The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • D-Day in Uyo: World Cup 2026 to be or not for Super Eagles

    D-Day in Uyo: World Cup 2026 to be or not for Super Eagles

    By Daniel Oyekan

    The battle lines are drawn and for  the Super Eagles, it is a case of to be or not to be as the race for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches defining  moment today in what is tagged ‘battle of Uyo.’

    With one final matchday to play, the three-time African champions must produce a statement performance against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic to keep their hopes of reaching the global showpiece alive.

    The stakes could not be higher. Group C leaders Benin Republic, sitting on 17 points, know that victory in Uyo will seal their first-ever ticket to the World Cup. But Nigeria  now third in the group are determined to avoid the unwanted history of missing back-to-back tournaments, having failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.

    Head coach Eric Sekou Chelle expressed optimism and determination ahead of Tuesday’s showdown at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, promising a strong response from his players.

     “We will give everything we have to secure a decent win over Benin and hope for favour from Nelspruit,” Chelle said, referring to the concurrent fixture between South Africa and Rwanda that could decide the group’s fate.

    Despite their surprising third-place position, Nigeria remain the only team among the three contenders — Benin Republic, South Africa and Nigeria  to have lost just one match throughout the campaign. South Africa, currently on 15 points, will host Rwanda in Mbombela, needing a victory to secure their own qualification hopes.

    Read Also: Ballon d’Or: NFF congratulates Nnadozie, Madugu

    For Benin Republic, led by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, the campaign has been historic. The Cheetahs’ 17 points and two-point cushion at the top mean even a draw could be enough, provided South Africa do not record a comprehensive win over Rwanda. Rohr’s side has already defied expectations, showcasing grit and discipline across the qualifiers.

    In contrast, the Super Eagles are chasing their seventh World Cup appearance. Since debuting in 1994, Nigeria have reached the Round of 16 on three occasions and remain one of Africa’s most consistent forces on the world stage. Captain William Troost-Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi, who both featured at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, are eager for a return to the global arena.

    Ekong, who was named Man of the Competition at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, will earn his 83rd international cap on Tuesday, while Iwobi will mark his 89th appearance. For several others, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey, this represents their first real opportunity to step onto football’s biggest stage.

    A win for Nigeria by two or more goals, coupled with South Africa’s failure to defeat Rwanda will see the Super Eagles secure automatic qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.

    However, both sides head into the game with key absentees. Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Benin Republic will miss defender Yohan Roche and midfielder Sessi d’Almeida due to suspensions.

    The Cheetahs, who have appeared in just four Africa Cup of Nations finals, will rely on their home-grown passion and the tactical nous of Rohr. Nigeria, on the other hand, boast a far richer pedigree. Three AFCON titles, five runner-up finishes, and eight third-place medals will lean on their experience and talent depth to keep their dreams alive.

    Beyond the pitch, the stakes transcend footballing rivalry. For Benin’s 11.5 million people, this is a moment of history. For Nigeria’s 220 million, it is a matter of pride, expectation, and redemption.

    As the whistle blows in Uyo and Mbombela simultaneously today, Africa’s attention will turn to one question that has lingered for months — Super Eagles to be or not to be at the 2026 World Cup?

  • Pitch Invasion: NPFL  sledge hammer  falls  on  Kano Pillars

    Pitch Invasion: NPFL  sledge hammer  falls  on  Kano Pillars

    Team docked 3 3 points, 3 goals

    To pay N9.5m fine  and banished to Katsina

    League body recommends demotion of  5 match officials

    The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed severe sanctions on Kano Pillars following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 8 home fixture against Shooting Stars at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

    According to the Summary Jurisdiction Notice (Form 16) issued yesterday and signed by the league body’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the four-time NPFL champions were found guilty of multiple breaches of league rules, including failure to provide adequate security, harassment and assault of match officials and visiting players, and general misconduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

    Consequently, the NPFL fined Kano Pillars a total of ₦9.5 million for various infractions — ₦1 million each for poor security, throwing of objects, and supporters’ misconduct; ₦1 million for bringing the game into disrepute; ₦2 million for assault on Shooting Stars’ players and match officials; another ₦2 million as compensation for treatment and damages to the victims; and ₦1.5 million as compensatory damages to match officials.

    Read Also: NFF to review Chelle’s contract next month

    In addition to the financial penalties, the league body deducted three points and three goals from Kano Pillars’ accrued tally and ordered the indefinite closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium, forcing the club to play their home matches in Katsina until they can guarantee improved security and fan control.

    The club has also been directed to identify and prosecute the culprits involved in the pitch invasion and submit a revised matchday security framework to the NPFL within seven working days.

    Kano Pillars have 48 hours to either accept the summary sanctions or elect to face a disciplinary panel.

    Meanwhile, the NPFL in a separate letter to the NFF Match Officials Appointment Committee has  requested a review of performance and stepping down of centre referee, Mohammed B Tuta of Adamawa State referees council and the assistant referees, Bem Japhet (Benue) and Shehu Isah (Adamawa).

    For the match between Nasarawa United and Rangers, the NPFL are also requesting for the review of performance of centre referee Ikechukwu Taiwo of the Rivers State Referees Council and his assistant, Usman Opeyemi Edward from Osun State.

  • Record-chasing Rohr eyes historic World Cup qualification with Benin

    Record-chasing Rohr eyes historic World Cup qualification with Benin

    Ahead of today’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter against the Super Eagles in Uyo, coach Gernot Rohr  has described  the match as a defining moment for his  Beninese side.

    The Franco-German tactician, who once managed the Super Eagles , said his players were motivated by their impressive run so far and the prospect of making history.

    “I am happy to be here. Nobody expected us to be in this position,” Rohr stated during his  press conference that preceded today’s game.   “Now, we are just a game from achieving something very memorable for Benin football.

    Read Also: Ballon d’Or: NFF congratulates Nnadozie, Madugu

    “We had good memories in the past but they are now in the past — we are in the present. I am with another country.”

    Rohr added that while the odds favour Nigeria, his side remains confident in their ability to pull off another upset.

     “We believe in ourselves and we still have our destiny in our hands,” he said. “We know it will be a surprise to beat the Eagles here, but we did it already in Abidjan when we beat Nigeria for the first time in the history of Benin football. We will try to do it again.”

  • Cheetahs’ captain  fires Super Eagles warning

    Cheetahs’ captain  fires Super Eagles warning

    The Cheetahs of  Benin  have fired  the Super Eagles  warning  ahead of today’s high-stake FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo.

    Managed by former Super Eagles boss Gernot Rohr,  the Beninese are just one step away from securing their first-ever World Cup qualification and they  brimming  with confidence  for the ‘battle of Uyo’  holding at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

    The Beninese  captain Steve Mounie expressed his team’s determination to make history, describing the encounter as a  typical  every footballer’s dreams.

    Read Also: NFF to review Chelle’s contract next month

     “We play football for this kind of match. It will be a historic meeting. We will give everything to take Benin to the World Cup,” the powerful striker affirmed.

    Their confidence has been buoyed by a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rwanda last Friday at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali — a result that kept them top of Group C with 17 points from nine matches.

    The Cheetahs need just a single point in Uyo to officially seal their World Cup berth. Even in defeat, their qualification could still be confirmed if South Africa fail to beat Rwanda in the group’s other decisive fixture.

    For the Super Eagles, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sitting just behind Benin on the table, Nigeria must deliver a victory in front of their passionate home fans to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

  • ‘Tiny’ Cape Verde complete historic World Cup qualification

    ‘Tiny’ Cape Verde complete historic World Cup qualification

    Cape Verde have qualified for the World Cup, beating Eswatini 3-0 in their last group match on Monday to top the standings ahead of Cameroon and complete a fairytale campaign.

    The wind-swept West African archipelago overcame first-half nerves to win in Praia with second-half goals from Dailon Livramento, Willy Semedo and veteran Stopira and book a first-ever appearance at the finals.

    They started two points ahead of Cameroon, whose eight previous World Cup finals appearances are the most by an African country. Cape Verde finished Group D on 23 points, four ahead of Cameroon, who were held at home to a goalless draw by Angola.

    Cape Verde rarely played international football some 25 years ago but now head to next year’s finals in North America as one of the nine African representatives.

    They join Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria and Ghana who have qualified already.

    Livramento took advantage of Eswatini’s failure to clear to steer home the ball from close range three minutes into the second half while Semedo also had a tap-in for the second six minutes later.

    Stopira, 37, had only come on as a late substitute as an acknowledgement of his long service with the team since 2008, and put a cherry on the cake with a stoppage-time goal.

    The island’s 600,000 inhabitants had been given the day off to support their team but there was little to cheer in a tentative first half before Livramento scored. After that, the celebrations could not be contained.

    Cape Verde are the second smallest country to qualify for the World Cup after Iceland, who competed in Russia in 2018.

    Cameroon will likely advance to the playoffs for the four best runners-up across the nine African qualifying groups but were jeered off in Yaoundé after failure to beat Angola whose 39-year-old goalkeeper Hugo Marques made several telling stops.

    Meanwhile, Tunisia completed their World Cup qualifying campaign without conceding a goal as they beat Namibia 3-0 in their final Group H game.

    Read Also: NFF to review Chelle’s contract next month

    They ended the campaign unbeaten with nine wins from their 10 games, scoring 22 goals.

    A first-half penalty in Tunis converted by Ali El Abdi was followed by second-half strikes from Hannibal Mejbri and captain Ferjani Sassi.

    Namibia finished second in the group despite the defeat, their third in the last four qualifiers.

    But they do not have enough points to finish as one of the best four group runners-up. They were 13 points adrift of Tunisia, who had already secured their place in the finals.

    Liberia finished third in the group after a 1-1 draw at Equatorial Guinea, who were fielding a new-look team and with a new coach after a player strike meant they did not travel for last week’s qualifier in Malawi.

    A 62nd -minute penalty from Portuguese-based striker Ronald Lumungo earned Sao Tome e Principe their first points of the campaign as they edged Malawi 1-0.

    It ended a run of 18 winless matches for the tiny island nation, who are 195th  in the world rankings.

  • Bendel Insurance name Boboye new head coach

    Bendel Insurance name Boboye new head coach

    ‎The management of Bendel Insurance Football Club has approved the appointment of Coach Kennedy Boboye as the Technical Manager of the club.

    ‎In a statement signed by Kehinde Osagiede who is the Director of Media and Communication, Bendel Insurance, he disclosed that the appointment follows a mutual agreement between the management of the Benin Arsenals and Coach Boboye for him to assume full responsibility for the club’s technical department with immediate effect.

    ‎After a thorough evaluation, the management found Coach Boboye suitable for the role and has offered him a substantive two-year contract. The decision is based on his proven track record, impressive credentials, and extensive experience in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

    Read Also: Ballon d’Or: NFF congratulates Nnadozie, Madugu

    ‎Arrangements have been concluded for the official unveiling of the Delta State-born tactician in Benin City, today (October 14).

    ‎The management of Bendel Insurance FC is optimistic that Coach Boboye’s appointment will usher in a new phase of improved performance and renewed confidence in the ongoing season.

    ‎Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele, has expressed appreciation to Coach Baldwin Bazuaye, an Executive Director in the Commission, who stepped in as Interim Technical Manager following the suspension of Head Coach Greg Ikhenoba on Monday, October 6, 2025.

  • Two heavyweight rivals dare Joshua for comeback fights

    Two heavyweight rivals dare Joshua for comeback fights

    Anthony Joshua was called out by two heavyweight rivals on the same night as he closes in on his return to the ring.

    AJ is back training having been out since his September 2024 knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley.

    His promoter Eddie Hearn revealed their plans are to have at least one lower-level comeback fight before eyeing a British blockbuster with Tyson Fury.

    And Arslanbek Makhmudov and Guido Vianello are two names to have put themselves in the mix.

    Makhmudov beat Dave Allen in Sheffield and beforehand claimed Joshua promised him the bout if he won.

    And Makhmudov, 36, said after victory: “Anthony Joshua, where are you? I’m coming for you.

    “I’ve already spoken with him and he gave me his word that he will fight me next year. I’m ready.”

    Camille Estephan, Makhmudov’s promoter told Sky Sports: “Definitely I think it would be a great fight.

    “Arslanbek has shown against Allen that he has more than just nuclear power.

    “The question remains though, can AJ handle Makhmudov’s power? I think a huge number of fans would like to find out.”

    Later that night, Italian Vianello, 31, beat Alexis Barriere in Philadelphia and said: “Now I want a big name.

     “You want to know what big name I want? Anthony Joshua. I want Anthony Joshua. I want him in front of me.

    Read Also: I’m not interested in  NFF chairmanship, says Fani-Kayode

    “Let’s fight in Rome, in The Coliseum, in London – whatever you want. But give me a big name, please. I’m 31, I don’t have extra time, I want to win now.”

    Joshua, 35, is back training for his next fight, likely to happen in February, with Fury, 37, targeted for later in 2026.

    Hearn told Sky: “The plan’s very important.

    “The most important thing is making sure he’s 110 per cent confident and ready to beat Tyson Fury.

    “We need to be able to plan that for AJ to make sure that he’s in the best place possible for what will be the biggest moment of his career, I believe.

    “If he fights this year, that will be a pure run out. It won’t be a top 15 guy.

    “He’s either going to have those two fights before Tyson Fury, if that can get made, or he’s going to have the one fight in February.

    “We haven’t really decided yet but he’s keen to get active.”

  • Unstoppable Bolaji leads Nigeria to glory at Africa Para Badminton Championships

    Unstoppable Bolaji leads Nigeria to glory at Africa Para Badminton Championships

    Team Nigeria were crowned overall champions at the 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championships, which concluded Sunday  at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.

    Inspired by Paralympic star Eniola Bolaji, the hosts dominated the continental showpiece, amassing a total of 36 medals — 10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze — to finish top of the standings.

    Other Nigerian gold medallists included Chigozie Nnanna, Chukwuemeka Eze, Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, Mary Nathan, Chinyere Okoro, Munkwoba Goman, and Bello Tukur, who all contributed to Nigeria’s commanding display on home soil.

    Kenya finished second with 11 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze), while Egypt placed third with 8 medals (3 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze). Benin Republic secured fourth position with one gold, two silver, and two bronze, followed by Congo DR in fifth (one gold, two bronze).

    Other countries on the medal table were Tunisia (one silver, one bronze), Cameroon (six bronze), Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Rwanda (two bronze each), while Mauritius claimed one bronze. Mozambique was the only nation without a medal among the 12 participating countries.

    The championship, which featured 19 events, began on October 7, serving as a remarkable display of skill, determination, and inclusivity across Africa.

    Read Also: Jalla kicks over undue  FIFA ‘s intervention in NFF’s electoral process

    At the closing ceremony, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, congratulated the athletes and hailed the event as “an extraordinary celebration of resilience and unity.”

     “We have learned, improved, and been inspired,” Otti said. “Let me assure you — Abia will bid to host again, and when we do, we will deliver an even greater experience.”

    President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, lauded the athletes’ courage and performance, emphasizing that para sports continue to embody the essence of human strength and dignity.

    He also expressed appreciation to the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Confederation of Africa for their support, as well as the Abia State Government for hosting a world-class event.

    The continental championship followed closely on the heels of the First Abia Para Badminton International, held from September 30 to October 5, 2025, where Nigerian stars Bolaji, Nnanna, and Nathan also clinched gold medals.

  • World Cup largesse  behind Super Eagles’ dissolution in 2002, says Oliseh

    World Cup largesse  behind Super Eagles’ dissolution in 2002, says Oliseh

    Former national team  captain Sunday Oliseh has given fresh  insights  on the shocking disbandment of the Super Eagles  ahead of the  Korea/Japan 2002 FIFA World Cup.

    The decision which  led his  to  his omission along with  Finidi George, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Victor Agali, Tijani Babangida and several other key players from the Mundial-bound team  despite pivotal roles in securing  team’s qualification.

    Oliseh, who spoke in a recent interview on Bet9ja Home Turf, revealed that the players were expelled after a dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the $1 million qualification grant from FIFA.

    According to him, the team, alongside late coaches Shuaibu Amodu, Stephen Keshi, and Joe Erico, had worked tirelessly to ensure Nigeria’s qualification — overturning a five-point deficit behind Liberia to book the country’s place at the Mundial.

    However, the midfielder disclosed that immediately after qualification was secured, the NFF reneged on a prior agreement regarding the sharing of the FIFA funds.

    Read Also: NFF D-License coaching course takes off in Abuja

     “FIFA gave Nigeria $1M for qualifying for the World Cup and we agreed with the NFF to share it 50-50, with $500,000 going to the players who qualified Nigeria for the World Cup and the NFF keeping the remaining half. But the next thing the NFF did was to disband the team and kept the money,” Oliseh revealed.

    The former Juventus and Borussia Dortmund star said the sudden dissolution of the team — including the technical crew — was not only unfair but also demoralising for players who had sacrificed so much for the country.

    Nigeria eventually went to the 2002 World Cup with an almost entirely new squad, led by a new technical team, but failed to make it past the group stage — a disappointing campaign many observers still traced back to the controversial disbandment.

  • Youngsters upset  veterans as ITTF-Africa Championships  gear up in  Tunis

    Youngsters upset  veterans as ITTF-Africa Championships  gear up in  Tunis

    Youth triumphed over experience at the ongoing ITTF-Africa Championships in Tunis, Tunisia, as teenage debutants stunned seasoned veterans in the second round of the singles events, signalling a generational shift at the continental showpiece.

    Veterans such as Monday Olabiyi and Farouk Salifou of the Benin Republic, Amgad Mahrous of Sudan, and Simon Ebode of Cameroon have all bowed out of the Men’s Singles competition.

    Olabiyi was swept aside 4-0 by Tunisian teenager Youssef Aidli, Mahrous fell by the same margin to Uganda’s Jonathan Senyonga, while Salifou suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Nigeria’s Abdulbasit Abdulfatai.

    A similar storyline unfolded in the Women’s Singles, where youthful energy, again, outshone veteran experience.

    Nigeria’s Aishat Rabiu ousted Ghana’s Bernice Borquaye, while Algeria’s Houda Taguercifi sent experienced Angolan star Ruth Tavares packing. Fourteen-year-old Tunisian prodigy Ela Saidi stunned Rwanda’s Ruth Mihindu, and Algerian twins Tania and Jade Morice, both 15, made a dazzling debut by defeating South Africa’s Danisha Patel and Congo Brazzaville’s Thomie Mossemba 4-0 respectively.

    However, top contenders like Egypt’s Omar Assar, Youssef Abdelaziz, Mohamed El-Beili, and rising star Mostafa Badr, established stars of the game like Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo; Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa; Benin Republic’s Abdel-Kader Salifou; and Tunisia’s own Wassim Essid all cruised through their matches to secure spots in the third round of the Men’s Singles.

    As the tournament heads into a decisive phase  today, October 14, the singles events will intensify, separating the contenders from the pretenders in the race to crown the 2025 champions in Tunis.

    Meanwhile, Cameroon’s Ylane Batix is hoping to go beyond the round of 32 in the Men’s Singles in Tunis.

    But the 19-year-old Cameroonian signalled a shift in momentum earlier this year when he reached the semifinals of the 2025 ITTF Africa Cup.

    Read Also: Ballon d’Or: NFF congratulates Nnadozie, Madugu

    Now, Batix believes the time has come to stake his claim among Africa’s elite table tennis players.

    Despite only resuming training a week ago following a wrist injury, Batix remains confident in his ability to reach the semifinals at the ongoing tournament in the coastal city of Tunis.

     “Since my first appearance at the ITTF Africa Championships, I’ve never gone past the second round. I’ve also been unlucky with the draw, facing top seeds right from the start. In 2021, I played Quadri Aruna in the first round in Yaoundé, Cameroon. In 2023, I lost in the round of 32 to Bode Abiodun, and the same happened in 2024 in Ethiopia. But this year, I’m fully prepared to break into the top four here in Tunis. It’s tough, but I’m ready to fight for it,” he said.

    Batix has competed in several high-level tournaments this year, including the Europe Smash in Sweden, and he believes the experience gained will serve him well in Tunis.