The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • W’Cup 2026: Blatter suggests fans should not travel to USA

    W’Cup 2026: Blatter suggests fans should not travel to USA

    Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter  suggested he supports fans boycotting World Cup matches in the United States this year due to security concerns.

    Blatter gave his support to comments from anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who worked with FIFA on potential reforms when Blatter was boss, saying fans should stay away from the USA for the tournament.

    “I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup,” Blatter said on social media.

    Pieth cited the killing of protester Renee Good by an American immigration agent in Minneapolis earlier in January as one reason for supporters not to travel to the USA, with Blatter’s endorsement of his comments coming in the wake of the death of a second US citizen, Alex Pretti, last weekend.

    The World Cup is due to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11-July 19.

    “What we are seeing domestically -– the marginalisation of political opponents, abuses by immigration services, etc. — hardly encourages fans to go there,” Pieth said in an interview with Swiss daily Tages-Anzeiger last week.”For fans, just one piece of advice: avoid the United States! You’ll get a better view on television anyway.

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    “Upon arrival, fans should expect that if they don’t behave properly with the authorities, they will be immediately sent home. If they’re lucky…”

    Blatter stepped down as FIFA president in 2015 amid several scandals and was replaced by current boss Gianni Infantino.

    Blatter and former UEFA chief Michel Platini were last year acquitted definitively on charges stemming from a delayed payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.5 million) FIFA made to Platini in 2011 for consultancy services.

    Former France star Platini said earlier this month that Infantino, who has forged a close relationship with US President Donald Trump, has “become more of an autocrat” and “he likes the rich and powerful”.

  • Fan warning as Australian Open braces for 45C heat wave

    Fan warning as Australian Open braces for 45C heat wave

    Australian Open organisers urged fans to drink plenty of water and stay in the shade as the tournament braces for a freak heat wave today  with temperatures set to soar as high as 45C.

    The extreme weather has forced the Grand Slam wheelchair championships to be postponed for 24 hours with doubles and juniors action on outside courts also likely to be impacted.

    The tournament has a Heat Stress Scale of 1-5, with five the highest.

    When it hits the maximum, play on outside courts is suspended.

    Top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka spearhead the action in four singles quarter-finals, but they will be on Rod Laver Arena, which has a roof that can be closed.

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     “We encourage everyone to prepare for a warm day,” organisers said. “The health and safety of everyone on-site is the priority.”

    Special conditions will be in place for tournament staff, including ball kids, who will have reduced rotations and increased recovery times.

    Gates to Melbourne Park will open earlier than usual to avoid fans having to queue for hours in the baking sun.

    Extreme heat triggered a suspension of play on Saturday when temperatures hit 40C.

    Extreme fire danger warnings are in place across Victoria state, where Melbourne is located, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting that some inland areas could hit 49C.

  • Bayern confirm talks to extend Kane’s contract

    Bayern confirm talks to extend Kane’s contract

    Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has confirmed the club are in talks to extend Harry Kane’s deal at the club.

    The 32-year-old England forward, who joined Bayern in 2023, has a deal until 2027.

     “We’re talking to Harry, we’re talking,” Eberl said at a Bundesliga event in Frankfurt.

     “Everyone knows at some point a decision has to be made,” he added.

    Club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said on Monday: “Harry has great confidence in us and he feels comfortable in Munich.

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    “He and his family are settled in. Therefore we’ve got absolutely no reason to rush.”

    Long without a team trophy, Kane broke his drought in 2025 when Bayern won the Bundesliga.

    This campaign, Bayern are eight points clear in the league and sit second in the 36-team Champions League table.

    Speaking in October, Kane said he could “definitely imagine” extending his stay in Germany.

    Kane has scored 119 goals in 126 games for Bayern, while adding 30 assists.

    This campaign, Kane has 34 goals in 30 games. With 21 goals in 19 Bundesliga matches, Kane is on track to break the single season league record of 41 goals set by Robert Lewandowski in 2020-21.

  • Calgary Football Academy’s rising star impresses at Galadima scouting championship

    Calgary Football Academy’s rising star impresses at Galadima scouting championship

    Joseph Ogheneghenega Abel, the exciting young forward of Calgary Football Academy continued his impressive rise in Nigerian youth football following standout performances at the recently concluded scouting championship organized by Galadima Football Club in Abuja.

    Abel was Calgary Football Academy’s most influential player last season, finishing as the team’s top performer with an outstanding return of 15 goals and 8 assists in 20 appearances. His consistency, attacking intelligence, and ability to decide games made him a key figure throughout the campaign.

    He carried that fine form into the Galadima Scouting Championship, a platform that brought together some of the most promising young talents in Abuja and its environs. 

    Once again selected for his quality and impact, Abel rose to the occasion, scoring a couple of goals and leaving a strong impression on scouts and coaches in attendance.

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    Speaking on the player’s continued development, Calgary Football Academy proprietor, Jeremiah Ogaga, praised Abel’s progress and mindset:

    “Joseph has shown remarkable growth both technically and mentally. His performances last season and again at the Galadima Scouting Championship reflect his hunger to succeed. We are confident that with the right guidance and exposure, he has what it takes to represent Nigeria at the highest youth level and beyond.”

    Abel’s performances have also attracted attention beyond club football, with the player already on the radar of the National U-17 team selectors, who are closely monitoring his development ahead of future national engagements.

    As Calgary Football Academy continues its commitment to talent development, Joseph Ogheneghenega Abel stands out as one of the academy’s brightest achievement, a player whose journey is only just beginning and whose future promises even greater achievements.

  • FULL LIST: Five African countries with most CAF accredited stadiums

    FULL LIST: Five African countries with most CAF accredited stadiums

    African football infrastructure continues to gain global attention as more countries invest heavily in modern stadiums that meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards. CAF-approved stadiums are critical for hosting continental competitions such as the CAF Champions League, Confederation Cup, Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and other international fixtures, serving as a benchmark for safety, pitch quality, media facilities, and spectator comfort.

    In recent years, the race to upgrade sporting infrastructure has intensified across the continent, driven by the desire to host major tournaments and improve domestic football experiences. A review of CAF-approved stadiums across Africa shows a clear group of countries leading the way in meeting these standards.

    Morocco (12 CAF-approved stadiums)

    Morocco tops the list with an impressive 12 CAF-approved stadiums, underlining the country’s long-term commitment to football development and infrastructure excellence. The North African nation has invested heavily in modernizing existing facilities and constructing new stadiums capable of hosting high-profile continental and international matches. Morocco’s dominance in this category has played a major role in its frequent hosting of CAF competitions and its successful bid to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

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    South Africa (10 CAF-approved stadiums)

    South Africa ranks second with 10 CAF-approved stadiums, many of which were built or extensively renovated ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The country boasts world-class facilities spread across major cities, providing a strong backbone for domestic leagues and continental competitions. South Africa’s infrastructure continues to position it as a reliable host for major football events in Africa.

    Algeria (7 CAF-approved stadiums)

    Algeria occupies third place with seven CAF-approved stadiums, reflecting recent investments in sports infrastructure. The country has upgraded several facilities to international standards, supporting both club and national team competitions. Algeria’s steady rise in approved venues has enhanced its capacity to host CAF tournaments and international fixtures.

    Côte d’Ivoire (6 CAF-approved stadiums)

    Côte d’Ivoire follows closely with six CAF-approved stadiums, a significant achievement boosted by preparations for hosting the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Extensive renovations and new constructions ensured that stadiums across the country met CAF requirements, leaving a lasting legacy for Ivorian football and future continental engagements.

    Egypt (5 CAF-approved stadiums)

    Egypt rounds out the top five with five CAF-approved stadiums, reinforcing its status as one of Africa’s traditional football powerhouses. With a rich history of hosting major tournaments, Egypt’s stadiums continue to meet CAF standards, supporting its clubs’ regular participation in continental competitions and its national team’s international commitments.

    Overall, the distribution of CAF-approved stadiums highlights the growing importance of infrastructure in shaping African football’s future. Countries at the top of the list have shown that sustained investment in facilities not only enhances their ability to host major tournaments but also strengthens domestic leagues and player development. 

  • Super–sub Awoniyi ends goal drought in crucial  Forest’s win

    Super–sub Awoniyi ends goal drought in crucial  Forest’s win

    Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi marked his return to the score sheet as Nottingham Forest claimed a vital 2–0 away victory over Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium, boosting their hopes of Premier League survival.

    Awoniyi, introduced in the 68th  minute, wasted no time making his presence felt. Eleven minutes after coming on, the Nigerian forward capped a swift counterattack with a composed finish to seal the win and snap Brentford’s seven-game unbeaten home run.

    Forest had taken an early lead through Igor Jesus, who struck in the 12th  minute after Ola Aina’s clipped cross deflected kindly into his path. The Brazilian controlled expertly before rifling a right-footed volley into the far corner.

    With Forest pushing for a second goal in the latter stages, Awoniyi replaced Jesus and delivered the decisive moment, powering into the box before calmly beating Caoimhin Kelleher.

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    Despite the win, Forest remain 17th  on the table with 25 points, though now five points clear of the relegation zone. Brentford stay eighth on 33 points after missing the chance to move into the top five.

    The goal was Awoniyi’s first of the season and his first since February 11, 2025, ending a long scoring drought.

    It was a superb run and finish, and wonderful moment for the Nigeria forward, who underwent emergency surgery and was placed in an induced coma following a serious abdominal injury in May when he collided with the post in a league draw with Leicester City.

    After a disappointing night for Forest in the Europa League on Thursday, with defeat at Braga meaning they require a play-off to reach the knockout phase, victory in London – and a third game unbeaten – provided some much-needed relief.

    Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest will host Hungarian club Ferencvaros in the Europa League on Thursday, 29 January, with their next league outing against Crystal Palace at the City Ground on Sunday, 1 February.

  • ITTF World Table Tennis Championships: Nigeria, Egypt, others know fate as draws hold today  

    ITTF World Table Tennis Championships: Nigeria, Egypt, others know fate as draws hold today  

    African table tennis giants Nigeria and Egypt are set to spearhead the continent’s campaign at the 2026 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships, which will unfold in London from April 28 to May 10.

    The official draws will take place at The Shard, London’s tallest building, today , January 26, setting the stage for a historic tournament.

    In the men’s category, 12 African teams will line up among the 64 nations competing for global supremacy. The women’s category will see 11 African teams join the 64-nation field, a milestone that coincides with the centenary anniversary of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).

    Of the 64 teams per gender, 52 qualified through continental championships, 11 earned their places via the world rankings of November 2025, while host nation England completes the roll call.

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    Beyond Nigeria and Egypt, Africa’s representation in the men’s division includes Benin, Tunisia, Algeria, Togo, Madagascar, Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Angola. In the women’s division, the continent will be represented by Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Madagascar, Algeria, Tunisia, Uganda, South Africa, Angola, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo DR.

    A century after the inaugural ITTF World Table Tennis Championships were staged in England in 1926, the sport now returns to its birthplace for a landmark centenary celebration.

    The 2026 edition promises intensity and spectacle, with 64 men’s and 64 women’s teams competing across 13 days at two iconic London venues. The format will unfold in three stages as Stage 1B features group stages determining qualification pathways, followed by Stage 1A seeding matches for the top-ranked teams, before Stage 2 delivers knockout rounds showcasing the world’s finest teams in pursuit of global supremacy.

    The ITTF World Championships remain the pinnacle of table tennis—a stage where legends are forged, and history is written. The countdown has begun, the teams are assembling, and the world awaits as London 2026 prepares to host a celebration of sport unlike any other.

  • Chukwueze credits Silva for Fulham’s comeback win

    Chukwueze credits Silva for Fulham’s comeback win

    Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has revealed that a few simple words from Fulham manager Marco Silva sparked his match-winning impact in Fulham’s dramatic 2–1 comeback victory over Brighton at Craven Cottage.

    Fresh from international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, Chukwueze was introduced in the 59th minute with Fulham trailing to Yasin Ayari’s first-half opener.

    The substitution transformed the contest. Chukwueze’s pace and directness unsettled Brighton, and he drew Fulham level in the 72nd minute with a calm finish after a perfectly weighted pass from Joachim Andersen.

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    Harry Wilson completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time, firing home the winner to send the home fans into raptures.

    After the match, Chukwueze credited Silva’s encouragement for his performance.

     “The manager told me to do what I can do best,” he said. “Everything worked out today.”

    The Nigerian also praised Andersen for the assist and hailed Wilson’s form, describing the Welshman as “in the form of his life.”

    Chukwueze has now recorded seven goal contributions—three goals and four assists—in 10 Premier League appearances since joining Fulham on loan from AC Milan.

  • Niger Delta Games can produce future Olympians, says Ebie  

    Niger Delta Games can produce future Olympians, says Ebie  

    Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has spoken of a future where talents discovered at the Niger Delta Games would be representing the country at international sporting events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and the All Africa Games.

    Ebie made a brief stop organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited for key persons involved in the organisation of the 2nd  Niger Delta Games and endorsed the idea of holding sessions to review and project forward plans for a successful Games.

    “The Board of the NDDC, we want to make the Games our legacy project, such that there will come a time in the future when we can have athletes from the Niger Delta Games representing Nigeria at international events such as the Olympics”, Ebie told the audience comprising of some members of the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee.

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    Commending the leadership of Dunamis-Icon Limited, Ebie, who is a former Secretary to the Delta State Government, noted :”When you want to institutionalise an event such as the Games, you have to hold such reviews to ensure that gaps are closed.”.

    In his welcome address to the NDDC Chairman, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, KSM, the Managing Consultant at Dunamis-Icon explained that the retreat was the second to be organised to review the past Games in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and correct mistakes and improve on the performance.

    “We are working to connect the dots, ask ourselves hard questions and see how we will organise a richer Games”, Ikpokpo said.

    Also present at the event was the Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Hon Desmond Amadin Enabulele, who reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting the organisers to stage a memorable second edition.

    The 2nd  edition of the games will be held between  February 20 and 27 for the nine states that make up the region.

  • Goals galore as  Nathaniel Idowu U-14 Football League begins

    Goals galore as  Nathaniel Idowu U-14 Football League begins

    Ajegunle came alive over the weekend as the maiden edition of the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation U-14 Football League kicked off spectacularly at the Nathaniel Idowu Pitch, Oregie, Ajegunle-Apapa, Lagos.

    The opening day saw a flurry of goals, with 21 scored across six matches, setting the tone for what promises to be an electrifying competition.

    Organised by the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Sports Council with the support of the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, the tournament is designed to nurture grassroots football and provide a platform for young players to showcase their skills.

    The league will run for 11 weeks, featuring 12 teams from across Lagos State. At the end of the regular fixtures, the top four teams will advance to a round-robin Super 4, where the overall champion will be crowned.

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    Fortune FC recorded the biggest win, thrashing Divinely Blessed FC 5–0; Michael May FC and Ajegunle United settled for a 1–1 draw; Pure Talents FC defeated Coal City FC 2–0; Bright Future FC edged Moree Wins FC 2–1; Strong Dove FC pummelled Best of Best FC 5–1; while Sharp Talent FC beat Young 11 FC 2–0, kick-starting their campaign on a bright note.

    Speaking at the launch, McAnthony Anuforo Anaelechukwu, Director-General of the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Sports Council, expressed confidence that the league would achieve its goal of discovering the next generation of football stars in the mould of Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, Odion Ighalo, and others.

    “Ajegunle is the home of sports and entertainment, and particularly football. We are poised to regain our place of pride as the true home of football through such youth-based grassroots initiatives,” Anaelechukwu declared.

    He further commended the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation for its support, noting: “We are grateful to the Foundation for providing state-of-the-art facilities across Ajegunle. We hope other organisations will take a cue from them by supporting grassroots football development.”

    Matches will be played on weekends, with enticing cash prizes awaiting the winners as champions get ₦500,000; ₦300,000 for runners-up; ₦200,000 for third place; ₦75,000 for fourth place, while ₦50,000 each for fifth and sixth place teams

    In addition to the boys’ competition, a 10-week football training programme for girls in secondary schools, tagged “Let Her Play”, will run from February 7 to April 11 at the New Maracana Stadium. Interested participants are expected to register through their schools.