Sports

Algeria captain, Riyad Mahrez has jokingly admitted he is “afraid” ahead of his side’s clash with Nigeria, while stressing that the Desert Foxes must be fully prepared for a tough test at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Nigerian Fashion Updates Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mahrez praised the quality of the Super Eagles, describing the current Nigeria squad as more dangerous going forward than the team Algeria faced at AFCON 2019. The winger acknowledged Nigeria’s attacking strength, warning that Algeria will need to be at their very best to advance. “I’m afraid (laughs). They have scored a lot of goals in this competition,” Mahrez said. He also suggested the game would be more open than Algeria’s previous encounter against DR Congo, a scenario he believes ...

At least four teams have made it into the fourth round of this season’s FA Cup. This follows the conclusion of Friday’s third round ties around the UK. Wrexham qualified via a penalty shoot-out success, after their game with Nottingham Forest ended 3-3. Arthur Okonkwo was the hero for the hosts, saving Omari Hutchinson’s effort. The result means Wrexham have beat a Premier League team in the FA Cup for the first time in 26 years. Oxford United also beat MK Dons 4-3 on penalties after the tie ended 1-1. Port Vale claimed a 1-0 victory over Fleetwood and Wigan won 1-0 at Preston North End. There will be more fixtures on Saturday and Sunday.

Morocco have qualified for the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as they continue their quest to win the trophy on home soil. The Atlas Lions booked their spot with a 2-0 win over Cameroon on Friday night. Brahim Diaz gave the hosts the lead in the 26th minute of play, as he continues to shine at the tournament. With the Indomitable Lions fighting to equalize in the second half, Morocco doubled their advantage. Ismael Saibairi made it 2-0, lashing home from a corner-kick, to confirm the victory. Morocco will now face the winner of the quarter-final fixture between Nigeria and Algeria.

Bukayo Saka has reached an agreement with Arsenal on a new long-term contract that will make the 24-year-old one of the club’s top earners. The deal is part of Arsenal’s broader strategy to tie down key members of the squad, following recent contract extensions for William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Saka’s previous contract was set to run until June 2027, but the improved agreement will see him remain at the Emirates Stadium until 2031. The England international has grown into a key figure at his boyhood club under manager Mikel Arteta, having logged more playing time than any other Arsenal player since the Spaniard took over in 2019. Overall, Saka has featured 290 times for the Gunners, scoring 77 goals. In the current campaign, he has sco...

The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has fined Ibom Angels ₦2.5 million over crowd v!olence and physical att@cks on Bayelsa Queens players and officials during a league match at the Uyo Township Stadium on Wednesday, June 7. Nigerian Beauty Tips According to the NWFL, supporters of Ibom Angels invaded the pitch at full time and assaulted the visiting team’s players and match officials. The league described the incident as a serious breach of league regulations and a threat to player safety and fair play. The sanctions include ₦1.5 million for assault, intimidation and offensive conduct, and an additional ₦1 million for bringing the game into disrepute and failing to provide adequate matchday security. In addition to the financial penalties, Ibom Angels have been ...

Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has lauded Morocco’s organisation of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), noting that the only minor challenges for his team have been the weather conditions. Speaking during the ongoing tournament, Saintfiet said the high temperatures and occasional rainfall were the only issues they had faced, emphasising that such factors were beyond anyone’s control. “It’s been a fantastic AFCON so far. I’ve always admired Morocco for its ability to host major sporting events. It’s a beautiful country with excellent hotels, top-class stadiums, and great training pitches,” Saintfiet told CAFOnline. “Overall, I’m very happy with this AFCON. The only small concern is the heat and rain, but that’s out of our hands. It’s a very well-organised tournament with a fanta...

These predictions aren’t about gambling or fan passion turned into commerce. They are based on data, tournament history, and tactical patterns—the quiet forces that usually decide AFCON once the excitement fades. The Africa Cup of Nations is often hailed as football’s grand carnival—unpredictable, emotional, and gloriously chaotic. Yet, at times, AFCON reminds us of a harsher truth: structure beats sentiment, and consistency outlasts courage. As the quarter-finals approach, the signs are clear. This stage of the tournament rewards preparation, squad balance, and tactical discipline. Upsets become rarer. Margin football takes over, and the teams best prepared quietly advance. Senegal vs Mali — Experience and AuthoritySenegal have evolved into a team that manages games efficiently. ...

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, has been provisionally awarded the hosting rights for the 29th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games, scheduled for 2028, marking the return of the biennial event to the institution after more than 20 years. The NUGA Games bring together student-athletes from universities nationwide to compete in multiple sports, fostering talent discovery and youth development. The provisional hosting approval was communicated in a letter from NUGA’s Acting Secretary-General, Yunusa M. Bazza, to ABU’s Vice-Chancellor, following the council’s endorsement. Dated December 3, 2025, the letter, seen by our correspondent, noted that the award is subject to signing a Memorandum of Agreement between the university and NUGA, with official dates...

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has urged his team to stay focused on Marrakech, training sessions, and their next game against Algeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Chelle’s side will tackle the Desert Foxes in the AFCON last-8 on Saturday evening in Marrakech. Nigeria recently secured a victory over Mozambique in their previous AFCON encounter, while Algeria triumphed against DR Congo. “I prefer to remain focused now on Marrakech, and there is a game to play, and after the game we can think about our accommodation,” Chelle said via Yahoo Sports. “The story starts in Marrakech, so we have to stay focused on Marrakech, training sessions, and the next game.” Nigeria’s clash with Algeria is set to kick off at 5 pm, Nigerian time.

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of forward Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth, securing a deal that keeps him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031. The 26-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract and will wear the number 42 shirt. City described Semenyo as a major boost to their attacking options as they compete on multiple fronts this season. The London-born Ghanaian rose to prominence at Bournemouth, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous wide attackers. Semenyo began his career at Bristol City, with loan stints at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland, before moving to Bournemouth in the 2022-23 season. Over 110 appearances, he became known for his pace, strength, and direct attacking style, earning him interest from the Premier ...