement garantit un jeu sûr et sans problème.

    Conclusion : Pin-Up, votre porte d’entrée vers les paris internationaux

    Pin-Up rend les paris sportifs faciles et accessibles pour les joueurs en Afrique. La plateforme est sûre et simple à utiliser. On peut parier sur beaucoup de sports et suivre les événements en direct. Les utilisateurs choisissent leurs types de paris et profitent de l’excitation des grands matchs.

  • Ekong tips ‘battle-ready’  Super Eagles for fourth AFCON title

    Ekong tips ‘battle-ready’  Super Eagles for fourth AFCON title

    By Joshua Osinowo 

    ‎Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has confidently asserted that Nigeria’s primary ambition at the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco is to clinch a prestigious fourth continental title.

    Nigeria last won the AFCON title  in 2013 during the reign of late Coach Stephen Keshi after previous wins at the 1980 edition hosted by Nigeria as well as the 1994 edition  hosted by Tunisia.

    ‎ The current tem under coach Eric Sekou Chelle   is entering the continental  tournament with renewed determination, following a narrowly contested final in the last edition where they lost to the hosts, Côte d’Ivoire, in a  nail-biting 2-1 margin.

    Reflecting on the 2023 AFCON experience,  Troost-Ekong suggested that the challenges faced during the epic finale  against the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire  have served as an invaluable lesson for the players.

    ‎“Winning the trophy (in Morocco)  is our only goal,” Troost-Ekong noted in an interview with CAFOnline.

    He continued :“We learned so much from the last AFCON final. Looking back, Côte d’Ivoire were the better team on the day, but we gained experience—some of our players were in a first major final for their nation. “

    “Now the target is to get there again, use that experience, reach the latter stages and know what to do to go all the way, hopefully.”

    ‎He acknowledged that although Côte d’Ivoire proved to be the stronger side on that particular day, the experience of competing in such a significant match was enlightening for the squad comprised of many players who were participating in their first major final for the Super Eagles.

    Pressed  if the Super Eagles can be counted as one of the favourites at Morocco 2025, the Saudi Arabia-based defender  admitted matter-of- factly,  adding  the West African side has what it takes to go all the way  again.

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

    “I think that’s overstated,” the 32-year-old  with  82 caps  said. “We’ve got an amazing squad—too many players to name—but objectively, Morocco are at home and in great form; Côte d’Ivoire are defending champions; Senegal,… there’s no such thing as a clear favourite at AFCON. “
    “Last time, not many tipped us to go that far. You can’t win a tournament with expectations, and we won’t get complacent. AFCON is difficult, and strong teams can emerge from unexpected places. We trust ourselves, but I wouldn’t say we’re clear favourites.”

    Nevertheless, Ekong reckoned that the Super Eagles must gird their loins  to  best the rest of the continent in Morocco , saying there  must  be consistent going forward.

    He volunteered: “Heart, togetherness and consistency. Côte d’Ivoire showed real spirit—every setback seemed to fuel belief. From my experiences—third place, then second—momentum has to grow through the tournament. New stars often emerge; it’s not always the names you expect. Start well, manage emotions, don’t get carried away when things go right or panic when they don’t. Tournaments are won in phases: grow through the group, then approach each knockout game calmly.”

    The  Super Eagles are  placed in Group C  in a tricky section with Uganda, Tunisia and Tanzania; and they open their account on December 23  against the Taifa Stars to be followed with matches against Tunisia on the 27th  and  December 30th against the Cranes of Uganda.