The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • EPL: Spurs defender Romero sent off as Man Utd extend winning run

    EPL: Spurs defender Romero sent off as Man Utd extend winning run

    Tottenham skipper Cristian Romero was accused of letting his team-mates down as his first-half red card helped condemn his side to defeat as Manchester United extended their winning run under Michael Carrick.

    Bryan Mbeumo put United in front after 38 minutes at Old Trafford when he applied a brilliant finish to a superb corner routine involving Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.

    Fernandes wrapped up the win late on as he turned home Diogo Dalot’s inswinging cross.

    But the main focus was on Romero. So critical of Tottenham’s board in midweek, the Argentine gave referee Michael Oliver no option other than to brandish a red card with a tackle that caught Casemiro just above the ankle and left the Brazilian screaming in pain.

    It was Romero’s second red card of the season, which means he will miss four games, including the north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February.

    BBC Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy said Romero had “let his team-mates down”.

    The result means Tottenham have now gone seven Premier League games without a win, a run that has yielded just four points and leaves them 14th and too close to the relegation places for comfort.

    Although they were not at their best, United at least avoided the same embarrassment they suffered against an Everton side reduced to 10 men even earlier in the game in November, when David Moyes’ side claimed victory.

    The result led to more chants backing interim manager Carrick as United consolidated their position in the top four.

  • Arteta upbeat on Arsenal’s title push ahead of Sunderland battle

    Arteta upbeat on Arsenal’s title push ahead of Sunderland battle

    Arsenal have been plotting their Premier League title charge since before pre-season began, manager Mikel Arteta said as they prepare for a potentially pivotal clash against Sunderland that could extend their lead to nine points.

    After three straight runners-up finishes, Arteta said he believed before the season began that Arsenal could end their title drought, with the London side now six points clear of Manchester City.

    Chasing their first league title since 2003-04, Arteta said the squad had stayed united and blocked out the noise surrounding the pressure of the title race, taking things day by day.

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    “Before pre-season started, we started to prepare everything with the intention to be where we are and make sure the players are convinced we’re going to achieve it,” Arteta told reporters.

    “Then go day by day, that’s it… I don’t like comparing (to his previous squads). It’s an amazing group and they’re doing an incredible job so far.

    “We are very excited and privileged to have each other. We are going to enjoy it until the last day of the season.”

    But first, Arsenal must navigate what Arteta expects to be a stern test against a Sunderland side that sit eighth in the standings after gaining promotion to the top flight last season.

  • Carrick relishing Frank reunion as Man United host Spurs

    Carrick relishing Frank reunion as Man United host Spurs

    Michael Carrick will go head to head with Thomas Frank just months after interviewing the Tottenham manager for television as Manchester United seek a fourth successive Premier League win  today.

    Former Spurs, United and England midfielder Carrick has enjoyed a perfect start to life as interim United boss – beating Manchester City, Premier League leaders Arsenal and Fulham.

    Next in line for United are Spurs, 14th  in the table after a miserable Premier League season so far.

    Carrick, who replaced the sacked Ruben Amorim last month, interviewed Frank ahead of the Dane’s first Champions League game in charge of Tottenham.

    ”(Life) certainly can change,” said Carrick as he reflected on the Amazon Prime interview in September. “I really enjoyed it, actually.

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     “We got on really well. It’s the first time I’ve met him properly and we had a good chat just about general kind of football things… I enjoyed it, so it will be good to see him again.”

    Former Brentford boss Frank remains under intense pressure in his first season at Spurs despite their impressive Champions League campaign and a recent uptick in results.

    Last week’s 2-2 draw at home to City extended their unbeaten run to four matches.

     “They certainly bring a challenge,” Carrick said. “I think you can see especially the way they finished the game the other day.”

  • Benzema lauds Al Hilal fans after debut hat trick

    Benzema lauds Al Hilal fans after debut hat trick

    Karim Benzema thanked Al Hilal fans after scoring a hat trick on his debut for the Saudi Pro League club. The French forward signed for the Saudi Pro League leaders from rivals Al Ittihad on Monday and made an immediate impact.

    Benzema received the man of the match award after scoring three goals and adding an assist in Thursday’s 6-0 league win at Al Okhdood.

    “I’m happy,” Benzema said after the game. “I’m happy because I played well, we played well, we kept a clean sheet and we scored. “Thank you to all the fans. We need them every game.

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    “Everybody is good to me. They give me everything so, when I’m on the pitch, I give everything to them.”

    Benzema arrived in Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023 after 14 trophy-laden years. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner was instrumental in Al Ittihad winning the league crown and the King’s Cup last season. However, Benzema, 38, decided to make the switch to Al Hilal in January as according to sources, he felt disrespected by the contract extension Al Ittihad had offered him to remain at the club beyond June.

  • Rodrygo to miss Madrid trip to Valencia

    Rodrygo to miss Madrid trip to Valencia

    Real Madrid could be without a third of their attacking stars to face Valencia at Mestalla on Sunday night, as they look to keep the pressure on Barcelona at the top of the table. Despite some positive news in terms of their defensive options, Alvaro Arbeloa’s attacking options are looking much thinner at this point.

    Los Blancos will be without Jude Bellingham, who is now a week into his recovery from a minor hamstring tear, and Vinicius Junior is also missing. The Brazilian picked up his fifth yellow card in La Liga for dissent last week, and is suspended against Valencia.

    According to Diario AS, Rodrygo Goes could be added to Real Madrid’s injury list against Valencia.

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    He did not train on Friday due to muscle discomfort, and is now a doubt for the clash. He was due to play in Vinicius’ place, but if he misses the Valencia game, will miss three of Los Blancos’ next four matches, following his suspension in the Champions League.

    The positive for Arbeloa is that he will have more options in the backline. After starting Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde at full-back last weekend, Marca say Ferland Mendy and Trent Alexander-Arnold are both set to be back in the squad for the game. The Frenchman has not played for the past month since featuring in their first game of 2026, while Alexander-Arnold has been missing for the past two months.

    There is less certainty over the presence of Antonio Rudiger, whose fitness in training on Saturday will dictate whether he is available. David Alaba is also a doubt for the match, after missing training on Friday with the cold.



  • Simeone: Lookman is different, better than Griezmann

    Simeone: Lookman is different, better than Griezmann

    Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone has hailed the “different” qualities of Ademola Lookman after the Nigerian international marked his Atlético Madrid debut with a stunning strike.

    The former Atalanta star joined the Spanish giants in the final days of the January window and wasted no time making an impact during a 5-0 rout of Real Betis. Simeone believes the attacker offers a unique threat to his squad.

    Atlético Madrid had the likes of Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann in attack before adding Ademola Lookman.

    Lookman showed off his talent by scoring a goal and helping set up another as Atlético beat Real Betis 5-0, securing a place in the semifinals.

    The Super Eagles player was always a threat during the game, displaying quickness, skill, and composure when playing near the opponent’s goal.

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    After the game, Simeone spoke about Lookman’s strengths, saying that his skill in one-on-one situations adds a special touch to Atlético’s attacking play.

    Diego Simeone told Europa Press, “His traits show clearly. He’s a type of player unlike any of the others on the team. He is better at handling one-on-one situations than working in team plays, even though he can do that too.”

     “That lets us use him in various positions,” he added. “We’re learning about each other step by step, and today he really positively helped the team.

    “The team sensed it, and I believe he was feeling good as well. Hopefully, we can help him become an even better player, and he can help us grow as a team,” Simeone concluded.

    Meanwhile, Lookman has set a new record after scoring his first goal on his debut for the club.

    According to OptaJose, Lookman became the first Atletico Madrid player to debut as a starter against a LaLiga opponent with a goal and an assist in any competition since the 2013/14 season.

  • Nwabali: I have no club to go to

    Nwabali: I have no club to go to

    Super Eagles No 1 goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has insisted he does not have a new club yet after he mutually terminated his contract with South African club Chippa United.

    “To be honest with you, I don’t have a club or a contract in front,” he told SABC Metrofm

    “It’s an agreement that both parties will feel like [at peace], we wish each other well, and I can look forward in my career.

    “I’ve been at this club for four years, it’s really nice working here, but we all really need to move forward as players or as a manager.

    “Football deals with happiness; my happiness comes first.”

    Nwabali has lost his place as Chippa United No 1 goalkeeper to Dumisani Msibi on return from the 2025 AFCON.

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    Msibi has posted four clean sheets in as many league matches.

    However, the Super Eagles shot stopper said that is not what forced him out of the club with six months left on his contract.

    “No, it’s not like that. Before I went for AFCON, I was injured, let me say, from the [Orlando] Pirates game, and I was trying to fix myself for coming back strong for the team and also go to AFCON,” he explained.

    “So coming back from AFCON, it’s an understanding between me and the chairman [Siviwe Mpengesi] – you’re coming back from a bigger tournament and have been playing for one month, ok, you really meed to rest for like one or two games.

    “That was before the decision was made, and ever since I arrived at this club, we have been talking like father and son, understanding literally every day.

    “So, as I said, when I talked to him, yes, it was difficult to take that kind of decision, but he feels like it’s probably going to be best for me, which, like I said, I made this decision by myself.”

  • Lookman opens account in Atletico’s Copa rout

    Lookman opens account in Atletico’s Copa rout

    Ademola Lookman kick-started his Atletico Madrid career in spectacular fashion, scoring on his debut during yesterday’s 5-0 thrashing of Real Betis.

    The Copa del Rey quarter-final, held in Seville, saw the Nigerian international immediately repay the club’s faith. Signed just this past Monday from Atalanta in a €40 million deal, Lookman justified the investment in his very first outing. He netted Atletico’s third goal as the visitors raced to a dominant 3-0 first-half lead against their La Liga rivals.

    David Hancko opened the scoring for Atletico, heading home in the 12th  minute. Continuing their total dominance, the Rojiblancos doubled their lead at the half-hour mark when Giuliano Simeone rifled a right-footed shot into the net.

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    Lookman, who remained in the thick of the action throughout, found his moment in the 37th  minute. He powered home a right-footed strike to the delight of the travelling fans, marking his first goal for the club.

    Atletico refused to let up after the break. Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada added further goals in the 62nd  and 83rd  minutes, respectively, to complete the 5-0 scoreline.

    Lookman’s move to Madrid is already being hailed as one of the most significant transfers by an African player in this January window. Notably, the 28-year-old has made history as the first Nigerian to play in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, and now La Liga.

    “I’m coming to another top league, in a top country, with a new language. I’m very excited about it,” Lookman said upon his arrival. “It’s a blessing to be at such a massive club.”

    With a debut goal under his belt, Lookman appears ready to conquer Spanish football.

  • FCC Boss targets national unity through strategic NFF partnership

    FCC Boss targets national unity through strategic NFF partnership

    The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Ayo Omidiran, has underscored the vital role of institutional partnerships in fostering equity and national unity—specifically within the sports sector.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit from Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau yesterday, Hon. Omidiran emphasized that the FCC’s mandate of fairness and transparency extends to all 700+ MDAs, including sports bodies.

    While appreciating the NFF delegation, Hon. Omidiran reaffirmed the Commission’s constitutional mandate over Nigeria’s public sector institutions and stressed the need to uphold federal character principles even within sports administration.

    “The Federal Character Commission supervises and monitors over 700 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies across the country. Institutions connected to sports administration are not exempt from the principles of equity, fairness, and national balance,” she said, in company of Hon. Halima Ahmadu Jabiru, Commissioner representing Nasarawa State.

    “Our collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation will advance our vision of ensuring that opportunities in governance and sports are inclusive, transparent, and representative of Nigeria’s diversity. We will also leverage the unifying power of football to bring Nigerians closer together,” she added.

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    “Strengthening engagement between regulatory institutions and sporting bodies is key to reinforcing accountability, fairness in appointments, and balanced national representation,” said the former Nigeria Women Football League chairman and Omidiran Babes proprietor.

    NFF President Gusau, accompanied by high-ranking officials including First Vice President  Felix Anyansi-Agwu and Secretary General Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, congratulated Omidiran on her appointment. He praised her legacy as a pioneer in women’s football and reaffirmed the NFF’s commitment to working with the FCC to ensure balanced development within Nigerian football structures.

     “We are here to congratulate Hon. Omidiran on her new appointment and to pay a solidarity visit to her as a long-time, high-ranking member of the Nigerian football family,” Gusau said. “The Nigeria Football Federation recognises the critical role of the Federal Character Commission in promoting fairness and national unity. We look forward to strengthening collaboration that supports balanced development within our football structures,” he added.

    The NFF delegation also had in attendance Board Member and NLO chairman Hon. Silas Agara, Director of Competitions Ms. Ruth David, Director of Finance and Administration Mr. Rajan Zaka and other NFF staff.

  • Valencia Coach backs  Sadiq  Umar despite Copa exit

    Valencia Coach backs  Sadiq  Umar despite Copa exit

    Valencia head coach Carlos Corberán has refused to blame Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar for his side’s Copa del Rey exit following a 2–1 home defeat to Athletic Bilbao.

    Valencia were knocked out of the competition after a dramatic encounter at the Mestalla, where Sadiq found himself at the centre of attention, scoring at both ends in a game that proved decisive.

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    Despite the Nigerian forward’s unfortunate own goal, Corberán was quick to defend his player, insisting the incident should not overshadow his overall contribution.

    The Valencia boss noted that own goals are part of football and praised Sadiq’s work rate and commitment, stressing that no player intentionally puts himself in such a situation.

    Corberán’s comments underline the club’s continued support for Sadiq, who has remained a hardworking presence since his arrival, despite the disappointment of the cup exit.