The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Super Eagles hold  first training  in Rabat for  Morocco

    Super Eagles hold  first training  in Rabat for  Morocco

    Controversial Mauritanian named for semi-final

    The Super Eagles yesterday relocated from their CAF base in Fez to Rabat and held a closed-door training session at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.

    The team had previously been based in Fez after moving from Marrakech following their 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria.

    The Super Eagles made Fes a base camp and played their first four games including the group games against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda as well as the Round of 16 clash against Mozambique.

    They  will also hold their  last  and official training  for the match  at 6:15pm this evening at the  same venue.

    Meanwhile, controversial Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida has been appointed for  Wednesday night’s AFCON semifinal between the Super Eagles and hosts Morocco.

    Beida was poor when Morocco stopped Cameroon 2-0 to qualify for the semifinal of the tournament after making several calls in favour of the host nation.

    Read Also: Nigeria v. Gabon: NFF Protests FIFA official appointments for W’ Cup Play-off

    One of those calls was denying Cameroon a penalty in the 68th  minute, when Bryan Mbeumo was fouled inside the box.

    This was after he was not originally appointed for the game, which was to be handled by an Egyptian referee Amin Omar, who was rejected by the Morocco FA.

    The Mauritanian referee was roundly knocked for favouring Moroccan club RS Berkane to beat Simba of Tanzania in the Confederation Cup final.

    Interestingly, Beida was also the man in charge of the 2023 AFCON final in Abidjan, which the Super Eagles lost 2-1 to hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

    The appointment has raised concerns about potential bias in a match where Morocco, as hosts, already have home advantage.

  • Morocco 2025:  History favours Eagles against Lions in Rabat

    Morocco 2025:  History favours Eagles against Lions in Rabat

    The only time Nigeria and Morocco senior national teams have clashed in Morocco’s administrative capital, Rabat, Nigeria dug their feet into the ground to earn a scoreless draw, win the ensuing penalty shootout and secure qualification to the 14th  Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire.

    Date was Saturday, 28th  August 1983. Two weeks earlier, in Benin City, both teams had ended the first leg match 0-0. The return leg took place in Rabat, with Coach Adegboye Onigbinde making a number of changes to the squad that featured in Benin City.

    Goalkeeper Peter Rufai came in for Wilfred Agbonavbare, and Kingsley Paul, Amos Edoseghe, Anthony Edward, Wole Odegbami and Sunday Daniel came in for Charles Osuji, Henry Nwosu, Rafiu Yusuf, Dehinde Akinlotan and Tarila Okorowanta.

    Coach José ‘Mehdi’ Faria, the Brazilian minder of the Atlas Lions, stuck to his regular group, including goalkeeper Badou Ezzaki, Mustapha El Haddaoui, Abdelaziz Bouderbala, Mohamed Timoumi, Abdelmajid Lamriss, Mustapha El Biyaz, Noureddine Bouyahyaoui and Khaled Labied. A closely-fought battle ended 0-0, necessitating a penalty shootout.

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

    Nigeria won 4-3 to qualify for the AFCON finals in Cote d’Ivoire, where she emerged runner-up.

    As the Super Eagles file out to the turf of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium tomorrow , they will remember they had never lost a match to the Lions in Rabat.

    HEAD-TO-HEAD: Super Eagles, Atlas Lions in history

    16 Nov 1963: Nigeria 3-0 Morocco (Olympic Gamesq: Lagos)

    08 Mar 1964: Morocco 4-1 Nigeria (Olympic Gamesq: Casablanca)

    26 Mar 1964: Morocco 2-1 Nigeria (Olympic Gamesq: Dakar)

    21 Sep 1969: Morocco 2-1 Nigeria (FIFA WCq: Casablanca)

    08 Nov 1969: Nigeria 2-0 Morocco (FIFA WCq: Ibadan)

    20 Feb 1972: Nigeria 3-0 Morocco (Friendly: Lagos)

    06 Mar 1976: Morocco 3-1 Nigeria (AFCON: Dire Dawa)

    11 Mar 1976: Morocco 2-1 Nigeria (AFCON: Addis Ababa)

    03 Apr 1976: Nigeria 3-1 Morocco (Olympic Gamesq: Lagos)

    18 Apr 1976: Morocco 1-0 Nigeria (Olympic Gamesq: Tangier)

    19 Mar 1980: Nigeria 1-0 Morocco (AFCON semi: Lagos)

    14 Aug 1983: Nigeria 0-0 Morocco (AFCONq: Benin City)

    28 Aug 1983: Morocco 0-0 Nigeria (AFCONq: Rabat)

    * Nigeria win 4-3 after penalties

    11 Feb 1984: Nigeria 0-0 Morocco (Olympic Gamesq: Lagos)

    26 Feb 1984: Morocco 0-0 Nigeria (Olympic Gamesq: Casablanca)

    *Morocco win 4-3 after penalties

    12 Dec 1996: Morocco 2-0 Nigeria (Friendly: Casablanca)

    03 Feb 2000: Nigeria 2-0 Morocco (AFCON: Lagos)

    27 Jan 2004: Morocco 1-0 Nigeria (AFCON: Monastir)

    25 Jan 2014: Morocco 3-4 Nigeria (CHAN: Cape Town)

    04 Feb 2018: Morocco 4-0 Nigeria (CHAN Final: Casablanca)

  • AFCON Semis: Phillips predicts close contest between Nigeria and Morocco 

    AFCON Semis: Phillips predicts close contest between Nigeria and Morocco 

    Shina Phillips, President of Nigeria Pitch Awards, has predicted a tightly contested semi-final fixture between Nigeria and Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Rabat. Both teams have performed strongly throughout the tournament, each winning their quarter-final matches 2-0 — Morocco against Cameroon and Nigeria against Algeria.

    The semi-final match between  Super Eagles  and Atlas Lions at  the  Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday is set to be highly competitive with neither side likely to give ground easily.  But  Phillips believes the Super Eagles hold some advantage despite Morocco’s experienced squad having reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, a historic feat for an African team.

    “ This is a high stake  match  and I know both the Super Eagles and the Atlas Lions will be  at their best  for this encounter on Wednesday ,” Phillips told NationSport. “ Frankly, it is difficult to predict  the likely result  of the  match based on the strength  of what the two teams have done so far  in the competition  but  even at that, I think  Nigeria have all the aces.” 

    According to Phillips,  Nigeria has the motivation factor, aiming to prove their quality after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He emphasized that this AFCON is a platform for Nigeria to demonstrate what the world will be missing in the coming World Cup. 

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

    “ Without any  doubt ,  both teams have something  to proof  and I think  the Super Eagles will be motivated  for obvious reasons,” he continued.“ How  do you explain that  such a talented Nigerian team won’t be  at the next World Cup  as such this AFCON  is an opportunity to show  what the  world  will be missing in June.” 

    Incidentally, both coaches, Eric Sekou Chelle (Nigeria) and Walid Regragui (Morocco), have shown tactical intelligence throughout the tournament, making the semi-final more than just a game of football but a strategic duel. 

    Phillips has equally  praised Coach Chelle for improving Nigeria’s tactical discipline, confidence, and attacking commitment. 

    Nigeria’s recent 2-0 victory over Algeria to enter the semifinals was hailed as an important morale booster for Nigerians, especially after missing out on the World Cup. 

    Phillips expressed belief that winning the AFCON would go some way to compensating Nigerian fans for their World Cup absence.

  • Chelle stakes winning streak  against Atlas Lions

    Chelle stakes winning streak  against Atlas Lions

    Franco-Malian manager, Éric Sékou Chelle will walk inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium with springs in his steps, having never lost a competitive match in regulation time since taking over Nigeria’s ‘A’ squad 12 months ago.

    Chelle’s tally is a tidy 11 wins in 17 matches of the Super Eagles, with five draws, and losing once in regulation time to the Pharaohs of Egypt when Nigeria put out an understrength squad in a friendly in Cairo on 16 December.

    Read Also: NFF issues AFCON 2025 final ultimatum to Chelle

    Éric Sékou Chelle’s Super Eagles’ Account:

    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)

  • CAF to investigate post-match violence at Africa Cup of Nations

    CAF to investigate post-match violence at Africa Cup of Nations

    Violent confrontations at the conclusion of two of the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals at the weekend are to be investigated with possible sanctions to be imposed, the Confederation of African Football said.

    Opposing players jostled with each other after Morocco beat Cameroon in Rabat on Friday and when Nigeria overcame Algeria in Agadir on Saturday. Video on social media showed the referee being pursued down the tunnel by Algerian players after their 2-0 defeat, and altercations among journalists from the two countries in the mixed zone, an area where reporters can interview players after the match.

     “CAF has collected recent match reports and video evidence indicating potentially unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials and has opened an investigation,” a statement said.

    “CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons were to be found guilty of any wrongdoing.

    “CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers. Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events,” it added.

    Algerian fans clashed with security staff after their loss to Nigeria.

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

    Algeria’s federation on Monday confirmed it had filed a complaint with CAF over the performance of referee Issa Sy from Senegal in a one-sided match in which Algeria were roundly beaten by Nigeria.

    “The Algerian Football Federation cannot ignore the refereeing performance observed during the last match, which raised numerous questions and caused considerable confusion,” it said in a statement.

    “Certain decisions have damaged the credibility of African refereeing and do nothing to enhance the value of continental football on the international stage.”

    Such complaints, however, are common in African football, notably from losing teams as federations seek to temper the dissatisfaction and disappointment of their fans and blame defeat on refereeing errors.

  • Morocco 2025: ANFASSC solicits for  funds to sustain support for  Super Eagles

    Morocco 2025: ANFASSC solicits for  funds to sustain support for  Super Eagles

    The Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC) has  congratulated the Super Eagles for their outstanding performance and qualification into the semi-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

    The team’s resilience, discipline, and fighting spirit continue to inspire millions of Nigerians at home and across the diaspora.

    As the Super Eagles prepare for a crucial semi-final encounter against host nation Morocco, ANFASSC has activated its full support structure to ensure sustained, organised, and spirited backing for the national team at this decisive stage of the tournament.

     This mobilisation includes logistics planning and supporter engagement aimed at maintaining a strong Nigerian presence within and around the stadium.

    In view of the heightened demands associated with a semi-final fixture, ANFASSC respectfully appeals to the Federal Government, relevant sports authorities, corporate institutions, and well-meaning Nigerians for financial and logistical support. Such support is critical to sustaining effective fan mobilisation, transportation, musical coordination, accommodation, and other operational requirements necessary for impactful matchday support.

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

    ANFASSC also calls for streamlined and accessible ticketing arrangements for Nigerian supporters, emphasising the importance of early release, fair distribution, and ease of access to match tickets.

    Enabling structured supporters’ groups to gain timely and coordinated entry into the stadium will enhance crowd organisation, safety, and the overall matchday atmosphere in favour of the Super Eagles.

    preparation for the semi-final, the club has intensified internal coordination, supporter orientation, and engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure disciplined conduct, positive representation, and unity among Nigerian fans. ANFASSC remains committed to promoting cooperation among all supporters’ clubs and Nigerian fan groups, reinforcing a single, unified voice in support of the national team.

    As Nigeria stands on the brink of another historic AFCON final, ANFASSC reassures the Super Eagles of its unwavering presence and belief. The club urges all stakeholders to rally behind the team through collective support, strategic funding, and national unity, confident that together, Nigeria can overcome the challenge ahead and advance toward continental glory.

  • ‘The Oracle’  Ogunbote targets  NPFL  survival  for Plateau United

    ‘The Oracle’  Ogunbote targets  NPFL  survival  for Plateau United

    Newly appointed Plateau United Technical Adviser, Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, has declared that his primary mission is to rescue the club from relegation and secure its Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) status.

    Popularly known as “The Oracle”, Ogunbote made this known during a parley with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Plateau State Chapter, shortly after assuming duty.

     “My goal of coming to Plateau United is to salvage the club from its present 19th  position on the log,” Ogunbote stated. “The aim is to maintain our Premiership status, but we must be very intentional about it.”

    The former handler of Shooting Stars, Lobi Stars, Giwa FC and Sunshine Stars urged his players to adopt a fearless mentality, encouraging them to aim high despite the club’s current struggles.

     “We must aim above the stars. Per adventure we fall, we will fall among the stars. If we finish strong, escape will be guaranteed,” he added.

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

    Ogunbote confirmed that his contract runs until the end of the season, with a renewal clause subject to mutual agreement, while outlining his short-term strategy of managing the squad effectively before deeper restructuring.

     “For now, we will manage the situation, introduce new players gradually and use them as substitutes in key areas to better understand the team,” he explained. “Every session we’ve had has focused on goalscoring because only goals bring relief. Football is about two things: scoring and protecting your goals.”

    The Plateau United TA also commended club chairman Alhassan Yakmut for his administrative experience, calling on all stakeholders to unite in preserving the club’s image as one of the league’s respected brands.

  • Cross River unearths  new talents  for Niger Delta Games

    Cross River unearths  new talents  for Niger Delta Games

    Cross River State sports authorities may have made major breakthrough in talents discovery as the State’s trials for the 2nd  Niger Delta Games berthed in the central senatorial district.

    Organised by the Liaison Committee members of the NDG in conjunction with the Cross River State Sports Commission led by Lawrence Etta, the trials serve to select athletes that will participate in the state finals to pick those who will represent the state at the games.

    “The trials for the Games has continued to ignite hope and inspiration among young sporting talents in both the urban and rural communities in Cross River State.

    “The competition’s talent discovery drive has recorded remarkable success, particularly within the Central Senatorial District” remarked Ettah

    He said the initiative has brought together promising young athletes from diverse local governments and villages—many of whom are experiencing organized sports exposure for the very first time.

    “The ongoing talent hunt has not only uncovered raw and exceptional abilities but has also created unforgettable moments of joy and motivation for future champions.

    “For several participants, the exercise marks their first opportunity to leave their immediate communities, interact with peers from other areas, and dream beyond their local environment”, Ettah told NDG Media.

    Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee,  Sir Itiako Ikpokpo(KSM), was impressed by the report and said it has captured a cardinal essence of organising the Games.

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

    “This is primarily one of the reasons for the Games, providing opportunities for those in the hinterland to compete and put their talents to use in sports.

    “We want to provide a platform for every youth in the Niger Delta region to find expression for their raw skills and perhaps become a national and international champion,”  Ikpokpo stated.

    The initiative has drawn widespread commendation from athletes, community leaders, and sports stakeholders, who praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dunamis-Icon Limited and the Cross River State Government for their commitment to youth empowerment through sports. They also described the programme as a timely and innovative platform capable of reshaping the future of sports in the region.

    Members of the state liaison committee include Queen Gladys Igut, the Secretary,  Mrs Rosemary Usang, the Director of Sports, Ettah Emmanuel, the Head of Media and Publicity and David Enwa.

  • NNL: Enegwea  remains confident as Heartland faces  Smart City

    NNL: Enegwea  remains confident as Heartland faces  Smart City

    Heartlands FC assistant coach, Taiwo Enegwea, has expressed optimism about the club’s chances as the Naze Millionaires turn their attention to Thursday’s Nigeria National League (NNL) clash against Smart City FC in Lagos.

    Heartland were held to a frustrating 0–0 draw by table-toppers Beyond Limits FA in their Matchday fixture on Saturday, January 10, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

    Despite dominating possession and dictating the tempo for long spells, the hosts were unable to find a breakthrough against a disciplined and well-organised Beyond Limits defence.

    The Naze Millionaires carved out several scoring chances and pinned their visitors back, but the breakthrough proved elusive. Their clearest opportunity arrived in the second half when Imo SWAN Heartland FC Player of the Month for December, Joel Okoro, dazzled with a brilliant solo run before being fouled inside the penalty area. Okoro stepped up to take the spot kick, but the Beyond Limits goalkeeper, Daniel Aiyenugba produced a decisive save to keep the scores level.

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

    Heartland continued to press late into the game, launching a series of attacks in search of a winner, but Beyond Limits held firm to secure a valuable away point that kept them top of the league standings.

    Speaking after the match, Enegwea commended his players’ effort while admitting the outcome fell short of expectations.

     “The boys really tried but we didn’t get the result we wanted. I believe they have learnt from this,” he said.

    Looking ahead to the rescheduled encounter against Smart City FC, Enegwea is confident Heartland can secure a positive result on the road.

     “Lagos is a free city and anybody can come there and get supporters if you play good football. We intend to get a result against Smart City in Lagos. With what we played today, I’m convinced we will pick maximum points,” he added.

    Heartland will be aiming to convert their dominance into goals in Lagos as they continue their push for promotion in the highly competitive NNL as they are currently fourth on the log with 11 points from 7 games.

  • NPFL Transfers: Wikki Tourists reinforce midfield, attack

    NPFL Transfers: Wikki Tourists reinforce midfield, attack

    Wikki Tourists FC have stepped up preparations for the second half of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with the acquisition of three new players during the January transfer window.

    Leading the reinforcements is the return of attacking midfielder Abubakar Aliyu, fondly known as “Korea,” who re-joins the Bauchi-based side from Nasarawa United. His creativity and experience are expected to add bite and imagination to the midfield as the club targets a stronger showing in the remainder of the campaign.

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

    Wikki Tourists have also secured the services of winger Obed Ponkap from Barau FC. The wide man is expected to provide pace, width and penetration on the flanks, offering the technical crew more attacking options going forward.

    Completing the trio is forward Ibrahim Shuaibu, who arrives from Remo Stars FC to bolster the club’s attacking department. Shuaibu’s addition is aimed at improving Wikki Tourists’ goal-scoring threat as the league enters its decisive phase.

    The club has called on its supporters to extend a warm welcome to the new signings and continue to rally behind the team as they push for improved results in the second stanza of the NPFL season.