Sports

Chelsea are said to have started discussions to bring in Feyenoord’s striker, Anis Hadj-Moussa this January, as reported by French media. The Paris-born winger made a strong impression with his standout performances in a few key matches during the Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria, but his team was beaten by Nigeria in the quarter-finals this weekend. Hadj-Moussa has had a strong beginning to the season at his club, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in 23 games for Feyenoord. A French newspaper, Foot Mercato said that Hadj-Moussa’s performance in the Africa Cup of Nations has made him very popular among European football fans – and Chelsea are the newest team that has shown interest in him. It is said that the Club World Cup winners have started looking into a po...

Manchester United have appointed former midfielder Michael Carrick as head coach of the men’s first team until the end of the 2025/26 season. Announcing the decision on Tuesday, the club said Carrick brings deep experience and a strong winning mentality, having enjoyed a trophy-laden playing career at Old Trafford and previously served as a coach under José Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Carrick, who also had a spell as caretaker manager, said it was an honour to lead the club, adding that he understands what it takes to succeed at Manchester United and has full confidence in the squad’s ability to deliver. The former England international, who last managed Middlesbrough, will be supported by an expanded coaching team as he leads the side for the remainder of the season.

The Super Eagles face a formidable challenge at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they take on hosts Morocco in the semi-final at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, on Wednesday. Nigeria narrowly lost in the previous AFCON final in Ivory Coast but have impressed in this edition, winning all five of their matches to reach the semi-finals. Eric Chelle’s side leads the tournament in goals and remains the only team with a 100% winning record. However, they face Morocco’s Atlas Lions, who are aiming to end a 50-year wait for a continental title on home soil. The Super Eagles advanced to the semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Algeria, thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. Morocco, meanwhile, defeated five-time champions Cameroon 2-0 to secure their spot. Both sides...

Nigeria’s Super Eagles face a crucial test at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they take on hosts Morocco in Wednesday’s semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Head coach Éric Chelle has called on his players to dig deep and give their best against an unbeaten Moroccan side. The three-time African champions have impressed in the tournament, recording victories over Tunisia (3-2) and Algeria (2-0). Despite five wins in five matches, Chelle remains cautious. “We have to work hard to win this on Wednesday,” Chelle told reporters. “Traveling between cities within three days is demanding, but as professionals, we must stay mentally ready and give our best. No excuses.” While Algeria posed a tough challenge, Chelle described Morocco as an even bigger test, pointing t...

Morocco head coach, Walid Regragui, is banking on home support to help his team achieve victory against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium is expected to filled to capacity when the Atlas Lions take on Éric Chelle’s side in the semi- final encounter on Wednesday. The Atlas Lions have rode on the intimidating atmosphere at the ground to excel at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The North Africans have won four and drawn one of their five games in the competition. Regragui is confident the massive home support will inspire his team to victory. “When you play in Morocco you are facing only Moroccan fans not Dortmund or Madrid fans. This stadium is always different for opponents and you will always feel it when you are on the pitch,” Regragui ...

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has appointed Ghanaian referee, Daniel Nii Laryea, for the semi-final encounter between Nigeria and Morocco. The 39-year-old as one of Africa’s top referees. Laryea will be officiating his second game at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He was the centre referee in the Algeria versus Burkina Faso group game. Laryea led the Video Assistant Referee, VAR, team in the quarter-final fixture between Morocco and Cameroon. South Africa’s Zakhele Siwela, and Souru Phatsoane from Lesotho will serve as assistant referees one and two respectively. Rwanda’s Samuel Uwikunda will take up the role of fourth official. Popular South African referee Abongile Tom will be in charge of VAR.

The US Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to invest $115 million in counter-drone technology to secure the FIFA World Cup and events marking 250 years of American independence.  The funding will be managed by a newly created DHS office focused on the rapid acquisition and deployment of drone and counter-drone systems. The move reflects growing concern over the security risks posed by unmanned aerial technology, particularly at high-profile international events. The investment comes as federal agencies face mounting pressure to protect major public gatherings while also advancing President Donald Trump’s broader security and immigration priorities. It also underscores rising alarm over the technological capabilities of drug cartels, which have increasingly used dron...

Super Eagles talisman, Victor Osimhen, will wear the captain’s armaband for the semi-final encounter against the Atlas Lions of Morocco. This follows the suspension of skipper Wilfred Ndidi due to card accumulation. Ndidi was cautioned in Nigeria’s Round of 16 encounter against the Mambas of Mozambique. The Besiktas star was also booked in the  quarter-final tie against Tunisia. Osimhen captained the Super Eagles in their last group game against Uganda. Osimhen was named Super Eagles vice- captain on the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Michael Carrick has reached a verbal agreement with Man Utd to become interim head coach until the end of the season. The ex-Red Devils man will take over from his former team-mate and fellow ex-midfielder Darren Fletcher in the Old Trafford dugout. Fletcher stepped up from his role as Under-18s boss to lead the team against Burnley and Brighton following Ruben Amorim’s sacking. He oversaw a 2-2 draw at Turf Moor before United were dumped out of the FA Cup as their former striker Danny Welbeck scored the Seagulls’ winner. Now Carrick will be at the helm until the summer. The five-time Premier League winner, 44, had three matches in caretaker charge of United in late 2021 when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was dismissed before Ralf Rangnick came in as interim boss. F...

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has declared his commitment to helping Nigeria secure the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco. The Atalanta star, who has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers in the tournament, is expected to play a crucial role in Wednesday’s semi-final clash against the Atlas Lions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. In a previous match, Algeria tried to contain Lookman with tight man-marking, but Nigeria adapted and scored twice through Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. Having already netted three goals in the competition, Lookman emphasized that his focus remains on the present and helping Nigeria lift the trophy. “I’m always focused on the present, and right now, the present is being here in Morocco for AFCON and trying to help my ...