Sports

Igoh Ogbu is set to step into Nigeria’s defence for the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) third-place playoff against Egypt following Calvin Bassey’s suspension. The Slavia Prague centre-back is expected to replace Bassey, who will miss the match after receiving his second yellow card of the knockout rounds during Nigeria’s semi-final loss to Morocco on Wednesday. Ogbu previously featured in Nigeria’s final group-stage match against Uganda and made a late appearance in the quarter-final victory over Algeria. Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle is likely to make adjustments to his squad as Nigeria aims to end the tournament on a high note. The clash against the Pharaohs is scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. kick-off at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca. While confirming Bassey’...

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi says coach Eric Chelle is using Victor Osimhen’s 2025 AFCON performances as a benchmark for the team. Praising the Galatasaray striker, Ndidi called him a dream signing, highlighting his four goals, two assists, and leadership on the field. “Osimhen is one of the best strikers in the world. The coach wants everyone to match his level,” Ndidi said, noting Osimhen’s influence even when rested or substituted. He added that the team’s improvement under Chelle will make the Super Eagles a force in the coming years. Osimhen missed the penalty shootout in the semifinal defeat to Morocco due to an ankle injury.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Egypt’s Pharaohs on Saturday at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, with pride, pedigree and momentum at stake as both teams battle for third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 pm Nigerian time. Both sides are aiming to end their campaigns on a positive note after narrow semi-final defeats earlier in the week. According to Naija News, Nigeria’s impressive run in Morocco was halted by the host nation in a tightly contested semi-final. The Super Eagles registered just two shots over 120 minutes before losing 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw. The encounter was marked by tactical discipline and defensive solidity, making the exit particularly painful. Egypt, the tournament’s most successful natio...

Egypt have declared their readiness to overcome Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the third-place match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with head coach Hossam Hassan insisting his side is fully focused on finishing the tournament on the podium. Hassan has also stirred debate after suggesting that rival African nations are envious of Egypt’s record haul of seven AFCON titles. The Pharaohs will clash with the Super Eagles on Saturday at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca, with kick-off slated for 5 p.m. Nigerian time. After suffering a narrow 1–0 defeat to Senegal in Tuesday’s semi-final, Egypt are keen to end their campaign on a high. Addressing the media ahead of the encounter, Hassan stressed his team’s determination. “We will fight for victory tomorrow to secure a...

Chelsea, on Friday, confirmed that young defender Olutayo Subuloye has signed a new contract with the club that will see him remain at Stamford Bridge until at least 2030. Subuloye joined Chelsea’s Academy at the Under-12s level from Brighton & Hove Albion. The defender has progressed steadily through the age groups, developing into a strong and composed player. He captained Chelsea’s Under-16s in the 2023/24 Premier League national final and later became a regular for the club’s Under-18s. Subuloye also gained further experience with Chelsea’s Under-21s in the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy. This is coming ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League tie with Brentford on Saturday.

British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has resumed training, taking a positive step in his recovery following a devastating car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends and members of his team. The 36-year-old former world champion suffered minor injuries in the crash on December 29, near Lagos. The accident involved their vehicle and a stationary truck, resulting in the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Nineteen days after the tragedy, Joshua shared a video on Snapchat showing himself back in the gym, working pads and training, with the phrase “mental strength therapy” appearing on one of the clips. His return to training comes less than a month after his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, which took place just days before the incid...

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has expressed his disappointment over Nigeria’s elimination in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but insists the team remains determined to finish the tournament on a high note. Nigeria’s campaign was halted on Wednesday by host nation Morocco, who edged the Super Eagles 4–2 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time. The three-time African champions will now battle Egypt for the bronze medal at the Mohammed V Stadium on Saturday at 5 p.m. Speaking to reporters, Chelle admitted the pain of falling short of his ambitions. “Honestly, I’m disappointed to be here,” he said. “I had big goals for this competition. After the defeat to Morocco, I encouraged my players to stay positive because they had an excellent tour...

Ronald Koeman has bolstered his Dutch national team coaching staff ahead of the 2026 World Cup by appointing Ruud van Nistelrooy as the third assistant coach, joining Erwin Koeman and Wim Jonk. Van Nistelrooy, 49, had an illustrious playing career for the Netherlands, earning 70 caps and scoring 35 goals. He previously served as an assistant coach for the national team in 2014–2015 and again during the rescheduled 2021 European Championship under Frank de Boer. Since then, Van Nistelrooy has taken on several managerial roles, including head coach at PSV, assistant and briefly interim manager at Manchester United, and head coach at Leicester City. His tenure at Leicester ended with relegation in June 2025, leaving him without a club until now. Speaking on his return, Van Nistelrooy...

Michael Carrick believes European qualification from his short stint in charge of Manchester United will be evidence the Red Devils are moving in the right direction. The former United and England midfielder was appointed this week on a deal to the end of the season, but faces a baptism of fire at Old Trafford when local rivals Manchester City visit on Saturday, seeking to boost their Premier League title hopes. Far from challenging for the title, seventh-placed United are 17 points adrift of top spot. For just the second time since the 1989/90 campaign, the 20-time English champions failed to qualify for Europe this season and are far from guaranteed a return to continental competition next term. “We want to be near the top of the league, we want to be top of the league. T...

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will pocket $2.5 million following their defeat to hosts Atlas Lions of Morocco in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The other semi-finalists, Pharaohs of Egypt will also walk away with the same financial reward. Hossam Hassan’s side fell 1-0 to the Teranga Lions of Senegal in their last four tie on Tuesday. Nigeria and Egypt will battle for third position at the Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca on Saturday. The tournament’s winner will be decided on Sunday, with Morocco, and Senegal battling for the ultimate prize. The winner will go home with a record price money of $10 million, while the runner-up is set to earn $4 million.