The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Ahmedu upbeat about Nigerian basketball after Abuja meeting of stakeholders

    Ahmedu upbeat about Nigerian basketball after Abuja meeting of stakeholders

    After years of administrative crises, court battles, and fractured leadership, Nigerian basketball may finally be stepping into a new era of stability and purpose.

    Retired Colonel Sam Ahmedu, President of FIBA Africa Zone 3 and one of Nigeria’s most influential basketball administrators, believes the long night is ending for the sport.

    Speaking after a landmark stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Ahmedu declared that peace is returning—not through force or sentiment, but through structure, dialogue, and respect for the law.

    At the centre of the renewed optimism was a crucial meeting convened under the supervision of the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, where key stakeholders spoke with one voice for the first time in years.

     “This is a fresh tip-off,” Ahmedu stated, describing the meeting as the foundation for rebuilding the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

    Ahmedu emphasized that order must come before emotion, insisting that Nigerian basketball can no longer afford shortcuts or power struggles.

    Read Also: Man United crash out of FA Cup after 2–1 loss to Brighton

    The proposed NBBF Elective Congress, targeted for on or before March 31, remains the focal point of the reset.

    “We want to follow the law and do things in an orderly manner,” he said. “The constitution is for us—we can adjust—but we must not violate it.”

    He also called for calm across the basketball community, stressing that the rebuild must prioritise legitimacy and inclusiveness over haste.

    Highlighting the importance of credibility, Ahmedu singled out former NBA player and national team captain Olumide Oyedeji as a key asset in the rebuilding process, describing his experience and integrity as invaluable.

    With stakeholder unity, institutional backing from the NSC and NOC, a clear election timeline, and experienced basketball minds back at the table, Nigerian basketball now has a roadmap toward restoration.

  • FIFA U-17 W’Cup: Flamingos receive bye into second round  for Morocco 2026

    FIFA U-17 W’Cup: Flamingos receive bye into second round  for Morocco 2026

    Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will not feature in the first round of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers after receiving a bye, according to the draw released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

    The draw for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 African Qualifiers was conducted on Saturday in Rabat, officially signalling the start of the qualifying campaign across the continent.

    The exercise was conducted by draw assistant Jacqueline Shipanga, Technical Director of the Namibia Football Federation, CAF Elite Instructor and former coach of the Namibia Women’s National Team.

    Read Also: Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-2 with Raphinha’s late strike in Super Cup thriller

    A total of 31 African teams will contest the qualifiers, which will be played over three knockout rounds using a home-and-away format. At the conclusion of the third round, four teams will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.

    First-round matches are scheduled for April 10–12, with return legs on April 17–19, 2026. Fixtures include Niger vs. Guinea, Burkina Faso vs. Benin, Sierra Leone vs. Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia vs. Senegal, Algeria vs. Cameroon, and Togo vs. Ghana.

    Nigeria will join the competition in the second round, where the Flamingos will face the winner of the tie between Niger and Guinea. The second-round matches are slated for May 22–24 and May 29–31, 2026.

    Should the Flamingos progress beyond the second round, they could face Burkina Faso, Benin, Sierra Leone or Côte d’Ivoire in the third and final qualifying round, scheduled for July 3–5 and July 10–12, 2026, as they bid to return to the global stage.

  • Wikki Tourists part ways with four players

    Wikki Tourists part ways with four players

    Wikki Tourists Football Club has announced a mutual separation from four players as preparations intensify for the second half of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

    The players released are forward Lewis Dadong, left-back Philip David Johnson, centre-back Edward Lawrence Agbor, and midfielder Uche Onwuasonaya.

    According to the club, the decision forms part of a broader plan to refresh the squad and strengthen the team ahead of the crucial second phase of the season.

    Read Also: Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-2 with Raphinha’s late strike in Super Cup thriller

    The management believes the move will create room for new additions as the Bauchi-based side pushes forward with renewed focus and ambition.

    Wikki Tourists expressed appreciation to the departing players for their commitment and professionalism during their time at the club, wishing them success in their future careers.

    With the slogan “New chapter, same ambition,” the club reaffirmed its determination to improve performances and achieve its season objectives.

  • Kano Pillars boost attack with Ovoke

    Kano Pillars boost attack with Ovoke

    Kano Pillars have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of experienced winger Bernard Ovoke, who has joined the club until the end of the current season.

    The agreement also includes an option to extend the contract by a further year, underlining the club’s confidence in the winger’s ability to make an immediate and lasting impact.

    Known for his pace, trickery and direct approach on the wings, Ovoke is expected to add creativity and width to the team’s play as the season intensifies.

    Read Also: Man United crash out of FA Cup after 2–1 loss to Brighton

    Club officials believe his arrival will bring fresh energy to the flanks and provide additional attacking threats as the team pushes for its objectives.

    Ovoke has been warmly welcomed into the fold and is already looking forward to donning the famous Sai Masu Gida colours and thrilling supporters.

  • NNL: Inter Lagos, Akwa United finish first stanza on top in Southern Conference

    NNL: Inter Lagos, Akwa United finish first stanza on top in Southern Conference

    Inter Lagos FC and Akwa United have emerged as halfway champions of the Nigeria National League Southern Conferences A and B respectively, following decisive results at the end of the first stanza yesterday.

    At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, Inter Lagos edged Awka-based Edel FC 2–1, sealing top spot in Southern Conference A with 16 points. The victory saw them finish ahead of top guns Heartland FC and Crown FC. Despite having a game in hand against Smart City, Heartland cannot rise above third place even with a win.

    Edel FC ended the first stanza in seventh position with nine points, though their final standing could still be affected by the outcome of the Smart City versus Heartland fixture on Thursday.

    Read Also: Man United crash out of FA Cup after 2–1 loss to Brighton

    Elsewhere in the conference, Sunshine Stars recorded a slim 1–0 win over Crown FC in Akure, climbing to fifth place with 10 points, while Crown dropped to third with 13 points.

    In Owerri, Heartland FC were held to a goalless draw by Beyond Limits, a result that all but confirmed Beyond Limits’ projected second-place finish on 15 points, beyond the reach of the Naze Millionaires who are currently fourth with 11 points.

    Gateway FC’s struggles continued as they were held to a 1–1 draw by Smart City in Abeokuta. With just one win from eight matches, Gateway sit ninth on six points, while Smart City occupy eighth with eight points ahead of their midweek showdown with Heartland in Lagos.

    In Southern Conference B, Akwa United stamped their authority with an impressive 2–0 away victory over Rovers FC in Calabar, finishing the first stanza top with 19 points from nine matches. Rovers FC concluded the round in eighth place with 10 points.

    In Lagos, Sporting Lagos were forced to a 1–1 draw by Solution FC, ending the stanza second with 17 points. The result denied the Noisy Lagosians a chance to finish level on points with Akwa United. Solution FC settled for sixth spot with 13 points.

    Meanwhile, Stormers FC dazzled in Abeokuta, claiming a 4–2 win over Abakaliki FC to finish fifth with 14 points, while Abakaliki FC held on to third place with 15 points. In Ileogbo, Osun United’s inconsistent campaign continued as they played out a 2–2 draw with Godswill Akpabio United FC.

    The final fixture of Southern Conference B takes place today in Lagos, where First Bank FC will be targeting their first win of the season against fourth-placed Ekiti United to round off the first stanza.

    The NNL has proceeded on a break with the season set to reconvene on January 31st and the league body has also announced the opening of the transfer window which will end at the end of the current month.

  • Zidane experiment for Algeria backfires at Cup of Nations

    Zidane experiment for Algeria backfires at Cup of Nations

    Algeria’s hopes of solving a goalkeeping crisis with a big name flopped at the Africa Cup of Nations and they will need to look for alternatives before the World Cup kicks off later this year.

    Luca Zidane, the son of World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane, was plucked from the obscurity of Spanish second tier to help Algeria with a dearth of goalkeeping talent but it was a gamble that backfired on Saturday.

    Zidane’s goalkeeping was anything but convincing as Algeria went out 2-0 to Nigeria in their quarter-final in Marrakech.

    A bizarre jump rather than a dive to try and stop Victor Osimhen’s back-post header gifted Nigeria the lead early in the second half and poor distribution from Zidane allowed the opponents to steal possession and score again 10 minutes later.

    There had been much attention when Zidane was invited to play for Algeria, the country where his famous father’s parents hail from, and he was also in a stark spotlight once the Cup of Nations in Morocco kicked off.

    While Luca Zidane made two appearances at Real Madrid when his father coached there, he failed to properly break through and has spent six of the last seven seasons in the second tier of Spanish football.

    Read Also: Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-2 with Raphinha’s late strike in Super Cup thriller

    Algeria’s first choice over the past five years has been Anthony Mandrea, who played in Ligue 1 with Angers. However, when his latest club Caen were relegated to the French third division last season, Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic said he would not consider selecting a player from as low a league level.

    The 27-year-old Zidane, who like his three brothers won caps for France at junior level, switched his international eligibility in September to be a backup for Alexis Guendouz, who had moved up to be Algeria’s first choice.

    Guendouz, however, was injured on the eve of the tournament, thrusting Zidane into the side.

    He played in two of the three group games without conceding and kept another clean sheet behind a solid defence in the last-16 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    But in the firing line against a rampant Nigeria, Zidane was found wanting, fortunate to see the ball cleared off the line in the first half when he ventured off his line for a free kick but misjudged the flight of the ball, and then was caught floundering several times in the second half as Nigeria turned the screws and went on to win comfortably.

    Zidane, whose parents were in Morocco to watch him, will be hoping he stays in contention for Algeria’s World Cup campaign where they are drawn in Group J against Argentina, Jordan and Austria.

    But his performances will leave Petkovic contemplating other options for the tournament in North America.

  • Sabalenka fires Australian Open warning with Brisbane domination

    Sabalenka fires Australian Open warning with Brisbane domination

    World number one Aryna Sabalenka warmed up for a tilt at a third Australian open title in four years in ominous fashion by winning her second successive Brisbane International crown.

    Sabalenka scored a dominant 6-4, 6-3 win over Marta Kostyuk in just 78 minutes.

     “Every day you go out there and prove your level, and I think this week I did it really well,” said Sabalenka after a tournament in which she powered to the title without dropping a set.

    Looking ahead to the Australian Open, which begins next Sunday, Sabalenka said: “The only thing I know is that I’ll be there, I’ll be fighting.”

    Salablenka lost in the Melbourne Park final last year to Madison Keys, having been Australian Open champion in 2023 and 2024.

    Read Also: Man United crash out of FA Cup after 2–1 loss to Brighton

     “I’ll do my best to go as far as possible,” said Sabalenka. “And do a little bit better than last year. That’s my focus.”

    Kostyuk, the world number 26, had enjoyed a spectacular week, beating three top 10 players on the way to the final.

    But she had no answer to the power of Sabalenka and the Ukrainian’s serve, so reliable in the early rounds, also went off the boil.

    Sabalenka was rarely troubled on her own delivery and faced only three break points.

    The 27-year-old Belarusian said she had tried to introduce new elements to her game so she wasn’t relying just on power, and that had paid off this week.

    “I finally found the touch game,” she said.

     “I figured something and I kind of changed my game style – now I’m not only the aggressive player, I can play at the net, I can be in defence, I can use my slice, I have a good touch.

     “I’m super happy to see that things are clicking together.”

    There has been animosity between the two players in the past.

    Like many Ukraine players, Kostyuk refuses to shake hands with Russians or Belarusians because of the war in her homeland.

    There was no handshake at the end of the Brisbane final and in her speech at the trophy presentation, Kostyuk brought up the situation in Ukraine.

     “I play every day with a pain in my heart and there are thousands of people who are without light and warm water right now,” she said.

     “It’s minus 20 degrees outside and it’s very painful to live this reality every day.”

    Sabalenka said she wasn’t concerned by Kostyuk’s attitude towards her.

     “It’s their position, what can I do?” she asked.

     “When I go out there, I think about my tennis and the things I have to do to get the win.

     “It doesn’t matter if it’s Marta Kostyuk or Jessica Pegula there. I have nothing to prove. I go there and I just compete as an athlete.”

    Kostyuk told reporters she was determined to keep what is happening in Ukraine in the public eye.

     “I think it’s important for me to use my platform in the right way, and my platform is Ukraine, because I represent Ukraine,” she said.

     “So I think it’s really important to talk about that.”

  • FA CUP: Brighton  dump  Man United as Martinelli hits hat-trick for Arsenal

    FA CUP: Brighton  dump  Man United as Martinelli hits hat-trick for Arsenal

    Manchester United crashed out of the FA Cup with a meek 2-1 home defeat to Brighton as Gabriel Martinelli’s hat-trick fired Arsenal to a 4-1 win at Portsmouth to reach round four.

    United interim boss Darren Fletcher could only watch on in horror as the Red Devils’ last chance of silverware this season and likely his chances of landing the job until the end of the season went up in smoke at Old Trafford.

    Fletcher’s men were left to rue not making more of a positive start before Brajan Gruda fired the visitors in front on 12 minutes from Danny Welbeck’s cross.

    The roles were reversed midway through the second half as Welbeck lashed into the top corner against his former club.

    There were persistent chants targeting United co-owners the Glazer family and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe as the discontent at Old Trafford grew.

    And any hope those in charge of the club had for a bounce following the removal of Ruben Amorim has proved very short-lived.

    United will play only 40 games this season after exiting both domestic cup competitions at the first hurdle – their lowest number since 1915.

     “I think you could see the players are fragile but they’ve got to respond,” said Fletcher. “This team is still good enough to achieve success this season but they have to dig deep.”

    Benjamin Sesko’s late header set up a grandstand finish, but a red card for teenager Shea Lacey in stoppage time for dissent rounded off United’s miserable afternoon.

    Meanwhile, Martinelli shrugged off the backlash to his clash with stricken Liverpool defender Conor Bradley as Arsenal reached the fourth round for the first time in three years.

    Championship side Portsmouth were dreaming of an upset against the Premier League leaders when they went in front after just three minutes through Colby Bishop.

    Mikel Arteta had made 10 changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Liverpool on Thursday.

    Read Also: Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-2 with Raphinha’s late strike in Super Cup thriller

    Martinelli drew stinging criticism for trying to push Bradley off the pitch in the closing stages after the Northern Irishman hit the ground with a serious knee injury.

    Liverpool has confirmed  that  the right-back will need surgery and will miss the rest of the season.

    The Brazilian apologised to Bradley after the game and did not seem affected by the furore at Fratton Park.

     “That’s personality, come in and talk on the pitch,” said Arteta.

     “To play for a big club you need a big personality because it can be that (being at the centre of a controversial incident), it can be an action that you miss, it can be something that costs you a game, and three days later there is a game, so you need to lift yourself up and make it count.”

    Arsenal could rely on their threat from set-pieces to turn the tie around.

    The Pompey lead lasted only five minutes as Andre Dozzell turned into his own net under pressure from Christian Norgaard.

    Martinelli then flicked in the first of his three goals before Noni Madueke missed the chance to make it 3-1 from the penalty spot when the England international fired wide.

    Gabriel Jesus teed up Martinelli to kill the tie off early in the second period before he completed his hat-trick from another Arsenal corner.

    West Ham eased the mounting pressure on Nuno Espirito Santo as new signing Taty Castellanos scored his first goal for the club to beat QPR 2-1 after extra-time.

    Castellanos has been signed to dig them out of trouble at the bottom of the Premier League and the £26 million ($35 million) arrival from Lazio bulleted home a header from Crysencio Summerville’s cross to secure a much-needed win.

    Leeds needed a second-half fightback to beat Derby County 3-1 and book their place in the fourth round.

    League One Mansfield held off Sheffield United to book their place in round four with a 4-3 win at Bramall Lane.

    Norwich, Hull and West Brom also progressed to the last 32.

  • Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-2 with Raphinha’s late strike in Super Cup thriller

    Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-2 with Raphinha’s late strike in Super Cup thriller

    Barcelona edged past Real Madrid in a five-goal thriller to win back-to-back Spanish Super Cup finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

    It marked a 16th triumph in the tournament for Hansi Flick’s side, with Barcelona also beating Los Blancos in last year’s final.

    Brazilian forward Raphinha’s floated shot in the 73rd minute proved to be the winner after a frantic ending to the first half.

    Three quick-fire goals in first-half stoppage time put the two on level terms at the break after Raphinha had opened the scoring, drilling into the bottom corner in the 36th minute.

    Read Also: Man United crash out of FA Cup after 2–1 loss to Brighton

    Vinicius Jr equalised two minutes into three of added time, nutmegging Jules Kounde on a brilliant run before sliding into the far corner to score his first Real goal in 17 games, since 4 October, 2025.

    Robert Lewandowski then clipped in off the post to restore Barca’s lead in the 49th minute.

    But Gonzalo Garcia hooked in three minutes later after a scramble in the box that saw Dean Huijsen’s header hit the bar, as Barca boss Flick protested the the half-time whistle should already have been blown.

    Frenkie de Jong was shown a straight red card in stoppage time after lunging in on Kylian Mbappe, who came on as a substitute having recovered from a knee injury.

    Late chances at both ends made for a nervy finale with Marcus Rashford shooting wide when clear, while Alvaro Carreras and then Raul Asencio both shot straight at goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

    But Barca held on to secure a second consecutive title for the first time since 2011.

    BBC

  • Man United crash out of FA Cup after 2–1 loss to Brighton

    Man United crash out of FA Cup after 2–1 loss to Brighton

    Managerless Manchester United completed an unwanted cup double as former striker Danny Welbeck helped Brighton send them crashing out of the FA Cup at Old Trafford.

    In front of his old boss Sir Alex Ferguson and with former team-mate Darren Fletcher in interim charge at his old club, Welbeck belted home Brighton’s second to send them into the fourth round.

    It was the 35-year-old’s eighth goal against United and his sixth visiting the stadium he used to call home.

    The thunderous drive into the roof of Senne Lammens’ goal doubled a lead given to Brighton by Brajan Gruda’s first-half opener.

    Read Also: Yekini remains Nigeria’s greatest striker – Osimhen

    Benjamin Sesko’s header five minutes from time breathed life into the home side but 18-year-old home substitute Shea Lacey was sent off in the final minute and Brighton held on for their first ever FA Cup victory against the 13-time winners at the seventh attempt.

    For United, this defeat followed up the embarrassing EFL Cup second-round exit at League Two Grimsby, meaning they had exited both domestic cup competitions at the earliest possible stage for the first time since 1981-82.

    It also means Fletcher’s two-game stint as interim boss contributed a disappointing Premier League draw against Burnley and this home defeat to a campaign that is beginning to unravel.

    United have now won once in their last seven games, with title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal their next two opponents.

    Within the next 48 hours, the club are due to name who will replace Ruben Amorim until the end of the season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick viewed as the frontrunners.

    BBC