The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • FIFA Rankings: Super Eagles end 2025 38th globally

    FIFA Rankings: Super Eagles end 2025 38th globally

    The Super Eagles will end 2025 ranked 38th in the world, according to the latest FIFA rankings released on Monday.

    Nigeria’s position remains unchanged from the Nov. 19 ranking, after the team climbed three places from 41st.

    The Super Eagles also retained sixth position on the African rankings.

    Overall, 2025 proved mixed for Nigeria, but the team finished the year six places higher than its opening ranking of 44th.

    The first ranking of the year in April saw Nigeria rise to 43rd. Subsequent updates dropped the Eagles to 44th in July and 45th in Sept.

    October marked a turnaround as Nigeria surged to 41st, recording their biggest rise since Feb. 2024, following their AFCON silver-medal finish.

    Read Also: Oliseh backs Super Eagles to strike gold at  AFCON  2025

    The November ranking lifted the Eagles three more places to 38th, a position they maintain heading into 2026.

    In Africa, Morocco led the continent at 11th globally, followed by Senegal in 19th place. Algeria climbed to 34th, while Egypt dropped to 35th, ranking fifth in Africa.

    Globally, Spain topped the rankings ahead of Argentina and France. England is fourth, Brazil fifth, followed by Portugal and the Netherlands.

    Belgium, Germany and Croatia complete the top 10.

    The next FIFA rankings will be released on Jan. 19, 2026, a day after the AFCON final in Morocco.

    (NAN)

  • AFCON 2025: Lookman, Akinsanmiro top Serie A stars to  shine in Morocco

    AFCON 2025: Lookman, Akinsanmiro top Serie A stars to  shine in Morocco

    Ahead of Nigeria’s  opening match at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 against Tanzania tomorrow in Fes, the Super Eagles’ duo of  Atalanta  forward Ademola Lookman and  Pisa midfielder Ebenezer  Akinsanmiro have been listed among the top five Serie A layers to hit  the limelight at the continental showpiece.

    Of all the leagues most affected by the month-long continental  tournament, Serie A is tied sixth, with a total of 21 players heading south-west from Italy to North Africa.

    But according to a major Italian news outlet, both the 2024 African Footballer of the  Year, Lookman and newly drafted Akinsanmiro, are just five  “of the best that could play a promising role at 2025’s showpiece”.

     Aside  the two Nigerians, the other three players also picked are  AS Roma’s duo of  Morocco’s Neil El Aynaoui  and Ivorian  Evan Ndicka, while who plays  for Roma  as well as Ivorian Odilon Kossounou  who is currently with Lookman at Atalanta.

    Akinsanmiro, the 21-year-old Inter loanee is  being tipped as  “a valuable reinjection of confidence” into the Super Eagles  who are desirous  to  claim a long-awaited  fourth title following three previous successes in 1980, 19994 and 2013.

    Read Also: Abandoned FIFA Project: Monimichelle faults NFF on funding as equipment  rot away in Ugborodo  

    But of the quintent, Lookman, the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, is put on top of the  raft as the likely player  from Serie A that could have a pivotal impact at  the  continental’s flagship’s  tournament.

    “Just about taking the top spot in this list is Atalanta and Nigeria star Ademola Lookman,” the editors of getfootballnewsitaly noted.  

    Though Lookman  has struggled so far in 2025-26, with just two goals in 11 Serie A outings in the ongoing campaign, the outlet noted: “He could play a huge role as he links back up with Super Eagles teammates Osimhen and co, as they seek retribution for 2023’s 2-1 final defeat in Abidjan.”

    “The English-born 28-year-old notched 20 goals in 40 all-competition matches in 2024-25, including 15 goals in Serie A, and five in seven Champions League matches. That premier European campaign, of course, followed the victorious Europa League run in 2023-24.

    “If Lookman can tap back into the kind of form that saw him blast home a decisive hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin’s final, then Nigeria may just add their fourth AFCON title,” the Italian outfit noted.

  • Oliseh backs Super Eagles to strike gold at  AFCON  2025

    Oliseh backs Super Eagles to strike gold at  AFCON  2025

    Despite low expectations among the fans, former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has backed Nigeria to shine at this year’s AFCON in Morocco.

    The Super Eagles failed to qualify for a second straight World Cup and many do not give them a chance at Morocco 2025.

    Oliseh has been critical about the game is administered in Nigeria, but he will back the Super Eagles to fly high in Morocco.

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

     “Contrary to what many may think, I am very optimistic about our chances at the AFCON,” he told The Observer. “To start with, the players have one goal in mind, which is the AFCON.

     “I find it unfair that a lot of people are beating down on these boys. At the end of the day, they are representing us…some support (from Nigerians) would help.”

    Nigeria begin their campaign for a fourth AFCON crown Tuesday evening in Fes against Tanzania.

  • Morocco crush  Comoros as AFCON 2025  off to flying start

    Morocco crush  Comoros as AFCON 2025  off to flying start

    Davido, French Montana thrill audience 

    AS widely expected, the  35th  Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, got off to a bight   start yesterday in Rabat as Afrobeats superstar Davido and global rap sensation French Montana delivered a show-stopping performance at the tournament’s Opening Ceremony.

    Played out before a sold-out capacity crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and watched by millions on television across the globe, the  world audience  was held spellbound  moments before the hosts, Morocco, got off their campaign to a winning note  with a 2-0  win over  hard-fighting Comoros.

    Both sides had settled for a goalless first half after  Morocco squandered  a  penalty  mid-way into the game  but it was the hosts  that  kept  their momentum at the restart.

     They were eventually  rewarded  with the opener in the 55th minute through Brahim Díaz while Ayoub El Kaabi added the second  goal in the 77th minute with spectacular over-head (bicycle) kick  that should be  a contender for the goal of the tournament.

    Read Also: Nigeria v. Gabon: NFF Protests FIFA official appointments for W’ Cup Play-off

    Meanwhile, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, opening his address with “Assalamu Alaikum”, thanked King Mohammed VI, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, the Moroccan government and people, as well as Moroccan FA president Fouzi Lekjaa, for their role in bringing the tournament to life.

    He hailed Morocco’s passion for football and declared the competition officially open in the presence of the FIFA President Gianni Infantino

    The presence of Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, who officially inaugurated the competition alongside Motsepe and Infantino, added ceremonial weight to the evening.

    The Comoros President Azali Assoumani was also in attendance, highlighting the continental significance of the occasion.

  • Mr. Chef named  Official Food Seasoning Partner for Super Eagles, others

    Mr. Chef named  Official Food Seasoning Partner for Super Eagles, others

    A fast-growing food seasoning company, Sweet Nutrition Limited (makers of Mr. Chef) has become the Official Food Seasoning Partner of the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Teams, following an agreement reached by the NFF and the company a few days ago.

    The partnership underscores Sweet Nutrition Limited’s commitment to supporting Nigerian football and bolstering the Super Eagles as they compete at the 35th  Africa Cup of Nations finals taking place in Morocco from 21st  December to 18th  January 2026.

    As the official seasoning partner, Mr. Chef will align closely with the national team’s journey, celebrating nourishment, togetherness and the shared passion of millions of Nigerian football fans.

    Commenting on the announcement, RoopKumar Venkatesh, Head of Marketing of Sweet Nutrition Limited said: “We are proud to partner with the Nigeria Football Federation and stand behind the Super Eagles at the AFCON.”

    NFF’s Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, Alizor Chuks, echoed the sentiments of Venkatesh, saying Mr. Chef is renowned for being a trusted football seasoning product and will put good seasoning into the Super Eagles’ campaign for a fourth continental crown.

    Read Also: NFF president visits Ola Aina in London

    Speaking on the partnership, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, noted that the collaboration reflects a shared vision of excellence and national pride. “The Super Eagles represent resilience, unity, and ambition—values that strongly align with Sweet Nutrition Limited and the Mr. Chef brand. We are delighted to welcome them as an official partner as we head to the Africa Cup of Nations finals.”

    Through this partnership, Sweet Nutrition Limited will engage fans with compelling storytelling around food, culture, and football, while reinforcing its support for the Super Eagles during Africa’s biggest footballing moments.

    Kumar Venkataraman, the company’s Managing Director, added that “Mr Chef is a proudly Nigerian brand, and this partnership reflects our belief in supporting national excellence and moments that unite Nigerians everywhere.”

    The collaboration will feature integrated visibility across NFF platforms and AFCON-related communications, bringing fans closer to the team while celebrating the spirit of Nigerian football. While wishing the Super Eagles a successful outing at the AFCON in Morocco, the NFF looks forward to a rewarding partnership with Sweet Nutrition Limited.

  • Super Eagles target three points against Taifa Stars in Fès

    Super Eagles target three points against Taifa Stars in Fès

    Nigeria and Tanzania clash in the first match of Group C of the 35th  Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday with the Super Eagles favoured to pick all three points to put their campaign in good stead right from the opening day.

    The Taifa Stars, coached by Miguel Gamondi, are making only their fourth appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations, following group stage exits in 1980, 2019 and 2023. They are yet to win a match in Africa’s flagship football championship, after drawing three and losing six of their previous nine encounters.

    Surely, the setting is similar to the Biblical David vs. Goliath situation, with Nigeria having participated in 20 previous editions, clinched three titles, won the silver medals on five occasions, taken the bronze medals eight times, and played a total of 104 matches.

    Nigeria is the most decorated team in the 68-year history of the Africa Cup of Nations, though Egypt have seven titles, Cameroon have five and Ghana have four.

    Read Also: NFF president visits Ola Aina in London

    Inside the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès tomorrow, December 23rd  , Coach Eric Chelle, who told CAFonline.com last month that Nigerians expect their team to win every match, will most probably set his store by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, central defenders Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, wing-backs Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi (new captain), Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Simon Moses, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.

    He has excellent options in Ryan Alebiosu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Samuel Chukwueze and Paul Onuachu.

    Meanwhile, Gamondi will most likely weave his strategy around captain Mbwana Samatta (from Le Havre in the French Ligue 1) and Simon Msuva (who plays in Iraq). These two are very experienced warriors on the international stage and know when to deal and dither.

    There are also wing-back Mohammed Hussein (who plays for Young Africans in the Tanzania Premier League), and the nifty midfielder Feisal Salum (also in the Tanzania Premier League with Azam FC).

    More than 45 years ago, in the sunshine of Lagos, a Nigerian team captained by Christian Chukwu (who would emerge Player of the Tournament) and a Taifa Stars squad led by Leodegar Tenga (now Chairman of Tanzania’s National Sports Council) clashed in the opening match of the 12th  AFCON at the National Stadium, Surulere. Nigeria won 3-1, to secure three precious points on their way to lifting the trophy for the first time.

    Fès is expected to be cold on Tuesday, just like most parts of Morocco presently, but the Super Eagles are determined to ride through the climate and post a result that will stimulate greater interest of Nigerian ball fans at home and in the diaspora in the 35th AFCON finals.

  • AFCON 2025: Goldberg  launches exciting campaign for Super Eagles

    AFCON 2025: Goldberg  launches exciting campaign for Super Eagles

    As Nigeria builds momentum for  the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Goldberg Lager Beer has unveiled a nationwide fan engagement campaign aimed at rallying support for the Super Eagles to  reignite  the passion that defined the team’s run to the final of the last tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.

    Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in what is  widely seen as competitive and unpredictable. The Super Eagles will open their campaign against Tanzania on 23rd  December at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, before facing Tunisia on 27th  December. They will conclude the group stage against Uganda on 30th  December.

    The campaign, themed “Our Beat, Our Gold” draws inspiration from the rhythm, pride and resilience that connect Nigerians to football. It positions Goldberg as a central part of the AFCON experience, blending live match viewing with music, entertainment and consumer rewards.

    At the centre of the initiative is a flagship viewing centre planned for the Police College in Ikeja, Lagos, from 4 30pm and admission is free. The Lagos venue will be supported by a network of fan parks and mini viewing centres across the country, ensuring that supporters in both urban centres and regional communities can take part in the shared match-day experience.

    Through these activations, Goldberg plans to transform key locations nationwide into vibrant communal spaces on Nigeria’s match days, providing fans with an opportunity to come together and support the Super Eagles in a lively and safe environment.

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

    The viewing centres are designed as immersive spaces where football and culture intersect. Fans will enjoy live match action alongside music, dance, comedy and interactive games, with promotions and instant rewards adding to the excitement. The goal, according to the organisers, is to recreate the emotional intensity of the stadium experience for fans watching outside the match venues.

    “Our Beat, Our Gold is about capturing the rhythm of the Nigerian spirit,” the Portfolio Manager for Premium Beer at Nigerian Breweries Plc, Maria Shadeko, said.

    She added: “Football has a unique way of bringing us together. At the last AFCON, we saw how belief, passion and unity carried the Super Eagles all the way to the final. As the team gets set for action in Morocco, Goldberg is once again creating spaces where Nigerians can gather, celebrate and push our Eagles towards a fourth AFCON title.”

    Beyond fan-facing activities, the campaign also includes strong trade and distributor engagement. Through the Road to Morocco hospitality contest, Goldberg is targeting its top distributors across the West and East zones, rewarding performance with exclusive AFCON-related incentives. The initiative is expected to support sales growth while tying the brand’s commercial objectives to the national football story.

  • Pugilists talk tough ahead of GOtv Boxing Night 34 Showdown

    Pugilists talk tough ahead of GOtv Boxing Night 34 Showdown

    With just days to GOtv Boxing Night 34, boxers on the card are issuing loud boasts ahead of their various showdowns on 26 December at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    Among the most vociferous are Sodiq “Happy Boy” Adeleke and Durotimi “Tiny” Agboola. Adeleke, who is hoping to dethrone Agboola as the national bantamweight champion, believes that he has already won the title.

    “This is no empty boast.  I belong at the top. I am going there and will stay there,” he said.

     Adeleke, who won the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for Best Boxer at GOtv Boxing Night 33, said he is fully focused on making his first title shot count.

    The international lightweight clash between Nigeria’s Rasheed “ID Buster” Idowu and Ghana’s Nii Offei Dodoo adds a familiar West African edge to the card. Idowu said he is ready to defend national pride. “This fight means a lot. I want to show that Nigerian boxing is still moving forward,” he said, while Dodoo maintained that he has come to Lagos for a statement victory.

    In the lightweight division, Segun “Odi” Gbobaniyi and Tobiloba “Smiling Assassin” Ijomoni are bracing for a tense eight-round duel. Gbobaniyi promised fans an uncompromising display, while Ijomoni said he is prepared to outthink and outlast his opponent.

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

    Another bout drawing attention is the light welterweight clash between unbeaten Sodiq “Smart Lion” Suleiman and the experienced Emmanuel “Ability” Abimbola. Abimbola said composure will outweigh youth, insisting that “this level demands patience and control,” while Suleiman remains confident that hunger and discipline will carry him through.

    Fans are also expecting fireworks in the super bantamweight challenge between Ezekiel “Touch” Seun and Toheeb “Full Tank” Hassan, as well as the lightweight contest between Sadam “Baby Boxer” Oladipupo and Imole “System” Oloyede, two fighters who have traded sharp words in the build-up and promised an intense encounter.

    GOtv Boxing Night 34: Jams Festival takes place on Boxing Day, 26 December, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, with the first bell scheduled for 4:00 p.m.

    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.

  • Kuti, Aiyelabegan reign at 3rd Daniel Ford Table Tennis Tourney   

    Kuti, Aiyelabegan reign at 3rd Daniel Ford Table Tennis Tourney   

    By Inioluwa David

    Matthew Kuti and Sukurat Aiyelabegan reclaimed the titles they lost in 2024 to Abdulbasit Abdulfatai and Kabirat Ayoola at the 3rd  Daniel Ford Elite Table Tennis Tournament, held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.

    The colourful and well-attended finals, had in attendance Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NDC).

    The climax of the tournament lived up to expectations, with sponsor Yemi Edun reaffirming his commitment to staging the competition annually.

    Kuti was flawless throughout, delivering near-perfect performances from the group stage to the final, where he dominated Muiz Adegoke 4-0 to reclaim the boys’ U-19 title. With this victory, Kuti has now won the category twice in the last three editions. Similarly, Aiyelabegan defeated Khadijat Okanlawon 4-0 to secure the girls’ U-19 crown, also her second triumph in three years.

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

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, who served as the special guest, praised Edun for his foresight in sponsoring the tournament with the aim of discovering grassroots talent. He also urged athletes to embrace discipline, hard work, and to avoid doping.

    “We must commend Mr. Yemi Edun for keeping faith with the tournament over the past three years. This is what we lack in grassroots sports development. We must also thank the President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), Wahid Enitan Oshodi, for his commitment to the sport and for being a worthy ambassador of Nigeria and Lagos globally. I urge players to imbibe virtues that will help them succeed and avoid vices that could jeopardize their future,” he said.

    Edun, thrilled by the players’ performances, promised to continue improving the quality of the tournament, with hopes that more talents will emerge to represent Nigeria in the future.

    Meanwhile, in other categories, Chinenye Okafor of Abia retained the girls’ U-15 title and was named Most Valuable Player (female), while Habeeb Adebayo clinched the boys’ MVP award alongside the U-12 boys’ title. Elizabeth Emelike of Abia emerged champion in the girls’ U-12 singles, and Joseph Marvelous of Kogi defeated Umar Ayoola of Lagos 3-0 to win the boys’ U-15 title.

  • NPFL: Bendel Insurance shock Remo Stars in Abeokuta

    NPFL: Bendel Insurance shock Remo Stars in Abeokuta

    Matchday 18 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) served up late goals, dramatic comebacks and crucial results at both ends of the table as the race for continental places and the survival battle gathered fresh momentum across the country.

    At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, Kano Pillars signed off their temporary exile in style with a hard-earned 2–1 victory over Plateau United. Wisdom Ndon stunned the Sai Masu Gida with a 13th-minute opener for Plateau, but Mustapha Jibrin levelled matters on the stroke of half-time before Ahmed Musa struck just three minutes after the restart (48’) to seal the win. Despite the morale-boosting result ahead of their return to Kano, Pillars remain bottom with 16 points, while Plateau United sit 18th on 19 points with a game in hand.

    In Ilorin, Kwara United were clinical in dispatching Bayelsa United 2–0. Second-half goals from Babatunde Bright (54’) and Ini Emmanuel (71’) ensured the Harmony Boys tightened their grip on eighth place with 24 points, while Bayelsa United continue to struggle for consistency.

    A thrilling contest unfolded at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, where Bendel Insurance stunned defending champions Remo Stars 3–2 away from home. Wisdom Udom gave the visitors an early lead in the 14th minute before Henry Onyia doubled the advantage on 28 minutes. Olalekan Adeleke pulled one back for Remo Stars on 30 minutes, but Bendel restored their cushion before the break. Although Victor Mbaoma’s 61st-minute strike sparked hopes of a comeback, Insurance held firm to record a second straight away win, climbing to 10th with 23 points, while Remo Stars slipped to 15th on 22 points.

    At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, Shooting Stars SC continued their resurgence with a 2–1 win over Niger Tornadoes. Gbolagade Adelowo converted from the spot in first-half stoppage time, and Promise Awosanmi made it 2–0 in the 66th minute. Tornadoes threatened a late sting through Kufre Ebong’s 90+2’ strike, but the Oluyole Warriors held on for their second consecutive victory to move sixth on 29 points.

    In Umuahia, it was late heartbreak for the visitors as Abia Warriors edged Warri Wolves 1–0, thanks to a dramatic 90+6’ penalty converted by Sunday Megwo. The crucial home win lifted Abia Warriors to third place with 30 points, while the spirited Seasiders dropped to 11th on 23 points.

    Defensive solidity took centre stage in Bauchi as Wikki Tourists and Kun Khalifat played out a goalless draw. The result extended Wikki’s worrying run to three consecutive home games without a win, leaving them 14th on 22 points.

    In Maiduguri, fans were treated to one of the games of the season as El Kanemi Warriors outlasted Enyimba 3–2 in a five-goal thriller. Daddy Abdulrahman opened the scoring from the spot in the 29th minute, Jonas Emmanuel added another eight minutes later and completed his brace early in the second half (52’). Enyimba responded through Mohammed Hussaini (43’) and Onyebuchi Nwaorisa (76’), but El Kanemi held on to climb out of the relegation zone into 16th with 22 points.

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

    Earlier in Enugu, Rangers International maintained their impressive home form with a 2–1 victory over Ikorodu City. Godwin Obaje put the Flying Antelopes ahead in the 34th minute, Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the advantage in the 76th minute, while Rasheed Owolabi’s 90th-minute effort proved too late to rescue the visitors. Rangers remain firmly in the top five on 29 points.

    At the summit, Rivers United still lead the standings with 33 points despite their recent setback, but their position could come under threat when Matchday 18 is concluded.

    The round will be continued today, as Katsina United host Rivers United, before Nasarawa United welcome Barau FC on Tuesday in Lafia.

    NPFL Matchday 18 Results:

    Remo Stars 2–3 Insurance

    Rangers 2–1 Ikorodu City

    Kano Pillars 2–1 Plateau United

    Abia Warriors 1–0 Warri Wolves

    Shooting Stars 2–1 Niger Tornadoes

    Wikki Tourists FC 0–0 Kun Khalifat

    Kwara United FC 2–0 Bayelsa United

    El Kanemi Warriors 3–2 Enyimba

    Outstanding Fixtures:

    Monday: Katsina United vs. Rivers United

    Tuesday: Nasarawa United vs. Barau FC