The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Egypt reigns supreme at 2025 ITTF Africa Championships

    Egypt reigns supreme at 2025 ITTF Africa Championships

    Egypt’s dominance in African table tennis was once again on full display at the 2025 ITTF Africa Championships in Tunis, as the Omar Assar and Hana Goda-led squads clinched gold in both the men’s and women’s team events at the eight-day tournament.

    To retain their title, Egypt’s women’s team swept Uganda 3-0 in the final, while the men’s team overcame Algeria in the final after having edged out defending champions Nigeria in the semifinals to reclaim continental supremacy.

    With this victory, Egypt’s women’s team became the most successful in the tournament’s history, securing their 18th title (1962, 1964, 1968, 1990, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025). The men’s team continues to hold the record for most titles, now with 16 championships (1962, 1964, 1968, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025).

    Uganda made history as the first East African nation to reach the final of the women’s team event. The trio of Judith Nangozi, Judith Mirembe, and Jemimah Nakawala stunned Nigeria 3-1 in the semifinals before settling for silver after a 3-0 loss to Egypt.

    Morocco marked its return to the elite ranks by claiming bronze in the men’s team event, following a 3-1 semifinal loss to Algeria. Nigeria also secured bronze after falling 3-0 to Egypt in the other semifinal.

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    In individual accolades, Omar Assar solidified his legacy as the only player to win the men’s singles title five times, while Hana Goda became the youngest and first player to win the women’s singles title three consecutive times.

    Egypt’s dominance extended to the doubles events, sweeping all three categories—Mixed Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Men’s Doubles.

    In the Mixed Doubles final, defending champions Youssef Abdelaziz and Mariam Alhodaby retained their crown with a straight-sets win over fellow Egyptians Mostafa Badr and Marwa Alhodaby (11-4, 11-7, 11-9).

    The newly formed duo of Dina Meshref and Hana Goda triumphed in the Women’s Doubles, defeating the Alhodaby twins, Mariam and Marwa, 3-1 (11-9, 11-8, 9-11, 11-4) to claim their first title together. The pair had previously reached the final at the WTT Contender Lagos in July.

    In the Men’s Doubles, Abdelaziz added to his medal tally by teaming up with Mohamed El-Beiali. The Egyptian pair overcame Algeria’s Bella Maheidine and Jellouli Milhane in a thrilling 3-1 final (11-7, 8-11, 11-6, 11-2).

  • NWFL: Dreamstar Ladies, three  others earn promotion to Championship

    NWFL: Dreamstar Ladies, three  others earn promotion to Championship

    The 2025 NWFL Nationwide has officially concluded with four outstanding teams sealing promotion to the prestigious NWFL Championship for the 2026 season.

    Dreamstar Ladies of Lagos secured an immediate and triumphant return to the second tier as Group A winners. They were joined from the same group by Rangers Women of Enugu, who made history by gaining promotion in their debut campaign.

    In Group B, Solo Wonders FC of Akwa Ibom emerged as champions following an impressive run, while Rosaria Victrix of Imo State also secured their spot as runners-up, both achieving promotion in their maiden appearances in the third tier league.

    The quartet — Dreamstar Ladies, Rangers Women, Solo Wonders, and Rosaria Victrix, have all earned their places among Nigeria’s emerging forces in women’s football, each finishing in the top two of their respective groups to book their tickets to the country’s second tier, NWFL Championship 2026.

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    Reflecting on the conclusion of the 2025 women’s football season, which encompassed the NWFL Premiership, Championship, and Nationwide, Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Women Football League, Modupe Shabi, expressed deep satisfaction with the smooth and successful execution across all tiers.

     “This 2025 season has been a remarkable journey for the NWFL. From the Premiership through the Championship to the Nationwide, we have witnessed great football, renewed competitiveness, and remarkable stories of resilience and growth across the country,” Shabi stated.

    She also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, for its unwavering support to women’s football and the continued strengthening of the league system.

    Shabi further revealed that preparations are already underway to ensure an early kick-off of the 2025/2026 season, promising new innovations and an even more competitive league structure designed to sustain the progress and excitement across all levels of the NWFL.

    “We owe immense gratitude to the NFF President and his board for their backing and vision, which continue to inspire the growth of the women’s game. Our appreciation also goes to the various hosts, clubs, administrators, state FAs, match officials, and the media, every stakeholder who contributed to the success of this season,” she added.

    The successful completion of the 2025 NWFL season reaffirms the league’s unrelenting commitment to excellence, development, and inclusivity, as women’s football in Nigeria continues to grow in stature and impact nationwide.

  • Lagos begins  preparations for 2025 Women Run

    Lagos begins  preparations for 2025 Women Run

    The 2025 edition of the Lagos Women run is now in full swing as the Lagos State Government has set out machinery  in motion for the annual event billed to take place on November 8.

    All those involved in the 10km event have been holding meetings at the instance of the state government in an attempt to stage a better  race this  year.

    The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has directed all the various committees working on the event to speed up work and make this edition a step up to the last one.

    Fatodu was fully involved last year and he has been a strong pillar behind the organizing team for the 2025 edition.

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    Lagos Women run an initiative of Gym Assured, Marathon & Road Race Organization, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and a dedicated group of women with professional backgrounds in sports management, administration, and other women- focused organizations.

    Since its inception in 2016 in Lagos, the event has grown and is expected to expand to other parts of the nation.

    Coordinator of the big project, Tayo Popoola, told newsmen at the weekend that all was set for the event.

     “The Lagos Women Run is much more than just the race. We have many other activities on the cards to enlighten and generally educate the women more.

     “Lagos State Sports Commission DG, (Fatodu) has been of tremendous assistance and we have started registration and making advanced plans over other activities.” Popoola said.

    The participants are expected to receive running Vests, running bibs, goody bag, certificate, medals, and sponsors’ products.

  • Amorim wants more after ‘biggest’ Man United  win at Liverpool

    Amorim wants more after ‘biggest’ Man United  win at Liverpool

    Ruben Amorim said a first victory at Anfield since 2016 was just reward for Manchester United’s long suffering fans after Harry Maguire’s late winner inflicted a fourth consecutive defeat on Liverpool.

    The 2-1 win ensured that United earned theirs first back-to-back victories in the Premier League since Amorim took charge nearly a year ago.

    But the Portuguese coach said that how his players respond next weekend when Brighton visit Old Trafford will tell him more about what United can aspire to this season.

    “That was the biggest win in my time at Manchester United. It means a lot today but tomorrow it won’t mean a lot,” said Amorim.

    United crashed out of the League Cup to fourth-tier Grimsby in August and Amorim appeared on the brink of losing his job after defeat to Brentford last month.

    However, wins over Sunderland and their historic rivals have lifted the Red Devils up to ninth in the Premier League and within two points of fourth-placed Liverpool.

     “It was really important for our fans. They struggled against Grimsby, against Brentford and today they saw a different team,” added Amorim. “To win in the stadium of the champions and our biggest rivals is really important.”

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    Despite the magnitude of the victory, Amorim was far from fully satisfied with his side’s performance.

    Bryan Mbeumo gave the visitors the perfect start by firing home the opening goal after just 61 seconds.

    United had chances to extend their lead as Bruno Fernandes hit the post, but also had to ride their luck.

    Cody Gakpo hit the woodwork three times before the Dutch forward finally equalised on 78 minutes.

    However, Maguire, who missed a glorious chance to win the game in a 2-2 draw when United last visited Anfield in January, was the unlikely hero when he headed in Fernandes’s cross.

     “Was a great win, not a very well-played game, but a great spirit and that is all I can ask,” said Amorim.

    Arne Slot blamed his side’s wastefulness in front of goal and set-piece defending for the latest in a string of poor results.

    Not since 2014 have Liverpool lost four consecutive games.

    Alexander Isak was denied his first Premier League goal since joining Liverpool for a British transfer record £125 million ($168 million) by Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens before half-time.

    Mohamed Salah fired wide when presented with a huge chance early in the second period before Gakpo somehow headed off target with the opportunity to snatch a point after Maguire’s goal.

     “If you told me (before the game) we would create eight, nine or 10 open chances, I wouldn’t think that is possible. From all the chances we got, we only scored one goal,” said Dutchman Slot.

     “It’s almost impossible to win a big game of football with a negative set-piece balance.

     “We conceded another one today that led to us losing the game.”

    Defeat leaves Liverpool four points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

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

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

    Manchester United’s Harry Maguire struck a late header Sunday to seal a thrilling 2–1 Premier League victory over Liverpool, ending their nine-year drought without a win at Anfield and dealing a blow to the reigning champions’ title chase.

    Liverpool, who has lost four consecutive games across all competitions for the first time since November 2014, dropped to fourth in the table on 15 points, four behind leaders Arsenal.

    United, who won back-to-back league games for the first time since manager Ruben Amorim was appointed last November, climbed to ninth with 13 points.

    United’s Bryan Mbeumo stunned the home crowd with a goal a minute after kick-off when Amad Diallo pushed forward before flicking a ball for the forward to run onto and fire home from inside the box.

    Irate Liverpool fans thought play should have been stopped before the goal with Alexis Mac Allister down clutching his head after a collision with teammate Virgil Van Dijk.

    Cody Gakpo hit the post three times before finally scoring the equaliser in the 78th  minute, when he tapped in Federico Chiesa’s cross.

    But Maguire sent United fans into a frenzy with the winner in the 84th  when Bruno Fernandes floated the ball in for the big defender to out jump Ibrahima Konate and power home a header.

    “It means everything,” Maguire told Sky Sports. “They’ve had the better of us over the last few years and it’s not been good for our club and we’ve have not given our fans enough days like today. It’s been a long time coming, coming to this ground and picking up three points.

    “I’ve been here seven years now and to come to this ground every time and not get three points has been tough. So it’s for the fans, I hope they have a great night tonight.”

    There were shouts for a Liverpool penalty early on when Casemiro’s cross struck Diallo’s arm. But the VAR video referee determined Diallo’s arm was in a natural and justifiable position.

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    Liverpool had 19 shots to United’s 12 including several jaw-dropping near misses.

    Gakpo was lively all game, hitting the post twice in the first half, and then nearly making it third time lucky when he smashed another shot off the post shortly after the break.

    He missed a sitter in the dying minutes, however, when he headed the ball well wide of the net.

    An off-form Mohamed Salah squandered a brilliant chance in the second half when the ball fell to him unmarked at the far post, but he launched it wide, his face etched with frustration.

    “I think we conceded a very sloppy second goal,” said Reds captain Virgil van Dijk. “We worked so hard to get back into the game and we created great opportunities to score the winner but if you concede a second goal like that, that is the disappointing part.

    “We need to stay humble and stay working and keep our confidence as high as possible,” he added. “When things get tough, it is important we keep the mentality of being there for each other. It is a long season.”

  • Mateta nets hat-trick for Crystal Palace

    Mateta nets hat-trick for Crystal Palace

    Jean-Philippe Mateta yesterday scored a hat-trick, including a stoppage-time penalty, as Crystal Palace fought back from two goals down to draw with Bournemouth in a six-goal thriller at Selhurst Park.

    In an incredible finish, Mateta completed his treble in the 97th minute after Marc Guehi had been wrestled to the ground by Bournemouth’s Bafode Diakite as a left-wing corner was being taken.

    There was still time for further drama but Mateta, who has now scored seven goals for the Eagles this season, blazed a potentially match-winning chance over the bar in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

    Teenage striker Eli Kroupi, 19, had earlier scored twice on his first Premier League start as Bournemouth were on course for a victory that would have taken them temporarily top of the table.

    Mateta scored twice in a five-minute spell to make it 2-2, before Ryan Christie restored Bournemouth’s lead in the 89th minute, but it was not enough for the victory.

    It continued a great spell in Mateta’s career as he made his France debut on 10 October against Azerbaijan and then scored his first international goal three days later in a 2-2 draw with Iceland.

  • EPL: Maguire’s late goal seals Man United 2-1 victory over Liverpool

    EPL: Maguire’s late goal seals Man United 2-1 victory over Liverpool

    Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo was on the scoresheet, but it was Harry Maguire’s late goal that secured a 2-1 win for Manchester United over arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield in Sunday’s Premier League clash.

    Mbeumo wasted no time in making an impact, doubling his season tally just 63 seconds into the match and putting early pressure on Arne Slot’s Liverpool side.

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    Cody Gakpo pulled the hosts level in the 78th minute with a well-taken finish, but Manchester United regained the lead six minutes later as Harry Maguire struck in the 84th minute to seal all three points for the visitors.

    The result marks Liverpool’s fourth straight defeat, extending their recent poor run of form.

  • EPL: Rogers, Buendía fire Aston Villa to comeback win over Spurs

    EPL: Rogers, Buendía fire Aston Villa to comeback win over Spurs

    Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendía found the net as Aston Villa came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday’s Premier League clash.

    Spurs took an early lead just five minutes in, following a slick team move that saw Joao Palhinha nod the ball down for Rodrigo Bentancur, who finished with a crisp half-volley.

    Villa responded through Rogers, who unleashed a stunning long-range strike that left goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario with no chance, leveling the match at 1-1.

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    Buendía, introduced in the second half, sealed the win with a composed, curling finish into the bottom-left corner to complete the comeback.

    Despite late pressure from Tottenham, Villa held firm to secure all three points.

  • Victor Boniface too fat, says Werder Bremen coach

    Victor Boniface too fat, says Werder Bremen coach

    Victor Boniface is having a difficult start at his new club, Werder Bremen, due to excess weight.

    The striker, who led Bayer Leverkusen to the league title in 2024, is currently struggling with excess weight.

    The club’s sporting director Clemens Fritz confirmed this to BILD.

    Boniface was crowned champion last year under successful manager Xabi Alonso, with 21 goals and 10 assists in 34 official matches.

    The following season, his numbers dipped somewhat, although he was still important for Leverkusen with 11 goals in 27 matches. A departure in the summer was inevitable, but his transfer was anything but smooth.

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    The former Union SG striker initially seemed destined for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, but failed his medical.

    A few weeks later, a move to AC Milan also fell through. Ultimately, Boniface opted for a loan deal with low-flying Werder Bremen, where he has made only four appearances so far.

    According to Fritz, this is due to his physical condition.

    “We’ve clearly identified the issues together with Victor and are supporting him in every way possible,” said the sporting director.

    “He accepts our support and wants to work on himself, with extra training, physiotherapy, and a modified nutrition plan. We’re working closely with him.”

  • Onuachu, Ugochuchukwu score for clubs

    Onuachu, Ugochuchukwu score for clubs

    Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu and Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu were both on target for their respective clubs on Saturday evening, helping their sides to crucial league victories.

    Onuachu continued his impressive run of form for Turkish side Trabzonspor, scoring the second goal in their 2-1 win over Rizespor.

    The 31-year-old powered home a header from a Chris Oulai free-kick in the 19th minute, after Felipe Da Silva had opened the scoring for the visitors.

    The goal takes Onuachu’s tally to six goals and one assist in eight league appearances this season.

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    With the victory, Trabzonspor increased the pressure on Galatasaray, climbing to second place with 20 points from nine matches.

    Meanwhile, Ugochukwu, nephew of former Super Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam, netted in back-to-back Premier League games as Burnley defeated Leeds United 2-0.

    The former Chelsea midfielder nodded in a fine cross from Kyle Walker to give the Clarets an early lead and capped a solid display in midfield.

    Having impressed during his loan spell at Southampton last season, the 21-year-old will hope to continue his run in subsequent games

    The victory lifts Burnley out of the relegation zone, taking them to seven points from eight matches.