The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • SWANECO urged to conduct free, fair elections for  Lagos SWAN

    SWANECO urged to conduct free, fair elections for  Lagos SWAN

    Congress decries  intimidation of members

    ‎The Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has inaugurated a new electoral committee (SWANECO) tasked with organizing free and fair elections.

    ‎At the extra-ordinary congress presided over by Aaron Akerejola,  the Interim Chairman appointed by the National SWAN, members nominated and approved the appointment of Patrick Omorodion of Vanguard Newspaper as chairman of the electoral committee. He will be joined by Anulika Menanya of Voice of Nigeria, along with McAnthony Anaelechukwu, Soliu Adeyemo, and Michael Nnabuchi.

    ‎Rising from the congress, the committee was mandated to conduct the upcoming elections strictly in line with the SWAN statute (as amended), to ensure fairness and transparency.

    ‎Speaking during the congress, Akerejola thanked members for showing up on short notice, describing it as a positive sign in the collective effort to rescue the association from individuals who have used it for personal gain. He emphasized the need to reposition SWAN to better serve all members, in line with the vision of its founding fathers.

    ‎“It has been my vision for months to see all parties come together under one umbrella to chart the way forward,” he said. “Our task here is simple. We are to assess the current situation and deliberate on a way forward, in line with the mandate of the National SWAN executive led by Benjamin Isaiah.”

    Read Also: Peterside  calls for credible administrators in NFF

    ‎The congress did not hold back in its criticism of the suspended duo, Olatutu Oladunni, Lagos SWAN Chairman, and Bello Omotunde, Secretary, accusing them of deploying intimidation tactics.

    ‎These include the use of non-state actors (thugs) and some identified members of the Department of State Security (DSS) who told members they were under strict instructions to stop the planned congress convened in line with the SWAN statutes to determine the association’s future with whatever means necessary.

    ‎In a strongly worded resolution, the congress called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Director General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi; the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh; and the Area Commander of Area C Police Command to call their officers to order.

    The congress urged them to focus on national security and critical internal issues, rather than allowing their personnel to be used as tools for intimidating law-abiding citizens.

    ‎Meanwhile, the list of newly inaugurated SWANECO members will be communicated to the National SWAN for final ratification, in accordance with statutory provisions. Upon ratification, the Omorodion-led SWANECO will release the final guidelines for the electoral process.

  • Flamingos to face New Zealand, Paraguay in pre-World Cup friendlies

    Flamingos to face New Zealand, Paraguay in pre-World Cup friendlies

    Nigeria’s Flamingos will slug it out with New Zealand and Paraguay in test games on October 10th  and 14th  barely two days after landing in Casablanca ahead of the FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup I Morocco.

    The Flamingos expectedly departed Abuja in the early hours of today aboard Royal Air Maroc, as they begin the final phase of their preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

    The team is scheduled to arrive in Morocco’s industrial and economic capital, Casablanca where they will settle into camp before heading to Rabat for the tournament proper.

    The team will then move into the official FIFA hotel in Rabat on October 15, where all participating teams will be housed for the competition.

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

    The Flamingos have been drawn in Group D, alongside Canada, France, and Samoa. Nigeria will kick off their campaign against Canada on Sunday, October 19, before facing France three days later — both matches scheduled for 8 pm Nigerian time at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) and Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 1) in the city of Sale.

    Their final group stage encounter will be against Samoa on October 25, with kickoff set for 5 pm. at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 3) still in Sale.

    Head Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side head into the tournament full of confidence, having played 10 tune-up matches, scoring an impressive 44 goals without conceding any. Their dominant form in camp so far, coupled with a well-balanced squad, underscores their determination to go one step further than their quarter-final finish at the last edition in the Dominican Republic.

  • Returnee Mati set for ITTF Africa Championship in Tunis

    Returnee Mati set for ITTF Africa Championship in Tunis

    After nearly three years away from the Nigerian national team, Mati Taiwo is back and his return couldn’t be more symbolic as Nigeria prepares to defend its men’s team title at the 2025 ITTF-African Championships in Tunis, to be held from 12-19 October.

    Mati earned his place on the team through hard work, helped Nigeria to secure a men’s team victory and reached the semi-finals in singles at the 2025 West Africa Regional Championships in Lagos.

    These performances were pivotal to his selection, including the ranking points he garnered at WTT Contender Lagos.

    Now based in France and playing for league side Association tennis de table Le Havre, Mati has been rebuilding his form, helping his club in the French PRO B DIVISION and competing at various WTT events occasionally.

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

     “I feel positive and more confident to be back,” he said. “I’ve been preparing really well for this tournament.”

    Mati joins a familiar cast, including Muizz Adegoke, Kuti Matthew, and Abdulbasit AbdulFatai; teammates with whom he shares a successful spell during his youth-level days.

    The squad will be captained by Olajide Omotayo, stepping up in the absence of Aruna Quadri, whose leadership was instrumental in last year’s men’s team triumph.

     “We’ll miss Aruna. I checked up on him after hearing he withdrew. The confidence whenever he’s on the team and the less pressure we experience because of him. But we’ll still feel the captain’s spirit that we usually get from him. Nevertheless, we’ll always try our best to be positive,” Mati admitted

    Despite the challenge posed by perennial rivals Egypt, Mati believes in the strength and energy of the younger squad.

     “We’re full of energy and can go a long way. I feel we can cause an upset,” echoed Mati

    His optimism is matched by his praise for the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation’s recent investment in youth development, which he calls a “great development.

    ” That investment is now bearing fruit, and he hopes that if the momentum continues, it will birth even more generations of players ready to fly the flag higher on the international stage.

    Taiwo’s return is a reflection of Nigeria’s growing depth in its current squad, boosting younger and developing talents ready to carry on the torch of Nigeria’s legacy in the sport.

  • Heartland declares former manager persona non grata

    Heartland declares former manager persona non grata

    Heartland FC  has distanced itself from its former General Manager, Promise Uchenna Nwachukwu, declaring that he no longer has any link or authority to represent the club in any capacity.

    In a statement signed by the club’s Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, Heartland clarified that Nwachukwu ceased to be part of the club’s management since July 2024. The club noted that recent developments necessitated the disclaimer to prevent the public and football stakeholders from being misled.

     “Mr. Nwachukwu is not authorized to represent Heartland FC in any official or unofficial matters, nor is he permitted to act, speak, or transact on behalf of the club,” the Owerri-based side said in a statement.

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

    Heartland further warned that any individual, organization, or football body — including the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Confederation of African Football (CAF), or FIFA — that deals with Nwachukwu under the impression that he represents the club does so at their own risk.

    The club emphasized that it will not be held liable for any agreements, representations, or commitments made by the former official.

    Amuneke assured that the club remains focused on repositioning Heartland FC for greater professionalism, transparency, and integrity.

  • Team Nigeria’s Para Powerlifting departs for Egypt

    Team Nigeria’s Para Powerlifting departs for Egypt

    Team Nigeria’s para powerlifting contingent  yesterday departed for  the 11th  World Para Powerlifting Championships slated  to hold between October 9th  and 18th  in  Cairo, Egypt.

    The milestone event marks the first-ever World Championships to be hosted on African soil, symbolizing a new era for the sport on the continent.

    The first batch of Team Nigeria athletes left the country yesterday amid cheers and well-wishes from officials, fans, and supporters. The second batch of the contingent is scheduled to leave today, from Lagos, completing the full team that will represent the nation at this landmark competition.

    Read Also: Aiyegbeni, Oshaniwa berate NFF for blaming  Ekong, Dessers for Super Eagles’ woes 

    Speaking ahead of the departure, officials expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and determination to uphold Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a force to be reckoned with, in global para powerlifting.

    The National Sports Commission (NSC) reaffirmed its full support for the athletes, emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and excellence in sports.

  • 60-year-old Okwelogu headlines  2025 World Scrabble Championship in Accra

    60-year-old Okwelogu headlines  2025 World Scrabble Championship in Accra

    Veteran Scrabble player Chinedu Okwelogu, fondly known as Chinedu Thorpe or Sidespin, is brimming with excitement at the prospect of representing Nigeria at the 2025 World English Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC) in Ghana.

    While many of his contemporaries are settling into retirement and grandparenthood, the 60-year-old Okwelogu is defying age barriers and proving that scrabble is a lifelong sport as he prepares to battle it out on the world stage against  some  younger opponents.

    Sidespin is one of the 15 players selected by the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), to represent the country at next month’s  biannual competition holding in Accra, Ghana.

    For Okwelogu, the thrill of competing among the best minds in global scrabble is not just about personal glory—it is a testament to the longevity and employability that the game offers.

    Having first picked up Scrabble tiles in 1973 before a decade-long detour into table tennis, Okwelogu turned professional in 1983.

    His love for the game eventually helped him achieve academic success, earning his O-Levels in 1986 after several unsuccessful attempts.

    His  passion for scrabble also opened professional doors, leading to his employment within the Scrabble community in Kano State.

    Now set to retire from the Federal Civil Service on November 7, Okwelogu remains fully active in the sport as a Tournament Scrabble Consultant, illustrating what he calls the “uncommon reality” of scrabble as a lifelong profession.

    “Scrabble can employ a human being for life in multiple capacities,” he said. “I’m fulfilled just by being an example of that truth.”

    In both Nigerian and international circles, it is not unusual to see players well into their 70s still competing—and winning prize money. Okwelogu takes pride in being part of that enduring tradition.

    Looking ahead to WESPAC 2025, the veteran aims to break into the Top 10, determined to better his previous outing at the 2009 Championship in Malaysia, where he finished around 68th position.

    Before heading to camp with the rest of his teammates, his preparations have been intense, focusing particularly on mastering two- to six-letter words, a key component of elite-level Scrabble success.

    Team Nigeria will be camping in Lagos for about two weeks before leaving for Accra.

    As Okwelogu counts down to Ghana, his journey stands as an inspiring reminder that passion and persistence can indeed make age just another word on the board.

    By virtue of Nigeria’s leading role and state in the World, the country has been given 15 slots for players representation at the global event which runs from the 9th  to 17th  November in Accra.

    Nigeria is currently ranked second in the World and that’s our lowest ranking in the last ten years.

    After a series of National and Continental championships and Qualifiers the most revered and respected NSF Technical Committee has carefully selected 15 players who will represent Nigeria at the World Championship.

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

    The list include, current African Champion, Oluwatimilehin Doko, former African Champion Rex Ogbakpa, PANASA President’s Cup winner Victor Godwin and Africa number two player George Ezinore as well as number three ranked player on the continent and highly rated in the World, Abdulmumin Jimoh.

    The rest of Team Nigeria are very experienced serial winners at national and international competitions in the last five years.

    TEAM NIGERIA SQUAD

    ★ Oluwatimilehin Doko – Continental Champion

    ★ John Aiyedun – All Africa Championship winner

    ★ George Ezinore – Africa’s No 2 and NSF Green Jacket holder

    ★ Victor Godwin – President Cup winner

    ★ Rex Ogbakpa – Continental Champion

    ★ Abdulmumin Jimoh

    ★ Tega Okiemute

    ★ Samuel Adebola

    ★ Chinedu Thorpe

    ★ Emmanuel Umujose – EEAST winner

    ★ Larry Etuwa

    ★ Ben Quickpen – 2024 NSF golden medallist

    ★ Tuoyo Mayuku – The most decorated female of all time in Africa

    ★ John Curtis Ebomah

    ★ Peter Ebomah

  • FIFA has injected over  USD 1 billion in African football, says Infantino

    FIFA has injected over  USD 1 billion in African football, says Infantino

    World soccer ruling body, FIFA, has injected  over USD 1 billion into  African football through its FIFA Forward Programme since it was started in 2016.

    This much  was  revealed  by FIFA President Gianni Infantino while speaking at the 47th  CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

    He  also spoke of football’s responsibility to give hope and dreams to the children of Africa as he addressed representatives of the continent’s 54 FIFA Member Associations (MAs).

    CAF President Patrice Motsepe thanked FIFA for organising the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ where four African teams – Al Ahly FC, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Wydad AC – had the opportunity to play competitive matches against opponents from the rest of the world on a global stage.

    Infantino added that players from 19 African nations had taken part in the FIFA Club World Cup, including nine which have never played at the FIFA World Cup™ – Burkina Faso, Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda.

     “(It was a) huge success this summer with four African teams. But almost, I would say, more important, with African countries represented in the 32 clubs from all over the world,” the FIFA President said.

    FIFA embarked upon a new era of global football development when the FIFA Forward Programme was launched in 2016 to support the world football governing body’s 211 MAs and the confederations by funding infrastructure projects and competitions as well as operational costs.

    The FIFA Forward investments in the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the African zonal/regional associations and the continent’s 54 MAs reached a total of USD 1.06 billion between the start of the programme in 2016 and the end of September 2025. From 2016 until the end of the current four-year cycle in 2026, the figures are estimated to reach USD 1.28 billion, including USD 1.08 billion for the 54 African MAs alone.

    FIFA has also supported the development of African football by opening up more playing opportunities. An unprecedented nine, and possibly 10, African teams will play at the FIFA World Cup 26™, while 10 African teams will participate at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ and five will play at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025™, to be hosted in Morocco.

    Read Also: GTI seeks investors’ partnership after successful NFF’s AGM

    Motsepe added: “It’s very important that we had the FIFA Club World Cup, Gianni (Infantino), thank you for the FIFA Club World Cup. And those four football clubs that represented us did very well and we’re confident that (in) the next one, they will do even better. And thanks for the huge sacrifices on your part.”

    FIFA planned to open between 20 and 30 FIFA Academies by 2027 as part of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS), which aims to help all countries identify talented players and give them the coaching and facilities they need to shine, the FIFA President said. Meanwhile, the Football for Schools programme is now active in more than 40 African nations.

     “We would all love to become legends, like Samuel Eto’o, like (Emmanuel) Adebayor, or El Hadji Diouf, who are here, in the first row, Kalusha (Bwalya), all the others,”  Infantino added. “Not all of us have this talent and can make it, but all of us here in this room, we have the responsibility and the duty to work and to work hard, to give dreams, to give chances, and to give hope to all the children of Africa.”

    He concluded: “I’m asking you all, as always, to be united, to continue to unite Africa, to continue to unite African football, because like this we will have a strong voice, all over the world, for a very, very bright future.”

  • Mikel urges Super Eagles players to dig deep for World Cup ticket

    Mikel urges Super Eagles players to dig deep for World Cup ticket

    Mikel Obi has challenged the Super Eagles to take responsibility and deliver the results needed to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive when they face Lesotho on Friday in Polokwane, South Africa.

    Speaking on the Obi One Podcast alongside Chris McHardy, the  former national team captain warned that failing to qualify for a second consecutive tournament would be “a crime” and called on the players to shut out off-field distractions and rise to the occasion.

    He  described Nigeria’s qualifying campaign as hanging by a thread , adding the situation is still redeemable if the players set their minds to play for their country with their hearts.

     “First to qualify, you know, again, we’ve seen, you know, lucky us, um, South Africa has been deducted three points for some reason, ineligible players,” Mikel said. “So that’s good for us. I think right now you can; you can literally say the group is, it’s sort of a shootout group.

    “It’s a shootout group. We have Benin at home and go to win both. We have to win both. We have to win both. I don’t care what’s going on. I don’t care what’s happening. I don’t care what’s going on. I need the players. I know; I still know a lot of them in the squad. I need them. We need them. Nigerians need them.”

    The Super Eagles sit three points behind South Africa and Benin Republic in Group C and face Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday before returning to Uyo to host Benin.

    With just two games left,  Mikel said there was  no room for error:  “Our World Cup fate is in their hands.”

    Mikel  who rose through every level of Nigerian football, spoke candidly about the inner workings of the  national team, adding the Super eagles will have to play out of their skins to book a ticket for the 2026 Mundial.

    Read Also: NFF chieftains commend Salami on revival of Shooting Stars

    He continued: “I don’t speak a lot about the national team because I know what’s going on. I know what’s happening. For so many years, I probably am the only player. I’m not sure. I probably am the only player who played the under-17, the under-20, the under-23 and the Super Eagles. I played the whole rank. And the Olympics. Yeah. Which is the under-23.

    “So I know deep down inside what goes on there. I know. I understand the players, but when you come to this stage of the tournament, every one of those players’ problems from the top goes away. It goes away. It goes out of the window. It’s about the players. It’s about the players taking responsibility and knowing our World Cup fate is in their hands.”

    The former Lyn Oslo midfielder didn’t shy away from criticising the Nigeria Football Federation but stressed that now was not the time for excuses.

    “It’s right now in the hands of the players. Yes. The NFF, the board, they are who they are, the corruption that is going on, the issues that are going on there… all that goes out of the window.

    “Win your two games, the players win your two games and qualify, and then the whole thing – we can talk about the whole thing another day, but our World Cup fate is in their hands, and I’m begging them. I’m with my whole heart begging the players on behalf of Nigerians.”

  • Organisation of Volleyball Premier League excites Odozor-Onikeku

    Organisation of Volleyball Premier League excites Odozor-Onikeku

    Newly elected board member of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Mrs. Chinedu Odozor-Onikeku, has commended the organization and competitiveness of the just-concluded first phase of the Nigerian Customs Volleyball League, describing it as impressive and a step in the right direction.

    Speaking after the event, Odozor-Onikeku rated the league high but noted that there is still room for improvement. She called for the inclusion of Nigerian players who have gone professional abroad, stressing that their experience would raise the technical level and overall quality of the domestic league.

     “So far, so good. We are gradually getting there. This first phase has shown promise, and I believe by the second phase, things will get even better. All the teams have improved, but allowing our professionals abroad to participate will further enhance the game with their exposure and experience,” she said.

    Read Also: GTI seeks investors’ partnership after successful NFF’s AGM

    Beyond the on-court performances, Odozor-Onikeku, who is also an AFFAN elected member, took time to advise players on the importance of planning for life after sports.

     “There is life after sport. Athletes must realize that retirement or injury can come at any time. As they earn, they should save and invest wisely to have something to fall back on in the future,” she cautioned.

    The first phase of the Comptroller General of Customs Volleyball League ended with Nigeria Customs Ladies leading the women’s standings, while the Chief of Naval Staff team topped the men’s category.

  • GCIOBA ’86 class intensifies plans to stage Table Tennis Classics

    GCIOBA ’86 class intensifies plans to stage Table Tennis Classics

    The 1986/92 set of the Government College Ibadan has intensified plans for the closed table tennis championship tagged ‘‘Battle of the Century.’’

    The table tennis event, proposed to be annual competition is part of the set’s role of giving back to the school project.

    The tournament will be staged in the school premises on October 30th  and 31st .

    Interestingly, most of the old students behind the project are based abroad but they are passionate about sports especially the ping pong game.

    The Closed Table Tennis Championship will be competed for on House basis in the school.

    Charles Olayinka, one of the ’86/92 set members told our correspondent that seven top notch officials led by table tennis guru, Coach Wale Ajetunmobi, who will double as project coordinator, will take charge of proceedings.

    Seun Esho and Kolade Aladeojebi are other executive members working hard to stage the competition.

    So far, BSG, Mage designs, Muyenbaba, Daimler and DPIL are corporate organisers supporting the initiative while individuals like Dayo Alabi, Tijani Yusuff Adewale, Bunmi Ashaolu, Anonymous-AO, Taiwo Demuren, Pst. Tolu Makinde, Femi Olaobaju, Pst. Bayo Falode and  Oluwafemi Oyetunde are supporting the project.

    Read Also: Aiyegbeni, Oshaniwa berate NFF for blaming  Ekong, Dessers for Super Eagles’ woes 

    Carr House, Field House, Power House, Swanson House and Grier House will slug it out against one another in the maiden table tennis extravaganza which promises to be highly entertaining.

    Coach Ajetunmobi told our correspondent that the tournament would be a great avenue to further boost the catch them young initiative of many table tennis lovers in the country.

     “We are highly expectant because the students expected to compete are highly skilful and talented. It will be interesting,” he said.

    There will be a total of 40 players expected to compete for honours in the competition with five each in a group of eight. Two players each will qualify from each group to move into the last 16 stage.

    Winners in each of the categories will be given attractive prizes to be donated by the sponsors of the competition.