The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • UCL: Kane hits 20th goal as Bayern cruise past Club Brugge

    UCL: Kane hits 20th goal as Bayern cruise past Club Brugge

    Harry Kane continued his remarkable start to life at Bayern Munich by scoring his 20th goal of the season in just his 12th appearance, helping his side to a dominant 4–0 victory over Club Brugge and preserving their perfect Champions League record.

    The England captain netted a simple tap-in in the 14th minute, left unmarked to convert Konrad Laimer’s low cross.

     It was one of the easiest finishes of his career, yet another milestone in an extraordinary start. Neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo reached 20 goals in as few as 12 games in a single season.

    Kane’s goal came shortly after a stunning opener from 17-year-old Lennart Karl, who became Bayern’s youngest Champions League goalscorer at 17 years and 242 days—breaking Jamal Musiala’s record by 121 days. On his first start for the club, Karl curled a brilliant left-footed strike into the top corner after weaving past two defenders.

    Luis Díaz added a third just past the half-hour mark, rifling a shot off the underside of the crossbar for his seventh goal since arriving from Liverpool in the summer. Kane nearly added another before halftime, striking the post from a tight angle.

    Read Also: Bundesliga: Bayern count on  Kane scoring run amid EPL return talk

    He continued to threaten after the restart, denied in a one-on-one by goalkeeper Nordin Jackers and later by a superb last-ditch block from Jorne Spileers. He was substituted after 70 minutes, replaced by Nicolas Jackson.

    Jackson made an immediate impact, scoring Bayern’s fourth from close range after Díaz had an earlier effort cleared off the line, sealing a third straight Champions League victory.

    Bayern now sit second in the group stage standings behind Paris Saint-Germain on goal difference, both with nine points. Club Brugge, meanwhile, are 20th with just three points.

    Next, Bayern travel to face reigning champions PSG on 4 November, while Club Brugge will host Barcelona a day later.

  • UCL: Liverpool humble Frankfurt 5-1 to end losing streak

    UCL: Liverpool humble Frankfurt 5-1 to end losing streak

    Hugo Ekitike netted against his old side as Liverpool stormed back from an early setback to crush Eintracht Frankfurt in a commanding Champions League display, ending their four-game losing streak in emphatic fashion.

    The Reds had begun the season with seven straight wins in all competitions but had recently stumbled, suffering four successive defeats—including a disheartening loss to rivals Manchester United in the Premier League.

    Early signs in Germany suggested their poor form might continue, with former Leeds defender Rasmus Kristensen putting Frankfurt ahead. However, Liverpool responded with intensity.

    Read Also: Liverpool 1-2 Man United: Maguire’s winner ends nine-year Anfield drought

    Ekitike, making his first start alongside club-record signing Alexander Isak, levelled the score ten minutes before half-time. He latched onto a superb long ball from Andy Robertson and calmly slotted home.

    Liverpool then seized control, with Virgil van Dijk heading in from a corner just four minutes later. Ibrahima Konaté added a third right before the break, also converting from a corner.

    Despite Ekitike and Isak only playing together for the first 45 minutes—Isak did not return for the second half—the Reds showed no signs of slowing down.

    Cody Gakpo made it 4-1 with a tidy finish from Florian Wirtz’s assist, before Dominik Szoboszlai capped off the night with a stunning long-range strike, once again set up by Wirtz, sealing a statement win and restoring confidence in Jürgen Klopp’s squad.

  • UCL: Chelsea crush Ajax 5–1 to make history with teen trio

    UCL: Chelsea crush Ajax 5–1 to make history with teen trio

    Chelsea became the first club in Champions League history to have three teenagers on the scoresheet in a single match as they dismantled a disorganised Ajax side 5–1 at Stamford Bridge.

    Marc Guiu, 19, opened the scoring and briefly became Chelsea’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the competition—just moments after Ajax captain Kenneth Taylor was sent off for a reckless challenge.

    That record lasted only 33 minutes, as 18-year-old Estevão Willian converted the third of three first-half penalties, following earlier spot-kicks from Enzo Fernández and Wout Weghorst, and a long-range strike from Moisés Caicedo.

    Chelsea made changes at half-time, including the introduction of Tyrique George, who scored just three minutes after coming on to become the third teenager on the scoresheet.

    Read Also:EPL: Chelsea win puts Forest’s Postecoglou out of managerial duty

    Later, Reggie Walsh, 17, made his debut and became the youngest player to represent Chelsea in the Champions League, and the second-youngest Englishman in the competition’s history behind Jack Wilshere.

    Ajax, four-time winners of the tournament, delivered a poor performance throughout. Taylor’s red card set the tone early, and a clumsy challenge by Youri Baas on Estevão gifted Chelsea a third penalty just before the break. Weghorst briefly pulled one back for Ajax after Fernández’s opener but the Dutch side never recovered.

    Such was Chelsea’s control that manager Enzo Maresca was able to rest key players like Caicedo and Fernández by the 65th minute, having already used all five substitutes.

    Ajax remain winless in the group stage, sitting bottom with three defeats, while Chelsea have now won back-to-back European fixtures and will next travel to Azerbaijan to face Qarabag.

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

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

    Jude Bellingham opened his account for the season with the decisive goal as Real Madrid battled to a narrow Champions League win over Juventus.

    The 22-year-old midfielder has had a stop-start campaign due to a shoulder injury, starting only three matches and making four substitute appearances prior to this fixture. 

    Before Wednesday night, he had played just 10 minutes in the Champions League and hadn’t scored since the Club World Cup in the summer.

    Bellingham capitalised on a chance in the second half, reacting quickly to slot home a rebound after Vinicius Jr danced through the Juventus defence and struck the post.

    Read Also: Messi omitted as Bellingham, Real rule FIFPRO honours

    Juventus had started brightly, forcing Thibaut Courtois into two sharp saves early on. However, Real dominated the first half with 14 shots, Kylian Mbappé going closest with a powerful effort that tested Michele Di Gregorio.

    After the break, Dusan Vlahovic nearly punished Real on the counter, but it was Vinicius’ brilliance and Bellingham’s poise that ultimately made the difference.

    Mbappé’s failure to score marked the end of an 11-game scoring streak—one short of Erling Haaland’s ongoing run of 12.

    The result keeps Real Madrid perfect in the group stage with three wins from three, placing them fifth in the overall standings. Juventus, meanwhile, remain winless and sit 25th in the expanded 36-team table.

  • Davido appointed chairman of Osun Sport Trust Fund

    Davido appointed chairman of Osun Sport Trust Fund

    Afrobeats superstar Davido has been appointed Chairman of the Osun Sports Trust Fund.

    This move aims to raise funds and transform the state’s sports sector.

    Davido, who is Governor Ademola Adeleke’s nephew, accepted the role without hesitation, and the government believes his global influence will attract investment and visibility to Osun’s sports ecosystem.

    The appointment is part of the government’s efforts to reposition sports in Osun and build a sustainable funding model through private and public partnerships.

    Read Also: Davido announces ‘5IVE’ tour across Nigeria

    The Osogbo Township Stadium is also being renovated to meet Olympic standards, with plans to host national and international events.

    The Osun State Sports Commission is being established to oversee sports development, administration, and policy implementation.

    Davido’s role is also expected to attract support from sports philanthropists and ensure sustainable sports financing and development.

  • FULL LIST: Osimhen, Salah, others nominated for CAF best player award

    FULL LIST: Osimhen, Salah, others nominated for CAF best player award

    Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has been shortlisted for the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award, marking another milestone in his illustrious career.

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday released a 10-man list of nominees, featuring some of the continent’s finest footballers.

    Aside Osimhen, the list includes Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah of Egypt; and Paris st. Germain’s Achraf Hakimi.

    Osimhen, who won the prestigious award in 2023, enjoyed another impressive season, leading Galatasaray to the Turkish Super Lig title with 26 league goals.

    His remarkable form earned him a record €75 million permanent transfer from Napoli to the Turkish champions.

    Read Also: CAF Champions League:  Nigeria’s Envoy in Maputo urges Rivers United to make Nigeria proud

    Here are the ten shortlisted players:

    1. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli & Cameroon)

    2. Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC & Gabon)

    3. Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund & Guinea)

    4. Achraf Hakimi (Paris St-Germain & Morocco)

    5. Oussama Lamlioui (Renaissance Berkane)

    6. Fiston Mayele (Pyramids & DR Congo)

    7. Iliman Ndiaye (Everton & Senegal)

    8. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray & Nigeria)

    9. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt)

    10. Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur & Senegal)

  • Lawrence Okolie to make first professional fight in Africa at ‘Chaos in the Ring II’ in Lagos

    Lawrence Okolie to make first professional fight in Africa at ‘Chaos in the Ring II’ in Lagos

    Balmoral Group Promotions, AK Promotions and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions have announced ‘Chaos In The Ring II’, a historic Heavyweight Triple Header scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Nigeria.

    The blockbuster event — broadcast live worldwide on DAZN — will mark two-weight world champion Lawrence Okolie’s first professional fight on African soil, alongside heavyweight contender David Adeleye and undefeated rising prospect Emanuel Odiase. 

    The night promises to be a landmark moment for African boxing and a celebration of Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage.

    The announcement follows the massive success of ‘Chaos In The Ring I’, which drew huge crowds and international attention to Lagos earlier this year.

    Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, said:

    “We are thrilled to bring this world-class event to Lagos, showcasing Nigeria’s rich boxing talent on a global stage. This triple header celebrates our heritage, resilience, and ambition to elevate African boxing to new heights. Fans can expect an unforgettable night of action.”

    Amir Khan, former world champion turned promoter, added:

    “Lagos is about to witness something special. This event brings together explosive heavyweights and Nigeria’s rising stars, backed by the global reach of Queensberry Promotions and DAZN. It’s a night that will inspire the next generation of African fighters.”

    Frank Warren, Hall of Fame promoter and founder of Queensberry Promotions, said:

    “Nigeria has a proud boxing history, and we’re delighted to bring this opportunity to two of our leading fighters. Queensberry is the Home of the Heavyweights, and we look forward to seeing our guys do the business in Lagos this December.”

    Michael Ridout, EVP of DAZN, added:

    “We’re excited to partner once again with AK Promotions and Queensberry. This promises to be a Christmas cracker, featuring some of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing — live worldwide on DAZN.”

    Okolie’s African Homecoming

    Two-weight world champion and WBC No.1 heavyweight contender Lawrence Okolie (22-1, 16 KOs) headlines in his first-ever professional fight in Africa.

     Born in London to Nigerian parents, the 33-year-old captured the WBO cruiserweight title in 2021 before winning the WBC bridgerweight belt, and now aims to make history as a three-weight world champion in 2026.

    Okolie said:

    “Big-time boxing comes to Lagos! This will be a historic moment for Africa, my family, and my career. There’s been a lot of talk, but let’s see who really wants to dance. Detty December just got saucy — thanks to Frank, George, and Queensberry for making this happen.”

    Adeleye Brings the Fire

    In the co-main event, hard-hitting heavyweight David Adeleye (14-2, 13 KOs) returns to his ancestral home, aiming to bounce back from his thrilling bout against Filip Hrgovic (19-1, 14 KOs).

     The London-born fighter of Nigerian descent has earned a reputation as one of Britain’s most explosive prospects, with 13 knockouts in 14 wins.

    Adeleye said:

    “Nigeria — I’m coming home. What an honour to fight in my parents’ land. The first show was spectacular, and this time we’re bringing even more fire. I can’t wait to put on a show for my people.”

    Odiase Eyes Breakout Performance

    Unbeaten Nigerian powerhouse Emanuel Odiase (9-0, 8 KOs) returns to the same arena where he scored a devastating first-round KO earlier this year. The fast-rising heavyweight will look to deliver another emphatic performance and establish himself among the next generation of global boxing stars.

    All-Nigerian Showdown

    Fans will also witness a high-stakes domestic battle as Taiwo Agbaje (18-0, 13 KOs) faces Musa Tope Tajudeen (19-1, 17 KOs) in an all-Nigerian showdown expected to steal the show. Both fighters are chasing global recognition, with Agbaje targeting a future shot at world champion Nick Ball (23-0-1, 13 KOs).

    ‘Chaos In The Ring II’ promises an explosive night of world-class boxing — blending Nigerian pride, heavyweight power, and African excellence — as Lawrence Okolie leads the charge in his long-awaited homecoming.

  • Gyokeres makes Arsenal a much better team – Arteta

    Gyokeres makes Arsenal a much better team – Arteta

    There is never a bad time for a striker to score, but Viktor Gyokeres’ relief was obvious as he ended a barren run with two goals in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid. It can be the start of a prolific spell, manager Mikel Arteta believes.

    After three goals in his first four matches, £64m signing Gyokeres failed to find the net in Arsenal’s next seven games and looked visibly frustrated at times.

    But his team-mates continued to praise his overall impact and Arteta said he gave the striker a hug after Arsenal’s 2-0 win over West Ham on Saturday in appreciation for the effort he was putting in.

    The 27-year-old has had to play more than was planned at this stage of the season because of a knee injury to Kai Havertz, featuring for 90 minutes seven times in Arsenal’s opening 12 matches.

    But after finding his clinical touch again in the thumping win over Atletico on Tuesday, Gyokeres’ tally now stands at five goals in 12 matches and his manager thinks the strikes were reward for his persistence.

    “He deserved it because everything that we were seeing in terms of what he was bringing to the team and how much he was helping the team in many areas, apart from scoring goals in the last few weeks, there was no debate about that,” said Arteta.

    “It was about keeping that belief in himself, that emotional state that he can enjoy and play freely.

    “I think he has certainly done that today, [he had] a big smile on his face.

    “Look at his team-mates as well, in the picture and the video, they are all so happy for him because he fully deserves it.”

    BBC

  • Villarreal v Barcelona in Miami cancelled

    Villarreal v Barcelona in Miami cancelled

    La Liga says plans to hold a regular-season match between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami in December have been cancelled.

    In August, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) approved plans to move Villarreal’s fixture against Barcelona to Hard Rock Stadium on 20 December – a decision that sparked discontent in Spain.

    The plans to hold a top-flight game outside Spain for the first time faced a huge backlash, with players refusing to move for the first 15 seconds of matches in La Liga at the weekend.

    Promoters of the match, Relevent, state the reason for the cancellation is because of “insufficient time” to organise the event, with La Liga also citing the “uncertainty in Spain”.

    The match will now be held at Villarreal’s Estadio de la Ceramica home as originally scheduled.

    The decision to cancel the match in Miami was announced during Villarreal’s 2-0 Champions League defeat at home by Manchester City.

    Afterwards, Villarreal boss Marcelino said it showed “absolute disrespect” to communicate this decision while his side were playing.

    He added: “It is absolutely disrespectful to the club, professionals and board of directors and fans. From here onwards, the club will send an official communication but this is just what I think.”

    La Liga said it “deeply regrets” the postponement and described it as a blow to the “international profile of the entire football ecosystem”.

    La Liga also believed staging an official match outside Spain would have been a “decisive step in the global expansion” of its competition, and that “passing up such opportunities makes it difficult to generate new revenue”.

    It would have been the first time a European top-flight league match had taken place in the United States, although the Spanish Super Cup has been held in Saudi Arabia in four of the past five seasons.

    After the Miami game was originally confirmed, the Italian football federation (FIGC) decided to sanction a Serie A match between AC Milan and Como to be played in Perth, Australia, in February.

    Barcelona said it “respects and accepts” the decision to cancel the match and “regrets the missed opportunity to expand the competition’s image” in a market that has a “great capactiy for growth and generation of resources for everyone”.

    The club added it “regrets deeply” that its fans in the USA “are denied the opportunity to see an official game in their country”.

    Barcelona coach Hansi Flick had previously said his “players are not happy” and he was “not happy” but “La Liga decided that we will play this game”.

  • Tiger Street Football’s  ‘titanic’ semis hold in Aba Saturday

    Tiger Street Football’s  ‘titanic’ semis hold in Aba Saturday

    The first Nigerian edition of the Tiger Street Football Tournament is reaching an exciting finish in Awka after a thrilling weekend that mixed grassroots football with music, street vibes, and celebration.

    The atmosphere around the venue was electric as DJs and hype men kept fans dancing and cheering between matches.

    Food vendors, entertainers, and loyal Tiger Beer consumers contributed to the fun, transforming the games into a true street festival where football met music, laughter, and camaraderie.

    From the 16 teams that started the competition, only four remain in the chase for the ₦5 million grand prize after a tough round of quarterfinal matches on Sunday, October 19.

    In the results of matches played over the weekend, Sunday Sparks, Peace Warriors, Peace Dominion, and Peace Ambassadors advanced to the semi-finals after a day filled with goals, grit and high drama.

    Sunday Sparks continued their impressive run, defeating Young Stars 3–0 to book their place in the last four. Peace Warriors edged Star Boys 2–1 in a tight contest, while Peace Dominion secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Super Strikers. In another fiercely fought tie, Peace Ambassadors overcame Mgbakwu Pillars 2–1 to complete the semi-final lineup.

    The penultimate stage of the competition is scheduled for Saturday, October 25th , with Sunday Sparks facing Peace Warriors and Peace Dominion clashing with Peace Ambassadors.

    Both matches will determine the finalists who will compete later that day for the ultimate crown at the much-anticipated “Tiger Uncaged” grand finale.

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

     “The energy here is unbelievable. It feels like the real spirit of Nigerian football — no big names, just passion,” said Ifeanyi Okeke, a student from Nnamdi Azikiwe University who attended the matches. “Kudos to Tiger Beer for bringing something this exciting to Awka. It’s giving young players real hope.”

    Another fan, Chisom Udeh, described the event as a refreshing celebration of local talent. “You can see the joy on the players’ faces — this is football in its purest form,” she said. “Tiger Beer really deserves credit for supporting the streets and turning it into something this big.”

    The Tiger brand had announced that the grand finale will take place at Newberries Lounge, Awka, featuring a vibrant blend of football, music and street culture.

    The celebration will be hosted by Uzor and headlined by Jeriq, with DJ sets from DJ SkyBlisz, DJ Snow, and DJ Kay—Y, as well as performances from Wanni & Handi. Hype men Twix da Jims and Slymshady will help keep the crowd charged throughout the evening.

    Fans will also share in the excitement, as organisers have introduced raffle draws during the finale. These will give spectators the chance to win prizes while cheering on their favourite teams.

    The event is strictly for persons aged 18 and above, and organisers have urged attendees to enjoy responsibly.