The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Pedro, Palmer secure first Premier League win for Rosenior

    Pedro, Palmer secure first Premier League win for Rosenior

    Liam Rosenior tasted victory in his first Premier League game in charge of Chelsea as goals from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer earned a hard-fought 2-0 win over Brentford at Stamford Bridge.

    A run of one league win in nine had placed the home side at serious risk of falling away in the race to qualify for the Champions League, and the situation could have deteriorated further had Keith Andrews’ side made better use of near-total dominance in the second half. The visitors could count themselves mightily unlucky to be making the short trip back across west London with nothing.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ fighting spirit after AFCON bronze triumph

    They had begun the afternoon in fifth place and should have ended it with their European credentials strengthened, but poor finishing particularly from Kevin Schade undermined a brave display, a demonstration perhaps of what is missing if they wish to be a regular presence in the top six. Chelsea were far from at their best but there was much room for optimism in Rosenior’s third game at the helm. His team dug in, showed bags of spirit and made the most of what Brentford offered them.

    Pedro showed lightening-quick thinking to score when a ricochet fell his way in the first half, then substitute Liam Delap won a late penalty from a goalkeeping error to present Palmer with a goal from the spot.

    Brentford though had the first clear chance to go ahead. Schade cut brilliantly inside Trevoh Chalobah but made the strange decision to square a pass rather than go for goal.

  • FULL LIST: AFCON bronze medal winners since 1957

    FULL LIST: AFCON bronze medal winners since 1957

    The Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff has, over the decades, served as a defining moment for teams seeking to end their campaigns on a positive note. While the final determines champions, the bronze medal match often reflects resilience, recovery, and tactical maturity after the disappointment of missing out on the title clash.

    Since the inaugural edition in 1957, several nations have written their names into the AFCON bronze medal history, with Nigeria emerging as the most consistent performers in this category.

    Below is a detailed, chronological account of every AFCON bronze medal winner, including how, where, and when each medal was secured.

    2025: Nigeria

    Nigeria claimed third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after winning the bronze medal match, rounding off a strong tournament campaign beating Egypt 4-2 on penalties.

    2023: South Africa

    South Africa secured the bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire after defeating DR Congo via penalties in the third-place playoff, marking their return to the podium since 2000.

    2021: Cameroon

    At the 2021 AFCON hosted by Cameroon, the Indomitable Lions came from behind to defeat Burkina Faso in the third-place match, finishing the tournament strongly in front of home fans.

    2019: Nigeria

    Nigeria won the bronze medal at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt after edging Tunisia in the playoff, a match decided by a solitary goal that underlined the Super Eagles’ defensive organisation.

    2017: Burkina Faso

    Burkina Faso claimed third place at the 2017 tournament in Gabon, defeating Ghana on penalties after a dramatic playoff that ended level in regulation time.

    2015: DR Congo

    DR Congo secured the bronze medal at the 2015 AFCON in Equatorial Guinea after beating hosts Equatorial Guinea in the third-place match.

    2013: Mali

    Mali finished third at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa, recording a convincing victory over Ghana to earn their first-ever bronze medal.

    2012: Mali

    Mali repeated the achievement at the 2012 tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, once again defeating Ghana in the third-place playoff.

    2010: Nigeria

    Nigeria claimed bronze at the 2010 AFCON hosted by Angola after defeating Algeria, ending the tournament on a positive note.

    2008: Ghana

    Ghana secured third place at the 2008 AFCON on home soil, defeating Côte d’Ivoire in the playoff match.

    2006: Nigeria

    At the 2006 AFCON in Egypt, Nigeria defeated Senegal in the third-place match to finish on the podium.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Super Eagles secure AFCON 2025 bronze

    2004: Nigeria

    Nigeria claimed bronze at the 2004 tournament in Tunisia after overcoming Mali via penalties following a goalless draw.

    2002: Nigeria

    Nigeria secured third place at the 2002 AFCON hosted by Mali, beating the hosts in the bronze medal match.

    2000: South Africa

    South Africa finished third at the 2000 AFCON co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria, defeating Algeria in the playoff.

    1998: DR Congo

    DR Congo earned bronze at the 1998 AFCON in Burkina Faso after defeating the hosts in the third-place match.

    1996: Zambia

    Zambia secured third place at the historic 1996 AFCON in South Africa, defeating Ghana in the playoff.

    1994: Côte d’Ivoire

    Côte d’Ivoire claimed bronze at the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia after defeating Mali.

    1992: Nigeria

    Nigeria finished third at the 1992 tournament in Senegal, beating Cameroon in the bronze medal match.

    1990: Zambia

    Zambia secured bronze at the 1990 AFCON in Algeria, defeating Senegal in the third-place playoff.

    1988: Algeria

    Algeria claimed third place at the 1988 AFCON in Morocco after beating the hosts in the playoff.

    1986: Côte d’Ivoire

    Côte d’Ivoire finished third at the 1986 AFCON hosted by Egypt, defeating Morocco.

    1984: Algeria

    Algeria secured another bronze medal at the 1984 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire after defeating Nigeria.

    1982: Zambia

    Zambia claimed third place at the 1982 AFCON in Libya, defeating Algeria in the playoff.

    1980: Morocco

    Morocco finished third at the 1980 AFCON hosted by Nigeria after beating Egypt.

    1978: Nigeria

    Nigeria claimed bronze at the 1978 AFCON in Ghana, defeating hosts Ghana in the third-place match.

    1976: Nigeria

    At the 1976 AFCON in Ethiopia, Nigeria finished third in the final group standings, as the tournament used a round-robin format rather than a playoff.

    1974: Egypt

    Egypt secured third place at the 1974 AFCON hosted on home soil after finishing behind Zaire and Zambia in the final group.

    1972: Cameroon

    Cameroon claimed bronze at the 1972 AFCON which they hosted, finishing third in the final group stage.

    1970: Egypt

    Egypt finished third at the 1970 AFCON in Sudan after placing behind Sudan and Ghana in the final standings.

    1968: Côte d’Ivoire

    Côte d’Ivoire secured bronze at the 1968 AFCON in Ethiopia by finishing third in the final rankings.

    1965: Côte d’Ivoire

    The Ivorians repeated the feat at the 1965 AFCON in Tunisia, again finishing third overall.

    1963: Egypt

    Egypt claimed third place at the 1963 tournament hosted by Ghana, ending the competition behind Ghana and Sudan.

    1962: Tunisia

    Tunisia secured bronze at the 1962 AFCON which they hosted, finishing third in the group standings.

    1959: Ethiopia

    Ethiopia finished third at the 1959 AFCON hosted by Egypt, behind the hosts and Sudan.

    1957: Sudan

    Sudan became the first-ever AFCON bronze medal winners at the inaugural tournament in 1957, hosted in Sudan.

    Across generations, the AFCON bronze medal has symbolised resilience and consistency, rewarding teams that respond positively after semifinal disappointment. As the tournament continues to grow in stature, these third-place finishes remain an important part of Africa’s football legacy.

  • Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ fighting spirit after AFCON bronze triumph

    Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ fighting spirit after AFCON bronze triumph

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles, on their bronze medal victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.

    The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match. 

    Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.

    Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.

    Read Also: Shina Peller commends Super Eagles AFCON 2025 run despite semi-final loss

    “Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.

    “However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off,” the President said.

    The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.

    “We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold,” he added.

  • Shina Peller commends Super Eagles AFCON 2025 run despite semi-final loss

    Shina Peller commends Super Eagles AFCON 2025 run despite semi-final loss

    The Ayedero of Yorubaland, Hon Shina Peller, has commended the Super Eagles for their remarkable journey and resilient performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

    In a statement on Saturday following Nigeria’s narrow semi-final loss to the host nations Morocco, Peller praised the team for restoring national pride and showcasing the “undying spirit” of Nigerian football. 

    The Super Eagles’ campaign ended in a hard-fought 4-2 penalty shootout defeat against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium after a goalless 120 minutes.

    Reflecting on the semi-final clash, which many fans and analysts described as a “final before the final,” Peller noted the intensity of the encounter.

    “The semi-final clash against the host country was nothing short of a spectacle, resembling a final in intensity and fervor. Both teams were desperate for victory… However, fate favored the Moroccans that day, leaving the Super Eagles without the desired outcome.”

    Despite the disappointment of missing out on the final, Peller emphasized that the tournament was a success in terms of rebuilding the national team’s identity. He urged Nigerians to remain supportive as the team looks toward to victory in the third-place playoff against Egypt which is currently ongoing, as well as future international competitions.

    “The Super Eagles made us proud. Their remarkable outing in the 2025 AFCON has rekindled hope and excitement for Nigerian football,” he added. “Together, let’s celebrate their achievements and look forward to even greater performances in the future.”

    The Super Eagles won the third-place playoff against Egypt in a 4-2 penalty shootout after a goalless 90 minutes.

    Peller, a  businessman, politician, and the Ayedero of Yorubaland, is a vocal advocate for youth empowerment and the development of sports as a tool for national unity.

  • EPL: Liverpool held to 1-1 draw by relegation-bound Burnley

    EPL: Liverpool held to 1-1 draw by relegation-bound Burnley

    Marcus Edwards scored a second-half equaliser as Liverpool were held to a frustrating Premier League draw by struggling Burnley at Anfield.

    Florian Wirtz gave Arne Slot’s side the lead in the first half with an emphatic strike, 10 minutes after Dominik Szoboszlai had hit the bar from the penalty spot.

    Liverpool dominated possession throughout but failed to take their chances, with the hosts having 32 shots and Burnley keeper Martin Dubravka making eight saves.

    And Edwards punished the home side with a superb finish past Alisson in the 65th minute after he was played through by Florentino Luis.

    Liverpool pushed hard for a late winner but could not find a second goal and this will go down as two points dropped against a side who are 19th in the table.

    A draw extended the Reds’ unbeaten run to 12 games in all competitions, although this was a fourth successive league draw.

    A point takes Liverpool one clear of Manchester United in fourth but Slot’s side missed the chance to cut the gap to Manchester City and Aston Villa to five points.

    Burnley remain winless in their past 13 league games but this draw would have felt like a win. The Clarets are still deep in the relegation zone but a point at Anfield could do wonders for their confidence.

  • EPL: Chelsea win first league game under Rosenoir

    EPL: Chelsea win first league game under Rosenoir

    Chelsea won Liam Rosenior’s first Premier League match as head coach as they secured a battling home victory over Brentford.  Premier Bet Malawi

    Joao Pedro’s powerful first-half strike and Cole Palmer’s penalty after the break gave Rosenior a second win in three matches as Blues boss.

    But they did not have it all their own way, with Brentford having more possession, shots, and shots on target than their hosts.

    The Bees started brightly and Kevin Schade had their first two attempts on goal, before passing to Mikkel Damsgaard when he should have taken the chance to shoot.

    When Chelsea responded, Palmer curled a shot over and Joao Pedro had a penalty appeal waved away before the Brazilian broke the deadlock on 26 minutes.

    Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez forced Michael Kayode into a mistake on the edge of his own box and as the ball broke, Joao Pedro smashed the ball past Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

    Brentford rallied and Damsgaard, Schade and Mathias Jensen, who struck the post, all had chances to equalise, and Alejandro Garnacho missed an open goal from six yards at the other end.

    Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was then forced into a superb save to deny Schade in a one-on-one early in the second half.

    With Brentford continuing to press, Rosenior sought to protect his lead, withdrawing Garnacho for Andrey Santos in a defensive change.

    That merely invited more pressure, though, and Bees striker Igor Thiago uncharacteristically headed wide.

    Chelsea were able to punish that mistake as a misplaced pass from Nathan Collins and slow reactions from Kelleher allowed substitute Liam Delap to intercept and draw a foul in the area from the goalkeeper.

    Palmer sent Kelleher the wrong way to seal a victory that meant they leapfrogged their visitors into sixth in the Premier League.

  • Laliga: Real Madrid beat Levante 2-0 to secure first win under Arbeloa

    Laliga: Real Madrid beat Levante 2-0 to secure first win under Arbeloa

    Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa believes fan protests at the Bernabeu came from “people who don’t like” the club as his side beat Levante to move to within one point of La Liga leaders Barcelona.

    Madrid supporters waved white handkerchiefs before kick-off on Saturday and then aimed boos and whistles at players – in particular Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde – as well as president Florentino Perez.

    “I know the source of these chants and campaigns. They come from people who don’t like Real Madrid,” said Arbeloa.

    “It’s a pleasure to have a president who is the most important figure in the history of this club, alongside Santiago Bernabeu. 

    “He has achieved everything, and I know the source of these chants.”

    The former Liverpool and Real Madrid defender – who replaced Xabi Alonso as manager on Monday – was also targeted during the game.

    Second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Raul Asencio helped the 15-time European Cup winners seal a 2-0 victory at the end of a tumultuous week.

    “I’ve always respected the Bernabeu, I’ve been booed a lot too. It wasn’t a good week for us, and the fans have the right to express their anger,” added Arbeloa.

    “I don’t think booing at Vini will continue. I respect the Bernabeu crowd. Their demands motivate the players to give their best.”

    After a humiliating defeat in the Copa del Rey to second division side Albacete on Wednesday, Arbeloa restored Mbappe and Bellingham to the starting XI for his first La Liga match in charge.

    The unrest among supporters became clear in the opening 10 minutes when Bellingham was the subject of jeers from the stands despite driving his side towards goal.

    After managing only one shot on target in the first half, Arbeloa shuffled his pack at the break and called upon Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono for the second half.

    In the 58th minute, Mbappe broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after drawing a foul from Adrian de la Fuente. 

    The France forward – who is La Liga’s top scorer this season with 19 goals – was one of a few players, along with 21-year-old forward Gonzalo Garcia, not to be jeered by the Real fans.

    Defender Asencio added a second for the hosts seven minutes later when he climbed highest to head home Guler’s corner.

    Real are next in action on Tuesday when they host Monaco in the Champions League.

  • AFCON 2025: Chukwueze needs national support, encouragement – Deputy Speaker

    AFCON 2025: Chukwueze needs national support, encouragement – Deputy Speaker

    Austin Meregini, the Deputy Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, has urged Nigerians to show Super Eagles star, Samuel Chukwueze the support and encouragement he needs, in spite his penalty miss at the ongoing African Cup of Nations.

    He said that himself, Umuahia East Constituency and the people of Abia stood firmly with him.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed from the spot during the penalty shootout against hosts Morocco during the semi-final match on Wednesday in Rabat.

    The miss from Chukwueze enraged fans leading to heavy abuse on the player on social media.

    Meregini, who defended  the Super Eagles’ winger, noted that  football by its nature is a game of decisive moments.

    “This is not a moment for public crucifixion or mob judgment, but for national support and encouragement.

    “Our athletes must be strengthened, not broken, by public discourse,” he said.

    The lawmaker recalled that even the world’s greatest players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, and so many others had missed penalties at critical stages.

    “No serious observer of the game reduces a player’s worth to a single moment,” he said.

    The lawmaker described Chukwueze as an outstanding footballer who has made reputable marks in all the football clubs he has played for.

    Chukwueze has played for  Villarreal CF in Spain, AC Milan in Italy, and currently on loan at Fulham in England.

    Read Also: AFCON 16th Bassey, Chukwueze tip Super  Eagles to fly over Mambas

    He said that Chukwueze had repeatedly demonstrated professionalism, discipline, courage, and deep commitment to the Nigerian jersey, through his scintillating performances.

    Meregini said that such sound record cannot and should not be erased by one unfortunate incident.

    He said that attempts to ridicule or discredit the Fulham winger over a trivial matter such as chewing a gum, are misplaced and unhelpful.

    Chewing gum has been widely known to be a practice among professional athletes, including world-class coaches like Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti.

    He explained that those personalities consistently indulged in such habit apparently to manage tension and maintain composure under pressure.

    “To weaponise such a little detail against a young Nigerian who has given his all each time he is called upon is totally unjustified,” he said.

    “Nigeria stands taller when we defend our own in moments of adversity.

    “We remain proud of Chukwueze and the rest of the Super Eagles, and we remain confident in their resilience and continued contribution to the national team,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Manchester Derby: Carrick faces baptism of fire against Guardiola’s matadors

    Manchester Derby: Carrick faces baptism of fire against Guardiola’s matadors

    Manchester United’s new interim boss Michael Carrick faces the hottest baptism of fire possible this afternoon, as his side lock horns with bitter rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford in the 198th   instalment of the Manchester derby.

    Supporters from both sides will be hoping for a more eventful Premier League showdown this time around, after a painfully dull 0-0 draw was played out in their last encounter on the red side of Manchester in April last year.

    Eight days after the sacking of Ruben Amorim, Man United announced the appointment of former captain Michael Carrick as interim head coach on a deal until the end of the season. This will be the 44-year-old’s second stint in the Old Trafford hot seat following his three-game spell in November/December 2021 (W2 D1).

    Carrick returns to the dugout seven months after his dismissal from Middlesbrough, where he won 46.3% of his 136 games in charge, and has taken over a Man United side who currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, only three points behind the top four despite winning just one of their last six matches (W1 D4 L1).

    Three disappointing top-flight score draws with Wolves, Leeds and Burnley were followed by a 2-1 home defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup third round last weekend – Darren Fletcher’s final game as interim boss – with elimination confirming that Man United will play just 40 matches this season, making it their shortest campaign since 1914-15.

    Making an immediate impact in back-to-back clashes with Man City and leaders Arsenal could prove challenging for Carrick. Against the former, Man United lost the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium by a 3-0 score line in September; they last failed to score in both league meetings with the Citizens in 1973-74, a season that saw them relegated from the top division.

    Man United have also failed to score in four of their last five Premier League home encounters with Man City, including the last two in a row; they have not endured a three-game goal drought on home soil against the Citizens since a run of four between December 1911 and September 1914.

    Man City’s response to kick-starting 2026 with three frustrating Premier League draws was to annihilate Exeter City by a 10-1 score line in the FA Cup third round last weekend, before securing an important 2-0 first-leg win away against EFL Cup holders Newcastle United in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

    January signing Antoine Semenyo has seamlessly slotted into Pep Guardiola’s side following his £64m transfer from Bournemouth, scoring two goals and producing two man-of-the-match displays in as many games to move the Citizens one step closer to securing domestic silverware this term.

    Man City boast a 13-game unbeaten run across all competitions (W10 D3) and have not lost any of their last nine in the Premier League during this period (W6 D3). Despite this strong form, the Citizens still face an uphill battle to cut the six-point deficit to leaders and title rivals Arsenal with 17 fixtures remaining.

    Guardiola, currently the longest serving Premier League manager (nine years, 199 days), is gearing up for his 31st Manchester derby as City boss. Only against Liverpool and Tottenham (10 each) has the Catalan lost more games against a single opponent in his managerial career than he has against Man United (nine).

    Nevertheless, Citizens supporters can take comfort from the fact that Man City have won more Premier League away matches against Man United than any other visiting team (nine), while only Liverpool (41) have scored more goals at Old Trafford than the Sky Blues (37).

  • FIFA‘s Wenger applauds  high quality of AFCON 2025

    FIFA‘s Wenger applauds  high quality of AFCON 2025

    Ahead of  Sunday’s  Final Match  between hosts Morocco  and Senegal, Arsène Wenger, FIFA Chief Global Football Development, has  praised the intensity, competitiveness, and high physical and mental levels displayed by competing teams at the  35th  edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),  Morocco  2025.

    “Le Professeur” as the former Arsenal  manager is fondly  called, said as much during a workshop with the competition’s Technical Study Group (TSG) in Rabat on Friday.

    He said: “I would say overall, the competition was very intense, and it’s a characteristic of modern football. The intensity was very high. The mental attitude of all the teams was very strong, and the physical level was absolutely unbelievable.”

     He noted the difficulty in predicting winners due to the narrow gap in the quality across the teams , highlighting the technical maturity of the two finalists.

    He continued: “ The intensity (of AFCON 2025) was superb and the competition was very competitive. When you watch the games, it’s very difficult to predict who will win the game, and so the levels of the teams are very close. But at the end of the day, you have two teams in the final that had much traction, more of a technical level and maturity.”

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

    Mr. Wenger was impressed that the last four teams were led by African coaches, viewing this as evidence of significant growth on the continent. He  pointed out that modern sport information flows quickly, minimizing gaps between teams’ levels and resulting in marginal differences

    “I was impressed by the level of the coaches, I would say, and I’m very happy as well to see that now you have African coaches who lead the African teams,” he noted. “And that is good news. It shows as well that the organization level was very high, that the decisions made by the coaches were very good during the games. And overall, that is very positive.

    “ It shows as well that there is no gap anymore and that information today in modern sport travels very quickly and that everybody is at the top level and the marginal differences are very small.”

    Wenger lauded the TSG’s detailed analysis work and passion, emphasizing their crucial role in guiding the future development of African football based on trends and outcomes.

     “ This is a very important group, and I must say, having visited them today, I was impressed by the quality of their work and the passion they put into the analysis. And for us, it is very useful to continue to develop real players,” he added.