On another extraordinary day in this soap opera of a season for Celtic, Wilfried Nancy may just have reached the point of no return in record time.

As profane chants telling him where to go in no uncertain terms filled the air at Tannadice, alongside serenades for his interim predecessor Martin O’Neill, there could be no doubt the travelling fans have made their minds up about their new manager.

Already the first man to lose his first three games in the job, Nancy set another gruesome landmark as Dundee United made it four. It’s the first time since 1977-78 that Celtic have suffered such a sequence of defeats.

Bizarrely, Nancy’s latest calamity came just a few hours after chief executive Michael Nicholson had felt the need to give him a vote of confidence in a club TV interview occasioned by the announcement Peter Lawwell is stepping down as chairman at the end of the month.

Events on the pitch are simply inflaming the discontent among Celtic fans which has seen Lawwell decide he and his family can no longer cope with the level of vitriol coming their way.

It was a memorable evening for United who ended a seven-game winless run in the Premiership and savoured their first victory over Celtic in all competitions since 2014.

Wilfried Nancy can’t believe it after his Celtic side lost for the fourth time in a row 

Celtic had taken the lead against Dundee United with Daizen Maeda slotting home

Maeda’s goal had looked to calm Celtic nerves but they then capitulated in the second half

They were good value for it after a stirring second-half display saw Krisztian Keresztes and Zac Sapsford cancel out Daizen Maeda’s early opener for Celtic.

Nancy’s side, after a promising start, ended the night as a shapeless, aimless mess and still six points behind leaders Hearts in the title race.

For the Celtic directors, there was simply no escaping the toxicity of the situation which has engulfed their club this season. The experiment of appointing an unheralded coach from the MLS is blowing up in their face.

Seated high in a section of the Eddie Thompson Stand, they were greeted even before kick-off by a giant banner with an arrow pointing towards them and the words ‘Celtic’s Shame’ unveiled by visiting supporters in the adjacent corner of the stadium. Just underneath, it read ‘One down, more to go’ in reference to Lawwell’s imminent departure.

As they shifted uncomfortably in their seats, they badly needed Nancy to put his horrendous start behind him and start generating at least a sliver of positivity about his tenure.

The Frenchman’s team selection and formation were very much a case of doubling down rather than backing down in the wake of the early scorn and scepticism which had greeted his strategy in the three previous defeats.

Two of his four changes were forced upon him as Sebastian Tounekti and Kelechi Iheanacho missed out due to Africa Cup of Nations duty and a hamstring injury, respectively.

Dropping central defensive regular Liam Scales and club record £11million signing Arne Engels to the bench was more of an eye-raiser.

Celtic fielding a back three of Tony Ralston, Auston Trusty and Kieran Tierney at any stage this season wouldn’t have been on anyone’s bingo card.

Celtic fans had already vented their anger at the Parkhead board who were in attendance

Hyun-jun Yang and Luke McCowan were handed the wide midfield roles as he stuck to his favoured 3-4-3 set-up with Reo Hatate and Maeda either side of Johnny Kenny up front.

The early signs were not short of encouragement for Nancy as Celtic showed pace and purpose to hem United into their own half.

Maeda looked far happier to find himself on the left and he began his torment of the home defence with an inviting low ball across the face of the six-yard box in the fourth minute which the stretching Yang was unable to convert at the back post.

United simply couldn’t contain the Japanese forward who quickly found space again to set up another good chance for Kenny who clumsily screwed a shot over when a headed attempt looked a better option.

Kenny’s wastefulness continued when he could only shoot straight at Dave Richards after breaking clear.

Maeda took matters into his own hands with a deadly finish to give Celtic their fully merited 13th-minute breakthrough. United were carved open yet again after giving the ball away cheaply in midfield and Kenny slipped the ball to Maeda who turned inside the floundering Bert Esselink and drilled a low shot beyond Richards.

Celtic’s domination at this stage was total but their profligacy allowed United to remain in contention. Kenny had the Celtic fans holding their heads in frustration again when he delayed a shot far too long after breaking free, allowing Keresztes time to make a saving challenge inside the penalty area.

Goodwin’s side gradually managed to secure some kind of foothold in the contest and striker Max Watters began to threaten a Celtic defence who looked uncertain at times.

The Barnsley loanee might have done better than scoop a shot over from the edge of the box after being picked out by Will Ferry, then he completely miscued an effort when left unmarked from closer range.

Celtic only had themselves to blame for the match remaining in the balance. Kenny was the guilty party yet again in the 34th minute when Maeda raced onto Paulo Bernardo’s pass down the left and whipped over another fine low cross.

It looked harder to miss but that’s just what Kenny did, the Irish striker posting a contender for sitter of the season as he dragged his shot wide from inside the six-yard box.

United were being let off the hook and Goodwin tried to make the most of it. He changed shape at the start of the second half, switching to a back four as the toiling Esselink was replaced by Vicko Sevelj.

His team made as bright an opening to the second 45 minutes as Celtic had in the first. It required a superb block from Trusty to stop a Sapsford effort from troubling Kasper Schmeichel.

United’s Australian striker was soon testing the Celtic keeper, however, with a snapshot which Schmeichel reacted well to keep out.

The warning signs were flashing ever louder for Nancy’s side but weren’t heeded. Celtic were left reeling as United scored twice in the space of six minutes to turn the match on its head.

Chairman Peter Lawwell had announced his departure earlier in the day but that couldn’t quell the Celtic support’s fury

Celtic were unable to clear Ferry’s 55th-minute cross from the right, allowing Sevelj time to cushion a pass into the path of Keresztes who swept a finish any striker would have been proud of beyond Schmeichel.

The sense of anxiety spreading through the Celtic ranks was almost palpable and United feasted on it as they went 2-1 up. Again, the visitors were unable to deal with a straightforward ball into their penalty area. United were quickest to react as Amar Fatah teed up Sapsford who bent a magnificent right-foot shot beyond Schmeichel’s left hand.

Nancy desperately turned to his bench in the closing stages and Shin Yamada, a reminder of the underwhelming summer recruitment which led to Brendan Rodgers’ exit as manager, made a rare outing.

Predictably enough, he missed two excellent chances. When Maeda headed against a post from close range, the game was up for Celtic. For Nancy, it may already be game over.

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Manchester City have been paired with holders Newcastle United in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, following a late-night draw released by the English Football League on Wednesday.

The Carabao Cup draw, published on the EFL’s official website, came after a busy midweek of quarter-final action that confirmed City and Newcastle as two of the last four teams standing.

City sealed their passage with a composed 2-0 win over Brentford, while Newcastle left it late against Fulham, booking their spot thanks to a stoppage-time header from Lewis Miley.

Chelsea’s path to the semi-finals is already secure, but their next opponents are yet to be decided.

The Blues will face the winners of the quarter-final clash between Arsenal and Crystal Palace, scheduled for Tuesday, December 23 at the Emirates Stadium.

Earlier in the week, Chelsea edged past Cardiff City in a tense away tie, winning 3-1 to progress. The match carried extra intrigue as it saw the Blues come up against club legend Frank Lampard, now in charge of the Welsh side.

In a statement accompanying the draw, the EFL said: “Chelsea will learn their semi-final opponents following the Arsenal versus Crystal Palace encounter at the Emirates Stadium.

“The EFL said the first legs of the semi-final ties will be played in the week commencing January 12, 2026, while the second legs are scheduled for the week commencing February 2, 2026.”

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles will land in Fèz, Morocco on Thursday (today) to continue their preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reports Completesports.com.

The players and their officials will depart Cairo, for Fez this afternoon, according to the team’s officer, Promise Efoghe.

They will hold their first training in Fèz at 6pm local time.

Nigeria started preparation for AFCON 2025 in Cairo on Monday.

Read Also:EXCLUSIVE: Super Eagles Can Win AFCON 2025 Title in Morocco — Agbim

The Super Eagles lost 2-1 to the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday.

The three-time African champions are drawn in Group C with Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.

Eric Chelle’s men will face the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in their opening fixture next week Tuesday, before taking on Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on December 27, and Uganda’s Cranes on December 30.

The Super Eagles will play all their group games at the Grand Stade de Fèz.

By Adeboye Amosu

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Disgraced Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore was dumped by the staffer he was having an affair with and proceeded to bombard the woman with text messages two days before he allegedly threatened her with a knife, it was revealed.

Moore – whose bleary-eyed mugshot was released for the first time on Wednesday –  allegedly threatened an unnamed female staffer with several butter knives and a pair of scissors, a bombshell new police report has claimed.

He then screamed he would kill her and himself, claiming that she had ‘blood on her hands,’ cops said.

Moore was fired as the Wolverines head coach on December 10, before traveling to the home of his executive assistant Paige Shiver shortly after.

While there, it is alleged that he threatened an unnamed female staffer after their affair came to an unsavory end.

Now, some shocking new details have been revealed by Detective Jessica Welker of the Pittsfield Township Police Department during a court hearing.

In documents seen by Daily Mail, the unnamed staffer claimed that she had been in an ‘intimate relationship’ with Moore, with the coach himself admitting to detectives that it had lasted ‘approximately two years’.

The staffer is alleged to have ended the relationship two days before the arrest, also filing a formal report to the University of Michigan revealing the details of their secret romance.

Sherrone Moore’s haunting mugshot was released by police for the first time Wednesday

The fired Michigan coach is accused of breaking into the home of his executive assistant Paige Shiver (left) with a knife and terrorizing an unnamed woman

Disgraced ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore visited his lawyer’s office on Sunday with his wife, Kelli, and youngest child after being outed as a cheat

Disgraced ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore visited his lawyer’s office on Sunday with his wife, Kelli, and youngest child after being outed as a cheat 

Despite being dumped, Moore – who is married to his wife Kelli with three young daughters – is then said to have bombarded his former mistress with ‘dozens of text messages and calls’ over the next two days.

In the wake of his arrest, Moore was released after posting a $25,000 bail, and he was pictured alongside his wife over the weekend as she continues to stand by him.

As he awaits his next court date, Moore is being forced to wear a GPS tether and is receiving mental health treatment as conditions of his release.

The police report also states that he has been prohibited from having any contact with the unnamed staffer, who remains employed by the University of Michigan. 

Earlier on Wednesday night, the school’s interim president made a rare address to students – revealing that more heads could roll in the wake of their own investigation into Moore’s actions.

Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block are currently conducting an in-depth review of the athletic department, in the wake of several scandals over the past few years. 

The president – Domenico Grasso – said in his video message: ‘We will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that conduct like this does not happen again.

‘Make no mistake. We will leave no stone unturned, and any further action we take will be based on credible evidence and findings, developed through a rigorous investigation.

The 911 call reporting the alleged assault was made from an apartment belonging to Shiver 

The married father-of-three was fired by Michigan over an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a staffer

Moore, pictured with wife Kelli, allegedly threatened to kill himself during the shocking incident

‘If the university learns of information through this investigation or otherwise that warrants a termination of any employee, we will act swiftly, just as we did in the case of Coach Moore.’

He also went on to urge students with any information to contact Jenner & Block, as the school focuses on ‘uncovering the facts’.

‘It is my job, my duty, to ensure the integrity of this investigation,’ he added. 

In his address to students, Grasso also mentioned the search for the next Michigan head coach, after Biff Poggi was installed as interim coach ahead of an upcoming bowl game against Texas on December 31. 

‘We will hire an individual who is of the highest moral character and who will serve as a role model and a respected leader for the entire football program,’ Grasso said. 

‘And who will, with dignity and integrity, be a fierce competitor.’

If convicted, Moore could face up to six-and-a-half years in jail after being charged with felony third-degree home invasion and misdemeanors of breaking and entering and stalking. He has pled not guilty. 

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Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have joined the battle to sign Koln winger Said El Mala next year.
According to Sport Bild, the Premier League clubs have now contacted Koln through intermediaries to register their interest in El Mala ahead of next summer’s transfer window.

The report added that both the Red Devils and Spurs have indicated that they would be willing to pay a transfer fee between £30.7m and £35m for El Mala.

El Mala is currently considered as one of the brightest young prospects in German football.

The 19-year-old made an excellent start to his first Bundesliga campaign with six goals and two assists in 14 league matches.

He was rewarded last month for his form as Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann called him up to the national team for the first time.

El Mala was also a key figure for Germany at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship and was named in the team of the tournament.

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Easywin, one of Nigeria’s sports betting, casino and entertainment platforms, has rolled out its biggest football promotion, giving customers the chance to experience the thrill of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) live in Morocco.

Every week, throughout the campaign, players stand the chance to win free all-expense-paid trips to watch Africa’s biggest football tournament in person. The Easywin AFCON Promotion rewards both new and existing customers, offering multiple avenues to win weekly.

A statement by the sports betting platform said each week, lucky winners will be selected for an exclusive football getaway that includes round-trip flights to Morocco, hotel accommodation and matchday access to live AFCON games.

This initiative reinforces Easywin’s mission to bring entertainment, excitement, and life-changing opportunities to Nigerians.

The platform, however, added that in addition to the weekly grand prize trips, thousands of customers will win consolation prizes, including AFCON matchday tickets or its cash equivalent.

Speaking about the promotion, Marketing Lead at Easywin, Anthony, said: “Football is the heartbeat of the continent, and AFCON is where the pulse is strongest.

 “This promotion is a testament to our commitment to rewarding our customers at Easywin where everyone has a genuine chance to win.

 “We’re excited to give our customers a chance to witness Africa’s biggest football moments live, all expenses on us. With weekly opportunities to win and exciting consolation prizes, every Easywin player now has a real shot at becoming part of African football history.”

Players can participate by going to www.Easywin.ng to start any game on Easywin and climbing the leaderboard displayed transparently on the website.

Easywin affirmed that it remained committed to delivering transparent, rewarding, and socially responsible gaming experiences, noting that with a fast-growing customer base and nationwide reach, it continues to transform lives through exciting draws, jackpots, and lifestyle rewards.

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Former Real Madrid forward Tote believes manager Xabi Alonso is fighting to keep his job at the club.

In a chat with Radio Marca, Tote stated that the decision to sack the former Bayer Leverkusen manager has been concluded already.

“I have the feeling that Xabi’s time is up, because there’s no confidence in him and some people don’t believe in him.

“He’s fighting for his job every three days, and working like that must be incredibly difficult.

Read Also:Ighalo: Osimhen Should Be New Super Eagles Captain

“When you arrive at a monster like Real Madrid, you have to have a lot of personality to lead and establish your authority.

“What happened with Vinicius (Junior) really disappointed me. There had to be a punishment to send a message to the group.

“Up front they have the best player and in goal they also have the best player, and those two are holding the team together.”

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The draw for this season’s Carabao Cup semi-finals were conducted on Wednesday night.

It followed Newcastle’s last-gasp win over Fulham in the last quarter-final tie for this week.

The Magpies needed a late header from Lewis Miley to defeat their Premier League rivals 2-1 at St James’ Park.

Earlier in the evening, Manchester City beat Brentford 2-0 at the Etihad, while Chelsea won 2-0 at Cardiff City on Tuesday.

Newcastle, who are the current holders, will take on City in the last four.

The winner of the Arsenal vs Crystal Palace tie plays Chelsea in the other semi-final.

The semi-final first legs will be played on the week of January 12, with the second legs on the week of February 2, 2026.

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• Panel submits APC primary election report to Yilwatda

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Osun State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said the “State of the Living Springs” is eager to have the party at the helm of affairs next year.

Okpebholo, who is also the Edo State governor, said this while submitting the report of his committee to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

He said: “Osun people are eager for change. They are tired of motion without development. What we saw was a strong desire for real governance.”

The committee chairman described the assignment as a defining experience, stressing that the committee witnessed overwhelming unity, enthusiasm and popular support for the party’s candidate across Osun State.

The Osun State primary was conducted by a high-powered committee, underscoring the party’s commitment to transparency, credibility and internal democracy.

Okpebholo expressed appreciation to the party’s leadership for the confidence reposed in the committee.

Yilwatda received the report alongside the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu; and the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru.

Yilwatda praised the committee for a job well executed.

The APC national chairman said the atmosphere during the primary was celebratory and peaceful.

He assured the committee that the report would be presented to the Party Caucus and the National Executive Committee (NEC) immediately.

“What you have submitted gives us something cheery to present to NEC. Your sacrifice, even at short notice, is deeply appreciated,” he said.

The national chairman said the strategic importance of Osun State, calling for massive mobilisation to secure a decisive victory.

Yilwatda noted the cordial collaboration between APC governors and the party, stressing that such synergy would be key to reclaiming Osun State for the APC.

Former Kogi State governor and committee member, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, also praised the party’s leadership.

He described the consensus process as instrumental to the committee’s success.

The former governor stressed that the Osun State governorship election, being the last major poll before the 2027 general election, is critical to the party’s national momentum.

“The APC must go to the field and deliver Osun. My support for the party is total and unwavering,” he said.

Senator Basiru expressed confidence in the party’s victory, declaring that the current Osun administration has been given a “yellow card” and would receive a “red card” at the poll.

The committee’s secretary is Solomon Maren, while other members include the governors of Ondo, Nasarawa, Delta, and Lagos states.

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Against the elegant backdrop of the Gaming Operators’ Annual Dinner and Awards Night in Ibadan, the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board brought together regulators, operators, innovators, and partners for an evening that went beyond ceremony, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong

The ballroom glowed softly under warm lights as evening settled over Ibadan. Laughter, quiet conversations, and the gentle clinking of glasses filled the air, creating a sense of anticipation. This was not just another dinner; it was the Gaming Operators’ Annual Dinner and Awards Night, a moment the industry in Oyo State had come to recognise as both a celebration and a reaffirmation of shared values.

As the Director-General of the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, Hon. Olajide Boladuro rose to speak, the room fell into attentive silence. His welcome was more than ceremonial. It carried the voice of a government and an industry that had, over time, learned the importance of walking together. He spoke on behalf of the Oyo State Government and the Board, extending a warm embrace to everyone present—regulators, operators, legal and compliance experts, technology innovators, and partners who collectively sustained the state’s gaming ecosystem.

The director-general reminded the audience that the night was not merely about fine dining or social interaction. It was a celebration of partnership, resilience, and shared purpose. Over the past year, the industry has grown in size and sophistication. Collaboration had deepened, and responsible gaming had moved from a regulatory requirement to a shared commitment aligned with global standards. Innovation had not been stifled by regulation; instead, it had found strength in clear, fair rules.

At the heart of his message was trust. Trust from players who must believe in fair play, trust from the government that operators will act responsibly, and trust among operators themselves as competitors and collaborators. The Board, he explained, had invested heavily in strengthening this trust through clearer regulatory guidance, closer engagement with stakeholders, improved compliance systems, and reforms designed to position Oyo State as one of the most transparent and organised gaming jurisdictions in Nigeria.

Yet, beyond policies and processes, the director-general emphasised people. Citizens, players, and host communities remained central to every decision. The Responsible Gaming Framework, community outreach initiatives, and consumer-protection campaigns were not abstract ideals; they were deliberate efforts to ensure that gaming in Oyo State remained safe, fair, and beneficial to the state’s socio-economic fabric.

The evening also carried a tone of recognition. The Awards Ceremony, he noted, was designed to spotlight excellence—operators and partners who had distinguished themselves through compliance, innovation, responsible gaming, community support, and inter-agency collaboration. These awards were more than plaques; they were symbols of integrity and professionalism, reminders that ethical conduct remained the industry’s strongest currency.

As the director-general added, he invited everyone to enjoy the night, good food, warm company, and well-earned celebrations, while also looking ahead. The challenge, he said, was to continue building an industry that balanced competitiveness with ethics, profitability with social responsibility, and growth with care for societal wellbeing.

Applause filled the hall as he expressed gratitude to operators, government partners, sister agencies, and the Board’s management and staff for their dedication throughout the year. He congratulated the award recipients even before their names were called, acknowledging the collective effort behind individual success.

With that, the night unfolded into celebration. Conversations resumed, awards were presented, and the room buzzed with optimism. It was an evening that captured the spirit of an industry learning to grow responsibly—proud of its progress, mindful of its duties, and united in purpose.

It was a gathering defined by reflection on a year of growth, renewed commitment to responsible gaming, and a shared resolve to build a transparent, people-centred gaming industry that balances innovation with integrity.

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