The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • NVBF Super Cup: Customs, Correctional Service dominate men’s category as COAS, CNS shine

    NVBF Super Cup: Customs, Correctional Service dominate men’s category as COAS, CNS shine

    Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Club began their 2025 Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Super Cup campaign in dominant fashion, recording a straight-sets victory over Life Camp VC at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja yesterday.

    In the second match of the competition, Customs imposed themselves early with aggressive serving and solid blocking to take the opening set 25–21, despite a spirited fightback from Life Camp.

    The Customs side tightened their grip in the second set, showcasing superior coordination and quick transitions to pull clear at 25–18. Their composure at key moments continued to frustrate Life Camp.

    The third set proved more competitive, but Customs maintained their intensity to edge it 25–23, completing a convincing 3–0 win and underlining their status as strong contenders for the Super Cup title.

    Earlier in the day, Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) Volleyball Club also recorded a commanding 3–0 victory over Ajase Ipo of Ilorin in another men’s encounter.

    The opening set was fiercely contested, with Ajase Ipo pushing NCS to the limit before the Correctional Service side edged it 28–26 through calm execution at decisive moments.

    NCS asserted clear dominance in the second set, improving their defensive organisation and attacking efficiency to claim it 25–17. Ajase Ipo showed renewed fight in the third set, but NCS once again displayed discipline and experience to close it out 25–23, sealing another straight-sets victory.

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

    In the women’s matches on Day 1 of the Super Cup, COAS Spikers recorded a comfortable 3–0 win over Fire Service. They claimed the sets 25–21, 25–12 and 25–16 to begin their campaign on a strong note.

    CNS Spikers also cruised to a 3–0 victory against Excelsior, winning all three sets 25–0, 25–0 and 25–0, after Excelsior were unable to field a complete team.

    Meanwhile, Day 2 fixtures of the NVBF Super Cup Tournament hold today in Abuja with Chief of Naval Staff Volleyball team facing Ajase Ipo hoping to make it two straight wins in the first game of the Men’s event. In the other Men’s game, Defender Volleyball team will square up with Nigeria Customs Service. The two games will be played by 2pm and 4pm in that order.

    In the Women’s category, Nigeria Customs Service will try Fire Volley ball team for size by 10am while Vipers Volleyball team will trade spikes with Chief of Naval Staff Volleyball team by 12 noon.

  • Umoh outlines needed  elements for volleyball’s revival

    Umoh outlines needed  elements for volleyball’s revival

    A member of the Board of Trustees of Life Camp Volleyball Club, Paul Umoh, has emphasised the urgent need for increased exposure, sponsorship and stronger structural support to boost performance and reposition  of volleyball in Nigeria.

    Speaking  at the ongoing 2025 Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Super Cup in Abuja, where Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Club defeated Life Camp VC 3–0, Umoh described the current phase of the sport as challenging but filled with enormous potential.

    According to him, while the volleyball “family” in Nigeria continues to grow, its full potential can only be realised with the right support systems in place, particularly in the area of funding and sponsorship.

    Read Also: Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta

    He identified poor sponsorship as one of the major setbacks confronting the sport, noting that many talented players struggle to fully commit to volleyball due to the lack of financial backing from clubs and corporate organisations.

    “With proper sponsorship, clubs will be better positioned to sign players on decent contracts, keep them motivated and create long-term value for both the athletes and the sport,” Umoh stated.

    He commended the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for the visible improvements recorded in recent years but stressed that sustained development efforts remain crucial.

    Umoh concluded by calling on administrators, corporate bodies and stakeholders to work collectively to make volleyball more attractive, competitive and sustainable in Nigeria.

  • Monrovia gear up for Africa Scrabble Championship

    Monrovia gear up for Africa Scrabble Championship

    Preparations for the 16th Africa Scrabble Championship (ASC) have shifted into high gear following the official confirmation of Monrovia, Liberia as the host city.

    Since the announcement, the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA) and the National Scrabble Association of Liberia (NASAL) have been locked in intense planning, and the early signs point to a landmark tournament that will reset the standards of the game on the continent.

    From October 21–25, 2026, the iconic Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex on Tubman Boulevard will become the epicentre of African Scrabble, welcoming the continent’s sharpest minds for what is already being described as the most ambitious edition in the championship’s 32-year history.

    PANASA has confirmed that NASAL’s proposed tournament budget is the largest ever for an Africa Scrabble Championship.

    The unprecedented financial commitment has drawn widespread praise across the continent, with African federations hailing Liberia’s bold investment in the growth of the sport.

    “This will be a record-breaking championship in every sense,” PANASA officials noted, describing the budget as a game-changer for player welfare, organisation and competitive incentives.

    For the first time in ASC history, the top 20 finishers will all walk away with cash prizes, a significant departure from previous editions where only a handful of players were rewarded.

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

    Even more striking, the top five pay-outs will be the highest ever recorded in the championship’s three-decade existence, while the eventual champion will earn a record purse, the richest reward ever offered to an African Scrabble winner.

    The incentives go beyond cash. The top three players will also receive distinctive, specially designed trophies, adding prestige to podium finishes and further elevating the championship’s profile.

    In a major show of goodwill to players, registration fees for quota players have been pegged at 2022 rates, despite prize money increasing by up to 100 percent in most categories, a rare move that underlines the organisers’ commitment to inclusivity and participation.

    Building on reforms introduced in 2024, the Diaspora Route will again be available, allowing African players living abroad who cannot attend national qualifiers to compete at the championship through their home associations.

    Each country may register up to 15 home-based players, with an additional maximum of five diaspora players, raising the total possible team size to 20 players per nation.

    The registration process remains streamlined and official, only Presidents, Chairmen of national associations or designated Team Captains are authorised to register teams on the tournament portal.

    With logistics, visas, accommodation and travel arrangements already being fine-tuned, PANASA has urged national associations to actively disseminate tournament details to their players.

    Further information is available on the dedicated tournament page, while inquiries can be directed to Chrispine Okeyo (PANASA Technical Director) or Lester Morris, President of NASAL.

    As Africa’s best Scrabble minds begin their countdown, one thing is certain and clear, Monrovia 2026 will not just crown a champion, it will redefine the Africa Scrabble Championship and the sport.

  • Carabao Cup : Arsenal braced for in-form Chelsea

    Carabao Cup : Arsenal braced for in-form Chelsea

    A 3-2 advantage going into Tuesday’s League Cup semi-final second leg at home offers no extra comfort to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who expects in-form Chelsea to pose his team a difficult challenge.

    Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea have won all five matches since losing to Arsenal in the first leg last month, directly qualifying for the Champions League’s round of 16 after finishing sixth in the European competition’s league phase and rising to fifth in the Premier League.

    “Tomorrow we have the home advantage, but we have a lot to do to beat a really good Chelsea side,” Arteta told reporters. “I think Liam is doing an incredible job… we need to make it very concrete to win it.”

    Read Also: Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta

    Rosenior, who took charge at Chelsea last month, has won every match other than the first-leg clash with Arsenal, and called Arteta’s men the favourites to win the tie.

    “They’re a goal up and they’re at home. They’ll expect to go through. We need to take it as far as we can,” the Chelsea manager said.

    But Arsenal, upbeat after a 4-0 league win at Leeds United, received a new injury blow with midfielder Mikel Merino set for surgery on a fractured foot he suffered during the loss to Manchester United.

    “He is a big player for us. It’s a big blow… it’s a very rare injury. We’ll have to keep monitoring it,” Arteta said.

    With the winter transfer window closing on Monday, Arteta said Arsenal would see if someone was available to fill the void.

    “When you lose a big player in the squad… you need to do everything you can to see if someone is available. If not, we move on,” the manager said.

    “The news of Mikel was very surprising. My day will be a bit busier than usual.”

  • Benzema moves to Al-Hilal following Al-Ittihad departure

    Benzema moves to Al-Hilal following Al-Ittihad departure

    Karim Benzema has joined Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League leaders announced, following the termination of his contract with Al-Ittihad.

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

    Local media reported that the move to Al-Hilal came after Benzema rejected an offer to extend his contract with Al-Ittihad. The former France striker had missed the team’s previous two league matches.

    “Karim Benzema is officially Hilali,” Al-Hilal posted on X.

    The former Real Madrid striker, 38, scored 16 goals in 21 matches for Al-Ittihad in all competitions this season.

  • Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta

    Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta


    Ademola Lookman has penned an emotional farewell message to Atalanta after completing his transfer to Spanish giants Atlético Madrid, bringing an end to a memorable near four-year spell in Bergamo.

    The Nigeria international confirmed his departure in a heartfelt message posted on his official X handle, where he reflected on the defining moments of his time with the Serie A club and expressed gratitude to the fans, teammates, and staff who shaped his journey.

    “After nearly four years, the time has come for me to say goodbye,” Lookman wrote. “From the moment I arrived in Bergamo, you welcomed me like one of your own and pushed me to be the best version of myself.”

    Lookman leaves Atalanta as one of the most iconic figures in the club’s recent history. 

    His crowning moment came during the 2023/24 season when he produced a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, firing Atalanta to their first-ever European title and ending a 61-year wait for a major trophy. The performance not only etched his name into Atalanta folklore but also placed him among the elite performers in European finals.

    Reflecting on that achievement, Lookman described the triumph as unforgettable, noting that the memories from that night will remain with him forever. He also highlighted his personal milestone of winning the 2024 African Player of the Year award while still an Atalanta player, describing it as an honour he will always cherish.

    Read Also: Galatasaray table massive bid for Ademola Lookman

    “Those moments, those emotions, those nights under the lights, they’re engraved in my heart,” he added.

    The forward went on to thank his teammates, coaching staff, and club officials for their support throughout his stay, while reserving special praise for the Atalanta supporters, whose passion and unwavering belief, he said, played a crucial role in the team’s success.

    “Every cheer, every banner, every away trip meant something. Thank you for making Bergamo feel like home and for giving me memories I’ll carry forever,” Lookman wrote, signing off with the words, “Grazie di tutto, ciao.”

    Lookman officially completed his transfer to Atlético Madrid today, marking a new chapter in his career as he prepares for the challenge of La Liga under Diego Simeone. The move sees the Super Eagles star take his experience, flair, and big-game pedigree to Spain, following a spell in Italy that will be remembered as one of the most successful periods in Atalanta’s history.

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

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

    The Premier League’s transformation into world football’s richest and most competitive league has been driven in no small part by record-breaking transfer spending over the past decade and a half.

    Since 2010, English clubs have repeatedly pushed the boundaries of the global market, shattering fee records in their bid to secure elite talent capable of delivering instant success, long-term dominance, or commercial appeal in an increasingly globalised game.

    From midfield generals and defensive lynchpins to creative playmakers and marquee forwards, these high-profile acquisitions reflect not only footballing ambition but also the financial muscle, strategic risks, and evolving recruitment philosophies of Premier League clubs.

    As the January transfer window deadline draws closer, here is a detailed look at the top 15 most expensive signings in Premier League history since 2010.

    1. Alexander Isak – Newcastle United to Liverpool (£125m, September 2025)

    Liverpool shattered the British transfer record to sign Alexander Isak after several prolific seasons at Newcastle United. The Swedish forward was identified as the long-term focal point of Liverpool’s attack, combining pace, technical quality, and elite finishing. His arrival symbolised a new financial era at Anfield and underlined the club’s ambition to remain at the summit of English and European football.

    1. Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool (£116m, June 2025)

    Before Isak’s arrival, Liverpool had already broken their own transfer record by securing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s most gifted creative midfielders, Wirtz was signed to be the cerebral force behind Liverpool’s attacking play. His transfer reflected both the club’s long-term planning and the escalating cost of elite young talent.

    1. Moisés Caicedo – Brighton to Chelsea (£115m, August 2023)

    Chelsea outbid Liverpool in a dramatic deadline-day battle to sign Moisés Caicedo, making him the most expensive defensive midfielder in Premier League history at the time. Brighton’s record sale reflected Caicedo’s meteoric rise from Ecuadorian prospect to elite ball-winner. Tasked with stabilising Chelsea’s midfield, his early struggles were heavily scrutinised, but his athleticism and defensive intelligence justified the club’s heavy investment.

    1. Enzo Fernández – Benfica to Chelsea (£106.8m, January 2023)

    Chelsea broke the British transfer record at the time to sign Enzo Fernández following his standout performances for Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he won the Young Player Award. Signed just six months after joining Benfica, Enzo was brought in to be the long-term heartbeat of Chelsea’s midfield, dictating tempo and providing leadership well beyond his age.

    1. Declan Rice – West Ham United to Arsenal (£105m, July 2023)

    Arsenal made Declan Rice their most expensive signing ever after a prolonged transfer saga involving Manchester City. Already a proven Premier League leader, Rice immediately transformed Arsenal’s midfield balance with his defensive authority, ball-carrying ability, and growing attacking output, becoming central to Mikel Arteta’s long-term project.

    1. Jack Grealish – Aston Villa to Manchester City (£100m, August 2021)

    Grealish became the first £100m signing in Premier League history when Manchester City prised him away from boyhood club Aston Villa. Signed to add creativity and control, Grealish initially faced scrutiny but grew into a vital tactical component, playing a key role in City’s historic treble-winning 2022/23 campaign.

    1. Romelu Lukaku – Inter Milan to Chelsea (£97.5m, August 2021)

    Chelsea re-signed Lukaku for a club-record fee following a prolific spell at Inter Milan. Expected to be the missing piece in Thomas Tuchel’s attack, the move quickly unravelled due to tactical issues, injuries, and off-field controversy, making it one of the most disappointing high-profile transfers in Premier League history.

    1. Paul Pogba – Juventus to Manchester United (£89m, August 2016)

    Pogba returned to Manchester United as a global superstar in what was a world-record transfer at the time. While he delivered moments of brilliance and won domestic and European silverware, inconsistency and injuries prevented him from fully justifying the enormous fee.

    1. Antony – Ajax to Manchester United (£85m, August 2022)

    Erik ten Hag pushed hard to reunite with Antony, inflating the fee during a late-window move. Although signed for his flair and creativity, Antony struggled for consistency and output, becoming emblematic of Manchester United’s recruitment inefficiencies.

    1. Harry Maguire – Leicester City to Manchester United (£80m, August 2019)

    Maguire became the world’s most expensive defender when United triggered his release clause. Initially influential and immediately named captain, later form dips and relentless scrutiny turned him into one of the most polarising figures in Premier League history.

    Read Also: Pedro, Palmer secure first Premier League win for Rosenior

    1. Virgil van Dijk – Southampton to Liverpool (£75m, January 2018)

    Van Dijk’s arrival transformed Liverpool overnight. Then the world’s most expensive defender, he justified every penny by anchoring a defence that won the Champions League and Premier League, redefining elite centre-back standards in England.

    1. Romelu Lukaku – Everton to Manchester United (£75m, July 2017)

    United beat Chelsea to Lukaku’s signature after his prolific spell at Everton. Although he scored regularly, stylistic mismatches limited his long-term impact before he revived his career in Italy.

    1. Jadon Sancho – Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United (£73m, July 2021)

    After years of pursuit, United finally landed Sancho. However, adaptation issues and managerial fallout meant his Premier League career never reached the heights expected.

    1. Kai Havertz – Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea (£71m, September 2020)

    Chelsea signed Havertz as part of a major spending spree. Though inconsistent in the league, he secured his place in club history by scoring the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final.

    15. Ángel Di María – Real Madrid to Manchester United (£59.7m, August 2014)

    Signed after a Champions League-winning season with Real Madrid, Di María arrived with enormous expectations. Despite a bright start, injuries and off-field issues curtailed his time in England, making the move one of the Premier League’s most regrettable big-money transfers.

  • ‘Problem Child’ Lookman  to complete ₦66 Billion transfer to Atletico

    ‘Problem Child’ Lookman  to complete ₦66 Billion transfer to Atletico

    Atletico Madrid are set to complete their first signing of the winter transfer window, securing Nigeria international striker Ademola Lookman from Atalanta in a staggering €40 million deal (approximately ₦66 billion).

    Fenerbahce were close to agreeing a €40 million deal with Atalanta for Lookman, but Atleti reportedly hijacked the transfer. News of Lookman’s departure from Atalanta was first confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, with the former African Footballer of the Year having made it clear that he wanted to join Atleti over Fenerbahce.

    “Atletico Madrid is on the verge of sealing the signing of Ademola Lookman,” Romano reported. “The Nigerian forward’s yes to the Spanish club has been confirmed, with the club set to pay €35 million plus €5 million in bonuses. Now Atlético must reach an agreement with Lookman on the contract. Key hours ahead.”

    Atalanta later confirmed that an agreement with Atletico Madrid had been reached as the 28-year-old flew into the Spanish capital yesterday to undergo medical tests before completing the €40 million transfer, including add-ons.

    Described as a ‘problem child’ by sections of the Italian media, Lookman’s departure from Atalanta had long been imminent.

    “While for outsiders, this would come as a blow for La Dea, it really is not,” noted Kaustubh Pandey, an Italian football correspondent. “The Bergamo club have been through quite a bit because of the attacker’s tantrums and constant wishes to depart the club as soon as he can.”

    Read Also: Morocco 2025: NFF backs  Chelle to achieve future greater things with Eagles

    Lookman has been embroiled in transfer sagas with the Atalanta establishment since his 2024 Europa League final heroics, where he scored a remarkable hat-trick against Leverkusen.

    Following that performance, he sought a move to Paris Saint-Germain, then jetted out to London amid speculation of a possible move to Arsenal which never materialized. He was subsequently left out of the squad by then-coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

    “[Ivan] Juric did the same as Gasperini, dropping Lookman entirely from the squad for major games,” Pandey stated. “He also called out his commitment publicly, clarifying that he needs more commitment from him.

    “Lookman did return to the first-team fold but his form has clearly dipped. He leaves after multiple controversies, essentially delaying the inevitable. It should’ve happened earlier, but Lookman’s relationship with the club’s fans also went downhill and his larger reputation also took a hit.

    “He turned into a problem child and it was a long time coming,” he added.

  • NPFL: Rangers jump to  third as Nasarawa miss top spot

    NPFL: Rangers jump to  third as Nasarawa miss top spot

    Some of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 24 fixtures were decided yesterday across five centres, with Rangers International climbing into the top three, Enyimba finally tasting victory in 2026, and Nasarawa United missing a golden chance to go top after being held in Bauchi.

    Rangers International continued their steady climb up the table with a convincing 2-0 victory over Kano Pillars at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

    Emmanuel Essien gave the Flying Antelopes an early advantage in the 11th  minute before Mukhtar Mohammed’s own goal in the 49th  minute sealed the win.

    The result lifts Rangers to third place on 39 points, while Sai Masu Gida remain deep in trouble in 18th position with 25 points.

    At the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna, Niger Tornadoes and Bendel Insurance played out one of the games of the weekend, a thrilling 2-2 draw.

    Bendel Insurance raced into a 2-0 first-half lead through Nnamdi Anthony (2’) and Chinedu Nwosu (38’), but the Ikon Allah Boys mounted a spirited second-half comeback.

    Abdulaziz Dalhatu pulled one back on 60 minutes before Rickson Mendos struck deep into stoppage time (90+4’) to salvage a point for Tornadoes.

    Both sides remain level on 34 points, with Tornadoes seventh and Bendel Insurance eighth.

    Enyimba finally recorded their first league win of the year after edging Bayelsa United 1-0 at home.

    Samuel Agu’s late strike in the 81st  minute secured all three points for the People’s Elephant, who also completed a league double over the Prosperity Boys.

    Enyimba move up to 11th with 31 points, while Bayelsa United drop to 14th  on 28 points.

    In a keenly contested Northern Derby at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Wikki Tourists came from behind to draw 1-1 with Nasarawa United.

    Chimezie Victor put the Solid Miners ahead in the 29th  minute, but Jonathan Mairiga restored parity for Wikki Tourists in the 35th  minute.

    The draw denied Nasarawa United the chance to leapfrog Rivers United to the top of the table. The Solid Miners remain second on 40 points, while Wikki Tourists sit 13th  with 28 points. Rivers United, who were inactive due to CAF Champions League commitments, still have three outstanding games to potentially widen the gap.

    Despite playing away from Katsina, Katsina United claimed a comfortable 2-0 win over Abia Warriors in Kano.

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    Uche Collins was the hero of the day, scoring twice in quick succession in the 55th  and 58th minutes.

    The victory moves the Chanji Boys up to 10th  place with 33 points, while Abia Warriors slip to fifth on 38 points.

    The remaining NPFL Matchday 24 fixtures will be concluded today. In Maiduguri, El Kanemi Warriors host Kun Khalifat as they seek revenge for a 3-1 loss in the reverse fixture.

    In Ibadan, defending champions Remo Stars face an in-form Plateau United side in a crucial clash, with both teams hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone.

    Elsewhere, Barau FC welcome Ikorodu City hoping to overturn a first-leg defeat, while Kwara United face Warri Wolves in a must-win encounter as they battle to escape relegation.

    NPFL Matchday 24 Results

    Niger Tornadoes 2-2 Insurance

    Katsina United 2-0 Abia Warriors

    Enyimba 1-0 Bayelsa United

    Rangers  2-0 Kano Pillars

    Wikki Tourists 1-1 Nasarawa United

    Shooting Stars vs. Rivers United (Postponed)

    Remaining NPFL Matchday 24 Fixtures

    El Kanemi Warriors vs. Kun Khalifat

    Remo Stars vs. Plateau United

    Barau FC vs. Ikorodu City

    Kwara United vs. Warri Wolves

  •  States’ final  selection of athletes for Niger Delta Games heat up

     States’ final  selection of athletes for Niger Delta Games heat up

    Niger Delta region states are on the very end part of their preparations as they get set to move into camp before departing  to Benin for the for the 2nd  Niger Delta Games.

    From Port Harcourt to Yenagoa and to Calabar up to Akure, Owerri, Umuahia, Asaba and Benin, athletes and coaches have been working their socks with eyes on medals.

    In Uyo where the Athletics event trials comes up at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium today, over 100 athletes will compete to earn a place in the state contingent. The trials will have morning and afternoon sessions for events in the 100m sprints, 400m, 800m and the relay and mixed relay races.

    The morning session will begin at 9 a.m. with the women’s 5,000m final and men’s shot-put final, followed by the 100m heats for both men and women, field events, and finals in the 400m, 1,500m, hurdles, jumps and throws. The session will run through to 1:15pm, promising non-stop action on the track and in the field.

    Read Also: Victor Osimhen not leaving AFCON camp — NFF official

    The afternoon session will commence at 3 p.m. and will feature finals of javelin, discus, long jump, 200m, 800m, high jump and the men’s 5,000m, which will close the day’s programme at 6 p.m.

    Elsewhere, kokowa will take place at Uyo Township Stadium at 11 a.m. and with the Olympic-size swimming pool currently undergoing maintenance, swimming has been scheduled for UltraFit Nigeria Limited, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, for the same time.

    Impressive turnouts of fans have been recorded on previous days of the trials and more members of the public are expected to turn up at the venues and cheer the athletes.

    The Niger Delta Games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission and organized by Dunamis-Icon Limited, are scheduled for Edo State  between February 20 and 27, with all nine states of the region expected to participate.