The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Nigeria  lose out as FIFA  increase W’Cup 2026  prize money 

    Nigeria  lose out as FIFA  increase W’Cup 2026  prize money 

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)  is set  to miss out of the huge  financial outlay by FIFA  for  teams participating at  next year’s  Wold Cup  following the  Super Eagles’ failure to qualify  for what is usually regarded as ‘ the greatest  show on earth’.

    The Super Eagles’ World Cup campaign ended in disappointment after they lost in the final round of the playoffs to DR Congo, crashing out just short of qualification. The setback not only denied Nigeria a ticket to the Mundial  but also shut out the country  from significant financial rewards attached to participation.

    The world soccer ruling body  said the prize money for next year’s World Cup will be 50% higher than the previous edition after  agreeing a record $727 million financial contribution to the tournament on Wednesday.

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    The biggest slice of FIFA’s funding package for the North American showpiece – $655 million – will be performance-based payments to 48 participating nations with the champions taking $50 million and the runners-up $33 million.

    “The FIFA World Cup 2026 will also be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

    The 16 nations that fail to survive beyond the initial group phase will earn $9 million while in addition, each qualified nation is entitled to $1.5 million to cover preparation costs.

    This means that the NFF  will miss at least $10.5million if the team had qualified  for the Mundial  but that  would not to be unless  the  federation  is able to push through  its protest  on  the alleged ineligibility  of some of the Congolese players  in the ill-fated play-off  encounter  in November.

    FIFA’s Council also confirmed festival-style youth tournaments for under-15s open to all member associations to commence in 2026 with a boys events followed by a girls competition in 2027.

    “In recent years, FIFA has stepped up its efforts to boost youth football,” Infantino said. “This is a natural next step.”

  • Super Eagles have lost fear factor  in Africa, says Oliseh

    Super Eagles have lost fear factor  in Africa, says Oliseh

    Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has warned that Nigeria no longer commands the fear and respect it once enjoyed in African football, following the team’s disappointing World Cup qualification campaign.

    Speaking ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Oliseh said Nigeria’s recent struggles have emboldened opponents, who now approach matches against the Super Eagles with confidence rather than caution.

     “Teams are no longer afraid of Nigeria. That fear is gone,” Oliseh said.

    He explained that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup has significantly altered perceptions across the continent.

     “Opponents are motivated now. They believe Nigeria can be beaten, and that makes games even harder,” he added.

    Oliseh warned that the group stage at AFCON could be particularly tricky, as teams will raise their performance levels against Nigeria.

     “Every team will raise their level against Nigeria. That’s the reality now,” he said.

    Despite the warning, the former midfielder believes the Super Eagles still possess enough quality to finish top of their group, provided they approach the tournament with seriousness and intensity.

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     “Nigeria still has the players to top the group, but the first game is very important,” he noted.

    According to Oliseh, a strong opening result could help restore confidence and reassert Nigeria’s authority at the tournament.

     “A good start can change the narrative and bring belief back,” he said.

    He stressed that discipline, focus, and performance — not reputation — will determine success at AFCON.

     “The players must earn respect again through performance, not history,” Oliseh stated.

    Oliseh also urged the coaching crew to ensure tactical clarity and mental readiness, warning against complacency.

  • Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

    Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

    Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has delivered a scathing verdict on Nigeria’s build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, describing the situation surrounding the national team as “unacceptable” and “embarrassing.”

    Speaking ahead of the tournament, the former Chelsea midfielder said he was deeply disappointed that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appeared not to have learned from past mistakes, particularly those that led to Nigeria missing out on the FIFA World Cup.

    Mikel expressed frustration over reports that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is still owed outstanding salaries, warning that such issues portray the country in a bad light.

     “How do you owe a coach money at this stage? It’s shameless. This is not how serious football nations operate,” Mikel said.

    He cautioned that administrative problems could negatively affect players’ morale and concentration, especially with a major tournament looming.

     “When issues like this are in the public space, it affects everyone — the coach, the players, and even the fans,” he noted.

    According to Mikel, AFCON should have served as an opportunity for the NFF to rebuild trust with Nigerians following recent disappointments.

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     “This was supposed to be the time to save face and show that lessons were learned. Instead, it’s the same story again,” he added.

    Despite his criticism, the former skipper maintained his support for the players, urging them to remain focused and committed.

     “The players still have a responsibility to give their best for the country, regardless of what is happening off the pitch,” he said.

    Mikel also called on the NFF to urgently resolve all outstanding issues before the tournament begins, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford distractions.

     “You can’t go into AFCON with unresolved problems. Everything must be sorted now,” he insisted.

    He concluded by urging Nigerians to demand higher standards from football administrators.

     “Nigeria deserves better. Our football deserves better,” Mikel said.

  • Niger Delta Games: Abia, Imo gear up as Delta holds Summit for Coaches

    Niger Delta Games: Abia, Imo gear up as Delta holds Summit for Coaches

    Preparations for the  2nd   Niger Delta Games,  Benin 2026, is already underway with Abia and Imo States setting up their Liaison Committees and ensuring athlete selection and compliance with regulations.

    Harrison Ocholor, the Secretary of the Delta State Liaison Committee , met with the Coaches on Tuesday and urged  them to ensure that only the best athletes were selected to represent the state from a fair and competitive state’s  trials.

    Ocholor told the coaches that the organizers of the Games, Dunamis Icon Limited and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has left no stone unturned in ensuring the process of selecting talents for the games followed the rules and regulations.

    He enjoined them to study and make effective use of the technical booklet for the games issued to the coaches  during the meeting.

    In Abia State, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee,  inaugurated the State’s  Liaison Committee and challenged  them to implement all schedules of the games from athletes registration to local government and state trials.

    Represented by the Project Director, Fred Edoreh, Ikpokpo  emphasised the importance of abiding by the regulations set forth for the games and warned that “age cheat and failure to present the required number of athletes for each sport will lead to disqualification of any offending state”.

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    Abia State Commissioner of Sports, Hon Ananaba Nwaobilor, assured that the state is in tandem with the objectives, rules and regulations of the Niger Delta Games and would go the extra mile to maintain, promote and defend them.

    Nwaobilor who  spoke at the Aba Sports Club in Aba, described the games as having added impetus to the Governor Alex Otti-led government  to use sports as an instrument for the  emancipation of  the state’s  talented youths.

    The Abia State Liaison Committee for the 2nd  Niger Delta Games is chaired by the Commissioner of Sports, Hon Nwaobilor, with Hon Onyebuchi Chukwu as Secretary.

    Comrade Obioma George, Director of Sports and Kingsley Kanu, Abia State’s  interim SWAN Chairman as members.

    In Owerri, where the Imo State Liaison Committee was inaugurated at the office of the Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Ikpokpo, the Atanaru of Irri Kingdom, also harped on the age limit for athletes and charged members of the committee to ensure massive mobilisation and timely registration of athletes on the Games’ official portal, stressing that only duly registered athletes would be cleared to participate. Ikpokpo was again, represented by Edoreh, the Project Director.

    In his remarks, the Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon Limited for initiating and sustaining the Games for two consecutive years, describing the championship as a credible platform for talent discovery and development in the region.

    Hon. Onyeocha noted that the Niger Delta Games align perfectly with the sports development vision of the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma, assuring that Imo State is fully prepared to participate and comply with all rules and regulations guiding the competition.

     “It is the mandate of His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, for us to go to the grassroots to discover talents, and these Games have come to help us achieve exactly that,” Onyeocha said.  “On behalf of the committee, I assure you that we will insist on quality, thoroughness, discipline and total compliance.”

    The Imo State Liaison Committee is chaired by Onyeocha, with Hon. Willie Okolieogwo serving as secretary. Other members include the Director of Sports, Lady Justina Akpulo, and Kennedy Onwunali.

  • Season’s Festivities: CIBN fetes football legends  with  ‘Symphony of gratitude’ 

    Season’s Festivities: CIBN fetes football legends  with  ‘Symphony of gratitude’ 

    At its annual end-of-year event tagged  the Evening of Praise 7.0. and  themed  “Symphony of Gratitude”, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) elegantly extended its corporate social responsibility beyond the financial sector.

    Led by its esteemed Council members, the Institute dedicated a special segment  of the hugely attended event to recognize the indelible contributions of former Nigerian football internationals.

    The event was presided over by the Institute’s President/Chairman of Council, Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju, alongside key figures including the 1st  Vice President, Dr. Dele Alabi; the 2nd Vice President, Dr. (Mrs) Mojisola Asieru-Sweet; Past President Dr. Bayo Olugbemi and the Registrar & Chief Executive, Mr. Akin Morakinyo.

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    Their presence underscored the Institute’s profound commitment to honouring national heroes who have shaped the country’s cultural and sporting heritage. Their heartfelt l initiative was met with deep appreciation by the esteemed ex-internationals, who were led by Engr. Waidi Akanni.

    The celebrated legends included Henry Nwosu (MON), Victor Agali, Godwin Okpara, Wasiu Ipaye, Friday Elahor, Friday Ekpo, Benson Edema, Loveday Omoruyi, Franklin Howard, Taiwo Oloyede, and Monday Kanu.

    By applauding these icons under the direct stewardship of its leadership, the CIBN has set a commendable precedent for celebrating excellence and fostering a culture of remembrance and national pride.

  • Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation event  hold Dec. 27th

    Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation event  hold Dec. 27th

    The 11th  Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation event is scheduled for December 27th  at Igbobi College in Lagos, featuring six teams with two women and four men teams already confirmed, and a novelty match between old college associations.

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

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

    This edition is supported by the ICOBA 78/80 set and the target of developing the young one to attain their potential to become future champions remain the same.

    Head of the Technical arm of the organizing team, Dotun Coker, stated that planning for the event has been ongoing in the past months.

     “We have been working for some time now and we are now putting finishing touches to the preparations. We have good plans to make the participants happy in all aspects. More of the plans will be unfolded as we move closer to the D-Day,” Coker said.

  • NPFL reschedules Nasarawa United, Barau FC Matchday 18 Clash

    NPFL reschedules Nasarawa United, Barau FC Matchday 18 Clash

    Nasarawa United Football Club has announced a change in the date of its Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 18 fixture against Barau FC.

    According to a statement issued by the club’s Director of Media, Eche Amos the league organisers have rescheduled the 2025/26 NPFL encounter from Sunday, December 21, 2025, to Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

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    The statement clarified that the venue and kickoff time for the match remain unchanged, with the game still set to take place at the Lafia City Stadium by 4:00 pm.

    Nasarawa United urged its supporters, fans and the general public to take note of the new date and help in disseminating the information across various platforms to ensure wider awareness ahead of the fixture.

  • ArmWrestling confirmed for 2026 National Para Games in Abuja

    ArmWrestling confirmed for 2026 National Para Games in Abuja

    The President of the Nigeria ArmWrestling Federation, Samuel Jackson, has confirmed that arm wrestling will officially feature at the 2026 National Para Games scheduled to take place in Abuja.

    Jackson described the development as a major milestone for the sport, especially for athletes with disabilities seeking more competitive platforms at the national level.

    According to the National Sports Commission, the National Para Games will be held in March 2026 and will involve athletes from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

     “We are happy to confirm that arm wrestling will be part of the 2026 National Para Games. This is a big step for the growth of the sport,” Jackson said.

    He explained that the inclusion reflects the steady progress Nigeria has made in arm wrestling and the growing recognition of the sport both locally and internationally.

     “Our athletes have shown significant improvement in recent years, and this platform will help us discover even more talent,” he added.

    Jackson noted that the Games will also serve as a vital scouting avenue for identifying athletes capable of representing Nigeria at continental and global competitions.

     “The Para Games will allow us to scout athletes from across the country and build a stronger national team,” he said.

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    He emphasized the federation’s commitment to inclusivity, pointing out that arm wrestling offers opportunities for athletes regardless of physical limitations.

     “This sport gives everyone a chance, and that is why its inclusion in the Para Games is very important,” Jackson stated.

    The federation president revealed that preparations are already underway to ensure a well-organized and competitive event.

     “We are working closely with coaches and officials to ensure proper organization and fair competition,” he said.

    Jackson expressed confidence that the Games would help raise awareness and increase participation in arm wrestling nationwide.

     “When people see the opportunities available, more athletes will be encouraged to take up the sport,” he noted.

    He concluded by thanking the National Sports Commission for its support and reaffirmed the federation’s ambition to use the Games as a foundation for future success.

     “This is about building pathways for athletes and strengthening Nigeria’s presence in arm wrestling,” Jackson said.

  • M4STV  appoints  Uyah  as Managing Director/ Chief Operating Officer

    M4STV  appoints  Uyah  as Managing Director/ Chief Operating Officer

    Anthony Uyah has been appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of M4STV, bringing extensive engineering and leadership experience to enhance the platform’s operations and reach.

    M4STV, the vibrant multimedia platform for news, entertainment, sports, hospitality and health, is owned by sports marketing guru and CEO of Pamodzi, Mike Itemuagbor.

    Uyah’s arrival marks a significant step in the company’s mission to elevate content quality, expand digital reach and strengthen its technological backbone.

    Uyah, a 1990 graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, brings more than three decades of deep technical expertise, broadcast engineering mastery, and executive leadership to M4STV.

    His professional development spans advanced training in TCP/IP administration, transmitter maintenance, satellite systems, link optimization, Cisco networking, and business analytics at the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School, a blend of technical and strategic skills that positions him uniquely for the demands of modern media operations.

    His career began at MG Communications Systems Limited in 1991, where he managed satellite systems across the Eastern Zone. In 1992, he joined DAAR Communications PLC and quickly became a central figure in the evolution of Nigeria’s private broadcasting landscape.

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    He contributed to the birth of Ray Power 100FM, the country’s first private radio station, and played a defining role in the launch of Africa Independent Television (AIT) in 1996 and expand its frontiers across Ghana, Sierra Leone, the Americas, Europe and Asia.

    Over the years, he rose to become Executive Director of Engineering Services and IT at DAAR Communications, a position he held until his retirement in October 2024.

    His national contributions include serving on the Presidential Advisory Committee on Nigeria’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting in 2008, coordinating DAAR Communications’ host broadcaster operations with FIFA during the 2009 U‑17 World Cup, and leading the Broadcast Organizations of Nigeria’s signal distributor bid under MTS Communications Limited in 2014.

    At M4STV, Uyah brings a rare combination of engineering excellence, operational discipline, and visionary leadership. His experience in building broadcast networks from the ground up, managing large scale technical teams, and navigating the complexities of digital transformation will be instrumental as M4STV expands its footprint across Africa and beyond.

  • NOC’s Annual General Meeting  holds  Dec. 29 in Abuja

    NOC’s Annual General Meeting  holds  Dec. 29 in Abuja

    The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) is scheduled to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday, December 29, 2025.

    This is in accordance with its constitution; the NOC hosts this annual gathering to review the year’s activities and strategise for the future.

    The meeting will take place at the Starview Palace Hotel, Plot 7, 4th Avenue (by Setraco Gate), Gwarimpa, Abuja, starting at 11:00 AM.

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    This assembly serves as a vital “stocktaking” session for stakeholders.

    The agenda includes a comprehensive review of the committee’s 2024 programmes, financial audits, and the President’s annual report.

    The Attendance, Representation and Participation is mandatory for all Olympic and recognised non-Olympic sports federations. Attendees will include: Executive Committee Members; National Federations (Olympic & Non-Olympic); International Federation Board Members and National Sports Commission (NSC) representatives .