The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • NNL Build up: Heartland to try Solution for size on Wednesday 

    NNL Build up: Heartland to try Solution for size on Wednesday 

    Heartland FC will trade tackles with Solution FC of Awka at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri tomorrow in a replay of the friendly game played in the Anambra capital last month.

    The Naze Millionaires battled Solution FC to a goalless draw in Awka and as the Emmanuel Amuneke-tutored lads continue their preparation for the start of the Nigeria National League season both teams will lock horns again in the return leg of the tie.

    Read Also:Heartland declares former manager persona non grata

    It will be recalled that Heartland FC endured a painful late-minute implosion when former player Francis Erikan struck deep into stoppage time to earn Akwa United a 1–1 draw in a tense friendly encounter at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Saturday afternoon.

    The encounter offered valuable lessons and fitness for both teams as they continue preparations to return to topflight football and the tie with Solution FC will provide more insight into the level of Heartland FC build up to the lower league season will starts on November 8th . 

  • 3SC launches  initiative to boost fans’ behaviour at home matches

    3SC launches  initiative to boost fans’ behaviour at home matches

    Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of  Ibadan has launched a fan orientation initiative aimed at promoting good conduct and ensuring decorum, order and peace during matchdays at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Adamasingba.

     This initiative spearheaded by the administration of Hon. Taiwo Lekan-Salami, was launched during their Match Day 9 encounter against Abia Warriors  as the club moved  to the second position on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table on Sunday.

    Through the initiative, the club posted  thought-provoking  messages  on flex boards throughout the stadium on Sunday  to deter violent behaviour, hooliganism, field encroachment and other actions that could damage the reputation of the sport.

    Read Also: 3SC issues riot  act to players, coaches on betting, exploitation

    Among the inscriptions sighted before the NPFL match were “Respect the Referee, Respect the Badge. Great fans support with love, not violence.  Throw Cheers, Not Objects. Our energy should lift the team, not harm the game.” All these captions were signed off with “Say no to violence.”

    The program, which has received significant praise from spectators and sports stakeholders, is viewed as a commendable attempt to refocus fans and promote a culture of peace and respect at football stadiums.

    According to club’s Chief Operating Officer, Bunmi Fadayomi, “the safety of people and property as well as the preservation of the round leather game, are still major priorities. In addition to these goals, the initiative aims to foster community engagement by encouraging dialogue between fans, players, and officials by creating a more inclusive environment, the program hope to inspire a new generation of supporters who uphold these values both on and off the field.”

    It should be noted that Kano Pillars were sanctioned by league authorities just last week for disruptive supporter behaviour following their 1-1 draw with Shooting Stars. The recent campaign by the Ibadan-based club serves as a timely reminder that peace, tolerance, and respect must remain central to every football event.

  • NPFL: Bosso braces  Barau FC for tricky trip to Abia Warriors

    NPFL: Bosso braces  Barau FC for tricky trip to Abia Warriors

    Coach Ladan Bosso has expressed confidence in Barau FC’s  readiness as they prepare to face Abia Warriors in Umuahia on Matchday 10 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

    Speaking ahead of the encounter, Bosso said his players have shown renewed determination following their impressive 2-1 comeback victory over Kano Pillars in Kano last weekend — a win that boosted morale in the Barau FC camp.

     “The spirit in the team is very high after the win against Pillars. The players are beginning to understand our philosophy better, and that gives me confidence going into the game in Umuahia,” Bosso stated.

    Reflecting on the upcoming challenge, the experienced tactician acknowledged the familiarity he has with the opposition, having previously managed the Umuahia-based side.

     “Abia is my second home; I coached Abia Warriors for two seasons, so I know the environment very well,” Bosso said with a smile. “But this time, I’m coming as an opponent, and we’ll approach the game with focus and respect. I won’t reveal our strategy, but we have our plans.”

    Bosso praised his players for their discipline and commitment in recent weeks, noting that the team’s turnaround was a result of hard work and belief.

    Read Also: Bosso leads Barau in hot chase for points against Bayelsa United

     “My players have been disciplined, and they are willing to give their all. We’re gradually finding our rhythm, and I believe if we stay consistent, we can move up the table,” he added.

    The coach also appreciated the motivation provided by club owner Senator Barau Jibrin, whose encouragement and financial incentives have lifted the squad’s morale.

     “The Senator has been supportive. His message and motivation after the Pillars game inspired the players a lot,” Bosso revealed.

    As Barau FC head to Umuahia, Bosso maintained a balanced outlook—confident in his team’s potential but aware of the challenges ahead.

     “It won’t be an easy match, but with the confidence and unity in the squad, we believe we can get a positive result,” he concluded.

  • Rugby federation organises TI Coaching Course in Abuja

    Rugby federation organises TI Coaching Course in Abuja

    The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) is stepping up its grassroots development drive with another round of Trainer Instructor (TI) Coaching Training holding  between October 23 and 25 in Abuja.

    The three-day programme is designed to equip emerging and aspiring coaches with the technical know-how and practical skills required to strengthen rugby’s foundation across Nigeria. Participants from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to attend.

    To be eligible, participants must have completed the World Rugby Ready Course, which emphasizes safe participation and best practices to reduce the risks associated with contact sports. In addition, they must complete two other modules:

    Concussion Management for the General Public, ensuring proper care and protocols for players suffering head injuries, and Safeguarding Essentials, introducing vital principles for child and player protection within sports environments.

    Read Also: Rugby COO appointed Ogun SSA

    Speaking ahead of the exercise, World Rugby–certified instructor Wuraola Hussaini highlighted the program’s hands-on approach.

     “This training enables coaches to translate theory into practice. It reflects NRFF’s commitment to improving technical competence and instilling global coaching standards in Nigeria,” she noted.

    NRFF President, Dr. Ademola Are, praised World Rugby and Rugby Africa for their unwavering support and stressed the federation’s focus on structured, quality training.

     “Our mission is to produce coaches grounded in internationally recognized methodologies,” Dr. Are said. “Such programs are essential to achieving our long-term vision of sustainable rugby growth in Nigeria.”

    The initiative underscores NRFF’s ongoing commitment to professionalizing rugby coaching and cultivating a new generation of skilled trainers to drive the sport’s development nationwide.

  • Rivers Hoopers set for 2025  NBPL Playoffs with victory at Sauft Cup

    Rivers Hoopers set for 2025  NBPL Playoffs with victory at Sauft Cup

    As part of preparations for the playoff round of the 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL), Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club has emerged  champions of the Sauft Basketball Cup 2025.

    The Sauft Basketball Cup is a yearly invitational tournament held in the city of Port Harcourt, which brings top basketball talents together to engage in a variety of activities.

    This year, the tournament featured eight teams split into two groups of four teams each. Participating teams included reigning NBPL champions Rivers Hoopers, Lagos Raptors, Rivers Pioneers, The Crusaders, Discover Spartans, Sauft Basketeers, High Flyers, and Alloy Hoops.

    Just as in the 2025 NBPL season so far, the KingsMen proved to be unbeatable as they swept through the group stage unscathed, recording wins over High Flyers (76-60), Crusaders (78-66), and Spartans (97-84) to finish top of Group B.

    In the semi-final, Rivers Hoopers, who paraded a much-changed lineup captained by Azubuike Ekuma throughout the tournament, cruised to a 75-60 victory over Sauft Basketeers before wrapping up the tournament in style by defeating Discover Spartans of Warri 72-60.

    For their efforts, the KingsMen received a one million naira prize for emerging as champions and also had Victor Sunday as well as John Idoga feature in the tournament’s Best Five.

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

    Sunday, who was also named as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, was delighted with his and his team’s achievements despite being shorthanded.

    “Thanks to God for being the MVP and being part of the Best Five. I am deeply grateful to my teammates, coaches, and all those who came out to support us. I think the other guys underrated us because we were short of numbers; [they thought] that we wouldn’t win,” he said.

    The tournament MVP also revealed that the KingsMen have been locked in preparations for the next phase of league basketball and will be ready when it tips off.

    “We’re preparing for the next phase [of the league], trying to get better and better. Hopefully we’re ready to go. I think the next phase is not going to be easy, but trust me, we’re ready,” he insisted.

    Rivers Hoopers remain in the hunt for a third straight Nigerian League title, and after finishing both the Group and Inter-Group Phases of the 2025 season unbeaten, they will look to carry the same momentum into the Playoffs round.

    The Final Eight will tip off from Friday, 24 October to Friday 31 October. Top four teams will head to the Final Four to determine the champions of the 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League.

  • Kano Pillars suspend  Coach Ogenyi after slump

    Kano Pillars suspend  Coach Ogenyi after slump

    Kano Pillars have suspended their Technical Adviser, Evans Ogenyi, following a string of disappointing results in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

    The club announced the decision yesterday via their official social media channels after the Sai Masu Gida fell 1–2 at home to newly promoted Barau FC in Kano — their fourth defeat of the campaign.

    Providing clarification, Pillars confirmed a temporary technical reshuffle to guide the team pending further notice.

    Read Also: Abia Warriors to host Kano Pillars in NPFL  opener

     “So far, the Sai Masu Gida have played eight matches, recording two wins, two draws, and four losses,” the club statement read.

    In the interim, former captain and Assistant Coach Gambo Muhammad will lead the team alongside goalkeeping coach Suleiman Shuaibu, with Garzali Muhammad (Kusa) from Junior Pillars offering ad-hoc support.

    Currently sitting 18th  on the NPFL table, Pillars will look to bounce back when they host Niger Tornadoes on October 24.

  • Dessers  gets new  trainer at Rangers

    Dessers  gets new  trainer at Rangers

    Super Eagles striker Cyril Dessers  will enjoy  new  training skills  at his Scottish outfit after  Rangers named former Sheffield Wednesday coach Danny Rohl as their new manager  yesterday to replace the sacked Russell Martin.  The German 36-year-old signing a two-and-a-half-year contract.

    Rohl left Championship side Wednesday by mutual consent in July, less than two weeks before the start of the season, having been in charge since October, 2023 and guiding them to a 12th -place finish last season.

    That was the German’s first senior managerial role having previously served as assistant manager at RB Leipzig, Southampton, Bayern Munich and with the German national team.

    Martin was dismissed on October 5 after a disappointing start to the season, where one win in seven league games left Rangers well off the pace in the Scottish Premiership standings.

    Rangers drew 2-2 at home to Dundee United on Saturday and are sixth in the standings, 13 points adrift of leaders Hearts.

    Read Also: Oshoala slams NFF for Dessers, Ekong backlash after South Africa draw

    “I know it has been a difficult start to the season, but there is still so much to play for in four competitions,” Rohl said in a club statement.

    “My staff and I will give it everything to reward the supporters and the club.”

    Rohl’s first game in charge is an away trip to face Norwegian side SK Brann in the Europa League on Thursday. Rangers lost their opening two games in the competition to Genk and Sturm Graz under Martin.

  • Osimhen’s ex-boss stipulates age limit for national team players

    Osimhen’s ex-boss stipulates age limit for national team players

    Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis calls for a change of the ‘game’s rules and the leagues’ formats’ and argues that players should only be allowed to play for their national teams until they’re 23.

    Napoli President De Laurentiis attended the National Italian American Foundation Gala in Washington on Sunday, where he shared his view and offered possible solutions to the increasing number of games played each season.

     “Europe must change because the time has come,” De Laurentiis told Class CNBC. “The football chiefs are reluctant to change because they fear losing their seat. On which they sit very, very comfortably. But the time has come to change both the game’s rules and the leagues’ formats.

    “There are too many games, and I think footballers will no longer be able to play 50, 60 or 70 games [per season],” continued De Laurentiis.

     “They haven’t understood that there should be a cap for international players. After you’ve turned 23, you can no longer go with the national team, because you have to discover the new ones.

    Read Also: Osimhen rested ahead Champions League clash

     “If you even play those who are over-30, and they get injured, you are kicking the domestic leagues in the shins, and there’s no respect for these leagues.

     “Furthermore, there isn’t sufficient fee for the loan of a player who, for 12 months, is paid by clubs. This should also be regulated.”

    This past Saturday, they suffered a 1-0 away loss at Torino and tomorrow, Tuesday, October 21, they visit PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League Round 3.

    De Laurentiis bought Napoli in 2004 after the club had gone bankrupt. In three seasons, Napoli were promoted from Serie C1 (third division) to Serie A.

    Napoli have gone on to win two Serie A titles in the last three seasons, under Luciano Spalletti and Antonio Conte.

  • Guardiola rules out  Rodri  for Villarreal, Villa games

    Guardiola rules out  Rodri  for Villarreal, Villa games

    Manchester City will be without midfielder Rodri for matches against Villarreal and Aston Villa this week as the Spanish midfielder continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, manager Pep Guardiola said

    The 29-year-old, who missed most of last season recovering from a major knee injury, limped off in the first half of City’s 1-0 win at Brentford on October 5 before withdrawing from the Spain squad for their World Cup qualifiers.

    He also missed City’s 2-0 home win over Everton on Saturday.

    “I don’t think so for Villarreal or Aston Villa,” Guardiola told British media. “It’s not long, but it’s muscular and you have to be careful.

    Read Also: Manchester City’s Rodri, Haaland return to  training

    “We’ve tried so many times, we’ve tried to not take a risk, but we have not been able to (manage) that. So we will see.”

    City travel to Rodri’s former club Villarreal on Tuesday in the Champions League before facing Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.

    Guardiola’s side are second in the league on 16 points after eight matches, three points behind leaders Arsenal.

  • Dembele returns for PSG ‘s trip to  Leverkusen

    Dembele returns for PSG ‘s trip to  Leverkusen

    Ousmane Dembele looks set to make his Paris St Germain comeback after being named in the defending champions’ squad for their trip to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League  today.

    The Ballon d’Or winner, who picked up a hamstring injury on September 5, features in Monday’s 21-man group alongside centre back Marquinhos, returning from a thigh injury after a layoff of almost four weeks.

    Read Also: Dembele, Bonmati  scoop 2025 Ballon d’Or crowns

    Forward Dembele has yet to play in the Champions League this season. PSG are third in the 36-team league after winning their first two games.