The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Startup unveils data-driven technology to revolutionise sports predictions

    Startup unveils data-driven technology to revolutionise sports predictions

    A new technology designed to bring empirical precision to sports predictions is on the horizon. According to the Founder of City Rebels Predictions (CRSPredictions), Osifeso Olamiji, the innovation aims to transform sports forecasting from guesswork into a science-driven process powered by data, logic, and analytics.

    In a statement, Olamiji said the goal is to help fans understand the science behind sports outcomes rather than depend on luck.

    “I wanted to build something that changes how people think about sports. Behind every match lies data — patterns, probability, and logic. That’s what CRSPredictions helps people see,” he said.

    Unlike conventional prediction platforms, CRSPredictions focuses on responsible engagement, positioning itself as an educational and analytical tool rather than a gambling hub. This distinction, Olamiji noted, has earned the platform credibility among young stakeholders seeking more than mere speculation.

    Beyond sports analysis, he said the platform also aims to serve as a knowledge hub for young Africans. Through mentorship programmes, training, and data literacy workshops, CRSPredictions seeks to show how analytical thinking in sports can be applied to real-world problem-solving.

    Read Also: E1 Lagos GP: Winning with sports, First Bank’s legacy

    “If you can analyse a football match properly, you can analyse a business decision. It’s all logic, patience, and structure,” he explained.

    Looking ahead, Olamiji revealed plans to launch a mobile app, integrate machine learning tools, and forge partnerships with African sports data firms to further enhance the platform’s capabilities.

     “Africa has the passion. Now, we need to match that passion with precision. That’s the future we’re building. I just want to prove that if you stay consistent, your idea can grow. CRSPredictions is still young, but we’re building something Africa will be proud of,” he added.

    Launched in July 2022, CRSPredictions, according to the founder, uses structured data to interpret player and team performance. The platform, he explained, offers deep-dive analyses, player trends, and predictive models designed to make sports debates more informed. “We’re not guessing. We predict based on information. We want users to see the logic and the data behind every result.”

    With a background in Computer and Mathematical Sciences, combined with early lessons from street trading, Olamiji drew inspiration to merge logic with passion through CRSPredictions. By 2024, while serving as an Admin Officer in a Petroleum and Engineering company, he was managing both roles, an experience he said strengthened his organisational mindset.

    “Working in a structured environment helped me understand systems and organisation. It gave me the discipline to build CRSPredictions sustainably, not as a hustle, but as a real business,” he explained.

    Olamiji, who cut his entrepreneurial teeth in Mandilas Market, Lagos, trading in automobiles and fashion, also admonished the youths.

    “You learn that business isn’t about comfort; it’s about creativity and consistency. Every setback taught me to adapt and innovate,” he said, adding that the years he spent on Mandilas Street laid the foundation for his business discipline.

  • What Nigeria need to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

    What Nigeria need to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

    Nigeria’s quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains on a knife edge despite edging past Lesotho 2-1 on Friday — a result that keeps their qualification hopes alive but far from certain as the decisive Group C fixtures loom.

    The Super Eagles were tested by a resilient Lesotho side, with captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams scoring to secure three crucial points.

    However, the result made little impact on Nigeria’s position in the standings. They remain third in the group — one point behind South Africa and three adrift of leaders Benin Republic — making Tuesday’s clash against the Cheetahs a must-win encounter.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: African teams with 20 points, above in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

    What Nigeria need to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

    1. Beat Benin Republic by at least two goals

    The Super Eagles must deliver a commanding performance when they face Benin Republic on Tuesday, October 14. Only a victory by two or more goals will give them a realistic chance of finishing top, with goal difference likely to decide the group’s outcome.

    2. If South Africa slip against Rwanda

    Nigeria’s fate does not rest solely in their hands. For Finidi George’s men to seal automatic qualification, South Africa must either draw or lose to Rwanda in their final fixture. A win for the Bafana Bafana would end Nigeria’s chances.

    With only group winners guaranteed a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup and the four best runners-up advancing to the playoffs, every goal and point now carries immense weight.

    Friday’s hard-fought win in Lesotho has reignited belief, but the Super Eagles will need precision, determination, and a bit of luck to return to football’s biggest stage after missing out on Qatar 2022.

  • BREAKING: Super Eagles arrive Uyo

    BREAKING: Super Eagles arrive Uyo

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria arrived safely in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on Sunday morning at about 8:05 a.m.

    Earlier, The Nation had reported that the team made an emergency stop in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday after experiencing a mid-air technical issue following their 2-1 victory over Lesotho.

    According to a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the aircraft was forced to land due to a cracked windscreen, which caused the in-flight scare.

    With their arrival in Uyo, the Super Eagles will immediately shift focus to preparations for their crucial World Cup qualifying clash against Benin Republic on Tuesday, as they seek maximum points to boost their qualification hopes for next year’s tournament.

  • Benin arrive Uyo for big showdown

    Benin arrive Uyo for big showdown

    The delegations of Nigeria and Benin Republic are scheduled to arrive in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on Saturday afternoon, ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Series Matchday 10 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles earned a 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday to put themselves firmly in contention for the lone automatic ticket from Group C, while table-topping Benin Republic scored late against Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali to pick up the maximum points and maintain their three-point lead on their West African neighbours.

    Read Also: Poor  Super  Eagles’ outing in Bloemfontein: Envoy slams NFF

    Three-time African champions Nigeria fly from the South African city of Polokwane to Uyo aboard a chartered ValueJet Airline airplane, just as the Cheetahs’ delegation will arrive about the same time at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport.

  • ‘Fame, money swelling Nwabali’s head’

    ‘Fame, money swelling Nwabali’s head’

    A member of the Super Eagles backroom crew says fame and money is swelling the ego of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

    Following the Chippa United player poor display against Lesotho on Friday, the shot stopper has posted some rather disturbing performances and attitude that have now caused calls that he gets a more worthy direct competitor.

    “It’s very much like the fame and the little money have got to the head of the boy,” a team official told SCORENigeria

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

    “He started out as part of the team, but these days you only see him all on his own, he thinks he has arrived.”

    The stats showed that he only kept two clean sheets against Rwanda in the seven 2026 World Cup qualifiers he has played with his erratic behaviour in the home game against Rwanda in Uyo last month proving he may well not be reliable after all.

  • Nigerian officials warn Chelle over Osimhen

    Nigerian officials warn Chelle over Osimhen

    SCORENigeria can exclusively report that top officials have been left hot and furious with Super Eagles coach Eric for substituting striker Victor Osimhen in Friday’s crucial 2026 World Cup clash against Lesotho.

    Osimhen was replaced in the 89th minute by defender Semi Ajayi as Eric Chelle tried to lock out Lesotho from drawing level with the game precariously hanging at 2-1 in favour of Nigeria.

    They have therefore warned the coach that as long as the Galatasaray star striker is not injured, he should not be substituted because his removal literally dropped the energy level of the team

    “The top shots did not take kindly to Victor (Osimhen) being replaced in the match (vs Lesotho) and they even confronted the coach on this,” a source, who was present at the game in Polokwane informed only SCORENigeria

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

    “They have since ordered that as long as he is fit, he should be kept on the pitch because his mere presence not only scares opponents but galvanises his fellow teammates.”

    The source added: “You could see how he was pushing the team from the bench when he was changed and even after the match you could see how he was addressing the squad in the huddle on the pitch with so much passion.”

    Interestingly, it was the same top officials who had begged the then injured Osimhen to fly out with rest of the Eagles for last month’s crunch clash against South Africa in Bloemfontein.

  • Aircraft’s cracked wind screen delays Super Eagles arrival in Uyo

    Aircraft’s cracked wind screen delays Super Eagles arrival in Uyo

    The Nigeria Football Federation has stated that a cracked windscreen of the chartered ValueJet Airline aircraft that was conveying the Super Eagles’ delegation from Polokwane in South Africa to Uyo, for Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic, has delayed the arrival of the players and officials in the Akwa Ibom State capital.

    The same aircraft had flown some members of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in the South African city on Friday morning.

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

    However, after a routine refueling stop in Luanda, Angola (where the plane also stopped to refuel on Thursday night, and where the same plane had stopped to refuel to and from Bloemfontein in South Africa for the Matchday 8 encounter between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana last month), the aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air after take-off, and the pilot did well to guide the airplane safely back to the airport in Luanda.

    ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government of Nigeria authorities including the Hon. Minister of Aviation, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff to Mr. President are working assiduously to get the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick the delegation in Luanda and fly them to Uyo.

  • Chelle: Super Eagles set for battle against Benin

    Chelle: Super Eagles set for battle against Benin

    Eric Chelle insists Super Eagles are  battle ready for Benin for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin on Tuesday in Uyo.

    In his post-match comments, Chelle dismissed concerns over the absence of the reigning African Player of the Year, Adewmola Lookman stating that the Super Eagles remain focused and confident heading into the encounter.

    The Malian tactician maintained that the team has enough depth to compete effectively despite the setback.

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

    Chelle, who has consistently praised Lookman’s quality and influence, noted that while the forward’s suspension is unfortunate, the squad possesses the character and determination to secure victory.

    He stressed that the focus now lies on making the most of the players available and ensuring a strong performance against Benin.

    He emphasised that every player must be mentally prepared to contribute, whether as a starter or substitute.

    Chelle underlined the importance of maintaining focus and converting chances in the decisive match, reiterating his belief that Nigeria must take full control of their qualification destiny.

    Despite the win over Lesotho, Nigeria remain third in Group C behind leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa.

  • Benin Captain: We are ready to upset Super Eagles in Uyo

    Benin Captain: We are ready to upset Super Eagles in Uyo

    Benin Republic captain, Steve Mounie has expressed his team’s determination to secure a positive result against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

    The match, scheduled for next week at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, is crucial for both teams, with Benin needing to avoid defeat to maintain their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

    “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,” Mounie emphasized.

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

    Benin Republic currently tops Group C with 17 points from nine matches, while Nigeria sits in third place with 14 points.

    The Cheetahs’ confidence has been boosted by their 2-1 victory over the Super Eagles in June, and Mounie believes his team can replicate that success.

    “I remember in June, I gave them the example of my former club. When I was with Stade Brest, we were able to stand up to big teams in the French championship. I told them that we could do the same against Nigeria,” he said.

  • African Stars Light Up Tunis for 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships

    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.”

    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 fueling their ambitions, Tunisia’s rising stars are ready to take on Africa’s best and prove they belong on the big stage.

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

    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.