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Super Eagles Number In Cairo Camp Rise To 15
The number of Super Eagles players in camp in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has risen to 15, following the arrival of Fulham duo Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka.
The arrival of the trip was confirmed by media officer of the Super Eagles Promise Efoghe.
Zaidu Sanusi of FC Porto and Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu were the other players who arrived today (Monday).
The likes of Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Stanley Nwabali, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Francis Uzoho are already in camp.
Bassey was on target for Fulham in their 3-2 win against Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday.
Super Eagles 15 Players in camp:
Francis Uzoho
Stanley Nwabali
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Akinsanmiro Ebenezer
Amas Obasogie
Semi Ajayi
Ademola Lookman
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Igho Ogbu
Tochukwu Nnadi
Zaidu Sanusi
Paul Onuachu
Frank Onyeka
Calvin Bassey
Alex Iwobi
Twenty-one players are now in the Super Eagles camp in Cairo, Egypt, as they continue preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Akor Adams, Cyriel Dessers, Akor Adams, and Raphael Onyedika were the latest arrivals at the team’s base at the Renaissance Hotel.
The new arrivals took part in the team’s first training session at the Cairo International Stadium on Monday night.
Seven more players are still expected to join the camp.
The Super Eagles will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly Tuesday.
Players in camp:
Francis Uzoho
Stanley Nwabali
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Akinsanmiro Ebenezer
Amas Obasogie
Semi Ajayi
Ademola Lookman
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Igho Ogbu
Tochukwu Nnadi
Zaidu Sanusi
Paul Onuachu
Frank Onyeka
Calvin Bassey
Alex Iwobi
Wilfred Ndidi
Bruno Onyemaechi
Cyril Dessers
Akor Adams
Chidera Ejuke
Raphael Onyedika
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Discovery Cup: Ojodu City clinches victory as tournament uncovers Nigerian talents for European football
The Discovery Cup U-19 Annual International Scouting Tournament, organised by Zero Sports Management, concluded on Monday after five days of competitive matches and intensive talent assessment at the Inspire Sports Academy Arena.
Held from December 11 to 15, 2025, the tournament brought together elite youth teams and international scouts, further reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a rich breeding ground for emerging football talents while creating direct pathways for young players to secure professional opportunities abroad.
Speaking at the end of the finals, the tournament convener, Dr. Oduwole Oluwaseyi, described the event as a strategic success in terms of both player development and international recruitment.
“The January window is a smaller window, but our focus is really the summer,” Dr. Oduwole said. “We are recruiting players now so we can begin marketing them ahead of the major transfer windows. That is the essence of this tournament. It was successful because our priority is identifying and scouting the next generation of football talent.”
He explained that the age categories were deliberately structured to ensure continuity and long-term planning.
According to him, players born in 2007 and 2008 featured this year, while next year’s edition will focus on those born in 2008 and 2009, in order to provide sustained exposure rather than one-off opportunities.
Beyond scouting players, Dr. Oduwole noted that the tournament also served as a developmental platform for coaches. He revealed that selected coaches took part in specialised courses designed to enhance tactical knowledge and professional standards.
“We are running coaching courses alongside the tournament to engage coaches tactically and help them develop better players. Scouting is not just about the players; it is about strengthening the entire football ecosystem,” he added.
Reflecting on tangible outcomes from previous editions, Dr. Oduwole pointed to concrete success stories. “From the last tournament, we secured about five trials, and some of those players have already signed professional contracts. We currently have two players in Serbia, one with OFK Belgrade and one with IMT. They are doing very well, and both are pushing to break into their first teams this summer. That is real progress,” he said.
On the depth of talent in Nigeria, Dr. Oduwole was emphatic but critical of systemic issues. “The talent pool in Nigeria is massive, but it needs to be tapped the right way. Age issues, poor coaching, and bad attitudes are major problems. Football is not just about what you do on the pitch; it’s also about how you conduct yourself off it. To be an elite player, you must be professional and well-behaved. You are a role model,” he said.
He further addressed the disparities in the National team and the Nigerian Football Federation. He said, “I think Nigerian football needs proper rehabilitation — the league, the system, and even the process of selecting leadership at the NFF. The right, experienced people need to be in charge,” Dr. Oduwole said.
International scouts in attendance echoed the positive assessment of the tournament. Dejan Veselinovic, a football scout and coach with OFK Belgrade in Serbia, praised both the organization and the quality of players on display. “This tournament was very good. We saw very good young players and very good football. Some of them are ready to play in Europe,” Veselinovic said.
He admitted that the level of play exceeded his expectations. “I was surprised. I expected a lower level, but they showed big talent and big opportunities for success. They want to learn, they want to work, and that is very important,” he said.
Speaking on African football more broadly, Veselinovic described the continent as the future of the global game.
He said, “African players have big potential. In my opinion, the future of football is in African players because they are very strong motorically. In the coming years, they will be leading players in their teams.” While noting that improvements in tactical understanding and technical refinement would further enhance their impact. “Their agility and physical qualities are already very strong. With more tactical work, they can dominate modern football.”
On the pitch, Ojodu City FC U19 emerged as champions, beating Seamoriow FC U19 on penalties to complete a remarkable turnaround after finishing as runners-up in the maiden edition of the tournament earlier this year.
Team captain Magaji Lookman Abdullahi said the victory was a reflection of growth and belief within the squad. “This is the second edition. We played the first one and ended as first runners-up. Now we are the winners. It was a good tournament with good opposition and quality teams,” he said.
Looking ahead, Abdullahi expressed confidence in the team’s ambitions. “Based on the quality of players we have, hopefully by God’s grace, Europe is the next step for us. I believe many of us will end our careers playing in Europe,” he added.
Head coach of Ojodu City FC, Ogunbanjo Olawale, attributed preparation and resilience to the team’s success. “It was a very tough tournament with quality teams. All the games were competitive, and we knew from the beginning it would not be easy,” he said. “We prepared ourselves and the boys, and they gave a very good account of themselves.”
Ali said the ultimate goal remains player progression beyond the local scene. “We work with them day in and day out, and by the special grace of God, we expect to see most of them playing professionally in different parts of the world,” he said.
Enyimba interim head coach Lawrence Ukaegbu has expressed the club’s determination to pick nine points in the next three matches of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Recall that the People’s Elephant thrashed Kwara United FC of Ilorin 3-1 on Sunday in Aba, to occupy 8th place on the league table with 23 points.
The hosts struck first in the 23rd minute when Samuel Agu unleashed a long-range effort that caught goalkeeper Nurudeen unprepared. Kwara United responded with purpose and drew level eight minutes later as Toheeb Gidado finished calmly to make it 1-1 before the interval.
Chidera Michael took advantage of a defensive error to restore the hosts’ advantage, before adding a second goal three minutes later to put the game beyond reach.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Number In Cairo Camp Rise To 15 After Bassey, Iwobi, Onyeka Arrival
Speaking with the club’s website, Ukaegbu stated that the team will be aiming for nine points in their next three matches.
“Apart from the mistakes (from the Kwara United goalkeeper), you know we missed some scoring chances too.
“The target, however, is to get nine points from our next three games.
“Now, we are going to El Kanemi; we know how they play. We are not going to use the same formation, we’ll change our formation, which I will not reveal.”
Francis Uzoho has expressed his excitement at being back in the Super Eagles, describing the opportunity to represent the country as the highest honor of his career.
Speaking in a recent interview, Uzoho admitted he deeply missed life in camp during his absence.
“I think I missed quite a lot,” told the Super Eagles media. “I miss the boys, to be honest. I miss the vibe in camp because we’ve been together a lot.”
“The most noticeable thing is being around the boys and facing every challenge together.”
Uzoho, 26, revealed that despite being away from the team, he maintained regular contact with his teammates to keep relationships strong.
“I speak to them once in a while. We chat and check up on each other. I have colleagues I’m closer to, but in general I do reach out to the boys. I was filled with joy one I can’t really express especially knowing I was coming back to represent Nigeria, which is the most important thing in my career,” he added.
Addressing questions surrounding his recall, Uzoho firmly defended his inclusion, stating that only players deemed ready by the technical crew earn national team call ups.
Francis Uzoho. (Photo | Getty Images)
“Everyone called up to the national team is ready. If you aren’t ready, you won’t be called. The technical scouts and coaching staff know what they are doing. If they call a player, it means he’s ready to represent Nigeria, and that applies to me as well. If the time comes and the country needs me, I will be ready.”
Uzoho also spoke warmly about his relationship with his fellow goalkeepers, noting a healthy and supportive atmosphere within the unit.
Also read: Bassey on Target as Fulham Edge Burnley 3–2
While he shares a good bond with Amas Obasogie, he admitted he is particularly close to Stanley Nwabali.
“I was with Amas twice in the national team before I stopped coming. He’s a good lad and we’re close. Stanley Nwabali is my brother. When he came in, we were all together and helped each other.
“We have a very good relationship. People outside may not see it, but personally, I’m good with him and also with Amas,” he explained.
Francis Uzoho has earned 35 senior caps for Nigeria and last featured for the Super Eagles at the 2023 AFCON.
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Manchester United vs Bournemouth – Premier League LIVE: Poor goalkeeping error gifts Red Devils a deserved lead after Antoine Semenyo cancelled out Amad Diallo’s opener – and angrily grabbed Diogo Dalot by the throat
Follow Daily Sport’s live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Manchester United takes on Bournemouth at Old Trafford in the Premier League, with Chris Wheeler and Nathan Salt reporting from the grounds.
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Manchester United vs Bournemouth – Premier League LIVE: Poor goalkeeping error gifts Red Devils a deserved lead after Antoine Semenyo cancelled out Amad Diallo’s opener – and angrily grabbed Diogo Dalot by the throat
Inter Miami have confirmed the signing of Spanish left back Sergio Reguilón, securing the experienced defender on a contract that runs until December 2027, with an option to extend until December 2028.
Sergio Reguilón, 28, arrives as a free agent after his most recent spell with Tottenham Hotspur and will occupy an international roster slot. His arrival adds depth and pedigree to Inter Miami’s squad, with the club continuing to strengthen ahead of the coming seasons.
Speaking after the announcement, Reguilón said, “It’s a very ambitious project, a winning Club that is doing things the right way, and that’s what attracted me: coming here to keep winning and competing. My objective is to keep winning, go after the trophies we’re missing, and win everything here.”
Reguilón brings with him a wealth of top-level experience from European football. Over the course of his career, he has made more than 260 senior appearances, including 81 in the Premier League and 56 in LaLiga.
He has also featured regularly in elite competitions such as the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Born in Madrid, Reguilón spent a decade in the Real Madrid academy, progressing through the youth system before a loan move to UD Logroñés during the 2015-2016 season.
He returned to the Spanish giants the following year, featuring for Real Madrid Castilla before making his first-team debut in the UEFA Champions League in October 2018. A LaLiga debut followed a month later, and he was part of the squad that lifted Real Madrid’s fourth FIFA Club World Cup title.
His career gathered momentum during a successful loan spell at Sevilla in the 2019-20 season, where he played a key role in their UEFA Europa League triumph and was named in the competition’s squad of the season.
Strong performances in Spain earned him a move to Tottenham Hotspur, where he spent two seasons before returning to LaLiga on loan with Atlético de Madrid. Further loan spells followed at Manchester United and Brentford, before he rejoined Tottenham in May 2024.
At the international level, Reguilón has been capped six times by Spain, with appearances in the UEFA Nations League in 2020 and a FIFA World Cup qualifier in 2021.
The Nigeria National League, NNL, has rescheduled two matches in Matchday Day Seven of Conference A and B.
The fixture between Stormers SC and Rovers FC, originally scheduled for Saturday, December 20, will now take place on Friday, December 19, 2025. The encounter will be held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta.
Meanwhile, the Matchday Six fixture between Smart City and Heartland, which had been put on hold, will now be played on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
All remaining matches in the groups will proceed according to the original schedule..
NNL announces new date for Week 6, 7 fixtures
Rivers United secured top spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, following a 1-0 win over Wikki Tourists at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Monday.
Taofeek Otaniyi scored the winning goal in the 19th minute.
Rivers United extended their unbeaten run to nine games.
The Port Harcourt club top the standings with 33 points from 16 matches.
Read Also:NPFL: Nasarawa United Boss Satisfied With Draw Against Plateau United
Finidi George’s last defeat was against Bayelsa United on October 12.
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Ikorodu City and Katsina United battled to a 0-0 draw.
Ikorodu City maintained third position on the log following the stalemate.
Katsina United moved to 11th position with 22 points from 17 matches.
By Adeboye Amosu
Calvin Bassey was on the scoresheet as Fulham secured a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Burnley, with the Nigerian defender delivering a commanding all-round performance.
Fulham made a bright start to the encounter and took the lead in the 9th minute through Emile Smith Rowe, who rose to meet a well-delivered corner from Harry Wilson.
Burnley responded in the 21st minute, drawing level courtesy of Lesley Ugochukwu, but Fulham regained control just ten minutes later.
Calvin Bassey restored the hosts’ advantage after Harry Wilson sent in an exquisite cross, which the Nigerian international powered home with a towering header.
Calvin Bassey scores during the Premier League match between Burnley and Fulham at Turf Moor. (Photo | Getty Images)
Fulham sealed the win in the 58th minute, with Samuel Chukwueze providing the decisive moment.
The Nigerian winger drove into Burnley’s 18-yard box before squaring the ball to Wilson, who calmly slotted into the bottom left corner to make it 3–1.
Burnley managed a late response as Oliver Sonne pulled one back, but it proved to be no more than a consolation as Fulham held on for all three points.
Fulham’s Nigerian contingent were outstanding throughout the match.
Calvin Bassey delivered an exceptional performance, completing 50 passes, including eight into the final third, while recording a 100% success rate in dribbles and long balls.
Also read: Meet Belgian Youngster Who Almost Broke Kanu Nwankwo’s 31-Year Record
Defensively, he was equally dominant, registering five tackles, four clearances, one block, and nine ball recoveries, while winning 14 duels overall.
Samuel Chukwueze was influential in attack and diligent in defense.
He completed 30 passes, created the match-winning chance, and contributed defensively with three clearances, one interception, and five ball recoveries.
Operating in a central midfield role, Alex Iwobi showcased his versatility, completing 40 passes, with seven into the final third, alongside two interceptions and six ball recoveries.
The Nigerian Fulham trio continue to deliver consistently week after week.
The victory moves Fulham up to 13th place in the Premier League, leaving them just three points off the top half of the table.
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Titans star Jeffery Simmons’ home is robbed as ‘six burglars’ are seen entering through smashed window
Tennessee Titans star Jeffery Simmons became the latest pro athlete to have his home burglarized while he was on the road.
The Pro Bowl defensive tackle’s Nashville-area home was broken into on Sunday as the Titans were in Santa Clara, California to face the 49ers, as seen in security footage posted by Simmons on Instagram.
‘Team security is actively working with Metro Nashville Police Department to recover items stolen from Jeff Simmons’ house,’ the Titans said in a statement. ‘No residents were home during the burglary.’
No fewer than six suspects were seen entering the home after smashing out a window, according to Metro Nashville PD. Several items were taken.
Simmons called police Monday morning after arriving home to see the damage to his home. He later shared security footage of the break-in and a message to the robbers online.
‘God is the Greatest and I’m his son!!’ Simmons wrote. ‘Whoever you are, just know he sit high and look Low. You’ll get what you deserve f***ing cowards!
A burglar is seen walking through Jeffery Simmons’ home as the Titans star was on the road
Simmons, a two-time All-Pro and former first-round pick, is seen here on November 30
‘What if any of my family members was in my house??’ he added in a follow-up post. ‘All that materialistic s*** you can have but this is crazy!’
The 28-year-old Simmons is a two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection. The former Mississippi State standout was a first-round pick for the Titans back in 2019.
Simmons is far from the only NFL player who has been robbed over the last few years.
Shedeur Sanders’s house in suburban Cleveland was reportedly broken into while he made his NFL debut for the Browns last month. That came about a year after Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Mahomes and teammate Travis Kelce had their homes raided during a game against the New Orleans Saints.
Similarly, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow saw his Ohio home broken into while he was helping Cincinnati beat the Cowboys in Texas last season.
And NBA players have faced the same issues.
Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was robbed this year after thieves targeted fellow league stars Luka Doncic, Ja Morant and Hart’s Knicks teammate, Karl-Anthony Towns, last season.
Most recently the New York Post revealed New York Knicks star Josh Hart had $185,000 in watches and jewelry stolen from the SoHo hotel, where he was staying earlier this year.
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