The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Aubameyang’s magic lifts Gabon

    Aubameyang’s magic lifts Gabon

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang produced one of the standout performances of the qualifiers, scoring all four of Gabon’s goals in a thrilling 4–3 victory over The Gambia.

    The former Arsenal striker opened the scoring before Yankuba Minteh equalised.

    Aubameyang restored Gabon’s lead, only for Adama Sidibeh to strike twice — once before the break and once just after — to put The Gambia ahead.

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    But the 34-year-old captain dragged his side back, heading in his hat-trick before sealing the win with a thunderous strike from distance.

    The night ended on a sour note, however, as Aubameyang was sent off for a second yellow card and will now miss Gabon’s decisive final group clash with Burundi.

  • Sudan and Mauritania bow out

    Sudan and Mauritania bow out

    Sudan’s slim hopes of World Cup qualification ended after a frustrating goalless draw with Mauritania in Dar es Salaam.

    James Kwesi Appiah’s men dominated possession but failed to convert their chances, as Saifeldin Malik missed their best opportunity late on.

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

    Mauritania goalkeeper Abderrahmane Sarr was outstanding, keeping out several close-range efforts.

  • Bakambu keeps DR Congo alive

    Bakambu keeps DR Congo alive

    Cedric Bakambu’s early strike ensured DR Congo stayed within two points of Senegal.

    The Real Betis striker smashed home from the edge of the box after Fiston Mayele won possession in midfield and threaded through a clever pass.

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

    Despite Togo dominating the later stages, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Chancel Mbemba held firm in defence.

    To qualify automatically, DR Congo must now beat Sudan and hope Mauritania upset Senegal in Dakar.

  • Senegal one win away from qualification

    Senegal one win away from qualification

    Senegal moved within touching distance of World Cup qualification after an emphatic 5–0 win away to South Sudan in Juba.

    Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring from close range before Sadio Mane capitalised on defensive errors to double the lead immediately after half-time.

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    Sarr then added a third before Nicolas Jackson converted a penalty, and substitute Cherif Ndiaye rounded off the scoring.

    Victory leaves Pape Thiaw’s side needing just one more win, at home to Mauritania on Tuesday, to seal qualification.

  • Côte d’Ivoire hit seven to stay top

    Côte d’Ivoire hit seven to stay top

    Côte d’Ivoire remain one point clear at the top after a clinical demolition of Seychelles.

    The AFCON 2023 champions were four up by half-time through goals from Ibrahim Sangare, Emmanuel Agbadou, Oumar Diakite, and Evann Guessand.

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

    Second-half strikes from Yan Diomande, Simon Adingra, and Franck Kessie completed the rout.

    Victory means Emerse Fae’s men need only to beat Kenya on Tuesday to confirm their World Cup spot.

  • Lookman out of Nigeria/Benin clash

    Lookman out of Nigeria/Benin clash

    The reigning African Player of the Year and Atalanta winger, Ademola Lookman, will be unavailable for Nigeria’s final World Cup qualifying match against the Benin Republic on Tuesday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

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

    The Nigerian star received his second consecutive yellow card during their 2-1 victory against Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday. Lookman was earlier booked on September 9 in a 1-1 draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein, and his second yellow card on Friday means he is automatically suspended for the crucial match against Benin.

  • NPFL: Regional rivalries take centre stage on Matchday 8

    NPFL: Regional rivalries take centre stage on Matchday 8

    The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) enters Matchday 8 with rivalries reignited across the regions. From the South-South to the South East, fans are set for an action-packed weekend featuring two regional derbies and a symbolic “battle of the warriors” writes TUNDE LIADI

     Regional derbies and the battle of the warriors headline a pivotal weekend of NPFL Action. It’s another thrilling weekend of top-flight football as regional bragging rights and warrior pride dominate the narrative.

    In Port Harcourt, Rivers United seek to avenge last season’s shock home defeat to Bayelsa United at the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium. The Pride of Rivers, chasing league leaders Nasarawa United, know only a win will suffice to stay in contention. Bayelsa United, however, will need more than determination to repeat their 2024 heroics after struggling in recent weeks.

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    In Owerri, Kun Khalifat FC welcome Enyimba in what promises to be a heated Oriental Derby. Kun Khalifat, bottom of the log with just five points, are desperate for redemption after a string of uninspiring home results. Enyimba, unbeaten and second on the table with 13 points, have been clinical but face their first real away test against a side with nothing to lose and everything to prove.

    Over in Umuahia, two teams with “Warriors” in their names will go head-to-head — Abia Warriors versus El Kanemi Warriors. Abia Warriors, fresh from a 2-0 defeat to Rangers, need an immediate response to stay relevant in mid-table battles, while El Kanemi will fancy their chances of stealing vital away points.

    Elsewhere, champions Remo Stars travel to Katsina hoping to steady their campaign after mixed results, while Nasarawa United aim to cement their top spot in Lafia against a resurgent Rangers side.

    Kano Pillars, Plateau United, Wikki Tourists, and Warri Wolves all have statement games to play as the season gathers momentum in their ties against Shooting Stars, Barau and Kwara United.

  • UPDATED: Super Eagles beat Lesotho 2-1, keep World Cup hopes alive

    UPDATED: Super Eagles beat Lesotho 2-1, keep World Cup hopes alive

    The Super Eagles got the job done against Lesotho winning 2-1 to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive.

    The Super Eagles started the game dominantly, keeping possession and mounting pressure on the Lesotho defense, however it didn’t yield any positive results as both teams went down the tunnel goalless.

    Eric Chelles’ men continued their pressure at the resumption of the second half, and got their deserved opportunity after the referee pointed to the spot in the 55th minute, which captain Troost Ekong made no mistake from, giving the Super Eagles an early advantage.

    Debutant Akor Adams ensured the three points was safe for Nigeria in the 80th minute after guiding the ball into the bottom right corner.

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    The other group match-up saw South Africa draw against Zimbabwe while Benin secured 3points against Rwanda.

    The results see Nigeria remain 3rd with 14 points and will only qualify should they defeat Benin and South Africa lose to Rwanda.

    Nigeria will need to beat Benin Republic by three or more goals to seal their 2026 World Cup slot.

  • BREAKING: Super Eagles keep World Cup dream alive with victory over Lesotho

    BREAKING: Super Eagles keep World Cup dream alive with victory over Lesotho

    The Super Eagles on Friday defeated Lesotho 2 -1 in the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

    The Super Eagles took the lead from the penalty spot with Captain Troost-Ekong scoring. 

    Akor Adams doubled the lead with his debut goal. 

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    Lesotho equalised into the dying minutes of the game with Kalake’s goal in the 83rd minutes. 

    With this win, the Super Eagles still have a fighting chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

    South Africa drew against Zimbabwe meaning that Nigeria can still finish either first or second in Group C.

    Benin’s victory over Rwanda means the Super Eagles must beat Benin in the final group game to have a chance of qualifying.

  • Things to know ahead of Super Eagles WCQ clash against Lesotho

    Things to know ahead of Super Eagles WCQ clash against Lesotho

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Crocodiles of Lesotho today (Friday, October 10, 2025) in their penultimate Group C fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers.

    Nigeria currently occupies third place in the group with 11 points from eight matches — three points behind joint leaders Benin Republic and South Africa.

    Their qualification hopes were revived after FIFA deducted three points and three goals from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their March 2025 clash against Lesotho.

    Nigeria Vs Lesotho so far

    The Super Eagles’ qualification campaign has been a tale of adjustments and determination, with three different coaches — Jose Peseiro, Finidi George, and Eric Chelle — guiding the team at various stages in a bid to avoid a repeat of the 2022 World Cup miss.

    Nigeria has been tough to beat, losing only once — the fewest defeats in Group C — but their struggle to turn draws into wins has been costly. The team has recorded five draws and just two victories so far.

    Lesotho has shown a similar form, winning two matches against South Africa and Zimbabwe, while drawing three times. The Crocodiles have picked up nine points from eight games.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    Head-to-head history

    In the past six years, Nigeria and Lesotho have met three times. Their most recent encounter came earlier in this qualifying series in Uyo, with Jose Peseiro still in charge of the Super Eagles. The match ended 1-1, as Motlomelo Mkwanazi and Semi Ajayi both found the net.

    The two sides had previously met in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in 2019 and 2021, with Nigeria winning both games — 4-2 in Maseru and 3-0 in Lagos.

    Notable absences

    Nigeria will be without several key players due to injury. Ola Aina is sidelined with a hamstring problem, Felix Agu is recovering from a syndesmosis ligament injury, Bright Osayi-Samuel is out with a foot injury, Cyriel Dessers is nursing an ankle issue, and Fisayo Ayodele-Bashiru remains unavailable with a femoral bicep lesion.

    Lesotho: None

    Match Detais: Nigeria vs Lesotho

    Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier (Africa)

    Venue: New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa

    Date: Friday, October 10, 2025

    Kick-off: 5:00 PM (Nigeria time)

    The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport Football, with live commentary and updates available on SportingLife and the Super Eagles’ official X (Twitter) handles.

    Possible line-up

    Nigeria (4-4-2): Stanley Nwabali; Benjamin Fredrick, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman; Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen.

    Lesotho (4-3-3): Sekhoane Moerane; Thabang Malane, Thabo Makhele, Siyabonga Monyaka, Fusi Matlabe; Lehlohonolo Matsau, Tsepo Toloane, Tshwarelo Bereng; Jane Thabantso, Katleho Makateng, Sera Motebang.

    Prediction:

    Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria