The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • AFCON 2025: Injured Aubameyang to miss international swansong with Gabon

    AFCON 2025: Injured Aubameyang to miss international swansong with Gabon

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s international career looks to have ended with a whimper as he headed back to France on Tuesday and will miss Gabon’s last game at the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

    After losing their opening two matches in Group F to Cameroon and Mozambique, Gabon have been eliminated with one match left to play against holders Cote d’Ivoire in Marrakech.

    At the age of 36, it was expected the clash against the Ivorians would bring down the curtain on his 16-year international career but he will skip the last group game as he returns to his club Olympique de Marseille.

    A thigh injury on the eve of the tournament in Morocco meant his participation was in doubt, but he came on after 30 minutes against Cameroon in Gabon’s opening game on Christmas Eve and played the full game against Mozambique on Sunday, scoring in the 3-2 defeat.

    “Following the established medical protocol between Marseille and Gabon medical staff regarding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, clinical examinations were conducted daily,” said a statement on Tuesday from the Gabon football federation.

    “The most recent examination confirmed the discomfort he experienced in his left thigh the day after the Gabon-Mozambique match. Given the disappointing results, which cut short Gabon’s participation, the medical staff, in consultation with his club, agreed to protect the player’s physical well-being by exempting him from the final, inconsequential match.”

    Aubameyang has long been Gabon’s talisman, electing to play for the team his father had captained, even after playing for France, where he was born, at junior level.

    He made his debut for Gabon in 2009, scoring against Morocco in a World Cup qualifier, and went on to win 82 caps and score 39 goals.

    Aubameyang helped Gabon reach the Cup of Nations quarter-final when they hosted the tournament in 2012 but was the only player to fail to convert his penalty in a post-match shootout loss to Mali.

    The tournament in Morocco was Aubameyang’s sixth Cup of Nations finals appearance. He was African Footballer of the Year in 2015.

    Earlier this year, he helped Gabon finish as one of the four best runners-up in the World Cup qualifiers, including four goals in the game against Gambia in October. Gabon, however, lost in last month’s Africa playoffs, ending hopes of qualifying for a first-ever World Cup finals appearance in North America next June.

  • Morocco 2025: Diallo & Co brace up for Gabon clash

    Morocco 2025: Diallo & Co brace up for Gabon clash

    Cote d’Ivoire and Gabon will compete in their final Group F assignment at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations this week, with the game set to commence at Stade de Marrakech tonight.

    As it stands, Cote d’Ivoire  occupy top spot in Group F following their 1-1 draw with Cameroon during matchday two.

    Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon share an identical record of four points after two matches played, while a win against Gabon would secure their ticket into the next phase of the showpiece.

    Gabon on the other hand, have already been eliminated from the AFCON following their 3-2 defeat against Mozambique at Stade Adrar on Sunday. The Panthers are fourth in Group F, with two losses from their opening set of fixtures.

    The Elephants are in the running to claim their fourth AFCON title, while they remain one of the favourites this year as the reigning kings of African football.

    Read Also: PROFILES: Anthony Joshua’s two friends, Sina and Latif, who died in Monday crash

    Reflecting on Cote d’Ivoire’s campaign following their draw with Cameroon, the Elephants coach Emerse Faé believes that his side needs to be more efficient in seeing out games.

    “It’s for matches like these that we love the CAN—a hard-fought contest. Both teams brought intensity, created chances, and no one shut the game down,” Faé said.

    “A fair draw against a compact Cameroon side that challenged us tactically. I’m satisfied with the performance, with the result. My only regret from this match: we lacked a bit of guile after our goal.

    “Instead of going after them, we should have slowed the tempo, let the clock run down, forced Cameroon to open up and expose space, and then taken advantage. We conceded their goal too soon.”

  • DR Congo beat Botswana 3-0 to set up Algeria last-16 showdown

    DR Congo beat Botswana 3-0 to set up Algeria last-16 showdown

    Gael Kakuta scored two goals and laid on another as the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Botswana 3-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations Group D clash in Rabat on Tuesday, and in doing so set up a last 16 clash with Algeria on January 6.

    The Congolese finished level on seven points with Senegal at the top of the standings, but their inferior goal difference means they have to settle for second place in the pool and a meeting with the in-form 2019 winners in the knockout round.

    Nathanael Mbuku scored the game’s opener, set up by Kakuta’s back heel pass, before the latter netted a penalty and then a third for his side from close range in a comfortable win.

    Read Also: Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa: Gunners thump title rivals to end year five points clear at top of Premier League

    Botswana were already eliminated from the tournament heading into the match and have now lost all six of their Cup of Nations matches following their second appearance at the continental finals.

    DR Congo took the lead on the half-hour mark when Mbuku played a neat one-two with Kakuta, the latter returning the ball with a clever backheel, before Mbuku slotted the ball in at the near post.

    The Congolese were then awarded a penalty when Botswana defender Thabo Leinanyane handled the ball from Meschack Elia’s cross and Kakuta converted the spot-kick.

    Kakuta netted his second goal in the 60th  minute as he controlled Theo Bongonda’s pass and under no pressure from the Botswana defence, finished from seven yards.

    Congo had the ball in the back of the net again when Fiston Mayele rose to deflect the ball in, but a Video Assistant Referee review suggested he used his arm to direct the ball into the net.

  • Edun, Olopade sympathize  with  Joshua after road accident

    Edun, Olopade sympathize  with  Joshua after road accident

    The President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation and Honourable Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun , alongside the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, have expressed deep condolences to global boxing icon Anthony Joshua and the families of victims following a tragic road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

    In a condolence message issued on behalf of the Nigerian boxing community, Edun conveyed sympathy to Joshua and the bereaved families, describing the loss of life as deeply distressing. He offered prayers for comfort and healing during the difficult period.

    The message read: “On behalf of the entire Nigerian Boxing family, I express my deepest condolences to our national treasure Anthony Joshua and the families of the two individuals who passed away. The loss of life is always deeply distressing, and our thoughts and prayers are with you, Anthony and the affected families at this difficult time.

    Read Also: PROFILES: Anthony Joshua’s two friends, Sina and Latif, who died in Monday crash

    “As a boxing community we pray for your speedy recovery and that the souls of the dearly departed rest in peace.”

    Similarly Olopade, expressed profound sympathy to y Joshua and the families of the victims involved in the fatal accident, which occurred on Monday, December 29, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

    Olopade paid a visit to the former world heavyweight champion on behalf of the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the entire staff of the NSC.

     He described the incident as tragic and deeply saddening, while thanking God for Joshua’s survival. Sadly, the accident claimed the lives of Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and his personal trainer, Kevin Latif Ayodele.

    The statement reads:  “On behalf of the National Sports Commission and the entire Nigerian sports family, I express my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate accident,” Hon. Olopade said.

     “We thank God for the life of Anthony Joshua. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he recovers, and we wish him a full and speedy return to good health.”

  • World’s oldest  player Miura  joins new club

    World’s oldest  player Miura  joins new club

    Kazuyoshi Miura, who turns 59 in February and is the world’s oldest professional footballer, has signed a loan deal until June with Japanese third division side Fukushima United.

    The move means Miura could play in the J.League – the top three divisions of Japanese football – for the first time in five years.

    The former Japan striker, who started his career with Brazilian side Santos in 1986, failed to score in 69 minutes across seven appearances last season on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.

    “My passion for football hasn’t changed, no matter how old I get,” he said as he prepares for a 41st season as a professional footballer.

    “I’m very grateful to be given this opportunity. I promise I will play with everything I have to make a contribution. Let’s make history together!”

    Read Also: Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa: Gunners thump title rivals to end year five points clear at top of Premier League

    Known as ‘King Kazu’ in Japan, this will be Miura’s fourth loan since 2022 from J2 League side Yokohama FC.

    Miura, who has also played club football in Italy, Croatia and Australia, signed for the club in 2005 but has not played a minute for them since 2020.

    He scored 55 goals in 89 games in an international career that ended in 2000, two years after his notable omission from the squad for Japan’s first World Cup finals appearance.

    Miura, who has talked of playing until he is 60, said he was ready to “take on a new challenge” after being relegated last season to Japan’s regional leagues.

    Fukushima finished 10th  in the 20-team third division last season.

  • Manchester United 1-1 Wolves: Visitors end 11-match losing streak against disapapointing Red Devils

    Manchester United 1-1 Wolves: Visitors end 11-match losing streak against disapapointing Red Devils

    Wolves ended their 11-match Premier League losing streak and manager Rob Edwards grabbed his first point as manager as his side held a disappointing Manchester United, who were booed off at Old Trafford.

    Without eight senior players due to a combination of injuries and international calls, United were far from their best but still managed to go in front thanks to Joshua Zirkzee’s deflected 27th-minute effort.

    However, Wolves began to force the pace towards the end of the opening period and after United goalkeeper Senne Lammens had kept a Hugo Bueno effort out, Ladislav Krejci levelled with a header from eight yards after he was given far too much room at the far post.

    Lammens denied Krejci a second after half-time, when he dived to his left to parry a low shot and then got the ball away from danger as Yerson Mosquera closed in.

    Read Also: EPL: Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth: Antoine Semenyo-led Cherries draw at Stamford Bridge

    Ironically, Mosquera came close for the home side when he headed the ball past Jose Sa and towards his own goal. Fortunately for the Colombian, Sa got back to retrieve the situation just before the ball bounced in.

    Sa had already been at the centre of one unusual incident when he was penalised by referee Thomas Bramall for holding onto the ball longer than eight seconds. It was only the third time the new rule has been applied in the Premier League this season but the home side could make nothing of the corner that followed.

    Jhon Arias came close to a winner for the visitors with a shot that deflected narrowly wide and Patrick Dorgu then thought he had scored for the hosts in the final minute but a lengthy video assistant referee check confirmed the offside decision against him was correct.

    It was Wolves’ third draw – and point – of the season, and their first since 5 October, although does not do much for their survival chances as they are still 15 points from safety.

    For United, it was another example of their many shortcomings and a result that prevented Ruben Amorim’s side ending 2025 in an unlikely fourth spot – they remain sixth.

    BBC

  • Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa: Gunners thump title rivals to end year five points clear at top of Premier League

    Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa: Gunners thump title rivals to end year five points clear at top of Premier League

    Arsenal scored four goals in the second half as they thumped Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium to end the year five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

    Centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, making his first start since recovering from injury in November, bundled the ball in from a trademark corner in the 48th minute to give Arsenal the lead, and despite appeals from the Villa players for a foul on their goalkeeper Emi Martinez, the goal stood.

    The Gunners then doubled their lead when captain Martin Odegaard won the ball back in midfield before playing an excellent pass to Martin Zubimendi who poked the ball past Martinez.

    Leandro Trossard added a third when he slammed a shot low into the net from the edge of the area, after a lengthy check for offside by the video assistant referee (VAR).

    And substitute Gabriel Jesus ensured it was a memorable night for the Gunners when he curled in from the edge of the area before Ollie Watkins tapped in from close range in stoppage time to give Aston Villa a consolation goal.

    Villa came into this game on an 11-match winning streak which included a 2-1 victory over the Gunners 24 days ago, but despite starting the game well and going close through Ollie Watkins could not find a way to go ahead.

    Unai Emery’s side, who were without Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara through suspension, came with a clear gameplan to slow the tempo of the match down and tried to frustrate Arsenal, but could not deny Mikel Arteta’s side an impressive win.

    The victory ends an excellent year for the Gunners who have lost just twice in the league this season, and move five points clear before second-placed Manchester City’s match at Sunderland on New Year’s Day (20:00 GMT).

    Read Also: EPL: Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth: Antoine Semenyo-led Cherries draw at Stamford Bridge

    Arsenal’s thrashing of Aston Villa means the Gunners end the year five points clear of their rivals, with their supporters hoping this will be the season they end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title.

    Aston Villa arrived at the Emirates with the chance of drawing level on points with the Gunners if they were able to beat Arteta’s side, but the hosts showed why they are many people’s favourites to win the league.

    Throughout December Arsenal have not been at their best, but as is the mark of potential champions, they have found a way to win.

    Injuries to key players have meant that Arteta has had to be creative at times with his selections – in this match he was without Declan Rice who was ruled out with a knock.

    However, he could call on arguably Arsenal’s most important player in Gabriel, whose presence in defence brings calmness to the Gunners’ backline and his threat from set-pieces is a crucial weapon.

    Gabriel was starting with William Saliba at centre-back in the Premier League for the first time since 8 November, and Arsenal have won all five league matches this season when both have played the full game.

    Arsenal have finished second for three successive seasons, but with the experience they have from those title challenges and players returning from injury, 2026 could be a memorable year in north London.

    BBC

  • EPL: Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth: Antoine Semenyo-led Cherries draw at Stamford Bridge

    EPL: Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth: Antoine Semenyo-led Cherries draw at Stamford Bridge

    Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who is nearing a move to Manchester City, set up two goals and conceded a penalty in a chaotic 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

    The 25-year-old is in advanced talks over a £65m move to Etihad Stadium but turned out for the Cherries to set up two goals through long throw-ins for David Brooks and Justin Kluivert to score.

    His first throw led to Brooks scoring from close range in the sixth minute.

    Chelsea equalised and then went ahead after Semenyo brought down Estevao Willian in the box. Referee Sam Barrott awarded a penalty following a pitch-side video assistant referee (VAR) review in the 15th minute.

    Cole Palmer converted, finding the corner despite goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic diving the right way, before Enzo Fernandez fired into the top corner to make it 2-1 after 23 minutes.

    Kluivert then tapped in from close range after another Semenyo long throw-in just four minutes later.

    Chelsea had further chances, but Bournemouth had the better of the first half with 14 attempts that tested goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

    At the interval, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca introduced captain Reece James for Josh Acheampong and Pedro Neto for Alejandro Garnacho.

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    VAR official Craig Pawson then dismissed a handball appeal against Malo Gusto early in the second half, with former Blues goalkeeper Petrovic impressively saving Estevao’s shot from the edge of the box.

    Fernandez also blazed over a shot inside the box in the 77th minute, which was the best chance of the half.

    Joao Pedro replaced Palmer moments earlier to boos from the home supporters as Maresca’s side grew dominant but failed to find a winner late on.

    And in injury time, Amine Adli crossed for Bournemouth substitute Enes Unal but the striker volleyed over from just 12 yards out.

    Chelsea have now won just one of their past seven league games, while Bournemouth remain winless in 10.

    BBC

  • Garner leads Everton to 2– 0 win as Forest suffer third straight defeat

    Garner leads Everton to 2– 0 win as Forest suffer third straight defeat

    Everton condemned Nottingham Forest to a third straight defeat after rare goals from James Garner and Thierno Barry.

    Midfielder Garner – a former Forest loanee who won promotion to the Premier League with them in 2022 – scored his first goal since August and a second in over two years.

    Barry doubled the Toffees’ advantage – just his second goal since a £27m move from Villarreal in the summer, with both coming against Forest.

    The Toffees are eighth after a fifth win in their last nine games, leaving them just four points adrift of the top four, while their hosts remain in 17th spot.

    It felt like a pivotal game for Forest after defeats to Fulham and Manchester City stopped them moving further clear of the relegation zone.

    They had not suffered successive defeats under Sean Dyche before Saturday’s loss to City, but suffered another setback despite dominating possession.

    Forest visit Aston Villa on Saturday, before travelling to third bottom West Ham.

    After Garner struck in the 19th minute, the hosts struggled to create chances, with Igor Jesus prodding their best opening wide.

    James Tarkowski headed wide for Everton, but Barry sealed the success, firing in from Garner’s through-ball.

    BBC

  • PROFILES: Anthony Joshua’s two friends, Sina and Latif, who died in Monday crash

    PROFILES: Anthony Joshua’s two friends, Sina and Latif, who died in Monday crash

    Two of Anthony Joshua’s closest friends have been named as the individuals who died in a car crash, which left the two-time world heavyweight champion injured in Nigeria.

    Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, identified the victims as Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both long-standing members of the boxer’s inner circle. The organisation confirmed the tragedy in an official statement.

    The outpouring of tributes from across the boxing world — from rivals to champions — speaks to the profound respect and affection they commanded.

    Sina and Latif, both long-time friends of Joshua, were killed after the Lexus SUV they were all travelling in smashed into a stationary truck shortly after 11:00 am on Monday on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Makun.

    Joshua was seated in the rear of the vehicle when the collision occurred.

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    Sina Ghami was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for more than a decade.

    He also co-founded Evolve Gym in London.

    According to the gym’s website, Ghami is a certified sports and exercise rehabilitator who specialises in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise.

    Ghami had worked with athletes across several sports, including the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, and the Michigan State University football team.

    He was a key presence in Joshua’s corner during several landmark bouts, most notably the historic 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium — a defining moment in modern heavyweight boxing.

    Latif Ayodele, widely known as Latz, was Joshua’s personal trainer.

    Ayodele regularly posted photos with Joshua on his Instagram page and was seen with the boxer shortly before the accident.

    While he officially served as Joshua’s personal trainer, Latz was also one of his closest friends.

    According to The Mirror, he was deeply passionate about fitness and played a central role in Joshua’s day-to-day training routines.

    Born Kevin Ayodele, he later converted to Islam and adopted the name Abdul Latif. Those who knew him described him as deeply committed to his faith and dedicated to inspiring others through discipline, training, and example.

    With over 11,000 followers on Instagram, @Healthy_Mindset was not merely a username but a philosophy. Latz built a community by authentically promoting a lifestyle built on discipline, rigorous physical training, and mental resilience. He lived the creed he preached, becoming a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.