The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame returns in style Oct. 25

    Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame returns in style Oct. 25

    After a brief break , the monthly boxing showcase, the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF), is set to make a thrilling comeback on October 25, promising a revitalised format and fresh opportunities for amateur boxers across Lagos State.

    According to LBHF Director David Mohammed, the revamped structure will spotlight the five administrative divisions of Island, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Mainland, and Epe (IBILE), as well as local councils, creating a more dynamic and inclusive competition.

     “It’s great to be back with our Monthly Show, and we’re determined to make it better than ever,” Mohammed said.

    “The Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame is a respected platform that has been organizing boxing events for over 15 years. It has served as a rite of passage for countless amateur boxers who have gone on to successful professional careers. We’re proud of our legacy and committed to building on it.”

    Read Also: Ghana seal 2026 World Cup spot with 1–0 victory as Mali knock out Madagascar

    He continued, “In line with the vision of our founder, we’ve introduced a new format based on the IBILE and Local Government structure. Each division will host its own Monthly Show, crowning champions across various weight categories. These divisional champions will then face off to determine who truly is the best of the best in Lagos. We also have plans for regional and national championships, which will be unveiled soon.”

    Mohammed also shared promising updates on sponsorship efforts.

    “We’ve opened up sponsorship opportunities to the private sector and are in advanced discussions with several companies. We expect to announce some exciting partnerships soon, so stay tuned,” he added.

    Founded in 2010 by former amateur champion and current Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, LBHF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting grassroots and amateur boxing in Nigeria.

    The organization hosts monthly tournaments such as the Governors Belt Championship and facilitates international competitions and fundraising events. Many of Nigeria’s top boxing talents have emerged from LBHF’s developmental programs.

  • Green Falcons set for  World Rugby  Series after impressive wins over Ghana

    Green Falcons set for  World Rugby  Series after impressive wins over Ghana

    ‎The Nigeria Rugby League Association women’s national team, the Green Falcons, maintain their winning record against the Leopardess of Ghana, beating the visitors 24-8 in the second friendly game on Saturday at the Alaro City International Rugby Pitch, Lekki, Lagos.

    ‎The Green Falcons defeated the Leopardess with a dominant 40-0 scoreline in the first test game played  last  Tuesday  but found their opponents more determined in the second game.

    ‎The two games serve as preparation for the Green Falcons’ participation in the inaugural World Series, where they will face Ireland for a place in the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

    ‎The Green Falcons are currently the  Rugby League champions of the Middle East and Africa.

    ‎Speaking after the game, the Managing Director at the Alaro City, Yomi Ademola, said they were  happy to be part of the success of the team ahead of the World Series.

    Read Also: Startup unveils data-driven technology to revolutionise sports predictions

    ‎”After supporting the girls for an international match in Kenya where they excelled and made history to become the first African team to qualify for the World Series in Canada this year, we also collaborated with the Nigeria Rugby League Association to put together a standard pitch- in a matter of weeks- at the Alaro City here and organised friendly matches for them against Ghana’s Leopardess. We did all these to make sure our girls have the best we have to offer so that they can go and represent Nigeria very well on the global stage,” Ademola said.

    ‎The Director General of National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade has assured the team of government’s  support ahead of the World Series.

    ‎ Olopade said: “I congratulate the Rugby League family in Nigeria on the huge success achieved, and all the brilliant effort on how our nation can benefit from this beautiful sport, while creating empowerment for our boys and girls alongside our men and women.

    ‎”On the international day for the girl child, the victories recorded by the Green Falcons even make it sweeter.”

    ‎Meanwhile, the Green Falcons captain, Blessing Aladeyemi said the friendly games are a good test for the team as they continue their preparation for the World Series.

    ‎“Now, we have to go back to the drawing board to be able to finalise the mistakes, the things that we didn’t do right, so that we can be able to do better once we get to Canada,” Aladeyemi said.

    ‎“I trust my teammate, I trust everybody, I trust my management, I trust my coach as well because they’ve put in the work. We are fit enough and 100% ready for the Canada game.”

  • Dolphin Swimming League: Grange School takes early lead in Season 7

    Dolphin Swimming League: Grange School takes early lead in Season 7

    Grange School surged ahead in the opening leg of Season 7 of the Dolphin Swimming League, held over the weekend in Lagos, amassing an impressive 355 points to top the leader board.

    In the elementary division of Nigeria’s premier inter-school swimming championship, Children International School (CIS) followed closely with 254.5 points, while British International School (BIS) secured third place with 163 points.

    A total of 19 schools and clubs participated in the first leg of the elementary category, hosted by Grange School. The race for the top spot continues on November 1, when CIS will host the second leg of the competition.

    Speaking on the league’s impact, Technical Director of the Nigeria Aquatic Federation, Samuel Jesimiel, praised the Dolphin Swimming League for nurturing top-tier talent. “At the last two editions of the National Youth Games, we witnessed incredible performances, many of the standout swimmers came from this league. I’m grateful to see the seventh season completed successfully,” he said.

    Read Also: Ghana seal 2026 World Cup spot with 1–0 victory as Mali knock out Madagascar

    Jesimiel also highlighted the league’s growth: “We started with just seven schools, and now participation has doubled. That’s why we’ve split the league into elementary and secondary divisions. The entries are high, but we’re equipped to manage it, and I commend the organizers for their role in developing this sport.”

    Former President of the Nigeria Aquatic Federation, Babatunde Fatayi-Williams, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the league’s transformative role in junior swimming. “The Dolphin Swimming League is an outstanding initiative, which is why I’ve supported it from the start. The results speak volumes, Lagos State claimed 19 out of 25 gold medals at the last National Youth Games. To sustain this success, we need more corporate backing,” he said.

    Fatayi-Williams also advocated for expansion: “This league could be replicated in other cities like Abuja and Port Harcourt to raise the standard of junior swimming nationwide. Swimming is a sport that must be nurtured early, catching them young in primary and secondary school  is the key.”

  • NPFL: Kun Khalifat  stop  Enyimba’s unbeaten run as Nasarawa United Stretch Lead

    NPFL: Kun Khalifat  stop  Enyimba’s unbeaten run as Nasarawa United Stretch Lead

    Matchday 8 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) served up drama and surprises, headlined by Kun Khalifat FC’s stunning 1-0 victory over Enyimba in Owerri — a result that ended the People’s Elephant’s unbeaten start to the season.

    Debutants Kun Khalifat, who have struggled to find consistency by virtue of playing their home games in Aba, produced a disciplined performance against the former champions in their first game in Owerri this season. Ebuka Nwokorie’s perfectly executed 69th-minute free kick — his fifth goal of the campaign — sealed the famous win and handed the Pride of Imo their second victory of the season. The three points lifted them to 18th  position with eight points, while Enyimba slipped to third on 13 points, losing ground in their chase for the league summit.

    At the top, Nasarawa United continued their impressive run with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Rangers International in Lafia. The visitors drew first blood through Wisdom Ebirim in the 19th  minute, but Anas Yusuf levelled from the spot in the 32nd  before John Joshua netted the decisive strike in the 62nd  minute. The Solid Miners’ victory moved them to 19 points — four clear of second-placed Abia Warriors.

    Abia Warriors themselves consolidated their fine form with a comfortable 2-0 triumph over El-Kanemi Warriors, thanks to a first-half brace from Casmir Azubuike in the 24th  and 28th  minute.

    Read Also: Startup unveils data-driven technology to revolutionise sports predictions

    Elsewhere, Katsina United stunned visiting Remo Stars 3-1 with goals from Elijah Akanni, Uche Collins (penalty), and Abdulrahman Garba, while Adams Mustapha’s stoppage-time strike earned Shooting  Stars a draw in Kano against Kano Pillars.

    In other matches, Plateau United dispatched Barau FC 2-0 in Jos courtesy of goals from Amietimi Enewarikpemi and Vincent Temitope, Wikki Tourists shared the spoils with Kwara United in a 1-1 draw, Ikorodu City edged Bendel Insurance 1-0 through Folarin Temitope’s early goal, and Bayelsa United were held 1-1 by Niger Tornadoes.

    With Nasarawa United pulling clear at the summit, Abia Warriors, Enyimba, and Rivers United that will host Bayelsa United this morning following the downpour that rendered the pitch unplayable. They recent remain within striking distance — but Matchday 8 once again proved that in the NPFL, no team is too small to deliver a big upset.

    NPFL RESULTS

    Kun Khalifat 1-0 Enyimba

    Plateau United 2-0 Barau

    Abia Warriors 2-0 El-Kanemi

    Nasarawa United 2-1 Rangers

    Warri Wolves 1-1 Tornadoes

    Wikki Tourists 1-1 Kwara United

    Katsina United  3-1Remo Stars

    Ikorodu City 1-0 Insurance

    Kano Pillars 1-1Shooting Stars

  • Pillars vs. 3SC:  NPFL  to take action over  Kano incident in Kano

    Pillars vs. 3SC:  NPFL  to take action over  Kano incident in Kano

    The management of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) said it monitored and has noted with concern the disturbing reports and viral video clips from yesterday’s  NPFL Matchday 8 between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars, indicating that fans invaded the pitch shortly after the final whistle.

    The statement signed by Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer, assured that while the league awaits the official match reports and complete video evidence from the Match Commissioner and Referees, “we condemn in the strongest terms any act of violence, intimidation, or misconduct directed at players, match officials, or fans”.

    Read Also: Ghana seal 2026 World Cup spot with 1–0 victory as Mali knock out Madagascar

    The League is also assuring all stakeholders and football lovers that this isolated incident is being treated with utmost seriousness, and appropriate actions will follow upon review of the full reports.

    He further stated that the NPFL has remained in touch with the Match Commissioner,  the Referees and officials of Shooting Stars whose safety has been secured.

    “We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining discipline, safety, and professionalism at all league venues across the country,” Owumi concluded.

  • Uganda’s Kiplimo, Ethiopia’s Feysa   rule  Chicago Marathon

    Uganda’s Kiplimo, Ethiopia’s Feysa   rule  Chicago Marathon

    Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo dominated the men’s field in the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, breaking the tape in two hours, two minutes and 23 seconds in his second race over the distance, while Ethiopian Hawi Feysa enjoyed a lopsided win in the women’s race.

    The half-marathon world record holder Kiplimo crossed the finish line one minute and 31 seconds ahead of Amos Kipruto of Kenya, while Kenyan Alex Masai was third in 2:04:37.

    Kiplimo, who finished second in his marathon debut in London this year, broke away by the 30-kilometre mark and had built a nearly one-minute cushion with five miles to go.

    Read Also: Startup unveils data-driven technology to revolutionise sports predictions

    He peeked over his shoulder a few times during the last mile of the race but had nothing to worry about as he jogged through the final straight all by himself and sat down in sheer exhaustion a few metres after the finish.

    “To come here to win the race is a big achievement for me,” he said after the race, telling a TV reporter he was hungry to go even faster.

    Feysa, who finished third on the podium in Tokyo, appeared emotional through the final mile and fell to her knees after crossing the line in 2:14:56, while her compatriot Megertu Alemu was second in 2:17:18.

    Tanzanian Magdalena Shauri took third in 2:18:03.

    Feysa ran the last five miles of the race on her own, thriving in Chicago’s pristine, sunny conditions to shave more than two minutes off her personal best.

    “Winning here, it’s been amazing,” she said via a translator. “I worked really hard, trained really hard to have this victory.”

    The famously flat course is notorious for producing speedy times, with the late Kelvin Kiptum breaking the men’s record in 2:00:35 in 2023 and his fellow Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich breaking the women’s mark in 2:09:56 in 2024.

    Chepngetich was provisionally suspended in July for the presence and use of a prohibited substance.

    While there were no world records this time, Conner Mantz gave the home fans a thrill as he broke Khalid Khannouchi’s 23-year-old U.S. record, finishing fourth overall in 2:04:43.

    Khannouchi set the previous U.S. mark of 2:05:38 in London.

    Switzerland’s Marcel Hug obliterated the men’s wheelchair race in 1:23:20, finishing more than four minutes ahead of Britain’s David Weir, while American Susannah Scaroni won on the women’s side in 1:38:14, besting Swiss rival Manuela Schar by 49 seconds.

  • Gauff edges compatriot Pegula to capture Wuhan crown

    Gauff edges compatriot Pegula to capture Wuhan crown

    French Open champion Coco Gauff captured her third WTA 1000 title and first in Wuhan after rallying from two breaks down in the second set to defeat fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-4 7-5 in Sunday’s final.

    Gauff, who reached the Wuhan semi-finals last year, trailed 0-3 in the second set but clawed her way back, reducing the deficit to 3-5 before winning four straight games to seal victory in straight sets.

    The 21-year-old secured her 11th  career WTA singles title, adding to her WTA 1000 triumphs in Cincinnati (2023) and Beijing (2024), and reached her third final at this level in 2025 after runner-up finishes in Madrid and Rome.

    Read Also: Ghana seal 2026 World Cup spot with 1–0 victory as Mali knock out Madagascar

    Current world number three Coco Gauff, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, is the first woman in a decade to win nine consecutive hard-court finals, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams, who won 12 between the 2013 U.S. Open and 2015 Cincinnati.

    Pegula and Gauff, former doubles partners who won titles together in Miami and Doha in 2023, played against each other in a final for the first time in their career.

    “When I came on tour, you (Pegula) were one of the first people to be nice to me and welcome me with open arms. And that really goes a long way and still goes a long way,” Gauff said during the trophy presentation.

    “So I appreciate you. And it’s great to finally play in a final against you.”

    Pegula, who beat world number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s semi-final to end her 20-match unbeaten run in Wuhan, has played 27 three-set contests in 2025.

    The 31-year-old’s last eight matches have all gone the distance, and she has won seven of them.

    “You’ve been playing a lot of three-setters — you’re a three-set queen,” Gauff said.

    “I’d like to congratulate you on an incredible tournament. I was determined not to let you get there today because I felt the odds would be in your favour in a third set.”

  • Aruna  missing as African stars light up Tunis for 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships

    Aruna  missing as African stars light up Tunis for 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships

    From October 12 to 19, the city of Tunis, Tunisia, will reverberate with the energy and talent of Africa’s finest table tennis players as the 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships get underway. Athletes from across the continent—East, West, North, Central, and South—have converged on the Tunisian capital, all vying for glory and coveted qualification spots for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, United Kingdom.

    While Nigeria’s top-ranked Quadri Aruna is notably absent, the tournament still boasts a star-studded lineup including Egypt’s Omar Assar, Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa, Tunisia’s Wassim Essid, Egypt’s Hana Goda, Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo, and France-based Abdel-Kader Salifou.

    From the leadership of the Tunisia Table Tennis Federation (TTTF) to the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), the spirit of the event is one of celebration and unity.

    TTTF President Samir Khelif expressed pride in hosting the prestigious event: “We’re honoured to be chosen once again to host this championship and deeply appreciate the trust of ITTF Africa. As always, we aim to provide warm hospitality and a vibrant atmosphere for all our guests.”

    Read Also: Startup unveils data-driven technology to revolutionise sports predictions

    ITTF Africa President Wahid Oshodi also praised Tunisia’s swift response in stepping up after Rwanda’s withdrawal: “We’re immensely grateful to the people of Tunisia for their unwavering support. Their readiness to host on short notice speaks volumes about their commitment to the sport. This championship is all about the players, and Tunisia has created the perfect environment for them to shine.”

    With youthful energy and national pride fuelling their ambitions, Tunisia’s rising stars are ready to take on Africa’s best and prove they belong on the big stage.

    Leading the charge are 14-year-old Ela Saidi and 17-year-old Wassim Essid, key members of the Tunisian team competing at the eight-day tournament taking place at the Rades Multi-Purpose Hall in Tunis from October 12 to 19.

    Making her debut at the prestigious event, Saidi described the opportunity to play alongside her idols as a dream come true. “I’m so happy to be competing in my first African Championships, especially sharing the stage with stars like Hana Goda and Omar Assar,” she said.

     “It’s a huge honour, and I’ll give my best and perform to the highest level I can. Most importantly, I want to use this experience to grow as a player — facing top opponents will help me improve.”

    Essid, fresh off his victory in the boys’ U-17 singles at the WTT Youth Contender Tunis, sees the tournament as another chance to challenge the continent’s elite.

     “I’m not going to relax — playing at home means I’ll have the support of the crowd, and I’ll give my best as always,” he said.

    “It’s a big opportunity for Tunisia to host this event, and I hope we exceed expectations and make our country proud. We’d love to be part of the journey to London in 2026 through the team event.”

  • Equatorial Guinea fire coach, players over World Cup strike

    Equatorial Guinea fire coach, players over World Cup strike

    Equatorial Guinea have fired coach Juan Micha and kicked out several key players after a strike meant the team failed to travel to Malawi for a World Cup qualifier, with the country now facing possible sanctions from world football body FIFA.

    Several regulars, including veteran captain Emilio Nsue, have also been removed from their squad for their last Group H qualifier against Liberia today, officials said.

    Key players refused to travel for their penultimate group qualifier last Thursday, citing continual complaints over conditions and money, after which the coach and some players were kicked out of the squad.

    Micha’s dismissal was confirmed in a social media post from the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation.

    “The Ministry of Sports has given players called up for these FIFA matches who believe they can continue to defend their country the opportunity to put their names on a list,” the statement added.”Otherwise, anyone who doesn’t do so will be deemed to have opted out and will no longer be part of the national team.”

    Read Also: Ghana seal 2026 World Cup spot with 1–0 victory as Mali knock out Madagascar

    A new squad has since been named for today’s match, with Casto Nopo appointed interim coach.

    The list excludes many of the players who were in the squad at the last Cup of Nations, where Equatorial Guinea caused a major sensation by beating hosts Ivory Coast 4-0 in the group phase.

    The result was hailed as the biggest shock in Cup of Nations history and followed an upset 1-1 draw with Nigeria in their opening fixture of the tournament in early 2024.

    Equatorial Guinea finished ahead of the two heavyweights in the group standings but were then eliminated in the last 16 by a last-gasp goal for Guinea.

    Since then, Equatorial Guinea have qualified for the upcoming Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, which kicks off on December 21, but are out of contention for a place at next year’s World Cup.

  • Ghana seal 2026 World Cup spot with 1–0 victory as Mali knock out Madagascar

    Ghana seal 2026 World Cup spot with 1–0 victory as Mali knock out Madagascar

    The Ghana national team secured their long-expected qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, defeating Comoros 1–0 in their final Group I match at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    Mohammed Kudus netted the decisive goal in the 47th minute, finishing off a precise cross from Thomas Partey to send the home crowd into celebration.

    The Black Stars dominated proceedings for most of the game, and only a heavy home loss could have jeopardized their qualification hopes. The win confirms Ghana’s place at the 2026 finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking the nation’s sixth appearance at football’s most prestigious tournament.

    In the other Group I match, Madagascar’s hopes of advancing to the regional playoff as one of the top four group runners-up was crushed by already eliminated Mali.

    Read Also: Startup unveils data-driven technology to revolutionise sports predictions

    Les Aigles dominated the islanders in a 3-1 victory at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, eliminating the possibility of more than one team qualifying from Group I. Lassine Sinayoko and Dorgeles Nene scored in the first half and Sinayoko added another in the second half before a late consolation from Madagascar in second half stoppage time.

    Earlier on Sunday, Central African Republic defeated hosts Chad 3-2 in an entertaining match between already eliminated teams.

    2026 World Cup Qualifying: Final Group I Table

    Ghana- 25 points

    Madagascar- 19 points

    Mali- 18 points

    Comoros- 15 points

    Central African Republic- 8 points

    Chad- 1 point