The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • EPL: Bournemouth fight back as Semenyo shines in 3–1 victory over Fulham

    EPL: Bournemouth fight back as Semenyo shines in 3–1 victory over Fulham

    Antoine Semenyo scored twice as Bournemouth came from behind to beat Fulham in stormy conditions and move up to second in the Premier League table.

    Ryan Sessegnon had given Fulham the lead when he ran onto a through ball from Samuel Chukwueze before clipping the ball over Cherries keeper Djordje Petrovic.

    But Bournemouth levelled when Semenyo got the ball on the left wing, beat several players and stopped the ball going over the byeline before slotting a shot through Bernd Leno’s legs from a tight angle.

    Read Also: Chelle names Ekong, Iwobi, Osimhen, others for crucial  World Cup qualifiers

    Then substitute Justin Kluivert got the ball in the centre circle, charged forward and unleashed an unstoppable strike from 25 yards to put Bournemouth ahead.

    As Fulham pushed forward for an equaliser in stoppage time, Semenyo capped a superb individual night with his second goal – to go with an assist – after finishing off an emphatic counter-attack.

    Until the 70th minute, the game looked as if it was going to end in an instantly forgettable goalless draw as both sides struggled to create much in the wind and rain of Storm Amy.

    Bournemouth are now second in the Premier League table, just one point below Liverpool – although everyone else has yet to play this weekend.

  • STAMFORD BRIDGE BATTLE

    STAMFORD BRIDGE BATTLE

    • Chelsea set to pepper cracks in Slot’s Liverpool

    Liverpool may have lost their grip on top spot in the Premier League table by the time they kick off against Chelsea in this evening’s Stamford Bridge battle.

    More cracks are beginning to appear for Arne Slot’s men, while the Blues earned just a second win from six matches by taking down Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in midweek.

    Labelled as dark horses for the 2025-26 Premier League title before the first ball was kicked, Chelsea’s indifferent form may have some going back on their pre-season predictions, as Enzo Maresca has overseen a mediocre two wins, two draws and two defeats thus far.

    Not for the first time this season, poor discipline cost the Club World Cup winners in last weekend’s visit of Brighton & Hove Albion, who were on the back foot until Trevoh Chalobah’s red card changed the course of the game; the Seagulls eventually triumphed 3-1 courtesy of a Danny Welbeck double.

    Boasting a paltry one point from their last three Premier League games – after taking seven from the first nine on offer – the eighth-placed hosts already find themselves seven points behind the leaders and are also counting the cost of a hefty absentee list, which the Club World Cup may or may not have had something to do with.

    From injuries to indiscipline, Chelsea’s 118 cards – 114 yellow, four red – since the start of the 2024-25 Premier League season is more than any other team, and the Blues failed to finish Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Benfica with 11 men on the pitch too.

    Read Also: Brighton stun Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

    However, Joao Pedro’s late dismissal was inconsequential in a 1-0 win over Mourinho’s men, and the hosts now set out to avoid losing three straight Premier League games for the first time since the spring of 2023, when Frank Lampard was at the helm.

    Also at risk of a torrid third consecutive defeat – albeit in all competitions rather than the Premier League exclusively – reigning champions Liverpool have looked a shadow of the side that stormed to the title at a canter over the past week.

    The Reds’ latest late show was not enough to deny Crystal Palace their deserved victory last weekend, as Eddie Nketiah’s extraordinary late winner ended Liverpool’s perfect start to the top-flight campaign, in a result that Reds fans likely saw coming.

    None of the holders’ first five Premier League wins of the new term were convincing by any stretch, and their autumnal plight continued in midweek, as Galatasaray condemned Arne Slot’s side to a shock 1-0 Champions League defeat thanks to a Victor Osimhen penalty.

  • Chelle names Ekong, Iwobi, Osimhen, others for crucial  World Cup qualifiers 

    Chelle names Ekong, Iwobi, Osimhen, others for crucial  World Cup qualifiers 

    Super Eagles’ Head Coach Eric Chelle has drafted team captain William Ekong, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Simon Moses in his list of 23 players for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

    Defender Semi Ajayi, who missed the last two matches in the September window due to injury, returns to the group, as do France-based Terem Moffi and former junior international Olakunle Olusegun, who plays his club football in Russia.

    Read Also: VAR  denies  Iheanacho historic Celtic goal in Europa loss

    Nigeria, now in third place and only three points off first-placed Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, tackle the Likuena (Crocodiles) of Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa on Friday, 10th October in a Matchday 9 encounter, before flying from South Africa to Uyo to battle leaders Benin Republic in a fiery final Matchday game on Tuesday, 14th October.

    The players are scheduled to fly into South Africa from their different bases in Europe and elsewhere, to converge in Polokwane on Monday, 6th October.

    The list has goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, and Adeleye Adebayo. Defenders: William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Felix Agu, and Benjamin Fredericks.

    The others are midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards: Ademola

  • Rohr releases killer squad for Super Eagles showdown

    Rohr releases killer squad for Super Eagles showdown

    Coach Gernot Rohr has said Benin No 1 target is to win in Rwanda to stay top of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group, which includes the Super Eagles.

    Benin, under former Super Eagles coach Rohr, are now top of Group C of the World Cup qualifiers after South Africa were docked three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player.

    “Our priority is to win our match in Rwanda,” Rohr declared.

    Read Also: World Cup 2026 Race: Super Eagles offered lifeline amid ‘ides of October’

    We’re doing everything we can to achieve that. Regardless of the results of other matches, we can keep our fate in our own hands. And that’s a real advantage.”

    He further said he expects his team to play “like true cheetahs” to achieve this target.

    Meanwhile, Rohr will today announce the squad for their final qualifiers against the Super Eagles and Rwanda.

    The coach will at 3pm local time name his squad for the crucial final qualifiers.

  • President Tinubu excited with E1 Lagos GP

    President Tinubu excited with E1 Lagos GP

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his happiness with the first of its kind E1 Lagos GP- electric powerboat racing championship, kicking off in the metropolitan today.

    He said: “I am proud and happy that this city keeps making history. It was the host of the first Festival of Black Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77), which brought the world to Nigeria. A few weeks ago, Lagos hosted the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX), the annual global technology event and the world’s largest startup show. It was a huge success. The Lagos International Marathon, which draws elite athletes worldwide, has been running since 2016. Now, Lagos is making history as the host of the E1 Lagos GP. It is the first city in Africa to host the powerboat racing championship, joining the ranks of Monaco, London, Jeddah, and Venice.”

    Read Also: VAR  denies  Iheanacho historic Celtic goal in Europa loss

    Tinubu further said: “I am excited because, despite being Nigeria’s President – a job that I am truly honoured and privileged to have –  I remain a proud Lagosian. The state is, once again, affirming its place as a bold, forward-looking city and a gateway to innovation, technology, and global sporting excellence. Lagos, the cultural capital of Nigeria, the heartbeat of our economy, and a symbol of our resilience, is the perfect host. Its vibrant waterways and dynamic people embody the spirit of competition, creativity, and hospitality. I commend Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, his team, and all partners, particularly the E1 and sponsors of this event, for the vision and hard work that made this possible. Let the E1 Lagos GP be more than a race. Let it signal to Nigeria, Africa, and the world that we are ready to lead in the great transition to clean energy and sustainable prosperity.”

  • South Africa coach disappointed by World Cup sanctions

    South Africa coach disappointed by World Cup sanctions

    South Africa coach Hugo Broos has admitted his shock and disappointment after FIFA docked his team three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player, while alleging that there was “a lot of lobbying behind the scenes” to get this decision.

    “I was down, I didn’t expect it (FIFA decision), certainly not the way it went,” Broos admitted.

    “How can you have three meetings of sanctions by FIFA and there was no mention of South Africa and a day after the last meeting we got a letter from FIFA saying the case has been reopened?

    “That was very strange.

    “That means that there was a lot of lobbying behind the scenes, that’s for sure.

    Read Also: World Cup 2026 Race: Super Eagles offered lifeline amid ‘ides of October’

     “We’re not happy to receive these sanctions, but in another way we did something that was not allowed and now we’re punished for it.”

    Broos also raised concerns that the fans are now doubting the chances of the country qualifying for next year’s World Cup.

    “People are now doubting us that we will not qualify any more. They believe Benin will win their remaining two matches. This is ridiculous. But I don’t think it will happen especially their last game – Nigeria vs Benin,” he said.

    “We have to focus on the games and we now have to go for two victories (vs Zimbabwe, Rwanda).”

  • Sanwo-Olu Flags off race weekend, praises First Bank, others

    Sanwo-Olu Flags off race weekend, praises First Bank, others

    The wait is finally over as the historic E1 Lagos GP officially commenced on Friday with the opening ceremony held at the Lagos Motor Boat Club, Ikoyi as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu flagged off the race weekend.

    The iconic race with a blend of speed, culture and mind-blowing speed is coming to the heart of Africa, and Lagos showcasing its waterways to drive sports tourism and sustainable development.

    The E1 Lagos GP – the UIM World Championship, an all-electric international offshore powerboat racing series highlights Lagos blue economy potentials and the state commitment to host major sporting events.

    Speaking at the well-attended opening ceremony, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Alejandro Agag said bringing E1 to Africa represents a pivotal moment in the mission to grow electric racing on the continent, making the event truly global.

    Read Also: VAR  denies  Iheanacho historic Celtic goal in Europa loss

    African football legend Didier Drogba, co-owner of Team Drogba Global Africa along with Gabrielle Lemaire, is representing Africa in the global to championship. The former Chelsea star expressed excitement with Africa’s ever race in Nigeia.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the impact of E1 Lagos GP while assuring on the state’s commitment to host future event, making race a permanent event on the global E1 calendar.

    The Governor commended the organizers for bringing the race to Lagos and lead partner First Bank for making the dream a reality. He further assured on the state resolve to compete with big cities across the world though her resilient, competitiveness and home to global businesses.

    The RaceBirds took to the Lagos Lagoon to round off the opening ceremony ahead of the race which starts with the qualifying rounds on Saturday while the main race will hold on Sunday.

    The E1 Lagos GP set up up a thrilling penultimate round in the battle to crown the 2025 ‘Champions of the Water’ ahead of the season finale in Miami.

  • SWAN suspends Lagos chairman, secretary

    SWAN suspends Lagos chairman, secretary

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has suspended the Lagos State Chapter Chairman, Ms. Olatutu Oladunni, and Secretary, Mr. Bello Omotunde Muritala, from all Association’s activities with immediate effect.

    The decision announced in a letter to them, with copies to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, dated Thursday October 2, 2025, followed findings of gross misconduct, as the decision was taken in line with Article 21, Section (1) A and C of the SWAN Statute.

    Read Also: World Cup 2026 Race: Super Eagles offered lifeline amid ‘ides of October’

    The National Leadership directed both Olatutu and Bello to hand over all Association’s property and documents in their possession to the SWAN Lagos State Chapter’s leadership, with the Vice Chairman, Mr. Aaron Akerejola, now on the saddle to see off the current State Executive Committee tenure.

    Part of the letter to IGP and other top law enforcement officials in the country, reads: “We write to formally notify you that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has ratified the suspension of Olatutu Oladunni and Bello

  • Red-hot Osimhen leads Galatasaray against Ndidi’s Besiktas

    Red-hot Osimhen leads Galatasaray against Ndidi’s Besiktas

    Fresh off a morale-boosting 1-0 win over English champions Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League during the week, Galatasaray will host Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig at Rams Park this weekend.

    The hosts are at the top of the standings with maximum points from seven league fixtures, while the away side are fifth in the table, after six league fixtures this term with Nigerian International  striker  Victor Osimhen expected to lead the line today.

    Galatasaray started their Champions League campaign in less than impressive fashion, with a 5-1 defeat to German side Eintracht Frankfurt on matchday one.

    Read Also: World Cup 2026 Race: Super Eagles offered lifeline amid ‘ides of October’

    However, that dismal result on the continent did not affect their performance in the domestic competition, having won two more league fixtures against Konyaspor (3-1) and most recently Alanyaspor (1-0) in their last outing in the Turkish top flight.

    Back in European engagement on Wednesday, the Conqueror of Europe made a bold statement with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Liverpool, courtesy of  Osimhen’s 16th -minute strike from 12 yards.

    With their eighth league fixture coming up against a familiar foe, Okan Buruk’s men will be buzzing going into  today’s encounter.

    Another reason the Lions will be confident ahead of this contest is that they are firing on all cylinders in the attacking end of the pitch, with 17 goals plundered, while only two have been conceded since the start of the season.

    Besiktas, on the other hand, have recorded four victories and two losses in six league matches this term. Those outcomes leave them fifth in the table with 12 points, four places adrift of the home side, as they head into this weekend’s fixture.

  • Eyes on Moffi as Nice face-off Monaco

    Eyes on Moffi as Nice face-off Monaco

    Nigeria International striker Term Moffi is expected to be in the thick of action tomorrow for Nice away to Monaco in the latest edition of the Derby de la Cote d’Azur slated for  Stade Louis II on match day seven of the Ligue 1 campaign.

    Last weekend, Les Monegasques dropped to fourth in the table with a 3-1 loss at Lorient, while Nice settled for a 1-1 draw with Paris FC, putting them in 12th  place.

    It is rarely straightforward with Monaco, and their performance last weekend was a case in point as they struggled against another newly promoted club, with discipline being an issue, spending more than half of that match a man down.

    Tomorrow, they will try to avoid losing consecutive league matches for the first time all year, with their only two defeats in the campaign so far coming away from home.

    Read Also: VAR  denies  Iheanacho historic Celtic goal in Europa loss

    Meanwhile they have a chance to win their first four Ligue 1 home fixtures this weekend for the first time since the 2003-04 season, when they wound up third in the table.

    Adi Hutter’s men have often been their own worst enemy domestically in 2025-26, conceding the joint second-most penalties thus far (three).

    Defensively, this team have not looked comfortable, as they are one of two teams in the French top-flight that have yet to collect a clean sheet this season, with the other being Paris FC.

    At Stade Louis II, though, they always seem to come up with some magic, going unbeaten in their previous 11 Ligue 1 home outings in the Principality, with 11 of their 14 goals this season coming at home.