The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Russia ban will be lifted – Gianni Infantino

    Russia ban will be lifted – Gianni Infantino

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that Russia’s suspension from international football should be lifted, insisting that the country should be allowed to return to the global game.

    Russia has been banned from football competitions since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

    However, the debate has resurfaced after the International Olympic Committee recommended that international sports federations allow Russian teams to compete again at youth level, a move Infantino believes should extend to football as well.

    Reacting to the development, Infantino in an interview with Sky News, stated the decision to suspend the Russians from the competition “has achieved nothing” and “has only generated more disappointment and hatred”.

    Read Also: Photos: Saraki receives FIFA President, Gianni Infantino

    “We have to, definitely,’ Infantino said when asked about potentially lifting the ban.

    “Because this ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred.

    “Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help.”

  • Atlético land Lookman on four-year deal

    Atlético land Lookman on four-year deal

    • Forward targets Betis bow o Thursday
    • Atalanta chiefs hail departing ‘Mola’

    Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman could make his Atlético Madrid debut as early as Thursday when Diego Simeone’s side face Real Betis away in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal.

    Atlético yesterday officially announced the signing of Lookman from Atalanta following an agreement between both clubs for the former African Footballer of the Year, who will wear the red-and-white jersey for the next four and a half seasons.

     The 28-year-old penned a long-term contract keeping him at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano until June 30, 2030.

    As part of the transfer formalities, Lookman successfully completed his medical at the Vithas–Invictum High-Performance Sports Medicine Centre in Madrid before heading to the club’s stadium to finalize the move. He was formally received by Atlético Madrid CEO Miguel Ángel Gil at the club’s offices, where the paperwork was concluded.

    Read Also: Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta

    Lookman arrives in Spain on the back of an outstanding spell with Atalanta, where he etched his name into the club’s history by scoring a remarkable hat-trick in the 3-0 thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023–24 UEFA Europa League final—the club’s first-ever continental title.

    During his time in Bergamo, ‘Mola’—as Lookman is widely known—made 137 appearances, scoring 55 goals and registering 27 assists, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most lethal attackers.

    Atalanta hailed the departing winger after three and a half years of excellent service. “The Percassi family, the Pagliuca family, and the entire Club bid farewell to Ademola, thanking him and wishing him every success in the future,” the Serie A side said.

    Following his move to Atlético Madrid, Lookman penned an emotional farewell to Atalanta and their supporters on Instagram, reflecting on the unforgettable moments he experienced with the club.

    “From the moment I arrived in Bergamo, you welcomed me like one of your own,” Lookman wrote, recalling the Europa League triumph, his hat-trick in the final, and winning the 2024 African Player of the Year award as an Atalanta player.

    He also paid tribute to his teammates, the club’s staff, and the fans, thanking them for their unwavering support and for making Bergamo feel like home.

    As Lookman now turns his focus to life in La Liga, all eyes will be on the Super Eagles star as he prepares to don Atlético Madrid colours for the first time.

  • Rivers  to conclude trials for Niger Delta Games with football

    Rivers  to conclude trials for Niger Delta Games with football

    Ahead of the  2nd Niger Delta  Games  to be hosted in Benin, Rivers State ‘s athletes selection would be concluded on Saturday, February 7 when the football contingent would be picked.

    The trials began yesterday  February 2 in Chess, Table Tennis, Tennis, Scrabble and would continue tomorrow, February 3, for athletes seeking a place in the squads for Handball and Wrestling.

    It would be turn  of Volleyball, Taekwondo on Wednesday, February 4, with swimming and Powerlifting trials coming  up on Thursday while Friday is for Basketball, Boxing and Weightlifting

    The trials are aimed at selecting athletes who will represent Team Rivers across all 16 sporting events approved by the organisers of the Niger Delta Games.

    Athletics trials have already been concluded, while this final phase of state trials will continue in the coming days before the full camping of selected athletes ahead of Edo 2026.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 15 Premier League most expensive signings since 2010

    The Niger Delta Games is organised by Dunamis-Icon for the nine states that make up the region that are members of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Members of the State Liaison Committee say they are impressed with the athletes’ impressive form, commitment, and competitive edge, believing that Rivers State would likely record an improved outing at the regional sports festival.

    The Rivers State Director of Sports, Mrs Ibia Inyengiyikabo, confirmed that athletes from the state are fully prepared for the forthcoming Games.

     “We have seen athletes who can do even better in the future and with consistent training, we are optimistic about winning medals,” she said in Port Harcourt, praising  the athletes’ commitment, energy, and zeal to represent the state.

    The Niger Delta Games finals will hold in Benin City, Edo State between  February 20 and 27. Over 3000 athletes and 500 officials would participate in the fiesta.

  • Lagos STL, Art Hotel, Shoreline shine at Lagos Int’l Polo Tournament

    Lagos STL, Art Hotel, Shoreline shine at Lagos Int’l Polo Tournament

    The opening week of the ongoing Lagos International Polo Tournament  has seen  the crowning glory of three Lagos-based teams  as the  event moves to higher gears this  week  with the highly sought-after Majekodunmi Cup .

    Lagos Art Hotel, Lagos STL and Lagos Shoreline/ A1 swept through the crowded opening week to  respectively earn the Chapel Hill Denham Cup, the Adedapo Ojora Cup and the Oba of Lagos Cup.

    The Seyi Tinubu-powered STL opened the flood gate for the homers as they  overcame  arch rival, Lagos Shoreline/A1 in keenly contested encounter  to clinch the Adedapo Ojora  with a thrilling 10-5 scores over  five chukkas.

    STL parading Yasin Amusan, Alfie Hyde, Chris Makenzie and Tayo Ojora jumped to the driving seat of the final game and remained ahead till the final chukka of the game despite spirited fight back by the quartet of A1/ Shoreline complete  with Olumide Agboola, Sule Musa, Isa Kwame and Manuel Crespo.

    Tayo, who received the trophy named after his father during the prize presentation ceremony, praised commitment of his teammates to  win the cup that is very close to his heart and the entire Ojora family for obvious reasons.

    Read Also: Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta

    In a related development, A1 Shoreline  bounced into reckoning by clinching the traditional Oba of Lagos Cup with a 8-5  score line over  visiting Wilttten Aviation from Port Harcourt before  a capacity crowd  that included the full complement of the Lagos Traditional Council from the Oba’s Palace.

    The opening week of the tournament was concluded on  Sunday, when Art Hotel Polo Team came from 2-6 goals deficit in the third chukka of the final, to edge hot favourites STL 13-12 to clinch their first Chapel Hill Denham Cup title.

    Art Hotel team featuring Baba Dantata, Folarin Kuku, Segundo Liorente and Bauti Panelo started the Chapel Hill Denham Cup final on a shaky note with a four goal-deficit  and two chukkas left to play, the duo of Segundo and Panelo who was plying his first tournament in Africa, propelled  Kuku and Dantata to turn the game on  its head  to  gift the Art Hotel their biggest victory Lagos polo tournament.

    Meanwhile, the  Lagos international polo tournament that galloped off January 27 at the foremost Ribadu Polo Ground in Ikoyi, enters its second week with the  highly reverred Majekodunmi Cup.

    Other glittering high-goal Cups to be won during the second week are the Sani Dangote Cup played in the everlasting memory of the late President of Lagos Polo Club, one of Nigeria’s biggest polo Patrons.

    The list includes the newly introduced Argentine Ambassador’s Cup, Owen Cup and the oldest polo laurel in Nigeria, the Independence Cup.

    Polo Pix Caption: Art Hotel polo team   and  Lagos STL team (sitting) showcasing their prizes during the closing ceremony of the opening week of the Lagos International Polo tournament.

  • NPFL: Remo Stars sink deeper into relegation zone after loss to Plateau United

    NPFL: Remo Stars sink deeper into relegation zone after loss to Plateau United

    Reigning champions Remo Stars slipped deeper into relegation  zone after a damaging 2–1 defeat to Plateau United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, in one of the concluding fixtures of NPFL Matchday 24 yesterday.

    Jonathan Okechukwu had shoot the Peace Boys ahead in the 29th  minute before the Sky Blue Stars’ equaliser in the 63rd minute through former Rivers United attacker, Albert Korvah.

    The game ended in a dramatic twist through Harrison Ebah long range shot in stoppage time which sealed Plateau United’s first away victory of the campaign.

    The result saw Remo Stars drop to 18th  on the table with 26 points, firmly in the relegation zone.

    Plateau United, rejuvenated under new head coach Gbenga Ogunbote, extended their unbeaten run to six matches. The Peace Boys climbed to 14th  position with 30 points, moving clear of relegation danger and underlining their resurgence.

    In Ilorin, Kwara United snapped their winless run with a 2–1 victory over Warri Wolves at the George Innih Sports Complex. Saheed Olaniyi opened the scoring in the 17th  minute before converting from the penalty spot early in the second half (48′). Warri Wolves responded through Peter Ita in the 75th  minute, but it proved insufficient to deny the hosts maximum points.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 15 Premier League most expensive signings since 2010

    Despite the win, Kwara United remain in the drop zone, sitting 17th  with 27 points, while Warri Wolves stay ninth on 33 points, missing the chance to close in on the continental places.

    Over in Kano, Barau FC edged Ikorodu City 1–0, thanks to a first-half strike from Uche Moses in the 28th minute. The narrow victory pushed the Maliya Boys up to 13th  place with 30 points, strengthening their mid-table position.

    Ikorodu City, however, maintained their impressive campaign despite the setback and remain fourth with 38 points, keeping them firmly in the title and continental qualification conversation.

    Meanwhile, the fixture involving El Kanemi Warriors and Kun Khalifat in Maiduguri was not played after Kun Khalifat reportedly failed to honour the tie due to a vehicle breakdown. The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is expected to make a ruling on the matter, with El Kanemi hopeful of being awarded all three points and goals.

    NPFL Matchday 24 Results

    Remo Stars 1–2 Plateau United

    Kwara United 2–1 Warri Wolves

    Barau FC 1–0 Ikorodu City

  • Week two delivers 24 goals at Nat. Idowu U-14 Football League

    Week two delivers 24 goals at Nat. Idowu U-14 Football League

    Nathaniel Idowu-Ajegunle U-14 Football LeagueThe Nathaniel Idowu-Ajegunle U-14 Football League continues to deliver excitement, with Week 2 producing an impressive 24 goals, surpassing the 21 netted in the opening round.

    The grassroots tournament, staged at the Nathaniel Idowu pitch in Ajegunle, Ajeromi‑Ifelodun Local Council of Lagos, is fast becoming a showcase of youthful attacking flair.

    Organised by the Ajeromi‑Ifelodun Sports Council with support from the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, the league is committed to nurturing grassroots football and giving young players a platform to shine.

    Pure Talents FA maintained their fine form with a commanding 6–2 victory over Young 11 FA, courtesy of goals from Fidelis Prosper, Chukwu Gozie, Ajaloleru Yesiru, and Adekunle Daniel. Joseph Philip and Theodore Triumph struck for Young 11, but their efforts could not prevent defeat.

    Read Also: Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta

    Michael May FA secured a solid 2–0 win over Best of Best International, with Gavor Marvelous and Akinbowale Winner on target. Bright Future FA and Divinely Blessed FA battled to a 1–1 draw, while Fortune FA impressed again with a resounding 6–2 triumph over Strong Dove FA.

    Sharp Talent FA showcased their cutting edge in front of the goal, thumping Ajegunle United SC 3–0 through strikes from Divine Nwayawo, Sulaiman Ibrahim, and Shogbamu Emmanuel. Coal City FA rounded off the weekend with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Moore Wins FA.

    The league has begun attracting support from individuals and organisations. Joy Ekwem pledged to supply water to all teams throughout the competition, while Kelvin Osaze, CEO of Kelvin Osaze Transport Services, donated ₦200,000 to the League Management Committee and an additional ₦50,000 as educational support for Surajudeen Mujeeb, the youngest player representing Bright Future FA.

    In addition, every Man of the Match performance was rewarded with a t‑shirt courtesy of Adedotun Coker, Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association.

  • Organisers name Diri, others for Newstap/ SWAN 5-Star Award

    Organisers name Diri, others for Newstap/ SWAN 5-Star Award

    Organizers of the annual 5- Star Newstap Communication/ Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) award have announced winners of the second edition  of the prestigious  award instituted in  honouring eminent personalities who have made immense contributions to football and sports development in Nigeria  over the years.

    After a rigorous selection  process by a committee of respected members,  Governor of Bayelsa State Senator Douye Diri, The CEO/Director-General National Institute for Sports (NIS) , Comrade Philip Shaibu, CEO of Nilayo Sports, Mrs Yetunde Olopade (wife of Director-General National Sports Commission Hon. Bukola Olapade), internationally acclaimed boxing promoter Hon. Omonlei Yakubu Imadu and proprietor  of Grassroots football  club Ahudiya Nnem FC , Chief Robert Onyeani , were named winners of the award.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 15 Premier League most expensive signings since 2010

    According to the Editor of Newstap Communication Ltd, Ifeanyi Eduzor, the Awardees were carefully chosen for their immense contributions to football and sports development over the years.

    He affirmed  that the ceremony will take place at the Blessing  Hall of Eko Club Surulere, Lagos on March 6th  by 5pm.The maiden edition of the Award  was chaired by the Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC) Mallam Shehu Dikko.

    Eduzor said plans are in top gear to make this year’s event most memorable and colourful.

    The organizers have already named a three-man LOC headed by the Deputy Editor of New Telegraph Newspaper Adekunle Salami. Other members of the LOC are Editor of Sporting Vanguard Tony Ubani and John Joshua- Akanji, who was SA to former Sports Minister Chief Sunday Dare.

  • Lazio reject transfer for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

    Lazio reject transfer for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

    Despite continued transfer speculation in the January window, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru remains a Lazio player with no move materialising before the deadline.

    Read Also: Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta

    Lazio were able to block or reject offers, including reported interest from Premier League clubs and a recent loan bid from Bournemouth, which the Serie A side turned down as per Daily Sports.

    Dele-Bashiru has struggled for regular starts under the current coaching setup but remains part of Lazio’s plans, and the club is not under pressure to sell this winter.

  • Super Eagles’ Nnadi joins Marseille

    Super Eagles’ Nnadi joins Marseille

    Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has completed his move to French Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille from Belgian club Zulte Waregem on the winter transfer deadline day.

    The transfer fee is reported at €6 million making Nnadi one of the most valuable departures in Zulte Waregem’s history as per Soccernet.ng.

    The 22-year-old defensive midfielder impressed in the Belgian Pro League this season and attracted interest from clubs in England and Europe before Marseille sealed the deal.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 15 Premier League most expensive signings since 2010

    He has arrived in Marseille to complete formalities and is expected to join Roberto de Zerbi’s squad immediately.

    Nnadi was in the Super Eagles squad to the recently held 2025 AFCON where he played a game to help Nigeria to bronze medal.

  • Ijeh FC  lifts  GOY Five-Aside football tourney title  

    Ijeh FC  lifts  GOY Five-Aside football tourney title  

    Ijeh FC has won the sixth  edition of the GOY Five-Aside Football tournament which was concluded on  Saturday, January 31.

    Organised by the lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Constituency II, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, the annual grassroots tournament attracted male and female teams from across the community and once again underscored the growing role of sports in youth development.

    In the final match, Ijeh FC defeated Dodan Barracks FC 2–1 to lift the trophy and claim the N1 million first prize, while Dodan Barracks settled for N750,000 as runners-up; Giwa Barracks Youth finished third and received N500,000.

    Earlier, the third-place playoff saw Giwa Barracks edge Ogogoro FC 3–1 on penalties, while the novelty female match featured Caxton Martins FC against Aminat Babes FC, thrilled spectators with an energetic display.

    In the women’s category, Aminat Babes FC were champions, carting home N500,000, while Caxton Martins FC finished second with N300,000.

    Read Also: Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta

    Hon. Yishawu announced that each participating team would receive N200,000 as support.

    Speaking at the event, Yishawu described sports as a powerful tool for social, economic and mental development, particularly for young people. He noted that organised competitions provide structure, discipline and a pathway for talent discovery.

     “Sports sharpen the mind, improve focus and can become a viable career. Beyond the players, it creates an ecosystem—coaches, referees, vendors and organisers all benefit,” he said.“ This is why we will continue to provide platforms like this for our youths.”

    He urged community leaders and parents to actively support youth participation in sports, stressing that attitudes have shifted from discouraging sports to recognising its value in personal and professional growth.

    The Executive Chairman of Iru/Victoria Island LCDA, Mrs. Aminat Oluwakemi Alabi, praised the initiative, describing it as “a very good programme” with lasting benefits for the community. She encouraged young girls to embrace sports, noting that it is now a lucrative and healthy professional path.

    The football tournament, which commenced on January 24, 2026, featured 22 teams representing various communities in Eti-Osa II.