The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Comoros pick foreign legions  for Morocco 2025

    Comoros pick foreign legions  for Morocco 2025

    Comoros will field a squad made up of foreign-based players when they compete at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

    Coach Stefano Cusin  has  unveiled a 26-man squad for the tournament in Morocco including uncapped Amir Zaid and Kari Yannis who both play for clubs in the fourth tier of French football.

    The majority of the squad are drawn from the large Comorian diaspora in France.

    Comoros, the smallest country in the 24-team field, compete in the opening game against hosts Morocco on December 21 in Rabat and also face Mali and Zambia in the first round.

    They are competing at a second Cup of Nations after proving giant killers at the 2021 edition when they knocked Ghana out of the competition and advanced to the round of 16.

    Read Also: UCL: Monaco edge Galatasaray as Balogun scores decisive 68th-minute goal

    Seven players return from the squad, including 36-year-old striker El Fardou Ben Nabouhane.

    Squad:

    Goalkeepers: Adel Anzimati (Ararat Yerevan), Ben Salim Boina (Istres), Yannick Pandor (Royal Franc Borains)

    Defenders: Akim Abdallah (Guingamp), Said Bakari (Sparta Rotterdam), Ismael Boura (Troyes), Kassim Mdahoma (Aubagne), Idriss Mohamed (Le Puy), Ahmed Soilihi (Toulon), Kenan Toibibou (NK Bravo), Kari Yannis (Frejus Saint-Raphael)

    Midfielders: Youssouf Bendjaloud (Sochaux), Yacine Bourhane (Aris Limassol), Rayan Lutin (Amiens), Youssouf Mchangama (Al Batin), Iyad Mohamed (Casa Pia), Rayan Mroivili (Villefranche), Remy Vita (Tondela), Youssef Zaydou (Al Fateh)

    Forwards: Ali Aboubacar (Royal Franc Borains), Ahmed Aymeric (Chateauroux), El Fardou Ben Nabouhane (FK Zemun), Myziane Maolida (Al Kholood), Rafiki Saïd (Standard Liege), Faiz Selemani (Qatar SC), Amir Zaid (Istres).

  • Egypt teammates rally behind unsettled Salah before AFCON

    Egypt teammates rally behind unsettled Salah before AFCON

    While the future of Mohamed Salah at Liverpool hangs in the balance, Egypt teammates have rallied behind the national team captain ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

    The record seven-time continental champions are in Group B with Angola, South Africa and Zimbabwe, and will be based in southern coastal city Agadir throughout the first round.

     “Players like him do not get benched,” said striker Ahmed “Kouka” Hassan on social media, referring to Salah being a substitute in the last three Liverpool fixtures, and coming on only once.

     “If he starts on the bench, you must make sure he is the first to come on, after 60 minutes, 65 at the latest.

     “Mo is not just a teammate, he is a leader, a legend for club and country. Keep working hard brother, every situation in life is temporary, moments like this pass, what stays is your greatness.”

    Head coach and former star Hossam Hassan posted a photograph of himself and Salah and a message: “Always a symbol of perseverance and strength.”

     “The greatest Liverpool legend of all time,” wrote winger Ahmed “Zizo” El Sayed. Goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhy called Salah “always the best”.

    Liverpool have struggled in their title defence this season and lie 10th after 15 rounds, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal. Salah has also battled with just four goals in 13 top-flight appearances.

    After twice surrendering the lead in a 3-3 draw at Leeds United last Saturday, Salah told reporters “it seems like the club has thrown me under the bus”.

     “I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame (for the slump)… someone does not want me in the club.”

    Salah was omitted from the squad that travelled to Milan for a Champions League clash with Inter on Tuesday and has hinted that he may not play for Liverpool again.

    Saudi Arabia says it will do “whatever it can” to recruit Salah during the mid-season transfer window, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) source in the kingdom told AFP.

    Although Egypt last won the AFCON 15 years ago in Luanda, Salah, 33, believes they will lift the trophy again before he retires.

     “It will happen – that is what I believe. It is a great feeling every time you step on the field wearing the Egyptian colours.”

    Read Also: UCL: Monaco edge Galatasaray as Balogun scores decisive 68th-minute goal

    Salah has suffered much heartbreak in four AFCON tournaments as Egypt twice finished runners-up and twice exited in the round of 16.

    He created the goal that put the Pharaohs ahead in the 2017 final, but Cameroon clawed back to win 2-1 in Libreville.

    Hosts and title favourites Egypt were stunned by South Africa in the first knockout round two years later, conceding a late goal to lose 1-0.

    Egypt reached the final again in 2022 only to lose on penalties to Senegal after 120 goalless minutes in Yaoundé.

    In Cote d’Ivoire  last year, Salah suffered a hamstring injury against Ghana and took no further part in the tournament. Egypt lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a last-16 clash.

    This year, Egypt boast an array of attacking talent with Salah, Omar Marmoush from Manchester City, Mostafa Mohamed of Nantes and Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan and Zizo from Cairo giants Al Ahly.

    Group B is the only one of the six in Morocco featuring two qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with Egypt and South Africa heading to the global showpiece in North America.

    South Africa exceeded expectations by finishing third at the 2024 AFCON, but Belgian coach Hugo Broos expects a tougher campaign in a tournament that kicks off on December 21.

     “It will be harder because every opponent will be more motivated to beat us after our bronze medals,” said the tactician who guided Cameroon to the 2017 AFCON title.

    Angola and Zimbabwe recently changed coaches with France-born Patrice Beaumelle and Romanian Mario Marinica hired.

    The Angolans have reached the quarter-finals three times, including last year, while the Zimbabweans have never gone beyond the first round.

  • ALTECS targets nationwide expansion, donates first-of-Its-kind sports kits to BIS

    ALTECS targets nationwide expansion, donates first-of-Its-kind sports kits to BIS

    International educational consultancy, All Things Education Consultants (ALTECS), says it is accelerating plans to expand its support initiatives beyond Lagos as part of a broader strategy to deepen impact across Nigeria’s schooling system.

    Responding to questions on the organisation’s long-term vision, Director, Emmanuel Oyedeji Awe, said the firm’s “brilliant ambition” is to achieve a national spread that will allow more schools benefit from its educational and extracurricular interventions.

    Awe explained that although ALTECS has been visible mainly in sports-based projects since its entry into Nigeria, its mandate covers the entire spectrum of education.

    “Our remit includes everything educational,” he said. “We have long identified the importance of infusing extracurricular activities with academics.

    Beyond football, we plan to organise one of the biggest festivals that will encompass Music, Drama, Arts, and Sport, aimed at showcasing the incredible talents that our youngsters possess in these areas outside of the classroom and on the pitch. We want to equip our young learners with exceptional qualities that set them apart globally.”

    He added that while nurturing academic pathways for students, ALTECS intends to simultaneously help them acquire lifelong skills needed for international studies and global competitiveness.

    On concerns that the firm has mainly supported already-established private schools, particularly the recent donation of sports kits to the British International School (BIS), Lagos, Awe said the criticism is understandable but misplaced.
“As someone who grew up in similar environments as children in less-privileged schools, giving back remains a core of our intentions,” he said.

    According to him, partnerships with top-tier schools are “mutually beneficial” and consistent with global practices.
He noted that leading institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, Princeton, MIT, etc., still receive high-value donations despite their huge endowments and capital base, stressing that “Nigeria should not be an exception.”

    During the BIS presentation, the school’s basketball coach, George Ipe, lauded the gesture, describing it as the first of its kind in his two years at the institution.
    Ipe said the kits have become a fresh source of motivation for students.

    “To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said. “The students know they now have more to do and more to give in terms of their performance on the court.”

    He thanked All Things Education Consultants (ALTECS) for the gesture on behalf of the school community.

    Awe assured that ALTECS will continue to support schools across varying categories as it expands its footprint in Nigeria, saying the organisation is poised to “change the entire landscape of educational consultancy in the country.”

  • UCL: Madueke double at Brugge helps Arsenal keep 100% record

    UCL: Madueke double at Brugge helps Arsenal keep 100% record

    Noni Madueke scored twice as Arsenal beat Club Brugge to maintain their 100% record in the Champions League and all but secure their place in the knockout phase.

    Mikel Arteta made five changes to the side that lost to Aston Villa on Saturday and it was one of those players, Noni Madueke, who opened the scoring with an excellent strike.

    The England winger shrugged off one defender before smashing a shot from 20 yards which went in off the crossbar.

    Club Brugge did threaten Arsenal’s much-changed backline just before the break but David Raya made smart saves from Christos Tzolis and Aleksandar Stankovic to keep the Gunners in the lead.

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

    Madueke got his second goal of the evening just two minutes into the second half when he nodded in Martin Zubimendi’s excellent cross, and Gabriel Martinelli ensured it would be a comfortable end to the game when he curled in a superb strike in the 56th minute for Arsenal’s third.

    There were also other positives for the Gunners as Gabriel Jesus made his first appearance for 342 days, after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and 16-year-old Marli Salmon was brought on for his first-team debut.

    And Jesus almost made it the perfect comeback but his strike from the edge of the area late on hit the bar.

    The win leaves Arsenal on 18 points, two more than was required for a top-eight finish last season, meaning they are likely to avoid the play-offs in February and can prepare for the last 16.

    BBC SPORTS

  • UCL: Man City hit back to earn brilliant win at Real

    UCL: Man City hit back to earn brilliant win at Real

    Manchester City recovered from a goal down to collect a magnificent Champions League victory at perennial winners Real Madrid and leave the La Liga side’s manager Xabi Alonso precariously holding on to his job.

    Alonso is under severe pressure following a poor run in the league and a reported clash of culture with his players and the heat will now crank up after failing to hold on to their early advantage.

    The hosts suffered a blow as leading goalscorer Kylian Mbappe was deemed only fit enough to be on the bench, but the France captain did not make an appearance as his team-mates fell to a demoralising defeat.

    City almost suffered a nightmare start when Matheus Nunes tripped Vinicius Jr inside the first two minutes and the referee pointed to the spot, but then awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box after consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR).

    Federico Valverde almost converted the resulting effort, but his drilled shot deflected narrowly wide, while the sprightly Vinicius dinked wide at the far post shortly after.

    Read Also: NFF Management, Staff stage walk against corruption

    It seemed like City had weathered the early storm and were controlling the possession before being hit on the break as Rodrygo collected Jude Bellingham’s cross-field pass and rifled in his first goal since January.

    City, though, were behind for just seven minutes as the visitors scored with their first clear opportunity of the contest – academy left-back Nico O’Reilly poking home from close range after Josko Gvardiol’s header was scooped back into the danger zone by Thibaut Courtois.

    The English side turned the game around on the stroke of half-time courtesy of Haaland’s penalty after the striker was bundled over in the box by Antonio Rudiger – they could have extended their advantage further but Courtois made a stunning save to deny the Norwegian.

    Real attempted to draw level in the second half with Bellingham chipping over and substitute Endrick flicking a header which clipped the crossbar, but City held on to a tremendous victory.

    BBC SPORTS

  • Young stars shine as international tennis classic concludes in Lagos

    Young stars shine as international tennis classic concludes in Lagos

    The third edition of the International Tennis Classic concluded in Lagos after two days of energetic and highly competitive fixtures across the Under-7 to Under-14 categories.

    The tournament drew an impressive turnout, with several top schools fielding their brightest young athletes in a contest for medals, trophies, and supremacy.

    Organiser of the event, Coach Henry Shedrack, expressed satisfaction with the success of this year’s outing.

    He said that the next edition would be upgraded into a week-long tennis festival to provide deeper engagement and more development opportunities for young players.

    He underscored the importance of grassroots tournaments such as the International Tennis Classic in keeping young athletes competitive, fit, and mentally ready for higher levels of the sport.

    He called on corporate organisations to emulate the efforts of the Italian School in supporting grassroots tennis development.

    He also urged increased investment in youth tennis initiatives nationwide, noting that such support is key to strengthening the sport’s future.

    With a new president at the helm of the Lawn Tennis Federation of Nigeria, Shedrack affirmed that stakeholders are prepared to collaborate fully with the federation’s forthcoming programmes aimed at advancing tennis across the country.

    The Girls’ Under-14 final was one of the day’s standout highlights, as Favour Egbemite edged Ireoluwa Oduwale 7–5 in a tightly contested match.

    Another contest featured Celia and Oliver, both of The British High School, with Celia prevailing 4–2 in a hard-fought encounter.

    In the Girls’ Under-13 category, Adisa Balogun claimed a 4–1 victory over Ella Egbemiye, while the Boys’ Under-10 final saw Moroti Sowemimo defeat Abdulsalam Azeem 4–2 in a spirited showdown.

  • Ikoyi Club ready for NNPC-SNEPCo Swimming meet

    Ikoyi Club ready for NNPC-SNEPCo Swimming meet

    The swimming section of Ikoyi Club 1938 is set to host a year-ending competition for the young ones with over 200 participants already registered for the event.

    Over 10 schools are expected to compete in the tournament sponsored by NNPC-SNEPCo to develop young swimmers and prepare them for future challenges.

    The annual competition will take place on Saturday December 13 at the swimming pool section of the Ikoyi Club.

    The Chairman of the Ikoyi Club Swimming Section, Akinbulejo Onabolu, told newsmen on Tuesday that all was set for the competition.

    He said the sponsors, NNPC-SNEPCo, has been in good partnership with the swimming section of the elite club over the years.

    Read Also: UCL: Monaco edge Galatasaray as Balogun scores decisive 68th-minute goal

     “We are happy to have NNPC-SNEPCo as partners and the fact that the competition put smiles on the faces of the young ones delights us in the club.  We are ready for the event.

     “It has been an amazing year for us and I am looking forward to a very exciting competition in which the young ones will exhibit their talents on Saturday,” Onabolu said.

    The competition will feature freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, individual medley, butterfly and the relays among others.

    According to the programme schedule, there will be a warm up session as early as 8am on Saturday while the competition proper stars at 9am.

     “It will be a carnival of sort because it’s the season of Christmas already. We expect a good show from the competitors just as our members are also looking forward to have a great time come Saturday,” Onabolu added.

  • AFCON 2025: Babangida, Ikpeba  back  Super Eagles to restore pride

    AFCON 2025: Babangida, Ikpeba  back  Super Eagles to restore pride

    1996 Atlanta Olympic gold medallists Tijani Babangida and Victor Ikpeba  believe the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco offers Nigeria a perfect chance to redeem its footballing reputation after the heartbreak of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup

    Speaking in a separate interviews, both former Nigeria internationals noted that the pain of failing to qualify for the World Cup for the second consecutive time still lingers among players, officials and fans, adding the  AFCON presents the “only opportunity” for the team to restore national pride.

    Babangida in an interview with Tribalfootball , lamented the Super Eagles’ performance in the shock defeat to DR Congo in the World Cup playoff,  describing the Congolese as “more organised and determined” on the day.

    According to him, winning AFCON would help heal the emotional wounds suffered by supporters who were left devastated by the defeat.

    Read Also: UCL: Monaco edge Galatasaray as Balogun scores decisive 68th-minute goal

    Babangida is confident Nigeria has the quality to reach the final and possibly end their 12-year wait for a fourth continental title. He, however, warned that head coach Eric Chelle must build a more balanced team and avoid over-reliance on Victor Osimhen, stressing that the team struggled once the striker was substituted against Congo. He urged the technical crew to instil collective responsibility, insisting that “Super Eagles should not collapse if Osimhen is unavailable.”

    Meanwhile,  Ikpeba  believes  the Super Eagles  can  reach at least the semi-finals  at Morocco 2025.

     “Reaching the last four of the AFCON will be a realistic target for the Super Eagles,” the 1997 CAF Player of the Year told SCORENigeria. “We’re certainly not one of the favourites to win the tournament and so we can only dream.”

    He added:  “African football can be humbling as we have again seen by our failure not to qualify for the World Cup.

     “I can recall that Morocco were big favourites to win the 2023 AFCON after they reached the semifinal of the 2022 World Cup, but again that was not the case.”

    But  looking ahead to the competition, Babangida acknowledged the strength of other contenders such as hosts Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia and even DR Congo. He praised Morocco’s recent developmental strides, which have seen the nation excel across various age grades. Still, he maintained that Nigeria remains a perennial favourite, especially when underestimated.

    Despite the absence of injured young defender Benjamin Fredrick, Babangida remains optimistic that the Super Eagles will rise to the occasion and challenge strongly for the AFCON title.

  • Kuti, others set for 11th  Elicris Table Tennis Cup

    Kuti, others set for 11th  Elicris Table Tennis Cup

    Nigeria’s finest table tennis players, led by the sensational Matthew Kuti, are gearing up for the 11th edition of the Elicris Table Tennis Cup, scheduled for December 22-23 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

    The two-day national tournament, organised in partnership with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) under the leadership of Adesoji Tayo, is sponsored by the Babatunde Abayomi Adejobi (BAA) Foundation.

    As the final major event of the year, it promises thrilling contests while reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to youth sports development.

    Babatunde Adejobi, founder of the BAA Foundation, explained that the competition was designed to help the NTTF identify new talents and prepare athletes for major events in 2026.

    “We are not going to relent in our efforts to support youth development. For over a decade, this tournament has fostered friendships among young people while helping the NTTF discover talent. Some of our players are now part of the national team, and what inspires us most is their enthusiasm and desire to excel,” Adejobi said.

    He added that beyond staging the tournament, the foundation would continue to support players in pursuing international exposure.

    “We will keep helping them achieve their dream of playing at a world level. We are satisfied with the quality of play and grateful for the support from NTTF and the Lagos State Sports Commission through the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA).”

    NTTF President, Tayo, praised the BAA Foundation’s consistency in sponsoring the tournament, describing it as a major boost to the federation’s efforts.

    “We appreciate what the foundation is doing because it makes our work easier.” Tayo said. “Sponsorship allows us to identify new talents alongside established ones.”

    Read Also: UCL: Chelsea suffer setback as Atalanta take all three points

    He added: “ Our focus remains on youth because they are the future of the sport. When you see teenagers like the Lebrun brothers of France defeating top Chinese stars, it shows us the importance of giving our young players opportunities to shine. We thank Mr. Adejobi for his commitment and for keeping faith with this tournament, which closes our calendar for 2025.”

    Chairman of LSTTA, Tunji Lawal, also commended the foundation’s vision, noting how the tournament has grown from a state-level event into a national competition.

    “We are happy with the management of the BAA Foundation for deciding to go national since last year, and the tournament is getting bigger every year. We believe more players will emerge again this year, and I thank Mr. Adejobi for his forthrightness and vision in making the tournament a national event.”

    Over the years, the Elicris Table Tennis Cup has evolved into more than just a tournament. It has become a talent pipeline for Nigerian table tennis, a platform for friendship, and a beacon of youth empowerment.

    As the 11th edition unfolds in Lagos, the event continues to strengthen Nigeria’s presence in global table tennis while inspiring the next generation of champions.

  • MOC & LOC Inauguration: Iyaye assures bigger, better  2nd Niger Delta Games

    MOC & LOC Inauguration: Iyaye assures bigger, better  2nd Niger Delta Games

    The 2026 edition of Niger Delta Games will record a greater success than the much celebrated inaugural edition held  this year. .

    This assurance was given by the Executive Director of Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Alabo Boma Iyaye, during the inauguration of  the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and Local Organising Committee (LOC) of Edo 2026 at the NDDD Head Office, Eastern Bypass, Port Harcourt on Tuesday, December 9th.

    He lauded  members of both committees who were largely retained after they did “absolutely very well” in delivering a one-of-its-kind Games in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state last April.

    He said:  “We did absolutely very well at the first edition. There were cheers from the entire country, there was a celebration, and there was huge applause, simply because we brought the entire Niger Delta region together.

     “We brought happiness and excitement to our region. We harnessed talents beyond oil production beyond what we are known for. We gave opportunities to the young ones and empowered them.”

    The former Rivers State Commissioner for Sports then urged  members of the Committees to use the next edition of the Niger Delta Games to advance the objectives of putting together the multi-sport event.

     “I assure you 2026 will be bigger than 2025. Therefore, another opportunity has come for all of us to put in our best so that we will not just be celebrating another games, but we will achieve our objectives.

    Read Also: UCL: Monaco edge Galatasaray as Balogun scores decisive 68th-minute goal

     “We want to give opportunities for youths to compete and engage them through the power of sports so that they can become champions tomorrow,” added Iyaye.

    The 23-man Main Organising Committee is co-chaired by Iyaye himself and the Project Consultant, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, (KSM) and has all Sports Commissioners in the nine NDDC states as well as erudite sports technocrats on board.

    Speaking on behalf of the Sports Commissioners, Bayelsa State’s Commissioner for Sports and a former Olympics gold medallist, Daniel Igali said  the Niger Delta region, through the NDDC, has now taken a lead in sports development which other regions are following.

     “As a development commission, it appears we have taken a lead in the area of sports development, and other regions are struggling to catch up.

     “We are hoping that the second edition will be better, we are hoping that it will be more memorable; and as the years go on, that we will continue to develop sports and promote the aspirations of Niger Deltans,” Igali noted.

    Ikpokpo, in a vote of thanks, applauded the NDDC for supporting the project, which has provided opportunities for youths in the region to find expression for their talents, and promised that through the games, “Nigeria’s next champions will be produced.

    Ikpokpo said 17 games will also be competed for, declaring that:  “We have put in measures to curb any form of cheating. We also would make sure that athletes’ buying is stopped such that only those from the region will represent their states. “

    Edo 2026 is scheduled to commence on February 20 and run until February 27 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, and other top sporting facilities in the Edo state.