Sports

Michael Carrick has emerged as the frontrunner to become Manchester United’s caretaker head coach, according to sources close to the process. As reported by BBC Sport on Monday, United’s hierarchy are aiming to have an appointment in place before players return to training on Wednesday, with discussions understood to have progressed with the 44-year-old. Although a final decision has yet to be made, Carrick is currently considered the leading candidate. Carrick previously served as United’s temporary manager in 2021 following the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. During that brief three-match spell, he oversaw two wins and a draw before stepping aside after the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as interim manager. Solskjaer has also held face-to-face talks with the club over a potenti...

Manchester United have been forced to issue a statement after the club captain, Bruno Fernandes' X account, was hacked. The Red Devils skipper’s page was compromised in the aftermath of their FA Cup third-round exit at the hands of Brighton. Shortly after 11 pm on Sunday night, a string of posts appeared on the midfielder's account. The first of the series of bizarre posts saw hackers post: "Join Macclesfield FC. Excited for the future", referencing the National League North side who knocked out FA Cup holders Crystal Palace on Saturday. Another post was directed at the club owners as it appeared to be calling for their removal. The post read: “Let’s get rid of INEOS.” Further messages tagged adult star Bonnie Blue, and then the England cricket t...

Super Eagles striker, Victor Boniface, has started his rehabilitation process following a successful knee surgery in Innsbruck, Austria. The Nigerian international opted for the procedure after weeks of medical consultations and has now been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. The operation addressed a long-standing issue in his right knee that had affected both his availability and performance throughout the campaign. Boniface confirmed the next phase of his recovery in a short video shared on Snapchat on Sunday, showing him working closely with a physiotherapist. In the clip, the forward was seen doing light leg stretches before walking with the aid of a support device — a clear signal that his structured rehabilitation programme is officially underway. ...

The Super Eagles have arrived in Fez, Morocco, as they prepare for their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 semi-final clash against the host nation. The team’s trip follows Nigeria’s 2-0 triumph over Algeria in Marrakech on Saturday. Footage shared on the Super Eagles’ X account shows the squad disembarking from a Royal Air Maroc flight under clear skies, wearing matching grey puffer jackets and tracksuits while carrying their personal luggage. Star striker Victor Osimhen was among the players seen in high spirits. “The Super Eagles return to Fez. A recovery session is scheduled for tonight at the Saardienne Football Complex. #SuperEagles #AFCON2025 #Naija4TheWin,” the team captioned the post. In Marrakech, Osimhen’s soaring header and his assist for Jerome Akor’s goal secured Nigeria...

The semi-final fixtures at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have been confirmed. This followed the completion of the quarter-final games on Saturday night. Egypt are the last team to book their spot, following a thrilling 3-2 victory over champions Ivory Coast. The Pharoahs raced into a two-goal lead, thanks to Omar Marmoush and Ramy Rabia. An own goal from Ahmed Abou El Fotouh just before half time, dragged the Elephants back into the game. But Mohamed Salah extended their lead again seven minutes after the break. Guela Doue’s goal proved to be a mere consolation. Egypt will now play Senegal for a place in the semi-final, while Nigeria face hosts Morocco in the other fixture.

Egypt ended Ivory Coast’s title defence at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a thrilling 3-2 quarter-final victory on Friday night, January 10, earning a semi-final showdown against Senegal. The seven-time champions wasted no time asserting themselves, opening the scoring in the fourth minute when Omar Marmoush capitalized on a precise Emam Ashour cross to give Egypt an early lead. Ivory Coast struggled to gain control as Egypt continued to dominate, and the pressure paid off again in the 32nd minute. Defender Ramy Rabia rose highest to head home from a corner delivered by Mohamed Salah, extending Egypt’s advantage. However, a defensive error five minutes before halftime brought the Elephants back into the contest. Ahmed Aboul-Fatouh inadvertently diverted the ball into ...

Algerian players confronted the referee, Isaa Sy, after they lost 2-0 to Nigeria in the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup on Nations. Sy had to be escorted into the dressing room for his safety, after Algerian fans clashed with stadium security. Officials of the Desert Foxes also confronted the referee on the pitch. However, things continued to be heated in the tunnel, as they kept harassing the official. It is believed the Algerians are not happy with some of the decisions from Sy during the defeat. Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scored in the second half, as the Super Eagles booked a semi-final clash with hosts Morocco. https://twitter.com/i/status/2010116194884530465

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has renewed his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) using the party’s newly launched electronic registration platform. The exercise took place on Saturday at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, with APC officials from Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area in attendance, led by the LGA chairman, Sani Bello, alongside members of the party’s state executive committee. Also participating in the e-registration were the Secretary to the State Government, Yakubu Bala Tafida, and the lawmaker representing Suru and Bagudo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Bello Abubakar Kaoje. The APC recently rolled out the electronic registration system nationwide as part of efforts to modernise and update its membership database.

Nigeria’s push for glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) received a major boost on Friday, January 10, after billionaire businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu announced a substantial financial incentive for the Super Eagles following their convincing quarter-final victory over Algeria. Shortly after Nigeria’s 2–0 triumph secured a semi-final berth, Rabiu unveiled a multi-million-dollar bonus package designed to motivate the team toward lifting the trophy. Taking to 𝕏, he congratulated the players for their impressive performance, noting that their victory had lifted the nation’s morale. He pledged $500,000 if the team wins the semi-final, with an extra $50,000 for every goal scored. Rabiu added that should the Super Eagles go on to win the final, he would reward them with an additi...

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi will miss the team’s semi-final clash with hosts Morocco. Ndidi was booked in the 67th minute of Nigeria’s  2-0 quarter-final victory over the Desert Foxes of Algeria. It was the midfielder’s second booking in the knockout round of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Besiktas star was also cautioned in the Super Eagles’ Round of 16 encounter against the Mambas of Mozambique. Club Brugge star Raphael Onyedika is expected to take Ndidi’s place in the starting line-up against Morocco. The last four fixture is slated for Rabat next week Wednesday.