The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Zenith Bank affirms commitment  to sports  development in 2026

    Zenith Bank affirms commitment  to sports  development in 2026

    The Management of Zenith Bank Plc has expressed the desire to maintain its position of taking sports to the next level with its activities in the New Year.

    Chief Executive Officer and Group Managing Director of the outfit, Dame Adaora Umeoji, has reaffirmed the commitment of the apex bank to sports development.

    She said that in the New Year, Zenith Bank would do much more to take its respective sports events to higher levels respectively.

    Umeoji said: “We are always deliberate with our dealings with sports. We are committed to do it again in the New Year. We are proud of what we are doing and we will do more.

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     “Over the years, we have made our marks with our sponsorship of sports events especially basketball in which the women national team in recent times has some of our products representing Nigeria and winning laurels.

     “We have also been consistent with youth development drives in the past years because the purpose is to help build future champions for the country in their respective sports disciplines.”

    Zenith Bank are the sole sponsor of the annual national women’s basketball league, the outfit also sponsors the annual Delta State Principals Cup and the Headmasters Cup. The bank also sponsors tennis and swimming at elite social club level. 

    For basketball, the consistency in about two decades has raised the standard of the national women team with many players graduating from the league to join D’Tigress of Nigeria.

    D’Tigress only last year won the AfroBasket Competition for the 5th  consecutive time. The team was thereafter treated to a lavish reception in Abuja by Zenith Bank.

  • Onazi demands  urgent action on drunk driving after  Lagos scare

    Onazi demands  urgent action on drunk driving after  Lagos scare

    Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has called on authorities to clamp down on drunk driving in Lagos following a terrifying near-fatal encounter with intoxicated motorists.

    The 2013 AFCON-winning midfielder took to Instagram to recount the incident, which occurred on Sunday night, describing reckless driving under the influence as a growing menace on Lagos roads.

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     “The government has to do something about drunk people driving in Lagos,” Onazi wrote. “I almost lost my life last night with two drunk boys in the car.”

    The 33-year-old urged the government and relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, to strengthen enforcement and introduce stiffer penalties, warning that lives remain at constant risk without decisive action.

    Onazi enjoyed a distinguished international career, featuring for Nigeria at the 2013 Confederations Cup, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and earning a place in the 2018 World Cup squad before injury ruled him out.

  • Aruna, Goda begin 2026 campaigns at WTT Champions Doha

    Aruna, Goda begin 2026 campaigns at WTT Champions Doha

    After the disappointment of missing out on the end-of-year WTT Cup Finals for the first time, Africa’s table tennis stars Quadri Aruna of Nigeria and Hana Goda of Egypt will open their 2026 campaigns on Thursday, January 8, at the WTT Champions Doha in Qatar.

    For the first time in the history of the WTT Cup Finals, no African player featured in the 2025 edition, as both Aruna and Egypt’s Omar Assar missed qualification based on their overall performances last season. Aruna, the only African to have consistently featured in the Cup Finals since its inception in 2021, ended 2025 as the continent’s highest-ranked male player but failed to make the top 16 cut. Goda, Africa’s top-ranked female player, also missed out after falling short of the top-16 threshold required for entry into the lucrative tournament.

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    Now, both players will look to bounce back at the Lusail Sports Arena in Doha, where they face tough Asian opposition in the opening round of the singles event. Aruna will renew his rivalry with China’s Liang Jingkun, while Goda faces a stern test against former World No. 1 Zhu Yuling of Macao.

    Aruna and Jingkun share a competitive history. The Nigerian famously defeated the Chinese star at the 2021 WTT Cup Finals, but their first encounter at the 2018 Korean Open saw Jingkun dominate with a 4-1 victory. Their clash in Doha will mark their third meeting, with both players eager to tilt the head-to-head record in their favour.

    For Goda, the duel against Yuling will be their first-ever meeting on the international stage. The Egyptian prodigy will be aiming to upset the established order at a tournament where players battle for crucial ranking points and a share of the $500,000 prize purse.

    Meanwhile, Assar endured a disappointing start to the year. His new partnership with Austrian coach and former world champion Werner Schlager began with defeat, as the Egyptian surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 3-1 against Japan’s Shunsuke Togami in the first round of the men’s singles. Despite the setback, Assar has signalled his intent to challenge the sport’s elite in 2026.

    This marks the first time the Qatari capital will host the purple WTT Champions, adding further prestige to the season-opening event.

  • NWFL: Bayelsa Queens, FC Robo maintain perfect start as Matchday 5 delivers goals, drama

    NWFL: Bayelsa Queens, FC Robo maintain perfect start as Matchday 5 delivers goals, drama

    Bayelsa Queens and FC Robo Queens continued their imperious starts to the 2026 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership season, recording victories on Matchday 5 to remain unbeaten and top their respective groups.

    In Group A, Bayelsa Queens returned from Uyo with a hard-earned 2–1 victory over Ibom Angels. The Prosperity Girls took control early through Kesiena Ojiyovwi, who struck in the opening minute, before Janet Akekeromowei doubled the lead in the 40th minute. Ibom Angels pulled one back after the break via Helen David in the 59th minute, but Bayelsa held firm to secure all three points. The result keeps Bayelsa Queens top of the group with 12 points from four matches, while Ibom Angels remain seventh with four points. The game was, however, overshadowed by reports of crowd violence after full-time, with Bayelsa Queens head coach Whyte Ogbonda reportedly injured during the melee.

    Also in Group A, Rivers Angels kept the pressure on the leaders with a convincing 3–0 win over Adamawa Queens in Gombe. Abasiofon Uwah was the star of the show, netting a brilliant hat-trick in the 56th, 63rd and 81st minutes. Rivers Angels are second on 12 points from four games, trailing Bayelsa Queens only on goal difference, while Adamawa Queens dropped to fourth with seven points from five matches. Elsewhere, Ekiti Queens celebrated their first home win of the season with a 1–0 victory over Naija Ratels in Abeokuta, courtesy of Ismail Zainab’s 73rd-minute strike. In Ibadan, Pacesetter Queens and Heartland Queens played out a goalless draw, leaving Heartland Queens fifth with five points, while Edo Queens stayed third with nine points despite not featuring this matchday.

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    In Group B, FC Robo Queens extended their flawless run to five wins from five matches after edging Ahudiyannem Queens 1–0 in Lagos. Opeyemi Ajakaiye struck inside the first minute to secure the win, opening a four-point gap between Robo Queens and second-placed Nasarawa Amazons, who sit on 11 points. Nasarawa Amazons also handed Remo Stars Ladies their first defeat of the season, winning 1–0 in Ikenne through Ayatsea Hembafan’s 11th-minute goal.

    Abia Angels climbed to third place in Group B with an 8-point tally following a 2–0 home win over Sunshine Queens in Aba. Ekezie Onyedikachi opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time before Winner David sealed the result in the 76th minute. Delta Queens were also convincing, defeating Dannaz Ladies 2–0 in Asaba with goals from Amarachukwu Onuorah (29’) and Rita Tsebe (90+1’). In Iyamho, Osun Babes claimed a narrow 1–0 victory over Confluence Queens thanks to Naimot Kazeem’s 62nd-minute effort, improving their points haul to seven for the season.

  • Uche claims first Palace honour with stunning Europa strike

    Uche claims first Palace honour with stunning Europa strike

    Super Eagles attacker, Christantus Uche’s sublime strike in Crystal Palace’s tense 2-2 draw against KuPS Kuopio in the UEFA Europa Conference League has been voted the club’s Goal of the Month for December.

    The Nigerian forward secured 75.6 percent of the votes, earning his first individual accolade since joining the Eagles on loan last summer. Handed a rare start, Uche seized his opportunity with a moment of pure brilliance that left supporters in awe.

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    His outside-of-the-boot finish—his first goal at Selhurst Park—came after collecting a pass from Justin Devenny, cutting inside his marker and unleashing a sensational trivela into the top corner against the Finnish champions.

    Despite the plaudits, Uche’s long-term future in England remains uncertain. Limited playing time has cast doubt over his chances of activating the clause in his loan deal from Getafe, which requires ten starts to trigger a permanent move—an increasingly difficult target under the current circumstances.

  • Lobi Stars, Doma United resume training ahead of second stanza

    Lobi Stars, Doma United resume training ahead of second stanza

    Lobi Stars FC have resumed training after the Christmas and New Year break with renewed determination as they push for a return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.

    Addressing players and officials, club chairman Simon Terver Ikya delivered a firm message, calling for total sacrifice, unity, and unwavering commitment as the season enters a decisive phase.

    Ikya stressed that only a united team can overcome the challenges ahead, reinforcing the club’s singular objective of reclaiming top-flight status.

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    With new signings integrating seamlessly alongside existing players, the squad responded through representatives Barnabas Imenger Jnr., Akile Monday, and Abdulazeez Tijani, pledging full dedication as Lobi Stars prepare for a defining stretch of the campaign.

    In a related development, Doma United have resumed training following a two-week break ahead of the second stanza of the 2026 Nigeria National League season.

    The Savannah Conference C leaders returned to intense sessions under head coach Najib Mabo, with the squad remaining intact and no departures recorded during the break.

    Club CEO Alhaji Suleiman Umar urged players and officials to maintain unity and focus as the season enters its decisive phase. The players responded positively, showing high spirits and determination to continue their impressive campaign.

  •  Nwaiwu moves to Trabzonspor on  four-year deal

     Nwaiwu moves to Trabzonspor on  four-year deal

    Chibuike Nwaiwu has completed a high-profile move to Turkish Super Lig giants Trabzonspor after successfully passing his routine medical examinations.

    The Nigerian signed a four-year contract with the former league champions, marking a major step forward in his European career.

    The transfer fee is reported to be €9 million, inclusive of performance-related bonuses, underlining Trabzonspor’s strong belief in the midfielder’s quality and potential.

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    Nwaiwu joins from Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC, where his consistent performances attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.

    Renowned for his versatility, Nwaiwu is capable of operating in multiple midfield roles, combining tactical discipline with technical ability. His adaptability is expected to add depth and balance to Trabzonspor’s squad as they push for domestic and continental success.

    Before his move to Europe, Nwaiwu built his reputation in the Nigerian Premier League, featuring prominently for Enyimba International and Heartland FC. His rise from the local league to the Turkish top flight highlights his steady development and growing influence.

  • Algeria’s coach mulls Q-Final showdown with Eagles

    Algeria’s coach mulls Q-Final showdown with Eagles

    Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic praised his team for a professional performance after beating DR Congo 1-0 (AET) in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 on Tuesday.

    The Fennecs enjoyed 59 per cent of the possession at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, but they struggled to really threaten the Leopards’ goal in the first half before creating a few decent chances in the second 45 minutes.

    Following 90 minutes of goalless football, the game went to extra time and the crowd looked to be preparing themselves for penalties when Adil Boulbina scored the winning goal in the 119th minute.

    Petkovic had been forced to make an early change in the second stanza after Ismael Bennacer sustained what appeared to be a muscular injury and was replaced by Himad Abdelli,

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    But the Bosnian hailed his players for overcoming the challenges on the evening, including the heat in Rabat to keep their title hopes alive as they booked a quarter-final date with Nigeria.

    “I believe we deserved to win based on what our players delivered, and I thank them for that,” Petkovic said in the post-match press conference.

    “We controlled two-thirds of the match and played good football, even though we faced some challenges during the game. “We played well as a group, dominated the match, overcame difficulties, scored a goal and managed to win and qualify.

    “I think we managed the match professionally. Qualifying was important, and now we will think about the next match against Nigeria.”

  • Nigeria vs. Algeria: Petkovic braces for stiff Super Eagles’  challenge

    Nigeria vs. Algeria: Petkovic braces for stiff Super Eagles’  challenge

    Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic has expressed his excitement ahead of a demanding quarter-final clash against Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing it as the kind of challenge his team thrives on.

    The Fennec Foxes secured their place in the last eight after edging past DR Congo in extra time, with Adil Boulbina scoring a dramatic 119th-minute winner. Nigeria had already confirmed qualification a day earlier following a dominant 4–0 victory over Mozambique, setting up one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.

    The two sides will meet at the Stade de Marrakech on Saturday, with Petkovic already shifting focus to neutralising Nigeria’s formidable attacking threat. “We will start preparing for the match against Nigeria right now by focusing on our strengths,” the coach said.

    “I like these kinds of matches because they demand hard work and intensity against teams that are aiming for the title,” he added, underlining his respect for the Super Eagles’ quality.

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    Both teams topped their respective groups and have impressed throughout the competition. Nigeria boast the tournament’s most prolific attack, scoring 12 goals in four matches, while Algeria have conceded just once, giving them the strongest defensive record so far.

    Petkovic, appointed in 2024, has enjoyed an impressive tenure with Algeria, losing just one competitive match while recording 19 wins and three draws. However, he will be mindful of the physical demands on his squad after their 120-minute battle with DR Congo, especially with Nigeria enjoying an extra day of rest.

    The encounter also rekindles memories of the 2019 AFCON semi-final, but with new coaches and fresh squads on both sides, Petkovic believes his team can rise to the occasion in what promises to be a high-intensity quarter-final battle.

  • Algeria’s Mahrez expects tricky clash with Super Eagles

    Algeria’s Mahrez expects tricky clash with Super Eagles

    Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has warned that quarter-final showdown with Nigeria  at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations could once again deliver late drama, as the two former champions  renew their rivalry in Marrakech on Saturday.

    The Fennecs booked their place in the last eight following a tense extra-time victory over DR Congo, sealed by Adil Boulbina’s decisive goal late in the contest.

    Nigeria, meanwhile, cruised into the quarter-finals with a commanding 4–0 win over Mozambique, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament’s most impressive sides.

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    Saturday’s encounter revives memories of the 2019 AFCON semi-final, where Mahrez’s iconic stoppage-time free-kick eliminated Nigeria and propelled Algeria toward eventual glory.

    Speaking to Algerian outlet Ebotola, Mahrez reflected on his team’s performance against DR Congo, insisting Algeria deserved their progression.

    “I think overall, if the balance had to tip to one side, it was ours,” Mahrez said. “We played against a strong Congolese team that stayed compact and gave us little space, but we remained solid.”

    Looking ahead to Nigeria, the former Manchester City winger acknowledged the quality of the Super Eagles and the difficulty of the task ahead. “Nigeria? We know them well. The match will not be easy,” he admitted, adding that Algeria’s defensive discipline and individual brilliance could once again be decisive.

    Pressed if another dramatic moment could settle the tie, Mahrez smiled: “A free kick in the last minute again? We’ll see. Anything is possible.”