The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Peace Warriors win maiden Tiger Street Football in Awka

    Peace Warriors win maiden Tiger Street Football in Awka

    Awka was abuzz with excitement on Saturday night as the maiden Tiger Street Football Tournament came to a fitting finale with blend of  football, music and street culture to the delight of the teeming fans.

     But it was Peace Warriors  that emerged as the maiden champions after defeating Peace Ambassadors 3–1 on penalties in a tense final at the lively Newberries Lounge, Awka. The game ended goalless in regulation time, but the Warriors held their nerve during the shootout to clinch victory and the ₦5 million top prize, along with gold medals and bragging rights as the first champions of the Tiger Street Football Tournament.

    Peace Ambassadors, who pushed their opponents all the way, received ₦3 million and silver medals as runners-up. The two losing semi-finalists — Sunday Sparks and Peace Dominion — each earned ₦1 million and bronze medals for their spirited performances.

    The tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Onyebuchi Patrick of Peace Warriors, who scored three goals and was instrumental in his team’s journey to the title. His sharp attacking play and leadership earned him cheers from fans and recognition from the organisers.

    Earlier in the day, the semi-finals served up plenty of drama. Peace Warriors battled to a 1–1 draw with Sunday Sparks before edging them 4–3 on penalties, while Peace Ambassadors produced a commanding 4–1 win over Peace Dominion to reach the final.

    But beyond the football, the grand finale was a true street festival. The crowd was treated to pulsating music from DJs SkyBlisz, Snow, and Kay. Y, while live performances from Jerio and the duo Wanni & Handi kept the energy levels high. Hype men Twix da Jims and Slymshady added even more spark, turning the football arena into a night-long celebration of rhythm, courage, and community.

    Fans also enjoyed an array of local delicacies, chilled Tiger Beer, and fun side attractions. Lucky spectators went home with prizes from raffle draws, which added to the festive atmosphere.

    Speaking after the final whistle, Sarah Agah, Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, described the event as a celebration of Nigerian creativity and courage.

    READ ALSO: Over $50bn in Crypto transactions passed through Nigeria in one year-SEC

    “What we’ve seen here in Awka goes beyond football — it’s the heartbeat of Nigerian youth,” Agah said. “Tiger Street Football is about recognising the fearless energy that drives our people — their talent, their determination, and their passion. We’re proud to give them a platform to shine,” she added that the success of the first edition is only the beginning.

    Spectators also praised the organisers for combining sport with entertainment. Chinedu Eze, a fan at the event, said the night was one to remember. “It wasn’t just about football — it was about fun, connection, and celebrating our youth,” he said. “Tiger Beer really brought something special to Awka.”

    For the champions, the victory was a dream come true. “We all started from the streets where football is played for fun,” said the MVP winner, Onyebuchi “Kudos to the Tiger brand of beer because this is kind of opportunity many of us are looking for, and we are glad that it came to our doorsteps.

     “This platform was unique, and to win this in front of our people, and with Tiger supporting us, is something we’ll never forget,” he remarked.

    As fireworks lit up the Awka sky and Jerio closed the night with a high-energy performance, fans danced, sang, and toasted to a new beginning for grassroots football in Nigeria.

    The Tiger Street Football Tournament, organised by Tiger Beer, proved to be more than a sports event — it was a celebration of courage, culture, and community.

  • Dec 14 fixed for  Pharaohs’, Super Eagles’ duel in Cairo

    Dec 14 fixed for  Pharaohs’, Super Eagles’ duel in Cairo

    The Super Eagles are billed to take on Egypt in a 2025 AFCON warm-up game in Cairo on December 14, according to various reports.

    Both teams will use this game to prepare for the AFCON in Morocco in December.

    Read Also: Gusau: Super Eagles will qualify for World Cup ticket

    They last clashed at the delayed 2021 AFCON, which Cameroon hosted in 2022, with Nigeria recording a 1-0 victory in a group game courtesy of a super strike by Kelechi Iheanacho. Nigeria will open the training camp for the AFCON on December 10.

    They are drawn in a first round group that has Tunisia and East African giants Tanzania and Uganda.

  • Rivers Hoopers begin NBPL title defence against Hoops & Read

    Rivers Hoopers begin NBPL title defence against Hoops & Read

    Reigning champions Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club will begin their 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) Playoffs (Final Eight) campaign against Hoops & Read.

    Following a technical meeting between participating teams and league organisers, which held on Sunday, 26th  October, it was revealed that the defending champions will continue their chase for a third straight league title by rekindling hostilities with last year’s beaten finalists.

    Hoops & Read have emerged as contenders for the NBPL title in recent years but have fallen short against the KingsMen in competitive basketball, losing their last three meetings, with the most recent being a 67-58 loss at the start of this year’s Inter-Group Phase.

    The latest instalment in what is now a growing rivalry is expected to tip off by 4pm today, 27th  October.

    The KingsMen, who are yet unbeaten through the 2025 NBPL season so far, will then navigate games against Kano Pillars, Nigeria Customs, Gboko City Chiefs, Lagos Legends, and Nile University Spartans before wrapping up proceedings against Kwara Falcons, respectively.

    READ ALSO: Over $50bn in Crypto transactions passed through Nigeria in one year-SEC

    2025 NBPL PLAYOFFS (FINAL EIGHT) FULL SCHEDULE:

    Day 1 – Monday, 27th  October:

    10:00am: Lagos Legends vs. Nigeria Customs

    12:00pm: Nile University vs. Kwara Falcons

    2:00pm: Kano Pillars vs. Gboko City Chiefs

    4:00pm: Rivers Hoopers vs. Hoops & Read

    Day 2 – Tuesday, 28th  October

    10:00am: Kwara Falcons vs. Lagos Legends

    12:00pm: Nigeria Customs vs. Gboko City Chiefs

    2:00pm: Nile University vs. Hoops & Read

    4:00pm: Kano Pillars vs. Rivers Hoopers

    Day 3 – Wednesday, 29th  October

    10:00am: Kwara Falcons vs. Hoops & Read

    12:00pm: Lagos Legends vs. Gboko City Chiefs

    2:00pm: Nile University vs. Kano Pillars

    4:00pm: Rivers Hoopers vs. Nigeria Customs

    Day 4-Thursday, 30th  October

    10:00am: Kano Pillars vs. Kwara Falcons

    12:00pm: Nigeria Customs vs. Nile University

    2:00pm: Hoops & Read vs. Lagos Legends

    4:00pm: Gboko City Chiefs vs. Rivers Hoopers

    Day 5 – Friday, 31st October

    10:00am: Kano Pillars vs. Hoops & Read

    12:00pm: Nile University vs. Gboko City Chiefs

    2:00pm: Kwara Falcons vs. Nigeria Customs

    4:00pm: Lagos Legends vs. Rivers Hoopers

    Day 6- Saturday, 1st November

    10:00am: Nigeria Customs vs. Hoops & Read

    12:00pm: Gboko City Chiefs vs. Kwara Falcons

    2:00pm: Rivers Hoopers vs. Nile University

    4:00pm: Lagos Legends vs. Kano Pillars

    Day 7 – Sunday, 2nd  November

    10:00am: Hoops & Read vs. Gboko City Chiefs

    12:00pm: Nigeria Customs vs. Kano Pillars

    2:00pm: Nile University vs. Lagos Legends

    4:00pm: Rivers Hoopers vs. Kwara Falcons

    All games will be played at the Basketball Stadium, #59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township.

  • NPFL: Wikki stun Shooting Stars as Plateau punish Enyimba

    NPFL: Wikki stun Shooting Stars as Plateau punish Enyimba

    Wikki Tourists ended Shooting Stars’ five-game unbeaten run with a 2-0 win in Bauchi, while Plateau United bounced back from a heavy defeat to beat Enyimba in a dramatic Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 10 clash yesterday.

    At the Tafawa Balewa Stadium, under-pressure coach Abdu Maikaba finally breathed a sigh of relief as his Wikki Tourists side produced one of their best displays of the season. Abdullahi Usman opened the scoring in the 31st minute before Jonathan Mairiga’s acrobatic strike in the 42nd  minute sealed a crucial victory for the Giant Elephants — their first win since September 7, when they edged Katsina United. The result took their points tally to 12 from 10 games.

    In Jos, Plateau United showed resilience to recover from their 4-0 humiliation by Niger Tornadoes last week, defeating Enyimba 2-1 in a pulsating contest at the New Jos Road Stadium. Monday Gideon was the hero for the Peace Boys, scoring a brace in the 50th and 76th minutes. Jonathan Jacob briefly drew Enyimba level in the 68th minute, but it proved to be a mere consolation for the People’s Elephant.

    In Warri, Igbunu Evwierhurhoma’s brace fired Warri Wolves to a 2-0 win over Bayelsa United — their first back-to-back victories of the season. The striker struck early in the 14th  minute and sealed the result deep into stoppage time. The victory pushed the Seasiders up to fourth on the table with 17 points from 10 matches.

    READ ALSO: Over $50bn in Crypto transactions passed through Nigeria in one year-SEC

    Abia Warriors climbed to second place on the standings with 18 points after a comfortable 2-0 win over Barau FC in Umuahia. Goals from Emeka Obioma and Sunday Megwo earned the Umuchineke Boys the points against a Barau side now sinking deeper into relegation worries. Former Abia Warriors coach, Ladan Bosso, returned to his old stomping ground only to leave empty-handed.

    In Owerri, Kun Khalifat FC were denied a third consecutive win as Bendel Insurance forced them to a 1-1 draw at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. The visitors took an early lead through Kayode Oke in the second minute, but Uche Moses equalised for the hosts in the 60th  minute with a brilliant curling effort.

    Elsewhere, Rangers International’s inconsistent season continued as they were held to a goalless draw by Kwara United in Enugu. Katsina United edged El Kanemi Warriors 1-0 at home, while Niger Tornadoes continued their fine run with a 2-0 victory over Kano Pillars in Katsina.

    NPFL MATCHDAY 10 RESULTS

    Wolves 2-0 Bayelsa United

    Rangers 0-0 Kwara United

    Abia Warriors 2-0 Barau

    Wikki 2-0 3SC

    Plateau United 2-1 Enyimba

    Kun Khalifat 1-1 Insurance

    Katsina United 1-0 El-Kanemi

    Kano Pillars 0-2 Niger Tornadoes

  • New Wrestling Federation’s chief Adebiyi commits to robust development

    New Wrestling Federation’s chief Adebiyi commits to robust development

    The Nigeria Wrestling Federation has elected the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as its President for the next four years.

    Adeniyi pulled 14 out of the 14 Executive Board Members’ Votes to emerge NWF President, although he was the sole candidate in an elective Congress held at the Gymnasium Hall, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday.

    The election, which was supervised by the National Sports Commission, saw North Central Representative Chris Amkpila re-elected as the Vice President of the Federation.

    Reacting to the outcome of the election, the newly elected NWF President, Adeniyi, expressed his gratitude for the trust reposed in him to lead one of Nigeria’s vibrant Sports Federations. 

    He commended President Tinubu for repositioning sports through deliberate effort by appointing competent hands to handle the National Sports Commission

    The Customs’ boss pledged his commitment to expanding the reach of wrestling through stronger sponsorships and inclusive administration.

    He said: “I want to sincerely thank the National Sports Commission for conducting a hitched free and transparent election. The process was smooth and peaceful, which is the real essence of sports beyond competition, fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse races and cultures.”

    “The peaceful nature of the election today is a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of capable persons at the NSC.

    Read Also: Ekiti community bids farewell to Queen Adebiyi

     “Also, my appreciation to all wrestling stakeholders for providing me with a great opportunity to lead the sport we all love.”

    “Together with my team of technical and competent board members, we will dedicate our energy and expertise to help to actualise and build a stronger and more virile Federation for the country,” Adeniyi noted.

    COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF NEW  NWF BOARD MEMBERS

    1. President – CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

    2. Vice President – Chris Amkpila

    3. Secretary General – Oluwasegun Bode Ademisoro

     4. South South Rep- Daniel Igali

    5. North East Rep – Alhaji Mustapha Bura

    6. North West Rep- Alhaji Habib Abubakar Umar

    7. South East Rep – Clement Ejim

    8. South West Rep – Akuh Purity

    9. Technical Rep – Happiness Burutu

    10. Athlete Rep – Blessing Oborodudu

    11. NAPHER-SD Rep – Dr Okou Femedein Timipre

    12. NAWIS Rep – Mrs. Adejoke Adebusoye

    13. AFFAN Rep- Mrs Margaret Porbeni

    14. SPONSOR Rep- Mrs Amaka Asiofu

  • Stakeholders applaud  election of Ojofeitimi into Scrabble Federation.

    Stakeholders applaud  election of Ojofeitimi into Scrabble Federation.

    In a move widely hailed as a masterstroke, Engineer Gbenga Ojofeitimi has been appointed to the board of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) — a development many see as a defining moment for the sport and a major gain for the country’s sporting future.

    A seasoned administrator, visionary engineer and lifelong advocate of youth and sports development, Ojofeitimi’s inclusion is being described by industry stakeholders as “a massive addition” — one that could reshape the federation’s operational depth and bring renewed energy to Nigeria’s sports governance.

    For over two decades, Engineer Ojofeitimi has been one of the strongest pillars of support for the Scrabble Federation of Nigeria, contributing financially, materially, and morally to the growth of the game.

    His passion for Scrabble runs deep — he has sponsored tournaments, supported players and teams, and played a key role in sustaining Nigeria’s dominance on the continental and global stage.

    His love for the sport goes beyond the ordinary, and his inclusion in the new NSF board is widely viewed as a deserved recognition and honour for years of dedication and impact.

    Stakeholders believe that with Ojofeitimi on the board, the Scrabble franchise in Nigeria is set for a new phase of transformation.

    His wealth of knowledge, business acumen, and wide network of friends, associates, and partners are expected to redefine the sponsorship and support narrative for the NSF, ensuring that the game attracts more visibility, investment, and professionalism.

    Engineer Olobatoke Aka, a respected voice in the Scrabble community, expressed confidence in the appointment, saying:

    Read Also: Jimoh, Afolayan  win big at Lekki Scrabble Classics

     “Engineer Gbenga Ojofeitimi deserves his place in the new-look Nigeria Scrabble Federation board.”

    Similarly, Bright Idahosa, the new NSF President, shared his excitement about having Ojofeitimi on board, describing him as “a man who has done so much for the sport.”

    Beyond sports, Engineer Ojofeitimi brings a formidable professional background to the table. He is the Managing Director of LOENSE International Limited, a company he founded in 1996 and has since steered with vision and excellence.

    He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the prestigious University of Lagos in 1989, and has built an impressive career spanning several sectors.

    His professional journey includes roles as Industrial Engineer with Michelin Nigeria Limited, MWD Engineer with Smith International Incorporation, and Halliburton Energy Services in Port Harcourt.

    An alumnus of the Training Institute for Dredging (IHC), Kinderdjik, Netherlands, Engineer Ojofeitimi is also a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

    He is widely recognized as a seasoned administrator, philanthropist, and astute businessman who has distinguished himself in the Oil & Gas profession while maintaining deep roots in sports development.

    Those who know him closely say he brings more than just financial muscle — he brings passion, discipline, and a proven ability to turn vision into reality. His appointment signals the NSF’s readiness to reposition itself for efficiency, accountability, and measurable progress, especially at a time when Nigerian sports need fresh direction and stronger leadership.

    As one sports analyst noted:” Engineer Ojofeitimi is not just an addition to the board — he is an upgrade to the system. His record of service and integrity makes this appointment a turning point for Nigerian sports.”

    Indeed, his entry marks a new dawn for the Nigeria Scrabble Federation — a blend of experience, passion, and purpose that could ignite a lasting transformation in Nigeria’s sporting landscape.

    NEW NSF BOARD MEMBERS:

    President and South South Rep:  Bright Idahosa

    Vice President and South East Rep:  Lovejoy Ogbuokiri Ezinna

    International Rep:  Engineer Olobatoke Aka

    Sponsors Rep: Engineer Gbenga Ojofeiitimi

    Technical Rep:  Kaleel Rahmon Adedeji

    Players Rep:Hakeem Olayiwola Olaribigbe

    North West Rep:  Sani Ladan

    South West Rep:  Engineer Oladipupo Monsuru Akanbi

    North Central Rep:  Abbas Mohammed

    North East Rep: Umar Tanimu Umar

    NAWIS Rep: Mrs. Millicent Isegba

    AFFAN Rep: Dr. Mrs. Ogunbiyi

    NAPHER-SD:  Muhammad Suleiman Harande

    Military and Para Military: Chaji Dung Pam Lodakwo

  • Fresh four-year mandate to lead Nigerian rugby excites Are

    Fresh four-year mandate to lead Nigerian rugby excites Are

    The Indoor Sports Hall of Package B, MKO Abiola Stadium, was filled with energy and anticipation as stakeholders, supporters, and well-wishers gathered for the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) elections. By 9 a.m., proceedings were in full swing — delegates and contestants were called in turn, and the process unfolded with smooth precision. The atmosphere was both warm and spirited, setting the tone for a defining moment in Nigerian rugby.

    Despite running unopposed, Dr. Ademola Are remained his characteristic humble self — calm, smiling, and gracious. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to past presidents and stakeholders who, in his words, “laid the foundation for where Nigerian rugby is today.” He reaffirmed his commitment to work closely with them and others across the rugby community to ensure that the sport claims its rightful place in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.

    The joy and optimism on the faces of contestants and newly elected board members reflected a shared determination — to consolidate the progress made so far and build a stronger, more sustainable future for rugby through collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.

    After being sworn in as NRFF President for another four-year term, Dr. Are praised the composition of the new board, describing it as “a blend of experience, capacity, and passion” capable of driving meaningful development across all zones.

     “The next four years promise to be truly exciting,” he said. “We’ve come to understand that development is the foundation of progress. We’ve already invested heavily in coaching programs — and we plan to do even more.

    Beyond that, we’re working to introduce rugby into the NUGA Games and strengthen the national rugby league. We’re also in advanced talks with potential sponsors for the league, as well as preparing to launch the Sevens Circuit and organize para-military rugby competitions.

    Read Also: Rugby federation organises TI Coaching Course in Abuja

    Our primary focus remains grassroots development — building a strong, competitive, and sustainable pathway for our national teams. With the unwavering support of the National Sports Commission, we’re confident we’ll achieve every goal we’ve set.”

    Dr. Are secured all 13 votes to retain his position as NRFF President, while Iyorhe Grace emerged as Vice President with 11 votes, defeating Mrs. Chinonye Daphey Aliyu, who got  one vote.

    With the elections and swearing-in ceremony concluded, the NRFF now has a full and vibrant leadership team ready to usher Nigerian rugby into a new phase of growth and recognition.

    ELECTED NRFF BOARD MEMBERS:

    President- Dr. Ademola Are

    Vice President-  Iyorhe Grace

    South West Representative: Wuraola Hussaini

    South East Representative: Onyekachi Ibegbulam

    South South Representative: Emmanuel Godwin

    North East Representative: Salisu Garba

    North West Representative: Aliyu Mohammed

    North Central Representative: Pius Longman

    Athletes’ Representative: Azeez Ladipo

    Technical Representative: Angulu Suleiman

    Sponsor Representative:  Mrs. Chinonye Daphey Aliyu

    AFFAN Representative:  Prof. Modupeola Olanrewaju Banjo

    NAWIS Representative: Ikhaobomeh Emem Edem

  • Popoola to lead Taekwondo Federation after Nnaji’s last minute withdrawal

    Popoola to lead Taekwondo Federation after Nnaji’s last minute withdrawal

    The immediate past  Vice President of the Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria (TAN),  Tayo Kuburat Popoola has been elected as the New President of the Federation.

    Popoola emerged as the substantive President of the Federation at the  election conducted by the National Sports Commission ( NSC ) at the Gymnasium hall of the  package ‘B’ of the MKO National stadium, Abuja.

    Read Also: NOC/NTF to co-Host Taekwondo Course in Abuja

    Popoola who hails from  the South West zone, clinched the apex position by emerging  unopposed following the withdrawal of former President, Chief Jonathan Nnaji, who pulled out of the race at the last minute.

    Stakeholders who besieged the voting arena to witness the election, described Popoola’s emergence as a new dawn for Taekwondo sport in Nigeria.

    Recall that  the New President has been involved in Taekwondo for all her life

  • Don’t  judge NPFL with team’s continental misadventures, says Elegbeleye

    Don’t  judge NPFL with team’s continental misadventures, says Elegbeleye

    • Olamilekan Israel

    In the wake of  unending  poor performances of Nigerian teams in African continental competitions, Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, has urged Nigerians not to judge the standard of the domestic league with recent setbacks.

    Aside  Super Eagles’ poor showing at the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in the East Africa, three of the country’s flag bearers in the ongoing  CAF Inter-Club Competitions including Remo Stars, Abia Warriors and El-Kanemi have been beaten like pulps by their continental counterparts much to the chagrin of the Nigerian public and press.

    Speaking in Lagos while addressing the efforts being made  to reposition the  league for greater growth and credibility, Elegbeleye said recent poor  results are  damaging to the NPFL.

    According to him, football remains a vital product that commands global attention, and every nations football identity is reflected in the strength and structure of its domestic league.

     “Football is a product that every country in the world takes seriously and  without a functional league, there is no real football structure,” Elegbeleye said  at the Media Agencies’  Interactive Session for NPFL put together by GTI in conjunction with Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in Lagos “However, it would be unfair to judge the NPFL by the performance of the team that represented Nigeria at the recent 2025 CHAN for instance.”

    Read Also: GTI charts new course to deepen NPFL assets through Radio Nigeria

    He  expressed particular disappointment over Nigeria’s  4-0  loss to Sudan at the CHAN, admitting that he personally found it difficult to sleep for days. He clarified that the team that featured in CHAN was not a true representation of the NPFL’s quality or players.

    “When Nigeria lost 4-0(to Sudan) at CHAN, I couldn’t sleep for four days but that team was not a representative of our Premier League,” he said. “We have players with real quality in the NPFL. So, people shouldn’t judge the league based on that poor performance  at the CHAN.”

    Meanwhile, Elegbeleye  explained that the league board has been working tirelessly to improve the system, attract investors, and ensure transparency in football administration.

    “For investors to come into the system, there must be transparency. When StarTimes came, they wanted a 10 year deal but we insisted on a shorter period to prove our worth. Now, the world can see that we are capable of running a quality football league,” he noted.

    Elegbeleye also revealed that the NPFL has introduced strict disciplinary measures for referees and clubs to maintain fairness and credibility.

    “Any referee found guilty of misconduct will be sanctioned immediately. Likewise, any club that fails to comply with league rules will lose points. For instance, Kano Pillars lost three points after breaching the rules. These steps have helped restore sanity and discipline in our league,” he said.

    He also  highlighted the leagues steady progress in rewarding excellence, noting that the league champion’s prize money has continued to rise  from ₦50 million to ₦100 million, ₦150 million, and now ₦200 million for the most recent winners, Remo Stars.

    He commended sports journalists for their continuous support and coverage, emphasizing their crucial role in promoting transparency and attracting media rights discussions.

     “Without journalists, we would not be here. You have projected our league to a confident level that makes investors take us seriously. I assure you that we’ll continue to improve and maintain credibility in all we do,” Elegbeleye concluded.

  • Sundowns dump Remo Stars out of Champions League  

    Sundowns dump Remo Stars out of Champions League  

    Mamelodi Sundowns progressed to the CAF Champions League group stages after a crushing 7-1 win over two-legs against Remo Stars in the second preliminary round.

    First-choice goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was given a rest by Masandawana, who started veteran Denis Onyango while Peter Shalulile was also given a recall.

    Sundowns made the better start once more and hit their noses front when Nuno Santos combined with Aubrey Modiba to get his first goal for the club on 20 minutes.

    The South African champions completely penetrated all-round in the earlier stages and kept the counterparts from Nigeria guessing.

    However, Remo looked to find an opening on the half-hour mark through a short-corner but unfortunately didn’t trouble Onyango.

    Sundowns continued to up the tempo with the visitors chasing shadows and they got their reward on 44 minutes courtesy of a goal from Shalulile.

    Read Also: Sundowns sign Cardoso ahead of Club World Cup

    The Namibian ace went close to adding a second goal after the break with a first-time effort from a cutback by Mudau, but the defence smothered his effort.

    Masandawana made a double alteration in the opening stages of the half as Bathusi Aubaas and Lebo Mothiba replaced Mokoena and Shalulile.

    The Nigerian champions continued to find the going tough against the host, but threatened late on when a looping shot by Samson Olasupo sailed over the top corner.

    Sundowns remained on the edge despite the dominant phase as the visitors closed-in again with a snap shot from the far side that bounced off the upright.

    Masandawana held firm with the minutes to full-time flowing and picked up a comfortable win as well as passage to the group stages of the Champions League.