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AFCON 2025: Simon Sad Over Fredrick’s Absence
Moses Simon has lamented Benjamin Fredrick’s absence for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reports Compleresports.com.
Fredrick sustained a knee injury in training with his Belgian club Dender last month.
The former Flying Eagles defender will only return to action in the new year.
The 20-year-old has established himself as a key player for the Super Eagles since making his debut against Jamaica in May.
Read Also:Friendly: Onuachu Reflects On Super Eagles’ Defeat To Egypt
Simon, who runs the Simoiben Academy, which discovered, developed and mentored Fredrick said it’s disappointing the player won’t be in Morocco.
“It is very emotional for me,” Simon told ESPN.
“It is an unbelievable big dream to play with the young one you helped to the top. The feeling is something else. It is like a father and son playing alongside each other.
“It is a thing of joy for me. I’m proud of myself, I’m proud of what I’m doing and I’m proud of the people around that encourage me and assist me also. But I am sad that he will not be here. Not because I just want us to play together, but because he will help us if he was here.”
By Adeboye Amosu
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Manchester City vs Brentford – Carabao Cup LIVE: The Bees aim to upset at the Etihad to book their spot in the semi-final plus updates from Newcastle vs Fulham
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Manchester City vs Brentford – Carabao Cup LIVE: The Bees aim to upset at the Etihad to book their spot in the semi-final plus updates from Newcastle vs Fulham
Inter Miami have confirmed that star forward Luis Suárez has signed a new contract, keeping the Uruguayan striker at the club until the end of the 2026 Major League Soccer season.
Luis Suárez, who joined Inter Miami ahead of the 2024 campaign, has been pivotal in the club’s recent success.
Suárez continued his rich form in 2025 after a record-breaking 2024 season, in which he helped the team claim its first Supporters’ Shield and set the MLS single-season points record.
He played 50 matches across all competitions, scoring 17 goals and providing 17 assists, as Inter Miami lifted both the Eastern Conference Championship and the MLS Cup. The forward also starred internationally, reaching the Round of 16 at the revamped FIFA Club World Cup and the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Suárez’s influence extends beyond statistics. “His experience and leadership have been crucial to our success,” the club said in an official statement. “Luis is not just a goal scorer; he is a talisman who inspires those around him both on and off the pitch.”
Since arriving in Miami, Suárez has amassed 42 goals and 30 assists in 87 appearances, making him the second-highest scorer in club history. Alongside fellow star Lionel Messi, he has elevated Inter Miami into one of MLS’s most formidable teams, combining world-class talent with an unyielding work ethic.
Before his move to the United States, Suárez enjoyed a glittering career in Europe and South America. He lifted the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, five LaLiga titles, four Copa del Rey trophies, and numerous other honours.
Internationally, he led Uruguay to Copa América glory in 2011, retiring as the nation’s top scorer with 69 goals and the second-most capped player at 161 appearances.
Individually, Suárez’s career is studded with accolades. He has been the top scorer in seven competitions, including LaLiga, the English Premier League, Eredivisie, and the FIFA Club World Cup, earning European Golden Shoes for his 2013-14 and 2015-16 league performances.
He has also won awards such as Dutch Footballer of the Year, Premier League Player of the Season, FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball, and Trofeo Alfredo di Stéfano.
Arsenal are showing their determination to sign Kenan Yıldız from Juventus ahead of the January transfer window.
As reported by TouchlineX on Wednesday, the Arsenal board has told manager Mikel Arteta he needs to sell one of his attackers to make Yıldız’s signing happen.
The Gunners chiefs are keen to bolster Arteta’s squad in the second half of the season when the January transfer window opens.
The Premier League North London club are keen to win the English top-flight league this season, having finished in second position in the last three seasons.
This season, Arsenal is currently on top of the Premier League table with two points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.
Arteta’s side will face Everton in their next Premier League fixture this weekend.
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Chelsea Confidential: How club chiefs were blindsided by Enzo Maresca’s outburst, what it means for end-of-season review into his future, Moises Caicedo suspension latest and the youth star headed for the exit door
Chelsea did not see Enzo Maresca’s post-Everton outburst coming and even five days on, confusion still surrounds what prompted the 45-year-old Italian to say what he said.
By now you probably know it word for word, but as a reminder, Maresca claimed he had endured the ‘worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn’t support me and the team’.
Those comments, along with his refusal to clarify them, have left some at the club scratching their heads as to what he was trying to achieve.
When asked after Tuesday’s Carabao Cup win over Cardiff City whether he had spoken to any of his bosses, Maresca said he had not. However, Confidential understands he has spoken with members of Chelsea’s sporting directorship team since the Everton victory.
Paul Winstanley, Laurence Stewart, Joe Shields and Sam Jewell have been at Cobham as usual and were also in Cardiff on Tuesday, both at the team’s hotel base during the day and at the stadium on the night, which included a visit to the away changing room after full time.
It is assumed that Maresca can only have been referring to the club’s owners – Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, neither of whom are currently in the country – when he said he had not yet spoken with his superiors. Eghbali is a regular at games and hands on as an owner and so, eventually, will speak with Maresca in person.
Enzo Maresca delivered an extraordinary outburst in his post-Everton press conference, saying he had endured the ‘worst 48 hours since I joined the club’
The press conference theatrics aside, Maresca has been behaving normally, working diligently and preparing for the challenge of Newcastle in the Premier League
The press conference theatrics aside, Maresca is believed to have been behaving normally, still working diligently and coaching the squad daily and preparing the players for the challenge of Newcastle away in the Premier League.
Right now, Chelsea simply want to get back to normality after an abnormal week and for the focus to return to the football. As we approach the turn of the year, there remains plenty to play for.
They are fourth in the Premier League, still within touching distance of the Champions League’s top eight, and now into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with the FA Cup to follow.
There is no desire to suddenly deviate from the original plan to see through this campaign with Maresca and then hold a collective review to assess their two seasons together. Only an extraordinary fallout would force the club into considering otherwise.
Even then, that summer review is not necessarily a case of deciding whether they should stick or twist with Maresca. It is considered more of an opportunity to look at where they can improve overall, what has worked over the last two years and what they could be doing better.
It is worth remembering this is Maresca’s first-ever second season as a head coach and the feeling is that he has done a fine job up to now, the odd blip hardly being seen as unacceptable when they are a young side getting to grips with playing three games per week.
NOT THE FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE FAUX PAS…
Chelsea higher-ups taking note of what is said in press conferences should hardly constitute surprising news. It would be more remarkable if they weren’t interested in what messages their head coach was sending out of the club.
Maresca has raised eyebrows with other remarks since arriving at Chelsea, which is perhaps inevitable given how much the modern-day manager speaks. For example, his suggestion that Liverpool might be ‘impossible to catch’ also took some by surprise when he made that prediction in September.
CAICEDO SUSPENDED, EFL CONFIRM
There was a little confusion as to whether Moises Caicedo would indeed be suspended for the first leg of the Carabao Cup’s semi-finals after his yellow card against Cardiff on Tuesday night.
Having checked with the EFL, Caicedo will infact miss that match. The cautions are not expunged until after the completion of the quarter-final stage, and Chelsea’s midfielder is now on two in this season’s competition, having also received a booking against Wolves.
Both cards were unnecessary. At Wolves, he complained too aggressively towards the referee. And at Cardiff, he sarcastically applauded the ref.
Moises Caicedo will be suspended for the first leg of the Carabao Cup’s semi-finals after his yellow card against Cardiff on Tuesday night
21-YEAR-OLD TO LEAVE IN JANUARY
Jimi Tauriainen is set to leave Chelsea in January with early interest already arriving from Europe, including clubs in Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands and Scandinavia.
The 21-year-old, born in Helsinki, Finland, is contracted until the summer of 2026. The Blues also have the option of an additional year as a safety net. Tauriainen made his Premier League debut for Chelsea against Tottenham in May 2024, but an ACL injury suffered two months later robbed the promising youngster of a year of his career.
He wrote on Instagram in July: ‘360 days. One knee injury. Countless hours of rehab, pain, doubt – but also belief, determination, and hope. Grateful to be finally back.’ Tauriainen has since been appearing for Chelsea’s development side.
FASHION POLICE TIME…
Right, it’s been a rather serious five days surrounding Chelsea, hasn’t it? So let’s have some fun to finish.
Maresca rocks a questionable skinny jean look as his Chelsea team take on Brentford in September
Seeing as there was the odd social media debate over how Maresca had suddenly stopped wearing his club tracksuit for a few games (Bournemouth, Atalanta and Everton) we can reveal it’s not the first time he’s gone for his own clobber!
Against Brentford and Manchester United, both in September, he ditched the club tracky.
For United he went for the black suit, black raincoat, black shoes look and against Brentford it was a cardigan coat, Nike trainers and a pair of questionable skinny jeans.
Confidential will keep an eye out for any more fashion faux pas!
FIFA has confirmed a historic financial package of $727 million for the 2026 World Cup, marking the biggest investment in the tournament’s history.
The decision was taken on December 17 when the FIFA Council met in Doha ahead of the Intercontinental Cup finals. Officials also discussed broader issues around the development and governance of youth football.
Following the positive momentum generated by the World Cup finals draw in Washington, D.C. on December 5, 2025, the council approved the unprecedented financial contribution in support of the expanded 48-team tournament.
Of the total sum, $655 million will be distributed as prize money, representing a 50 per cent increase on the previous edition.
The champions of the 2026 World Cup will walk away with $50 million, while the runners-up will earn $33 million.
Teams finishing third and fourth will receive $29 million and $27 million respectively. Those placed between fifth and eighth will collect $19 million, with sides ranked ninth to sixteenth earning $15 million.
Teams finishing from seventeenth to thirty-second will be paid $11 million, while those exiting in positions thirty-third to forty-eighth will still receive $9 million.
Beyond performance-related rewards, every participating nation will be handed $1.5 million in preparation costs.
This ensures that all member associations taking part are guaranteed a minimum of $10.5 million from the competition.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the new figures reflect the organisation’s commitment to reinvesting World Cup revenues into the sport worldwide.
Former Nigerian international Edward Weng has expressed confidence that the Super Eagles will do well at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations despite losing 2-1 to Egypt in a friendly encounter at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday.
The Pharaohs went ahead in the 27th minute when Mahmoud Saber finished from a low cross by Zizo. However, Nigeria responded before the interval, equalizing through Chidozie Awaziem after a goalkeeping error from Mohamed El Shenawy.
Egypt regained control early in the second half, with Mostafa Mohamed scoring decisively in the 53rd minute following a swift counter-attack.
Speaking with Footy-Africa, the former Nigeria U-23 star stated that he’s impressed with the performance of the players against Egypt and that the Super Eagles remain an African powerhouse.
Read Also:Friendly: Onuachu Reflects On Super Eagles’ Defeat To Egypt
“I’m not disturbed at all by the result. It’s a test match, and the players had barely settled into camp before the game. Despite the loss, it wasn’t a bad outing.
“The coach had to make do with available players and test new ones, which is good. I saw some encouraging passages of play.
“You can see players like Ademola Lookman are gradually regaining rhythm, and that young midfielder Nnadi really impressed me, he really impressed me. You wouldn’t think it was his first game. Chidera Ejuke also did well. Now, the boys must return to training, learn from this game, and prepare for what lies ahead.
“Nigeria has always been an African powerhouse. I believe this time won’t be any different.”
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Browns’ Devin Bush Jr. learns his fate after allegedly assaulting girlfriend during fight over mashed potatoes
Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush Jr. has been found not guilty of assault and harassment charges, according to online records.
The 27-year-old was arrested in May after an alleged dispute with his girlfriend over mashed potatoes at the couple’s Pittsburgh-area home. As reported by TribLive.com, the argument started over how Bush was moving mashed potatoes into a container in the couple’s kitchen.
Accuser Shkurte Leka, the mother of Bush’s 3-year-old daughter, claimed he assaulted her and took her car keys when she began videoing an argument between the two of them on her iPhone. She further claimed he chased her through their home and pinned her down on a table as he tried to take away her cell phone, which he smashed.
Leka claimed she suffered cuts on her right wrist and toe as a result of the incident. Bush denied any physical contact but did admit to smashing Leka’s phone.
He was found not guilty of simple assault or harassment by Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Bruce Beemer after prosecutors failed to prove his intent to harm or injure Leka.
‘The testimony elicited at trial indicated that the putative victim of the domestic violence was electronically and surreptitiously intercepting the oral communications of Devin Bush,’ defense attorney Robert Del Greco Jr. told the Daily Mail in an email on Wednesday.
Bush (left) was accused of assaulting the mother of his 3-year-old daughter (right)
Leka (pictured) claimed she suffered cuts on her right wrist and toe as a result of the incident
‘When Mr. Bush learned of this interception, he voiced his objection, but the interception continued,’ Del Greco continued. ‘Mr. Bush removed and broke his phone that was the mechanism of the electronic interception.
‘Judge Beemer ruled that because all parties agreed that the intent of Mr. Bush was to remove the phone and not to cause harm, the requisite element intent was not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt.’
Del Greco expressed relief when speaking to TribLive.com after the trial.
‘We are relieved and pleased with the verdict,’ he said. ‘I think Devin Bush testified cogently and convincingly regarding his abject lack of intent of harm or injure anyone,’ Del Greco told TribLive.com after the trial in Pittsburgh.
A first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, the Michigan product also played in Seattle before arriving in Cleveland in 2024.
He has been a rare bright spot for the Browns this season, recording 93 total tackles and two interceptions for 3-11 Cleveland.
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Browns’ Devin Bush Jr. learns his fate after allegedly assaulting girlfriend during fight over mashed potatoes
Paul Onuachu has played down concerns following Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Egypt, insisting confidence remains strong within the Super Eagles camp as preparations continue for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The Super Eagles went behind when Mahmoud Saber struck for Egypt, before Chidozie Awaziem drew Nigeria level shortly before the interval.
Egypt regained the advantage early in the second half through Mostafa Mohamed, a result that ended their nine-year wait for a win against Nigeria.
Despite the loss, Onuachu, who now plies his trade with Trabzonspor, was upbeat about both his personal display and the team’s overall performance.
“I felt good playing against them, especially knowing that I had scored against Egypt in the past,” Onuachu said. “I had a good feeling during the game, and you could see that in my performance.
“I played with a lot of confidence and focused on playing my game. Unfortunately, we lost and the goal didn’t come this time, but I still felt good on the pitch.
“I think both the team and I had a good game.”
The former Southampton forward was part of a Super Eagles side that used the friendly as their only warm-up fixture ahead of AFCON 2025.
Head coach Eric Chelle took the opportunity to assess new faces and experiment with tactical ideas.
Within the camp, there is little sense of panic. Nigeria created chances, showed flashes of cohesion and successfully blended fresh players into a new tactical approach, all of which have been viewed as positives despite the result.
The Super Eagles currently have 27 players in camp, strengthened by the arrival of Moses Simon, while Victor Osimhen is expected to link up with the squad as final preparations continue.
The Nationwide League One, NLO, has announced players registration guidelines ahead of the upcoming season.
The league body has urged clubs to remit a registration fee of ₦600,000 (six hundred thousand Naira) to its account in other to gain access to the NLO’s database.
The modalities is for clubs in the NLO Division One and the U-19 Youth League.
For the youth league clubs, submission of players’ primary school certificates is required.
The deadline for Division One club registration is set for Friday, 27 February, 2026.
The NLO board in collaboration with its Secretariat stated this on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the proactive move highlights the league body’s commitment to ensuring that preparations for the 2026 league are moving forward seamlessly.
The new season is set to kick-start on Friday, 10 April.
Paul Onuachu has said the Super Eagles deserved more from Tuesday night’s defeat to the Pharaohs of Egypt, reports Completesports.com.
Eric Chelle’s side lost 2-1 to their hosts in a pre-2025 Africa Cup of Nations friendly at the Cairo International Stadium.
Mahmoud Saber, and Mostafa Mohammed scored for Egypt in the game.
Read Also:Awaziem: Egypt Friendly Good Test For Super Eagles
Chidozie Awaziem scored Nigeria’s goal from a header late in the first half.
Onuachu, who made his Super Eagles debut against Egypt in 2019 reflected on the team’s performance.
“It feels good to play against Egypt, especially knowing that I scored my first goal for the Super Eagles against them years ago,” Onuachu told the Super Eagles media.
“I felt confident and comfortable during the game and thought I played well, but unfortunately, we lost. Still, as a team, we had a good performance.”
By Adeboye Amosu