Ayetoro New-Makun community has intensified efforts to host the 1st edition of the Ayetoro New-Makun FA Community Cup 2025.
The tournament is dedicated to discovering and celebrating raw football talent across neighbouring communities.
Set for Saturday, December 20, 2025, it will take place at the Christ College Green Acres Field, Ayetoro, promising electrifying matches, community unity, and high-level grassroots entertainment.
According to the organizers, the primary objective of the tournament is to create a platform where young, passionate footballers can showcase their talent, gain exposure, and get scouted by reputable football agents who may play significant roles in shaping their professional future.
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) described the event as a vital step towards building stronger football structures within the region. “This first edition is more than a competition; it is the beginning of a legacy for Ayetoro New-Makun FA and the entire community,” said Coach S. Adeyemi, LOC Chairman.
Eight teams have been selected to compete for glory. They include Ayetoro NM FC, Arepo Bombers, Maba United FC, New Makun FA, Magboro FC, Olofin FC, Lufuwape Amazing Stars and Iwelepe FC.
Outstanding players, coaches and teams will be honoured with impressive prizes, including a trophy for the overall champion and medals for others.
Veteran left back Ali Maaloul has been included in Tunisia’s 28-man squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, as the 35-year-old prepares to make his fifth appearance in the tournament.
Maaloul, who turns 36 next month, had not played for Tunisia for almost two years when he won a recall for a friendly last month and kept his place for the Arab Cup in Qatar, where Tunisia were eliminated on Sunday.
Maaloul has competed at four previous Cup of Nations editions, and won the African Champions League four times. He is one of several experienced internationals named on Thursday by coach Sami Trabelsi, who also included 33-year-old midfielder Ferjani Sassi, who will reach 100 caps if he plays in all three first-round matches.
Tunisia have been drawn in Group C and start their campaign against Uganda in Rabat on December 23, after which they take on Nigeria and Tanzania.
Hosts Morocco have included African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi in their 26-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, confident he will recover from an ankle injury in time to play.
There had been concern about the full back’s availability for the tournament, which kicks off on December 21, after suffering a severe sprain of his left ankle during Paris St Germain’s 2-1 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League last month.
Coach Walid Regragui had already expressed optimism that Hakimi would be available to captain the team in the opening match against Comoros in Rabat.
“He’s been working hard since his injury and doing what he has to do. He’s a hard worker. He wants to be there from the first match,” the Moroccan coach told French radio at the weekend.
Left out of the squad, but named as a reserve is Lille striker Hamza Igamane, who hurt his adductors playing against Olympique de Marseille last Friday.
Igamane has made a major impact in Ligue 1 and with the Morocco side and was expected to be a starter at the tournament for the hosts.
Perennial champions, Malcomines Polo Team along with Keffi Ponys, Fifth Chukker as well as 20 other polo teams will vie for honours in the 2025/2026 Jos Winter Polo Tournament which will hold between December 26 and January 2, 2026 at the popular General Hassan Polo Ground in Jos.
Organisers said that added allure to the tournament this year would be the third edition of a Charity event on Christmas Day to herald the prestigious tournament
Powered by the Plateau State Government alongside corporates like Malcomines as well as other corporate and individual sponsors, the festival promises to be one of the most exciting in decades. Reigning champions, Jos Malcomines, led by Murtala Laushi, tops a formidable lineup of teams that includes strong contenders from Kaduna, Kano Abuja, Bauchi, Yola and among others.
The week-long tournament traditionally draws participants from Polo teams across Nigeria and is taking place at the Hassan Katsina Polo field in Jos.
Other contenders are expected from Zaria, Minna, Maiduguri, Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Abuja and Keffi with enough high-goal players and battle-ready ponies on hand for the contest.
Captain of Jos Polo Club (JPC), Yusuf Dauda , has assured that tourists and polo enthusiasts that the club will enjoy the best winter polo fiesta that will surpass previous editions.
Dauda, who is also one of the serving officials on the Management Committee of the Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF), added that the tournament committee was working hard with all stakeholders and partners to deliver 2025 fiesta in grand style.
Chief Host and President of Jos Polo Club, Murtala Laushi who has been the biggest benefactor of the prestigious annual fiesta, confirmed that preparations are on for another Jos polo festival that promises to the biggest in years.
The 2025/2026 Jos international annual Polo tournament will feature the biggest patrons, foreign and the best of Nigerian players and teams as well as thousands of enthusiasts from within and outside the country.
“It is worth noting that the game Polo has for several decades now maintained its preeminent position as the leading catalyst for sports, recreation, peace and tourism in Plateau state, and Nigeria at large,” enthused the Jos polo boss who is also the NPF Secretary General.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that preparations have been concluded for the charity event that usually flags off the campaigns.
Secretary Jos Polo Club, Hassan Gashash , stated that the event would be hosted by the Jos Polo Club in conjunction with a non-governmental charity organization, Hands of Help for the Nigerian Grassroots Economic Regeneration (the HANGER Project) on Christmas Day, December 25.
A spokesperson of the HANGER Project, Alison Allanso also confirmed that the event will be an all -day of activities at the premises of the polo club, to put smile on the faces of the less privilege, orphans, Disabled persons, widows and the internally displaced persons from Jos and its environs in Plateau State.
She said: “We have been on this project for the past years and this year we are hoping to reach out to about four hundred Nigerians or more, mostly children and women whose livelihoods have been badly affected by the current hardship in the country.
“We thank all the donors for their support so far and also appeal to other well -meaning corporate organizations and individuals to come to the aid of the less privileged by donating to the project that would lift these unfortunate members of the society and give them hope during this festive period.”
Ex-Barca winger urges Super Eagles to go for big prize of Morocco 2025
Emmanuel Amuneke scored the brace that helped Nigeria claim a famous 2-1 win at the expense of Zambia at the 1994 African Cup of Nations- a moment he described as one of the unforgettable memories of his illustrious career. The former Barcelona winger and African Footballer of the Year said he was humbling about his profound success in what was only his first and only appearance as a player at the AFCON. Having also led Tanzania to feature at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt , Amuneke has urged the Super Eagles to brace for what would be an interest 35th AFCON in Morocco, writes MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN…
Emmanuel Amuneke, former Nigerian winger and 1994 African Footballer of the Year, fondly remembers scoring twice in the 2-1 final victory over Zambia at the 19th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tunisia.
This win clinched Nigeria’s second AFCON title. Remarkably, this was his first and only appearance as a player in an AFCON tournament.
Amuneke in a file interview with our correspondent, said he grew up admiring Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON win and the gallant 1990 team that finished runners-up in Algeria after a heavy opening loss.
“My early memory about the Africa Cup on Nations was that the 1990 edition that Nigeria participated in Algeria,” Amuneke recalled. “The way the team came back from that 5-1 heavy loss to Algeria in their opening game and bounced back to play in the final where they lost by just 1-0 was inspiring.”
He continued: “ If you look at the players and over all set up of the team throughout the tournament, you would see a lot of potentials but at the end the day, the Super Eagles went all the way to the final.”
Led by Dutch coach Clemens Westerhof, Amuneke was particularly impressed by winger Friday Elahor’s performances in 1990, which inspired his own international ambitions.
“In that team we had some great players like Friday Elahor who was so exciting to watch with his strength and ability to dribble one -on-one and deliver good crosses to the strikers, he impressed me throughout the tournament ,” Amuneke noted.“ In fact, the way he (Elahor) played served at that AFCON in 1990 served as an inspiration to me and it was a very great privilege watching that AFCON and seeing such a player.
“His performance gave some of us the inspiration to play for our country ,Nigeria. That particular tournament made a huge impression on me and I could say that was the beginning of my love affair with the AFCON.”
But four years , the 1994 AFCON truly belonged to Amuneke.
Initially a bench player, Amuneke was patient and focused, eventually getting his chance in the final against Zambia. He delivered by scoring both goals that secured the championship. He attributes the team’s success to hunger, discipline, and determination.
“I was privileged to be part of that team that went to the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 1994,” Amuneke recalled with glee . “That generation had a lot of great players in the squad and at the end of the day, players had to work their way to convince the coaches you can be counted upon at any given time.
“I was so happy after being listed in the squad going to Tunisia for the AFCON; it was a very great opportunity and privilege for me and am happy to be among those great players that represented Nigeria in Tunisia.”
He would recall his near frustration as he watched his teammates strut their stuffs yet he did not allow the obvious disappointment :“Of course, I was a bit sad not playing in any of the earlier games of the tournament.
“I thought I was going to start the tournament but unfortunately I wasn’t playing; at the same time, I was honest and realistic because we have a very great team.
“Those that are playing deserved to play too; I was not discouraged because I was focused and hoped t I would get my opportunity , which eventually came in the final match against Zambia.”
The Nigeria versus Zambia tie was the final match of the 19th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations and was played in the Stade El Menzah in Tunis.
Regarded as one of the spectacular AFCON’s Final matches, that pitched the star-studded Super Eagles against the Zambians who were then just constituted following the 1993 air disaster in which eighteen players and several staff members from the previous team were killed.
Striker Elijah Litana will soon put the Zambians in the lead barely three minutes after Mauritius’ referee Lim Kee Chong signalled the start of the epic match. Amuneke responded with the equaliser two minutes after and completed his brace of the day in the 47th minute as Nigeria won her second title in a 2-1 finish .
“ You can say that again that the 1994 AFCON was one of the most important part of my career and the two goals against Zambia were also important,” noted Amuneke who also scored the Gold Medal match-winning goal when Nigeria defeated Argentina 3-2 to win Africa’s first soccer gold medal at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.
He added: “Every player wants to win the AFCON but it is always a special feeling for that I won the AFCON in my first ever appearance and it was a very great privilege for me to have been in the team.
“ The AFCON comes every two years and It was important I took the opportunity when I was given the opportunity to play in the final match against Zambia; and it was pleasing that I was able to contribute the two goals that gave us victory and the second title for Nigeria after the first time in 1980.
“One of the factors that contributed to our success in 1994 was the fact that a lot of us were hungry and determined; we were also disciplined both on the field and off the field, we were hungry to make name for ourselves and our country.”
Now Technical Manager of Heartland FC, Amuneke cautions that despite being a “big brand,” Nigeria’s national team has struggled recently, including failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and being knocked out by hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the Final Match of the last AFCON.
On the eve of the 35th AFCON scheduled in Morocco (Dec 21, 2025 – Jan 16, 2026), where Nigeria is in Group C with Tanzania, Uganda, and Tunisia, Amuneke stresses the importance of clarity, meticulous preparation, and focus.
“Things will flourish and sometimes there will be difficult moments; and this also extends to the Super Eagles,” Amuneke recently told NationSport. “ Our national team is a big brand and a household name but the truth is they have been struggling.”
He believes the Super Eagles have the potential to win but acknowledges stiff competition from other African nations.
“The Super Eagles can win in Morocco but every nation going to Morocco also wants to win, so it depends on our level of preparation and how ready we are to compete with the rest of the continent,” concluded Amuneke who made AFCON history at the 2019 edition in Egypt when he led Taifa Stars of Tanzania to their second continental appearance since their debut in 1980.
The 35th TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 is scheduled to hold between December 21 and January 16, 2026; Nigeria is in a tricky Group C along with Tanzania, Uganda and Tunisia.
In line with the new vision of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), the organisers of the annual Daniel Ford International Youth Invitational Table Tennis Championships have introduced a new U-12 category for the third edition of the competition holding from December 17 to 20, at the Molade Okonta-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
Since its inception in 2023, the tournament has featured U-15 and U-19 events. The addition of the U-12 category is designed to allow cadet players to showcase their talent and be considered by national handlers for future development.
Chairman of Daniel Ford, Yemi Edun, expressed delight at the progress of the championship.
“The tournament has been fantastic—it’s thrilling, engaging, and watching players’ progress to win bigger tournaments has been very encouraging. I’ve been quite pleased with how things have gone so far,” he said.
Organised in partnership with the NTTF, the championship has quickly become a fixture in Nigeria’s youth sports calendar, producing talents who now form the backbone of the national team.
In 2024, the organisers introduced a pre-tournament clinic to sharpen players’ skills and prepare them mentally and technically for competition, making the event more than just a contest.
“We hope this tournament revitalizes our pipeline for elite-tier players. In sports, early mastery is crucial—some say by age 13, you should already be on the path. Nigeria, being the largest Black nation on earth, has immense talent to tap into. I fully envisage a future within the next seven years where Nigeria leads Africa in table tennis,” Edun added.
NTTF President, Adesoji Tayo, praised the impact of the Daniel Ford tournament in identifying home-grown stars who now form the bulk of Nigeria’s senior national teams.
“Most of the players who featured in the Daniel Ford tournament are now part of our national teams for men and women. Our new female team is largely made up of products of this competition. Events like this complement the federation’s efforts in talent discovery, and it is left to us to nurture them to stardom. Personally, I want to thank Mr. Yemi Edun for his genuine interest in table tennis and for the initiatives that have made this tournament a success annually. We look forward to another exciting edition as players eagerly anticipate the opportunities attached to the event.”
With the inclusion of the U-12 category, the Daniel Ford International Youth Invitational Table Tennis Championships continues to expand its reach, offering young athletes a pathway to national and international recognition.
More than just a competition, it has become a talent pipeline, a training ground, and a visionary platform for the future of Nigerian table tennis.
Former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has been enlisted by MILO Nigeria along with a new group of influencers to strengthen its long-standing connection with consumers in Northern Nigeria.
Aside Musa, other drafted influencers include Mansurah Isah, actress, filmmaker, humanitarian and social impact advocate; Ali Jita, songwriter and musician; Sulaiman Yahaya (popularly known as Bosho), Kannywood actor and comedian Anita Asuoha (Real Warri Pikin)-who has renewed her contract as a member of the MILO family.
Speaking on the new partnerships, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Manager, Beverages, Nestlé Nigeria, emphasized the brand’s commitment to inclusivity.
“This partnership reflects our dedication to ensuring that every Nigerian child experiences the nourishment, energy and possibilities that MILO represents. By working with creators who authentically reflect their communities and whose values align with ours, we are celebrating the bonds MILO has built with families across Nigeria in the most inclusive and meaningful way.”
During their induction, the influencers went on an immersive factory tour to get first-hand information on MILO’s key ingredients, including cocoa, milk and sorghum, which is 100% sourced in Northern Nigeria.
They had the opportunity to see how these ingredients are transformed into the final product through cocoa roasting, milk blending, and malt preparation. Their reports confirmed that the visit highlighted MILO’s dedication to quality, nutrition, hygiene and food-safety standards.
Reflecting on the experience, Mansurah Isah said: “Seeing how MILO is made gave me a new level of respect for the brand. I was particularly impressed by the level of hygiene maintained throughout the process. The thoroughness, the quality checks at every stage were remarkable. It made me even prouder to take this journey with MILO.”
The signing ceremony took place at the Nestlé Head Office in IIupeju, Lagos, where the influencers engaged with employees and shared their personal reflections on joining the MILO family.
Ahmed Musa spoke about his excitement, highlighting MILO’s significant impact in communities across Northern Nigeria.
“What stands out for me is how MILO invests in young people. From sports to school activities, you see the brand’s impact everywhere. I’m excited to use my platform to inspire even more children across the North,” he said.
For Sulaiman Yahaya (Bosho), the opportunity to partner with a brand that consistently supports youth development was a key motivator. “MILO has been part of our lives for years. To now be part of this journey is something special,” he shared.
From the MILO Basketball Championship to Building Champs and other school-driven programs, MILO continues to nourish children, support communities, and inspire a generation to grow stronger through active and healthy living.
Elias Schulze, the General Manager of Professional Fighters League (PFL), has enthused that fans should brace for one of the most exciting nights of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) on the continent as the inaugural PFL Africa Finals holds next Saturday, December 20th.
Set for the iconic Sofitel Dome in Cotonou, Benin, the PFL Africa Finals will feature 12 fights with four of those matchups having title implications. Among the 24 fighters from 12 different countries are four Nigerians including Wasi Adeshina (Featherweight title contender), Juliet Ukah, Cornel Thompson and Miracle Andrew.
Speaking during a virtual press conference on Tuesday, December 9, Schulze opened up about the fighters, the host city and what the future of PFL Africa.
Schulze had high praises for PFL Africa Chairman, Francis Ngannou, calling him a “magnificent partner” whose presence has been felt throughout the league’s debut season. According to him, Ngannou’s journey continues to motivate fighters across Africa, who regularly point to his rise from Cameroon to global champion as proof that the impossibility is nothing.
Schulze added that Ngannou is expected to attend the finale in Benin.
Reflecting on the season, Schulze said the athletes had exceeded expectations. He believes that many of these fighters can go head-to-head with fighters from the United States or Europe. He also stated that some of them have fought in Europe, American and Asia and he also believes that they can compete globally, adding the level of talent on display proves that Africa has world-class athletes ready to shine on any stage.
On why PFL Africa chose Benin for the finals, Schulze said the answer goes beyond logistics. He pointed to the country’s strong cultural identity, its history of combat traditions and the leadership shown by its sports and tourism sectors. Partnerships with the EYA Centre, EYA Foundation, and government ministries also played a major role.
“Everything just connected,” he said.
As for the show itself, Schulze promised non-stop action featuring 12 fights and 24 athletes chasing the $100,000 championship prize. He spoke about major clashes such as South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele versus Algeria’s Karim Henniene, and Justin Clarke taking on Côte d’Ivoire’s Abraham Bably. He believes these fighters have the potential to become “local heroes” whose stories inspire young people across the continent.
Pressed if Cameroon could host a PFL Africa event soon, Schulze hinted that it’s very possible. He said his outfit is in discussions with several countries and plans to take events across all regions — from West Africa to North Africa and beyond, adding Cameroon, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire are among the destinations being considered.
“Africa is open for business and PFL Africa wants to bring top-tier MMA to every corner of the continent,” he added.
Mohamed Salah will feel like he is letting down 50 million people in Egypt by having his role reduced at Liverpool, according to ex-Egypt striker Mido, who believes the forward must move to the Saudi Pro League.
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News, the ex-Tottenham striker, who won the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, reflected on his own career to explain Salah’s Anfield predicament and also believes Jamie Carragher was wrong to criticise Salah.
“I’ve been in this situation before. When the Liverpool game is on, all of Egypt are there in front of the TV waiting for Salah to play, waiting for him to score a goal. They all feel that their son is playing today in the best league in the world. They are proud of him.
“This puts him under so much pressure to play and to be involved. He’s not a regular guy. He’s the king here in Egypt. People have to understand that.
“It was the same for me when I was playing for Tottenham, for example. All of Egypt was waiting for the game. All of Egypt were sitting there in the coffee shops waiting for me to play today. They were proud of me. They are proud of Salah. And this puts you under pressure. I’ve been in this situation.
“Sometimes I didn’t accept to sit on the bench, and I was really frustrated. Not because I’m arrogant. Not because I felt that I was bigger than the club, but because I know my people back home are waiting for me.
“There are more than maybe 40 or 50 million people waiting for the game, so if I’m not playing, I let them down. This is how I felt.
“So it’s the same for Salah, but 10 times more than me because Salah has achieved much more than me in the game.
“I think he should leave. I think it’s time for him to leave.
“If you lose this confidence with the manager, it’s hard to be fixed. But if he leaves, he must leave from the big door, if you know what I mean. He’s done so much for Liverpool. He’s a legend.
“I totally disagree with Jamie Carragher’s comments on the situation. Jamie Carragher is a legend for Liverpool, and he played the game and he should know more.
“He should know that football players sometimes they get emotional and then when they retire, sometimes they also regret it. We’ve all been into these situations.
“I expected Liverpool legends also to protect Salah a little bit. He’s maybe one of the best three or four players that ever played for Liverpool. He deserves more respect from the Liverpool legends, especially Jamie Carragher.”
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his final 28-man squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) in Morocco, with key stars Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Stanley Nwabali included.
The list came after last week’s provisional 54-man squad, trimmed to meet tournament roster requirements.
Former captain, William Troost-Ekong, is absent following his retirement from international football, while Ola Aina misses out due to injury.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and striker Tolu Arokodare are among other notable omissions.
Stanley Nwabali, previously doubtful due to hand and ankle injuries, has been cleared to join the squad.
He will be part of the goalkeeping lineup alongside Amas Obasogie and the returning Francis Uzoho.
With Troost-Ekong retired, Fulham defender Calvin Bassey takes on the leadership role in defence.
The backline also features Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, and newly invited right-back Ryan Alebiosu.
Wilfred Ndidi, who has recently captained the national team, leads the midfield. He is joined by Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru returns from injury, while young Serie A talent Ebenezer Akinsanmiro earns his first senior call-up. Usman Muhammed and Tochukwu Nnadi also feature as new additions.
The attacking unit is spearheaded by Victor Osimhen, supported by Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon. Paul Onuachu and Cyriel Dessers return, with Sevilla’s Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke also included.
The forward line sees one newcomer, 22-year-old NK Istra 1961 striker Salim Fago Lawal, who has six goals and two assists in 18 matches this season.
The Super Eagles will begin preparations in Egypt with a friendly against the Pharaohs on December 16 before heading to Morocco for the tournament, which kicks off on December 21.
Nigeria is drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, opening their campaign against Tanzania in Fes on December 23.
Nigeria Final Squad for AFCON 2025 (Morocco)
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania);
Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England);
Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England);
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
