The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

Goalkeeper Nwabali departs Chippa United

South African side, Chippa United, have parted ways with Nigeria international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali by mutual consent, the club confirmed .

The move was not an unexpected one with the 29-year-old having made clear his intentions to leave in the past, but the timing outside the transfer window means he is not a free agent.

That is unless the deal was struck inside the January window and has only been communicated now, something that Chippa did not make clear in their statement.

“Chippa United FC confirms that Stanley Nwabali has formally submitted a request to depart the club,” the Betway Premiership club said. “After careful consideration, the club has agreed to grant his release. We would like to thank Stanley for the years of service, commitment and professionalism he has shown during his time at Chippa United.

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“His contribution to the club will always be appreciated. The club wishes Stanley every success in the next chapter of his career and all future endeavours.”

Nwabali joined Chippa in 2022 and his exploits with the club led to a call-up to the Super Eagles side, where he entrenched himself as the number one at successive Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Chippa caused some controversy back home when they made it clear they were supporting Nwabali, and Nigeria, in the semi-final against South Africa in the 2023 edition of the continental finals, something that did not go down well with all fans.

Nwabali made 12 appearances this season and 76 in all for the club.

February 6, 2026
Nwabali leaves Chippa United after four-year spell

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has officially parted ways with Chippa United after spending four years at the club.

Chippa United confirmed Nwabali’s departure in a statement released on Thursday, revealing that the 29-year-old submitted a formal request to leave despite signing a three-year contract extension in 2024. The club stated that it had accepted his request and granted him a release.

The statement read, “We would like to sincerely thank Stanley Nwabali for the years of service, commitment, and professionalism he has shown during his time at Chippa United Football Club, his contribution to the club will always be appreciated, and we wish him success in the next chapter of his career.”

The club did not disclose whether Nwabali has already secured a move elsewhere or if he will be available as a free agent. The goalkeeper has also remained silent on his next destination.

Read Also: Nwabali stops Salah, Marmoush as Nigeria claim AFCON bronze

However, reports suggest that Nwabali is attracting interest from other clubs within the Premier Soccer League, as well as suitors in Europe and Saudi Arabia, following his rise in profile over the past two seasons.

Nwabali joined Chippa United from Katsina United in 2022 and went on to make over 70 appearances for the South African side. His leadership qualities were recognised in 2024 when he was appointed club captain.

During his time at Chippa, Nwabali established himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, a status cemented by his standout performances at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. His exit now brings to a close a significant chapter in his career, with anticipation growing over where he will play next.

February 5, 2026
Ondo at 50: Adekanmi calls for reflection, renewed commitment to state’s future

A philanthropist and grassroots youth development advocate, Prince Kenny Adekanmi, popularly known as Kenny Kunma, has said the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State should serve as a moment of reflection as well as an opportunity to reassess the state’s future.

Adekanmi noted that Ondo State has made significant contributions to nation-building and Nigeria’s collective heritage through its political leadership, financial input and human capital.

In a congratulatory message to the people of the state, he stressed the need for residents, regardless of status, to pursue the growth and development of Ondo State with renewed vigour and a more pragmatic approach, in order to bequeath a legacy that future generations would be proud of.

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The statement read, “As we mark exactly fifty(50) years since the creation of our dear Ondo State, and I join millions of Ondo State indigenes and residents to celebrate this major milestone – our Golden Jubilee.

“In the last fifty(50) years, Ondo State has contributed immensely to Nation building and our shared patrimony. Through our political, financial and human resource contributions, we have served as a key and indispensable partner in the political and economic stability of Nigeria. I congratulate everyone on this auspicious occasion.

“As we wind down the Golden Jubilee celebrations, I call on political and thought leaders across the state to utilise this celebration as a moment of reflection, and to ponder over the future of the state.

“It is imperative for us to pursue the growth and development of our state with renewed vigour and with a more pragmatic approach, in order to bequeath an Ondo State that generations behind us will be proud of.

“Congratulations! God bless the Sunshine State.”

February 5, 2026
Simeone raves about Lookman ahead of potential Copa debut

Ahead of today’s Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Betis at La Cartuja, coach Diego Simeone has highlighted some of the qualities his new Nigerian import, Ademola Lookman, can bring to Atletico Madrid.

Atletico officially announced Lookman’s signing from Atalanta on Monday, securing the 27-year-old on a four-year deal worth €40 million. The 2024 African Footballer of the Year, who has been assigned the number 22 jersey at the Metropolitano, had his first training session with the team on Tuesday, much to the delight of the Argentine coach.

“He joined the group very quickly, and you could immediately notice his physical strength, his speed, his ability to change the play, and his power in the final third,” Simeone said. “We hope he can help us in the way he believes he can, and in the way we expect. And obviously, those important partnerships are formed for the good of the team, because that’s what it’s about: bringing good players together.”

It appears Simeone could hand Lookman, along with another new signing Obed Vargas, their Atletico debuts in today’s high-profile Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Betis, who are coached by the experienced Chilean Manuel Pellegrini.

Today will be the second time Atletico face Betis this season and the first of their two meetings this week, as the Andalusian outfit will visit the Metropolitano this weekend in LaLiga.

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Both sides have met on 142 previous occasions, with a record of 75 wins for Atleti, 33 draws and 34 defeats.

In their most recent visit to the Seville-based club last October, Atletico came away with all three points in a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from Giuliano Simeone and Álex Sorloth.

The last time both sides met in the knockout competition was in the 2012/13 season, when Atletico progressed with a 3-1 aggregate win.

It remains to be seen how they will fare today at La Cartuja, with Lookman expected to be in the mix.

February 5, 2026
Super Eagles: Pinnick under fire over World Cup 2026 boast

Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has drawn public criticism following his repeated claims that the Super Eagles would have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if he were still leading Nigerian football.

Although the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar under Pinnick’s watch, he recently boasted that he would have handled things differently if he were still in charge of the NFF—especially now that Africa has 10 available slots for the World Cup. His comments suggest the current NFF leadership under Ibrahim Gusau has underperformed.

This week, Pinnick reportedly made similar arguments, adding that the 2026 World Cup setback could be avoided if Gusau, whose tenure ends in September, receives a fresh mandate to lead the NFF for another term.

“I said so and I don’t have any regrets saying it. If I was the president, I would have qualified [for the 2026 World Cup] because I would have learned on and off the field of play—everything I needed to do,” Pinnick said in an interview relayed on Brila FM. “Ibrahim—by God’s grace—if he gets re-elected, there’s no way that he will not qualify Nigeria. He will now know that from the beginning, every point counts, and that’s what I would have done because I knew.”

However, Pinnick’s latest claims have infuriated callers to the Lagos-based sports radio station, with many accusing him of contributing largely to the problems plaguing Nigerian football.

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“Was this not the same Pinnick in charge during Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers?” one caller asked rhetorically. “Was it not under his watch that we failed to beat Ghana in Abuja? Now he’s running his mouth and blaming others, claiming he’s a Warri boy. So he was not a Warri boy when we failed to qualify for Qatar 2022?”

Another respondent was more direct, saying Pinnick was being egotistical and sounding like a typical politician.

“The man is just talking like a politician,” he noted. “What is the point of this cheap talk now? What is he driving at? So unfortunate—these NFF people are birds of the same feather.”

Another caller said Pinnick and his associates can throw their weight around due to lack of accountability and good governance in Nigerian football. He added that the former First Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should never be allowed near the NFF again.

“It is not the fault of this man talking,” he said. “The problem with Nigerian football is lack of accountability. He can continue making noise because they have never been held accountable.”

One more caller added: “Why is this man running his mouth? He did not qualify us for the Qatar 2022 World Cup when he was in that same position. I suspect the guy wants to stage a comeback to the NFF, but he has such temerity because we have never held them accountable for past mismanagement of our football.”

February 5, 2026
AFN opens Commonwealth Games’ camping in Asaba with 32 athletes

A total of 32 Nigerian athletes, 16 females and 16 males will commence a six-week camping exercise in Asaba, Delta State, as preparations intensify for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The athletes, drawn from track and field events including sprints, relays, jumps and throws, arrived at the camp on Saturday for the first phase of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) build-up programme.

The Asaba camp is designed to fine-tune fitness levels, improve technical execution and foster team cohesion ahead of international competition.

The camping exercise is being handled by a six-man technical crew led by AFN Head Coach, Solomon Aliyu, who will oversee training sessions and performance evaluations throughout the period.

Supporting him are specialist coaches responsible for sprints, relays, hurdles and jumps

AFN Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, is leading the delegation and will coordinate the technical framework, athlete monitoring and compliance with federation standards during the camp.

The President of AFN, Chief Tonobok Okowa say the six-week programme will help identify athletes in peak condition while laying a solid foundation for subsequent phases of preparation as Nigeria targets a strong showing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Okowa stated that AFN remains optimistic that the Asaba camp will sharpen the athletes’ competitive edge and position Team Nigeria for podium success on the global stage.

ATHLETES IN ASABA CAMP:

100/200M

1. Chidera Ezeakor

2. Miracle Ezechukwu

3. Chioma Nweke

4. Tejiri Praise Ugoh

5. Maria Thompson

6. Gafaru Audu

7. Enoch Adegoke

8. Iyanuoluwa Bada

9. Jenifer Obichukwuka (100/200)

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100MH – WOMEN

1. Janet Sunday

2. Precious Uduvweghre

110MH – MEN

1. Musa Wisdom Great

2. Abdulaziz Abdullahi

400M

1. Patient Okon George

2. Anita Eenaruna

3. Toyiba Jimoh

4. Ezekiel Asuquo

5. Emmanuel Ojeli

6. Samson Nathaniel

7. Gafari Badmus

8. Victor Ime

9. Esther Okon Peter

10. Emmanuel Salubi (h)

JAVELIN

1. Victoria Kparika

2. Samuel Kure

HIGH JUMP

1. Treasure Omosinoe

2. Edet Clergy

LONG JUMP

1. Rukewe Nwagbogwu

2. Glory Jarriet

3. Tobe Chukwu Nwokocha

SHOT PUT

1. Dickson Ugochukwu

TRIPLE JUMP

1. Blessing Olorunyomi

THE COACHES

1. Gabriel Okon — Long Sprint and relay

2. Solomon Aliyu — Hurdles

3. Ken Onuaguluchi — Throws

4. Kola Adebayo — Vertical Jumps

5. George Obiano — Horizontal Jumps

6. Endurance Ojokolo Teye — Sprints

February 5, 2026
Remo Stadium gets nod for African Schools Football Championship

A seven-person team of inspectors from the Confederation of African Football on Wednesday concluded the assessment of facilities that Nigeria is putting up to host the Final Phase of the 2025/26 CAF African Schools Football Championship.

The delegation, led by Omar Amr (Safeguarding), evaluated available facilities and equipment at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, the FC Ebedei Stadium and facilities and equipment within, the Babcock University Teaching Hospital and the Babcock University Guest House.

The CAF African Schools Football Championship, launched four years ago, is an annual U15 tournament with the objective of developing youth football and promoting education across the African continent. It is supported by a $10 million investment from the Foundation owned by CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, and features zonal qualifiers leading to the continental final tournament.

Amr told NFF officials and the management of Remo Stars Sports Institute that a total of 24 teams are expected at what will be the biggest CAF African Football Championship Final Phase since the competition started in 2022. There will be eight boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams from across the continent, with eight other teams to be invited from another confederation of FIFA.

CAF officials Omar Amr (Safeguarding), Fatima Elmissaoui (ASFC officer), Herve Dassoundo (Marketing & Branding), Mahmoud Amer ((Travel/Logistics), Diabate Zakarhiya (Safety & Security), Hend Thabet (Travel & Accommodation), and the Executive Director of WAFU B, Philippe Tchere conducted the inspection that took place on Tuesday and Wednesday. NFF officials led by Dr Ademola Olajire and Coach Abdulrafiu Yusuf were joined by Mrs Oyinkansola Ajibola (GM, Beyond Limits Football Academy) and Mr. Michael Onikute to conduct the inspectors round the facilities.

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The 2024 finals were held in Accra, Ghana where Tanzania’s boys and Ghana’s girls emerged victorious. Winners receive up to $300,000 in infrastructural development, and the tournament involves partnerships with organizations like United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO), for health education.

The Final Phase of the 2025/26 CAF African Football Championship is slated for the month of April.

At the end of their assessment, the inspectors minced no words in stating how impressed they were with the facilities, with a member telling the President of Remo Stars FC and proprietor of the Institute, Hon. Kunle Soname that the facility remains the best he has ever seen in the whole of West Africa.

February 5, 2026
Rivers targets handball gold at Niger Delta Games

Players of the Rivers state handball team have sent strong messages of warning to their opponents at the forthcoming Niger Delta Games that they will be in Benin City for the Gold medal this time.

Speaking after the conclusion of the Handball trials for Edo 2026 at the Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the players that spoke were unanimous in their resolve to hit gold later this month.

It could sound unrealistic, given that their performances at the inaugural edition in Uyo last year were not up to scratch, but the players remain adamant that the experience combined with their preparations for this edition will bring them good returns.

Goalkeeper Richard Harrison led his male teammates in declaring their readiness to take Benin by storm, hinging his belief on his team’s good preparation.

“We are very prepared. For me, I will say it’s a 100% for us. We have been training basically, morning and evening, so the preparation is there, just to put in the team work and I think we can go for Gold,” said Harrison.

His teammate ThankGod David also echoed Harrison’s thoughts, adding that they have put in enough work in preparations that should see them come out tops when they face their regional opponents as from February 20.

“We are very confident in our abilities as we have put in enough efforts in our trainings. So we believe that as we are heading for the competition, we, as a team are emerging victorious,” said David.

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The Rivers Handball team are aware of their poor past and ready to create a new experience.

For Godspower Idango, he said that their lacklustre performance last year has brought a renewed hunger in them ahead of this year’s competition and assures of a great outing this year.

“We are looking forward to this year’s Games. We didn’t do well last year so my teammates and I are hungry and angry so much that we are putting in much work both in the morning and evening.

“So, I want to assure you that we will come out victorious in Edo state.”

Lily Emmanuel is a young lady who spoke on behalf of the women’s team and she believes the team is ready and equipped to make the state proud this year.

“I wasn’t actually proud of the experience last year but this year, we are going prepared. We are going to win, we are not coming to dull or fail. We are Team Rivers and we are going to make Rivers state proud.

“We’ve been training from like the beginning of January intensively with consistency. We’ve been able to do endurance trainings that has given us greater strength so, the result will be different this time,” said Lily.

The Rivers state trials for Edo 2026 Niger Delta Games continued on Wednesday with Volleyball and Taekwondo taking centre stage.

February 5, 2026
Poland 2026: Senegal’s Lionesses de Téranga train in Abeokuta for Falconets

The opponents of Nigeria’s U20 Women National Team, Falconets, in Saturday’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup third round, first leg qualifying match, Senegal’s U20 girls, have arrived in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

A delegation of the Lionesses de Téranga flew into Lagos on Tuesday night and were immediately driven by bus to the Ogun State capital, where the team expectedly held their first training session yesterday.

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The Confederation of African Football has appointed officials from Uganda and Burundi to take charge of Saturday’s encounter, which is the first leg of the penultimate round of the qualifiers, with the winner on aggregate to confront the winner of the Guinea Bissau/Malawi fixture for a place at the final tournament in Poland later this year.

Ugandan Diana Murungi will be the referee, with her compatriots Immaculate Ongiera and Elizabeth Nassolo as assistant referees 1 and 2. Suavis Iratunga from Burundi will be the fourth official.

In the role of commissioner is Ghanaian Christine Ziga, while Berthe Minka from Gabon will be the referee assessor.

February 5, 2026
Team Rivers athletes in fine form as State trials gather momentum

Athletes from Rivers State are displaying impressive form as the flag off date of the 2026 National Youth Games (Edo 2026) draws closer.

The trials in two sports, Wrestling and Taekwondo took centre stage on Wednesday as the athletes thrilled spectators at the iconic Alfred Diette Spiff Sports Complex (Civic Centre), underlying their readiness for the Games.

In the morning session, Cynthia Phillip, a female wrestler in the 58kg weight class, expressed confidence and optimism in her drive to clinch Gold in Benin, later this month after punching her ticket to Benin,

The charismatic youngster will be debuting at the big stage at Edo 2026 but she’s not allowing that fact to dampen her morale as she looks to make a big impression by becoming regional champion.

“Expect nothing but Gold from me [in Benin],” Cynthia stated in a bullish fashion. “I believe [I can do it] because of my determination. It won’t be easy but I know I can do it. I am going for the Gold, she concluded.

Meanwhile, a Male wrestler of the State, Precious Edwin, who will be competing in the 63kg weight class also has little doubts that he will emerge Nulli Secundus in Benin.

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Affectionately referred to as ‘Small Pepper’, the hugely talented and equally charismatic wrestler who competed at the previous edition of the Games in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State said his failure last time out will provide the fuel and motivation required for him to attain excellence in the land of the Oba at the 2026 Games.

“I think I’ve put in the hard work and I’m totally locked in on this,” he said. “I’ve trained a lot for this and I know I’ll win a Gold medal there.

“The trials have been positive for me as I defeated my two opponents today.

“The coaches have also been working hard with us to see that we arrive in Benin in optimum conditions.

“It will not be easy to go to Benin to win the Gold but the idea is to go there and make Rivers State proud,” he noted.

The head coach of the Rivers State wrestling team, Iyowuna Levi, who has been following the exploits of his charges with almost Eagle-eyed precision, explained the rationale behind the selection process of the athletes.

“We have scoured all 23 Local Government Areas in Rivers State to try to get the best wrestlers to represent us in Benin,” Levi explained.

“A total of 12 wrestlers were picked after this painstakingly detailed process. “I am excited and full of hope. Our wrestlers will make a bold statement in Benin,” he said.

In the evening session, Taekwondo trials took place with seven youngsters getting the nod after a thrilling evening that will live long in the memory.

Three females and four males made the cut with assistant coach of the team, Robert George, quick to lift the lid on the selection process.

“First, the ages of the martial artists are considered,” he explained.

“We also respect the current Olympic weight classes. These include four different weight classes for both male and female Taekwondoists, respectively.

“Of course, the trials (which took place on Wednesday), is also a very important prerequisite as we pair the athletes and select the best after direct competition,” he said.

Team Rivers’ head of coaching, Michael Okereke was an extremely busy Man on Wednesday as he painstakingly followed every activity in the morning and evening sessions of the Wrestling and Taekwondo events.

He gave a seal of approval to the processes employed in selecting athletes that will represent Rivers State at the National Youth Games in Benin.

“We have high hopes of going to Edo State and making Rivers State proud,” began Okereke. “From all I’ve seen, athletes and coaches are putting in their best in different sports.

“It is my belief that their best will be good enough for Rivers State,” he concluded.

The 2026 Niger Delta Games (Edo 2026), sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will take place in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20th to 27th, 2026.

The games will feature 17 different sports held at the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City and other locations

ATHLETES SELECTED FOR WRESTLING

Female Kokowa

Cyhthia Phillip 58kg

Uranta Godgift 68kg

Beauty Joshua 42kg

Imomotimi Tariela 40kg

Male Kokowa

Precious Edwin 70kg

Heginson Emmanuel 62kg

Kingsley Godspower 54kg

Perelayei James 42kg

Male freestyle

Kelvin Wilson

Godspower Kingsley

Iyowuna Sunny

Wisdom Amoro

Godstime Emmanuel

Emmanuel Wosu

Female freestyle

Mary Israel Caminus

Uchenna Stephen

Onun Peculiar

Chinonso Peter

Agnes Friday

Ilode Faith

ATHLETES SELECTED FOR TAEKWONDO:

Male category

Ifiemi Emmanuel -58k

Tomi Emmanuel -68kg.

Gift Justice. -74kg.

Goodluck Godspower

Ayiba kuro +75kg.

Female category

Sophia West Opugberenea.-49kg.

West Gravel Opugberenea.-57kg

Obinye Victory +67kg.

February 5, 2026