The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Maresca tips Chelsea teen Estêvão for Ballon d’Or

    Maresca tips Chelsea teen Estêvão for Ballon d’Or

    Enzo Maresca believes Chelsea winger Estêvão is “destined to reach the top of football” after his first two months in the Premier League.

    The Brazilian joined Chelsea from Palmeiras for £29 million ($38.6m) in the summer after breaking Neymar’s Brazilian Serie A record for most goal involvements under the age of 18.

    He scored against Chelsea for Palmeiras in the Club World Cup, his final game for the Brazilian side after Maresca’s men knocked them out on their way to winning the tournament.

    Since his arrival in London, Estêvão has quickly become a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge, even more so after scoring a dramatic late Premier League winner against Liverpool earlier this month.

    Chelsea fans and Maresca alike were excited by the 18-year-old’s arrival but the Italian admits he has been surprised by how quickly he has adapted to life in the Premier League.

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    “He surprised us a lot by the way he adapted, he is very young, he is 18 years old,” Maresca told ESPN Brazil. “I think his family also helps him a lot because his family is very close to him.

    “He arrived here where he found João Pedro and Andrey Santos, who in any case give him great help.

    “We, as staff, coach, club, are doing everything so that he can arrive and adapt. He is a boy whose face shows that he is very happy, very content.

    “He wants to play football, last week he said it was a bit cold here, but for us here, it was still warm and we tried to tell him that the cold hadn’t arrived yet, but we are very satisfied, we are very happy to have him here with us.”

  • Battle of Bernabeu: No quarters as Madrid host Barca in season’s first El Clasico

    Battle of Bernabeu: No quarters as Madrid host Barca in season’s first El Clasico

    Real Madrid have almost been note-perfect this season, posting 11 wins from their 12 matches in all competitions, with their only defeat coming away to Atletico Madrid at the end of September.

    Xabi Alonso’s side have won eight of their nine league matches, with 24 points seeing them top of the table, two points ahead of second-placed Barcelona, and they recorded a 1-0 victory over Getafe in La Liga last time out.

    Los Blancos were also 1-0 winners in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with Jude Bellingham on the score sheet against Juventus to keep the capital outfit perfect in the league phase of the tournament.

    Real Madrid have not been at their best this season, already conceding nine times in their nine matches, but they are the second-highest goal scorers in Spain’s top flight this term on 20, four fewer than Barcelona have managed.

    Los Blancos have four more games before the November international break kicks in, welcoming Valencia to Bernabeu on November 1, before the small matter of a trip to Liverpool in the Champions League three days later; Alonso’s side will then head to Rayo Vallecano in the league on November 9.

    Real Madrid will have revenge on their minds in this match, as Barcelona won all four matches between the two sides last season – across three competitions – including a stunning 4-0 victory at Bernabeu last October.

    READ ALSO: FULL PROFILE: Meet new Chief of Army Staff Major-General W. Shaibu

    Barcelona, meanwhile, were also in Champions League action during the week, recording a 6-1 victory over Olympiacos to return to winning ways in the competition, making it six points from their first three matches.

    The Catalan outfit were stunned by Sevilla before the October international break, suffering a 4-1 defeat, but they managed to bounce back against Girona last weekend, securing a 2-1 win, before finding the back of the net on six occasions in the Champions League last time out.

    Barcelona’s other dropped points in La Liga this season came away to Rayo Vallecano at the end of August, and injury problems have caused the champions issues early in the campaign – their defence has also been far from water-tight, and that will be a cause for concern ahead of this match.

  • Galatasaray President confirms no release clause in Victor Osimhen’s contract

    Galatasaray President confirms no release clause in Victor Osimhen’s contract

    Galatasaray president Durzan Ozbek has confirmed that Victor Osimhen’s contract with the club does not include a release clause.

    The Turkish Super Lig champions secured the Nigeria international’s signature from Napoli this summer in a permanent deal, after activating the €75 million clause in his previous contract.

    Osimhen previously spent the 2024/25 season on loan at RAMS Park, where he impressed with his performances.

    Ozbek also defended the hefty transfer fee, emphasizing that the club’s investment in the powerful striker was fully justified given his quality and impact on the team

    “Osimhen’s contract doesn’t include an exit clause,” Ozbek he said during a sponsorship press conference on Friday.

    “He’s an extremely successful player who will serve Galatasaray for many years to come.

    “Perhaps on the day of our transfer, there was talk that the amount was high, but today, the prevailing opinion in the football community is that the transfer fee was low and the player’s value is much higher.

    “Transparency is crucial in transfers at Galatasaray. Every player contract is extremely transparent and compliant with the federation, UEFA, and FIFA.

    “While Galatasaray is doing all of this, it also evaluates its own financial structure. We see the results of this both on the field and in Galatasaray’s financial structure. Our march to success will continue unchanged.”

  • Super Falcons defeat Benin Republic 2-0 in WAFCONQ

    Super Falcons defeat Benin Republic 2-0 in WAFCONQ

    Nigeria started strongly, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade striking the woodwork in the seventh minute. The Benin goalkeeper was called into action several times, producing key saves to keep Justine Madugu’s team at bay.

    Chiwendu Ihezuo broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, calmly finishing after a precise through ball from Deborah Abiodun.

     The Super Falcons maintained their attacking momentum, but Benin’s defense held firm for much of the half.

    Esther Okoronkwo doubled Nigeria’s lead just before halftime, once again assisted by Abiodun.

    Despite dominating possession after the break, the Super Falcons couldn’t add to their tally and settled for the two-goal advantage.

    Both sides will meet again in the return leg at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta next Tuesday.

  • 2025 El Clásico: Things to know as Real Madrid take on Barcelona

    2025 El Clásico: Things to know as Real Madrid take on Barcelona

    Real Madrid are set to welcome Barcelona in an El Clasico clash scheduled to take place on Sunday, 26 October 2025 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

    The two Spanish giants are set for a top spot battle in the La Liga standings with Barca looking to yet again defeat Los Blancos in arguably the most watched fixture in football.

    Teams’ Form and Recent Performances

    Real Madrid

    Real Madrid have had an almost unblemished 2025/26 season under new head coach Xabi Alonso following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.

    The Spanish giants have been in scintillating form having won all but one of their matches across all competitions this season which culminated in them claiming top spot in the league standings as well as sitting pretty well in the top eight of the UEFA Champions League league phase table following a 1-0 win over Juventus in matchday three of the European competition.

    Jude Bellingham gave Madrid a well deserved lead in the second half to continue their 100 percent start to the competition they have won a record 15 times.

    Alonso’s side’s only loss of the campaign was the embarrassing 5-2 defeat to their city rivals Atletico Madrid in the league last month.

    El Clasico will no doubt be Madrid’s biggest test as they face a side they have failed to defeat on four different occasions last season.

    Barcelona

    Barcelona started the 2025/26 season in an impressive fashion just as how they ended the 2024/25 campaign which saw them win the domestic treble ( La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana).

    However, the Blaugrana lost their two matches just before the last international break. A 2-1 loss at home to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League was followed by a shocking 4-1 defeat away to Sevilla.

    It has been a different affair for Hansi Flick’s side after the break as they have won each of their two matches since then. A 6-1 home thrashing of Greek giants Olympiacos came right after a narrow 2-1 win against Girona in the Catalan derby.

    Barca will now be going into the heavy clash with Real Madrid with some sort of confidence.

    Head-To-Head Record

    Real Madrid and Barcelona have met on 216 occasions across all competitions. Los Blancos hold a slender lead with 106 victories to Barca’s 104 wins while 51 matches have ended with the two teams sharing the spoils.

    The last eight matches between these two sides have ended in four victories apiece with Madrid winning the first four while Barca have won each of the last four including a 4-3 triumph which puts them on the brink of winning their 25th top-flight title last term.

    A brace from Raphinha as well as Lamine Yamal and Eric Garcia’s strikes meant Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick counted almost for nothing for Madrid, who lost four Clasicos in a season for the first time since the 1982/83 term.

    Key Players To Watch Out For

    Real Madrid

    Kylian Mbappe

    Mbappe has been in a breathtaking form since the beginning of the season having scored 16 goals in all competitions.

    The France international scored in each of his last 11 matches for both club and country. However, he was unable to extend this feat in the win over Juventus on Wednesday night.

    Mbappe is currently the top goalscorer in the La Liga with 10 goals. He is also the joint-top scorer in the Champions League alongside Bayern Munich talisman Harry Kane with five goals each.

    Vinicius Junior

    Vinicius is another player Barcelona will be wary of in this El Clasico with his explosive pace, exceptional dribbling with his quick feet and agility, and improved finishing.

    Despite nowhere near his best, the 25-year-old Brazilian has managed to score six goals and provide as many assists for los Blancos.

    Barcelona

    Lamine Yamal

    Yamal is undoubtedly Barca’s golden boy, who is likely going to pose all sorts of troubles for Madrid’s defence. Despite having injury troubles which has limited him to just seven matches, the teenage sensation still has eight goal contributions (three goals and five assists).

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    An inverted right-footed winger who cuts inside, combined with exceptional dribbling, close ball control, and a mature playmaking ability, the 18-year-old has all the attributes to unlock Madrid and hand them their second loss of the term.

    Marcus Rashford

    Rashford is arguably Barca’s best player so far this campaign. The Manchester United loanee seems to have rejuvenated his career in Spain as his five goals and six assists including a brace against Olympiacos on Tuesday point to this direction.

    The 27-year-old, who is in a rich vein of form, has the speed, versatility, dribbling and incredible finishing ability to hurt the league leaders.

    Team News

    Real Madrid

    Real Madrid are set to be without Rudiger  in this El Clasico as he remains sidelined due a muscular issue he sustained during the international break in September.

    Alaba was substituted out of last weekend’s match against Getafe owing to a calf injury. The Austrian will not be available in El Clasico.

    Dani Ceballos and Dean Huijsen are both expected to return to the team after missing out in the victory over Juve.

    Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also expected to make a return to the team after being on the sidelines for quite a number of games.

    Barcelona

    Raphinha is anticipated for a return this El Clasico even as his hamstring injury has taken longer than expected.

    Olmo will not return to action until at least the beginning of November after suffering a calf injury earlier this month while playing for Spain on international duty.

    Goalkeeping duo, Marc Andre ter Stegen and Joan Garcia are out of this fixture due to injury leaving Wojciech Szczęsny as the man in between the sticks for Barcelona.

    Robert Lewandowski and Gavi are long term absentees therefore won’t be available for selection.

    Possible Starting Line-ups

    Real Madrid

    Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Militao, Carreras; Tchouameni, Bellingham, Camavinga; Brahim, Mbappe, Vinicius

    Barcelona

    Szczęsny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Rashford, Yamal

  • Osimhen credits Galatasaray’s mates for record-breaking feat

    Osimhen credits Galatasaray’s mates for record-breaking feat

    Galatasaray’s Nigerian forward, Victor Osimhen has credited his  Galatasaray’s teammates and fans for their collective roles following his impressive performance against Bodo Glimt on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League.

    Osimhen scored twice in Galatasaray’s 3-1 win, setting a new personal record in the process.

    His third minute opener became the quickest goal in the Champions League by a Galatasaray player while the brace against Bodo/Glimt also meant that he became the first player to score in seven consecutive European Cup matches. The previous record was scoring in six consecutive matches held by Burak Yilmaz.

     But the 26-year-old striker was quick to downplay his personal  feat , stressing  that his achievement was a   product of teamwork.

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    “I don’t score these goals alone, and I don’t break these records alone. A big thank you to my teammates and the amazing fans. We’ll keep building on this momentum,” Osimhen said. “I didn’t win this award alone, and I hope my teammates get their fair share of recognition as well.”

    Emphasizing his commitment to the club’s success, the Super Eagles star concluded: “Whether through goals, tackles, or assists, my main focus is always to help the team succeed. These records are a result of our collective hard work.”

  • Excitement in Benue as Alia sacks Lobi Stars’ Board

    Excitement in Benue as Alia sacks Lobi Stars’ Board

    There  has been wild jubilations in Benue state  after Governor Hyacinth Alia dissolved the Board and Management of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi .

    In a statement signed by the chief Press Secretary(CPS), to the Governor, Sir Kulas Tersoo, on Thursday the Governor has approved  the  dissolution of the Board and Management of the Benue state-owned football club.

    The statement said the  dissolution was  with immediate effect.

    ” The decision is aimed at repositioning the club for greater efficiency, accountability, and better performance in both the Nigeria Premier Football League and other competitions.

    “The Governor further directed that all members of the dissolved management should hand over all official documents, assets, and responsibilities to the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity with immediate effect.”

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    The Governor expressed appreciation to the outgoing board and management for their services to the club and the state, and assured that a new management structure will soon be announced to drive the next phase of Lobi Stars’ growth and competitiveness.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development as a vital tool for youth engagement, talent discovery, and social cohesion in Benue State.

    Recalled, the dissolved Philip Nongu led-Board and Management took over the club in September last year .

    The club was  15th  position on the Nigeria Premier League (NPFL),but went down on relegation thereafter, bringing  pains and anguished  to the football loving people of Benue state.

  • Lagos Women Run names Oduwole as Ambassador

    Lagos Women Run names Oduwole as Ambassador

    The Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has been named an Ambassador of the Lagos Women Run just as the 2025 edition of the event draws near.

    Coordinator of the project, Tayo Popoola, told our correspondent that Dr. Oduwole is the Special Guest of Honour for this edition and also a new ambassador of the LWR.

     “We do this every year and this time we are so happy to have the confirmation of Dr. Oduwole as our special guest and our ambassador.

     “There are many other plans on the cards to make this edition better than all the past ones.”

    November 8 is the date and Lagos State Government has been working round the clock with the organisers in the past weeks to stage an upgrade of previous editions.

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    The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, is at the centre of it all charging all those in various committees to work hard and deliver accordingly.

    The objective of the Lagos Women Run is to encourage women to embark on a journey towards fitness and general well-being, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

    LWR aims to support and foster the growing fitness culture across the continent while addressing critical issues affecting women, such as No Poverty, Female Child Education, Zero Hunger, and Equality.

  • Olympic Champion Udo-Obong named CAA Technical Official of the Year 2025

    Olympic Champion Udo-Obong named CAA Technical Official of the Year 2025

    • By Daniel Oyekan with Agency Reports

    Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medallist and celebrated Nigerian sprinter, Enefiok Udo-Obong, has been honoured by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) as the Technical Official of the Year 2025.

    The recognition comes as a reward for his outstanding contribution to athletics administration and technical excellence across the continent. Udo-Obong’s impressive leadership as Technical Director at the 3rd African U18 and U20 Combined Athletics Championships held earlier this year in Abeokuta, Nigeria, played a pivotal role in the successful organisation of the event, which featured athletes from several African countries.

    According to the CAA, the Nigerian’s exceptional technical expertise, professionalism, and commitment to innovation stood out as key factors in his selection for the continental honour.

    Beyond his achievements in Abeokuta, Udo-Obong also served as Technical Director of the 1st  Niger Delta Games, where his strategic input was crucial to the smooth inauguration of the regional multi-sport festival earlier this year. His growing global influence was further reinforced with his appointment as Technical Director of the Asian U18 and U20 Championships held in Saudi Arabia in March 2025, where he equally served as a Technical Development Adviser.

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    A household name in Nigerian athletics, Udo-Obong remains best remembered for anchoring Nigeria’s men’s 4x400m relay team to gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and bronze at the Athens 2004 Olympics. His transition from elite athlete to accomplished administrator has earned him wide respect within and beyond the continent.

    In addition to his exploits on the track, Udo-Obong has distinguished himself as an author, sports reform advocate, and athlete development consultant, with years of service to sports governance and capacity building across Africa.

    The CAA’s recognition, industry experts say, not only reaffirms Udo-Obong’s rising profile in global athletics administration but also celebrates his enduring legacy as one of Africa’s most versatile and influential figures in sports.

  • Ibom Air, Akwa United seal  ₦200m sponsorship deal

    Ibom Air, Akwa United seal  ₦200m sponsorship deal

    Ibom Air has signed a ₦200 million strategic sponsorship agreement with Akwa United Football Club.

    With the deal , the state airline has become the team’s official sponsor for the next two years.

    Stakeholders have described it as a major boost for sports development and private sector involvement in Akwa Ibom State.

    The deal, signed yesterday, 23rd October,  at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, will see Ibom Air contribute both cash and  value in-kind support, with 50 percent of the sponsorship delivered through services and logistics.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi, said the partnership underscores the airline’s commitment to community development through sports, health and education.

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     “Akwa United is a team with a proud history currently in a rebuilding phase. We want to support their resurgence and help them return to the top of Nigerian football. This partnership reflects our belief in the power of sports to inspire young people and unite our state,” Uriesi said.

    Chairman of Akwa United FC, Mr. Joseph Eno, described the sponsorship as timely and morale-boosting for the club’s players and technical crew.

     “This support comes at a crucial moment as we restructure and strive to regain our competitive strength. Wearing the Ibom Air brand reminds us that we represent excellence, and we must live up to it,” he said.

    Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, praised the collaboration as a fulfilment of the Umo Eno administration’s ARISE Agenda, which encourages private sector participation in sports.

     “This is a dream come true. Bringing Akwa United and Ibom Air together is a visionary step. Beyond supporting our club, we are setting a foundation for sports in Akwa Ibom to meet global standards,” he added.

    The event also featured the unveiling of Akwa United’s new jersey bearing the Ibom Air logo and the inauguration of working committees to manage the partnership.

    Recall  that Akwa United, winners of the 2021 Nigeria Premier Football League and twice FA Cup winners, was founded in 1997 and remains one of the state’s flagship sporting institutions.

    The partnership is expected to strengthen the club’s financial stability, improve player welfare and enhance its competitiveness on the national and continental stage.