The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Fenerbache may beat  Galatasaray to sign Lookman

    Fenerbache may beat  Galatasaray to sign Lookman

    Fenerbache have moved ahead of bitter local rivals Galatasaray in the race to sign Ademola Lookman.

    According to a report by leading Turkish newspaper Sabah, Fenerbache are closely following Ademola Lookman, whose name is frequently linked with Galatasaray.

    Fenerbahçe have contacted Atalanta and held initial talks regarding the Nigerian star’s transfer. These initial discussions were positive.

    Efforts to acquire Lookman, whose contract with the Italian club expires in June 2027, will now intensify.

    A loan deal for the 28-year-old player, also wanted by Galatasaray, has been discussed.

    Read Also: NFF Management, Staff stage walk against corruption

    Reports in the Italian press suggest that Fenerbahçe are investigating Lookman’s situation and have made contact in Italy.

    It is also claimed that the player’s side is positive about the move.

    Currently with the Super Eagles at the AFCON in Morocco, the experienced footballer is expected to continue contact after the tournament.

    Lookman, who can play on both the left and right wings, as well as in the striker and attacking midfield roles, is reportedly keen to join a new team with Fenerbahçe expected to accelerate their efforts.

  • Chukwueze demands more respect for  AFCON

    Chukwueze demands more respect for  AFCON

    Nigeria forward Samuel Chukwueze believes the Africa Cup of Nations should be given the same level of respect as the World Cup and the European Championship following controversy over the timing of the tournament in Morocco.

    Initially scheduled to take place in the summer, this year’s AFCON was scheduled for December 21-January 18, depriving leading European clubs of key players participating in it at a crucial stage of the domestic season.

    Read Also: NFF president visits Ola Aina in London

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    “Everybody wants to play in AFCON. It’s one of the best competitions in the world,” Chukwueze told On Sports TV. “You have to respect the AFCON the same way you respect the European Championship or World Cup.”

    The Fulham winger will miss six games for his club if Nigeria reach the round of 16.

    “We understand they scheduled it at the wrong time of the year, but when it’s important, if you get recalled you have to go,” he said.

    “You don’t have any choice, your club can’t stop you and no one should say anything bad about the AFCON. Yes, they put it at the wrong time, but saying it’s not a good competition or a great competition is unacceptable.”

    Chukwueze helped Nigeria secure an opening 2-1 win over Tanzania in Group C ahead of their second game against Tunisia tomorrow.

  • Saintfiet decries CAF ‘colonial mentality’  over AFCON changes

    Saintfiet decries CAF ‘colonial mentality’  over AFCON changes

    Mali coach Tom Saintfiet has  railed against the decision to play the Africa Cup of Nations every four years instead of two, insisting the move was forced upon the continent by FIFA and European clubs motivated by money.

     “I am very shocked with it and very disappointed. It is the pride of African football, with the best players in African football,” the Belgian told reporters in Rabat ahead of today’s AFCON clash between Mali and Morocco.

    “To take it away and make it every four years, I could understand if it was a request for any reason from Africa, but it is all instructed by the big people from (European governing body) UEFA, the big clubs in Europe and also FIFA and that makes it so sad.”

    Saintfiet, 52, has managed numerous African national teams including Gambia, who he led to the quarter-finals of the 2022 Cup of Nations.

    He was appointed by Mali in August last year and  today will lead them out against current AFCON hosts in a key Group A game at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

    The Cup of Nations has almost always been held at two-year intervals since the first edition in 1957 but Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe last weekend announced that the tournament would go ahead every four years after a planned 2028 tournament.

    Read Also: NFF Management, Staff stage walk against corruption

     “We fought for so long to be respected, to then listen to Europe to change your history – because this is a history going back 68 years – only because of financial requests from clubs who use the load on players as the excuse while they create a World Cup with 48 teams, a Champions League with no champions,” Saintfiet said. “If you don’t get relegated in England you almost get into Europe, it is so stupid,” he joked.

    “If you want to protect players then you play the Champions League with only the champions. You don’t create more competitions with more load. Then you can still play AFCON every two years.

     “Africa is the biggest football continent in the world, all the big stars in Europe are Africans, so I think we disrespect (Africa) by going to every four years.

     “I am very sad about that –- I hoped that the love for Africa would win over the pressure of Europe.”

  • Zidane’s son: My grandfather encouraged me to play for Algeria

    Zidane’s son: My grandfather encouraged me to play for Algeria

    Luca Zidane, son of French World Cup-winner Zinedine, said his grandfather had supported him in switching international allegiance to Algeria, after playing for France at junior level.

    Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as one of the greatest French footballers, inspiring his country to their first World Cup victory in 1998 and scoring two goals in the 3-0 win over Brazil in the final in Paris. The midfielder also guided them to the Euro 2000 trophy, achieving an unprecedented double for Les Bleus.

    The decision to switch nationalities by Luca, who chose to avoid comparisons with his father from an early age by opting to play as a goalkeeper, came as a surprise, especially since he made it at the age of 27.

    He quickly became Algeria’s first-choice keeper, and his father watched him play against Sudan in Vladimir Petković’s side’s opening Africa Cup of Nations Group E match on Wednesday, which they won 3-0.

    Zidane was not tested much during the match, but he did make an important save from a dangerous chance that fell to Yaser Awad with the score at 1-0.

    “When I think of Algeria, I remember my grandfather. Since childhood, we’ve had this Algerian culture in the family,” Zidane told BeIN Sports France.

    “I spoke to him before playing for the national team, and he was extremely happy about this step. Every time I receive an international call-up, he calls me and says that I made a great decision and that he is proud of me.”

    He said his father had also backed his decision.

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

    “He supported me,” Luca said. “He said to me ‘Be careful, this is your choice. I can give you advice, but in the end, the final decision will be yours’.

    “From the moment the coach and the federation president reached out to me, it was clear that I wanted to go and represent my country. After that, I naturally spoke with my family, and they were all happy for me.”

    Zinedine Zidane, who was sent off in the 2006 World Cup final in Germany which they lost to Italy on penalties, won the Champions League in 2002 with Real Madrid and claimed the Ballon d’Or award in 1998.

    His son, who plays in Spain for Granada after starting his career at Real Madrid, has always worn a shirt bearing the name Luca, but he decided his national team jersey would carry the name Zidane.

    “So for me, being able to honour my grandfather by joining the national team is very important,” he said. “The next jersey with the name on it will be for him.”

  • Gates thrown ‘open’ to  fill empty stands at  AFCON 2025

    Gates thrown ‘open’ to  fill empty stands at  AFCON 2025

    Organisers at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco are allowing supporters in for free after kick-off in matches where stadiums are not full, a Confederation of African Football source told AFP.

    The Group F game between Cameroon and Gabon on Wednesday in Agadir kicked off in front of almost empty stands but the ground filled up significantly over the course of the first half despite incessant rain.

    The official attendance was later announced as 35,200 inside a venue which can hold over 45,000.

    There have been similar scenes at numerous matches across the opening days of the competition, even leading to confusion over the attendance figures themselves.

    The crowd at Tuesday’s Group D encounter between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin at Rabat’s Al Medina Stadium – which filled up considerably over the course of the game – was initially announced as 6,703 before later being corrected to 13,073.

    Read Also: NFF  urges  Super Eagles to shine  at Morocco 2025

    The CAF source indicated that organisers, in agreement with African football’s governing body, were opening stands around 20 minutes into games to allow fans gathered outside to enter without paying.

    Filling stadiums is an important issue for Cup of Nations organisers in Morocco, for which a successful hosting of the tournament is key as it builds towards the 2030 World Cup to be jointly held in the North African country, Spain and Portugal.

    CAF’s official ticketing platform on Thursday showed seats available for almost all remaining group matches for prices starting at 100 dirhams ($10.96).

    The only matches shown as sell-outs were hosts Morocco’s games against Mali on Friday and Zambia on Monday, as well as Algeria against Burkina Faso on Sunday and Algeria versus Equatorial Guinea next Wednesday.

  • World Boxing Bureau  honours Ladipo with  customised belt

    World Boxing Bureau  honours Ladipo with  customised belt

    The World Boxing Bureau (WBB) has awarded Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), a special honorary boxing belt for his unwavering  dedication to  boxing in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

    According to Miyen Akiri of Prize Fighting.tv Boxing Promotions, who presented the belt in Lagos, the CEO and President of the WBB, Al-Rahim Burke, personalized the belt specifically for  Dr. Ladipo  as  the first Nigerian  to receive such a coveted boxing souvenir in appreciation of his efforts on professional boxing,

    In response to the prestigious gift, Dr. Ladipo expressed gratitude to the WBB President for considering him deserving and acknowledging his efforts to advance professional boxing in Nigeria. He also extended an invitation to additional investors and promoters to join his board in what he called an exciting new era of professional boxing in Nigeria.

    Read Also: NFF Management, Staff stage walk against corruption

    “I’m dedicating this personalized belt to every member of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control who has been diligently striving to elevate professional boxing in Nigeria to the remarkable height it has reached. Dr. Ladipo stated. He added that “As we strive to offer opportunities, motivate new champions, and uphold the proud legacy of the NBBofC.”

    He emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving these goals. With the support of the board members, he believes that they can transform the landscape of boxing in the country, inspiring the next generation of boxers to pursue their dreams.

    World Boxing Bureau (WBB), which has its headquarters located in the city of Irvington, in the state of New Jersey, United States of America, is a professional boxing sanctioning body with a rich history and an exciting new future, providing up-and-coming boxing prospects, both men and women, with the opportunity to compete for our prestigious championship belts.

  • SACF Scholarship: One lucky  Igbobi College Student  to be recipient

    SACF Scholarship: One lucky  Igbobi College Student  to be recipient

    By Inioluwa David

    A student from Igbobi College will be a beneficiary of the Seyi Akinwunmi Foundation’s scholarship at the 2025 SACF event  holding tomorrow, December 27, with a focus on mentoring and education in football.

    The foundation, in its 11th  edition gives out scholarships to students since inception in 2014

    Organisers of SACF are not keen about the numbers of students that have benefited in the past 10 years but are rather focused on helping more and more every year to develop better in education and football.

    Head of the Technical arm of the organizing team, Dotun Coker, confirmed that one student of the host school would be a beneficiary among other on Saturday

     “I cannot tell you a number but we set to make the participants enjoy themselves and we will also mentor them in various ways to shape their thinking about education and sports,” Coker said.

    Read Also: NFF issues AFCON 2025 final ultimatum to Chelle

    Six teams will feature in the 2025 edition with two women teams and four men teams already confirmed by the organisers.

    The women teams are Golden Eko Ballers Women Team and Asisat Oshoala Girls Academy while for the boys, Golden Eko Ballers U-14 Team, Dosu Football Academy, 36 Lions Football Academy and Ikorodu City Football Academy will compete for honours.

    There will also be a novelty match between Igbobi College Old Boys Association of 2000 set and the Igbobi College Old Boys Association of 2001 set.  

    Igbobi College will host this edition  tomorrow with the huge support from the ICOBA 78/80 set.

  • Youths  thrilled as  2025 Sporty Lagos 3.0 ends at Rowe Park

    Youths  thrilled as  2025 Sporty Lagos 3.0 ends at Rowe Park

    Lagos State came alive with excitement as the Lagos State Government (LASG), in partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Plc, hosted the third edition of Sporty Lagos 3.0 at the Rowe Park Sports Complex, Yaba.

    Organised through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Sports Development, the event celebrated sportsmanship, youth engagement and community unity.

    The initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to grassroots sports development and youth empowerment across the state’s 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LGAs/LCDAs).

    The event attracted young athletes, sports enthusiasts, coaches, club owners and managers from across Lagos State.

    Participants competed in a wide range of sporting activities, including football, basketball, volleyball, handball, table tennis, lawn tennis, chess, boxing, darts, ayo-olopon, ludo, snooker, judo, wrestling, weightlifting  as well as other indoor and outdoor games.

    Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Sports Development, Adebanji Adeoye Atewogboye, expressed satisfaction with the success of the programme.

    “This programme is aimed at creating a platform for youths and sports professionals—sportsmen and women, coaches, club managers, owners and enthusiasts across Lagos State,” he said.“It is a great feeling to see this event come to life, and we are grateful that sponsorship is focusing on grassroots development. First Bank of Nigeria has shown great vision by donating ₦5 million in cash prizes to uplift the spirits of Lagos youths.”

    Atewogboye assured participants that future editions of the event would be even better, reiterating the state government’s commitment to fostering unity, social cohesion and a strong sporting culture in Lagos.

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

    This year’s edition, powered by First Bank Nigeria Plc, featured a sports fiesta comprising basketball, football, handball, volleyball, ayo, PS5 games, snooker and other recreational activities, with N5 million in cash prizes up for grabs.

    One of the attendees,  Aniocha Benjamin, who graced  the event with his sons, commended the initiative.

    “This is beautiful. My sons love basketball, and they are very happy to be here. Next year, I will ensure they participate fully,” he said.

    “With initiatives like this, families can relax and have peace of mind despite the insecurity in the country. You come here, have fun, and go back home safely.

    “Kudos to the Lagos State Government and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant for bringing such activities to Lagosians.”

    The event also received strong political support, as the Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency was represented by Hon. Steve Ogundipe, who donated N1 million to support the programme.

    Sporty Lagos continues to stand out as a unifying platform that promotes youth development, healthy living and community bonding, reinforcing Lagos State’s position as Nigeria’s sporting hub.

  • Messi’s sister’s  wedding postponed  due to  car accident

    Messi’s sister’s  wedding postponed  due to  car accident

    Lionel Messi will be making his customary trip back to his home city of Rosario, Argentina, this Christmas to spend the holiday season with his family. The veteran superstar will have to alter his plans though, following a fortuitous car accident.

    Messi had been due to attend the wedding of his sister Maria Sol on the third of January in Argentina, but the big day has now been postponed. As explained by Marca, Maria Sol was involved in a car accident in Miami this week.

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

    Maria Sol’s life is not in danger, but she did suffer serious injuries, reports Jorge de Brito following conversations with Celia Cuccitini, her mother. After losing control of the car, which caused the crash, Maria Sol sustained two fractured vertebrae, severe burns, a fractured two and an ankle injury. As such, Maria Sol will spend the coming weeks in recovery, and not as she had planned.

    Maria Sol is engaged to Julian Arellano, who has known the youngest of the Messi siblings since their childhood. Arellano incidentally is a coach in the academy at Inter Miami, and the couple live in Florida near her big brother. Like most of the Messi family, Maria Sol has opted to keep a low profile in light of Lionel’s global celebrity.

  • ‘Picasso’ of football Robertson dies at  72

    ‘Picasso’ of football Robertson dies at  72

    Former Scotland, Nottingham Forest and Derby County winger John Robertson – once described by manager Brian Clough as “a Picasso of our game” – has died at the age of 72.

    Robertson scored the only goal as Nottingham Forest retained the European Cup by beating Hamburg in 1980, having delivered the cross from which Trevor Francis netted the winner the previous season against Malmo.

    For Scotland, he scored a winning goal against England in 1981 and netted against New Zealand at the 1982 World Cup finals.

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

    He earned 28 caps for his country before going on to be assistant manager to former Forest team-mate Martin O’Neill with Wycombe Wanderers, Norwich City, Leicester City, Celtic and Aston Villa.

    His 2012 biography Supertramp referenced Clough’s description of him as a “scruffy, unfit, uninterested waste of time” who he turned into “one of the finest deliverers of a football I have ever seen, as fine as the Brazilians or the Italians”.

    His captain at Forest, John McGovern, described him as “like Ryan Giggs but with two good feet, not one” and with more ability.