The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • AFCON Bronze: Southern Governors’ Forum hails gallant Super Eagles

    AFCON Bronze: Southern Governors’ Forum hails gallant Super Eagles

    The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has praised the Super Eagles for their heroic outing and bronze medal triumph at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing their performance as a victory of spirit, courage and national pride.

    Abiodun saluted the Eagles for playing what many adjudged as the most exhilarating and dominant football at the tournament, noting that the team went unbeaten in regulation time throughout the competition, winning all their matches except the semi-final, which was decided by the lottery of penalties.

    He noted that Nigeria’s outstanding record—scoring the highest number of goals in the group stage and conceding none in the knockout rounds before the semi-final—was a testament to the team’s quality, discipline, and the enduring excellence of Nigerian football.

    He further praised the Eagles for their resilience and mental strength, particularly their emphatic victory over the Pharaohs of Egypt in the third-place match, despite what he described as unfair officiating in the semi-final clash against Morocco, the controversial seizure of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s towel, and the intense hostility of the home crowd.

    According to him, the performance of the Super Eagles rekindled national pride and reminded the world of Nigeria’s rich footballing heritage.

    Read Also: NFF will decide my future as Super Eagles coach – Chelle

     “Members of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Nigerians from every corner of our great nation are immensely proud of these brave Eagles,” Abiodun said. “They were not defeated in regulation time by any team. But for officiating decisions that dampened morale, they would have stood tall in the final. Yet, they rose above adversity and finished strong, with dignity and honour.”

    He added that the Eagles captivated millions of Nigerians and football lovers across Africa, restoring the joy, flair, and fearlessness that once defined Nigerian football.\

    “They dazzled us. They fought for every ball. They reminded the world of the Super Eagles of old—free-flowing, fearless, creative, and ruthlessly clinical. They gave Nigerians something priceless: hope and pride,” he said.

    Governor Abiodun acknowledged that while the trophy narrowly eluded the team, their exit on penalties underscored the fine margins of football.

     “Yes, they did not lift the cup, but penalties can swing either way. What truly matters is the heart they showed, the unity they displayed, and the belief they restored in our national team,” he added.

    He concluded by expressing strong optimism about the future, stating that the Super Eagles and head coach, Eric Chelle, have ignited fresh hope in the hearts of Nigerians and laid a solid foundation for greater triumphs ahead.

     “Our Eagles have spoken with their feet. The future is bright, and Nigeria will rise again on the continental and global stage,” he said.

  • ‘Proud’  Chelle reaffirms Eagles’ commitment  despite AFCON ‘disappointment’

    ‘Proud’  Chelle reaffirms Eagles’ commitment  despite AFCON ‘disappointment’

    Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has expressed disappointment at failing to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy with Nigeria, despite ending the tournament on a positive note.

    Nigeria secured third place after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the bronze medal match, following a goalless draw at the end of regulation time.

    Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the standout performer during the shootout, saving penalties from Egyptian stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to swing the contest in Nigeria’s favour.

    Ademola Lookman converted the decisive spot-kick, calmly sending the Egyptian goalkeeper the wrong way to seal victory for the Super Eagles.

    Speaking at his post-match press conference, Chelle praised the commitment and resilience shown by his players throughout the month-long tournament.

    “I was so disappointed for my players because they gave everything during this AFCON, and at this moment, I’m very proud of them,” Chelle said.

    “I’m very proud to be the coach of Nigeria. We gave everything for one month, and it’s so good right now because it wasn’t easy, but I’m very proud of them; they’ve earned my respect,” he added.

    While celebrating the bronze medal finish, Chelle admitted that anything short of the AFCON title felt like unfinished business.

    “I’m disappointed we couldn’t bring the trophy to Nigeria but hopefully, we will bring it in the next edition,” he added.

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

    Meanwhile, Chelle  has  shut down the prospect  of returning to his  native Mali, delivering  a fiery response to rumours linking him with a return to the  Eagles of Mali.

    The 48-year-old tactician, who has transformed the Super Eagles’ defensive discipline since taking over, made it clear that the wounds from his previous stint as Mali’s head coach have not yet healed.

    “I don’t want to talk about the future,” Chelle said.

    He added: “I can tell you something, Mali is my country, it’s the country of my mother. And I was humiliated after the game in front of the world.”

    Chelle was referring to his controversial sacking by the Malian Football Federation (FEMAFOOT) in 2024, which occurred shortly after a tense match and was handled in a manner that many felt lacked professional respect.

    “So, actually I am the coach of Nigeria,” Chelle stated firmly. “I don’t want to talk about the future.”

  • Morocco 2025: NFF backs  Chelle to achieve future greater things with Eagles

    Morocco 2025: NFF backs  Chelle to achieve future greater things with Eagles

    Nigeria’s senior men national team, Super Eagles, is close to running on auto-pilot and will definitely achieve a lot of success under the present technical crew headed by Franco-Malian tactician Éric Chelle, says President of Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

    Gusau, also President of the sub-regional bloc WAFU B, opined that with what the Super Eagles have shown at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, in which they finished in third place, the three-time African champions have turned the corner from the huge disappointment of consecutive FIFA World Cup misses, and now set to rise to new heights.

     “Actually, when we landed in Morocco towards the end of last year, our objective was to win the AFCON trophy and be the champions of Africa. Today, we finished in third place and won the bronze medals instead. We missed our target but my joy is in the way our team played. They have played with zest and patriotic fervour, and showed resilience and character.

     “Big kudos to the huge support and motivation that we continue to receive from the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission. Without the support of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the Government as a whole, we would not have been able to do anything.

     “The NFF is proud of the team’s campaign and will continue to do its best to encourage, support and motivate the team as we go forward. As the head of a hard-working technical crew, Mr. Chelle has done exceedingly well within the one year he has been with us. He has shown enormous capacity and we will continue to work with him.”

    The NFF supremo’s evaluation of the 48-year-old strategist comes against the backdrop of a groundswell of support for Nigeria to continue with the manager that she signed on in January last year, in the middle of a tottering FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

    In the one year that followed, the man has led Nigeria’s ‘A’ team in 17 competitive matches, losing none.

    From a no-hope situation, he steered the Eagles to stand a chance of qualification for the World Cup on the final day of the qualifying series, and ultimately got a Playoff ticket. Progress was halted via a penalty shootout, which also botched a Final appearance at the AFCON, but it was also the same route the team took in clinching a 9th  AFCON bronze medal at the Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca on Saturday.

     “If you coach Nigeria, you must win everything,” a pragmatic Chelle told CAFOnline two months ago. That realization and imbibed ethos has continued to guide his work, in which he has won 11 of 17 competitive matches and drawn six in regulation time.

    In Morocco, Chelle guided Nigeria to its highest-ever tally of 14 goals in a single AFCON, with the team unbeaten in regulation time in any of its seven matches, and showing class and character in games against fellow continental powerhouses Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Egypt. Tanzania and Uganda, who will joint-host next year’s AFCON finals alongside Kenya, also got spanked by the Super Eagles.

    In winning their first AFCON title on home soil in 1980, the Eagles scored a total of 8 goals against Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco and Algeria. In 1994 in Tunisia, they scored a total of 9 goals. When winning in South Africa in 2013, the Super Eagles netted 11 times.

    Read Also: Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

     “The journey to the next AFCON starts immediately (in March). We do not have the luxury of time to continue dwelling on what we have done here. We must set to work immediately. For now, we are excited about the squad that we have. Remember also that a couple of very good players missed the tournament as a result of injury. The bottom line is that the future looks very bright,” Gusau added.

    Victory on Saturday meant Nigeria has now mounted the podium in 17 of its 21 appearances at the AFCON. The only times she has failed to medal were in 1963, 1982, 2008 and 2021.   

    ÉRIC SÉKOU CHELLE’S SUPER EAGLES’ SCORECARD

    21 Mar 2025: Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Kigali)

    25 Mar 2025: Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)

    28 May 2025: Nigeria 2-1 Ghana (Unity Cup: London)

    31 May 2025: Jamaica 2-2 Nigeria (Unity Cup: London)

    Nigeria win 5-4 on penalties to retain the trophy

    06 Jun 2025: Russia 1-1 Nigeria (Friendly: Moscow)

    06 Sep 2025: Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)

    09 Sep 2025: South Africa 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Bloemfontein)

    10 Oct 2025: Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Polokwane)

    14 Oct 2025: Nigeria 4-0 Bénin Republic (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)

    13 Nov 2025: Gabon 1-4 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Playoff: Rabat)

    16 Nov 2025: DR Congo 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Playoff: Rabat)

    *DR Congo win 4-3 on penalties

    16 Dec 2025: Egypt 2-1 Nigeria (Friendly: Cairo)

    23 Dec 2025: Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)

    27 Dec 2025: Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)

    30 Dec 2025: Uganda 1-3 Nigeria (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)

    05 Jan 2026: Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)

    10 Jan 2026: Algeria 0-2 Nigeria (AFCON: Marrakech, Morocco)

    14 Jan 2026: Nigeria 0-0 Morocco (AFCON semi: Rabat, Morocco)

    *Morocco win 4-2 on penalties

    17 Jan 2026: Egypt 0-0 Nigeria (AFCON third place: Casablanca, Morocco)

    * Nigeria win 4-2 on penalties  

  • Pomp as Goldberg celebrates Super Eagles’ AFCON bronze  

    Pomp as Goldberg celebrates Super Eagles’ AFCON bronze  

    Goldberg Lager Beer on Saturday rounded off its continental soccer cup fans’ engagement series on a high note as Nigeria defeated Egypt 4–2 on penalties to claim the bronze medal at the tournament.

    The third-place match viewing, held at the Lion Wonder Arena in Egbeda, Lagos, doubled as another edition of Goldberg’s Festival of Drums and Light, bringing together football, music and culture in a calm but celebratory atmosphere.

    The Super Eagles and the Pharaohs played out a goalless draw  after regulation time but Nigeria kept its nerve in ensuing shootout to secure third place and ended  the tournament on a positive note.

    As the final kick was converted by Ademola Lookman, cheers rang out across the venue. Fans hugged, clapped and raised their drinks, many holding ice-cold bottles of Goldberg Lager Beer, marking the end of an emotional AFCON campaign.

    The event followed the same fan-first approach that has defined Goldberg’s activations throughout the tournament. Branded spaces, music, light entertainment and comfortable viewing areas created a relaxed environment where supporters could enjoy the game together.

    Live performances added colour to the evening. Small Doctor and Shoday led the entertainment lineup, with DJ Neptune also taking turn on the stage dishing hit songs to the delight of the fans and loyal consumers.

    Drums, chants and coordinated cheers echoed across the arena, reinforcing the shared rhythm that has become central to Goldberg’s Our Beat, Our Gold campaign. Even during the tension of the penalty shootout, fans stayed united, urging the team on with belief.

    Speaking after the event, the Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager Brands at Nigerian Breweries Plc, Laolu Babalola, said the festival underlined Goldberg’s long-standing relationship with Nigerian football.

     “Our involvement goes beyond the match result,” he said. “We focus on the experience, the culture and the pride that football brings. This event was another opportunity to bring people together in a positive way.”

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    The Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg, Kunle Aroyehun, said the bronze medal finish reflected the spirit the brand has celebrated all through AFCON.

     “This was about standing with the Super Eagles to the very end,” he said. “The result shows character, and the fans showed the same. Our Beat, Our Gold is about togetherness, whether the moment is joyful or tense.”

    He noted that the third-place match was an important moment for fans to appreciate the team’s effort. “The Super Eagles gave everything at this tournament. Finishing with a medal matters, and sharing that moment with the fans makes it special.”

    While the AFCON campaign is now concluded, Goldberg says the support for Nigerian football is far from over.

  • Oyedeji hails Super Eagles’ on AFCON ‘golden bronze’

    Oyedeji hails Super Eagles’ on AFCON ‘golden bronze’

    Former NBA star and President of the Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA), Olumide Oyedeji, has praised  the Super Eagles after their rousing finish to the AFCON campaign, declaring them “champions in the eyes of every Nigerian.”

    Nigeria signed off in style, outmuscling continental giants Egypt, led by Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah to clinch the ‘golden bronze’ in a tense third-place playoff decided by penalties.

    Oyedeji described the Eagles’ display as fearless, focused and worthy of celebration.

    “You stood tall against one of Africa’s best. This team showed character, belief and heart,” Oyedeji told First ZealMediaCast Blog,

    The former NBA star  reserved special praise for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose heroics between the sticks proved decisive. Nwabali saved two penalties, silencing Egypt’s stars and swinging momentum firmly in Nigeria’s way.

    “Nwabali is a true champion,” Oyedeji declared. “Those saves were not luck, they were courage under pressure.”

    From the penalty spot, Nigeria’s mental strength told the story. While Egypt blinked, missing early through Salah and Omar Marmoush, the Super Eagles stayed ice-cold.

    Read Also: Morocco 2025:  NFF launches NAIJA 4 THE WIN campaign for Super Eagles

    When Ademola Lookman stepped up and buried the final kick, the dam burst. Players wheeled away. Fans roared. Nigeria had made its statement. It was more than a third-place finish. It was a reminder of resilience, pride and belief.

    Oyedeji also urged the team to build on the momentum ahead of the next AFCON, stressing the need for early preparation to ensure Nigeria goes all the way next time.

    He further applauded the National Sports Commission, praising the progressive leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General, Chief Honourable Bukola Olopade, for their support of Nigerian sports.

    The verdict from Oyedeji was clear, this Super Eagles team may have won bronze but in spirit, they soared like champions.

  • Niger Delta Games: Bassey targets future champions for Akwa Ibom

    Niger Delta Games: Bassey targets future champions for Akwa Ibom

    Akwa Ibom would be focusing more on athletes discovery and future grooming at the 2nd  Niger Delta Games coming up in Benin, Edo State from February 20-27.

    Elder Paul Bassey, the state’s Commissioner for Sports revealed this policy thrust on Saturday while speaking on preparations for the regional games sponsored by the Niger Delta Games. He also disclosed that 476 athletes and 64 coaches have been registered by the State on the registration portal for the competition that will have contingents from eight other states. Registration of participants closed on Friday and the states are now to conduct trials to select the final list of athletes that will be travelling to Benin for the Games.

    Mrs. Catherine Ewa, the Akwa Ibom State Director of Coaching, announced that profiles of 250 male and 226 female athletes were successfully uploaded on the Niger Delta Games central registration portals alongside 44 men and 20 women coaches.

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    While expressing optimism on the prospects of the state’s performance in the games, Bassey insisted that the state will be prioritizing finding athletes for the future.

    “We have complied with the regulations bordering on eligibility of athletes by registering teenagers and youngsters, and for us, while it is important to win as many gold medals as possible at the games, we are also going to be placing a lot of emphasis on unearthing new talents in order to enrich our pool of sports stars for future endeavours”, he said.

    Akwa Ibom hosted the maiden edition of the games in April 2025. The Niger Delta Games is a brainchild of Dunamis-Icon Limited which has as the. Lead Consultant, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo (KSM), who also is the Chairman of Delta State Athletics Association.

  •  ‘Consistent’ Bolaji opens 2026 account with gold in Egypt

     ‘Consistent’ Bolaji opens 2026 account with gold in Egypt

    Africa’s number one para badminton player, Eniola Bolaji, has opened her silverware account  for 2026 following her victory yesterday at the Egypt International Championship.

    The Paralympic bronze medallist defeated world No. 7 Halime Yildiz of Turkey 2–0 (21–10, 21–4) at the New Capital Indoor Hall in Cairo.

    The world No. 2 began her campaign with a commanding 2–0 (21–9, 21–10) victory over Yildiz in the opening round before overcoming India’s Tulika Jadgave 2–0 (21–10, 21–7) in the second round.

    Bolaji continued her dominant run by beating India’s Manasi Girishchandra Joshi 2–0 (21–11, 21–13) to set up a semifinal clash against India’s Shivam Yadav Neeraj, which she won convincingly 2–0 (21–10, 21–11).

    An elated President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, praised the consistency of Eniola Bolaji for continuing to put the country on the global map.

    Orbih said the African champion has repeatedly shown that Nigeria can compete and dominate on the world stage through her impressive performances.

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    Orbih said the African champion has repeatedly shown that Nigeria can compete and dominate on the world stage through her impressive performances.

    He said: “I am excited that Eniola Bolaji was able to compete at the Egypt Para Badminton International and win gold once again. In 2025, she began her journey to greatness with a victory in North Africa and went on to win all the available gold medals except one.

     “I strongly believe Bolaji will have an exciting year ahead and will continue to bring pride to Nigeria and the Federation.”

    Orbih also commended the team’s sponsors and the National Sports Commission for their continued support in the development of para badminton.

     “I want to thank GIG Logistics and the National Sports Commission for their unwavering support. I assure you that Eniola Bolaji will continue to give her best in subsequent tournaments,” he added.

  • Newstap set to unveil  Five Star Award nominees

    Newstap set to unveil  Five Star Award nominees

    The management of leading online publication Newstap Communication will soon unveil nominees for the  second edition of the annual Newstap Five Star Award.

    In a press release signed by  Ifeanyi Eduzor, Editor of the outfit,  he said  the processes for the nomination of the awardees  had commenced , even  as he promised that this year’s edition will be a great improvement of the  maiden edition held last year.

    “We’ve commenced the process of the second edition of our award which will be a great improvement of the maiden edition.

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    “Right now, we are receiving  nominations of those  considered  worthy for the award  like we did last year,  the selection committee will be  meticulous by ensuring that only those found worthy to have contributed to the development  of  sports will  be shortlisted”, the statement affirmed.

    The Newstap Five Star Award was instituted to celebrate eminent Nigerians and corporate organizations that have contributed greatly to the development of Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.

    Winners of last year’s edition were Executive Governor of Benue State Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, Managing Director of GTI Group, Abubakar Lawal,  Chief Executive Officer of  Monimichelle sports facilities construction Ltd, Ebi Egbe, founder of Remo Stars Football Club of Ikenne Remo Honourable Kunle Soname and  Chairman of Benue State Football Association Chief Barrister Paul Edeh.

  • NPFL: Rivers United stay top as Abia Warriors, Ikorodu City shine

    NPFL: Rivers United stay top as Abia Warriors, Ikorodu City shine

    Rivers United, Abia Warriors and Ikorodu City continued their strong push at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League as Matchday 21 fixtures were concluded across the country yesterday.

    Nasarawa United and Bendel Insurance also claimed vital victories to consolidate fourth and fifth positions respectively, while Barau FC boosted their survival hopes with a hard-earned point on the road in Aba.

    In Port Harcourt, Rivers United edged Remo Stars 1-0 in a clash between the past and present champions. Former Remo Stars attacker, Aniekeme Okon proved decisive, firing home the winner in the 81st minute against his old club.

    The victory lifted the Pride of Rivers to 41 points from 21 matches, maintaining their grip on top spot, while Remo Stars slipped to 15th  with 25 points.

    Abia Warriors recorded one of the standout results of the weekend in Kano, silencing a hostile crowd to defeat Kano Pillars 1-0. The Umuahia-based side halted Pillars’ five-game unbeaten run and stayed second on the table with 37 points, just four behind Rivers United.

    With Rivers United set to miss league action next weekend due to CAF Champions League duties, Abia Warriors could further close the gap when they return to their Umuahia fortress with a home game against Nasarawa United this weekend. The defeat leaves Kano Pillars languishing in 19th  place with 22 points, a major setback after recent improvement.

    Ikorodu City continued their fairy-tale campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Kwara United, their first-ever topflight victory against the Harmony Boys. The Lagos side remain third with 35 points, while Kwara United dropped to 16th  with 24 points.

    In Lafia, Nasarawa United bounced back from recent struggles to defeat Niger Tornadoes 2-1. The Solid Miners’ win restored them to fourth place with 35 points, while Tornadoes remain eighth on 29 points.

    Bendel Insurance enjoyed a thrilling afternoon in Benin City, edging El Kanemi Warriors 3-2 to climb to fifth position with 32 points, three places higher than their standing after the midweek round. Despite a spirited display, El Kanemi Warriors sit 10th with 28 points.

    It was another frustrating outing for Enyimba in Aba, as the nine-time champions were held to a goalless draw by Barau FC. Still reeling from a midweek 3-0 defeat to Shooting Stars, the People’s Elephant failed to capitalise even after Barau FC were reduced to ten men following Uche Moses’ second-half dismissal. Enyimba remain stuck in the lower half with 27 points, while Barau FC’s draw strengthens their survival push.

    Read Also: Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

    New Plateau United head coach Gbenga Ogunbote secured his first victory in charge as the Peace Boys edged Wikki Tourists 1-0 in Jos. The win lifted Plateau United to 18th with 23 points, level with Wikki Tourists, who occupy 17th place.

    In Ozoro, Bayelsa United claimed an impressive 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars, despite playing away from their renovated Samson Siasia Stadium. The Prosperity Boys moved up to 13th with 26 points, while Shooting Stars slipped to sixth with 32 points.

    Two fixtures will conclude Matchday 21 today, both in Ozoro and Owerri. Warri Wolves will host Katsina United, while Kun Khalifat face Rangers International in a keenly anticipated Oriental derby.

    NPFL Matchday 21 Results

    Insurance 3-2 El Kanemi Warriors

    Plateau United 1-0 Wikki Tourists

    Ikorodu City 1-0 Kwara United

    Rivers United 1-0 Remo Stars

    Bayelsa United 2-0 Shooting Stars

    Nasarawa United 2-1 Tornadoes

    Kano Pillars 0-1 Abia Warriors

    Enyimba 0-0 Barau FC

    Matches  Today:

    Warri Wolves vs. Katsina United

    Kun Khalifat vs. Rangers

  • Anaemena quits as Kun Khalifat FC Sporting Director

    Anaemena quits as Kun Khalifat FC Sporting Director

    Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Anaemena has resigned as Sporting Director of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Kun Khalifat FC.

    Anaemena joined the club in July 2025 following their promotion to the NPFL and played a key role during their debut season in the top flight. The 33-year-old, a respected figure in Nigerian football, is a three-time NPFL champion, having won league titles with Enyimba (twice) and Remo Stars.

    Confirming his decision, Anaemena described the resignation as a difficult but necessary step, noting that life and careers are constantly evolving. He expressed deep appreciation to the President of Kun Khalifat FC, Michael Amaefule, for the opportunity to serve the club and for trusting him with the transition from an active player to a football administrator.

    Read Also: Victor Osimhen not leaving AFCON camp — NFF official

    He praised the club’s leadership for giving him the platform to begin a new chapter off the pitch, stating that he would remain eternally grateful for the experience gained at Kun Khalifat FC.

    Anaemena also extended his best wishes to the club, its fans, players, and staff, expressing hope for a successful campaign despite his departure. He added that he plans to take a period of rest before deciding on his next move in football.

    A seasoned defender in his playing days, Anaemena featured for FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Enyimba, Rivers United, and Remo Stars in the NPFL, with additional stints at European clubs, before hanging up his boots and moving into football administration.