The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • 2026 Women’s AFCON Race: Falcons won’t handle Benin with kid gloves, says Madugu

    2026 Women’s AFCON Race: Falcons won’t handle Benin with kid gloves, says Madugu

    Head Coach Justine Madugu has affirmed that champions Nigeria expect a tough game against the Amazons of Bénin Republic in Abeokuta on Tuesday and will take nothing for granted against their less-adulated neighbours to the west.

    The 10-time champions are in control of the fixture after a 2-0 win in the first leg away from home, courtesy goals by Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo, but the gaffer is wary the Amazons could storm the Ogun State capital better prepared than they were in the first leg at the Stade Kégué in Lome on Friday.

     “We are looking forward to a tough game from the Beninoise, but we will be ready for that by putting up a good performance with the ultimate goal of qualification to the 2026 Women AFCON, where we hope to retain our title and further qualify for the World Cup in Brazil in 2027.

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

     “The Amazons with about 10 professional players from Germany, Morocco, France and Equatorial Guinea gave a good account of themselves in the first leg, to underscore the fact that underrating any team now in Africa could be at your own peril. We are not taking anything for granted or leaving anything to chance. We will be ready to go all out for victory.”

    The Super Falcons will most likely parade the same squad as featured in the first leg in the Togolese capital three days ago, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal and Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin and Ashley Plumptre as rear-guard, while captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Deborah Abiodun and Taiwo Afolabi take hold of the midfield. Ihezuo, Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi should be at the fore, though Madugu also has the options of six-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, Joy Omewa and Kafayat Mafisere.

    The encounter at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta will kick off at 4pm, with the winner on aggregate earning a ticket to the 14th Women Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Morocco, 17th  March – 3rd  April 2026.

  • Falcons’  Alozie shortlisted for 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World 1X

    Falcons’  Alozie shortlisted for 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World 1X

    Osimhen missing  in Men’s list

    By Dare Oyekan

    Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie has been shortlisted for the 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World 1X, the prestigious annual global award that celebrates the best female footballers as voted by professional players worldwide.

    Alozie, 28, is among eight defenders nominated for the elite lineup, standing alongside some of the world’s top names including Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Leah Williamson (England), Ona Batlle, Olga Carmona (Spain), and Ellie Carpenter (Australia).

    Her inclusion follows a stellar year for both Nigeria and her club, Houston Dash, where she consistently delivered outstanding performances. Alozie was instrumental in the Super Falcons’ march to their 10th African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) title, netting the decisive goal in the semi-final victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana and earning a place in the Team of the Tournament.

    Read Also: NFF confirms Super Eagles friendlies in US

    Beyond her international exploits, the right-back also shone in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), helping Houston Dash maintain defensive stability throughout the season.

    More than 25,000 professional footballers across the globe vote to determine the FIFPRO Women’s World 11, which consists of one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards, with an additional outfield player based on the next highest vote count.

    But Super Eagles’ talismanic striker Victor Osimhen is  conspicuously  missing in  the 25  players shortlisted for the 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 1X.

    Osimhen who led Galatasaray  to a historic double last season  and  topped Turkish  goal scorer  chart was omitted  in the  striking positions  for the likes of Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Raphinha (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).

    The final team will be officially unveiled on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 13:00 (UK time).

  • Spires 5-Aside Tourney off to blistering start in Lagos

    Spires 5-Aside Tourney off to blistering start in Lagos

    The highly anticipated second season of the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament gets on the way with plenty of excitement on Sunday.

    This year’s event commenced with a celebrity match, which saw some of Nigeria’s finest skits makers and social media influencers take to pitch to show their football skills. At the end of hostilities, it was Team Pooja who came out tops with a 2-1 victory against Team IBK  at the Stables Sports Centre in Surulere.

    The opening matchday further produced plenty of fireworks as New Generation FC and All Saints FC produced an eight- goal thriller, which ended  four  goals apiece . The second fixture, however, produced a winner as Peckins FA secured a 3-1 win against Olaodus FC in yet another pulsating encounter.

    For the initiator of the tournament, Dr. Bankole Alibay, this year’s event has recorded a great start, and they hope to build on the success going forward.

    ” We are happy there’s a great buzz around the tournament at this time and everyone is talking about it, the sixteen teams are hungry to finish tops in their respective and even go all the way to win the tournament, this is the feeling around this year’s championship and we believe the fans will enjoy it every step of the way,” Alibay said.

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

    The Environmental Social and Governance expert further revealed plans ahead of a tech week and other seminars for the players.

    He offered: ” This year’s event is special i must tell you, as we speak all is in place for a tech week to run side by side with the tournament, the players will learn modern skills like artificial intelligence, machine learning, graphics designs as well as computer installation”. This knowledge will make them competitive beyond the football space.”

    The 2025 Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament, which got on the way on Sunday, October 26th, will come to a close on  Saturday, 15th  November.

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

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

    Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, has reaffirmed that the team’s primary objective remains securing qualification for the 2026 WAFCON Final even as they aim to make it to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

    Speaking at a press conference ahead of today’s  second leg of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Benin Republic, Madugu expressed confidence in his players’ readiness to finish the job on home soil.

    The Super Falcons have a 2-0 cushion going into the return leg following  victory from  the first leg in Lome. But  he emphasized that despite the first-leg win, the team would not underestimate their opponents, as maintaining consistency and discipline remains key to achieving their long-term targets.

    He said:  “The last game against Benin Republic, we all knew it was not going to be an easy game based on the information we had regarding the Beninoise team, and we also had a few challenges, had to do with the release of players, arrival, travel arrangements generally which equally accounted for some of our players not having adequate rest.

    “ But he situation tomorrow (today)  will be different, and knowing what we know of the Beninoise team, you know everybody has improved now, everybody is trying to make sure that they also give a good account of themselves.

    “The ultimate goal each time you prepare for any game, you want to make sure that you win. Which we did in the first game and tomorrow will not be different. It’s not going to be easy but the ultimate goal is that we want to win and we are hoping to win tomorrow.”

    On his part, Captain  Rasheedat Ajibade who stated that the last time Benin Republic visited Nigeria, it ended in a 4-0 victory for the Super Falcons,  said they will hope to build on that noting that it is a different team, but they will put in required effort to secure the win.

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

    She said, “The team that won against Benin at that time is not the same team as it is right now, and of course, we just want to keep going with the current performance of the team, and we believe that if we replicate the things we’ve been doing in the previous games and probably the last games, we’ll get a better result, so that’s what’s more important to us, it’s not the numbers, the most important thing is for us to win.”

    Dwelling  on the  new intakes into the squad, Madugu noted that the major focus is to build a formidable team that can compete at the highest level and introducing new players, home based players are part of the process.

    He said:  “We want to establish a team that can compete at the highest level because we need to get to the next level, we want to build a team and you need to have a blend of the young players and the experienced ones, so that through this blending, the younger ones coming into the team now.

    “While they are getting the necessary experience, they will equally be getting the guidance from the more experienced and more exposed players, so that by the time those ones are facing out, they would have gained enough exposure that can put them in good stead. For them to be able to compete effectively at the level that we also want them to compete.”

    The Super Falcons of Nigeria are set to take on Benin Republic in the second leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final qualifying round on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta by 4:00pm.

  • Governor Dare hails El-Amin on  historic  16th Georgian Cup

    Governor Dare hails El-Amin on  historic  16th Georgian Cup

    Led by some  highly-ranked players  including Mohammed Babangida and Facundo, El-Amin Polo Club made  history at the weekend by claiming  the prestigious GEORGIAN Cup  for a record 16th time following a flawless  12-4  victory over Kaduna Makarfi Polo Club at the Kaduna International  Tournament.

    Victory  at the Dawule Baba Murtala Mohammed Polo Ground in Kaduna  coincided  with the club’s 30th anniversary to the delight thousands of spectators and polo aficionados .

    Speaking after the game, Zamfara State  Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal Dare, who is one of the special guest of honour , commended the organisers and sponsors of the game for a job well done.

    He assured that his administration will do everything possible to revive the game of Polo in Zamfara State.

    “As a former Executive Director of First Bank, I’m very passionate about the game of Polo and am glad that so far, the game has evolved in Nigeria and the Kaduna international Polo tournament is attracting international players around the world,” he said.

    Speaking in the same vein , the member representing Maru/Bungudu federal constituency of Zamfara State Dr. Abdulmalik Zubairu who holds the traditional title of Zannan Bungudu , acknowledged the fact that the game of polo is thriving in Nigeria, he expressed optimism that the game would attract more sponsors in the coming years.

    “This tournament is of international standard I’m happy to be here in Kaduna today to witness history being made” he said.

    While speaking  after the final match, the tournament manager Atiku Abubakar Saleh who  holds the  traditional title of Baraden Marum , congratulated El-Amin Polo for the victory and  their 30th  anniversary, noting that the game of Polo has come to stay in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Jalla kicks over undue  FIFA ‘s intervention in NFF’s electoral process

    ” Let me congratulate El-Amin Polo for this victory, it wasn’t easy and the history of Kaduna international Polo tournament won’t be complete without El-Amin Polo” he said.

    Meanwhile, basking in El-Amin’s  triumphant display,  Mohammed Babangida, the Garkuwan Yamman Katsina, thanked Allah for giving his team  its 16th  Georgian Cup while celebrating their  30th  year  in the game

    “I’m very happy to be a part of this history, we have been in the game for a very long time,  this victory is for all Polo lovers and our supporters,” Babangida said. “I also want to thank all our sponsors and supporters, this tournament is historic. The players gave their very best and at the end of the game we emerged victorious.”

    Other  dignitaries present at the event aside  the Zamfara State Governor, were  representative of the Governor of Niger State, representatives of Emir of Zazzau and Emir of Katsina as well as the Management of First Bank of Nigeria PLC and The Nigeria Polo Association NPA.

    The Kaduna international Polo tournament featured over 10 international Polo players from around the globe and it is one of Africa’s prominent Polo events.

  • Nigeria Pitch Awards to launch  annual  football conference

    Nigeria Pitch Awards to launch  annual  football conference

    Voting for 2025 Awards begins tomorrow

    By Olamilekan Israel

    The organisers of the  Nigeria Pitch Awards have unveiled plans for a new annual sports conference that will precede the prestigious awards ceremony, signalling a bold step towards repositioning Nigerian sports.

    The announcement was made by Shina Phillips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, during a special luncheon held at BON Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The gathering brought together football stakeholders, partners, sport editors, members of the college of voters and representatives from the Nigerian media.

    Phillips explained that the initiative aims to expand the vision of the Pitch Awards beyond the mere recognition of football excellence. According to him, the annual sports conference will serve as a platform for renewed national focus on sports, while creating fresh opportunities for administrators, investors and policymakers to collaborate on advancing the sector.

     “We are pleased to announce our annual sports conference,” Phillips said. “This has been in the works for a long time.

    “ The conference will attract local and international speakers, providing a unique opportunity to renew and refocus national attention on sports in Nigeria.”

    He noted that the journey to the 12th  Edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards represents resilience, patriotism and dedication among stakeholders since the initiatives Inception in 2012 as he expressed appreciation to the National Sports Commission(NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Nigerian media, the college of voters, all award nominees and winners for their continuous support over the years.

    He recalled the awards early promise to offer Nigerians more than just awards, describing the conference as a natural evolution of that vision.

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

    “At our inaugural press conference in 2012, we promised that the Nigeria Pitch Awards platform would offer Nigerians more than awards. Building on our vision to provide more and improve sports in Nigeria, we are now extending our agenda to the conference,” he added.

    Meanwhile, voting for the 12th  Edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards is set to begin tomorrow , 29th  October 2 even as Phillips reaffirmed confidence in the credibility of the voting process handled by SIAO Partners, assuring that the organisation will continue to uphold professionalism and transparency.

    “We have full confidence in the process already in place and in the professionalism of SIAO Partners,” he said. “We will continue to work with them and our college of voters to sustain the high standards we have set.”

    Phillips  concluded by reaffirming his belief that sustained collaboration among all stakeholders will ensure continuous improvement in Nigerian sports, both locally and internationally.

    “This journey has been one of courage, consistency and collaboration. Together, we are building a legacy that will inspire excellence in Nigerian football and beyond,” he noted.

  • Jack & Jones  named official  kits for FC Ebedei,  Ebedei Sports College

    Jack & Jones  named official  kits for FC Ebedei,  Ebedei Sports College

    International fashion brand Jack & Jones now  kits Nationwide League One (NLO) team FC Ebedei and Ebedei Sports College.

    The brand creates its own line of football-style shirts, which are available for purchase globally.

    Jack & Jones also produces top range fashion outfits and footwear.  Including standalone football jerseys as part of its regular clothing line. These are often designed with football-inspired aesthetics, such as V-necks, contrast trims, and sporty fits.

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

    President of the club and sports college, Barrister Churchill Oliseh disclosed: “This is the first of its kind in Nigeria, for a football academy that is recognized in Europe. This collaboration is likely to serve as a benchmark for similar future initiatives. Our graduates exploits around the top leagues of the world provided the initiating mileage.

    “The Jack & Jones kits will be a crucial part of FC Ebedei and Ebedei Sports College’s visual identity, and strengthen the emotional bond between the team and its fans.

    “There are also financial benefits from merchandise sales, and to leverage the brand’s image and reputation.

    “However, production of the kits has commenced and will be marketed globally.”

  • Inaugural Abuja Women Run with over 1000 participants holds Dec. 13th

    Inaugural Abuja Women Run with over 1000 participants holds Dec. 13th

    The Women Run Organisation has announced that preparations are in top gear for the maiden edition of the Abuja Women Run, scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 13th in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The event — expected to attract over 1,000 women from diverse sectors including public service, the legislature, the judiciary, business and industry, academia, the military, and the media — is set to become the largest women’s fitness event on the African continent.

    In a goodwill message to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the organisers expressed deep appreciation for his visionary leadership and transformative efforts in developing the FCT, describing him as “Mr. Projects” for his remarkable achievements in infrastructure and urban renewal.

    “We sincerely appreciate the unwavering support of the FCT Administration, particularly in granting ministerial approval and providing institutional backing to ensure the success of the upcoming event,” said Tayo Popoola, Coordinator of the Women Run Organisation.

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

    According to Popoola, the Abuja Women Run is designed not only as a fitness initiative but also as a platform to celebrate women’s empowerment, promote gender-sensitive initiatives, and showcase the beauty of Abuja to the world.

    “Given the unprecedented level of development in the FCT under the Honourable Minister’s leadership — particularly in the construction of roads and other critical infrastructure — the Abuja Women Run provides a unique opportunity to highlight the city’s transformation, boost tourism, and attract investment to Nigeria,” Popoola added.

    The Abuja Women Run 2025 aims to encourage a culture of fitness, unity, and social inclusion among Nigerian women, while positioning the FCT as a leading hub for international sports and wellness events.

  • Wrestling duo welcomes  Adeniyi as President  with double bronze

    Wrestling duo welcomes  Adeniyi as President  with double bronze

    The newly elected Nigeria Wrestling Federation President,  Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has begun his NWF reign with two priceless medals as Esther Kolawole and Christianah Ogunsanya secured two bronze medals at the u23 World Wrestling Championships in Serbia.

    While the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service was  being inaugurated as NWF President on Saturday by the National Sports Commission, Kolawole and Ogunsanya were cooking something  special to usher  him into office.

    Esther Kolawole (62k) on the road to the 3rd  place match beat Hungarian Yasmine Soliman 10-0 superiority before losing to Iryna Bondar of Ukraine

    The resilience of the reigning African champion saw her triumph gallantly in the Repachage match against Savita Savita of India 16-4, and followed that up with a dominant display of 8-1 over Venezuelan Astrid Paolo Montero to secure the bronze medal.

    In the same vein, another Reigning African champion in the 53kg, Christinah Ogunsanya mercilessly defeated UWW Ekaterina Kapushkina 10-0 in the first round match. She then consolidated on the win with yet another convincing victory over Canadian Serena Rosa Di Benedcgo to qualify for the quarter-finals.

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

    Ogunsanya’s 10-6 triumph over Suiyi Chen of China catapulted her into the Semifinals, where she sadly lost 3-5 to Japanese Haruna Marikawa.

    In the bronze medal match, Christinah Ogunsanya left no stone unturned as she brutally showed her mettle with 8-0 victory over Brianna Elizabeth Gonzalez of USA.

    In his reaction to the display of Esther and Christianah, Adeniyi lauded the heroic performance of the duo, stressing it was a perfect inauguration present.

    “I want to salute our gallant wrestlers for this feat. This is a perfect way to begin our journey. We are a winning Federation, and it has started,” he said.

     “For future tournaments, our preparations will be better. We will scrutinise our previous performances with more hard work, determination, and planning to do better.” Adeniyi said.

  • Dunamis Icon applauds Udo-Obong, Confederation of Africa Athletics’ appointment

    Dunamis Icon applauds Udo-Obong, Confederation of Africa Athletics’ appointment

    Dunamis Icon has congratulated Enefiok Udo-Obong on his recent award of the Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) Technical Official of the year, 2025.

    Udo-Obong, a member of the Nigeria Olympic gold winning quartet at the Sydney 2000 Olympic games, was conferred with the honour last week for his remarkable role in overseeing the Technical management of the U-18 and U-20 combined champions in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

    Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the Chairman of Dunamis Icon described the honour as well deserving and urged Udo-Obong to consider the award as a challenge to spur him to global achievement.

    Dunamis Icon are the franchise owners of the Niger Delta Games and organised the very first edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from April 1-8.

    Read Also: W’Cup 2026: Toro hails NFF, stakeholders for Super Eagles’   playoff spot

    “Having worked closely with Enee during the first Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, his emergence as the best on the continent did not come as a surprise.

    “I observed from close range his professionalism and attention to details when he worked with my team at Dunamis Icon as the Technical Director of the Niger Delta Sports Festival. We scored very high in technical organisation of the event, thanks to his dedication and energy”, noted Ikpokpo, who chairs the Delta State Athletics Association.

    CAA attributed the successful coordination and execution of the Africa U-18 and U-20 combined championship to his remarkable technical expertise and organisational abilities.

    Udo-Obong also served as the Technical Director of the Asian U-18 and U-20 Athletics championship in March, 2025 in Saudi Arabia where he works as Technical Consultant to the Kingdom’s Athletics Federation.