The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Glover backs Jibrin Saidu for President of HFN

    Glover backs Jibrin Saidu for President of HFN


    A former President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria(HFN) , Dr. Lanre Glover, has backed  the candidacy of Jibrin Saidu for  the  federation’s exalted  position  in the  upcoming   elections this month.

    Glover said Saidu who is bidding to take over from Samuel Ocheho who has served  his mandatory two terms, has the capacity to build on the achievements of the outgoing President of the HFN. 

    “The outgoing President Sam Ocheho has done an excellent job bringing respectability to handball both locally and internationally. There is an important need to put someone in the position to continue the trajectory and that person is Jibrin Saidu,” Glover said.

    Glover, who also served as the first Vice President of African Handball  Confederation, said Saidu has shown his commitment to the development of handball and has the financial capacity to take handball to a higher level.

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

    He continued: “In 2015 during the Handball Nations Cup in Egypt, Saidu bailed the federation out by sponsoring the team when the then President, the Late Dauda Yusuf was helpless.

    “He has sponsored several championships  in Nigeria and singlehandedly sponsored the African Delegates meeting of the Commonwealth Handball Association in Abuja. He has the financial wherewithal and experience to propel handball to greater heights.

    Glover said he was publicly endorsing the candidacy of Saidu in order to ensure a capable successor to Ocheho practically  turned the  fortunes of the federation  around, adding: “I seize this opportunity to salute Ocheho for a job well done as he bows out.”

  • Grange School tops  Quomodo Inter-Schools Swimming Grand Slam

    Grange School tops  Quomodo Inter-Schools Swimming Grand Slam

    The 2nd  edition of Quomodo Inter-Schools Swimming Competition ended recently at the Ikoyi Club 1938 with Grange School emerging the overall champions after a keen contest by all the schools.

    The event, sponsored by Quomodo Systems Africa, witnessed spirited performances from young swimmers representing Avi-Cenna International School, Children’s International School, Corona Schools, Grange School, Greensprings School, Lagoon & Whitesands Schools, and Meadow Hall School.

    From the opening event to the final relays, the poolside atmosphere was electrifying and charged with cheers, and bursts of school pride, banters and bragging rights of sort.

    In the end, Grange School topped the scoreboard with 517 points, followed by Children’s International School with 389 points and Corona Schools in third place with 250.5 points.

    Greensprings School came fourth with 196.5 points, while Meadow Hall School secured fifth position with 149 points.

    Lagoon & Whitesands Schools finished with 87 points, while Avi-Cenna International School ended with 68 points.

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

    The Chairman of the Ikoyi Club Swimming Section, Akinbulejo Onabolu, hailed the event standard, adding that it was a proof of Nigeria’s rising swimming prospects in the sport which is fast becoming a culture.

    For Quomodo Systems Africa, the competition is aimed at investing in the future of young athletes.

    Olufunke Preghafi, Quomodo’s General Manager, Finance, expressed joy at seeing children as young as six showing skills, energy, and determination to excel.

    “This is one of our key CSR projects this year,” she noted. “Quomodo has always stood for youth development and all-round growth. Swimming builds confidence, strength, and resilience; qualities children can carry into every area of life. That’s why we are proud to support this initiative.”

    With every stroke and dive, these young swimmers not only entertained the crowd but also embodied the promise of a new generation of swimmers for Nigeria.

  • Nwaozuzu sets fresh targets after  success at VEMP, Devnotch Championships

    Nwaozuzu sets fresh targets after  success at VEMP, Devnotch Championships

    Imo state-born para Tennis sensation, Chituru Nwaozuzu is excited after winning two Tennis competitions in Lagos and hoping to make it a hat trick of triumphs when she takes part in the CBN Tennis Tournament which serves off today also in Lagos.

    Nwaozuzu won the VEMP Tennis Championship beating Chika Enwerem in the final in straight sets of 6-2, 6-1 before adding Devnotch Tennis Championship to her collection a few days later.

    The multiple National Sports Festival Medallists told NationSport that she was motivated to attend the championships by the Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Obinna Onyeocha who ensured she attended the competitions along with Vivian Ozurumba whom she beat in the semi-final 6-1, 6-2 at the Devnotch Championship, and Immaculate Achuluiwu.

    Read Also: NFF D-License coaching course takes off in Abuja

    “I am more than happy to win both competitions because I didn’t train much coming to the competitions but my willpower to win and sheer determination to succeed saw me through,” Nwaozuzu told NationSport.

    “I have won two already and I am still going for the third which starts tomorrow (today). I am ready to give my all to ensure I win.”

    Meanwhile, Imo State Sports Commissioner, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, has challenged athletes with special abilities from the state to aim for excellence at their ongoing championship in Lagos.

    Onyeocha, who praised their determination, assured them of the government’s continued support.

    He thumbed up the performance of Nwaozuzu who has already won two championships and gunning for the third.

  • Ekpo fears  Super Eagles’ 2026  World Cup chances

    Ekpo fears  Super Eagles’ 2026  World Cup chances

    By Daniel Oyekan

    Ahead of this month’s decisive  2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, former International  midfielder, Friday Ekpo,  has raised serious concerns about the capability of the Super Eagles  to ride their luck  in the upcoming matches against Lesotho and  Benin.

    Nigeria lie in third position  with 11 points  behind both  Benin  and South Africa on 14 points in the

    Group C of  Africa Qualifications  for  FIFA World Cup 2026 after FIFA  docked three  points from  Bafana Bafana  for fielding an ineligible player  in their previous match against Lesotho .

    Speaking on the development, Ekpo believes the group remains wide open but warned that the Super Eagles must win their next  two matches  to have a realistic chances of booking  a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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

     “My concern is not Benin or South Africa. We should watch out for Lesotho and Rwanda behind us,” Ekpo, who represented Nigeria between 1989 and 1993, said in an interview aired on Brila Fm.

    He  pointed out that South Africa remain a strong threat  despite recent  points deduction by FIFA, adding the Super Eagles must in the qualifiers,

    “The situation is very critical,” he said. “Nigeria not being able to win back-to-back games is a big worry. We need to sit back, rethink our strategy and ensure we pick up six points from our remaining fixtures. While we are busy calculating, other teams are simply focused on winning their matches.”

    The Super Eagles will be away to Lesotho on October 10 while the coach Eric Sekou Chelle-led  side  hosts neighbouring   Benin Republic on October 14 in Uyo.

    However, the Super Eagles will have to make do without key players Ola Aina, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Cyril Dessers who are all sidelined with injuries.

  • Monday Gift rues missing 2025 WAFCON in Morocco

    Monday Gift rues missing 2025 WAFCON in Morocco

    Super Falcons forward Gift Monday has expressed her emotions after missing out on Nigeria’s campaign for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), despite putting up a historic performance in the United States.

    Speaking after her record-breaking display in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the striker described playing for the Super Falcons as “a very big honour” and reaffirmed her desire to return to the national team setup.

    Read Also: NFF D-License coaching course takes off in Abuja

     “I am always more than happy to represent the green white green. I’m doing what I can to get my feet together and hopefully get called up. I am so, so glad to give Nigeria this precious gift,” she said.

    While her current exploits have grabbed global attention, Monday revealed her biggest motivation remains wearing the Nigerian jersey again. Having missed out on the recent WAFCON 24  campaign in Morocco ,she believes her form could soon open the door for another Super Falcons call-up ahead of the WAFCON qualifiers second round double header against Benin Republic  next month

    23-year-old Monday’s last involvement with the Super Falcons was in October 2024, when the Super Falcons faced Algeria in a two-legged friendly.

  • 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup finals: Flamingos in flaming form ahead of departure to Morocco

    2025 FIFA U17 World Cup finals: Flamingos in flaming form ahead of departure to Morocco

    The U17 Women National Team, Flamingos, are wrapping up their World Cup preparations in Abuja with a streak of impressive results that demonstrate their growing confidence and cohesion.

    Since returning to camp, the girls have played eight friendly matches, winning all, scoring 26 goals and conceding none—a perfect record that has boosted morale ahead of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals taking place in Morocco.

    Last week, the Flamingos turned on the style. They cruised to a 3-0 victory over Abuja All-Stars, with Praise Agba scoring on a loose ball, Olamide Olanrewaju converting from the penalty spot, and Zainab Raji adding a thundering third soon after the break. Goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu was heroic, pulling off multiple saves to keep her sheet clean. Earlier, they battled through a rain-disrupted friendly against Josiah Academy, winning 2–0 thanks to a Chisom Nwachukwu brace inside the opening 10 minutes before the heavens forced an early halt.

    Read Also: NFF  hails Tinubu’s  unflinching support for Nigerian football

    There were also emphatic wins over Nazareth Angels (5–0), with Queen Joseph scoring twice alongside goals from Praise Agba, Mariam Yahaya, and Chisom Nwachukwu, and a commanding 5–0 triumph over Horvel Prime, in which Queen Joseph grabbed a hat-trick in 35 minutes, supported by strikes from captain Shakirat Moshood and Azeezat Oduntan. In all their tune-up games, the Flamingos have demonstrated balance, depth, and hunger, from precise finishing in attack to defensive resilience.

    The team is now fully focused on their World Cup campaign, where they have been placed in Group D against Canada, France, and Samoa.

    The team is scheduled to depart Nigeria on 8th October, bringing their perfect run and growing belief to the international stage as they seek glory in Morocco (17th  October – 8th  November 2025).

  • World Cup ticket sales underway amid high demand

    World Cup ticket sales underway amid high demand

    Tickets to next year’s FIFA World Cup officially went on  sale yesterday  despite the fact that not even half of the spots in the 48-team 2026 World Cup field have been claimed.

    What’s more, the schedule of matches won’t be finalized until December. And other than host nations U.S., Canada and Mexico, nobody has any idea where or when they’ll be playing.

    But millions of fans worldwide evidently don’t seem to mind any of those points.

    The buyers will be those who were selected, out of 4.5 million applicants in a lottery that took place last month, to have the first formal chance to purchase tickets over the next few days. FIFA said lottery winners have been, or will soon be, informed by email.

    Read Also: NFF D-License coaching course takes off in Abuja

    There are unique questions for consumers heading into the tournament, particularly about how they’ll get visas, if necessary, to visit the U.S. as the country cracks down on immigration. There are also more traditional concerns such as who, when and where — and none of those will be answered until the draw on Dec. 5. FIFA knows many fans won’t fret about those answers; they’ll just want tickets now and will figure out the rest later.

    “These are not only outstanding figures, but also a strong statement,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on social media, reacting to the 4.5 million applicants for a spot in the purchase window that opened Wednesday.

    “The whole world wants to be part of the FIFA World Cup 26, the biggest, most inclusive and most exciting event ever. From Canada, Mexico and the United States, to countries big and small across every continent, fans are proving once again passion for football truly unites.”

  • UEFA  asked to decide Israel’s fate in international football

    UEFA  asked to decide Israel’s fate in international football

    Israel’s continued participation in international football has to be dealt with first and foremost by European governing body UEFA, FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani  has said.

    UEFA was expected to hold an emergency vote this week on whether to suspend Israel from European competition over the war in Gaza.

    However, British media reported that the continental body has decided to hold off on a proposed vote following the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war in the region.

    Israel are third in Group I of the qualifying stage for next year’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Amnesty International on Wednesday sent a letter to FIFA and UEFA calling on them to suspend the Israel Football Association.

    However, Montagliani, President of the North and Central America and Caribbean soccer federation CONCACAF, said it was down to UEFA to rule on Israel’s participation.

    “First and foremost, it (Israel) is a member of UEFA, no different than I have to deal with a member of my region for whatever reason… They have to deal with that,” Montagliani told reporters at the Leaders sports business conference.

    “And I respect not only their process but whatever decision they make.”

    Montagliani will attend the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich today  where the issue of Israel’s participation is not on the agenda nor is the proposal from South American federation CONMEBOL to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams.

    Read Also: NFF confirms Super Eagles friendlies in US

    Next year’s World Cup from June 11-July 18 will be the biggest ever having already been expanded to 48 teams from 32.

    Montagliani insisted that no games would be moved from planned venues despite Trump saying last month that he would consider relocating matches from cities he did not deem safe.

    “If I have to react every time a politician makes a statement, whether it’s a president or senator or congressman … then I wouldn’t be doing my job, because I’d be focusing on what these guys say,” the Canadian added.

    “So the reality is, we’re focused on the 16 venues and making sure that they’re ready to go …”

    However, Montagliani said the kick-off times in certain venues could be changed after the experience of the Club World Cup hosted in the U.S. earlier this year, where some matches took place in extreme heat and humidity.

    “It’s always an issue in our region, because summers are hot … even in Canada they’re hot, not just the U.S., and so it’s important to learn those things,” he added.

    The full match schedule will be announced after the World Cup draw on December 5 in Washington D.C.

    Montagliani said there were daily discussions with global broadcasters and time differences would be taken into account.

  • Galatasaray trolls Liverpool after huge Champions League win

    Galatasaray trolls Liverpool after huge Champions League win

    Galatasaray stunned Liverpool with a 1-0 win in the UEFA Champions League phase. Victor Osimhen netted home a first-half penalty in a matchup in which Liverpool dominated possession (67.1% to 32.9%) and shot attempts (16-9).

    But Galatasaray was able to hold on, securing its first victory of the competition. The club then proceeded to relay a simple troll aimed at Liverpool, captioning its post: “You’ll never walk alone, but sometimes you walk out without points.”

    Read Also: NFF confirms Super Eagles friendlies in US

    Since the 1960s, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Gerry and the Pacemakers has served as Liverpool’s famous anthem, sung by Kopites alike around the world. The motto appears on the top of the club’s badge.

    The “Shankly Gates” — built in honour of legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly — also feature the phrase.

    Tuesday’s defeat marked Liverpool’s second in a row, with the club set to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

  • UCL: Martinelli, Saka seal Arsenal’s win over Olympiacos

    UCL: Martinelli, Saka seal Arsenal’s win over Olympiacos

    Gabriel Martinelli’s early strike and a late Bukayo Saka goal secured Arsenal a 2-0 win over Olympiacos, keeping their perfect Champions League start intact.

    Martinelli tapped home in the 12th minute after Viktor Gyökeres’ effort was pushed onto the post by goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis. Despite Olympiacos threatening through Daniel Podence and Francisco Chiquinho, Arsenal held firm.

    Read Also: Odumodublvck’s ‘Declan Rice’ rose to 200% streams after Arsenal’s win

    Saka sealed the victory in stoppage time with a shot that squeezed through Tzolakis’ legs, giving Mikel Arteta’s side back-to-back group-stage wins.