The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Dynamos’ Mutapa laments missed chances against Rivers United

    Dynamos’ Mutapa laments missed chances against Rivers United

    Power Dynamos head coach Osward Mutapa was left frustrated after his side dominated proceedings but settled for a goalless draw against Rivers United in their CAF Confederation Cup clash in Ndola.

    The Zambian champions controlled possession, created chances and pressed aggressively, but were repeatedly denied by an inspired display from Rivers goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya.

    Read Also: EPL: Chelsea defeat Palace 3-1 to maintain top-four charge

    Mutapa made a series of attacking substitutions in search of a breakthrough, with Moses Shumah coming closest after his header struck the post late on.

    Despite the missed opportunity, Mutapa remained encouraged by his team’s performance and believes results will follow if they maintain the same intensity.

  • FIFA announces record $2.3m prize for Women’s Champions Cup

    FIFA announces record $2.3m prize for Women’s Champions Cup

    FIFA has confirmed record-breaking prize money for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, reinforcing its commitment to the global growth of women’s club football.

    The winners of the first women’s intercontinental club championship will earn USD 2.3 million — the highest single pay-out in the history of women’s club football. The runners-up will receive USD 1 million, while each losing semi-finalist will pocket USD 200,000.

    Clubs eliminated in the early rounds, Auckland United FC and Wuhan Chegu Jiangda WFC, will each receive USD 100,000, bringing the total prize pool close to USD 4 million.

    Read Also: EPL: Aston Villa beat Newcastle 2-0 to keep title hopes alive

    FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström described the payout as a strong statement of belief in the women’s game, highlighting FIFA’s long-term investment strategy following the success of the Women’s World Cup 2023.

    The final phase of the tournament will be staged in London from January 28 to February 1, 2026, with the final taking place at Arsenal Stadium.

    Semi-final fixtures at Brentford Stadium will see Gotham FC face Corinthians, while Arsenal Women take on Morocco’s ASFAR.

    The competition is part of FIFA’s wider plan to strengthen women’s club football ahead of the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup™, scheduled to debut in 2028.

  • EPL: Man United stun  Arsenal to open up title race

    EPL: Man United stun  Arsenal to open up title race

    Manchester United loosened Arsenal’s grip on the Premier League title race with a 3-2 win in north London thanks to stunning second-half goals by Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha.

    Victory would have restored Arsenal’s seven-point lead over chasers Manchester City and Aston Villa, both of whom won this weekend, but Mikel Arteta’s side instead left the door open as they lost at home for the first time this season.

    United’s win, their first in the league at Arsenal since 2017, lifted them to fourth, and while they are not in the title equation themselves, it fuelled the new-found optimism sweeping the club since Michael Carrick stepped in as interim coach.

    “It was absolutely massive,” United defender Harry Maguire told Sky Sports. “Michael’s come in, he’s been brilliant with us, he’s brought a fresh energy, the group’s really galvanized.”

    Everything was going to plan for Arsenal when they took the lead in the 29th  minute with a Lisandro Martinez own goal. But a terrible mistake by Martin Zubimendi in the 37th  minute gifted United an equaliser for Bryan Mbeumo.

    Read Also: EPL: Chelsea defeat Palace 3-1 to maintain top-four charge

    Dorgu then rifled in a volley in the 50th  minute and United’s confidence was soaring until substitute Mikel Merino prodded the hosts level from a corner.

    United were not finished though and substitute Cunha was allowed to advance towards Arsenal’s goal before curling a low shot past the dive of David Raya from 25 metres to spark wild celebrations amongst the visiting fans.

    Arsenal are now winless in three league games after two 0-0 draws but with 50 points from 23 games are still in a strong position, despite the boos of some fans at the end.

    City and Villa are on 46 points with United fourth on 38.

    United’s win made it a dream start for former midfielder Carrick in his second spell as the club’s interim manager, following a 2-0 defeat of Manchester City last weekend.

    While they now target a return to the Champions League with a top-four finish, the nerves are clearly starting to show at Arsenal as they seek their first league title since 2004.

    Even after Martinez got his legs in a tangle and deflected Martin Odegaard’s shot past his own keeper, Arsenal never looked completely at ease and slowly lost control.

    The omens still looked bad for United at that stage with Arsenal having won their last 15 Premier League games in which they had taken the lead.

    But when William Saliba casually passed to Zubimendi who in turn gifted the ball straight to Mbeumo to score in style, the visitors sensed an opportunity.

    “We gave them the goal, that shifted the energy,” Arteta said. “The game became a little bit open without the dominance of the first half. They had two brilliant goals.”

    Things took a dark turn for Arsenal five minutes after the interval. Again their defence was hesitant as Dorgu was allowed to control a bouncing ball before thumping a left-foot volley in off the crossbar past a stunned Raya.

    Arteta reacted by making four substitutions, sending on Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Ben White while Noni Madueke also joined the fray later from a stacked bench.

    There was huge relief when United failed to deal with a corner and Merino pounced from close range — the ball being adjudged to have crossed the line after a brief delay.

    It looked as though Arsenal had got out of jail and might even snatch a win but United’s belief was unwavering as Cunha delivered a gift to City and Villa.

  • Gauff targets history after reaching Melbourne quarters

    Gauff targets history after reaching Melbourne quarters

    Coco Gauff is hoping history repeats itself after edging Karolina Muchova to make the Australian Open quarter-finals, with the American going on to win titles on three other occasions she has beaten the Czech player.

    Gauff dropped a set for the second match in a row before clawing her way into the last eight 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 and will now play either Ukraine’s 12th  seed Elina Svitolina or Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva.

    Gauff had a psychological advantage before a ball was hit, winning all of her previous encounters with the seasoned Muchova, including at Cincinnati and the US Open in 2023 and Beijing a year later.

    Gauff went on to be crowned champion at each event.

     “I saw someone post that. I didn’t know that,” she said. “I think I just usually play her later in the tournaments, so it just happens to be like that.

     “US Open I played her in the quarters, Beijing was in the final, Cincy was in the final. So I think it just happens to be like that because I have played her in the later rounds.

    Read Also: EPL: Aston Villa beat Newcastle 2-0 to keep title hopes alive

     “I don’t think I’m going to think about that, but if I do win, then I guess I have her to thank.”

    The 21-year-old Gauff, the 2025 French Open and 2023 US Open champion, has never gone beyond the last four at Melbourne Park.

    Muchova had pedigree, bidding to make an eighth career Grand Slam quarter-final and she made life difficult after a slow start.

    Gauff made the best possible start, with back-to-back breaks of Muchova who blasted a slew of unforced errors, racing 4-0 in front.

    Gauff’s serve has been her Achilles’ heel in recent times, but she had few issues with it initially.

    Instead, it was Muchova who struggled, winning just 33 percent her first-serve points in the set.

    The Czech player finally held for 1-5 to avoid a dreaded bagel, but it just delayed the inevitable with Gauff taking the set in 30 minutes.

    Muchova began with more intent in set two, holding then taking advantage as Gauff’s serving yips returned to ease 2-0 ahead.

    Gauff broke back but again failed to hold and Muchova took a set off her for the first time in her career.

    The crucial moment in the third set came when Muchova spilled a forehand long on serve to give Gauff three break points in game three, with another loose shot from the Czech sealing her fate.

    Gauff held serve for 4-1 and safely sealed the win on her fourth match point.

     “She definitely elevated her game and I thought sometimes I was a bit passive, but it’s really tough to play her,” said Gauff.

     “She plays with so much variety, you never know what you’re going to do. I’m really happy to get through this one today.”

  • Van Dijk wants  very important’ Robertson to stay

    Van Dijk wants  very important’ Robertson to stay

    Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says he wants Andy Robertson to stay at the club as he remains a “very important” member of the squad.

    Earlier this week, Tottenham opened talks with Liverpool in an effort to sign the left-back, who is out of contract in the summer.

    “He’s my vice-captain,” said Van Dijk. “Robbo is a very important member of our team and I want him to stay but whatever happens, let’s see.”

    Liverpool signed Robertson from Hull City for £8m in 2017 during Jurgen Klopp’s reign and he has made 364 appearances for the Reds.

    The 31-year-old has won nine trophies during his time at the Anfield club, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.

    Robertson is no longer the first-choice left-back at Liverpool but is keen to play regularly again and is considering options that allow him to do that.

    The Scotland international came off the bench to replace Milos Kerkez at half-time in Saturday’s defeat at Bournemouth but he has started just four times in the Premier League this season.

    Read Also: EPL: Chelsea defeat Palace 3-1 to maintain top-four charge

    Pushed on whether he expected Robertson to be at Anfield for Liverpool’s Champions League game against Qarabag on Wednesday, Van Dijk said: “That’s not on me, is it?”

    The Liverpool skipper was then asked about his best memories of Robertson but insisted he would only “speak about that” if the move happened.

    Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Arne Slot refused to discuss the prospect of allowing his vice-captain to leave when he was asked whether he felt Robertson would still be a Liverpool player by the end of January.

    “What do you think my answer is going to be? Have I ever said anything about transfers in front of these microphones,” said Slot.

    “My answer is always the same and it’s quite boring to always give the same answer – we don’t talk about transfers in public.”

  • EPL: United shock Arsenal in five-goal thriller

    EPL: United shock Arsenal in five-goal thriller

    Manchester United threw the Premier League title race wide open with a pulsating 3–2 win over leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, handing the Gunners their first home league defeat of the season in a night of high drama.

    Arsenal had been presented with the opportunity to re-establish a seven-point cushion at the summit following victories for Manchester City and Aston Villa earlier in the weekend. Instead, their advantage was trimmed as an energised United side delivered a ruthless second-half performance to loosen the hosts’ grip on top spot.

    The Gunners started with authority and were rewarded in the 29th minute when Lisandro Martínez diverted the ball into his own net under pressure, giving Arsenal a deserved breakthrough. United, however, were gifted a lifeline eight minutes later when Martin Zubimendi’s loose pass was pounced upon by Bryan Mbeumo, who kept his composure to finish clinically and restore parity.

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    Momentum swung firmly in United’s favour after the interval, and they surged ahead five minutes into the second half. Patrick Dorgu unleashed a thunderous effort that struck the underside of the crossbar before finding the net, stunning the home support. Arsenal responded with sustained pressure and eventually drew level late on, substitute Mikel Merino reacting quickest to poke home from close range in the 84th minute.

    Just as the contest appeared to be heading for a draw, United delivered the decisive blow. Three minutes after the equaliser, Matheus Cunha curled a magnificent strike from outside the area to silence the Emirates and secure a statement victory for the visitors.

    The loss leaves Arsenal winless in their last three league outings, though they remain top on 50 points from 23 matches, with Manchester City and Aston Villa closing the gap on 46 points. United’s triumph lifts them to fourth on 38 points, intensifying an already crowded and unpredictable title race.

  • EPL: Aston Villa beat Newcastle 2-0 to keep title hopes alive

    EPL: Aston Villa beat Newcastle 2-0 to keep title hopes alive

    Aston Villa moved to within four points of the Premier League summit after a commanding 2-0 victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday, while Chelsea climbed into the top four with a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.

    Leaders Arsenal, however, can restore a seven-point cushion over Villa and Manchester City when they host Manchester United later this week.

    Villa bounced back from last weekend’s 1-0 home defeat to Everton to remain in contention for their first league title since 1981. Emi Buendia opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a spectacular strike from outside the box, setting Unai Emery’s side on course for their first win at Newcastle since 2005.

    Newcastle struggled without injured captain Bruno Guimaraes and were unable to inspire a fightback, leaving their Champions League qualification hopes in jeopardy. Ollie Watkins sealed the win with a header from Lucas Digne’s cross in the 88th minute.

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    The defeat saw Newcastle drop to ninth but remain just three points outside the top five, keeping their European ambitions alive. Villa, meanwhile, hold an 11-point advantage over sixth-placed Manchester United, keeping them on track for a return to Europe’s elite competition.

    At Selhurst Park, Chelsea delivered more blows to Crystal Palace with a 3-1 victory, extending their strong run under Liam Rosenior. The Blues scored through Estevao, Joao Pedro, and Enzo Fernandez from the penalty spot, marking their fourth win in five league matches since Rosenior’s appointment.

    Palace’s struggles deepened as England international Adam Wharton was sent off for two bookable offences, and striker Jean-Philippe Mateta missed a key early chance. Manager Oliver Glasner, who has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season, expressed frustration over the sale of captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City, adding to uncertainty over his squad’s future.

    Elsewhere in the relegation battle, Nottingham Forest strengthened their survival hopes with a 2-0 win over Brentford at home. Goals from Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi lifted Forest five points clear of the drop zone, following West Ham’s win over Sunderland on Saturday that had intensified pressure on Sean Dyche’s side.

  • EPL: Chelsea defeat Palace 3-1 to maintain top-four charge

    EPL: Chelsea defeat Palace 3-1 to maintain top-four charge

    Chelsea strengthened their hold over Crystal Palace with a 3-1 Premier League triumph at Selhurst Park on Sunday, marking their 18th consecutive unbeaten encounter against the Eagles.

    The Blues broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Estêvão capitalised on a loose pass from Jaydee Canvot, sprinted past Tyrick Mitchell, and slotted the ball past Dean Henderson.

    Palace pressed for a response, but Fernández’s wayward header in his own box almost handed Estêvão a second chance, which the forward failed to convert.

    Chelsea doubled their advantage early in the second half. Within five minutes of the restart, Estêvão set up João Pedro, who cut inside Adam Wharton and neatly threaded the ball through Henderson’s legs.

    Read Also: Niger Delta games critical for youth development, says Enabulele

    The visitors made it 3-0 when Fernández converted a penalty after Canvot handled Pedro’s shot inside the box.

    Crystal Palace’s woes deepened as Adam Wharton picked up two yellow cards in five minutes for fouls on Moisés Caicedo, ruling him out of their next match against Nottingham Forest.

    A late Jefferson Lerma header was denied by goalkeeper Sánchez in the 88th minute, but Chris Richards netted a consolation goal, giving the home fans a brief reason to cheer.

    Chelsea held on through nine minutes of stoppage time to seal the victory, moving up to fourth place in the Premier League under Liam Rosenior. The win makes Rosenior the first English manager since Steven Gerrard in 2021 to win his first two top-flight matches in charge.

    The result extends Crystal Palace’s winless streak to 11 consecutive competitive games.

  • La Liga: Yamal acrobatics propel Barca to 3-0 victory against struggling Oviedo

    La Liga: Yamal acrobatics propel Barca to 3-0 victory against struggling Oviedo

    Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga on Sunday with a convincing 3-0 victory over Real Oviedo at a partially reopened Camp Nou, thanks to goals from Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and a spectacular acrobatic strike from Lamine Yamal.

    The Catalans regained pole position after Real Madrid briefly took the lead following their win over Villarreal on Saturday. Barca now sit a point clear at the summit.

    Despite Oviedo languishing at the bottom of the table with just two wins all season, Barcelona had to battle for their triumph as the visitors defended resolutely through the first half.

    The breakthrough came in the second half when Olmo found the net, opening the scoring after sustained pressure. From there, Barca’s quality shone through. Yamal’s goal, a stunning volley from Olmo’s cross, was the standout moment of the match.

    The first half was a struggle for the hosts, who were unusually erratic in passing. Injured midfield maestro Pedri Gonzalez watched from the stands, his expression betraying his frustration.

    Oviedo threatened on the counter, with Haissem Hassan forcing a save from Joan Garcia from long range. At the other end, goalkeeper Aaron Escandell produced a smart stop at his near post to deny Raphinha before halftime.

    Barcelona returned from the break with renewed urgency. After sustained pressure, Olmo converted a loose ball in the box following strong work from Yamal and Raphinha.

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    Oviedo’s defensive error in the 57th minute allowed Raphinha to pounce on a back-pass from David Costas, calmly lifting the ball over Escandell for Barca’s second. The third was Yamal’s moment of brilliance — as Olmo’s cross fell behind him, the young forward executed a flawless sideways scissor kick to seal the victory.

    A sudden downpour hit Camp Nou in the closing stages, sending some fans scurrying from the open stands. Those who stayed witnessed Escandell deny Robert Lewandowski a potential fourth goal with a sharp save.

    The win marks a key statement from Hansi Flick’s side as they continue their title push, showing both resilience and attacking flair despite a testing first half.

  • Niger Delta games critical for youth development, says Enabulele

    Niger Delta games critical for youth development, says Enabulele

    Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has described the Niger Delta Games as a critical platform for grassroots sports development, youth empowerment, and regional integration.

    Enabulele spoke when he played host to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie.

    Ebie was in the state to review the level of preparedness, strengthen collaboration, and reaffirmed commitment of all stakeholders toward delivering a successful and impactful festival.

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     Enabulele said the games were more than a competition and a deliberate investment in the future of Nigeria’s youth.

    He said the discovery of talents could serve the region and the nation for many years.

    The ESSC boss thanked the NDDC for sustaining the vision of using sports as a tool for unity, peace, and development in the Niger Delta.

    Enabulele noted that the consistency of the Commission in supporting the festival reflected a deep understanding of sports as a catalyst for social and economic growth.

    He said Edo State was ready to host the festival, even as he assured that all necessary facilities, logistics, and institutional support were being put in place to ensure a hitch-free event.

    “This initiative has continued to give hope and opportunity to young athletes across the region, particularly at the grassroots level.

    “Edo State is fully prepared to host the Niger Delta Sports Festival. Our facilities are ready, our technical teams are on the ground, and we are working closely with the NDDC and the organisers to ensure that this edition sets a new benchmark in organisation, athlete welfare, and competitive excellence.

    “Our priority is talent discovery and development. By focusing on young athletes, we are deliberately building a pipeline that will feed state, national, and even international sports platforms in the future,” Enabulele noted.

    The NDDC Chairman commended Edo State for its proactive role and continued leadership in sports development, expressing confidence that the second edition of the festival would surpass expectations.