The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • NWFL: Bayelsa, FC Robo set early pace as title race heats up

    NWFL: Bayelsa, FC Robo set early pace as title race heats up

    Bayelsa Queens and FC Robo Queens emerged as the standout sides of Matchday Four of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership, as both teams tightened their grip on the summit of their respective groups with commanding performances.

    In Yenagoa, Bayelsa Queens climbed to the top of Group A after a comfortable 2–0 victory over Pacesetters Queens. Blessing Ilivieda opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute before Aminat Folorunsho doubled the advantage just before halftime to seal another assured home win.

    The Prosperity Girls now sit first on goal difference with nine points from three matches, level with Edo Queens and Rivers Angels, who also recorded vital home victories.

    At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo Queens handed Adamawa Queens their first defeat of the season with a disciplined 2–0 win. Chioma Moses converted a first-half penalty, while Atume Doosuur added a second in the 75th minute to underline Edo’s growing title credentials. Despite having played one game more, Edo remain firmly in the hunt with nine points.

    Rivers Angels also kept pace at the top, edging Ibom Angels 1–0 in Port Harcourt. Ramotalahi Kareem’s 55th-minute strike proved decisive as the former champions continued their steady climb with maximum points from three outings.

    In Abuja, Heartland Queens showed great character to rally from two goals down and force a 2–2 draw against Naija Ratels. Goals from Onu Markwell and Paulina Orshio had put the hosts firmly in control early on, but Emmanuella James and Faith Samson struck in the final 20 minutes to earn the Owerri-based side a valuable away point. Heartland moved up to fifth with four points, while Ratels remain seventh with two.

    In Group B, FC Robo Queens continued their imperious form with a stunning 5–1 demolition of Dannaz Ladies in Lagos. Goals from Kemi Adegbuyi, Tosin Rafiu, a brace from Opeyemi Ajakaiye, and a late strike by Robiat Yusuf sealed Robo’s fourth straight win of the campaign. Augusta Chukwuma scored Dannaz Ladies’ consolation, the only goal Robo have conceded so far this season.

    With 12 points from four games and a remarkable attacking output, FC Robo Queens sit comfortably at the top of the group.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Eight major events that shaped global sports in 2025

    In Lafia, Nasarawa Amazons were held to a frustrating 0–0 draw by Abia Angels, with goalkeeper Fatima Oloko producing a series of fine saves to deny the hosts. The Amazons remain second with eight points, while Abia Angels climbed to fourth on five points.

    At Ile-Ogbo, Osun Babes and Remo Stars Ladies played out a cagey goalless draw. Remo Stars maintained third place with eight points from four games, while Osun Babes moved to four points.

    Delta Queens finally got their season up and running in Asaba with a 3–1 victory over Confluence Queens. Destiny Itobore struck early, Seember Emmanuel equalised for the visitors, before late goals from Tsebee Rita Seember and Amarachukwu Onuorah sealed Delta’s first win of the campaign.

    In Umuahia, Ahudiyannem Queens and Sunshine Queens shared the spoils in another scoreless encounter, a result that earned Ahudiyannem their second point of the season.

  • Joshua sends message to  Fury on  next year’s  fight

    Joshua sends message to  Fury on  next year’s  fight

    Anthony Joshua insists he wants to face Tyson Fury in 2026 ahead of his fight with Jake Paul tomorrow..

    AJ will go up against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in Miami, which will be streamed live on Netflix.

    Last week, The Ring Magazine, which is owned by Saudi Arabia’s boxing kingpin Turki Alalshikh, reported that a fight between Joshua and Fury is ‘as close as it has ever been to finally happening’, and is planned to headline a Riyadh Season card in 2026.

    Fury announced his retirement from boxing after a second successive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in their undisputed world heavyweight title fight last December.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Ahmed Musa retires from international football

    But over the weekend, Fury teased a potential comeback as he posted a message on social media which read: ‘The king must return to his throne. There is a long and lonely road that only I can walk on, but after the long and hard battles awaits immortality!’

    Joshua, meanwhile, is currently in Miami preparing for his fight with Paul, which will be shown at around 3:30am in the UK on Saturday morning, but speaking at a media event on Tuesday night, the 36-year-old said he is optimistic about his chances of fighting Fury next year.

     “I’ve spoken to Tyson before, me and Tyson have. I actually signed to fight Tyson,” Joshua said.“I think it was actually around the time I put my belts up to fight [Oleksandr] Usyk, I was supposed to fight Tyson Fury.

     “And Fury had his issues with [Deontay] Wilder and their contractual issues, so they fought a third time. But I’ve been in a position to fight Fury a number of times, yeah.”

    Asked if he hopes to fight Fury, Joshua replied: “Of course, there’s hope. Especially when you’re talking about doing big time boxing.

    “And Jake’s showcasing it can be done and I’m showcasing it can be done. Now we’ve been in mega fights time and time again.

    “This isn’t our first rodeo, we’re back again, big time boxing, I just feel like it takes two to tango and I’m on the dance floor. I’m just looking for a dance partner.”

  • Henry to be honoured with Lifetime Achievement award

    Henry to be honoured with Lifetime Achievement award

    Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award at BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

    The 48-year-old, widely considered to be one of the Premier League’s greatest players, retired in 2014.

    He will be presented with the award at the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year today.

    “Football has given me everything and I gave it my all,” said Henry.

    “To be recognised as part of its history with this Lifetime Achievement award and to have made my mark for the fans and my team-mates is something I’ll never take for granted.”

    Henry scored 228 goals in 377 matches for Arsenal across his two spells with the Gunners, eclipsing Ian Wright to become the club’s record goal scorer in 2005.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Eight major events that shaped global sports in 2025

    He won three FA Cups and two Premier League titles during his time in England – including the 2003-04 season when Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ remained unbeaten throughout the Premier League campaign.

    The striker won the Premier League Golden Boot a record-equalling four times and was named in the PFA Team of the Year six seasons in a row.

    He holds the joint-record with Kevin de Bruyne for the most assists (20) in a single Premier League season.

    In 2024, the Lifetime Achievement award was awarded to British cycling great Sir Mark Cavendish.

    Other previous winners of the award include Billie Jean King, Pele, Sir Bobby Charlton, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Sir David Beckham, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Sir Chris Hoy.

  • JUST IN: Ahmed Musa retires from international football

    JUST IN: Ahmed Musa retires from international football

    Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most capped international footballer, has officially announced his retirement from the Super Eagles, bringing an end to an illustrious career that spanned almost 15 years.

    The Super Eagles captain announced in an emotional post shared on X (formerly Twitter), thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support throughout his journey.

    “I wore this badge with pride for 15 years. From a 17-year-old boy answering every call to becoming the most capped Super Eagle with 111 appearances. AFCON champion. Nigeria’s highest World Cup goalscorer. Captain. Servant. Believer.”

    “I gave everything. Thank you, Nigeria… my heart will always beat green.”

    Musa reflected on his humble beginnings, recalling how his national team journey began when he was simultaneously invited to the U-20, U-23, and senior Super Eagles teams.

    Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most capped international footballer, has officially announced his retirement from the Super Eagles, bringing an end to an illustrious career that spanned almost 15 years.

    The Super Eagles captain announced in an emotional post shared on X (formerly Twitter), thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support throughout his journey.

    “I wore this badge with pride for 15 years. From a 17-year-old boy answering every call to becoming the most capped Super Eagle with 111 appearances. AFCON champion. Nigeria’s highest World Cup goalscorer. Captain. Servant. Believer.”

    “I gave everything. Thank you, Nigeria… my heart will always beat green.”

    Musa reflected on his humble beginnings, recalling how his national team journey began when he was simultaneously invited to the U-20, U-23, and senior Super Eagles teams.

  • PSG ordered to pay Mbappe 60m euros

    PSG ordered to pay Mbappe 60m euros

    Paris St-Germain have been ordered to pay former striker Kylian Mbappe 60m euros (£52.5m) in unpaid salary and bonuses by a French court.

    Mbappe had been seeking 263m euros (£231.5m) from his former club after the long-running dispute reached a Paris labour court in November.

    The European champions were counter-suing the France captain for 240m euros (£211m).

    The 26-year-old Real Madrid forward claimed the nine-figure sum as damages in response to a contract dispute and ill-treatment by the club.

    However, he was awarded just over a fifth of that amount in court on Tuesday.

    The court recognised that PSG had failed to pay three months of his salary between April and June 2024 as well as an ethics bonus and a signing bonus under his contract.

    It is believed that the majority of the money awarded to Mbappe was bonuses, rather than his salary.

    In May, a 55m euro sum in the club’s accounts was frozen following a request by Mbappe’s legal team.

    “We are satisfied with this ruling. This is what you could expect when salaries went unpaid,” Mbappe’s lawyer Frederique Cassereau said.

    In a statement, Mbappe’s legal team added: “This judgement confirms that commitments entered into must be honoured. It restores a simple truth: even in the professional football industry, labour law applies to everyone.

    “Mr Mbappe, for his part, scrupulously respected his sporting and contractual obligations for seven years, right up to the final day.”

    While accepting the court’s ruling, PSG haven’t ruled out appealing against the decision.

    The club had been seeking compensation for Mbappe’s failed 300m euro transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in 2023.

    He joined Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer the following summer.

    The club’s statement read: “Paris St-Germain takes note of the judgement pronounced by the Paris Labour Court, which it will execute, while reserving the right to appeal.

    “Paris St-Germain has always acted in good faith and with integrity, and will continue to do so. The club is now looking to the future, based on unity and collective success, and wishes the player the best for the rest of his career.”

  • Henry to be honoured with Lifetime Achievement award

    Henry to be honoured with Lifetime Achievement award

    Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award at BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

    The 48-year-old, widely considered to be one of the Premier League’s greatest players, retired in 2014.

    He will be presented with the award at the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year show on Thursday, live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 19:00 GMT.

    “Football has given me everything and I gave it my all,” said Henry.

    “To be recognised as part of its history with this Lifetime Achievement award and to have made my mark for the fans and my team-mates is something I’ll never take for granted.”

    Henry scored 228 goals in 377 matches for Arsenal across his two spells with the Gunners, eclipsing Ian Wright to become the club’s record goalscorer in 2005.

    He won three FA Cups and two Premier League titles during his time in England – including the 2003-04 season when Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ remained unbeaten throughout the Premier League campaign.

    The striker won the Premier League Golden Boot a record-equalling four times and was named in the PFA Team of the Year six seasons in a row.

    He holds the joint-record with Kevin de Bruyne for the most assists (20) in a single Premier League season.

    In 2024, the Lifetime Achievement award was awarded to British cycling great Sir Mark Cavendish.

    Other previous winners of the award include Billie Jean King, Pele, Sir Bobby Charlton, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Sir David Beckham, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Sir Chris Hoy.Henry to be honoured with Lifetime Achievement award

  • FULL LIST: Eight major events that shaped global sports in 2025

    FULL LIST: Eight major events that shaped global sports in 2025

    The year 2025 was remarkable in the world of sports, featuring historic achievements, thrilling comebacks, and record-breaking performances across multiple disciplines. 

    From football and basketball to cricket, motorsport, and American football, the global sporting calendar offered unforgettable moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Champions emerged through resilience, tactical mastery, and peak performance, leaving their mark on the year with victories that resonated across continents. 

    This review provides a detailed account of the major sports events of 2025, highlighting who won, where the competitions took place, and how they achieved success.

    Across all levels of competition, 2025 demonstrated the power of preparation, strategy, and determination. National teams and clubs alike showcased their abilities in high-pressure environments, while individual athletes achieved personal and career milestones. 

    The following is a comprehensive list of the most significant sporting events in 2025, offering insight into the performances, strategies, and moments that defined a year of exceptional athletic achievement.

    Nigeria won Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)

    Competition: 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

    Winner: Nigeria Super Falcons

    Runners‑Up: Morocco

    Final Score: Nigeria 3–2 Morocco

    Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco

    How they won:

    In a final defined by intensity and dramatic swings, Nigeria’s Super Falcons overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat Morocco 3–2 and claim their 10th WAFCON title. Morocco initially dominated, with goals from Ghizlane Chebbak in the 12th minute and Sanaâ Mssoudy in the 24th minute. Nigeria responded in the second half with a penalty by Esther Okoronkwo in the 64th minute, an equalizer by Folashade Ijamilusi in the 71st, and a late winner by substitute Jennifer Echegini in the 88th minute. Tactical adjustments, belief, and clinical finishing allowed Nigeria to overturn the deficit and lift the trophy.

    Arsenal win UEFA Women’s Champions League

    Competition: 2024–25 UEFA Women’s Champions League

    Winner: Arsenal Women

    Runners‑Up: Barcelona Women

    Final Score: Arsenal 1–0 Barcelona

    Venue: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal

    How they won:

    Arsenal Women claimed the UEFA Women’s Champions League by defeating Barcelona 1–0 in a tightly contested final. The decisive goal came in the 75th minute when Stina Blackstenius converted a precise pass from Beth Mead. Arsenal’s defense absorbed Barcelona’s sustained pressure, while goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar made key saves to maintain the lead. The victory marked Arsenal’s first Women’s Champions League title since 2007 and highlighted the team’s tactical discipline, resilience, and effective use of substitutes.

    UEFA Champions League (Men’s)

    Competition: 2024–25 UEFA Champions League

    Winner: Paris Saint‑Germain

    Runners‑Up: Inter Milan

    Final Score: PSG 5–0 Inter Milan

    Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

    How they won:

    Paris Saint‑Germain dominated Inter Milan 5–0 to capture their first UEFA Champions League title. PSG controlled possession, applied consistent pressure, and executed clinical finishes. Standout performances across the pitch allowed the team to break through Inter Milan’s defense repeatedly, producing a decisive and historic victory in Munich.

    2025 NBA Finals

    The 2025 NBA Finals was the championship series of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) 2024–25 season and conclusion to the season’s playoffs. The best-of-seven series ended with the Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder defeating the Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers in seven games.

    The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was voted the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP).

    The series began on June 5 and ended on June 22

    ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup

    Competition: 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup

    Winner: India

    Runners‑Up: South Africa

    Final Result: India won by 52 runs

    Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, India

    How they won:

    India won their first Women’s Cricket World Cup by defeating South Africa by 52 runs. Batting first, India posted a competitive total, supported by key contributions across the lineup. South Africa struggled to keep up with disciplined bowling and fielding, ultimately falling short in their chase. India’s strategy and composure under pressure secured a historic home victory.

    ICC Champions Trophy (Men’s Cricket)

    Competition: 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

    Winner: India

    Runners‑Up: New Zealand

    Final Result: India won by four wickets

    Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

    How they won:

    India defeated New Zealand by four wickets to lift the ICC Champions Trophy. After New Zealand set a challenging total, India built effective partnerships and paced their innings efficiently. Consistent batting and careful management of the final overs allowed India to secure the win and the championship.

    Super Bowl LIX

    Event: Super Bowl LIX

    Winner: Philadelphia Eagles

    Runners‑Up: Kansas City Chiefs

    Final Score: Eagles 40–22 Chiefs

    Venue: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

    How they won:

    Philadelphia Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl LIX. Jalen Hurts led the team with a complete performance, combining passing and rushing effectiveness. The Eagles’ defense created turnovers and limited scoring opportunities, while special teams contributed crucial field position advantages. Early control and consistent execution throughout the game secured the championship.

    2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket

    Competition: 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket

    Winner: Nigeria

    Runners‑Up: Mali

    Final Score: Nigeria 78–64 Mali

    Venue: Abidjan, Ivory Coast

    How they won:

    Nigeria’s D’Tigress claimed the 2025 AfroBasket title by defeating Mali 78–64. Strong defensive organization, efficient scoring, and depth across the roster allowed Nigeria to control the game and maintain a lead throughout. The victory marked Nigeria’s fifth consecutive AfroBasket championship and reinforced the team’s dominance in African women’s basketball.

    FIFA Club World Cup

    Competition: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

    Winner: Chelsea

    Runners‑Up: Paris Saint‑Germain

    Final Score: Chelsea 3–0 PSG

    Venue: United States

    How they won:

    Chelsea won the FIFA Club World Cup by defeating PSG 3–0. Their combination of solid defense, effective counter-attacks, and squad rotation allowed the team to control the match and score decisively. Tactical flexibility and execution under pressure ensured Chelsea lifted the global club trophy.

    Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)

    Competition: 2025 NPFL Season

    Winner: Remo Stars

    How they won:

    Remo Stars claimed the NPFL title through consistent performances across the season. Winning the title for the first time with 71points in 38 League matches, Remo Stars wrote their name in gold in the history books of the Nigerian Proffesional Football League.

    John Cena’s Retirement from WWE

    Event: WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

    Date: December 13, 2025

    Retirement Match: John Cena vs. Gunther

    Result: Gunther won by submission

    Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C., USA

    How it happened:

    John Cena retired from professional wrestling after his final match against Gunther. Cena lost by submission, marking the conclusion of a 24-year career. The match highlighted Cena’s legacy, with fans and fellow wrestlers honoring his contributions to WWE history.

    The year 2025 was defined by unforgettable victories, historic milestones, and thrilling comebacks across multiple sports. From Nigeria’s dramatic WAFCON triumph and Arsenal Women’s European glory to India’s cricket successes, the Eagles’ Super Bowl dominance, and John Cena’s retirement, athletes and teams demonstrated resilience, strategy, and peak performance, making 2025 a year to remember in the world of sports.

  • Things to know about DR Congo vs Nigeria World Cup battle

    Things to know about DR Congo vs Nigeria World Cup battle

    The clash between Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African qualification pathway for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has grown into one of the most complex and controversial football stories of 2025. 

    What began as a high-stakes playoff match has since evolved into a dispute involving eligibility rules, national citizenship laws, and FIFA’s interpretation of international sporting regulations. 

    The outcome of this case could yet reshape Africa’s final representation at the World Cup.

    Nigeria and DR Congo met on November 16, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, in a one-off CAF playoff final that determined which nation would advance to the inter-confederation playoffs. 

    Nigeria scored early through Frank Onyeka, but DR Congo equalised via Meschack Elia before halftime. After extra time ended 1–1, DR Congo won the penalty shootout 4–3, keeping their World Cup dream alive and ending Nigeria’s qualification hopes on the pitch.

    What happened on the field

    Nigeria started strongly, pressing aggressively and taking an early lead within the opening minutes. However, DR Congo gradually settled into the match, tightened their midfield structure, and exploited moments of transition to equalise. Both teams struggled to create clear chances in the second half and extra time as fatigue set in and the fear of conceding took over.

    The match ultimately went to penalties, where DR Congo showed greater composure. Their goalkeeper made key saves while Nigeria failed to convert crucial kicks. Captain Chancel Mbemba scored the decisive penalty, sending DR Congo through to the next stage and sparking celebrations among Congolese supporters.

    Why the match mattered

    For DR Congo, the victory represented a rare opportunity to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974. It was also seen as validation of years of rebuilding and reliance on Europe-based talent. Advancing to the inter-confederation playoffs offered a realistic pathway to football’s biggest stage.

    For Nigeria, the defeat was devastating. It confirmed a second consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup, a situation almost unthinkable for one of Africa’s most historically successful football nations. 

    The result intensified scrutiny on coaching decisions, federation leadership, and the long-term direction of the national team.

    The controversy after the match

    Shortly after the defeat, Nigeria’s head coach made comments suggesting unusual behaviour from the DR Congo bench during the penalty shootout, implying distraction or superstition. While those remarks drew public attention, they were largely dismissed by analysts and officials.

    The more serious development came in December 2025, when the Nigeria Football Federation submitted a formal petition to FIFA. The complaint alleged that DR Congo fielded several ineligible players during the playoffs, based on the country’s domestic citizenship laws.

    Citizenship rules in DR Congo

    Under the constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo, dual citizenship is generally not recognised. The law states that Congolese nationality is exclusive, meaning a citizen should not hold another nationality at the same time unless specific legal steps are taken.

    Nigeria’s argument rests on the claim that several DR Congo players, many of whom were born or raised abroad, may not have formally complied with Congolese nationality requirements before representing the national team. 

    While these players reportedly held Congolese passports, Nigeria contends that possession of a passport alone does not automatically satisfy domestic legal obligations under Congolese law.

    FIFA’s stance on player eligibility

    FIFA’s eligibility framework is based on sporting nationality rather than domestic constitutional law. To represent a country, a player must hold that country’s nationality and, where applicable, complete FIFA’s one-time switch process if they previously represented another nation.

    In most cases, FIFA considers a valid passport sufficient proof of eligibility. FIFA does not typically enforce or interpret a country’s internal citizenship laws unless there is evidence of falsified documentation or misrepresentation. DR Congo’s players were cleared by FIFA prior to the qualifiers, which forms the basis of the Congolese federation’s defence.

    Chances of any outcome and what the rules say

    As things stand, DR Congo’s position remains strong from a regulatory standpoint. At the time the playoff match against Nigeria was played, all DR Congo players involved had been officially cleared and deemed eligible under FIFA’s eligibility rules. 

    Each player held valid Congolese nationality documents and had received approval through FIFA’s established clearance processes where required. From FIFA’s perspective, eligibility is determined at the point of competition, not retroactively unless evidence of falsification or misrepresentation is proven.

    This significantly reduces the likelihood of an outright reversal of the match result. Historically, FIFA has been reluctant to overturn on-field outcomes when players were cleared before kickoff and participated in good faith under existing regulations. 

    Unless Nigeria can demonstrate that FIFA was misled through fraudulent documentation or that critical information was deliberately withheld, the most probable outcome is that the result will stand. 

    While the investigation continues, precedent suggests that DR Congo’s advancement to the inter-confederation playoffs remains intact, with Nigeria’s chances hinging more on procedural interpretation than sporting merit.

    The current situation

    FIFA has acknowledged receipt of Nigeria’s petition and is reviewing the case. The investigation is ongoing, and no final ruling has been announced. Possible outcomes range from the complaint being dismissed, to administrative sanctions, or in extreme circumstances, a reversal of results.

    However, overturning a match result is rare and would require strong evidence of regulatory breach.

    Meanwhile, DR Congo remains scheduled to participate in the inter-confederation playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, pending FIFA’s final decision. 

    Nigeria’s qualification hopes now rest entirely on the outcome of this administrative process rather than on-field performance.

    Why this dispute matters beyond Nigeria and DR Congo

    The case has wider implications for international football, especially in Africa, where many national teams rely heavily on diaspora players. 

    It highlights the tension between domestic citizenship laws and FIFA’s global eligibility system, and raises questions about whether greater alignment or clarification is needed.

    Whatever FIFA decides, the DR Congo vs Nigeria World Cup battle of 2025 will be remembered not only for its dramatic penalty shootout, but also for the legal and regulatory questions it has forced football’s governing bodies to confront.

  • Top five most watched football leagues in 2025

    Top five most watched football leagues in 2025

    As the 2025 season progresses, the English Premier League continues to dominate global football viewership, consolidating its status as the undisputed leader among club leagues worldwide.

    The league’s unmatched appeal is driven by its broadcast presence in more than 200 territories, intense competition across all 20 teams, and a star-studded lineup that attracts fans from every continent. 

    Recent analyses estimate that the Premier League draws an average of about 643 million viewers per match, far ahead of its closest rivals, with a potential global audience exceeding 4.7 billion people. 

    This dominance is reinforced by lucrative television rights deals and strong digital engagement, setting the benchmark for football popularity.

    Top five most watched football leagues in 2025:

    English Premier League (England)

    The clear market leader, the Premier League boasts record-breaking stadium attendance of over 15 million fans last season and unparalleled global broadcast reach. Its fast-paced, highly competitive nature and iconic clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal continue to fuel its supremacy.

    Bundesliga (Germany)

    Widely known for the highest average stadium attendance in Europe and its attacking style of play, the Bundesliga ranks second. Strong domestic support and growing international appeal, led by clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, underpin its popularity.

    La Liga (Spain)

    Home to global giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, La Liga remains one of the most watched leagues worldwide. El Clásico is among the most-viewed fixtures each year, while technical brilliance and stars like Vinícius Júnior keep the league among football’s elite.

    Serie A (Italy)

    Serie A is enjoying a resurgence, driven by tactical depth and competitive title races. Historic clubs such as Inter Milan and AC Milan, along with traditional rivalries, have boosted fan engagement and overseas interest.

    Ligue 1 (France)

    Ligue 1 completes the top five, supported by strong talent development and the star power of Paris Saint-Germain. The league maintains solid regional followings and a growing impact on international competitions.

    The rankings are based on global viewership figures, broadcast distribution and stadium attendance data from 2025 reports. 

    While Europe’s “Big Five” leagues continue to dominate the global stage, emerging competitions such as Major League Soccer are steadily gaining regional traction. 

    The Premier League’s commanding lead shows no sign of slowing, reinforcing football’s position as the world’s most popular sport.

  • Daniel Ford Elite Table Tennis tourney  begins  with coaching clinic

    Daniel Ford Elite Table Tennis tourney  begins  with coaching clinic

    By Inioluwa David

     The third edition of the annual Daniel Ford Elite Invitational Table Tennis Tournament begins  today, December 17, with a two-day coaching clinic for all participants at the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) Training Centre, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    The clinic, one of the key initiatives of the tournament sponsors, is designed to empower players with essential techniques ahead of the main competition, which kicks off on Friday, December 19, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium.

    Led by top national coaches under the guidance of Dotun Omoniyi, the clinic aims to drill players, refresh their knowledge, and ensure they are in peak condition for the tournament.

    For the sponsor, Yemi Edun, the clinic is a vital component of the event.

    Read Also: Discovery Cup: Ojodu City clinches victory as tournament uncovers Nigerian talents for European football

     “A tournament should not only be about competition. It should also serve as an avenue to sharpen skills. Yes, players improve by facing strong competitors, but there is also the invaluable input of trained eyes, coaches, mentors, and experts, who prepare them before they step onto the stage. That way, every player brings their very best. And I believe the overall impact of this tournament has been overwhelmingly positive,” Edun said.

    This year’s edition also features the introduction of the U-12 category, a move Edun believes will strengthen Nigeria’s talent pipeline.

     “It is absolutely within our abilities to use this tournament as a pipeline for creating elite-tier players. In sports, mastery must begin early; some say as early as 13 years old, otherwise you risk falling behind the global curve. And let us remember: we are the largest Black nation on earth. Statistically, we should have more talent to discover, nurture, and showcase. That is why I fully envisage a future, within the next seven years, where Nigeria stands proudly as Africa’s leading table tennis nation,” he added.

    With its blend of competition and skill development, the Daniel Ford Elite Invitational continues to position itself as a cornerstone for nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of table tennis champions.