The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Juventus sack coach Tudor after eight-match winless run

    Juventus sack coach Tudor after eight-match winless run

    Juventus have sacked head coach Igor Tudor after failing to win their last eight matches in all competitions, the Serie A club said on Monday.

    “Juventus FC announces that it has today relieved Igor Tudor of his duties as head coach of the men’s first team, along with his staff,” the Italian club said in a statement.

    Massimo Brambilla, head coach of the reserve team, will temporarily take over as the first team manager, the club added.

    Croatian Tudor, who replaced Thiago Motta in March, was the first foreign manager appointed by Juventus since Didier Deschamps in 2006-07.

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

    Former centre-back Tudor spent nearly a decade of his playing career at Juventus, during which they won Serie A twice and reached the final of the Champions League.

    Tudor, 47, guided Juventus to a fourth-place finish in Serie A last season and secured qualification for the Champions League.

    But the club’s form took a downturn last month after winning their first three league games, as they drew five successive matches in all competitions before slumping to three losses in a week to Como, Real Madrid and Lazio.

    “I think we prepared for the match in the right way, but we’re still missing something. There’s no need to dramatise the situation, we’re all responsible for this difficult period,” Tudor told reporters after Sunday’s loss at Lazio.

    Juventus, who host Udinese on Wednesday, have failed to score in their last four matches and sit eighth in the Serie A standings, six points behind leaders Napoli.

  • 0ver 8,000 participants for Lagos Women Run 

    0ver 8,000 participants for Lagos Women Run 

    …as organisers plan big for EXPO

    The 2025 edition of the highly-anticipated Lagos Women Run will witness huge attendance judging by the number of entries received.

    Coordinator of the event, Tayo Popoola, stated that the annual 10km race has attracted over 8,000 participants from various parts of the country and even beyond.

    She expressed huge delight that the event, which is in its 10th edition this year, is getting bigger  in line with the vision of the Lagos State Government.

     “We are happy with the great support we are enjoying from the Government of Lagos State. The Lagos State Sports Commission DG, Lekan Fatodu, has been monitoring our activities with great enthusiasm.

    “All is going well and we expect next week to be full of activities for the 2025 event,” Popoola said.

    This year, the Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has been named an Ambassador of the Lagos Women Run and the Special Guest of Honour. 

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

    The Lagos Women run is an initiative of Gym Assured, Marathon & Road Race Organization, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and a dedicated group of women with professional backgrounds in sports management, administration.

    Fatodu, LSSC GD, it was learnt has charged all those in charge of various departments of the organizing committee to double efforts as the event draws near.

    Already, plans are also in top gear for the EXPO expected to start on November 4 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

    Coordinator of the EXPO, Sidikat Folami, said there are various activities and empowerment initiatives lined up for the participants of the Lagos Women Run pre-event.

    The Lagos Women Run takes place on Saturday November 8.

  • Harness sports for national unity, Adelabu urges

    Harness sports for national unity, Adelabu urges

    All Progressive Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has called on Nigerians to leverage on sports for promotion of unity, nurturing leadership, discipline, and teamwork among youths.

    Speaking in Ibadan at a football final match tagged “Asiwaju Till 2031”, organised by the Progressive Youth Ambassadors (PYA), Oyo State Chapter, Adelabu said just as power energies homes and industries, sports energies Nigerians, fostering hope, unity, and community spirit.

    The Minister, who was represented at the event by one of his aides, Comrade Femi Awogboro said the tournament was not just about football, but celebration of enduring vision and leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose tireless efforts continue to strengthen Nigeria’s peace, unity, and development. 

    According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu is rekindling confidence in Nigeria’s youth and creating platforms where talent and patriotism can thrive.

    Read Also: Adelabu promises to end 15-year epileptic power supply in Ibarapa zone

    He said: “Today’s final match is a reminder that true progress is achieved when we work together — with fairness, perseverance, and respect for one another.”

    Adelabu commended organisers, sponsors, and  players who contributed to the success of the tournament.

    “To our finalists play with passion, respect your opponents, and remember that victory is most meaningful when it uplifts the spirit of unity and sportsmanship.

    “May this event continue to inspire greater harmony, progress, and purpose among our youth, and may our collective energy — from power to sports — continue to light up Nigeria’s path to greatness.”

    Highlight of the event include presentation of prices to Egbeda local government as winner of the cup, and Ibadan Northwest local government, who came second by Comrade Awogboro on behalf of the Minister.

  • De Bruyne injures thigh while scoring penalty

    De Bruyne injures thigh while scoring penalty

    Napoli midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after significantly injuring his thigh as he scored a penalty against Inter Milan.

    The 34-year-old clutched his right thigh after opening the scoring in the 33rd minute on Saturday and was substituted a few minutes later.

    The Belgium playmaker was taken to hospital and scans confirmed a high-grade tear.

    Reigning champions Napoli, who beat Inter Milan 3-1 to return to the top of Serie A, have not put a timeline on his return to action.

    Read Also: De Bruyne returns to Etihad as City face Napoli in UCL

    De Bruyne joined Napoli on a free transfer from Manchester City in June.

    He has scored four goals in eight league appearances and has made a further three appearances in the Champions League.

  • Juventus sack manager Tudor after seven months

    Juventus sack manager Tudor after seven months

    Juventus have sacked manager Igor Tudor following the side’s defeat by Lazio.

    The Croatian joined the Italian club in March as Thiago Motta’s replacement.

    But the 43-year-old has overseen an eight-match winless run, which has left the club eighth in the Serie A table.

    Defeat against Lazio on Sunday was the side’s third consecutive loss in all competitions.

    “The club thanks Igor Tudor and his entire staff for their professionalism and dedication over the past few months and wishes them all the best for their future careers,” a Juventus statement read.

    Read Also: UCL: Bellingham scores first season’s goal as Real Madrid edge Juventus

    Juventus added that Massimiliano Brambilla will take charge of the side for their Serie A fixture against Udinese on Wednesday (17:30 GMT).

    The Old Lady are six points behind leaders Napoli, and have failed to win in their last five league matches.

    Juventus are 25th in the Champions League group stage table, having lost once and drawn twice in their opening three matches.

    BBC

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

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

    • By Daniel Oyekan with Agency Reports

    Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen was on the score sheet again as Galatasaray came from behind to defeat Göztepe 3–1 in Sunday’s Turkish Super Lig match at the RAMS Park Stadium.

    Göztepe took a surprise lead in the sixth minute through Efkan Bekiroğlu, silencing the home crowd. However, Galatasaray responded in the 19th minute when Osimhen capitalised on a defensive error to fire home the equaliser, marking his fourth goal in five league matches.

    The match’s momentum shifted in Galatasaray’s favour shortly before halftime, when Göztepe’s Malcom Bokele was sent off in the 42nd  minute for a dangerous challenge on Osimhen — a decision that drew complaints from visiting fans, who accused the officials of favouring the home side.

    Despite the controversy, Gabriel Sara put Galatasaray ahead midway through the second half, before Mauro Icardi sealed the win late in the game to ensure the defending champions claimed all three points.

    The victory keeps Galatasaray at the top of the Turkish Super Lig table with 28 points, five clear of second-placed Trabzonspor, while Göztepe remain fifth on 16 points.

    After the match, Osimhen dismissed complaints about officiating and praised his teammates’ performance.

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     “Rival fans can cry as much as they want on social media. I don’t care — we won the match and deserved it,” the Nigerian striker said.

    He also commended coach Okan Buruk, describing him as both a great tactician and a mentor.

     “Okan Buruk is a great person. Besides being a great coach, he’s also a great human being. We’re ready to give everything for him,” Osimhen added.

    The 26-year-old striker, who has quickly adapted to life in Turkey, has now equalled the 43 goals Buruk scored for Galatasaray during his playing career.

    Osimhen further hailed the club’s supporters for their unwavering energy, saying, “Galatasaray fans make crazy noise at every match, boosting our confidence. We are the biggest club in Turkey and one of the biggest in the world.”

    Galatasaray will next face Trabzonspor at home, with Osimhen warning their title rivals that “they know what they will face” at Ali Sami Yen RAMS Park.

  • Lagos standstill as boxers thrill fans at repackaged LBHF

    Lagos standstill as boxers thrill fans at repackaged LBHF

    Fans at Agege Stadium, Lagos, were treated to an electrifying display of boxing talent as the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) Championships made a triumphant return over the weekend.

    The one-day tournament featured 10 thrilling bouts, marking the comeback of Nigeria’s longest-running grassroots boxing event. Boxers from across Lagos dazzled spectators, leaving them eager for more action.

    Fawaz Sharafadeen of Star Boxing Club, Ajegunle Apapa, delivered the only technical knockout (TKO) of the day in the men’s 70kg category, flooring Olamilekan Badiru of Lion Star BC, Ikorodu-West in under two minutes of the first round.

    In the men’s 50kg division, Bolarinwa Michael of Next Page BC, Mushin, edged out Daramola Daniel of Brightest BC, Otto Awori, with a 3-2 decision. Lateed Qudus of Kamlat BC, Oyingbo, replicated the result in the men’s 55kg, defeating Quadri Oyebamiji of Fighter BC, Ojo.

    Samuel Talabi of Risadep BC, Abule Egba, secured a 4-1 win over Innocent Prosper of Always BC, Bariga in the men’s 60kg, while Adeyemi Adebayo of Olore BC, Alimosho, dominated Muftau Abdulahi of Oluomo BC, Surulere, with a 5-0 victory in the men’s 63kg.

    In the women’s 48kg category, the referee stopped the contest in favour of Sofia Yakubu of Cico BC, Oshodi, against Nurat Sulaimon of Dangote BC, Badagry, in the third round.

    Other standout performances included Ibrahim Olayiwola of Segun Body BC, Surulere, who overwhelmed Azeez Ishola of Lion BC, Ikorodu West, 5-0 in the men’s 63kg. Hammed Adegoke of Confidence BC, Kosofe, defeated Dolapo Ajayi of AMK BC, Ifako Ijaiye, 4-1 in the men’s 75kg. The final bout of the day saw Michael Olomitutu of Ashimota BC, Odi-Olowo, claim victory over Segun Aboseh of Badagry BC after the referee stopped the contest in the third round.

    A jubilant Olomitutu praised LBHF for launching his career, urging fellow boxers to embrace the platform that continues to produce top-tier talent for Nigeria.

     “To be sincere, the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame brought me into the limelight in Lagos State,” Olomitutu said.

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    “Before, I only fought in local tournaments, but my first appearance at the LBHF Monthly Show changed everything.”

    He continued: “That day, the founder, Prince Wale Edun, saw me and encouraged me. Meeting someone like him was inspiring, and I was excited to showcase my talent. I’m proud to be here.

    “I don’t want to give up. I have many role models like Anthony Joshua. I’m aiming for the top and dream of fighting at the O2 Arena in London and across the globe.”

    LBHF Director David Mohamed commended the boxers for their performances and shared plans for the tournament’s future.

     “It’s fantastic to be back. You can feel the excitement and see the crowd’s energy. We haven’t held the monthly show in a while, so it’s great to revive grassroots amateur boxing. We’re introducing a new format and criteria for selecting boxers. For this edition, we reached out to our network of coaches, and they brought in top talent, including medallists from the National Sports Festival. Going forward, we’re committed to showcasing the cream of the crop.

     “This event has been running for over 15 years, that’s consistency. Our founder is dedicated, and we’re here for the long haul. The monthly shows are back, and we’re not going anywhere,” Mohamed said.

  • Okoye earns plaudits  despite conceding twice in Udinese’s win

    Okoye earns plaudits  despite conceding twice in Udinese’s win

    Returnee  Maduka Okoye has earned the praises of Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic  despite  conceding twice  in his side’s 3-2 victory over Lecce in Serie A on Saturday.

    He noted  that the Super Eagles goalkeeper’s limited game time made the outing a challenging one.

    Okoye who  missed Udinese’s opening fixtures of the 2024-25 season while serving a two-month ban for a betting-related offence,  made his season debut in a 1-1 draw against Cremonese and returned between the sticks for the clash with Lecce.

    The Nigerian international is still seeking his first clean sheet of the campaign, conceding two second half goals at the Bluenergy Stadium.

    Udinese led 2-0 at halftime thanks to strikes from Jesper Karlstrom and Keinan Davis, but Medon Berisha pulled one back with a spectacular free-kick in the 58th  minute, leaving Okoye catching thin air as the ball flew into the net.

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    Ten minutes later, Okoye misjudged a corner but was fortunate when his defence cleared the danger.Adam Buksa restored Udinese’s two-goal cushion in the 89th  minute, only for Konan N’Dri to fire a stunning shot into the top corner from outside the box, beating Okoye once again.

    Speaking to reporters after the game, Runjaic said: “Okoye hasn’t played for two months, he’s only been on the pitch in training. I think it’s not an easy situation for anyone in general.

    “He didn’t have much to do in the first half, but despite that, we need to maintain the right level of concentration. I still have to review the goals.

    “Okoye tried to give his all. His best, it’s a success that gives an important boost on a psychological level.”

    Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will be monitoring Okoye’s performances ahead of his squad announcement for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon.

  • Excitement as Finance Minister Edun elected to lead Boxing Federation

    Excitement as Finance Minister Edun elected to lead Boxing Federation

    • By Daniel Oyekan

    The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has emerged as the new President of the Nigerian Boxing Federation (NBF) following a unanimous vote at the federation’s elective congress held on Saturday at the Package B Indoor Sports Hall of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

    Edun, a passionate boxing enthusiast, was elected unopposed, securing all 12 votes cast by delegates. His election marks a new chapter for Nigerian boxing, as stakeholders anticipate reforms and renewed energy within the federation.

    In his post-election remarks, the minister pledged to implement structural changes and developmental reforms aimed at elevating boxing across all levels in the country.

     “Our goal is to restore Nigerian boxing to its rightful place on the global stage through transparency, inclusion, and strong grassroots development,” Edun said.

    While Edun’s emergence was uncontested, the Vice Presidential position witnessed a competitive race, with Hon. Omonlei Imadu, the South-West representative, defeating his North-Central counterpart, Mighty Mike, by eight votes to four.

    Imadu, known for his consistent grassroots boxing initiatives, described Edun’s election as a “new dawn” for the sport.

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     “The Honorable Minister’s passion for boxing is undeniable. His track record in supporting young boxers and creating opportunities through grassroots initiatives speaks volumes,” Imadu said.

     “We will work hand in hand with him to actualize his vision for Nigerian boxing.”

    The new NBF Vice President also commended the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Mallam Shehu Dikko as Chairman and Hon. Bukola Olopade as Director General, for conducting an election marked by fairness, transparency, and accountability.

    Beyond his role in government, Mr. Edun has long demonstrated a commitment to sports and youth development. He is the Chairman of the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF), a non-profit organization he founded in 2010 to nurture amateur boxing talent across Nigeria. The organization hosts monthly tournaments, including the Governor’s Belt Championship, and facilitates international competitions that have produced some of Nigeria’s top boxing prospects.

    He  also serves as a board member and Nigerian chair of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation and chairs Livewell Initiative, a health-based NGO.

    With the elections concluded, the new leadership of the Nigerian Boxing Federation faces the task of reviving Nigeria’s boxing legacy, expanding opportunities for young athletes, and positioning the nation as a continental powerhouse once again.

  • Oborevwori lauds  Ochei election as NTF President

    Oborevwori lauds  Ochei election as NTF President

    • Okauru rallies support

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated Victor Ochei on his election as President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), describing his victory as well-deserved and a testament to his unwavering commitment to the growth of sports in Nigeria.

    Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, lauded Ochei, a philanthropist, investor and supporter of grassroots sports for his passion and consistent contributions to the development of tennis and other sporting disciplines in the country.

    He noted that the emergence of the former Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly  reflects the confidence reposed in him by stakeholders in Nigerian tennis, given his track record of promoting inclusivity and excellence in sports administration.

    “Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei has, over the years, demonstrated exceptional dedication to grassroots sports, particularly through his sponsorship of wheelchair basketball and the Davnotch National Tennis Open Championship.

    “His election as President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation is a recognition of his steadfast service to the sporting community,” the statement read.

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    The Governor expressed optimism that Ochei’s leadership would usher in a new era for Nigerian tennis, emphasizing his vast experience and international exposure as assets that would elevate the sport’s profile both locally and globally.

    Governor Oborevwori urged Ochei to bring his wealth of experience and visionary leadership to bear on the development of Nigerian tennis.

    “With Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei at the helm of affairs, I have no doubt that Nigerian tennis is on the path to renewed glory,” Oborevwori stated.

    Meanwhile, Ochei’s contender, Ifueko M. Omoigui Okauru, has pledged her support to the new helmsman at the NTF.

    In a post-election statement, Okauru admitted that delegates to Saturday’s  election in Abuja ‘overwhelmingly chose Victor Ochei as President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation for the period 2025 to 2029’.

    “I pledge to work with the President, Vice-President (Yusuf Datti) and my fellow members on the NTF Board as we begin this onerous task of leading the Federation to higher heights.

    “May God bless the new NTF Board,” she added.