The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Malcomines, Kangiwa, Minna Bago seek encore at Port Harcourt  Polo

    Malcomines, Kangiwa, Minna Bago seek encore at Port Harcourt  Polo

    Defending Champions, Jos Malcomines, Katsina Kangiwa, Minna Bago are set for sensational  defence of their titles as the 2026 Port Harcourt International Polo Tournament, themed “United by The Game”, gallops off this weekend at the foremost GRA Polo Ground in the Garden City.

    The trio led by the Jos-based polo kings that won the high goal trophy last year, have laid strong claims to retain the titles insisting that they are in the Garden City for more Niger Delta polo glories this year.

    The 2026 prestigious annual festival will also serve as a special memorial, marking 20 years since the passing of past club president and polo icon,  Roland Cookey-Gam.

    The President of Port Harcourt Polo Club, Prince Henry Agbodjan, who disclosed this at a media briefing, stated that this year’s edition seeks to deepen unity and inclusiveness, declaring that the annual festival has over the years, serves as a major commercial boost for Rivers State economy as well as the Niger Delta region.

    “As part of preparations for this tournament, we have one of our own who we lost 20 years ago in a plane crash. Rowland Cookey-Gam as you can see clearly in the emblem for this year’s tournament.”

     “This year, we’re going to use this tournament to eulogize him, remember him, and of course, appreciate his work for polo within the Harcourt Polo Club and polo in general around the world.”

    Prince Agbodjan noted that the club was able to achieve its goals during the last tournament, especially in the area of catching them young and taking polo to the grassroots.  “So, we are going to build on the program that was very well received by the public by intensifying the program.”

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

    He commended the Rivers State Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), alongside other private and corporate sponsors for their continued support to the club over the years, whilst assuring that the flagship polo tournament in the country would continue to draw people from all walks of life.

    Major prizes to be contested for in the weeklong carnival include King Alfred Diete-Spiff, King T.J.T Princewill, T.Y Danjuma, Armed Forces Remembrance, President, Governor Cups, as well the Rowland Cookey-Gam played in honour of late former president of the club, Rowland Cookey-Gam.

    Captain of Port Harcourt Polo Club, Dr. Ikenna Nebolisa who also confirmed that Port Harcourt was ready to rock in the weeklong polo extravaganza, disclosed that players from Iran, Mexico, England, Argentina, among others would be participating at the tourney, in addition to entries from Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Jos.

    He noted that the tournament, themed ‘United in the Game,’ aims to provide a lively and enjoyable experience for polo enthusiasts nationwide, with billboard entertainment and a variety of social activities to spice the New Year celebrations.

    The captain added that, apart from the matches, attendees could look forward to opportunities to purchase items at affordable rates from the tournament’s Micro Market throughout the fiesta.

    Dr. Nebolisa also disclosed that matches would take place daily while the teams would compete in high-goal, medium goal and Low-goal categories.

  • Federal Gov’t  confirms release of Super Eagles’  AFCON bonuses

    Federal Gov’t  confirms release of Super Eagles’  AFCON bonuses

    The Federal Government has announced that all group-stage bonuses due to players of the Super Eagles at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations have been released and are expected to reflect in the players’ domiciliary accounts within hours.

    The disclosure was made by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, in response to reports suggesting that the national team was considering boycotting training sessions and could refuse to travel to Marrakech for their quarter-final encounter against Algeria.

    In a post on her official X handle, Uzoka-Anite provided an update on the administrative steps taken to resolve concerns surrounding the payment of match bonuses to the Super Eagles, stating that the issue had been addressed through coordinated action by the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

     “The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have successfully streamlined to ensure faster, more predictable disbursements aligned with international best practice,” the minister said.

    She explained that all bonuses earned during the group stage of the tournament had already been processed through the required regulatory procedures. “All group-stage bonuses were fully released and have now cleared the necessary regulatory stages,” she said.

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

    Uzoka-Anite added that the government had introduced a fast-track process to meet the players’ preferences regarding currency denomination. “We have implemented a fast-track conversion process to move funds into foreign currency, honouring the players’ preferences,” she stated.

    According to the minister, the final stage of the payment process is already underway. “The final transfers to domiciliary accounts are currently in flight. Players can expect these funds to reflect starting today (Thursday) or tomorrow (Friday),” she said.

    She noted that the government’s priority remains the welfare and morale of the national team as they progress into the knockout phase of the tournament.

    “Our focus remains entirely on supporting the team’s welfare so they can maintain their incredible momentum in the knockout rounds,” Uzoka-Anite said.

    She added that the administration is committed to ensuring that off-field issues do not distract the players from their performance on the pitch. “We move forward with one goal: Bringing the trophy home!” she said.

  • Super Eagles hold first training in Marrakech for Fennecs

    Super Eagles hold first training in Marrakech for Fennecs

    The Super Eagles are back in business after they held their first training in Marrakech yesterday moments after they arrived  from Fes, where they have played their first four matches  at  the ongoing 20925  Africa Cup of Nations  (AFCON)  in Morocco.

    The team, led by coach Eric Sekou Chelle, travelled by Royal Air Maroc and checked into Savoy Le Grande Hotel. This move to Marrakech follows a pay strike threat over unpaid bonuses.

    The entire squad, including key players Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, participated in the training as they prepare for the quarter-final match against Algeria (nicknamed the Fennecs) at the 45,000-capacity Grand Stade de Marrakech.

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

    Media and public were not allowed at the training, but a viral video shared by officials shows the team’s readiness. The Super Eagles will have a final training session today before the crucial game tomorrow.

    Yesterday marked coach Chelle’s one-year anniversary in charge; under his management, Nigeria has played 16 matches, earning 10 wins, 5 draws, and 1 loss, scoring 34 goals and conceding 15.

    The quarter-final match against Algeria is expected to be Chelle’s biggest test as the team aims for a semi-final berth in Morocco 2025.

    The winner between Nigeria and Algeria will face  the winner of today’s other quarter-final match between the hosts Morocco or Cameroon in the last four.

  • Morocco 2025: Osimhen, Lookman, Akor committed to over-running Desert Warriors

    Morocco 2025: Osimhen, Lookman, Akor committed to over-running Desert Warriors

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Desert Warriors of Algeria are set for a terrific showdown in the 45,000-capacity Grand Stade de Marrakech tomorrow, in the third quarter-final match of the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals.

    Both countries, with five African titles between them, will throw everything into the encounter as they seek a place in the last-4 of perhaps the biggest and most glamorous AFCON tournament in the competition’s 69-year history.

    Both teams have been landlords elsewhere. The Eagles flew from Fès – where they had played all their group phase and Round of 16 matches – to Marrakech on Thursday afternoon, while the Fennecs also had to travel from Rabat (where they also played all their previous four games).

    Three-time champions Nigeria netted 12 times in their first four matches (three group phase games and the Round of 16), while the Fennecs (otherwise known as Desert Warriors) have struck eight times, including knocking three each past Sudan and Equatorial Guinea in Group E. They eliminated the Democratic Republic of Congo with an added-time goal while the Super Eagles made short work of the Mambas of Mozambique.

    Nigeria’s twin-terrors Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, and new face Akor Adams, who is highly motivated by his first AFCON goal (against Mozambique in the Round of 16) and the steady recuperation of his mother, look too hot to handle for the 1990 and 2019 champions.

    Osimhen and Lookman were the driving force behind Nigeria’s runner-up accomplishment in Cote d’Ivoire two years ago, and have proved equally impactful here with each netting three goals, while Lookman has five assists and Osimhen has one.

    However, the truth is that the Fennecs have their own pack of match-winners, who have proven over the years to be highly dependable and can eke out a result when it is least expected.

    Baghdad Bounedjah scored the only goal of the 2019 Final against Senegal in Cairo, which handed Algeria their second AFCON trophy, and has remained one of the most potent strikers in the history of the Fennecs.

    Captain Riyad Mahrez has turned out to be as brutally efficient as Rabah Madjer (who carried the nation on his shoulders as the North African country hosted and won the AFCON trophy in 1990), Lakhdar Belloumi and the nifty Abdelhafid Tasfaout.

    Ismael Bennacer is another tricky customer, though he operates from the midfield, and defender Ramy Bensebaini scored the only goal when the Fennecs pipped Nigeria in a friendly in Austria in October 2020.

    Adil Boulbina netted the scorcher that ended the hopes of Leopards of DR Congo, and the Super Eagles must also beware of midfielders Ibrahim Maza and Hicham Boudaoui, as well as striker Anis Hadj-Moussa.

    Nonetheless, Nigeria has looked very capable in this championship, with the group playing with purpose, grit, pride and passion, and captain Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi have delivered energetically and with panache.

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

    Osimhen’s brace against Mozambique took him within three goals of Nigeria’s all-time record of 37 goals, and Lookman now has six AFCON goals, with his brace against Cameroon and strike against Angola in the knockout rounds of the last competition in Cote d’Ivoire. Both forwards will be eager to add to their tally here.

    Paul Onuachu is galvanized by his strike against Uganda in the group phase turning out to be the 150th  AFCON goal for Nigeria, and could play some part in  tomorrow’s duel.

    The winner of the encounter will take on the winner of the second semi-final, between Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions and Morocco’s Atlas Lions, taking place today in Rabat.

    Incidentally, when Morocco hosted the AFCON in 1988 (the only previous championship the North African Kingdom staged), Cameroon clashed with Morocco in the first semi-final while Nigeria and Algeria clashed in the second semi-final. The quartet are now repeating history at the quarter-final stage.

    Thirty-eight years ago, Nigeria edged Algeria in a marathon penalty shootout after regulation and extra time ended 1-1, while Cameroon edged hosts Morocco to set up a Nigeria-Cameroon Final. The Indomitable Lions won that controversial Final 1-0.    

  • Mali vs. Senegal: Mane admits best teams don’t win AFCON

    Mali vs. Senegal: Mane admits best teams don’t win AFCON

    As a keenly anticipated fixture at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations this week, Senegal and Mali will do battle in the Quarter-finals of the showpiece at Grand Stade de Tanger on this evening. Kick-off is at 5:00pm Nigerian time.

    The Eagles advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament following a 3-2 penalties victory over Tunisia at Stade Mohammed V last Saturday.

    While the game ended at 1-1 in regulation time, penalties were needed to separate the two nations following 120 minutes of football in Casablanca. However, crucial misses by Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane gave Mali the opportunity to book their spot in the final eight.

    The Lions of Teranga had it much easier in their respective Round of 16 obligation when they bagged a 3-1 win over Sudan at Stade de Tanger this past Saturday. Sudan took an early lead by Aamir Yunis in the sixth minute of the match, which injected a sense of urgency by Senegal as Pape Gueye (2) and Ibrahim Mbaye scored the winning goals for their nation.

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

    Speaking after Senegal’s Round of 16 victory, experienced star Sadio Mane believes that approaching each game as it comes will be crucial in their bid to win the showpiece for the second time.

    “In Africa, there are national teams that are candidates to win the title, and I believe we are among them, but with my experience I always tell the players to remain calm no matter what happens, because the best team does not always win this tournament,” Mane uttered.

     “The proof is that we played well more than once and saw the results in the end. Playing well is important, but it is not the most important thing at the moment.

     “What matters now is focus and dealing with the tournament match by match, because the Africa Cup of Nations is not easy, and what matters is winning, not how.”

  • Morocco coach Regragui unfazed by Cameroon’s  past records

    Morocco coach Regragui unfazed by Cameroon’s  past records

    Morocco coach Walid Regragui has  sought to remove some of the pressure on his team as he suggested Cameroon had more to lose in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between the sides.

    The tournament hosts are the favourites to win the competition given their home advantage as well as the fact they are Africa’s leading side in the FIFA world rankings.

    But the expectation on them brings an enormous weight of pressure that is in contrast to Cameroon, who have reached the last eight despite a chaotic build-up to the Cup of Nations which saw them appoint a new coach weeks before their opening game.

    There is also a historical precedent: the last time Morocco hosted the Cup of Nations was in 1988, when their dream of winning the title was ended in defeat by Roger Milla’s Indomitable Lions in the semi-finals in Casablanca.

     “The reality is that Cameroon have generally been Morocco’s bête noire. They have often come here and won. But that was in the past. We are the new Morocco so what happened then no longer matters,” Regragui said on the eve of Friday’s clash.

    He then suggested that Cameroon’s failure to qualify for the upcoming World Cup means they have more to lose than a Moroccan team desperate to win the continental title in front of their fans, half a century after their sole Cup of Nations triumph to date.

     “The reality now is that Cameroon are on form, and this is their competition because they have everything to lose,” Regragui insisted.

     “If they go no further they will have to wait two or three more years for another major tournament.

     “We also have something to lose because we are at home but in four months we have the World Cup so we have another competition to play.

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

     “That is why Cameroon will be motivated, more than usual. There is pressure on us but on them too.”

    The Morocco coach was also full of praise for his Cameroonian counterpart David Pagou, whose calm demeanour has helped a young side progress from their group and then eliminate South Africa in the last 16.

     “We are playing the host nation, a top side who have really good individuals as well as a collective that works well together,” admitted Pagou. “And also, not that I am a historian but Morocco have not lost at home in a very long time. So that is an extra source of motivation.”

    For Morocco, the Lille striker Hamza Igamane is fit again after injury but Regragui acknowledged that midfield lynchpin Sofyan Amrabat is still struggling with an ankle problem while veteran defender Romain Saiss is also not fully fit.

    However, captain Achraf Hakimi is set to start again after doing so for the first time in the tournament in the narrow last-16 win against Tanzania.

     “Achraf hadn’t played 90 minutes in almost two months. He played very well against Tanzania but we have not yet seen Achraf at his best. Hopefully we will tomorrow,” Regragui said of the African player of the year, who suffered an ankle injury with Paris Saint-Germain in early November.

  • ‘Mourning’ Joshua undecided  about  boxing future

    ‘Mourning’ Joshua undecided  about  boxing future

    Pays tributes to late friends

    Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has yet to decide on his boxing future following the tragic loss of two close friends in a fatal road accident in Nigeria.

    Joshua was involved in the crash, which claimed the lives of Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, while he was left injured and rushed to hospital. The incident occurred while the boxer was on holiday in Nigeria, shortly after his victory over Jake Paul.

    In an emotional Instagram post, Joshua paid tribute to the deceased, describing them as brothers.

     “Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers,” Joshua posted on Instagram.

     “I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.

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

    “100 percent it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers,” he added.

    Though  there are growing speculation that the 36-year-old might retire from boxing, his promoter Eddie Hearn has urged patience, insisting it is too early to discuss Joshua’s career plans.

    Speaking to talkSPORT, Hearn stressed that the focus should be on Joshua’s physical and emotional recovery.

     “This is a terrible tragedy and Anthony’s going to need his own time. At the moment, there’s nothing to discuss about his career,” Hearn said, calling for privacy and prayers for all affected families.

    Joshua had been linked with a return to the ring in Saudi Arabia and a potential blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury later in the year. Despite claims from a family member suggesting retirement was being considered, Joshua himself has not made any definitive decision.

  • Oshodi  confirmed as Chairman of  Lagos State Sports Trust Fund’s  Board

    Oshodi  confirmed as Chairman of  Lagos State Sports Trust Fund’s  Board

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has confirmed Mr. Wahid Enitan Oshodi as Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF) Board of Trustees, following his nomination by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    The confirmation followed the presentation of a screening report by the Chairman of the ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Fatai Mojeed, who led the exercise in line with Sections 106 and 192 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

    According to the report, the committee assessed the nominee based on the documentation of his credentials, personal appearance, performance, and overall presentation during the screening.

    Members of the Assembly also raised questions, all of which Mr. Oshodi responded to satisfactorily.

    Hon. Mojeed noted that the committee reviewed previous nominations to the position and found Mr. Oshodi suitable and qualified for the role. Consequently, the committee unanimously recommended that the former Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development be approved as Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF) Board of Trustees.

    The House adopted the committee’s report and confirmed Mr. Oshodi’s appointment.

    The speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa therefore directed the clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko to send the resolution of the house to the Governor.

  • Bremen’s Lynen rues  Boniface’s knee setback

    Bremen’s Lynen rues  Boniface’s knee setback

    Werder Bremen midfielder Senne Lynen has expressed sympathy for Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface, who is set to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a serious knee injury.

    Boniface, who joined Werder Bremen on loan from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, is expected to undergo surgery, a move considered necessary to safeguard his long-term career. The setback has cut short what was meant to be a crucial campaign for the Nigerian striker.

    Lynen and Boniface share a close bond, having previously played together at Union Saint-Gilloise during the 2022 season, where both players rose to prominence in Belgium. Their reunion in Bremen had raised hopes of a strong on-field partnership before injury struck.

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

    Speaking about his teammate’s condition, Lynen admitted he was saddened by the situation. “I feel sorry for him that he’s in so much pain. I last spoke to him before the break. I don’t know exactly what’s wrong, only that the injury is in his knee,” the Belgian midfielder said.

    Boniface’s absence has compounded Werder Bremen’s attacking struggles. The Bundesliga side has failed to score in their last three matches, highlighting the void left by the Nigerian forward’s unavailability.

    Despite the difficulties, Lynen remains optimistic that Bremen will find solutions. “The goals will come. It will take time, and I don’t know how much, but we’ll manage it,” he added.

    Ironically, Lynen himself holds an unwanted club record, having failed to score in 78 Bundesliga appearances for Werder Bremen.

  • MLS side Rapids  acquire Ojediran from Lens

    MLS side Rapids  acquire Ojediran from Lens

    The Colorado Rapids have  acquired midfielder Hamzat Ojediran from RC Lens of France’s Ligue 1.

    The 22-year-old Nigerian international is signed through 2028-29 with club options for 2029-30 and 2030-31.

    Ojediran will occupy an international roster slot for the Rapids, who open the season on Feb. 22 at Seattle.

    “Hamzat is a brilliant addition to the squad,” Rapids coach Matt Wells said. “He has the elite mentality, technical ability and physicality we need in order to compete at the highest level. He brings excellent experience of European football and his identity of breaking up play and stopping opposition counter-attacks will help us impose our dominant style.”

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    Ojediran spent two seasons with RC Lens in the French top flight, logging one goal in 17 appearances.

    “We’re excited to bring a player of Hamzat’s calibre into our group,” Rapids president Padraig Smith said. “He brings outstanding physical presence, defensive discipline and explosiveness to our midfield. He’s an ideal fit for Matt’s system and is motivated and hungry to continue his own development and contribute to our success.”

    Ojediran spent two seasons with RC Lens in the French top flight, scoring one goal in 17 appearances.

    Ojediran began his professional career in Albania and also spent time on loan in