The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Sadiki stays humble as DR Congo target AFCON quarters

    Sadiki stays humble as DR Congo target AFCON quarters

    Noah Sadiki insists he has not yet proven himself among the stars of the Premier League as the Sunderland revelation aims to lead the Democratic Republic of Congo into the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

    The 21-year-old Brussels-born midfielder was an ever-present in a remarkable Sunderland side this season before departing for the AFCON with the Leopards.

    Today  they play Algeria in the last 16 in Rabat, in their first game of what they hope will be a historic year.

    “It is not going to be the easiest game until now but we have to win tomorrow if we want to dream big,” Sadiki told reporters just before  the Congolese team’s final  training session in Sale, just outside Morocco’s capital.

    It is a first taste of a major international tournament for Sadiki, who represented Belgium at youth level before switching allegiance to DR Congo and making his senior bow for them in September 2024.

     “I am really happy to be here. I am just trying to enjoy every moment because you never know what might happen tomorrow,” he said shortly before being soaked by a sprinkler.

     “My recent performances have been good but I need to keep proving myself because it is now that the competition really begins, and it will be the same when I go back to my club – that will be when the season really gets going.

     “I have not yet done anything all that extraordinary.”

    Sadiki has nevertheless been outstanding for a Sunderland team that has exceeded all expectations following promotion to the Premier League and currently sits eighth in the table.

    He has missed four straight games, all of which have ended in draws, since leaving for the Cup of Nations in the wake of the 1-0 derby victory against Newcastle United on December 14.

    “The first games were quite difficult for me but I adapted well I think and I always try to be the best version of myself to help my team,” he said about settling in at the Stadium of Light following a July transfer from Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise for a reported £15 million ($20.3m).

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

     “I have had a lot of help over there as well, so I am really grateful for what has happened.”

    Sadiki is a harsh judge of his own performances so far in Morocco, where DR Congo made the last 16 with wins against Benin and Botswana and a draw against Senegal.

     “My AFCON on a personal level has been mixed so far – my first game was quite good, my second match was quite average and then I didn’t play much in the third game, but now is when the real competition begins so I think it is from now that you can really judge my tournament.”

    He did nevertheless laugh off a question from one reporter suggesting he had been avoiding the ball during games, before showing big ambitions for the remainder of the tournament.

    “You always want to win a competition when you come into it,” he said, mindful that DR Congo’s run to the semi-finals at the last AFCON in 2024 is as far as they have gone since last winning the title as Zaire in 1974.

    That is also the last time they appeared at the World Cup, but victory in a play-off in March will see them qualify for this year’s finals in North America.

     “I think if we win right now it is going to be a big reward for those guys who have been here for a long time,” he said.

     “We are full of confidence because we know what we are capable of.”

  • Eto’o decries standard of  refereeing at Morocco 2025

    Eto’o decries standard of  refereeing at Morocco 2025

    The  President of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, has raised concerns over refereeing standards at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, accusing match officials of favouring certain teams ahead of Cameroon’s quarter-final clash with hosts Morocco.

    The Indomitable Lions are set to face the Atlas Lions on Friday in a high-stakes encounter, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

    However, Eto’o, a former Cameroon captain and Barcelona striker, has publicly questioned the neutrality of officiating at the tournament.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Six worst Manchester United managers in history

    Speaking ahead of the crucial tie, Eto’o  has  called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to ensure fairness and transparency in refereeing decisions.

    “The CAF must absolutely guarantee the integrity of the referees until the end of the competition,” Eto’o said as per  BSNSports.com.ng reports.

    He further alleged that some teams have benefited unduly from officiating decisions during the tournament.

    “The refereeing is practically handing gifts to certain teams,” he added.

    Cameroon, five-time AFCON champions, are seeking a return to continental glory and will be hoping that Friday’s encounter is decided purely on sporting merit.

  • Iheanacho’s  Celtic sack manager Nancy after eight games

    Iheanacho’s  Celtic sack manager Nancy after eight games

    The  club of Nigeria  international  striker  Kelechi Iheanacho, Celtic, has sacked manager Wilfried Nancy after just eight games in charge of the Scottish champions – during which his team suffered six defeats.

    Saturday’s 3-1 loss at home to arch-rivals Rangers sparked protests outside Celtic Park and was the final straw for club bosses.

     “Celtic Football Club today announces that it has decided to terminate the contract of manager Wilfried Nancy with immediate effect,” said a club statement.

    The Hoops added that the Frenchman’s coaching staff and Paul Tisdale, the head of football operations, had also left the club.

    Nancy, previously in charge at MLS side Columbus Crew, started his job as Celtic manager on December 4, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract and taking over from interim boss Martin O’Neill.

    He promised to give the fans “a strong, exciting, attacking, winning football team they can be so proud of”.

    But the appointment quickly turned into a nightmare, with four defeats in his first four games, including a 3-1 defeat to St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup final.

    It was the first time Celtic had lost four games in a row since a similar run under celebrated manager Jock Stein in 1978.

    Nancy finally earned his first wins in late December, with Celtic beating Aberdeen and then Livingston.

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

    But they lost to Motherwell and collapsed to a 3-1 defeat at home to Rangers at the weekend, despite taking the lead at Celtic Park.

    That defeat left Celtic second in the table, six points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.

    The Glasgow club won seven of their eight games under caretaker boss O’Neill, who took charge following the departure in October of Brendan Rogers, who is now in charge at Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah.

    Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton compared Nancy’s position to that of Ruben Amorim, sacked as manager of struggling English giants Manchester United just hours earlier.

     “It’s a bit like the Ruben Amorim situation at Manchester United but over a shorter period,” Sutton told Sky Sports.

     “He was fixated on changing Celtic’s style, moving to a 3-4-3, playing one particular way. He just wasn’t adaptable and for Celtic to lose six and ship as many goals as they did – it was kamikaze stuff from Nancy.

     “You want to give a manager time, but I think Celtic have acted decisively because there is a league title to win.”

    Celtic and Rangers form Scotland’s “Old Firm”, with both clubs crowned Scottish champions 55 times.

    Celtic, the first British team to lift the European Cup, in 1967, have won 13 of the past 14 league titles.

  • Man United fans torn over sacking of Amorim

    Man United fans torn over sacking of Amorim

    Manchester United supporters had mixed feelings on Monday after the club fired Ruben Amorim, with some mentioning relief having grown weary of rigid tactics, strange team selections and confusing press conferences.

    Others voiced anger over yet another managerial change in the club’s more than decade-long attempt to find the right person to restore their team to the glory days they enjoyed under Alex Ferguson.

    “A lot of fans are not happy with his substitutions,” a supporter outside Old Trafford said on Monday. “The actual team selection and his formation and the way he’s been speaking lately … he’s a very, very stubborn manager. And he will not take criticism. And it’s either my way or, you know, no way.”

    Another fan suggested Amorim’s defiant outburst after the team’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Sunday was the final straw.

    “That was the beginning of the end,” the supporter said. “It isn’t the United Way, if you know what I mean, to put your dirty laundry out for the media.

    “I don’t know if he was like losing a bit of what he was trying to say in translation. But I think he was feeling the pressure. You could see it in him. And I think he wanted out, to be honest with you mate. I think it’s time for Jose Mourinho to come back.”

    Another fan was frustrated by the managerial turnover. Portuguese Amorim was the 10th  United manager – either interim or permanent – since Ferguson retired in 2013.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Six worst Manchester United managers in history

    “Yeah, not massively happy about it, to be honest,” he said. “Regardless of what you think of Amorim as a person or professionally, I think if we just keep recycling managers over and over again, we’re going to have the same result.”

    “I think (the club) should have at least given him to the end of the season. I think we’re never going to see progress if we don’t stick with one manager and stick with that way of playing. So yeah, I’m not happy to see him gone.”

    One supporter pointed out the timing of the sacking while United are missing several key players either to injury or international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

    “He made progress,” the fan said. “I’ve seen some good football and he had key players out. AFCON, Bruno Fernandes is out. But I think the clash with the board, with (United’s Director of Football) Jason Wilcox was the final straw for him.”

  • AFCON ’25: Things to know about Nigeria vs Mozambique

    AFCON ’25: Things to know about Nigeria vs Mozambique

    After a flawless group-stage campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Super Eagles will look to sustain their momentum when they face Mozambique in Monday’s Round of 16 clash in Fes.

    The Super Eagles go into the tie as favourites, having won all three group matches, but the Mambas have already demonstrated they can trouble more established opposition.

    A win over Gabon, along with spirited performances in defeats to hosts Ivory Coast and Cameroon, highlighted Mozambique’s ability to compete with Africa’s traditional heavyweights.

    Nigeria, African champions for the last time in 2013, will take confidence from their strong start to the tournament and what appears to be a favourable last-16 draw. With belief firm in Éric Sékou Chelle’s camp, the Super Eagles are targeting another decisive step toward ending their long wait for continental glory.

    Midfielders Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman have been among Nigeria’s standout performers so far, providing creativity and drive. However, defensive concerns linger, and Mozambique is expected to exploit any weaknesses through Geny Catamo of Sporting CP.

    Read Also: AFCON 16th Bassey, Chukwueze tip Super  Eagles to fly over Mambas

    Catamo has been one of Mozambique’s key attacking threats, converting a penalty in their 3-2 win over Gabon before scoring a fine goal in a narrow 2-1 defeat to Cameroon.

    The winner of Monday’s encounter will advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo. A potential meeting with DR Congo would revive memories of the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final, where Nigeria suffered a painful defeat.

    Match Details:

    Date: Monday, January 5

    Kick-off: 20:00 WAT (21:00 CAT, 20:00 local time, 19:00 GMT)

    Venue: Fez Stadium

    How to watch: Live on SuperSport in Nigeria and South Africa

  • FULL LIST: Six worst Manchester United managers in history

    FULL LIST: Six worst Manchester United managers in history

    Manchester United’s history is defined by dominance, trophies, and iconic leadership. However, not every managerial reign at Old Trafford has lived up to those lofty standards. Using win percentage, results, and historical context, these managers are widely regarded as the least successful in the club’s history, based on available records and long-term impact rather than reputation alone.

    Following the sack of Ruben Amorim, below is a detailed look at the Manchester United managers whose tenures statistically rank among the worst.

    1. Jack Robson (1914–1921)

    Approx. win rate: ~29.5%

    Lowest win percentage in club history (depending on record source)

    Jack Robson’s reign remains one of the bleakest periods in Manchester United’s existence. His time in charge was heavily affected by World War I, which disrupted English football and limited squad stability. Nevertheless, United’s performances were poor even by the standards of the era.

    –          United struggled defensively and offensively

    –          Relegation battles were common

    –          Club lacked tactical identity

    While external factors played a role, Robson’s win percentage remains the lowest ever recorded for a permanent United manager, cementing his place in this list.

    2. Lal Hilditch (1926–1927)

    Approx. win rate: ~30.3%

    Very short tenure with extremely poor results

    Hilditch’s spell in charge was brief and unsuccessful. United failed to show progress in either league form or performances, and his inability to stabilize results quickly led to his dismissal.

    –          Poor league position

    –          Little tactical impact

    –          No significant wins to offset losses

    His tenure is often forgotten due to its brevity, but statistically, it stands among the club’s weakest.

    3. Herbert Bamlett (1927–1931)

    Approx. win rate: ~31–32%

    Defensive instability and heavy goals conceded

    Bamlett inherited a struggling side and was unable to correct its flaws. His United teams were especially vulnerable defensively, conceding goals at an alarming rate.

    –          Weak defensive organization

    –          Frequent heavy defeats

    –          Declining league finishes

    Although his reign lasted longer than others on this list, the lack of improvement over four seasons ultimately defined his failure.

    4. Wilf McGuinness (1969–1970)

    Approx. win rate: ~36.7–36.8%

    Failed to sustain success after Sir Matt Busby

    McGuinness had the unenviable task of replacing Sir Matt Busby. Young and inexperienced at the top level, he struggled to command authority over a squad still shaped by Busby’s influence.

    –          Inconsistent results

    –          Loss of dressing-room confidence

    –          Busby forced to return in an advisory role

    Though not disastrous in isolation, McGuinness’ reign marked a sharp decline from United’s previous standards, making it one of the most disappointing transitions in club history.

    5. Frank O’Farrell (1971–1972)

    Approx. win rate: ~37%

    Short, ineffective spell that preceded relegation trouble

    Read Also: BREAKING: Manchester United sack Amorim as manager

    O’Farrell’s tenure began with promise but quickly unraveled. United’s form collapsed, and the team drifted dangerously close to the relegation zone.

    –          Poor league run

    –          Defensive frailties

    –          Loss of momentum and belief

    He was dismissed midway through the 1972–73 season, with Tommy Docherty later taking over to rebuild the club.

    6. Ruben Amorim (2024–2026)

    Approx. win rate: ~36–39.7%

    Lowest win percentage of the post-Ferguson era

    Amorim’s spell is widely viewed as one of the most damaging in modern Manchester United history. Despite high expectations, results failed to improve, and performances deteriorated across competitions.

    One of United’s worst league finishes in decades

    –          Tactical inconsistency

    –          Poor results against both top and lower-table sides

    Statistically, Amorim recorded the lowest win percentage of any United manager in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, leading to his dismissal after 14 months in charge.

  • Anthony Joshua mourns as close friends are laid to rest in London

    Anthony Joshua mourns as close friends are laid to rest in London

    Two close friends and key members of Anthony Joshua’s team, Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele, have been buried in London following a fatal road accident in Nigeria on December 29, 2025.

    The remains of Ghami and Ayodele were repatriated to the United Kingdom, where a funeral prayer service was held on January 4, 2026, at the London Central Mosque.

    Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer and a trusted confidant. Both men were regarded as integral figures within Joshua’s camp, and their deaths have sent shockwaves through the boxing community.

    Joshua, who sustained minor injuries in the accident, was visibly emotional as he attended the burial at Hendon Cemetery, paying his final respects alongside family members, friends, and supporters. Thousands had earlier gathered at the mosque to honour the late duo.

    The 36-year-old boxer was a passenger in the back of a black SUV that collided with a stationary truck on a major highway near Lagos.

    Read Also: Tears, tributes at Anthony Joshua’s friends’ funeral prayer in London

    While Joshua survived the crash, both Ghami and Ayodele lost their lives. Joshua spent several days in the hospital before being discharged on New Year’s Eve.

    Breaking his silence on Sunday, Joshua shared a post on social media after returning to the UK, publishing a photo with his mother and members of the bereaved families, accompanied by the caption: “My Brother’s Keeper.”

    Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that the driver of the vehicle, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been arraigned at the Sagamu Magistrate Court. The case has been adjourned until January 20, with charges including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, and driving without a valid licence.

  • BREAKING: Manchester United sack Amorim as manager

    BREAKING: Manchester United sack Amorim as manager

    Manchester United have parted ways with head coach Ruben Amorim, the club confirmed on Monday.

    Amorim, who was appointed in November 2024, leaves the role after leading the team to the UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao in May.

    With United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club said the decision was taken in the belief that a change would give the team the best chance of securing the highest possible league finish this season.

    Read Also: Amorim defends his use of midfielder Mainoo

    In a statement, the club thanked Amorim for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours.

    “Manchester United would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him the very best for the future,” the statement reads

    Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team on an interim basis for Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Burnley.

  • NPFL: Nasarawa United begin preparations for second stanza

    NPFL: Nasarawa United begin preparations for second stanza

    Nasarawa United have resumed preparations for the second stanza of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League following the end of the mid-season break last weekend.

    The Lafia-based side, fondly called the Solid Miners, are aiming to build on a strong first-round showing as they refocus on their title ambition heading into the decisive phase of the campaign.

    Club management, led by Chairman Solomon Babanjah, has given approval to the technical crew under head coach Mangut Mbwas to strengthen the squad ahead of the restart.

    Plans are already in motion to reinforce key areas of the team, with expected additions across defence, midfield and attack as the club seeks to boost its competitiveness and sustain a push for continental qualification.

    Read Also: Ladipo: NFF interference killing Football Supporters Club

    Team Head Coach, Mangut Mbwas disclosed that the short festive break was effectively used to regroup and refocus the players, noting that training sessions have resumed with high intensity.

    He assured supporters that tactical adjustments and renewed commitment would define the team’s approach in the second stanza, as the Solid Miners chase consistency and maximum results.

    Currently fourth on the NPFL table with 32 points from 19 matches, Nasarawa United will restart their campaign with two consecutive home fixtures against Kano Pillars on January 14 and Niger Tornadoes on January 18 at the Lafia City Stadium.

    Positive results in those matches could significantly boost their title charge before challenging away and home fixtures against Abia Warriors and Enyimba later in the month.

  • Morocco 2025: Super Eagles target  18th quarter-final berth against Mambas

    Morocco 2025: Super Eagles target  18th quarter-final berth against Mambas

    Nigeria are confident of reaching the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the 18th time when they engage Mozambique in Monday night’s Round of 16 tie at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

    The Super Eagles have the record of most medals in the 69-year-old flagship football tournament of the African continent, viz three triumphs (gold medals), five runner-up positions (silver medals) and eight bronze acquisitions.

    The only three times they failed to reach the quarter-finals were at their debut in Ghana in 1963, at the 13th  edition in Libya in 1982, and in Cameroon four years ago.

    Ghana 2008 was the only time they crashed out at the quarter-final stage. Otherwise, every time they had gone past the first knockout round, they had picked up a medal.

    Today’s encounter against history-making Mambas (they have reached the knockout stage for the first time ever) promises a thrilling contest with Coaches Eric Chelle and Chiquinho Conde preferring to keep tactics, strategies and patterns to their chests.

    Nigeria swept to three wins out of three, eight goals for and four against, and reflected a formidable set-up in the group phase, which earned Coach Chelle the mantle of Coach of the Group Phase.

    However, against third-placed Mozambique, the three-time champions must be extra-cautious, as a similar third-placed Tunisia bumped them in the same stage in Garoua four years ago.

    The Mambas, who famously defeated the Panthers of Gabon either side of defeats to Cup-holders Cote d’Ivoire and five-time champions Cameroon in Group F, look like a team capable of upturning apple carts that are not properly positioned.

    Conde can bank on defenders Nené, Bruno Langa and Reinildo Mandava to hold the rear tight, and midfielders Domingues (team captain) and João Bonde to feed the fore line of Chamito and Faisal Bangal, and try to catch Nigeria pants down.

    Read Also: NFF president visits Ola Aina in London

    Yet, Chelle, who is driven by his own admission of having imbibed the truism that “Nigerians want their team to win every game,” is committed to putting out a structure that will see the Eagles defend with resolution and attack with panache.

    Forward Victor Osimhen, on 32 goals in 49 matches for country, is expected to lead the onslaughts once more. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and midfielders Alex Iwobi are sure to return after taking a rest for the clash with Uganda, as will centre-back Semi Ajayi, wing-back Bright Osayi-Samuel and forward Ademola Lookman.    

    Chelle, in admitting that the Eagles must forget the excellent job done in the group stage and get into knockout-phase mode in order to avoid a sucker punch, said: “We will not get ahead of ourselves and think we are the best. We will continue to work hard and stay focused for every match as it comes.”  

    Immediate past African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, who has scored twice and provided two assists so far in the tournament, spoke of his selection in the group phase’s Best IX: “Yeah, we had a great run in the group stage and I am thankful to all that voted. The selection is not just for me, but my entire team-mates, because their efforts on the pitch contributed to my selection.

     “However, this is not the vision for our team. We have set targets to accomplish here in Morocco and we are nowhere near our targets yet.” 

    The Confederation of African Football has selected Cameroonian official Abdou Abdel Mefir as referee for Monday night’s encounter, with his compatriots Elvis Noupoue and Carine Atezambong as assistants.