The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Quarterfinals for Zenith Bank /Delta Principals’ Cup  holds tomorrow

    Quarterfinals for Zenith Bank /Delta Principals’ Cup  holds tomorrow

    The 2025 Delta Principals’ Cup football competition sponsored by Zenith Bank PLC, has entered crucial stage with the emergence of quarterfinalists following  the zonal playoffs deciders  last week in various centres across the state.

    Over 1,000 secondary schools registered for the annual youth developmental initiative which is in its 8th edition. The kick off took place on September 18th  in Asaba and it is now in the final stages with only eight teams still on the cards gunning for the ultimate winners’ trophy.

    The teams took part in the preliminaries at Local Government level with only one school winning the sole LG ticket to feature in the zonals.

    After the exciting zonal hostilities, Ika North East, Aniocha South, Isoko South, Warri South West, Ndokwa West, Uvwie, Ughelli North and Ughelli South qualified for the last eight stage.

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    In the pairing released by the organisers, Hideaplus Limited, Efeizomor Secondary School Owa, representing Ika North East will clash with Justice, Peace and Success Sec. School, winners of the Aniocha South LG, at the St. Patrick College Asaba.

    Isoko South LG Champions, St Micheal College, Oleh has a date with Ogbe Ijoh Grammar school, winners of the Warri South West LG, just as Champions of Ndokwa West LG, Utagba Ogbe Grammar school, will tango with Urhobo College, Effurun, the Uvwie LG champions.

    The last quarterfinal fixture is a straight fight between Ughelli North champions, Pearlview international School, and Otokutu Grammar School of Ughelli South.

    All the matches are billed to take place tomorrow, 7th  October.

    The CEO of Hideaplus Limited, Tony Pemu, told newsmen at the weekend that all was set for the final stages of the competition:  “It is getting more interesting. The teams in the last eight are all very good and we expect things to get better as we move on further.”

  • Stakeholders  salute Adesoji Tayo emergence as  NTTF President

    Stakeholders  salute Adesoji Tayo emergence as  NTTF President

    A wave of excitement is sweeping through Nigeria’s table tennis community following the election of Adesoji Tayo as the new President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) during the federation’s elective congress held in Abuja over the weekend.

    Tayo, who currently serves as Chairman of the Oyo State Table Tennis Association, was unanimously elected after his closest rival, Ahmed Khamisu, stepped down ahead of the presidential vote. The Oyo State-born administrator succeeds Engr. Ishaku Tikon, who led the federation for eight years.

    Widely regarded as one of the most peaceful elections in the federation’s history, the NTTF poll was conducted under the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)-backed constitution and witnessed strong participation from delegates across the country. Zonal elections were held before the presidential vote.

    Tayo, a long-standing stakeholder in Nigerian table tennis, previously served as Vice President of the NTTF. His contributions to the sport are well documented, having on several occasions provided financial support to ensure national teams did not miss out on major international competitions.

    Beyond his financial backing, Tayo is highly respected for his deep knowledge of the sport and his unwavering passion for its growth.

    He will serve a four-year term and has pledged to prioritize youth development, with a focus on talent discovery and enhancing coaching standards nationwide.

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     “Our goal is to build a stronger foundation for the future of Nigerian table tennis. We’ll invest in youth programs and ensure our coaches are equipped to nurture the next generation of champions,” Tayo said.

    Following the election, Ahmed Khamisu was elected as Vice President, representing the North East zone.

    The newly constituted 15-member NTTF Board comprises representatives from various zones and affiliated bodies as outlined in the federation’s constitution:

    Adesoji Tayo –President; Ahmed Khamisu – Vice President (North East); Wahid Enitan Oshodi – International Representative / President, ITTF Africa; Engr. Ishaku Tikon – Outgoing President; Dominic Sylvester – Technical Representative; Prof. Joshua Umeifekwem – NAPHERSD; Joy Ibekwe – NAWIS; Monilola Udoh – AFFAN; Tony Emefile – Military & Paramilitary; Sunday Odebode – Sponsor/Philanthropist; Sule Nasiru – Athlete Representative; Ebikpolade Ama-Ebi Wilson – South South; Akunna Boniface Uju – South East; Ibrahim Abdul-Hamid Ali – North Central; and Ndanusa Mohammad Sani – North West.

    With renewed leadership and broad representation, the NTTF is poised to usher in a new era of growth and excellence in Nigerian table tennis.

  • Flying Eagles into Round of 16 after gritty draw against Colombia

    Flying Eagles into Round of 16 after gritty draw against Colombia

    Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have secured their place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, following a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Colombia in the early hours of Monday.

    The seven-time African champions showed resilience and determination at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca. Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was instrumental in keeping the match level early on, making vital saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes.

    While Colombia applied pressure in the opening stages, the Nigerians responded with a more adventurous approach. Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani created numerous chances, even hitting the woodwork multiple times.

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    Colombia found the breakthrough in the 51st minute when Kener Gonzalez slotted home after a smart assist from Neyser Villareal. But the Flying Eagles refused to be rattled and ramped up the intensity. Defender Odinaka Okoro nearly equalized with a powerful header in the 76th minute.

    The equalizer finally came in the 86th minute. A Colombian handball inside the box—following a goal-bound effort from Maigana—led to a penalty, which was confidently converted by captain Daniel Bameyi. Nigeria almost snatched a dramatic winner in the 89th minute, but Arierhi’s shot was blocked in a crowded box.

    With the draw, Nigeria advance to face tournament hosts Argentina at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago on Wednesday. 

    The match will rekindle memories of their quarter-final clash in the previous edition, where the Flying Eagles defeated Argentina 2–0 in San Juan.

    Meanwhile, Colombia will face South Africa, while Norway is set to take on Paraguay in the other Round of 16 fixtures.

  • Abuja’s Energy FC wins  5Stars Premier Trophy in style

    Abuja’s Energy FC wins  5Stars Premier Trophy in style

    Abuja-based Energy FC put up an imperious performance and silenced the home crowd with a commanding 4–1 victory over Snowlions FC of Lagos to retain  their  5Stars Premier League title in Lagos on Saturday.  

    Despite playing away from home, Energy FC showed no signs of intimidation, displaying composure, teamwork  and clinical finishing to ensure the prestigious trophy returned to the capital — marking back-to-back victories for Abuja-based teams in the competition.

    Star of the night, Titus Ayuba, delivered a master class performance that earned him the Man of the Match award, netting a brace and orchestrating much of Energy FC’s attacking brilliance.

    For Lagos fans, however, it was another night of heartbreak, as the city’s teams continue to chase an elusive first 5Stars Premier League title.

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    The grand finale wasn’t just about football — it was a spectacle. The entertainment segment featured top celebrities including Zlatan, Skiibii, L.A.X, Ibroking, Kanaga Jr., and Sexy Steel, who traded the stage for the pitch, showcasing their football flair in a lighthearted exhibition.

    Energy FC walked away with a ₦1.5 million cash prize, while runners-up Snowlions FC received ₦800,000. The regional runners-up from Abuja and Lagos each earned ₦350,000.

    Dignitaries who graced the medal and trophy presentation included Dr. Lakinbofa Goodluck, MTN’s Public Relations Manager; Mr. Adanklounon Cyrile, representing the Ambassador of Benin Republic to Nigeria; Mr. Chinedu, representing Nigerian Breweries; League Ambassador Mr. Ibrahim Bakare (Ibroking); and Mr. Desmond Emenike, among others.

  • GRASOF’s officials  visit Ohanbunwa ahead of Abuja tourney

    GRASOF’s officials  visit Ohanbunwa ahead of Abuja tourney

    Ahead of the 2nd  edition of the 10th  c Football Championship, top officials of the  Grassroots Sports Federation (GRASOF) has  paid a courtesy visit to its patron, Distinguished Senator Dr. Mao Ohanbunwa and the Ambassador of Burundi, His Excellency Hon. Edward Nduwimana. The delegation was led by Hon. Alhaji Ali Gombe, Chairman of Mobilization, Marketing, and Sponsorship, and Hon. John Ekpenyong, Tournament Coordinator.

    During the visit, the GRASOF team briefed Senator Ohanbunwa, Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, on the forthcoming 2nd  edition of the 10th  Senate President’s U-18 Unity Football Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place from November 7th  to 17th  in Abuja.

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    Senator Ohanbunwa expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament and promised to be fully involved in this year’s edition. He commended GRASOF’s efforts in developing and discovering young talents, urging the organization to continue the good work.

    The visit is part of GRASOF’s efforts to engage with stakeholders and partners to ensure the success of the tournament. The Senate President’s U-18 Unity Football Championship aims to promote unity, sportsmanship, and healthy competition among Nigerian youths while identifying and nurturing budding football talents.

  • APC Chairman’s Cup unveiled in Lagos

    APC Chairman’s Cup unveiled in Lagos

    In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, has unveiled  APC Lagos State Chairman’s Cup.

    He said it was meant for community development across the state and to showcase grassroots talent.

    The programme was done amid  enthusiasm at the APC Lagos State chapter secretariat on Acme Road, Ikeja.

    Ojelabi said: “Today marks a unique and historic moment in sports history of Lagos State. All hands must be on deck for social development and democratic values in the state.’’

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    The event was witnessed by Lagos State stakeholders, including Lagos State Conference 57 executives. Speaking on behalf of the executives, Abdullahi Olowa, Lagos State Conference 57 chairman, who is also APC Lagos State Chairman’s Cup L.O.C. chairman, said youth engagement was paramount to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

     ‘’Our party, APC, will continue to demonstrate good leadership at the grassroots and mobilise young people into its fold.’’

    The Secretary of the ruling party in Lagos State, Dr. Adeola Jokomba, said the project was more than just a sporting event that would take place in the 57 councils.

     ‘’It is a platform that will engage five million Lagosians, ensuring PVC registration, inclusiveness and youth empowerment across Lagos State, with the promise of identifying future stars from the grassroots and engaging them for future elections,’’ he said.

  • Haaland’s goal earns Pep 260th EPL  win

    Haaland’s goal earns Pep 260th EPL  win

    Erling Haaland continued his prolific form as Manchester City battled to a narrow victory over Brentford and gave boss Pep Guardiola his 250th  Premier League win.

    Guardiola is the quickest manager to reach the milestone having done so in just 349 games – 55 games quicker than anyone else.

    Haaland outmuscled Sepp van den Berg to gather Josko Gvardiol’s looping cross, then wriggled away from the defender before precisely slotting past Caoimhin Kelleher.

    It is the Norwegian striker’s third goal this week and his 18th  in 11 games for club and country this season.

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    City had to hold on to their slim lead at the Gtech Community Stadium for more than 80 minutes but limited Brentford to few opportunities, despite the game opening up somewhat in a scrappy second half.

    Victory moves City up to fifth before the international break, but there was concern for midfielder Rodri when he hobbled off with injury after just 21 minutes.

    The Spaniard missed much of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and is yet to return to the form that won him the Ballon d’Or last year.

    EPL RESULTS

    Aston Villa 2 -1 Burnley 

    Everton 2-1 Crystal

    Newcastle 2 -0 Nottingham

    Wolves 1-1 Brighton

    Brentford 0-1 Man City 

  • Anisimova caps breakthrough year with Beijing title

    Anisimova caps breakthrough year with Beijing title

    Amanda Anisimova beat Linda Noskova 6-0, 2-6, 6-2  to win the China Open for her second title of a breakthrough year and fourth overall.

    Yesterday, the third-seeded American survived a second-set wobble to overpower the Czech 26th seed in one hour and 46 minutes in Beijing.

    She lifted the trophy in the Chinese capital almost exactly one month after reaching the US Open final, where she lost to world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

     “It’s been an incredible few weeks,” Anisimova said. “I felt a lot of love,” she added, thanking the crowd for their support at the centre Diamond Court.

    The 24-year-old Anisimova is the third American to win the China Open after last year’s champion Coco Gauff and 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.

    Anisimova collapsed to the hard court in victory, lying on her back and putting her hands over her face.

    Anisimova began ruthlessly, winning the first set in 23 minutes without dropping a game.

    A defiant Noskova – contesting her first WTA 1000 final – found her feet in the second set, breaking early and powering to a 5-2 lead before closing out.

    The two went toe-to-toe in the decider until Anisimova broke for a 4-2 lead, digging deep to reach the finish line with a winner on the first match point.

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    It’s been a stellar season for the world number four, who was also runner-up at Wimbledon.

    This time last year, Anisimova was at world no. 43.

    After her win Anisimova extended her gratitude to her coaches.

     “We’ve had a lot of challenges and despite that we also still have so much fun.

     “It’s crazy that we made it this far and to get the win today has been very special.

    “I’m excited for a lot more, and hopefully we can keep going.”

    Anisimova dumped out second seed Gauff in the Beijing semi-finals, thrashing the two-time Grand Slam winner 6-1, 6-2 in 58 minutes.

    Noskova, who started her Beijing run as world no. 27, said: “I definitely wasn’t coming here feeling like I was gonna play finals, so nice surprise.”

    Anisimova congratulated her opponent whom she called “so young” and said they “still have a lot of finals to play”.

    Their match was the second WTA 1000 final in which both players were born during the 2000s.

  • Team Brazil secures landmark victory at E1 Lagos grand prix

    Team Brazil secures landmark victory at E1 Lagos grand prix

    Team Brazil by Claure Group claimed its first-ever win at the E1 Lagos Grand Prix presented by FirstBank, making history as the inaugural E1 race held on African soil concluded with a thrilling contest on the Lagos Lagoon.

    The all-electric raceboat championship, known as E1, delivered high-speed action and global attention as Lagos joined the ranks of host cities such as Monaco, Dubrovnik, and Doha.

    The race ended with Team Brazil taking the top spot on the podium, narrowly beating Virat Kohli’s Team Blue Rising, which finished second, and Team Drogba Global Africa, which claimed third place.

    The Brazilian team’s victory followed a weather delay caused by a tropical storm that passed over the lagoon, briefly suspending racing activities.

    Pilots Timmy Hansen and Ieva Millere-Hagin of Team Brazil proved to be the most composed and skilled in the challenging weather conditions.

    Their strong performance came after securing pole position in Saturday’s qualifying session.

    Hansen was later named PIF Pilot of the Race for his standout effort during the Grand Prix.

    The result has intensified the race for the E1 Championship’s “Champions of the Water” title as the series heads toward its final round in Miami this November.

    Team Brady has now reclaimed the top position in the overall standings, continuing a season-long battle with Team Rafa.

    The event drew thousands of spectators to the Lagos waterfront, creating a festive atmosphere that showcased Nigeria’s capacity to host large-scale international sporting events.

    Among the attendees was football icon Didier Drogba, who co-owns Team Drogba Global Africa and played a key role in bringing the championship to Africa.

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    He was joined by team co-owner Gabrielle Lemaire in celebrating their team’s podium finish.

    Nigerians in attendance expressed pride in seeing Lagos take a prominent role in an emerging global sport. Jemima Ogwerel, one of the spectators, highlighted the value of the panel sessions and spoke about the inspiration she drew from one of the speakers.

    “He said we should chase fashion and not money, that the money will come eventually — and if not, we should come find him. That really stayed with me,” she said.

    “Nigeria has so much sports talent. It’s great to see Lagos on the global map through an event like this. I think this is the beginning of something big.”

    Another attendee, Abiola Adetula, echoed the sentiment.

    “This is putting Lagos on the international map in a way we haven’t seen before. It’s the first time this kind of event is happening in Africa, and it’s so beautiful to see,” she said.

    “I believe this will attract more tourists and foreigners to the state. This one is already a success, and the next will draw even more people.”

    The Lagos Grand Prix marked a significant moment for the E1 Championship and for Africa’s growing presence in sustainable motorsport.

    As the all-electric series continues to expand its global footprint, the successful debut in Lagos has positioned Nigeria as a key player in the future of clean, innovative racing.

  • Brighton’s Van Hecke’s late header denies Wolves first Premier League win

    Brighton’s Van Hecke’s late header denies Wolves first Premier League win

    Jan Paul van Hecke’s late header snatched a point for Brighton and denied Wolves their first Premier League win of the season in a dramatic encounter at Molineux, which also saw Wolves boss Vitor Pereira sent off.

    Wolves remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just two points from seven games after Sunday’s 1-1 draw.

    The hosts took the lead in the first half through an unfortunate own goal by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, whose back deflection off the bar from Marshall Munetsi’s strike put Wolves ahead.

    The goal came moments after Pereira was shown a red card by referee Jarred Gillett for kicking a ball into the broadcasters’ dugout in frustration over a denied free-kick.

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    Despite the setback, Wolves showed renewed energy and looked close to sealing their first league win since April. Jhon Arias missed a golden opportunity to double the lead when he fired over, while Jorgen Strand Larsen struck the post with 15 minutes remaining.

    At the other end, Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone pulled off a brilliant save to deny Georginio Rutter’s equaliser, but Brighton eventually found a breakthrough when Van Hecke powered home a header four minutes from time to secure a late draw for the visitors.

    The result extended Wolves’ winless run and piled further pressure on Pereira as his side continued to search for their first Premier League victory of the campaign.