The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Super Eagles steamroll Mambas to book quarter-finals

    Super Eagles steamroll Mambas to book quarter-finals

    • Lookman gets  Man of the match award
    • Nigeria await  Algeria or DR Congo

    Three-time African  champions, Nigeria , swept Mozambique aside at the Complexe Sportif de Fés in a dominant display, winning 4-0 and progressing to the quarter-finals  of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.  

    The Super Eagles were dominant from start to finish in the round of 16 encounter, with Victor Osimhen netting a brace, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams also found the target.

    Nigeria set the tone early, with Osimhen seeing a second-minute strike ruled out for offside before Alex Iwobi tested Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan from distance.

    The breakthrough arrived in the 20th  minute when Iwobi’s exquisite pass released Adams, who squared for Lookman to clinically slot home his third goal of the tournament and put Eric Chelle’s side ahead.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Eagles trash Mozambique 4-0 to reach AFCON quarterfinals

    The Super Eagles doubled their lead five minutes later through Osimhen. Another incisive ball from Iwobi found Lookman on the left, and his driven cross, aided by a slight deflection, allowed Osimhen to tap in from close range. Nigeria remained in control for the rest of the half, creating further chances through Adams and Lookman but going into the break with a 2–0 advantage.

    Any hopes of a Mozambique comeback were extinguished moments after the restart. Lookman again proved the architect, weaving past defenders before laying the ball on a plate for Osimhen to score his second of the night and Nigeria’s third. The Super Eagles continued to pile on the pressure and capped off a scintillating performance in the 75th  minute when Lookman provided yet another assist, this time for Akor Adams, who blasted into the roof of the net.

    Nigeria could have added to the score line in the closing stages but comfortably saw out the match to complete a convincing 4–0 victory, their 12th goal of the tournament—more than any other team so far.

    Lookman emerges man of the match.

    Meanwhile,   enterprising Lookman was voted the Man of the Match in the victory over Mozambique.

    It was Lookman’s second MOTM award at the ongoing AFCON in Morocco, having won it the match against Tunisia in the hard fought 3-2 win by the Super Eagles.

    Lookman who has so far scored three goals in the tournament multiple assists to his credit had an impressive run against Mozambique ensuring the opponents had no a lot to worry about.

    The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to Saturday’s quarterfinal, where they await the winner of the round of 16 clash between Algeria and DR Congo slated for today. 

  • FCTFA boss  backs  Super Eagles  to maintain winning momentum

    FCTFA boss  backs  Super Eagles  to maintain winning momentum

    • By Daniel Oyekan

    Chairman of the FCT Football Association, Mouktar Mohamed, has expressed strong confidence in the Super Eagles team readiness and momentum at the on-going   2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco,   describing the side’s journey in the tournament so far as both “positive” and “exciting.”

    On the back of  three successive wins  in the group phase, the Super Eagles  last night secured a berth  to the quarters with a  4-0 whiplash of  Mozambique in their  16th Round  tie in Fez.

    Mohamed noted that the team has enjoyed a near-perfect start to the competition, winning all their matches, collecting maximum points, and scoring the highest number of goals a scenario he says has not happened in a long time.

     “We’re a very popular team; everyone keeps talking about us,” Mohamed said in an interview aired on TVC before  the Round of 16th decider. “Starting this tournament in such a perfect way is exciting. We’ve won all our matches, picked up maximum points, and scored the highest number of goals. It’s been a long time since we’ve had this kind of situation, and it’s very positive.”

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    The FCT FA chairman added that the impressive run has boosted the confidence within the camp, with the players showing the right mind-set ahead of what is expected to be another demanding fixture.

    “So far, everything has been positive, and the team looks ready for today’s match,” he said. “Looking at how the other matches have gone, this is a game we’re expected to win. Of course, our opponents are there waiting for us, and we respect them.”

    Mohamed, however, made it clear that the ambition of the team goes beyond the Mozambique encounter, stressing that their eyes are firmly set on the ultimate prize.

    “We are on the road to the final, which we hope to win this time around, unlike the last time,” he added.

    As anticipation builds ahead of the showdown, the FCT side will be hoping to maintain their flawless run, translate confidence into performance on the pitch, and take another decisive step toward fulfilling their title ambitions.

  • Onyemaechi’s potential move  to Trabzonspor gathers steam

    Onyemaechi’s potential move  to Trabzonspor gathers steam

    The contingent of Nigerian internationals in Turkey could soon increase following Trabzonspor’s growing interest in Super Eagles left-back Bruno Onyemaechi.

    According to Turkish transfer expert Ekrem Konur, Trabzonspor are prepared to open discussions with Greek giants Olympiacos to evaluate the conditions surrounding a possible move for the 26-year-old defender.

    Negotiations are expected to intensify after the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Onyemaechi is currently on national duty with Nigeria.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Eagles trash Mozambique 4-0 to reach AFCON quarterfinals

    Onyemaechi has endured a challenging spell at Olympiacos, struggling for consistent playing time since completing a €2.5 million transfer from Portuguese side Boavista during the January 2025 window. A switch to Trabzonspor could offer a fresh start and increased minutes at club level.

    The Turkish outfit already boasts Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu, who is enjoying a prolific campaign and sits as the Super Lig’s second-highest scorer with 11 goals. Turkey is also home to Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen, who leads the line for Galatasaray among other players who are also making waves.

  • Salah seals  last-16 victory for Egypt over brave Benin

    Salah seals  last-16 victory for Egypt over brave Benin

    Captain Mohamed Salah scored after 124 minutes to clinch a 3-1 extra-time victory for Egypt over plucky minnows Benin in an Africa Cup of Nations last-16 thriller in Agadir.

    Marwan Attia put the Pharaohs ahead in the second half and Jodel Dossou equalised for the Cheetahs, taking the match to an additional 30 minutes in the southern Moroccan coastal city.

    Yasser Ibrahim headed Egypt back in front in the first half of extra time, then Salah broke clear and beat goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou with a shot from outside the area for his 10th AFCON goal.

    Salah, whose goals have helped Liverpool win many trophies, is seeking a first AFCON winners’ medal, having twice been a runner-up.

    Record seven-time champions Egypt stay in Agadir to face title-holders Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso on Saturday in the quarter-finals.

    Egypt changed 10 of the team that drew with Angola in their final group match seven days ago with only midfielder Ibrahim Adel retained.

    Many AFCON teams assured of qualification for the knockout stage with a match to spare followed the example of Egypt and fielded sides composed largely of reserves.

    Benin lacked captain and former Premier League striker Steve Mounie, who had not recovered from an undisclosed illness.

    Egypt had a great chance to go in front after only eight minutes through Omar Marmoush, the 26-year-old who joined Manchester City at the beginning of last year from Eintracht Frankfurt.

    He darted forward from the Egyptian half, gained possession and stayed ahead of two pursuing defenders only to be foiled by Dandjinou, who blocked the ball with his legs, then grasped it.

    When Egypt threatened again soon after, centre-back Yohan Roche rescued Benin, clearing the ball as it was trickling toward the net.

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    A collision between Mohamed Hamdy and Rodolfo Aloko led to a long delay, which ended with the Egyptian being carried off the field. Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh took his place in midfield.

    While Egypt had more possession in the opening half, Benin held their own and it took a superb sliding tackle from Hamdy Fathy to halt a Benin counterattack.

    An incident deep in added time illustrated how wary Benin were of Salah. When the captain gained possession just outside the box, he was immediately surrounded by three opponents.

    Dandjinou rescued Benin 10 minutes into the second half when he bravely parried a close-range shot from Ramy Rabia after the ball ran loose to the defender following a corner.

    As the match passed the hour mark, it began to open up. A Salah attempt to chip the ball into the net was foiled by leaping Dandjinou.

    Then, a parry from 37-year-old Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy prevented substitute Dossou giving Benin a shock lead.

    Attia ended the goalless stalemate when Marmoush pushed the ball back to the midfielder and, from just outside the box, he side-footed it into the roof of the net.

    Benin refused to accept defeat, though, attacked constantly and levelled on 83 minutes through 33-year-old Dossou.

    El Shenawy did superbly to palm a Mohamed Tijani cross away from his goal, but the ball fell invitingly for Dossou, and he pushed it into the net.

    Egypt regained the lead seven minutes into extra time, and this time Attia was the creator. He crossed after a short corner and a looping Ibrahim header evaded Dandjinou and landed in the net.

    Salah then put the outcome beyond doubt with his third goal of the tournament.

  • NBBC of C  cries on move to usurp  its statutory roles

    NBBC of C  cries on move to usurp  its statutory roles

    The secretary of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Oluremi Aboderin, has accused the Vice President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Omolei Imadu, of planning to take over statutory responsibilities assigned to the body.

    Aboderin alleged that Imadu was “working underground” to obtain ministerial approval to operate professional boxing, a role he says does not fall within the NBF’s remit.

    The NBF VP in a boxing platform declared the interest of the amateur body to take up pro boxing roles.

    He reiterated that the NBB of C under the leadership of Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, is a registered body legally recognised to oversee professional boxing activities in the country.

    “After an amateur career, if a boxer still wants to continue boxing, he has to come to the NBB of C to be duly licensed as a pro boxer,” he said.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Eagles trash Mozambique 4-0 to reach AFCON quarterfinals

    Aboderin insisted that the NBF has no legal authority on professional boxing in the country.

    “The NBF does not have any legal standing to come into pro boxing. The NBF is an amateur arm of the ministry of sport, to regulate amateur boxing in Nigeria and not pro-boxing,” he said.

    Aboderin further alleged that intimidation tactics were being used in the dispute, including police involvement.

    The NBB of C, established in 1949, is responsible for the licensing, sanctioning and governance of professional boxing in Nigeria, while the NBF traditionally oversees amateur boxing and the country’s participation in international competitions.

    In England, it is the British Boxing Board of Control that oversees pro boxing just as we have in all other parts of the world.

  • NLO COO Ogunnowo  honoured with Doctorate Degree

    NLO COO Ogunnowo  honoured with Doctorate Degree

    Chief Operating Officer (COO) Olushola Ogunnowo has been awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree by the African Performance Leadership Academy, an affiliate of Georgia-based KIMT University.

    The Doctor of Sports Development and Management (D.SDM. HONORIS CAUSA) recognizes Ogunnowo’s exceptional contributions to public service and his pivotal role in advancing grassroots football in Nigeria.

    This prestigious honour was conferred upon him following Ogunnowo’s fulfilment of the institution’s requirements, based on the faculty’s strong recommendation.

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    As a leading figure in the NLO, Ogunnowo expressed his gratitude for the recognition, affirming it will drive him to elevate the NLO football brand further.

    “I embrace this recognition with profound appreciation and am committed to my contributions to developing football from the grassroots to the highest levels,” Ogunnowo said.”This accolade will fuel my determination to continually strive for excellence.”

    Meanwhile, in his pursuit of advanced academic excellence, Ogunnowo is on the verge of completing his PhD in Sports Management at Lagos State University (LASU).

  • Abdul lauds stakeholders  for  weightlifting ‘s  ‘golden ‘ 2025

    Abdul lauds stakeholders  for  weightlifting ‘s  ‘golden ‘ 2025

    The President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr Ibrahim Aladi Abdul, celebrates Nigeria’s success in 2025, highlighting the support from stakeholders and the federation’s medal haul, with plans for 2026 to build on this achievement.

    In his New Year message, signed by the federation’s Media Officer, Amaechi Agbo, Dr Abdul described 2025 as a landmark year that saw Nigerian weightlifting reach new heights across regional, continental and global competitions. He noted that the collective backing of stakeholders played a pivotal role in the federation’s unprecedented medal haul and growing international profile.

    Reflecting on the year, the NWF president thanked God for a fruitful season, highlighting Nigeria’s emergence as African champions at the 2025 Senior African Weightlifting Championships in Mauritius, alongside outstanding performances at the Africa Youth Games in Luanda, Angola, and other major events. According to him, the federation’s deliberate investments in athlete development yielded remarkable returns.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Eagles trash Mozambique 4-0 to reach AFCON quarterfinals

    The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation amassed an impressive total of 70 medals in 2025—49 gold, 14 silver and seven bronze—across seven competitions. Highlights included 10 gold medals in Mauritius, nine gold medals at the Africa Youth and Junior Championships in Accra, and a strong showing at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in India with four gold, two silver and three bronze medals. Nigeria also claimed nine gold medals at the Zone 2 West Africa Games in Burkina Faso, a silver medal at the Senior World Championships in Norway, 13 medals at the Islamic Games in Saudi Arabia, and 12 medals at the Africa Youth Games in Angola.

    Beyond competitions, the federation organised a 10-day high-performance training programme involving 22 athletes and eight coaches, coordinated by renowned Austrian-based coach Maged Salama, an initiative that drew commendation from the NSC. Dr Abdul also cited the successful conduct of a peaceful and transparent NWF election in August, which saw him re-elected to lead the federation for another four-year term.

    Looking ahead, Dr Abdul reaffirmed the federation’s ambition to build on its continental dominance and make a stronger global impact in 2026. He assured that details of the federation’s programmes and competitions for the new year would soon be unveiled, expressing confidence that with continued stakeholder support, Nigerian weightlifting is poised for even greater achievements.

  • BFN Targets Stronger 2026 Campaign, Seeks Deeper Public-Private Partnerships

    BFN Targets Stronger 2026 Campaign, Seeks Deeper Public-Private Partnerships

    The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has set its sights on a more robust 2026 season, with President Francis Orbih expressing optimism about consolidating recent gains while expanding the sport’s reach nationwide.

    Reflecting on 2025, Orbih described the year as “fairly positive,” noting that despite lingering challenges, Nigerian badminton recorded notable progress, particularly in corporate sponsorship and technical development. He stressed the federation’s determination to build on those milestones.

    One of the standout achievements of 2025 was a historic four-year sponsorship agreement between GIG Logistics and national para-badminton star Eniola Bolaji—the first corporate player sponsorship in the history of the sport in Nigeria. Orbih described the deal as a major breakthrough and expressed hope that it would attract further private sector investment, both for athletes and tournaments.

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    While admitting that the federation did not stage a national championship in 2025, Orbih explained that a packed international calendar—including the National Sports Festival, Lagos International, Abia Para-Badminton International, and African Championship—kept players competitively engaged.

    Nevertheless, he confirmed plans to organise at least four national championships in 2026 to ensure consistent domestic competition.

    Significant strides were also recorded in officiating and coaching, with a Nigerian umpire earning African Badminton Confederation accreditation—becoming the fourth in the country’s history.

    Additionally, 13 new coaches were trained, with two benefiting from international scholarships in Dubai and South Africa. As preparations continue for the All Africa Senior Badminton Championship in February 2026, Orbih revealed that national players have already entered camp, expressing confidence in a strong continental outing.

  • Double Olympic champion Chebet takes maternity break in 2026

    Double Olympic champion Chebet takes maternity break in 2026

    Kenyan runner Beatrice Chebet, who won gold in the 5,000 metres and 10,000m at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is taking a maternity break in 2026,   according to her agent.

    The 25-year-old is also the world record holder in both events and capped her Olympic achievement by winning gold at both distances at the world championships in Tokyo in September.

     “After a lot of rumours, we can finally share the news: in 2026, Beatrice Chebet will run the most important race of her life – becoming a mother,” her agent announced on social media.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Eagles trash Mozambique 4-0 to reach AFCON quarterfinals

    Chebet was due to defend her title at the World Cross Country Championships in Florida on Saturday but announced her withdrawal a few days ago.

    She didn’t give an explanation but said she was looking forward to the “next chapter of (her) life.”

    She will not miss any major championships in 2026. The next world championships take place in in Beijing in 2027 before the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

  • Morocco’s Ounahi out of AFCON  with leg injury

    Morocco’s Ounahi out of AFCON  with leg injury

    Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi has been ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations due to a leg injury, the Moroccan FA said.

    Morocco secured their place in the quarter-finals after beating Tanzania 1-0 on Sunday, thanks to a goal from Brahim Diaz, who celebrated by lifting a shirt bearing Ounahi’s name.

    “Medical tests confirmed that Azzedine Ounahi has suffered a muscle injury in his leg. It was officially announced that he will miss the competition” Moroccan FA said in a statement.

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    The 25-year-old Girona midfielder, who appeared on crutches while watching the round of 16 game, will remain with Walid Regragui’s side “to support his teammates throughout the rest of the Africa Cup of Nations”.

    Hosts Morocco face five-time champions Cameroon on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.