The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Lagos International Polo Tournament begins January  27

    Lagos International Polo Tournament begins January  27

    The management of Lagos Polo Club has announced the 2026  NPA/ GTCO Lagos International Polo Tournament is set to gallop off January 27th  with over 25 teams jostling for top honours.

    President Lagos Polo Club Adeyemo Alakija who disclosed this at a media briefing, said the international tournament would span three weeks of high-octane polo games and climax with fanfare on February 15 at the foremost Ribadu Polo Ground in Ikoyi, Lagos

    He commended the main sponsor GTCO, other sponsors and partners for their supports to the prestigious event that dates back since 1904, ensuring it gained reputation as one of the biggest polo tournaments in Africa, the Lagos Polo Club look forward to delivering great values for the sponsors and participants during the epoch fiesta.

    Alakija said that the club is rejuvenated with continuous infrastructural upgrade, stressing that the entire club has been primed for safety of players and horses based on international standards.

    Read Also: Prosperity Cup partners Barcelona FC ahead of 2026 tournament

     “The ambitious teams fully armed with foreign professionals and fortified with thoroughbred Argentine horses would be competing for four major prizes and a handful of subsidiary laurels,” he said.

    Lagos Polo Tournament Manager, Usman Dantata (Jnr), gave a breakdown of the teams vying for top honours, disclosing  that professional players from Argentina, United Kingdom and South Africa will grace the event even as he  listed The Majekodunmi Cup as the biggest prize  for the tournament.

    Other major cups are the Chapel Hill Denham Open Cup, the Lagos Low Cup as well as the crowded Lagos Silver Cup that would draw the curtain on the glamorous festival.

    The subsidiary prizes are, the Oba of Lagos, Governor’s Cup, Adedapo Ojora Memorial Cup, Sani Dangote Cup, the Argentine Ambassador’s Cup, the Independence Cup, Lagos Heritage Cup, and the Cancer Awareness Bowl, among others.

    The Chapel Hill Denham Open Cup will be the prize to win at the opening week of the event while the Majekodunmi Cup will take the centre stage in the second week.

    The Low Cup and the Silver Cup that attracted the highest number of teams, are set to draw the curtain on the international fiesta in the third and final week.

     “Let me assure everyone that with the intensification of teams’ parathions and calibre of players confirmed to showcase their talents as well as the expected high standard of games, 2026 Lagos International Polo Tournament is set to set a new standard in excitement and prestige,” Dantata added.

    Representative of the Mani Sponsor, GTCO, said the sponsorship of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament, over the years has ensured that the international fiesta has grown in team commitment, Nigerian and foreign players participation to become one of the most anticipated social and sporting events globally.

    According to the Tournament Committee, a grand package of entertainment featuring the best hands in the industry, has been put in place for teeming polo buffs, players and invited guests during the festival, while a long list of high-profile personalities are expected to witness the grandiose polo extravaganza.

  • Niger Delta Games: Ondo coaches challenged to pick  best athletes

    Niger Delta Games: Ondo coaches challenged to pick  best athletes

    Seeking to improve on their performance at the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Games (NDG),  the Ondo State Liaison Committee has challenged coaches of the 17 sports to ensure that only the very best athletes are presented to represent the state.

    The 2nd  Niger Delta Games will be held in Benin, Edo State from February 20-27. Sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission, the Games is organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited.

    Secretary of the Committee, Henry Babatunde, issued the charge during an interface with the coaches at Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.

    Babatunde urged the coaches to intensify their trainings ahead of the trials to improve the competitive strength of the athletes when they represent the State.

    The secretary also commended the coaches for registering their athletes in good numbers.

    Read Also: UCL: Atletico held in Istanbul as top-eight hopes fade

    “We should intensify training, even though trials have not commenced. The athletes that will attend the trials must be prepared for the task ahead, “he said.

    He urged the coaches to ensure that they do a thorough job and eschew favouritism in the selection process.

    A member of the Committee, Akintunde Akinsemola tasked the coaches to take advantage of the availability of medical team to ascertain the state of health of the athletes.

    “Get the medical team to do a simple health check of your athletes from the day they enter camp till they depart for Benin. Be vigilant and revert to our doctors if you detect any anomaly”.

    He equally urged the coaches to ensure that their athletes are handy with their NIN and other relevant documents for the screening coming up before the competition.

    The new General Manager, Ondo State Sports Council Mrs Evelyn Lebi, who is also a member of the committee, promised that all the points raised would be strictly monitored for a remarkable showing at the Games.

    She thanked the handlers for ensuring that the responses within the registration time frame were satisfactory.

  • Organizers seal partnership with Barcelona for Prosperity Cup  

    Organizers seal partnership with Barcelona for Prosperity Cup  

    • Celebrate Bayelsa at 30

    Ahead of the 2026 edition of o the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup, Organisers have signed a huge partnership deal with Spanish giants, Barcelona.

    Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Ono Akpe , disclosed this while briefing journalists at a pre-event Press Conference held at the Golden Tulip Resort in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State’s  capital.   

    Akpe noted that officials of FC Barcelona will arrive Yenagoa on Monday, February 23 through Wednesday, 25, for an international coaching clinic to be organized in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development and the Bayelsa State Football Association (BFA).

    ‎The DG hinted that the UEFA-certified capacity building training, which would comprise theoretical as well as practical sessions, is intended for 50 coaches, out of which 40 would be Bayelsa-based grassroots football coaches while 10 slots would be left open for coaches from outside the state.

    Read Also: Prosperity Cup partners Barcelona FC ahead of 2026 tournament

    The coaching clinic, according to the DG, would focus on the coaching methodology and philosophy of Barcelona FC, adding it will be coordinated by Bernard Villa Boas, the Technical Director for Africa Project.

    Akpe  equally  said the programme will dovetail into another coaching programme to be organized in conjunction with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with the Federation’s Technical Director, Austine Eguavoen, as the focal person.

    ‎The DG also hinted that the Prosperity Cup-Barcelona FC partnership, which was facilitated by Whiz-kid Ventures of the Netherlands, will culminate into the establishment of a world-class football academy in Yenagoa, where products of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, unarguably the biggest grassroots football spectacle in Nigeria, would be nurtured and mentored.

    He  said plans are being intensified for a hitch-free tournament, saying  that the signing of the partnership agreement with Barcelona FC was coming at a time that Bayelsa State was celebrating its  30 years of its creation, pointing out that the 2026 edition of the tournament would be de dedicated  to the state’s 30th  anniversary.

    Other capacity development initiatives packaged along with the tournament include a referees ‘ refresher programme, a 3-day intensive training programme for medical personnel as well as a one-day intensive training for Media personnel and coordinators of the various match centres.

    The essence of the capacity building programmes for the various cadres of officials of the competition was acquaint them with modern trends, explaining that over the years, the training programmes have impacted positively on the career of football referees and grassroots football coaches in the state.

    Akpe further explained that in commemoration of the state’s 30th  anniversary celebration, the prize money for the male category of the competition has been increased to N30 million while the female category was jack up to N10 million, pointing out that after this year’s special edition, the prize money would revert to its old amount of N10 million and five million Naira for the male and female categories respectively.

    ‎While appreciating the Bayelsa State Government, grassroots football coaches in the state, the Bayelsa State Football Association, sponsors Premium Trust Bank, the DG called on multi-national oil companies operating in the state, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board as well as the Niger Delta Development Commission align with the vision of the state governor, Senator Douye Diri by co-sponsoring the competition.

    ‎Also speaking, the Tournament Director, Ebi Avi, said 30 centres across the State have been approved for the preliminary rounds, pointing out that the competition will kick-off at the Brass centre on March 1, 2026.

    Avi, who gave a rundown of the various kick-off dates of the various local government areas, informed the gathering that the local government area finals will run from 8th through 20th  of April, Round of 32 will be from 22nd  to 24th , Round of 16 will be on 25th  and 26th , quarter-finals will start on the 28th  of April, semi-finals 30th, while the third place match and grand finale will come up on the 1st  and 2nd  of May.

    ‎The organisers used the opportunity to announce the winners of the individual awards in the last edition. In the male category, Elton Mina of Movers FC, Otuasega won the golden boot with seven goals, Precious Abidde and Prince Jacob both of Advanced Dreams FA went home with the golden glove and Most Valuable Player awards of the tournament.

    ‎In the female category, Marian Edward and Korlu Godgift both from Afini Ladies FC won the best goalkeeper and tournament’s Most Valuable Player while Mary Ayeloh of Crystal Stars FA won the golden boot with each individual awards winner smiling to the bank with the sum of N50,000 each.

  • Cycling Federation rolls out 2026 calendar of events

    Cycling Federation rolls out 2026 calendar of events

    ‎The Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) has rolled out its programme of activities for the year 2026 which includes  local, national as well as international championships.

    ‎Secretary General of the CFN,  Joel Akinluwa, in a letter to all the directors of sports in the 36 States of the federation,  the Federal Capital Territory as well as  cycling club owners,  urged them to work with the calendar to ” enable you plan and prepare your athletes for the scheduled events”.

    Read Also: UCL: Atletico held in Istanbul as top-eight hopes fade

    ‎He urged them to inform the chairmen of their various sports commissions, directors of sports and club owners in their states as well as their sponsors to work with the calendar.

    ‎The year opens with the International Cycling Union(UCI) sanctioned online level 1 coaching course scheduled to hold on January 26.

    ‎The programme includes eleven international championships such as the Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) Africa Track and Para-Track championship scheduled to hold in Abuja in May, the Commonwealth Games between July 23 and August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland as well as the UCI Para-Cycling Road Championship scheduled to hold in September in the United States.

    ‎According to Akinluwa, the programme for the year would be concluded with the biennial National Spots Festival to be hosted for the first time in Enugu on a yet to be determined date in December.

  • NBBF Boss Kida congratulates Oyedeji on election into IOC ‘s body

    NBBF Boss Kida congratulates Oyedeji on election into IOC ‘s body

    The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Engr.  Ahmadu Musa Kida, on behalf of the Federation and the extended Nigeria basketball family, has felicitated with former Nigeria International,  Olumide Oyedeji, on his election as the Secretary-General of the World Olympians Association.

    Oyedeji, who is a member of the NBBF Board and a former captain of D’Tigers, emerged as the new Secretary from an election held on Sunday.

    The NBBF letter to Oyedeji, dated 20 January 2026 and signed by Musa Kida, reads: “Dear Mr. Oyedeji, May I, on behalf of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, congratulate you on your election as the Secretary General of the World Olympians Association (WOA).

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     “Your election is a well-deserved one, considering your unwavering commitment to the welfare of Olympians, especially in Nigeria.

     “We believe that this position is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and passion for athletes in sports, and we are quite excited to see one of our own lead and contribute his quota to the World Olympians Association (WOA).

     “We are also sure that you will inspire and motivate the Youth to excel in their chosen sports and that you will make a significant impact in this, your new role as Secretary-General of WOA.

     “Please warmly accept the assurance of our best wishes for a successful tenure!”

  • ANFASSC applauds Super Eagles’ bronze medal finish at AFCON 2025

    ANFASSC applauds Super Eagles’ bronze medal finish at AFCON 2025

    The Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC) has commended  the Super Eagles’  bronze medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following a disciplined and resilient performance against Egypt in the third-place playoff.

    ANFASSC  in a statement said   the result represented a fitting conclusion to Nigeria’s AFCON campaign and reflects the team’s consistency, mental strength, and competitive maturity at the continental level.

    “Throughout the tournament, the Super Eagles demonstrated tactical organisation, commitment, and a strong sense of national duty, qualities that resonated with Nigerians at home and across the diaspora. The bronze medal finish further reinforces Nigeria’s enduring presence among Africa’s leading football nations and provides a solid platform for future progress,” the outfit  said.

    ANFASSC acknowledged the coordinating role played by the National Sports Commission and the constructive engagement of relevant sports authorities and stakeholders during the competition. The collaborative approach adopted throughout AFCON 2025 contributed to improved structure, communication, and operational stability, particularly in areas relating to supporter organisation and matchday coordination.

    Recall that during the third-place match and across the tournament, ANFASSC maintained a structured and disciplined presence, providing continuous and purposeful support that reflected national unity and pride. This effort was strengthened by ongoing engagement with institutional partners and fellow supporters’ groups, reinforcing a shared responsibility to represent Nigeria positively on the international stage.

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    Following  the  conclusion of AFCON 2025, ANFASSC has  reiterated  its readiness to build on the working relationships established during the competition.

    “ The club remains committed to deeper collaboration with the National Sports Commission, sports authorities, and partners in strengthening organised supporters’ engagement, enhancing logistical planning, and supporting Nigerian teams more effectively in future international competitions,” the body noted. “ANFASSC remains resolute in its mission to support Nigerian athletes with unity, discipline and purpose while contributing meaningfully to the long-term development and global perception of Nigerian sports.”

  • NWFL: Bayelsa Queens tighten grip on Group A as FC Robo’s perfect run ends

    NWFL: Bayelsa Queens tighten grip on Group A as FC Robo’s perfect run ends

    The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership served up an action-packed Matchday 7 yesterday, delivering emphatic wins, dramatic comebacks and a major upset that reshaped the dynamics in both groups writes TUNDE LIADI

    Bayelsa Queens continue to set the pace in Group A, extending their imperious run with a commanding 4–1 away victory over Adamawa Queens in Makwada. Blessing Ilivieda opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Omo Afensemi briefly restored parity for the hosts. However, Janet Akekoromowei and Kindness Ifeanyi — who struck twice — sealed a dominant win that keeps Bayelsa Queens top with 18 points from six matches. Adamawa Queens, now winless in three games, drop to seventh with seven points.

    In Port Harcourt, Rivers Angels delivered the most ruthless performance of the round, thrashing Heartland Queens 5–0 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Ramotalahi Kareem was unplayable, scoring a superb hat-trick, while Abasiofon Uwah added a brace. The emphatic victory lifts Rivers Angels to second place with 15 points, while Heartland Queens remain fourth on eight points despite the heavy defeat.

    Edo Queens edged a tightly contested encounter in Benin City, recording a 2–1 win over Pacesetter Queens. Saidat Adeniyi struck early before Aminat Adebisi levelled for the visitors. Doosuur Atume’s second-half effort proved decisive as Edo Queens moved to third place with 15 points, level with Rivers Angels but behind on goal difference. Pacesetter Queens remain rooted at the bottom, continuing a difficult campaign.

    In Uyo, Ibom Angels returned to winning ways with a 2–1 victory over Ekiti Queens. Happiness Agboye gave the hosts an early lead, Seun Fakunle equalised for Ekiti, but Wami Georgeline’s late goal sealed all three points. Ibom Angels climb to sixth with seven points, while Ekiti Queens sit fifth, also on seven points but with a superior goal difference.

    In Group B, the biggest shock of Matchday 7 came in Ikenne where Remo Stars Ladies ended FC Robo Queens’ perfect start, handing them a 1–0 defeat. Cynthia Mega’s 73rd-minute strike secured a historic win that propels Remo Stars Ladies to third place with 12 points. Despite the setback, FC Robo Queens remain top with 18 points, though their lead has been trimmed.

    Nasarawa Amazons maintained their unbeaten run in Iyamho, fighting back to earn a 1–1 draw against Confluence Queens. Seember Emmanuel had earlier given the hosts the lead from the penalty spot, but Omotoke Ogunfuwa’s late equaliser ensured the Amazons stayed second with 15 points. Confluence Queens remain ninth with five points.

    Read Also: Prosperity Cup partners Barcelona FC ahead of 2026 tournament

    In Asaba, Abia Angels produced the result of the weekend, bouncing back from their previous loss to defeat Delta Queens 1–0 away. Blessing Okon’s 55th-minute strike proved decisive, a result that reportedly led to the dismissal of Delta Queens’ head coach. Abia Angels move up to fourth with 11 points, firmly in the Super Six race, while Delta Queens slip to fifth with 10 points.

    The South-West derby between Osun Babes and Sunshine Queens ended goalless, with both sides cancelling each other out. Osun Babes remain sixth with eight points, while Sunshine Queens stay seventh on seven points.

    In Lagos, Dannaz Ladies secured their second win of the season, edging Ahudiyannem Queens 2–1. Amarachi Anusillem opened the scoring, Chizaram Onyenze equalised, but Adewunmi Akintola’s late strike sealed victory. Dannaz Ladies are now eighth with seven points, while Ahudiyannem Queens remain bottom of Group B, still without a win after seven matches.

    NWFL Premiership Matchday 7 Results

    Adamawa Queens 1–4 Bayelsa Queens

    Rivers Angels 5–0 Heartland Queens

    Edo Queens 2–1 Pacesetter Queens

    Ibom Angels 2–1 Ekiti Queens

    Remo Stars Ladies 1–0 FC Robo Queens

    Confluence Queens 1–1 Nasarawa Amazons

    Delta Queens 0–1 Abia Angels

    Osun Babes 0–0 Sunshine Queens

    Dannaz Ladies 2–1 Ahudiyannem Queens

  • Senegal reward victorious AFCON team with bonuses, land

    Senegal reward victorious AFCON team with bonuses, land

    Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has offered bonuses of more than $130,000 as well as plots of coastal land to each member of the country’s soccer team following their victory in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.

    He spoke at a ceremony in the capital Dakar on Tuesday night during which thousands of jubilant supporters took to the streets to welcome the victorious Lions of Teranga home.

    Senegal beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time, having staged a walk-off after they had a penalty awarded against them deep in stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes.

    After the Senegal players returned to the pitch, Morocco missed the spot kick and Pape Gueye then won the trophy with a superb strike four minutes into extra time.

    Earlier on Tuesday, the Senegal players rode atop a bus emblazoned with the words “African champions” along Dakar’s corniche towards the presidential palace.

    The bonuses of 75 million CFA francs ($134,892.09) for each of the squad’s 28 players total 2.1 billion CFA francs or $3.7 million. The players will also receive 1,500 square-metre plots of land.

    In addition, Faye said members of Senegal’s soccer federation would receive 50 million CFA francs and 1,000 square-metre plots, while members of the Senegalese delegation to Morocco would receive 20 million CFA francs and 500 square-metre plots.

    He said sports ministry staff would receive 305 million CFA francs in bonuses.

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    The pledges come as Senegal grapples with debts that the International Monetary Fund said hit 132% of GDP at the end of 2024 after the current leadership uncovered billions in debts that were not reported by the previous administration.

    The IMF froze a $1.8 billion lending programme over the controversy, forcing Senegal to rely heavily on regional debt auctions to meet its financing needs.

    The new IMF mission chief travelled to Senegal for an introductory visit this week.

    “Dear Lions, you have honoured the flag entrusted to you. You have honoured Senegal. You have shown by example that when Senegalese people move forward together with discipline and confidence, no challenge is beyond their reach,” Faye said on Tuesday while speaking on a stage in front of the presidential palace.

    Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 2021, beating Egypt in the final. Back then, players were awarded bonuses worth 50 million CFA francs and 200 square-metre plots of land.

    Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, said in December that the winners of the 35th  edition in Morocco would receive $10 million in prize money.

  • Alcaraz, Sabalenka  hit  Australian Open’s third round

    Alcaraz, Sabalenka  hit  Australian Open’s third round

    Carlos Alcaraz withstood a barrage of big hitting from a familiar foe in Yannick Hanfmann in the Australian Open second round , with fellow top seed Aryna Sabalenka also enduring some shaky moments before sealing progress.

    Alexander Zverev’s advance was stalled by rain showers, an injury scare and feisty Frenchman Alexandre Muller in the evening session, but the men’s third seed prevailed in four sets to safely reach the third round.

    His equivalent in the women’s draw, Coco Gauff, earlier made short work of Olga Danilovic, while in-form seventh seed Jasmine Paolini and eighth seed Mirra Andreeva also romped through their contests.

    After a comfortable win in the opening round, top seed Alcaraz was given more of a workout by Germany’s world number 102 Hanfmann on a sunbathed Rod Laver Arena but rose to the challenge and moved on 7-6(4) 6-3 6-2.

    “I knew he was going to play great,” Alcaraz, 22, said.

    “I knew his level. We came through the Challengers together, I’ve played him. It was tougher than I thought at the beginning and I didn’t feel the ball that good.”

    Alcaraz found himself trailing 3-1 in the first set and after getting back on level terms wasted several chances to break Hanfmann’s huge serve again.

    The six-times major winner pounced in the tiebreak to wrap up a physically draining opening set in 78 minutes, however, and carried that momentum into the second set.

    Read Also: Prosperity Cup partners Barcelona FC ahead of 2026 tournament

    Hanfmann received medical treatment before the start of the third and Alcaraz showed no mercy, sealing a double break and closing out the contest on serve.

    “It was coming like a bomb,” the Spaniard said of Hanfmann’s power. “Forehand, backhand, serves. I had to be ready for those.

    “I’m really happy that I got through a difficult first set … and I played a really good level at the end of the match and get through.”

    Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s issues in the opener on the main showcourt came out of the blue, the Belarusian racing to a 5-0 lead against China’s Bai Zhuoxuan before losing three games in a row.

    The world number one refocused and proceeded to mow down Bai the rest of the way, running out a 6-3 6-1 winner to stay on track for her third title at Melbourne Park.

    “She didn’t start well, but then she had the strength to step in and to change couple of things and, to put me under pressure. That was really impressive,” Sabalenka said.

    “It seemed like she didn’t really care about the score. She would just try to find something that’s going to help her to win the match.”

    American title contender Gauff was at her ruthlessly efficient best as she crushed Danilovic 6-2 6-2 in bright sunshine but the evening rain meant Italian Paolini had to swap courts to complete her 6-2 6-3 demolition of Magdalena Frech.

    Emma Raducanu’s day ended in disappointment as the 2021 U.S. Open champion was beaten 7-6(3) 6-2 by Anastasia Potapova, while Russian teenager Andreeva thumped Maria Sakkari 6-0 6-4.

    Zverev, runner up last year and still seeking his first major title, played down fears of a tournament-ending injury after receiving treatment on his lower left leg several times in his 6-3 4-6 6-3 6-4 win over Muller.

    “I took a painkiller and it was fine after that,” said the 28-year-old German.

  • Man City players to refund fans after UCL Loss

    Man City players to refund fans after UCL Loss

    Manchester City’s players will refund ticket costs for fans who flew all the way to the Arctic Circle only to witness a humiliating 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League.

    City suffered one of the most chastening results in their history on Tuesday as the Norwegian minnows claimed their first Champions League group-stage victory.

    The entire 55,000 population of Bodo could nearly fit into City’s Etihad Stadium, while the financial gulf between the clubs is huge.

    City’s players have agreed to reimburse the cost of tickets for the 374 supporters who made the trip.

    Tickets for the tie at the tiny Aspmyra Stadion cost around £25 ($33) each.

    A statement on Wednesday from City’s group of captains, comprising Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland, said: “Our supporters mean everything to us.

     “We know the sacrifice that our fans make when they travel across the world to support us home and away and we will never take it for granted. They are the best fans in the world.

     “We also recognise that it was a lot of travelling for the fans who supported us in the freezing cold throughout a difficult evening for us on the pitch.

    “Covering the cost of these tickets for the fans who travelled to Bodo is the least we can do.”

    Read Also: UCL: Atletico held in Istanbul as top-eight hopes fade

    City’s only wins in their past seven games have come in the FA Cup third round against third-tier Exeter and in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final against Newcastle.

    They have not won a Premier League match this year and last weekend’s limp 2-0 loss at Manchester United left them seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

    The refund gesture was welcomed by Kevin Parker, a representative of City’s official supporters club.

     “Manchester City fans will travel to the ends of the earth to support our team, and last night was no different in the Arctic Circle,” Parker said.

     “Bodo is not an easy place to get to, and the sub-zero temperatures made it a challenging evening on a number of levels for our fans.

     “The City support has an incredible connection with the players on a match day, and this gesture is yet another reminder of that relationship – it means a lot to us.”