The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • World Cup 2026: ‘Sorry’ SAFA  to appeal  Bafana’s docked points

    World Cup 2026: ‘Sorry’ SAFA  to appeal  Bafana’s docked points

    SAFA have responded to the news of Bafana Bafana being docked points by FIFA on Monday.

    Bafana have been docked three points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on 21 March 2025.

    The South African football governing body have acknowledged their error and apologised the supporters.

    “The South African Football Association (SAFA) acknowledges a ruling by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee which sanctioned the Association for erroneously fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Lesotho played on 21 March 2025,” the statement read.

    “In terms of the decision, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee declared the match to have been forfeited by Bafana Bafana by the score of 3-0. The Association has also further been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000, while Mokoena has been issued with a warning.

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

    “As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the Association an opportunity to present legal arguments. The Association confirms that we have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules.

    “Despite the outcome, the Association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign. The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead. We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign. Finally, we call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers.

    “Bafana Bafana will next face Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October 2025, followed by a clash against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on 14 October 2025. Both matches will kick off at 18h00.”

  • World Cup 26: Nigeria,  Benin  welcome South Africa sanction as Mundial race opens up

    World Cup 26: Nigeria,  Benin  welcome South Africa sanction as Mundial race opens up

    Aluo, Rohr excited   

    Gernot Rohr, coach of the Cheetahs of Benin, and George Aluo, a prominent member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), have expressed their appreciation for FIFA’s recent ruling to deduct three points from South Africa. This decision has effectively intensified the competition for automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the race in Group C heats up.

    FIFA cited a violation of regulations concerning player eligibility as the reason for the sanction, which stemmed from South Africa’s usage of Teboho Mokoena in a preliminary match against Lesotho on March 21, 2025. The original result, a 2-0 win for South Africa, was overturned and awarded as a 3-0 victory for Lesotho, resulting in South Africa not only losing three crucial points but also facing a fine of CHF 10,000, with Mokoena receiving a warning from FIFA.

    “Finally, FIFA has taken the decision we have been waiting for a long time. It’s a logical outcome that comes just before our last games, ” Rohr told NationSports  moments after FIFA’s decision was made public.

    With the points deduction, the former Super Eagles trainer noted  that his team is now in a stronger position within the group but acknowledged the tough matches that lie ahead—one against Rwanda in Kigali and another against Nigeria in Uyo.

    “If  I have a good calculator, we are mow  the leader in Group  C but with two difficult games to finish  the qualifying competition . We have to go to Rwanda (Kigali) and Nigeria(Uyo).,” the vastly travelled Rohr sais. 

    Aluo  who doubles as the Chairman of the Nigeria national League (NNL), echoed Rohr’s sentiments, noting that the sanction opens up the competition for all teams in Group C. He views the three points taken from South Africa as a boost for Nigeria to push towards qualification.

    “The decision has made the group wide open,” Aluo remarked, highlighting Rwanda’s potential as a dark horse in this race.

    He went on to emphasize the importance of the upcoming match between Rwanda and Benin, suggesting that the outcomes of those games could dramatically alter the standings.

    “If Rwanda wins that match and we triumph over Lesotho, the dynamics of the competition will change completely. All four countries—Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, and Rwanda—are very much in the hunt for qualification, and I expect Rwanda to be competitive against South Africa if they manage to defeat Benin at home.”

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

    Yet Rohr maintained that  it would be foolhardy for anyone to doubt  his history-seeking Cheetahs, adding  they are  at the ready for the upcoming deciding matches in October.

     “I know we still have a chance even  against Rwanda and Nigeria,” maintained the  former Bayern Munich defender. “ I think the first three teams can  finish  as the first team in the group especially if South Africa did not win any of their  next games  with high score.”

    He added:  “The next game (away to Rwanda)  will be very important  for us. Even now, Nigeria  has a chance  because  Zimbabwe  can even shock South Africa .  It is very interesting , very interesting. “

    Indeed, as  the qualifying campaign approaches its climax, the focus remains on the outcomes of each match, with tension and excitement building among fans and teams alike in anticipation of who will eventually  secure the Group C automatic ticket  to the 2026 World Cup.

      GROUP C: REMAINING MATCHES:

    OCTOBER 12

    Lesotho vs. Nigeria

    Rwanda vs.  Benin

    Zimbabwe vs. South Africa

    OCTOBER 14

    Nigeria vs. Benin

    South Africa vs. Rwanda

  • 24th  FIFA U20 World Cup: Unlucky Flying Eagles lose by the odd goal to Norway

    24th  FIFA U20 World Cup: Unlucky Flying Eagles lose by the odd goal to Norway

    The Flying Eagles were unlucky to lose 1-0  to Norway in their opening match of the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup finals on Monday despite dominating play and creating a hatful of chances, particularly in the second period.

    Norway went ahead after they were awarded a contested penalty in the 9th  minute, but the Flying Eagles fought hard to redeem things, only to be denied penalty awards on two occasions in the second half.

    Kparobo Arierhi’s left-footed shot inside the box drifted just wide in the 47th  minute, with the goalkeeper completely beaten, and in the 63rd  minute, Tahir Maigana’s left-footed shot inside the box was stopped by the base of the upright.

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

    The two-time silver medallists launched onslaught after onslaught against the Europeans, but Norway had too many players behind the ball in the box and foiled dozens of attempts.

    In the 71st  minute, the crowd rose to cheer the equalizer, but midfielder Nasiru Salihu’s rising shot from the right rose a little too high, beating the goalkeeper and the crossbar.

    Seven minutes from time, the tireless Tahir Maigana cocked the trigger from afar, only to see his effort miss the target narrowly.

    The Flying Eagles will take on Saudi Arabia in their second match of the competition on Thursday.

     

  • Golf: Olapade, Okoko reign supreme at Lakowe Classic

    Golf: Olapade, Okoko reign supreme at Lakowe Classic

    Nigeria ‘s ace golfer Sunday Olapade on Sunday, September 28,  won the professional round of the 2025 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic with an impressive  ten-under par score in 54 holes to win the event.

    Golf Manager of Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate, Femi Olagbenro, said Olapade had a brilliant spell at the event and came close to breaking the course’s 54-hole record held by Vincent Torgah.

    “I believe every player showing up at Lakowe Lakes Golf Club puts in an extra effort to match the pedigree of the course and the tough field that is always on parade during at each Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic event.”

    The 2025 event paraded some of the best professional players across  West Africa, including Emos Korblah and Barry Yaw from Ghana, Oche Odoh, Kamalu Bako, Gift Willy, Godwin Okoko, Michael Ubi, and Francis Epe. This year’s event is supported by Oando Nigeria, GAC Motors, Providus Bank, ARM Holding Company, Mixtafrica, Newmark, International Breweries, were among others.

    Olapade rounds were 69, 65, and 72 for the three days to beat Korblah with a five-stroke margin and pocket the 5 million naira purse and an additional ARM champion bonus of 2.5 million totalling 7.5 million for his victory.

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

    “This is a very satisfying win, given the effort I have put into my game in the past few months. I have just come back from a training round in Kenya. It’s been a very challenging routine, which is why this is satisfying. I want to thank everyone who has supported me this while, and believe in me.”

    Youngster Godwin Okoko, also made the winner’s list with a third-place finish in the professional round while also leading his amateur team members to be crowned the Team Event winners. The members included Ikechukwu Boniface, David Maji, and Frances Omaruaye.

    In the Team Event, Kingsley Oparaku led Roland Alexander, Terry Paul and Abe Ayodeji to the runner-up position.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chairman of Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate Deji Alli said that the game of golf has impacted on his person, and outlook of business for Lakowe Lakes project, despite the challenges of running a world-class facility like Lakowe Lakes Golf Club.

  • Okon backs athletics to  boost Nigerian sports economy

    Okon backs athletics to  boost Nigerian sports economy

    The technical director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Gabriel Okon, has enthused that athletics can  strongly and favourably impact on the Nigerian sports economy.

    Okon, who just returned from the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, noted that Nigeria is endowed with numerous talented athletes that are making positive strides in promoting the country’s image internationally.

    The former Nigeria International athlete, has therefore, called on the National Sports Commission (NSC) to take concrete steps in providing sufficient financial support for the development of these athletes.

    “As of today, Tobi Amusan, Nigeria’s 100mH World Champion, holds a record time of (12:12s.) and by propagating Amusan’s achievement, Nigeria can encourage others to take up sports  but this endeavour requires substantial funding,” said  the former sprinter.“

    “Examples from South Africa, Jamaica, and other nations demonstrate how world-class athletes can drive sports development through targeted investments.”

    The AFN TD  faulted the common  chorus of “lack of fund” often expressed by government officials, describing it as retrogressive for the  growth and development of athletics in Nigeria.

    “We don’t just attend Championships, we also learnt from how others are achieving their podium finish,” Okon said.

    He emphasized that countries achieving podium finishes in World Athletics Championships and Olympic Games invested heavily in their athletes over multiple seasons.

    Read Also: Peterside  calls for credible administrators in NFF

    He argued that sports funding should come from consolidated investment funds rather than yearly budgetary allocations or personal funds.

    According to him, athletes require training grants, competitions, trainers, medical care, equipment, and welfare, none of which should be compromised due to lack of funds.

    Okon noted that countries like Turkey, Qatar, Spain, and Saudi Arabia lure athletes from other nations with substantial funding, leading some to change their names and forgo recognition under their birth names.

    The Coach also stressed that Nigerian athletics require substantial funding, as the current ad-hoc approach has hindered many of the country’s top athletes to achieve podium finishes.

  • Purity affirms  commitment to growth of wrestling  

    Purity affirms  commitment to growth of wrestling  

    Women’s national team wrestling coach, Purity Akuh, has pledged total commitment to the development and growth of wrestling  after securing a  seat  as the South West zone representative seat in the board of Nigeria Wrestling Federation(NWF).

    Speaking to journalists after the election, Purity vowed to support  wrestling in the South West after he pulled  the available six votes from the  six states in a dominant fashion.

    The UWW Educator noted that sports is a veritable instrument of reducing crime and unemployment if optimally pursued, hence his total drive to see it develop in the South West.

    “As you know, sports generate big foreign exchange for countries all over the world. This and many other embedded issues surrounding and affecting sports, particularly in wrestling, will be addressed passionately and with all sincerity of purpose,” he stated.

    He  thanked the President Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Honourable Daniel Igali, who was his national team coach in his wrestling days and the entire wrestling family for counting him worthy to be elected as NWF board member.

    Purity also appreciated the governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the state Honourable commissioner for Sports Development for their overwhelming support

    Assuring that the experience he acquired as a wrestler and having gone through technical trainings to be certified as UWW Educator will be made manifest, bringing to the NWF board technical insights among other qualities.

    “I want to thank the governor of my state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the commissioner and my mentor, Daniel Igali, for the tremendous support I have received and the people of South West in supporting this mandate. Gratitude is not enough to express how elated I am to serve at this capacity.”

    Read Also: Disregard publications linking me with NFF chairmanship —Fani-Kayode 

    “I’m not coming to the NWF board to make up numbers, but to offer technical support and inputs. I have acquired a lot of experience during my days as a wrestler under my mentor, Honourable Daniel Igali, and also, I have gone through a lot of international professional courses and I believe these qualities will be put to work,” he said

    The Ondo State born technician assured to engage appropriate stakeholders to thoroughly and painstakingly look into all the challenges contending wrestling development in the South West with a view of overcoming them, and providing grassroots programs for the purpose of raising more talents for the nation

    “I have envisaged a sustainable development plan, detailing grassroots programs, training plan with tenacity, zeal, and dedication to reach out to raw talents in our villages with the support of every stakeholder”. Purity concluded.

  • WAFU-B U17 Championship:  Golden Eaglets target  AFCON ticket at Starlets’ expense

    WAFU-B U17 Championship:  Golden Eaglets target  AFCON ticket at Starlets’ expense

    Five-time FIFA U 17 world champions, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria will tackle the Black Starlets of Ghana in the second semi-final of the ongoing WAFU-B U17 Championship at the Stade Charles Konan Banny on Tuesday. Kick-off is 8pm Nigeria time.

    The Golden Eaglets have been in good form in the tournament, scoring four goals and conceding only one, in the process amassing four points to top the three-team group B.

    On their part, Ghana’s Black Starlets struggled to qualify to this stage. The team played 1-1 with Togo in their opening game in group A, came short with three goals’ deficit against host Cote d’Ivoire in their second game and were on the verge of crashing out when the score line stood at 1-1 against Niger Republic, before two late goals in second half secured a win and qualification for semi-final.

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

    Therefore, this semi-final clash between the two West African giants promises to be an interesting encounter. However, the Eaglets have recorded more victories against their counterparts in the WAFU-B U17 Championship. Golden Eaglets defeated the Black Starlets 4-2 in the opening game of the 2022 edition hosted by Ghana in the city of Cape Coast. The same shouts of victory echoed in the camp of Golden Eaglets when the team defeated Black Starlets 3-2 in the bronze medal clash of the last edition held in Accra, Ghana.

    Another win for the Golden Eaglets in Tuesday’s clash will not only secure a berth in the final, but also qualification to the 2026 Africa U17 Cup of Nations.

  • NFF confirms Super Eagles friendlies in US

    NFF confirms Super Eagles friendlies in US

    The Nigeria Football Federation  has  confirmed  that the senior men national team, Super Eagles, will take on Venezuela and Colombia in the United States of America during the FIFA window for international friendly matches in the month of November 2025.

    NFF’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport, said the Super Eagles will be up against Venezuela on Friday, 14th November 2025 at the Shell Stadium in Houston, Texas, with kick-off billed for 8pm Texas time.

    On Tuesday, 18th  November 2025, the three-time African champions will confront the Los Cafeteros of Colombia at the Citi Field Stadium in Flushing Meadows, borough of Queens, New York with kick-off billed for 8pm Eastern Time (1am Wednesday, 19th November in Nigeria).

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

    In their last sojourn in the United States of America, in the summer of 2022, the Super Eagles played against Mexico at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, losing narrowly 1-2, with Nigeria’s goal coming off a powerful header by Cyriel Dessers. It was the first match in charge for Portuguese Coach José Peseiro.

    The Eagles also took on Ecuador’s La Tricolor in New Jersey, losing by the odd goal.

  • Wonder goal in Trabzonspor’s win excites Onuachu

    Wonder goal in Trabzonspor’s win excites Onuachu

    Super Eagles attacker, Paul Onuachu has described his stunning bicycle-kick strike in Trabzonspor’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Fatih Karagümrük last weekend as one of the goals of the season.

    The Nigeria international was the star of the seven-goal spectacle at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, netting twice — first with a spectacular overhead kick and later from the penalty spot.

    Speaking after the game, Onuachu expressed delight at both the win and his personal contribution.

    “First of all, I’d like to congratulate my teammates on the three points. I’m happy the team won, and even happier that I scored,” he told Fanatik.

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

    Reflecting on his wonder goal, the towering forward said it brought back memories of a previous strike.

    “I watched the goal again, and it reminded me of the one I scored against Konyaspor. Between the two, I’d say the Konyaspor goal was better. This one was purely instinctive — I had to decide quickly, and luckily it turned into a good shot and a good goal.”

    Onuachu’s brace takes his tally to five goals in seven league appearances for Trabzonspor this season who are third with 14 points from seven games.

    Trabzonspor hosts Kayserispor in their next Super Lig tie on Friday.

  • CAF Confederation Cup fall-out: Kwara United’s coach  laments painful loss to  Asante Kotoko

    CAF Confederation Cup fall-out: Kwara United’s coach  laments painful loss to  Asante Kotoko

    By Daniel Oyekan

    Kwara United’s Head coach Tunde Sanni  has  lamented his side’s ouster from the  2025 CAF Confederation Cup following their 1-0 loss to  Asante Koto of Ghana on Sunday  at the MKO Abiola Stadium Arena  in Abeokuta.

    Kwara United entered the return leg optimistic of overturning their 4–3 first leg defeat at the Accra Sports Stadium penultimate weekend  but failed to capitalise on several scoring chances in front of their home fans.

    Sunday’s loss , therefore, sent out the Afonja Warriors on a 5-3 aggregate.

    Speaking after  the loss to the Porcupine Warriors, Sanni  showed his displeasure and disappointment  over his player’s lackadaisical approach   as they lost several  scoring opportunities.

     “I’m highly disappointed,” Sanni  said in an interview aired on Brila Fm. “Look  at the number of chances we created,  we scored three goals in Accra but we  were unable to convert our chances here at home (Abeokuta).”

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

    Incidentally, the loss to Asante Kotoko means  that  Kwara United  cannot  aim to their best  showing in  previous   CAF Confederation  Cup  appearance  having crashed out of the same  competition  in the Group Stage in 2007.In their last appearance in the same competition in the 2022/23 season , they were eliminated  in the Second Round .

    “At times like this, I don’t know if the players were carried away,” Sanni further lamented.

    “ We tried to score at all costs but were unable and look at the goal we conceded,  it’s so painful.”

    Aside Kwara United, Nigeria’s other representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, Abia Warriors  also crashed out of the competition on Sunday  following their 2-1 aggregate loss to the Djoliba Athletic Club of Bamako, Mali.