The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Benin vs. Nigeria: Super Falcons’  Lomé  camp bubbles  ahead of WAFCON Qualifiers

    Benin vs. Nigeria: Super Falcons’  Lomé  camp bubbles  ahead of WAFCON Qualifiers

    • Oshoala, Omewa, seven others are early birds

    Champions Nigeria  commenced training sessions yesterday  in the Togolese capital, Lomé ahead of their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying fixture, first leg match against their Beninese counterparts, which will take place on Friday.

    Six-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala was among the early birds in the Super Falcons’ Lomé camp, alongside new invitee Joy Omewa, as well as Turkey-based defender Tosin Demehin, China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi, and the home-based quintet of goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, defenders Blessing Ilivieda and Miracle Usani, midfielder Taiwo Afolabi and forward Kafayat Mafisere.

    Head Coach Justine Madugu has confirmed that the team’s early  training sessions in Lomé as they prepare to face the Bénin senior women’s team at the 25,000 – capacity Stade de Kégué on Friday afternoon.

    Both West African neighbours clash in a final qualifying fixture for the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations championship to be hosted by Morocco, and which serves as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, to be hosted by Brazil. The encounter will commence at 3pm Togo time (4pm Nigeria time).

    The return leg is slated for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta on Tuesday, 28th  October.

    The Confederation of African Football has selected Gambian official Ngum Fatou as referee for Friday’s match, with Mauritanians Mariem Chedad and Hamedine Houleye as assistant referees 1 and 2 respectively, while Gambian Isatou Touray will serve as fourth official.

    Halimatou Hamidou from Niger Republic will be the commissioner, while Martha Nyekanyeka from Malawi will be in the role of referee assessor.

    SUPER FALCONS FOR WAFCON QUALIFYING FIXTURE VS. BÉNIN:

    Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

    Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)

    Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)

    Forwards: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)

  • UCL:  Arteta wary of ‘incredible’ Simeone  as  Arsenal  host Atletico

    UCL:  Arteta wary of ‘incredible’ Simeone  as  Arsenal  host Atletico

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he was pleased with his players’ commitment, but warned that they cannot get ahead of themselves as they fight for silverware on multiple fronts.

    Arsenal, unbeaten since August, are three points clear at the top of the Premier League and have won both their Champions League matches so far, but Arteta was not keen to accept the “favourites” tag in the English top-flight.

    “The only thing I embrace is when I see the team, the energy, the temperature, the commitment and quality that they can deliver. That gives me the conviction that we can go all the way,” Arteta told reporters a day before hosting Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

    “But that’s just a feeling, then the next day you have to prove it and you can’t be busy thinking about those topics.

    “Every game in (the Premier League) is must-win. We are very appreciative of that, so we don’t get carried away with anything.”

    Asked about a video shared on social media that showed Arsenal defender William Saliba watching Atletico Madrid on the coach after Saturday’s 1-0 win at Fulham, Arteta praised the France international’s eagerness to prepare for future opponents.

    “Very pleased because I didn’t encourage it, that came from them. We know this will be a tough one, so the earlier we think about it the better. I love that initiative from the players,” Arteta said.

    Read Also: Africa’s Energy Bank: The battle for the continent’s energy future

    Arteta said he looked up to Atletico manager Diego Simeone, who has led the Spanish club to two Europa League and two LaLiga titles since taking charge in 2011.

    “What he has done since he got to Atletico has been outstanding, not only what has achieved but the way he has done it. The identity he has created, they are simple and clear to identify because the manager is very much them,” Arteta said. “He is someone I look up to. His passion, how long he has been in the game, how he still has that capacity to transmit a willingness to win. To keep convincing players in this environment, you have to be extraordinarily good.”

    Defender Piero Hincapie will be available for today’s clash after recovering from a groin injury, Arteta added.

    TODAY’S  FIXTURES

    Barcelona vs. Olympiakos

    Kairat Almaty vs. Pafos

    Arsenal vs. Atletico

     Leverkusen vs. PSG

    Copenhagen vs. Dortmund

    Newcastle vs. Benfica

    PSV vs. Napoli

    Saint-Gilloise vs. Inter

    Villarreal vs. Man City

  • Oborevwori  to grace Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup finale

    Oborevwori  to grace Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup finale

    The organisers of the Zenith Bank/Delta State Principal’s Cup have announced November 6 as the new date for the third place and final match.

    The initial date of October 16 was changed after a protest was initiated against one of the finalists, Otokutu Grammar School, Ughelli South, after it was alleged that the team fielded an ineligible player in their semifinal victory against Urhobo College, Uvwie.

    Read Also: Oborevwori stops contract cost abuse, restores fiscal discipline

    After investigation, Otokutu was sanctioned and will now play the third place game against Justice Peace & Success Academy, Aniocha South while the final will be between Ogbe-ijoh Grammar School Warri South West and Urhobo College, Uvwie on November 6 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.

    According to the organisers, the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside some members of his cabinet are going to be physically present for the final.

    Speaking ahead of the final, the sponsors of the tournament, Zenith Bank PLC, appreciated the organisers for maintaining the integrity of the competition while also reiterating their commitment to continue to invest in the youth of Nigeria especially through sports.

  • Kwara splashes  N2b  on renovation of  Ilorin Stadium

    Kwara splashes  N2b  on renovation of  Ilorin Stadium

    ‎Kwara State Government has spent a sum of N2 billion on the renovation of the indoor sports of George Innih Stadium complex in Ilorin, the state capital.

    This much was disclosed by the Executive Chairman of  the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Magaji , during a facility  tour of  the George Innih Stadium by  the  Correspondents Chapel of Kwara NUJ, adding  the government has also committed a huge investment to sports facilities over the last six years.

    ‎”This indoor sports hall alone has gulped over N2bn. Government has also invested in the football field, tennis court, squash court, etc. Not many sectors have enjoyed much support like sports from AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in the last six years,” Mogaji said.

    ‎”If he is not leaving any legacy but for what he has done here, it’s a legacy that anybody who wants to beat it will have to work hard. Just like his predecessor Major George Innih. They were the one who built this place. I don’t think there can be any government in Nigeria that can put this type of edifice again because of the cost.

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq: Kidnappers have no place in Kwara

    He added: ‎”The governor has done a lot for us here. Right from the road, the field, the buildings and the paintings. He did not only do that, a lot of our athletes have been sponsored to travel outside this country. There was a six year old boy from Offa who has done wonderfully well. You can imagine a six year old boy went to play Scrabble in Nigeria and he won among 180 other athletes. That’s not going to be possible if not what the governor has done.

    ‎”We have among us as well that has gone to represent Nigeria in Cairo in squash. We have among us that has represented Nigeria in Olympics and won Olympic medal. It has not been so very easy before. That is the first medal in badminton in the whole Africa is coming from this state.

    ‎”The entire sports complex now supports at least 32 different sports, all housed within a single facility except golf. No stadium in Nigeria has all these in a single location.”

  • 300 golfers hit Port Harcourt for First Bank’s golf tourney

    300 golfers hit Port Harcourt for First Bank’s golf tourney

    First Bank’s sponsored Python Amateur Golf Open Championship has attracted 300 players from within and outside the country to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Speaking at the Port Harcourt Golf Course, the Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, said the bank would also host the 65th  edition of its Lagos Open Golf Tournament on 20th  November.

    He underscored the bank’s commitment to supporting sports development in the country emphasising the importance of sports in nation-building and societal development.

    Alebiosu said apart from golf, the bank was also sponsoring other sporting events such as football, basketball, tennis and polo.

    He said: “Golf is not about being rich. I started playing golf when I was a nobody. The basic thing is buying the club, and some of us started with second-hand clubs.

    Read Also: Golf: Olapade, Okoko reign supreme at Lakowe Classic

    “It’s about sport and golf. At First Bank, we support sports across the country. Today is about golf, next week Sunday it will be about polo in Kaduna . We have been doing that for over a century.

    “In November we are going to see golf in Lagos specifically that is about on the 20th November  where we are doing the 65th  edition of our golf tournament in Lagos. It is called Lagos Open, players come  all over the world to  come and play in Lagos Open”.

    Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr Raphael Onoshakpo, said the Port Harcourt Open was a seven-day competition produced winners, who received various gifts.

    Onoshakpo attributed the growing interest in golf to the lockdown period, saying it saw a surge in people taking up the sport.

    He noted that the Python Golf Club had become a major hub for golfing, with a full training facility that had churned out over 200 new golfers in the past.

  • Lagos to deepen Africa School Games partnership

    Lagos to deepen Africa School Games partnership

    The Lagos State Sports Commission and the organisers of the Africa School Games have resolved to strengthen their partnership for talent discovery and development in the state, following the successful completion of the inaugural edition of the games in Lagos.

    About 11 schools in Lagos took part in the three-day tournament, which featured spirited competitions in swimming, athletics, and football in the U-11, U-13, and U-15 categories. The British International School hosted the inaugural edition with other schools like Grange School, St Savoiurs School, RiverBank School, Supreme Education Foundation, and Avi-Cenna featuring prominently. 

    The event was championed by sports enthusiasts, Dr. Seun Akinbohun, Dr.  Busola Tejumola and Aderoju Ope-Ajayi, who envision a structured school sports ecosystem built on three pillars: continental competition, talent identification, and ecosystem building.

    Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, noted that the Africa School Games exemplifies the state’s resolve for talent development and inclusive scouting.

     “We know that schools provide a better environment for talents to be discovered and nurtured. This is a private initiative, but during the course of the partnership, we did make sure that the path of inclusivity isn’t left out, so we have our public schools being part of this,” Fatodu said.

    Read Also: Africa’s Energy Bank: The battle for the continent’s energy future

     “I am particularly impressed that the inaugural edition was successfully managed, and I am confident that the subsequent ones will engage more schools across the continent.”

    The organisers also acknowledged the state’s effort in ensuring the success of the initiative.

    “With Lagos State, we know of the Ibile Games and Governor Sanwo-Olu’s passion to drive youth empowerment through sports, and they have been amazing partners for us. Key endorsements came from Lagos State, and we are grateful for that,” one of the co-founders, Ope-Ajayi said.

    Reflecting on the success of the inaugural edition, the organisers have also expressed their readiness to welcome schools from other African countries in subsequent editions.

    “Absolutely, that is our plan. We will definitely have swimming, athletics, and football. Next year, we will be ready to host the whole of Africa in Lagos. We are ready for as many that can come.

    Another co-founder, Dr Tejumola, also reiterated ASG’s goal of spotlighting talents across Africa.

    “It’s good to see the competitive spirit, expertise and skills that the athletes have come with. Africa School Games is a continental competition and the goal is to create a structured sports ecosystem for talent identification and development in Africa.”

    After three days of thrilling competitions, St Saviours were the overall winners in the U-11 category with 1042 points while Grange School won the U-13 category with 1168 points.

    British International School and Grange School were tied in the U-15 category, sharing the top prize with 909 points each.

  • Chappal Energies back Green Falcons for  Women’s Rugby League World Series

    Chappal Energies back Green Falcons for  Women’s Rugby League World Series

    • By Daniel Oyekan

    In a landmark show of corporate support for women’s sport, Chappal Energies has announced its sponsorship of Nigeria’s Women’s Rugby League Team, the Green Falcons, as they depart for Canada to compete in the 2025 Women’s Rugby League World Series.

    A tournament that could see them make history as the first African nation to qualify for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup.

    The global series, which features Nigeria, Canada, Ireland, and Fiji, will determine the final slot for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea. For Nigeria, participation in the event represents not only a sporting milestone but also a powerful statement about the rise of African women in global athletics.

    Speaking during the announcement in Lagos, Ufoma Immanuel, Managing Director of Chappal Energies, said the company’s support aligns with its values of opportunity, perseverance, and empowerment.

     “Supporting the Green Falcons goes to the heart of what we stand for at Chappal Energies. Belief, perseverance and possibility are qualities we hold dear,” Immanuel said. “Our Falcons represent the resilience, courage, and ambition that drive progress in our communities and our country. We are proud to stand with them as they make history for Nigeria and for Africa.”

    Read Also: Rugby COO appointed Ogun SSA

    Comprising mainly of amateur athletes from humble backgrounds, the Green Falcons’ rise has been fuelled by determination and sacrifice. Many of the players have balanced work, education, and family responsibilities while training to represent Nigeria at the highest level.

    Abiodun Cole, Chairman of the Nigerian Rugby League, the journey to Canada marks a defining moment in the country’s sporting history.

     “This moment means everything to us. We carry the hopes of a nation, of every girl who has ever been told she couldn’t,” Cole further said-“Chappal’s support reminds us that we are not alone, and that Nigeria believes in us.”

    The Falcons will open their campaign Today, October 21, in Canada, where they will compete for a place in the expanded 2026 World Cup. A successful qualification would not only cement Nigeria’s place on the world stage but also mark a breakthrough for women’s rugby in Africa

  • Champions League: Finidi tips Rivers United to bounce against Black Bulls

    Champions League: Finidi tips Rivers United to bounce against Black Bulls

    Rivers United Technical Manager, Coach Finidi George has expressed firm confidence in the ability of Rivers United  to overturn their first-leg deficit when they host Black Bulls of Mozambique in the second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round in Uyo.

    The Pride of Rivers returned to Nigeria yesterday after suffering a narrow 1–0 defeat in Maputo over the weekend. Despite the setback, Finidi assured fans that the team remains fully focused and determined to make amends in front of their home supporters at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

    Read Also: CAF Champions League: Finidi set sights with Rivers United  on Black Bulls  

    Speaking on arrival, the former Super Eagles winger acknowledged that while the first leg result was disappointing, the tie is far from over. “We know what is at stake and we are ready to fight back. The players are motivated, and with our fans behind us, we can turn things around in Port Harcourt,” Finidi said.

    Rivers United will intensify preparations this week, working on sharpness and tactical adjustments aimed at breaking down the resilient Mozambican side. The Nigerian flag bearers must win by at least two clear goals to progress to the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

    With Finidi leading the charge and the Uyo crowd expected to rally behind them, Rivers United are poised for a decisive showdown that could define their continental ambitions this season.

  • Olowookere rues missed chances in Flamingos’ loss to Canada

    Olowookere rues missed chances in Flamingos’ loss to Canada

    Nigeria’s opening game at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup ended in disappointment as the Flamingos suffered a 4-1 defeat to Canada in Salé, Morocco — a match that showcased a tale of missed chances and tactical brilliance from both dugouts.

    While Nigeria’s head coach, Bankole Olowookere, rued his team’s early wastefulness and defensive lapses, Canada’s boss, Jens Herst, revealed how tactical adjustments after halftime helped her side take full control.

     “This was a huge game. Sometimes mistakes happen,” Olowookere admitted after the match.  “We had our chances in the first half but didn’t take advantage of them, and we paid dearly for it. It’s a lesson we’ll keep learning. We’ll go back, review our performance, and see how we can bounce back stronger.”

    On the opposite end, Herst credited Canada’s second-half dominance to strategic changes aimed at neutralizing Nigeria’s physical and fast-paced approach.

    Read Also: NBPL: No mercy as Rivers Hoopers rout Kwara Falcons

    “We knew Nigeria would be a physical team strong in transition,” Herst explained. “We were prepared to withstand that in the first half. Then, at half-time, we made a few tweaks — pushing our line higher, pressing more aggressively, and applying pressure with our wingers and full-backs.”

     “That adjustment really turned the tide and put the game in our favour,” she added.

    The result leaves Nigeria with work to do in Group D as they look to rebound in their next fixture and keep their qualification hopes alive.

  • Super Eagles: NFF  Scrap U.S. friendlies to prioritize World Cup Play-Offs

    Super Eagles: NFF  Scrap U.S. friendlies to prioritize World Cup Play-Offs

    • By Joshua Osinowo

    ‎The Super Eagles have reportedly cancelled their international friendly matches against Venezuela and Colombia, which were set to be played in the United States next month. This decision comes as the team shifts focus to the upcoming African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    ‎The friendlies were scheduled for November 14 in Houston against Venezuela and November 18 in New York against Colombia. However, those dates now clash with Nigeria’s crucial Play-Off fixtures, which will take place in Morocco.

    ‎An official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) explained that the potential for such a conflict had been anticipated in the event of qualification for the playoffs.

    Read Also: Super Eagles: Dare to dream again after W’Cup 2026  Play-Offs berth

    ‎“We had a clause in the contract for the games covering this eventuality, if we qualified for the playoffs,” the NFF representative told ESPN. “So we will not be going ahead with the matches anymore‎

    ‎The NFF emphasized that the team’s primary focus is now on securing a place at the 2026 World Cup through the African playoff stage. Should they advance, the Super Eagles will then turn their attention to the intercontinental playoffs.

    ‎“This is the most critical phase of our journey to the World Cup,” the official added. “Every effort and resource must now be directed towards achieving qualification.”