The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Egypt boss Hassan hails standard of ‘ferocious’ AFCON

    Egypt boss Hassan hails standard of ‘ferocious’ AFCON

    Egypt coach Hossam Hassan hailed the quality on display at the Africa Cup of Nations as his side readied to play in today’s semi-final, calling the month-long event ​in Morocco a “ferocious tournament”.

    The 59-year-old former striker should know better than most, winning three tournaments as a player and making the ‌last of his seven tournament appearances at the age of 39.

    He ‌is now coaching at the event for the first time, taking Egypt to the last four as they search for their first title since 2010.

    Read Also: Chelle hints at tactical shift ahead of Super Eagles’ clash against Morocco

     “The standard of African football has increased markedly ⁠with the quality of players in each team being very impressive,” he ‌said on Tuesday.

     “There have been so many teams here with world​class players, not only the experienced players but also youngsters, who have match-winning ability and an incredible skill set.”

    Egypt have won the tournament a record seven times, but they start as underdogs for the semi-final against Senegal in Tangiers.

     “Every side has ‌its weaknesses, and we have studied Senegal in depth as we have planned for this game. We are sure they will be analysing our approach, too, so this could be decided ⁠on the small details,” Hassan predicted.

    Hassan has come in for some criticism after Egypt needed extra time to overcome Benin in the round of 16. They were then on the back foot for most of the quarter-final against Cote d’Ivoire .

     “I don’t give a damn about that,” Hassan told reporters at his  pre-match conference. “There are those who have confidence in what we are trying to achieve and those who are sceptical. I pay it no attention.”

    Much has been made ⁠of this possibly being a last chance for 33-year-old ‌Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah to win a trophy with the national team.

    Egypt teammate Mahmoud Trezeguet, like Salah, has lost in two previous Cup of Nations finals, but he has no doubt that Salah still has the quality ⁠to finish the job.

     “Salah is, for me, the best ​player out there,” Trezeguet said.

  • AFN partners  Roster Athletics to end age cheating scourge

    AFN partners  Roster Athletics to end age cheating scourge

    The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has fired a decisive shot at age falsification and poor athlete data management with the launch of a ground-breaking partnership with Roster Athletics.

    Under the leadership of AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, the federation announced the collaboration as a major turning point aimed at restoring credibility, transparency and global confidence in Nigerian athletics.

    Brokered by AFN Secretary General, Israel Inwang, the deal will see the immediate deployment of the Roster Athletics competition management platform across all AFN Championships—introducing a secure, verifiable and tamper-proof system that permanently addresses long-standing age discrepancy concerns.

     “This partnership is not just about technology, it’s about restoring confidence and ensuring fairness,” Inwang said. “We are taking concrete action to eliminate any doubt about our athletes’ credentials and our commitment to clean sport.”

    Beyond national championships, the platform will be rolled out to state associations, clubs and competition organisers nationwide, including road race organisers.

    Read Also: Chelle hints at tactical shift ahead of Super Eagles’ clash against Morocco

    Features include secure online registration, automated seeding, real-time results integration, live competition tracking and professional meet management tools.

    Chief Okowa described the move as a bold step to protect athletes and silence critics.

     “For too long, negative narratives have overshadowed the achievements of our athletes,” he said.  “This partnership provides irrefutable documentation and international-standard verification that will showcase Nigerian athletics with the credibility it deserves.”

    In a further reform push, AFN is introducing a compulsory athlete licensing system.

    Every registered athlete will now carry a unique AFN license number throughout their career, renewed annually and fully integrated into international athletics databases.

    The new system guarantees permanent athlete identification, transparent age documentation, complete career tracking and zero room for identity manipulation.

     “We are moving from defense to offense,” Inwang added. “Instead of reacting to criticism, we are building systems that make such criticism obsolete.”

    With training and support already in place, AFN says all affiliated bodies can begin using the platform immediately, signaling the start of a new chapter defined by integrity, modernization and accountability in Nigerian athletics.

  • Ex-NPFL Star Suleiman moves to  RB Leipzig

    Ex-NPFL Star Suleiman moves to  RB Leipzig

    Nigerian winger Sani Suleiman has completed his switch to German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig and has been officially unveiled by the club.

    The 19-year-old Nigeria U-20 international joins Leipzig from Slovakian club AS Trenčín after the two clubs reached an agreement. The deal is reported to be worth around €6.5 million, following the successful completion of his medical in Germany.

    Suleiman had attracted interest from several European clubs, including Brentford, Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers and Bayer Leverkusen. However, RB Leipzig moved quickly to secure his signature and won the race for the highly rated winger.

    Read Also: Chelle hints at tactical shift ahead of Super Eagles’ clash against Morocco

    The young forward first rose to prominence at Akwa United, where he won the Nigeria Premier Football League Rookie of the Season award. His performances earned him a move to AS Trenčín, where he continued to impress in Europe.

    With this transfer, Suleiman becomes the second Nigerian to play for RB Leipzig after Ademola Lookman. His unveiling marks another major step in his career as he prepares to test himself at the highest level of German football.

  • Okowa upbeat as AFN sets the pace for a blockbuster season

    Okowa upbeat as AFN sets the pace for a blockbuster season

    The gun has gone off early, and Nigerian athletics is already sprinting into a defining year.

    With a packed 2026 calendar that stretches across continents and competitions, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has boldly set the tone for what promises to be one of its most ambitious and eventful seasons in recent history.

    From grassroots development to elite global showdowns, the message is crystal clear, Nigerian athletics is back on the front foot.

    The season roars to life with registration and affiliation activities before flowing seamlessly into major domestic events like the AFN/Agroterra 10km Cross Country Race, the AFN Golden League, national championships, kids’ athletics series, and elite relays across Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Benin City and beyond.

    It is a calendar designed not just to compete but to set a definite path to improve, restore lost glory and conquer.

    Internationally, Nigerian athletes will test themselves against the world, featuring at the World Relays, Diamond League meetings, World Junior Championships, World Athletics Ultimate Championships and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

    The exposure is deliberate. The ambition is unmistakable.

    At the heart of this renewed momentum is AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, whose vision has injected fresh belief into the sport.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: What to know ahead of Super Eagles Clash against Morocco

    From his first days in office, Okowa has been vocal and consistent about one promise, to bring back the lost glory of Nigerian athletics.

     “This calendar is a statement,” an AFN insider noted. “It shows intent, structure, and belief in our athletes.”

    Okowa’s leadership philosophy is built on rebuilding systems, empowering athletes, supporting coaches, and restoring Nigeria’s reputation as a global athletics force.

    Anti-doping education, coaches’ workshops, regional championships and youth-focused competitions are not side notes but they are pillars of the plan.

    Perhaps most importantly, the calendar reflects balance, nurturing young talent through Kids Athletics R.A.C.E Series, sharpening elites through high-performance meets, and reconnecting fans with the sport through nationwide festivals and championships.

    As the tracks heat up from January to December, one thing is evident, AFN is no longer reacting; it is leading.

    With Chief Tonobok Okowa at the helm with the comprehensive support of the National Sports Commission (NSC), corporate bodies and a clear roadmap in hand, Nigerian athletics is chasing more than medals this season.

    “It is chasing identity, pride, and a return to the top. The season is long. The stakes are high. And for Nigerian athletics, the comeback has officially begun.” Okowa assured.

  • Zubair guides Telecom  to historic Egyptian Cup’s quarter-finals 

    Zubair guides Telecom  to historic Egyptian Cup’s quarter-finals 

    Nigerian coach Aliyu Zubair has continued his remarkable rise in African football, guiding Telecom SC of Egypt to their first-ever quarter-final appearance in the Egyptian Cup.

    Telecom secured the historic feat with a 2–1 victory over Pharco yesterday in a Round of 16 encounter, just three months after Zubair’s appointment as head coach.

    The latest triumph follows an earlier shock result in which Telecom eliminated Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the Round of 32, further underlining the immediate impact of the Nigerian tactician.

    Read Also: Chelle hints at tactical shift ahead of Super Eagles’ clash against Morocco

    Telecom SC dominated early proceedings and took the lead in the 17th  minute through Eid Ahmed. Nigerian forward Nwanna Okechukwu doubled the advantage shortly after the restart in the 46th  minute, before Karim El Tayeb pulled one back for Pharco in the 54th minute. 

    Zubair’s side, however, showed composure and tactical discipline to hold on for the historic win.

    Zubair joined Telecom SC in October 2025, and in just a few months has transformed the team into a fearless, organised unit capable of competing with Egypt’s elite.

    His success in Egypt builds on an impressive résumé that includes winning the Nigerian Federation Cup with El-Kanemi Warriors and securing promotion to the top flight with both Gombe United and El-Kanemi Warriors.

    Beyond club football, Zubair also serves as head coach of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, earning widespread respect for his ability to develop young talents. With Telecom SC now in the quarter-finals, attention continues to focus on a coach whose influence is rapidly extending beyond borders.

  • NNL shifts second stanza’s kick-off to Feb. 14

    NNL shifts second stanza’s kick-off to Feb. 14

    The Nigeria National League (NNL) has officially announced February 14 as the new date for the resumption of the second stanza of the 2025/2026 season.

    The league was initially scheduled to resume on January 31, but the restart has now been shifted by two weeks. The NNL Chief Operating Officer, Mr Danlami Alanana, disclosed the development on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Abuja.

    According to Alanana, the postponement was necessitated by logistics and other emerging circumstances, stressing that the decision was taken in the best interest of the league to guarantee a smooth and well-coordinated restart.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: What to know ahead of Super Eagles Clash against Morocco

    He urged all participating clubs to take advantage of the extended break to resolve outstanding logistical issues ahead of the resumption, adding that all conferences will return to action simultaneously on February 14.

    Meanwhile,  a club owners’ retreat is expected to hold later this month as part of efforts to strengthen league administration.

    At the halfway stage of the season, Inter Lagos, Akwa United FC, Doma United, and Ranchers Bees currently top the standings in their respective conferences. Only the conference winners at the end of the campaign will earn promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

  • NWFL Premiership: Fireworks as Bayelsa Queens brace for Rivers Angels, Abia Angels battle FC Robo

    NWFL Premiership: Fireworks as Bayelsa Queens brace for Rivers Angels, Abia Angels battle FC Robo

    The 2026 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership gathers momentum as Matchday Six rolls in with mouth-watering fixtures across both Group A and Group B today. Following a dramatic Matchday Five that delivered goals, unbeaten runs and off-field controversies, the stakes are now higher as the season begins to take clearer shape writes TUNDE LIADI…

    All eyes in Group A will be firmly fixed on Southern University Stadium, Ozoro, where league leaders Bayelsa Queens lock horns with closest rivals Rivers Angels in what is unquestionably the standout fixture of the round. Both sides are locked on 12 points from four matches, separated only by goal difference, and this encounter could define the early title narrative in the group.

    Bayelsa Queens, the reigning champions, have been ruthless and resilient in equal measure, coming off a hard-earned 2–1 away win over Ibom Angels. Playing away from their traditional Samson Siasia Stadium home due to renovation works adds a fresh dimension to the contest, but coach Whyte Ogbonda’s side will bank on their championship pedigree and attacking efficiency to maintain their perfect start. Rivers Angels, buoyed by Abasiofon Uwah’s hat-trick in their emphatic 3–0 win over Adamawa Queens, arrive full of confidence and eager to dethrone the champions.

    In Ibadan, Pacesetter Queens welcome Ekiti Queens to the Lekan Salami Stadium in a clash that could prove decisive in the relegation battle. Pacesetter Queens finally opened their points account with a goalless draw against Heartland Queens on Matchday Five, but time is running out for the Ibadan-based side to translate performances into victories. Ekiti Queens, meanwhile, come into the tie on the back of their first home win of the season against Naija Ratels and will fancy their chances of building momentum away from home.

    Read Also: Chelle hints at tactical shift ahead of Super Eagles’ clash against Morocco

    At the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Heartland Queens host Ibom Angels in a contest of teams seeking stability. The Owerri Landladies have been hard to beat at home, combining a win with two draws, and will be targeting their second home victory of the campaign. Ibom Angels, still reeling from their home defeat to Bayelsa Queens and the subsequent crowd disturbances, will aim to respond positively on the pitch and claw back lost ground.

    In Abuja, Naija Ratels face arguably another tough test when they host Edo Queens at the Bwari Stadium. The Abuja side are still searching for their first win of the season after two draws and three defeats, and anything short of a positive result could deepen relegation fears. Edo Queens, the 2024 NWFL champions, sit comfortably in third place despite sitting out Matchday Five and will be keen to reassert their title credentials against a struggling opponent.

    Group B is equally poised for intrigue, with league leaders FC Robo Queens facing a stern examination away to Abia Angels at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba. Robo Queens boast a flawless record of five wins from five matches, capped by their narrow 1–0 victory over Ahudiyannem Queens. However, Abia Angels are quietly building momentum, sitting third with eight points following a solid 2–0 home win over Sunshine Queens. A victory for the Aba side would not only halt Robo’s winning streak but also significantly boost their top-three ambitions.

    At the Umuahia Township Stadium, Ahudiyannem Queens will look to convert promise into points when they take on Delta Queens. Having lost narrowly to FC Robo Queens last time out, Ahudiyannem Queens will hope home advantage finally delivers their first win of the season. Delta Queens, fresh from a composed 2–0 home victory over Dannaz Ladies, arrive with renewed confidence and an eye on climbing further up the table.

    In Lafia, Nasarawa Amazons welcome Osun Babes to the Lafia Township Stadium. The Amazons are flying high after their impressive away win over Remo Stars Ladies, a result that keeps them within touching distance of the league leaders. Osun Babes, meanwhile, are on the road again after edging Confluence Queens 1-0 in Iyamho and will be hoping to make it back-to-back away victories—a feat that would further underline their resurgence.

    The South West derby between Sunshine Queens and Remo Stars Ladies at the Ondo Sports Complex, Akure, promises intensity and pride. Both teams are coming off defeats and will be desperate for redemption. Sunshine Queens, in particular, need a convincing win to revive their campaign and could leapfrog their visitors with a commanding performance.

    Rounding off Group B fixtures, Dannaz Ladies host Confluence Queens at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos. Both sides are looking to bounce back from recent defeats, making this a crucial opportunity to reset their seasons.

    Dannaz Ladies will target a second home win, while Confluence Queens search for redemption after another narrow loss.

  • NPFL: Second Stanza begins with eyes on South West Derby in Ikenne

    NPFL: Second Stanza begins with eyes on South West Derby in Ikenne

    The Nigeria Premier Football League resumes with renewed intensity as Matchday 20 ushers in the second stanza of the 2025/26 season. Coming immediately after the dramatic halfway point, this round is defined by familiar foes meeting again—only this time with venues switched, stakes heightened and fresh narratives to pursue writes TUNDE LIADI…

    Matchday 20 marks the official start of the second stanza, with clubs now armed with first-hand knowledge of their opponents. Leaders Rivers United will look to consolidate their grip on the summit when they travel to Enugu to face Rangers International today, a fixture that already carries the aura of a title-defining duel. The Pride of Rivers edged the Flying Antelopes 1–0 in Port Harcourt at the end of the first stanza, and Rangers will be eager to respond in front of their fans as they attempt to reassert themselves in the title conversation.

    Hot on Rivers United’s heels, second placed Abia Warriors welcome Plateau United to Umuahia with confidence soaring. The Umuchineke Boys claimed a gritty away win in Jos last time out and will fancy their chances of completing the double. For Plateau United, however, this fixture is about far more than revenge having brought in experienced tactician, Gbenga Ogunbote and some quality recruitments. Sitting deep in the relegation zone the Peace Boys must find resilience and results quickly if they are to spark a turnaround in the second half of the campaign.

    In Maiduguri, El Kanemi Warriors host Bayelsa United buoyed by the morale-boosting win they secured in Yenagoa. Having climbed out of the drop zone by virtue of the win in Bayelsa, the Borno Army will aim to turn their home ground into a fortress as they chase consistency under head coach, Kabiru Dogo. Bayelsa United, on the other hand, know that points away from home are crucial if they are to avoid being dragged into relegation trouble again.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: What to know ahead of Super Eagles Clash against Morocco

    One of the standout fixtures of the round comes in Katsina, where Katsina United welcome relegation haunted Kun Khalifat after stunning them away in Owerri. The Chanji Boys’ second away win of the season injected belief into their campaign, and a home victory would further strengthen their push for a top-half finish. The revered Pride of Imo, still searching for stability, will be desperate to reverse the outcome and climb away from the danger zone.

    In Lafia Nasarawa United face a stern test as they seek revenge against Kano Pillars following their heavy 3–0 defeat in the first meeting in Kano. The Solid Miners, once early pace-setters, slipped down the standings to the fourth spot at halfway and now need a strong restart to remain relevant in the title race. Pillars, revitalised by that emphatic win, will rely on their new acquisitions to continue their resurgence and distance themselves from relegation worries.

    Elsewhere, Shooting Stars host Enyimba in Ibadan hoping to respond after being humbled in Aba 3-0, while Remo Stars welcome Ikorodu City in Ikenne looking to avenge their narrow loss in Lagos.

    Bendel Insurance will travel to Ilorin to take on Kwara United, aiming to complete a season double, just as Niger Tornadoes will make the trip to face Barau FC in Kano after their comfortable home win in Minna.

    In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists entertain Wolves following an entertaining draw in the reverse fixture, with both sides eyeing maximum points to steady their campaigns.

    NPFL Matchday 20 Fixtures

    Rangers vs. Rivers United

    Warri Wolves vs. Wikki Tourists

    Kwara United vs. Insurance

    Shooting Stars vs. Enyimba

    Remo Stars vs. Ikorodu City

    Nasarawa United vs. Kano Pillars

    Katsina United vs. Kun Khalifat

    El Kanemi Warriors vs. Bayelsa United

    Abia Warriors vs. Plateau United

    Barau vs. Niger Tornadoes

  • Mbappe absent as Arbeloa conducts first Madrid’s training

    Mbappe absent as Arbeloa conducts first Madrid’s training

    Striker Kylian Mbappe was absent as Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa took charge of his first training session, after replacing Xabi Alonso at the helm of the Spanish giants.

    Arbeloa was appointed on Monday and his first game is against Albacete in the Copa del Rey  today , in which French forward Mbappe is unlikely to feature.

    Mbappe made his comeback from a knee sprain as a late substitute in the Spanish Super Cup final defeat by Barcelona on Sunday, but is likely to keep working on his recovery until next Tuesday’s Champions League match against his former side Monaco.

    Read Also: Chelle hints at tactical shift ahead of Super Eagles’ clash against Morocco

    A Real Madrid source told AFP it was “logical” that Mbappe was absent from training, given his knee issue.

    Former coach Alonso had admitted it was a calculated risk to involve Madrid’s top goalscorer in the match against Barca in Saudi Arabia.

    Alonso, replaced after less than eight months at the helm, said on social media he was leaving the club having done the best he could.

     “Things didn’t go as I would have liked,” wrote the Basque coach on Instagram.

     “Coaching Real Madrid was an honour and a responsibility. I’m grateful to the club, the players and above all the fans for their confidence and support.

     “I leave respectfully, with gratitude, and the pride of having done the best I could.”

  • Man United name Carrick as interim manager

    Man United name Carrick as interim manager

    Manchester United have  confirmed Michael Carrick as interim manager until the end of the season, tasking him with leading the Red Devils back into the Champions League.

     “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour,” said Carrick, 44, who won 12 major trophies in his 12-year playing career at United.

    The former midfielder previously had an unbeaten three-game stint as caretaker boss at Old Trafford in 2021.

    Carrick then took on his first permanent managerial role at second-tier Middlesbrough in October 2022 and was sacked in June last year after the club finished 10th in the Championship.

    He has a daunting first task, preparing his men to face local rivals Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

    United are seventh in the table but are in the race to qualify for the lucrative Champions League for the first time in three seasons.

    The Red Devils are three points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool and only one point behind Brentford, in fifth spot.

    A top-four finish would guarantee Champions League qualification and top five is likely to be enough thanks to the strong performance of English sides in European competition.

     “I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing,” added Carrick.

    “There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.”

    The Red Devils dismissed Ruben Amorim last week after a dismal 14-month stint at Old Trafford for the Portuguese.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: What to know ahead of Super Eagles Clash against Morocco

    But hopes of an immediate bounce were dashed, with caretaker boss Darren Fletcher overseeing a 2-2 draw against lowly Burnley in the Premier League and a 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup.

    United’s exit from both domestic cup competitions at the first hurdle, plus a lack of European football, means they will play only 40 matches this season – their lowest number since the 1914⁄1915 campaign.

    Carrick’s experience at United both as a player and coach are understood to have convinced the club’s hierarchy that he is the safe pair of hands they need over the coming months.

    After spells at West Ham and Tottenham, he moved to United, winning five league titles and the Champions League in a 12-year stay.

    When his playing career came to an end in 2018, Carrick joined the United coaching staff as an assistant to Jose Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

    Following Solskjaer’s dismissal five years ago he briefly took charge of the first team, securing impressive results against Chelsea, Arsenal and Villarreal.

    However, his time at Middlesbrough ultimately proved a disappointment.

    Armed with one of the biggest budgets in the Championship, they reached the play-offs in his first season in charge, losing to Coventry over two legs in the semi-finals.

    Boro finished eighth and 10th  in Carrick’s two full campaigns in charge and he was sacked at the end of last season for failing to achieve promotion back to the Premier League.