The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Cleric boosts grassroots sports in Ekiti community with  N2m

    Cleric boosts grassroots sports in Ekiti community with  N2m

    The ‘Planter’ of Adamimogo Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain Worldwide and Adamimogo FM Nigeria, Prophet Sam Olu-Alo, has donated   some two million naira to an Ekiti State community  in order to develop sports in the grassroots.

    The cash prize was expended on secondary schools across the Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, who participated in the football tournament  organised by the Prophet in his hometown, Ido-Ekiti.

    Speaking after the match that saw Elo High School, Ayetoro Ekiti defeating Notredame Grammar School, Usi Ekiti by 2-1 in the final, Olu-Alo urged youths in the community to embrace sports, saying there’s a current shift in the sector that will make them for life.

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

    He awarded Elo High School with the sum of N200,000; Notredame Grammar School with N150,000, N100,000 to third position and N50,000 to fourth position.

    He also awarded individual performances with plaques and cash prices, all total about N2,000,000.

    Also speaking, the Coordinator of Sam Olu-Alo Military Football Competition, Hon Deji Ogunbusuyi hailed the Prophet for sponsoring the initiative, saying this would reduce crime and develop sports activities in the community.

    However, Ogunbusuyi lamented over the lackadaisical attitudes of some Schools’ principal officers, who don’t invest in their students concerning sports but still want to cheat them when the students are awarded monetarily for their hard work.

    He urged them to turn over a new leaf and throw their weight behind their students whenever they want to participate in competitions.

  • Mahrez leads Algeria to AFCON cruise against Sudan

    Mahrez leads Algeria to AFCON cruise against Sudan

    Captain Riyad Mahrez scored in each half as 2019 champions Algeria eased to a 3-0 win over 10-man Sudan in their opening game at the Africa Cup of Nations.

    Mahrez got the opener after just 82 seconds to the delight of the Algerian fans who made up the vast majority of the 16,115 crowd at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

    The former Manchester City winger, now with Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia, got his and his team’s second goal just after the hour mark and Ibrahim Maza wrapped up the win late on as Algeria started in the best possible fashion in Group E.

    Among the spectators in the Moroccan capital was France legend Zinedine Zidane, whose parents came from Algeria and whose son Luca was starting in goal for the Desert Foxes.

    His appearance on big screens in the ground drew huge cheers from Algerian supporters who will have been delighted to see their team produce a convincing performance.

    Algeria were eliminated in the first round without a win at each of the last two AFCON tournaments but wasted no time in breaking the deadlock against the group outsiders.

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

    The match was little over a minute old when Mohamed Amoura’s ball across the penalty box was met by a back-heel from Hicham Boudaoui to tee up Mahrez. He took a touch before firing in.

    Zidane then did well to save at the feet of Sudan’s Yaser Awad Boshara but Algeria were by far the better side.

    Sudan’s chances of getting back into the game were then severely dented when Salaheldin Adil was sent off six minutes before the interval for a second booking for chopping down Rayan Ait-Nouri.

    Ramy Bensebaini had a goal disallowed for offside moments later but Mahrez made it 2-0 on 61 minutes as he connected with a lovely outside-of-the-boot assist from Amoura.

    Mahrez, appearing at his sixth AFCON, now has eight goals at the tournament. He came off to an ovation from the Algerian fans late on.

    Substitute Maza, of Bayer Leverkusen, finished from Baghdad Bounedjah’s knockdown with five minutes left to score Algeria’s 100th  AFCON goal and make it 3-0.

    Sudan have now won just once in 17 Cup of Nations matches since lifting the trophy in 1970.

    Earlier in the same group, Burkina Faso came from behind to beat 10-man Equatorial Guinea 2-1 thanks to two goals deep in injury time in Casablanca.

    Basilio Ndong was sent off just after half-time for Equatorial Guinea but they looked set to win the game when substitute Marvin Anieboh headed in on 85 minutes.

    However, Georgi Minoungou equalised in the fifth added minute before Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba grabbed a dramatic 98th-minute winner.

  • Governor Otti hosts Abia-born Super Falcons after 2024 WAFCON triumph

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

    Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has hosted three victorious Super Falcons of Abia origin who helped Nigeria lift the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy in Morocco, defeating the host nation in Rabat to secure a record 10th title.

    The players hosted include Miracle Useni Ofem of the state-owned Abia Angels, Christy Ucheibe (represented by her father) of Portugal’s Benfica FC, and Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto, Canada.

    Governor Otti congratulated the players, expressing pride in their achievement and the honour they brought to Abia State and Nigeria.

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

    The Governor explained that the visit had been planned earlier but could not take place due to the players’ tight schedules. He emphasized that his administration celebrates excellence to inspire others.

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

    A special reward package for the victorious Falcons will be delivered through the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, who also thanked Governor Otti for his continuous support of sports and youth development in the state.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of Abia Angels, Mr. Johnson Nwosu, praised the Governor’s backing, noting that the team has evolved from being a player-supply club to one of Nigeria’s elite teams. “If you cannot perform under this administration, go and look for something else; something is wrong. The name of the State is now a visa for the players,” he stated.

    Speaking on behalf of the players, Miracle Useni expressed gratitude to Governor Otti, saying, “Being received by His Excellency is a big honour and a privilege for me. I would say, thank you to His Excellency and thank you to Abia State as a whole.”

    The Governor was joined by the acting National Secretary of the Labour Party, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and other commissioners and aides.

  • Salah joins  African greats with AFCON scoring streak

    Salah joins  African greats with AFCON scoring streak

    Mohamed Salah became the first Egyptian player to score in five consecutive editions of the African Cup of Nations with his late strike in a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe on Monday.

    Egypt’s captain, starting his first game after four successive matches on the bench at Liverpool, fired home a left-footed effort in the 91st minute to give the seven-time champions a late victory and Hossam Hassan’s side a comfortable start in Morocco, setting a new record for Egypt.

    “Our national team captain Mohamed Salah becomes the first Egyptian player to score in five consecutive editions of the Africa Cup of Nations” the Egyptian FA posted on X.

    Liverpool’s talisman has scored in the 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023 and now 2025 editions, matching Ivorian  trio of  Didier Drogba, Abdoulaye Traore and Yaya Toure as well as Tunisian winger Youssef Msakni.

    Salah now has the chance to increase his tally with two AFCON tournaments scheduled within the next three years in 2027 and 2028. A goal in each edition would allow the Egypt international to break the record held by Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o, Zambia’s Kalusha Bwalya and the Ghanaian duo Andre Ayew and Asamoah Gyan.

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

    The 33-year-old has scored eight goals in 20 AFCON games – four fewer than Hassan El-Shazly, Egypt’s all-time top scorer in the tournament and three fewer than his current coach Hassan.

    Egypt will face South Africa on Friday, then take on Angola on December 29, as Salah aims to finally lift the Africa Cup after losing the final in 2017 and 2021.

  • AFCON 2025: Ajayi grabs MOTM Award as Super  Eagles edge Taifa Stars  

    AFCON 2025: Ajayi grabs MOTM Award as Super  Eagles edge Taifa Stars  

    Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi was deservedly named Man of the Match after a dominant all-round display that anchored the Super Eagles’ hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania in their opening Group C clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

    The centre-back combined defensive authority with attacking impact, breaking the deadlock in the 36th minute when he powered home a towering header from Alex Iwobi’s precise cross. The goal underlined Ajayi’s growing influence at both ends of the pitch and set Nigeria on course for a crucial opening win.

    Beyond his goal, Ajayi was a commanding presence at the heart of defence, reading danger early, winning aerial battles and organising a back line that came under sustained pressure from a lively Tanzanian side determined to cause an upset.

    Read Also: NFF Management, Staff stage walk against corruption

    Even after Tanzania drew level shortly after the restart, the West Bromwich Albion defender remained composed, helping the Super Eagles steady themselves during a tense spell before Ademola Lookman’s superb strike restored Nigeria’s lead.

    Ajayi’s performance was capped by a series of vital interceptions and last-ditch clearances late in the game, as Tanzania pushed for another equaliser in the closing stages.

    The Man of the Match award crowned a memorable night for Ajayi, whose goal was his second for Nigeria following his strike in a 2023 World Cup qualifier. With the Super Eagles provisionally top of Group C and tougher tests against Tunisia and Uganda ahead, his assured display will provide confidence that Nigeria’s defensive spine is beginning to click at the right time.

  • Liverpool’s Isak faces two months out after ‘reckless’ tackle

    Liverpool’s Isak faces two months out after ‘reckless’ tackle

    Alexander Isak faces two months on the sidelines after fracturing his leg in a “reckless challenge” from Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, Liverpool boss Arne Slot said.

    The Sweden striker was injured in a tackle from the defender in the act of scoring the opening goal in Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Spurs.

    The Premier League champions said in a statement on Monday the forward had undergone surgery on “an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture”.

     “It’s going to be a long injury, for a couple of months,” Slot told reporters. “So, yeah, that’s a big, big, big disappointment for him. And as a result also of course for us.”

    The Dutchman, whose team are fifth in the Premier League, described Van de Ven’s tackle as “reckless”.

     “The tackle of Van de Ven, if you make that tackle 10 times, I think 10 times there’s a serious chance that a player gets a serious injury,” he said.

    Isak’s injury is the latest setback for the 26-year-old after he signed from Newcastle for a British record fee of £125 million ($168 million) on transfer deadline day in September.

    He arrived at Anfield lacking match fitness after his protracted move and subsequently suffered a groin injury, which set him back further.

    Slot admitted it had been a “challenging and difficult period” for his new striker, who has scored just three goals in 16 appearances in all competitions.

    But he believes Isak could still play a valuable role later in the season.

    Read Also: NFF Management, Staff stage walk against corruption

     “You join a new club, usually when you join a new club, he was very excited of course as well, but you want to show immediately all the qualities you have, but that was simply impossible,” said Slot.

     “Maybe no one understands, but if you haven’t trained for three or four months on a serious level with the team, and you are playing in this league you need to be on top of your game to impact a game of football.”

    Slot added: “We always knew it would take him time and that’s why he’s so unlucky that he’s now injured because we all saw with his goal against West Ham, with this goal, that he was getting closer and closer to the player he was last season at Newcastle.”

    Isak’s absence will be a major blow for Liverpool, with Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations and Cody Gakpo a doubt for Saturday’s home match against bottom club Wolves.

    Hugo Ekitike, who has scored five goals in his past four games, and the little-used Federico Chiesa are the only fit senior forwards.

    Isak’s injury means Liverpool could boost their attacking options in the January transfer window but Slot was tight-lipped when asked about a potential move for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.

    It may also change the conversation around Salah, who had been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia after he took aim at the club in a fiery interview, though he did return to action before his departure for Egypt duty.

    Liverpool’s Premier League title defence collapsed after six defeats in seven matches but have recovered somewhat and are presently on a five-game unbeaten run.

  • Super  Eagles dim Taifa Stars  to kick-start campaign

    Super  Eagles dim Taifa Stars  to kick-start campaign

    Lookman grabs  winner, Ajay awarded MOTM

    As widely expected, the  Super Eagles got off   their campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON, Morocco 2025,  on a winning note  following  a hard-earned 2–1 victory over  the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in  their Group C clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

    Nigeria dominated the early exchanges and came close to an opening goal when Akor Adams’ header graced  the crossbar, while Ademola Lookman also tested the Tanzanian defence with a deflected effort that went narrowly wide.

    The pressure continued as Victor Osimhen was denied by a last-ditch clearance after rounding the opposing goalkeeper midway through the first half.

    But  it was Semi Ajayi  that broke the deadlock in the 36th minute  as he headed home a well-delivered set-piece from  Alex Iwobi for what was his second goal  for the  Super Eagles

    Read Also: W’Cup 2026: NFF begs Tinubu, Nigerians over  Super Eagles’ setback

    Thereafter, Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba produced several fine saves including a late stop from Samuel Chukwueze to keep the deficit at one heading into the break.

    The Super  Eagles nearly  doubled their advantage immediately after the restart through  but Victor Osimhen’s effort was ruled  offside by VAR. Almost immediately,  it was the  Taifa Stars who were  smiling after  an unmarked Charles M’Mombwa slotted  the ball past  goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

    Yet  the Super Eagles responded swiftly, with Iwobi again at the heart of the move, setting up Lookman to restore Nigeria’s lead with a clinical finish in the 52nd  minute. Despite several missed chances to extend their advantage, Nigeria saw out the closing stages with composure to claim all three points.

    While  Semi Ajayi  was  deservedly  awarded the Man of the Match Award, victory earned Nigeria the vital three points ahead of their next encounter with Tunisia on Saturday while Tanzania will seek a response when they face Uganda in their second group match on the same day.

  • Chelle  targets Super Eagles’ improvement  for  Tunisia’s test

    Chelle  targets Super Eagles’ improvement  for  Tunisia’s test

    Smarting from the Super Eagles’ opening   2-1  win over the Taifa Stars  of Tanzania at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON, Morocco 2025, Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has admitted  that the Super Eagles must improve  on their overall display  when they face Tunisia in their second  game at the tournament on Saturday  in Fes.

    Winners  on home soil in 1980 with further success in 1994 and 2013,  the Super  Eagles  finished  with the silver  at the last tournament in Cote d’Ivoire  but  Chelle   had confidently  said they are in Morocco  to  go a step further in order  to conquer the continent again.

    But speaking at his post-match conference after last night victory, Chelle  said  he was  happy with the   Super Eagles’ victory but admitted they will  have to do more against Tunisia  who  are now  top of the Group C section following their 3-0  win over Uganda last night.

     “ We  have to analyse this match because we did a lot of good things ; we created a lot of chances to score goals in the first half ,” the former Mali’s national team coach said.

    Read Also: NFF, Osimhen, Iwobi paid emotional tributes to Troost-Ekong

    “ But in the second half, we gave Tanzania to come back into the game and we made two mistakes  but after we also had the chance to score more goals .

    “ We are happy for the three points and the most important thing at the AFCON is to  improve with every game . We have to continue to improve

    “ We a big game against Tunisia  and we have to improve more defensively and how we move also .

    “ But I have to  congratulate my players for the win(against Tanzania,” he added.

    Saturday’s match at the same Complexe Sportif de Fès between Nigeria  and Tunisia  will be a repeat of the Round of 16th  tie between both sides  at the delayed 2021 edition in Cameroon where the North Africans  grabbed a solitary goal win to advance to  the quarter finals.

  • AFCON 2023: Dikko lauds Tinubu for redeeming rewards to Super Eagles

    AFCON 2023: Dikko lauds Tinubu for redeeming rewards to Super Eagles

    National Sports Commission(NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has applauded the  government of  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for delivering on its promise to reward  the Super Eagles for winning  silver at the  delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

    On Monday , President Tinubu fulfilled the promises of Houses, plots of land and national honours after Dikko led a Federal Government delegation to the Super Eagles camp in Fes, Morroco to  present the title documents for the houses, certificates of national honour and confirmation of the plots of land in Abuja to the elated and grateful players and team officials from the class of 2024 comprising 45 persons.

    The Federal Government delegation consisted of  a  representative from the Presidency, Mrs Nathan-Mash, Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Chairman of Senate Committee on Sports Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, Chairman of House Committee on Sports Hon. Kabiru Amadu, Malam Saleh Ahmadu and Nigerian Embassy Officials in Morocco among others.

    Read Also: NSBMB :NFF welcomes scientific body to boost national  teams

     Dikko reiterated the President’s commitment towards athletes’ welfare and a reward scheme aimed at motivating athletes to higher levels of excellence and explained that after all due processes are completed the rewards are now being delivered to the team as approved by the President.

    He said: “What we have done here today is a demonstration of the shared prosperity disposition of Mr. President. The era of unfulfilled promises to the athletes is gone. As I am talking to you, the houses and National Honours Mr. President promised to the D’Tigress and Super Falcons are ready for collection and payment of the  Naira Equivalent of $100,000 USD  promised to each of the players  is being processed by the Minister of Finance and Accountant-General of the Federation for payment direct to the players’ accounts.”

    He  also thanked the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, the Minister of  Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike and the Minister of Finance and coordinating Minister of Economy, Mr. Wale Edun for collaborating closely with the NSC in delivering the presidential awards as approved and directed by President   Tinubu.

    He added: “To whom much is given, much is expected. We want the Super Eagles and indeed, every Nigerian athlete to know that they have a President who cares and won’t allow their labour to be in vain in clear alignment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and Shared Prosperity Vision of the President. They should not relent in their efforts to bring honour to the nation as they should be rest assured the President would always be in the corner while the NSC would continue to work to ensure it provides the enablers for their success to the glory of Nigeria.”

  • Robust security guaranteed for GOtv Boxing Night

    Robust security guaranteed for GOtv Boxing Night

    Flykite Productions, organisers of GOtv Boxing Night Jam Festival, have assured fans and stakeholders that robust security measures will be in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The event will hold this Friday at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    The organisers in a statement  said they are working closely with relevant security agencies and private security outfits to guarantee crowd control, traffic management, and overall safety before, during, and after the event.

    They noted that the event, which blends the excitement of professional boxing with live music and comedic performances, is expected to attract a large audience, making security planning a top priority. Measures outlined include controlled access points, enhanced surveillance, emergency response teams on standby, and clearly marked entry and exit routes.

    Read Also: NFF, Osimhen, Iwobi paid emotional tributes to Troost-Ekong

     “Our commitment is to deliver world-class entertainment in a secure environment. Fans should come ready to enjoy six boxing bouts, the music and comedy confident that their safety has been properly catered for,” the statement said.

    The organisers also urged attendees to cooperate with security personnel, adhere to event guidelines, and arrive early to avoid last-minute congestion.

    GOtv Boxing Night has grown into one of Nigeria’s most popular sports-entertainment events, producing top-tier boxing bouts while spotlighting musical talent. The event will air live on SS Africa 1 (GOtv Ch. 63, DStv Ch. 207). It is sponsored by GOtv, with support from MultiChoice, Renmoney, ZetaWeb, TheCable and the Lagos State Sports Commission.