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AFCON 2025: Super Eagles squad numbers unveiled
Super Eagles squad numbers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have been made available by the Confederation of African Football, CAF, DAILY POST reports.
Talismanic forward Victor Osimhen will keep his number 9 shirt, while newly appointed captain Wilfred Ndidi maintains his regular number 4 shirt.
Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru will wear the iconic number 10, while regulars Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Frank Onyeka maintain their number 7, 11, and 8 shirt.
New invitees Salim Fago, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Ryan Alebiosu and Tochukwu Nnadi will wear numbers 25, 26, 27 and 28 respectively.
The Super Eagles are gunning for a fourth title in Morocco.
Eric Chelle’s side will open their campaign against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Fès next week Tuesday.
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UFC legend Anderson Silva, 50, announces surprise career switch live on Netflix after winning boxing showdown with brutal KO
UFC legend Anderson Silva stunned fans across the globe by announcing a shock career switch to law enforcement – just moments after delivering a brutal knockout.
The 50-year-old made his return to the boxing ring on Friday night to fight ex-UFC star Tyron Woodley, as part of the blockbuster Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua event.
And, despite being seven years Woodley’s senior, the Brazilian icon got the job done, after delivering a brutal KO to his American counterpart in the second round.
Former welterweight champion Woodley had no answer to the barrage of punches that Silva unloaded and now falls to 0-3 in his professional boxing record.
Silva, meanwhile, was visibly overcome with emotion and dropped to his knees in the middle of the ring, before conducting a post-fight interview with Ariel Helwani.
During which, the 50-year-old revealed that he will not be stepping away from boxing – but revealed plans to embark on a new adventure in law enforcement.
UFC legend Anderson Silva stunned fans by announcing a career switch to law enforcement
Silva secured a stunning second round knockout against former UFC star Tyron Woodley (left)
Helwani asked: ‘Is that the moment you want to go out on or do you want to keep going?’
Silva replied: ‘I mean, I’ll keep doing it. [But] You know, I’ll go back to work right now and start my police academy [with the] Beverly Hills PD’.
A stunned Helwani asked: ‘You’re going to become a police officer?!’
Silva then confirmed his desire to join the police force before explaining that, from his perspective, he views it as an opportunity to ‘give back’ to the community.
Later in the interview, the 50-year-old called out former UFC rival Chris Weidman for a fight inside the boxing ring.
During his illustrious career, Silva was defeated twice by American star Weidman, with the second fight ending by the Brazilian suffering a gruesome leg-break.
A potential move to law enforcement would mark a brand new chapter for a man who previously dominated the UFC middleweight division for nearly a decade.
Former UFC champion Woodley had no answer to the barrage of punches that Silva unloaded
An emotional Silva dropped to his knees in the middle of the ring after securing the KO win
Silva holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC history, a staggering 2,457 days that spanned from 2006 to 2013.
During that period, he secured a UFC record 16 consecutive victories, defending his middleweight championship 10 times.
He notably knocked out Vitor Belfort with a front kick and secured a dramatic last-minute submission over Chael Sonnen at UFC 117.
Silva was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July 2023, cementing his status as a combat sports legend before his transition to boxing.
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UFC legend Anderson Silva, 50, announces surprise career switch live on Netflix after winning boxing showdown with brutal KO
Former heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, delivered a commanding performance on Saturday morning, stopping YouTuber‑turned‑boxer Jake Paul with a sixth‑round knockout in their heavyweight bout in Miami.
Although Paul exceeded expectations by lasting beyond the early rounds, Joshua’s superior power and experience eventually proved decisive, according to The Athletic.
The British boxer floored Paul twice during a chaotic fifth round, setting the stage for the finish.
Joshua sealed the victory in the sixth round, unleashing a barrage of heavy punches that left Paul unable to continue, prompting the referee to halt the contest.
Speaking after the fight, Joshua immediately set his sights on a new challenge, calling out longtime rival Tyson Fury.
“Put down (your) Twitter fingers and put on some gloves and come and fight me,” he said.
Paul later revealed that he suffered a broken jaw in the bout. He declined to name a future opponent and said he would take a break from boxing following the loss, the second of his professional career.
Paul, who is ranked as the No. 14 cruiserweight with the WBA, has enjoyed high‑profile wins, including back‑to‑back victories over former boxing world champions.
He comfortably defeated a 58‑year‑old Mike Tyson in November 2024 on Netflix’s boxing debut and most recently outpointed 39‑year‑old Julio Cesar Chávez Jr. this past June.
Jake Paul was rushed to hospital after suffering a suspected fractured jaw following his six-round loss to former world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua in Miami.
The 28-year-old YouTuber-turned-professional boxer displayed resilience and determination throughout the bout but was ultimately overpowered by Joshua’s superior size and punching strength.
Speaking after the fight, Paul revealed concerns that his jaw may have been broken, a claim later confirmed by his promoter, Nakisa Bidarian, who said medical evaluation was required and recovery could take between four and six weeks.
Despite the setback, Paul struck an optimistic tone in his post-fight remarks.
“I feel good. It was fun, and I genuinely love this sport,” he said, while sharing graphic images and videos on social media highlighting the physical toll of the contest.
The former cruiserweight contender stated that he intends to take a brief rest period before resuming his career, with his sights still set on challenging for a cruiserweight world title.
“We’ll heal the jaw, come back stronger and fight opponents in my weight class. Anthony Joshua is a great champion. I lost, but that’s part of boxing. I’ll return and keep pushing forward,” Paul said.
Reflecting on the fight itself, Paul admitted fatigue played a major role in the outcome.
“I got tired trying to manage his size and weight. With better conditioning, I think I could have lasted longer. I gave it everything I had,” he added.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 3: Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City gestures during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Southampton FC at The King Power Stadium on May 3, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by James Holyoak/MB Media/Getty Images)
Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been confirmed as the new captain of the Super Eagles. Speaking on his new role the Besiktas player said it is a major responsibility that he is ready to shoulder with the full support of his teammates and officials.
Ndidi emphasised that leadership in the national team must be collective, built on a shared understanding and unity of purpose, rather than individual authority.
“It’s a huge responsibility, and with the help of the players, I think everything will go smoothly,” Ndidi said in an interview with the Super Eagles media department.
The 29-year-old revealed that he has already begun consultations within the squad, particularly with senior players, to ensure everyone is aligned with the team’s objectives as Nigeria target a fourth AFCON title in Morocco.
“I’ve had a conversation with a couple of players, just some of the older players. You know, just try to make them understand the reason why we’re here, you know. Also need the support also from the staff. We’re all in this together,” he said.
Ndidi emphasised the importance of clarity and unity within the group, noting that leadership conversations have focused on keeping the squad focused and committed.
“The Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the last World Cup remains a painful memory for players and fans alike, and Ndidi acknowledged the disappointment while looking ahead.
“Yeah, it was a sad one. Missing out on the World Cup. And this is another opportunity, you know, they say another day, another opportunity,” he said.
The new captain believes the team has a chance to restore pride and reconnect with Nigerians through renewed commitment and collective effort.
British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has disclosed that former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is ready to fight Tyson Fury.
Hearn made this known after Joshua defeated Youtube-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on Saturday.
The two-time world champion made hard work of defeating his vastly less experienced opponent but finally made his superior size and power count in the later stages of the eight-round fight.
Read Also:Joshua Knocks Out Jake Paul In Brutal Fashion
Speaking after the fight, Hearn stated that he wants the fight between Joshua and Fury to happen in 2026.
“We want the Tyson Fury fight. That’s the biggest fight in boxing.
“Respect to Jake Paul, he did a great job. 2026, back to the real business. Tyson Fury and the world heavyweight championship.”
Like Joshua, Fury is a multiple heavyweight world champion and a fellow Englishman, but the pair have never fought in the ring.
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ASHES BREAKFAST: Zak Crawley’s delaying tactics attract boos as England battle to save Third Test, a former Australian captain demonstrates his wit and Travis Head earns another accolade
England have not let the Urn fall from their fading grasp just yet but Australia appear to be edging slowly closer to victory in the Third Test – and an insurmountable 3-0 lead in this Ashes Series – at the Adelaide Oval.
England started Day Four well and took Australia’s last six wickets for 78 runs in less than 19 overs. If it didn’t quite qualify as a fightback, it was at least a gesture of defiance. At one point Brydon Carse was on a hat-trick but he bowled wide of off stump to Scott Boland.
Australia finished on 349 all out just before lunch, which left England needing 435 to win. The current world record for the highest successful fourth innings run chase stands at 414, achieved by South Africa against Australia at the WACA Ground in Perth in 2008.
But Bazball’s mantra has always been that anything is possible, particularly when England are chasing down a total and so there was still a remnant of optimism among the Barmy Army when the England batsmen emerged.
That lasted until the second over when Aussie captain Pat Cummins elicited an awful shot from Ben Duckett, who was caught at slip. Ollie Pope, who may have played his last game on this tour, was out cheaply again.
The loss of Joe Root was a major blow to England’s faint hopes of saving the third Test
Zak Crawley and Joe Root chiselled out a gritty 78-run partnership but then Cummins provoked a mistake from Root, who was caught behind, and England were reduced to 109-3. Root’s dismissal often represents a haemorrhaging of hope and this time was no different.
Crawley moved past his half-century, his second 50 of the series, with Harry Brook alongside him at the crease but England still need more than 250 runs to win. It remains a target that is all but out of sight.
Crawley’s delaying tactics lead to boos
The last ball before lunch was a soap opera all of its own.
England had lost the wicket of Ben Duckett earlier in the over and Zak Crawley, wanting to make sure there was not time for another over to be bowled, ambled up the wicket to prod the pitch. The crowd booed.
Pat Cummins, waiting at the end of his run-up, mocked Crawley by bending down to tie his shoelace. Cummins ran in and Crawley backed away from the stumps at the last minute, suggesting a spectator had moved in front of the sight-screen. This time, the boos were louder.
Cummins was properly irritated by now. He delivered a peach of a ball that beat Crawley’s outside edge to huge cheers from the crowd.
As they walked off for the interval, Cummins could be seen talking to Crawley. It was hard to make out the words but we can reasonably sure it wasn’t complimentary.
Zak Crawley was booed by the crowd for his attempts to prevent another over before lunch
Pat Cummins was seen talking to Crawley as they made their way off for the interval
Parkrun organiser revels in England’s Ashes woes
More than 500 people took part in the Torrens Parkrun on Saturday morning. The numbers were swelled by plenty of troops from the Barmy Army and the Australian organiser of the event had prepared a list of gags to crack at their expense.
Once he was done, he signed off with a final message.
‘The route takes you past the Adelaide Oval,’ he said. ‘To all our English participants today, I suggest that when you see it, you keep on running.’
Chappell demonstrates his wit
In the gap between the Second Test and the Third Test, I emailed the former Australia captain Ian Chappell to see if he would be willing to sit down for an interview.
Chappell is an intelligent man with a dry wit and I was no match for him. ‘Hi, Oliver,’ he wrote in his reply. ‘I’m retired now and won’t be in Adelaide. Regards, Ian.’
I persevered. I asked him if maybe I could take him out for a coffee somewhere near his home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
‘Hi Oliver,’ he wrote this time. ‘I’m retired & I don’t drink coffee. Regards, Ian.’
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell showed his wit when turning down an interview request
Head wins facial hair poll
During the Saturday morning session, the digital scoreboard kept updating the results of a poll that was being conducted inside the ground.
Spectators were asked to choose who had the best moustache: Travis Head or Ian Botham.
Head has won pretty much every contest he has been involved in during these Ashes and this was no exception. His moustache won by 76% to 34%.
Travis Head won a poll inside the ground over whether he or Ian Botham had the best moustache
Press pack feel impact of nanny-state
Officialdom in Australia has become notoriously nanny-state and journalists who had left the premises to have a cigarette twice found their return barred by a security guard because they had to walk through a members’ area to get back to the press box and were not wearing a collared shirt.
Cricket Australia intervened and the journalists were allowed to return to their desks.
Inglis shows off his footwork
Josh Inglis hasn’t made much impression on this series with the bat but there is some evidence he might be a useful footballer.
Fielding at midwicket, Inglis controlled a defensive shot from Ollie Pope with his right foot and juggled the ball three or four times.
The crowd was so delighted that the big screen operators showed a replay of Inglis playing keepy-uppy. The crowd cheered and Inglis took a bow.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola dismissed speculation over his future at the club, insisting contract talks are not on the agenda despite rumours he could leave at the end of the season, but added his side were not yet good enough to win the title.
While Guardiola’s team, who host lowly West Ham United on Saturday, could overtake Arsenal for top spot in the Premier League this weekend, the Spaniard’s job status was the hot topic at his pre-game press conference.
“I always get asked this question, so sooner or later I will quit Manchester City,” Guardiola told reporters. “I have 18 months, so I’m so happy with the development of the team. That question is there every single season at some point. Whatever is going to happen will happen.
“They are not discussions. End of the subject. I will not be here forever. What is going to happen will happen. The club must be prepared but that subject is not on the table right now.”
Reports linked Enzo Maresca as a potential successor, although the Chelsea manager dismissed them earlier.
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has expressed confidence that the team have matured enough to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Nigerian international played an integral role in the 2023 AFCON where the team lost 2-1 to the host Ivory Coast in the final of the tournament.
The Fulham defender, in a chat with the club’s website, stated that Nigeria have what it takes to make a positive impact in Morocco.
“Yeah 100%. I think the last AFCON I was 23.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Squad List Unveiled
“I have matured and a lot of the team have matured and we have gained a lot of experience.
“So, it would be good for the team and Alex different roles now, he is becoming more of the leadership role.”
Pitted in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda, Nigeria are fancied as one of the favourites to win the competition in Morocco.
The three-time AFCON champions will launch their onslaught for another title against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on Tuesday in the historical city of Fés, with the added impetus of wanting to appease their teeming fans at home and in the diaspora over failure to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup finals in the Far West.
Three days later, it will be a battle of the eagles when the Super Eagles play with the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, one of their North African rivals. Nigeria’s last group match will see them square off against the Cranes of Uganda on December 30.
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Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul LIVE: Scorecard and round-by-round updates as the former two-time heavyweight world champion controversially enters the ring with YouTuber turned boxer
Though the 2025 African Cup of Nations, which is the 35th edition, kicks off tomorrow, when host country, Morocco takes on Comoros at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. However, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will not be taking to the turf until Tuesday when they take on the Taifa Stars of Tanzania. For the three-time African champions, this edition of AFCON is not only a quest at winning the biennial tournament for the fourth time, but an attempt to assuage the pain of soccer loving Nigerians for their failure to book a place for the 2026 World Cup, writes Kunle Adewale
After failing to pick the 2026 World Cup ticket in what many observers expected to be a walk in the park for Nigeria, considering the quality of opposition, many soccer-loving Nigerians seem to have lost faith in the Super Eagles, in spite of the team boasting some quality players that are making waves in their various European clubs.
However, the three-time African champions are determined to win back the hearts and support of their teeming fans with a fourth AFCON triumph in Morocco come January 18.
As part of their final preparations towards a fourth title chase, which has been tagged ‘NAIJA 4 THE WIN’ after previously winning the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013, Nigeria played a tune up match against seven-time champions, Egypt on December 16 which they lost 2-1, but Coach Eric Chelle used it as an opportunity to test some of the new players that have been injected into the team and also try different tactical ideas.
Nigeria went behind after a goal from Mahmoud Saber, but Chidozie Awaziem equalised just before half-time. Egypt then took the lead again early in the second half through Mostafa Mohamed, ending a nine-year winless run against Nigeria.
After the encounter with Egypt on Thursday, the Super Eagles departed Cairo for the Moroccan city of Fés ahead of their opening game on Tuesday in a chartered flight.
Meanwhile, Trabzonspor striker, Paul Onuachu has played down concerns after Nigeria’s 2–1 friendly defeat to Egypt, saying the Super Eagles are still confident, as they continue their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking after the match, the former Southampton forward said confidence remains high within the team.
“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.”
He added: “I think both the team and I had a good game.”
Indeed, Super Eagles midfielder, Frank Onyeka says Chelle has “changed everything” in the team, offering a strong personal endorsement of Nigeria’s head coach. The Brentford midfielder praised the Malian tactician’s philosophy, man-management and tactical identity, insisting Chelle has brought renewed clarity and stability to a national team that endured months of uncertainty before his appointment. “I think he came in and changed everything – the way we played, the way we’ve been set up, and his philosophy is just really good,” Onyeka told the BBC. “He’s a loving coach. The way he speaks to the players, he makes fun of the players. It’s just different compared to what we had before.” Onyeka credits Chelle for reshaping both the Super Eagles’ playing identity and the atmosphere within the squad, suggesting the coach’s man-management has been as influential as his tactical work.
Interestingly, former Chelsea Star and Ivory Coast international, Salomon Kalou has named Super Eagles among the leading contenders for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, while also tipping Victor Osimhen to finish as the tournament’s top scorer.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Duelbits.com, the former Chelsea and Lille forward highlighted Nigeria’s attacking strength as a major factor behind their title credentials. Kalou pointed to Osimhen’s clinical finishing as a decisive advantage, complemented by the pace and creativity of Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman.
“Nigeria look very strong this year,” Kalou said. “They have one of the most dangerous strikers in world football in Victor Osimhen leading the line.”
Kalou also praised the balance in the Super Eagles’ midfield, singling out Raphael Onyedika for his physical presence and defensive awareness. According to the Ivorian, Onyedika provides “extra steel” and could grow into a leadership role as the tournament progresses.
The former African champion added that the Africa Cup of Nations often provides a platform for emerging talents to establish themselves on the continental stage, noting that the Chelle-led side, possesses several players capable of making a significant impact.
When asked to predict the winner of the Golden Boot, Kalou was unequivocal.
“If I had to pick one player to score the most goals at this tournament, it would be Victor Osimhen.
“The Super Eagles striker is the headline act of the AFCON. His goal-scoring abilities speak for itself and he has the mentality of carrying Nigeria into the next stages of the tournament.
“The Galatasaray forward is in incredible form, and the Super Eagles group gives him the chance to start fast.
“For the matches against Tanzania and Uganda, Victor Osimhen could score a few early goals, and once a striker like Osimhen builds momentum, he’s very hard to stop. He has the hunger, the quality, and the mentality to finish as top scorer,” he said.
However, former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel has cast doubt on the list of players called up to the Moroccan party, saying there was no way Chelle could have made his selections without being influenced by external forces.
Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel said the selection did not reflect sporting merit.
“I don’t think the right players are being selected from what I hear,” the former Chelsea midfielder said.
“I think the manager doesn’t have the full authority to select who he wants. I think there’s a lot of influence on his selection,” he added.
Nigeria’s campaign for a fourth continental crown (following triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013), and rolls off the ground on Tuesday, December 23, with a clash against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, in a repeat of the opening match of the 1980 finals that Nigeria hosted and won.
The Eagles will then clash with 2004 hosts and winners Tunisia on December 27, before their final Group C encounter against Uganda’s Cranes on Tuesday, 30th December. All of Nigeria’s group phase matches hold at the Complexe Sportif de Fés.