The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Awosika builds three games courts in Ondo stadium

    Awosika builds three games courts in Ondo stadium

    …hands over facilities to govt

    A US-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, Chief Afolami Awosika, has officially handed over three modern games courts built within the Ondo Township Stadium to the Ondo state government.

    Speaking at the handover ceremony held in Ondo on Tuesday, Chief Awosika explained that the basketball, volleyball and lawn tennis courts were conceived as a deliberate intervention to engage young people positively and to support the Osemawe of Ondo’s drive to promote grassroots sports development.

    According to him, “the facilities are designed to harness youthful energy productively, nurture talents and align with the Osemawe’s vision of using sports as a tool to curb cultism, youth restiveness and other social vices, while also creating opportunities to discover athletes with global potential”

    Chief Awosika, who is currently holds the chieftaincy title of Lomafe of Ondo Kingdom, reaffirmed his belief that meaningful youth development begins with the deliberate provision of safe and functional spaces where young people can channel their energy positively.

    He explained that sports not only promote physical fitness but also instill values such as teamwork, discipline and perseverance, which are essential for building responsible future leaders.

    He further stated that the establishment of the courts and the accompanying tournament was his modest way of giving back to the Ondo community that nurtured him.

    In his remarks, the governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Omoyofunmi Henry, expressed the state government’s appreciation to Chief Awosika for the laudable gesture.

    He described the donation as a clear demonstration of effective public-private partnership in sports development.

    The governor assured that the state government would ensure the proper management, maintenance and optimal use of the facilities to serve the intended purpose of youth engagement and talent development.

    He added that the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to empowering young people, expanding sports infrastructure and creating pathways for youths to excel constructively.

    A former governor of Ondo state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who was present at the event, applauded Chief Afolami Awosika for his enduring commitment to community development and youth empowerment.

    He described the donation of the sports courts as a timely and impactful contribution that reflects a deep understanding of the role sports play in shaping healthy, disciplined and productive youths.

    Mimiko noted that investments of this nature strengthen social development efforts and complement government initiatives aimed at nurturing talents from the grassroots.

    He encouraged other well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations to emulate the gesture, stressing that collaborative efforts remain vital to building sustainable platforms that will empower young people and secure a brighter future for Ondo state.

    The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo, who graced the occasion, commended Chief Awosika for his foresight and commitment to youth empowerment through sports. 

    The monarch described the donation as a strategic investment in the future of Ondo youths, noting that sports remain one of the most effective platforms for character building, discipline and social cohesion.

    Oba Kiladejo further emphasized that the facilities would complement traditional and governmental efforts aimed at redirecting the energies of young people towards productive ventures. 

    He reiterated his belief that sustained engagement through sports would help reduce crime, foster unity and position Ondo as a breeding ground for outstanding athletes at national and international levels.

    A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Chief Afolami Victor Awosika (CAVA) tournaments, which featured competitive games across different sports, with winners emerging in each category.

    In the lawn tennis event, the Senior Staff Tennis Club, Akure, defeated the Ondo Tennis Club to claim the gold medal in the doubles category, while Olakunle Gbologe of UNIMED triumphed over Olanrewaju Akinnagbe of Ondo Tennis Club to emerge winner in the singles category.

    In basketball, the UNIMED team outplayed the Don Bosco Youths with a scoreline of 73–55 to win the gold medal, while the Ondo City Spikers Club defeated Akure Dynamite Spikers Club in two straight sets to clinch the gold medal in the volleyball category.

  • Captain Ndidi, Ajayi  want improvement  despite  ‘spirited’ winning start

    Captain Ndidi, Ajayi  want improvement  despite  ‘spirited’ winning start

    Captain Wilfred Ndidi has praised Super Eagles’ resilience following a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania in their opening match  at 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while acknowledging there is still room for improvement.

    Speaking after the match, Ndidi stressed the importance of starting the tournament on a winning note.

    “The first game is always about momentum,” Ndidi said. “It was really good that we got the three points, which is the most important thing.”

    The Besiktas midfielder admitted the team struggled with fatigue in the second half but praised the squad’s reaction and composure under pressure.

    Read Also: Governor Otti hosts Abia-born Super Falcons after 2024 WAFCON triumph

    “There’s always space for improvement. The first half was good, the pace was good. In the second half we were a bit tired, but we reacted very well,” he added.

    Despite Nigeria conceding again, Ndidi downplayed concerns over defensive issues, expressing confidence in the players and coaching crew to address shortcomings as the tournament progresses.

    Similarly, defender Semi Ajayi has admitted that  the Super Eagles still have areas to improve despite their winning start  against Tanzania.

    Ajayi  who was named Man of the Match, emphasized the need for improvement as the tournament progresses.

    “There are a few things we would iron out and improve, but there are also a lot of positives to take,” he said. “We need to do better at seeing out games and killing teams off.”

    The defender also stressed the importance of goals coming from all areas of the pitch, noting that success cannot rely solely on attackers.

    Nigeria now turn attention to a crucial Group C encounter against Tunisia, while Tanzania prepare to face Uganda in their next match.

  • Aiyegbeni urges Super Eagles to  brace for stiffer  AFCON challenges

    Aiyegbeni urges Super Eagles to  brace for stiffer  AFCON challenges

    Former Nigeria International Yakubu Aiyegbeni has urged  the Super Eagles campaigning at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to brace for stiffer challenges  despite their opening 2-1 win against Tanzania.

    Weighing  in on Victor Osimhen’s display and the rhythm of Nigeria’s midfield,  he stressed  that the Galatasaray man did much of the hard work but lacked the final break of luck in front of goal.

    The Super Eagles created plenty in Fez, building their attacks through wide movement and quick combinations around the box. Alex Iwobi dictated pockets of play, drifting between lines and linking seamlessly with Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman. That platform meant chances kept falling to Osimhen, even if the finishing touch never quite arrived on the night.

    Aiyegbeni pointed to the volume of those opportunities as proof that the framework around the striker is functioning, while insisting that Nigeria cannot stop refining the creative core if they hope to go deep at AFCON 2025.

    Read Also: Salah joins  African greats with AFCON scoring streak

    “You have Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi… they try to create chances and they create some chances for Osimhen. He was just unlucky today,” Aiyegbeni  reportedly told journalist Toyosi Afolayan  as per Afrikfoot after the Tanzania game. “But we still need creative midfield, but the midfield today with Chukwueze, I think he did very well.”

    Iwobi’s influence backed that verdict. The midfielder stitched phases together, drove Nigeria forward in transition, and finished with two assists, underlining how central he has become to the team’s flow.

    While Osimhen chased relentlessly, pressed defenders, and occupied the back line, the former Everton man acted as the connector that kept Nigeria’s attacks breathing.

    The three time AFCON winners now sits second in group c after the opening day, and attention quickly turns to the next match against Tunisia on December 27 in Fez.

  • Oliseh responds as fans split over commentary on Eagles’ win

    Oliseh responds as fans split over commentary on Eagles’ win

    Former Super Eagles captain and head coach, Sunday Oliseh, has broken his silence following mixed reactions on his ‘colour commentary’  during Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Tanzania, a match in which the Super Eagles opened their AFCON campaign on a positive note.

     While Nigeria secured all three points, Oliseh’s post-match commentary quickly became a major talking point across social media platforms.

     While many praised Oliseh for  his no-holds-barred assessment of the Super Eagles’ performance, others accused the former skipper of being overly critical with some suggesting his analysis portrayed a lack of support for the team despite the win.

    Read Also: Governor Otti hosts Abia-born Super Falcons after 2024 WAFCON triumph

    Reacting to the backlash, Oliseh released an official statement expressing disappointment over the narrative being pushed online. He stressed that his comments were rooted in professionalism and a deep-seated commitment to the progress of Nigerian football, not hostility towards the team or coaching crew led by Eric Chelle. According to Oliseh, objective analysis should never be mistaken for disloyalty.

    “For nearly 40 years, I have dedicated my life and career to the progress of Nigerian football,” Oliseh stated, adding that while his role as an analyst demands honesty and balance, his emotional attachment to the Super Eagles remains unchanged. He described constructive criticism as “a tool for improvement borne out of a desire to see our nation succeed.”

    The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder also noted the irony in the criticism, revealing that he had previously been accused of being “too supportive” of the coaching staff. He explained that the contrasting accusations highlight a misunderstanding of his role, reaffirming that his loyalty to the green and white is unwavering and needs no validation.

    Oliseh concluded by urging fans to shift focus away from personal debates and rally behind the players as the tournament progresses. As discussions continue to trend online, his message served as a reminder of the fine line between passion-driven fandom and the value of honest football discourse, especially as Nigeria pushes for continental glory.

  • Chukwueze recalls  difficult times at Milan

    Chukwueze recalls  difficult times at Milan

    Super Eagles’  forward at the ongoing Africa Cups of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025, Samuel  Chukwueze has admitted he endured some torrid time  with AC Milan before he was farmed out on loan to Fulham in the English Premier League.

    Chukwueze arrived Milan in 2023 on the wave of glory from Villarreal but he tallied just four goals in 51 games before heading to the loan spell at Fulham where he has found his rhythm once again.

    On the  sidelines of the Super Eagles’  AFCON campaign in Fes, the 26- year-old  has  spoken candidly about his tempestuous time with the Rossoneri, adding he was not given enough time to blossom at the Serie A side.

    Read Also: Salah joins  African greats with AFCON scoring streak

    “I don’t think I was given the time or the opportunities I needed (at Milan),” the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner reportedly said On Sport via Milanista.  “But that’s football. I just have to keep working. Maybe one day I’ll return to Serie A, or La Liga, or stay in the Premier League. English football probably suits my style better than Italian tactics.”

    He added: I miss Milan. It’s my second home. My family are still there, so of course I miss the city. They are doing well and I wish them all the best, I’m still a Milan player, after all, because I’m only on loan.”

    Despite his not too pleasant period at Milan, Chukwueze remains upbeat about the city of Milan even as he backed his former side to remain firmly in the race for the Scudetto.

     “You can see what Milan are doing, they’re playing very well,” he said. “If they keep pushing like this, I think they can win. I’m sure they’ll finish in the top four because their level has been really high.”

    Chukwueze also reserved special praise for new teammate Luka Modrić, calling him “one of the best players I’ve ever played with,” and for Zlatan Ibrahimović, whose influence he described as motivational across the entire Milan dressing room.

  • Morocco 2025: Goldberg  fuels ‘AFCON Magic’ with fans for Super Eagles

    Morocco 2025: Goldberg  fuels ‘AFCON Magic’ with fans for Super Eagles

    Goldberg Lager Beer has applauded the Super Eagles following their 2–1 victory over Tanzania in Fez, a result that handed Nigeria maximum points in their opening match and lifted spirits among fans across the country.

    While the win marked a positive start for the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations, Goldberg said the moment also reflected the deeper story of Nigerian football culture — the passion, belief, and shared energy of the fans — which sits at the heart of their ‘Our Beat, Our Gold’ campaign.

     “Our Beat, Our Gold is Goldberg’s celebration of Nigerian football culture beyond the ninety minutes of play,” said Kunle Aroyehun, Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg. “It speaks to the shared rhythm around football; the conversations, the humour, the emotions, and the way the game brings us together. Football in Nigeria is not just watched, it’s lived, and that collective passion is something truly golden.”

    The Super Eagles took an early step forward in their AFCON journey with the win and will next face Tunisia in a key Group C fixture. For Goldberg, however, the focus remains on the supporters whose energy continues to drive the team.

    As the Official Beer and Sponsor of the Super Eagles, Goldberg has been spreading what it describes as “AFCON magic” through a network of viewing centres designed to bring fans together in shared celebration.

    Read Also: Governor Otti hosts Abia-born Super Falcons after 2024 WAFCON triumph

    Across Lagos and surrounding communities, the brand has activated fan hubs at Campos Stadium in the Lagos Island area, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Rowe Sport Centre in Yaba, Abesan in the Abesan community, Mushin in Mushin, Agege Stadium in Agege and Ikorodu within the Ikorodu community.

    These viewing centres combine live football with music, entertainment and fan engagement, creating lively spaces where supporters can watch matches together and express their emotions freely. According to Goldberg, the aim is to recreate the excitement of the stadium and make every Super Eagles game a communal experience.

     “Football has always been a unifying force in Nigeria, especially during moments involving the Super Eagles,” Aroyehun said. “We felt it was important to shift the spotlight to the fans — the people who show up emotionally every time. This campaign recognises that passion and gives it a platform.”

    The Our Beat, Our Gold campaign also features the Golden Clan, a group of cultural voices brought together to amplify real fan stories and conversations around Nigerian football. Through humour, commentary and shared experiences, the Golden Clan reflects the many ways Nigerians live the game beyond match day results.

     “The Golden Clan helps us tell the real football stories — the banter, the reactions and the moments that make supporting the Super Eagles special,” Aroyehun explained. “They simply amplify what fans already do naturally.”

    The Goldberg brand manager captured the spirit of the campaign in simple terms. “Our Beat, Our Gold na how Goldberg dey celebrate the way Nigerians take love football,” he said. “No be only the match, na the gist, the shout, the banter, the way everybody dey feel am together. That our collective energy na the beat, and to us, na pure gold.”

    As the Super Eagles prepare for their next match against Tunisia, Goldberg says it will continue to stand with fans, celebrating their passion and togetherness.

     “Whether you’re watching from home, a viewing centre or the street corner, your energy matters,” Mr Aroyehun added. “This passion, this rhythm, this community — it’s gold.”

    For Goldberg, the opening win against Tanzania is a good foundation the Super Eagles can build on in their quest for a fourth AFCON title

  • Davido hits N140m jackpot on Eagles’ winning start

    Davido hits N140m jackpot on Eagles’ winning start

    Afrobeats superstar Davido has cashed out  big on Nigeria’s opening match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, earning a massive N140 million after his pre-match prediction came true.

    Ahead of the Super Eagles’ Group C clash against Tanzania in Fez, Morocco, Davido had  predicted that both teams would score during the encounter. The forecast proved accurate as Nigeria edged Tanzania 2–1 in a tightly contested match.

    The Super Eagles took the lead in the first half before Tanzania equalised, setting up a tense contest that was eventually settled by Ademola Lookman’s decisive goal.

    Read Also: Salah joins  African greats with AFCON scoring streak

    Reports  claimed that Davido’s correct call earned him  about  $96,564 pay-out  which is said to  be an  equivalent of  about N140 million, sparking widespread excitement on social media.

    Fans celebrated not only Nigeria’s winning start to their AFCON campaign but also applauded Davido’s sharp prediction, which turned football insight into a lucrative outcome.

  • Otti honours Abia-born Super  Falcons on historic WAFCON triumph

    Otti honours Abia-born Super  Falcons on historic WAFCON triumph

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has celebrated three Super Falcons of Abia origin following Nigeria’s historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where the Falcons defeated hosts Morocco in Rabat to clinch a record-extending 10th continental title.

    The players hosted by the Governor were Miracle Usani Ofem of Abia Angels FC, Christy Ucheibe of Benfica Ladies (represented by her father), and Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto, Canada.

    Speaking during the reception held on Tuesday, December 23, Governor Otti expressed deep appreciation to the players for projecting Abia State and Nigeria positively on the continental stage.

    “I just want to thank you for bringing honour and pride to this State and our Nation. We are very happy that you emerged champions. Abia State is a State of champions,” the Governor said.

    Governor Otti explained that the state had initially planned to receive the players earlier, but tight schedules prevented the meeting. He reaffirmed his administration’s belief in celebrating excellence to inspire others.

    Read Also: Governor Otti hosts Abia-born Super Falcons after 2024 WAFCON triumph

    “We like to celebrate people who have done well so that others can emulate them and even want to do better. As you perform better, be assured that we are also going to celebrate you,” he assured.

    The Governor also disclosed that the victorious Falcons would receive a “handsome reward package,” to be conveyed through the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, praised Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to sports development and thanked him for honouring the Abia-born champions and rewarding excellence.

    Similarly, Chairman of Abia Angels FC, Mr. Johnson Nwosu, described the occasion as historic, noting the club’s transformation into one of Nigeria’s elite women’s teams under the current administration.

    Responding on behalf of the players, Usani thanked the Governor for his support and hospitality, describing the reception as a great honour. The event was attended by top government officials and political leaders across the state.

  • GOtv Boxing Night 34 Jam Festival holds tomorrow

    GOtv Boxing Night 34 Jam Festival holds tomorrow

    The much-anticipated sports and entertainment show, GOtv Boxing Night 34 Jam Festival, will take place tomorrow at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    The Boxing Day showcase will feature six professional bouts, headlined by the national super bantamweight title clash between Sodiq “Happy Boy” Adeleke and defending champion Durotimi “Tiny” Agboola. The bout is expected to be a defining contest for both fighters, with Adeleke chasing his first national title and Agboola aiming to retain his crown.

    Read Also: Salah joins  African greats with AFCON scoring streak

    Also on the card is an international catchweight bout between Nigeria’s Rasheed “ID Buster” Idowu and Ghana’s Nii Offei Dodoo, adding a familiar West African rivalry to the night. Other confirmed contests include Segun “Odi” Gbobaniyi against Tobiloba “Smiling Assassin” Ijomoni in the lightweight division, Sodiq “Smart Lion” Suleiman versus Emmanuel “Ability” Abimbola in a light welterweight clash, Ezekiel “Touch” Seun against Toheeb “Full Tank” Hassan in the super bantamweight category, and Sadam “Baby Boxer” Oladipupo facing Imole “System” Oloyede.

    Beyond the boxing, the Jam Festival edition will also feature live music and comedy performances, reinforcing the event’s reputation as a blend of sport and entertainment. Fast-rising artistes Shoday and Mavo are billed to perform, alongside comedy act Triclowns, as organisers aim to deliver a full Boxing Day experience for fans.

    The event, which begins at 4pm, will air live on SS Africa 1 (GOtv Channel 63, DStv Channel 207). It is sponsored by GOtv, with support from MultiChoice, Renmoney, ZetaWeb, TheCable and the Lagos State Sports Commission.

  • Ojomu, Kuti reign supreme at 11th  Elicris Table Tennis Cup

    Ojomu, Kuti reign supreme at 11th  Elicris Table Tennis Cup

    Ajoke Ojomu staged a remarkable comeback against Sukurat Aiyelabegan to clinch the women’s singles crown, while Matthew Kuti reaffirmed his supremacy in the men’s singles at the grand finale of the 11th  Elicris Table Tennis Cup, held on Tuesday at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

    The two-day tournament was organised by the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSSTA) with technical support from the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and sponsored by the Babatunde Abayomi Adejobi (BAA) Foundation.

    A total of 64 players—32 men and 32 women—competed for a share of the ₦3.8 million prize money. Ojomu claimed her first title at the tournament after a dramatic seven-game battle against 2024 finalist Aiyelabegan.

    Read Also: Governor Otti hosts Abia-born Super Falcons after 2024 WAFCON triumph

    From the outset, Aiyelabegan showed her intent, playing aggressively and dictating most of the rallies to take the first two games 12-10, 11-7. Ojomu, however, mounted a resurgence in the third game, shifting momentum with victories at 11-9, 11-5, and 11-6 to lead 3-2. Aiyelabegan fought back to level the tie 3-3 with an 11-7 win in the sixth game. In the decisive seventh, Ojomu dominated from start to finish, sealing the match 11-4 to complete a 4-3 triumph and secure her maiden women’s title of the tournament.

    In the men’s singles final, Muiz Adegoke sought revenge for his 4-0 loss to Kuti at the 3rd Daniel Ford Tournament just days earlier. He started strongly, levelling the tie at 1-1. But Kuti, determined to maintain his reign, shifted gears from the third game onward, winning three straight to complete a 4-1 victory and retain the title he first won in 2024.

    Both Kuti and Ojomu walked away ₦600,000 richer each, while the runners-up, Aiyelabegan and Adegoke, earned ₦400,000 each for their efforts.

    After witnessing the players’ exceptional performances, Babatunde Adejobi, founder of the BAA Foundation, pledged to expand the scope of the tournament further while reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to youth development through sports.

    For Tunji Lawal, Chairman of LSSTA, Kuti’s performance once again underscored Lagos’ dominance in table tennis. He promised to sustain the momentum with plans to launch an exciting league in 2026.