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‘It takes real man to do that’ – Anthony Joshua hails Jake Paul
Two-time heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has hailed YouTuber-turned boxer, Jake Paul, for his performance during their Miami fight on Friday.
Recall that Paul started the fight in survival mode, keeping well out of Joshua’s way.
The 28-year-old also refused to engage before the Briton finally closed the distance and inflicted some pain on him.
The American suffered a fractured jaw while enduring six rounds against Joshua, who acknowledged that he wasn’t at his best during the fight.
“It wasn’t the best performance,”Joshua admitted after the fight (via Metro UK).
“The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him. That has been the request leading up. That was on my mind.
“It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found the destination. Jake Paul – he’s done really well tonight. I want to give him his props. He got up time and time again. It takes a real man to do that.”
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Anas Yusuf who currently plays for Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club, Nasarawa United, has been shortlisted for the Best Striker prize at the 2025 Nigerian Pitch Awards.
Yusuf will compete for the honour against Atalanta and Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman and Galatasaray hitman Victor Osimhen.
The Nasarawa United striker earned his nomination after an outstanding 2024-2025 NPFL campaign, where he scored 18 goals to finish as the league’s top marksman. He has carried that form into the current season, already finding the net six times for Nasarawa United.
Naija News reports that Lookman won the award last year and also went on to claim the 2024 African Best Player of the Year title.
Elsewhere in the league, Kun Khalifat FC have completed the signing of striker Obari Israel as they seek to revive their season. Israel arrives from non league outfit Acquire FC and is expected to bolster the Owerri based side’s attacking options.
In a statement released by the club, Kun Khalifat described the move as part of their ongoing effort to strengthen the squad with talented and promising players ahead of the mid season phase. Israel is expected to settle quickly as the club look to climb away from the lower reaches of the table.
Kun Khalifat currently sit 19th with 17 points and will face Wikki Tourists in their matchday 18 fixture this weekend.
In Kano, Rivers United head coach Yemi Olarewaju blamed fatigue for his side’s heavy 4-1 defeat to Barau FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Friday.
Rivers United took an early lead through Osimaga Duke before Usman Maidubji drew Barau FC level. Jimmy Ambrose then put the hosts ahead, while a brace from Kabir Abdullahi sealed an emphatic win for the Maliya Boys and ended Rivers United’s seven game unbeaten run away from home.
“We dominated majority of the game but the outcome wasn’t what we expected as it was due to fatigue,” Olarewaju told the club’s media.
“The league is a marathon we have to put the defeat behind us and concentrate on the next game.”
Barau FC technical adviser Ladan Bosso praised his players for their character and response, especially after a recent home loss to Shooting Stars.
“The last loss at home was a wake up call, as you all know Rivers United is a continental team which they showed it in the game,” Bosso told Barau FC media.
“The goal conceded was as a result of a careless mistake and I commend the players for their determination in getting the victory.”
Barau FC will turn their attention to Tuesday’s league fixture against Nasarawa United as the NPFL season continues to gather momentum.
The Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, will now take place every four years from 2028.
This was revealed by Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, on Saturday.
Since 1968, the tournament has been played every two years.
There was, however, a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions.
But after the 2027 edition in East Africa and the next one in 2028, it will switch to a four-year cycle.
“We have the most exciting new structure for African football,” Motsepe said.
“I do what is in the interests of Africa. The global calendar has to be significantly more synchronised and harmonised.”
Newcastle United and Chelsea battled to an exciting 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
Nick Woltemade opened scoring for the hosts in the fourth minute following an error by Wes Fofana.
The Germany international doubled the advantage 16 minutes later.
The Magpies created more chances in the first half but were unable to increase their lead.
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Chelsea fought back in the second half with Recce James reducing the deficit from a free kick four minutes after the break.
James curled his effort over the wall and in off the inside of the post with Aaron Ramsdale, at full stretch, helpless.
Chelsea deservedly drew level midway through the second half courtesy of a fine finish from João Pedro.
The Blues remain in fourth, while Eddie Howe’s team move up to 11th ahead of the rest of the weekend’s games.
Jake Paul Faces 60-Day Ban
The fight was sanctioned by the Florida Athletic Commission (FAC), whose rules mandate:
Paul will therefore be sidelined and possibly longer.
Anthony Joshua Gets the Job Done in Miami
After four knockdowns, controversy, grit and a brutal finish, Anthony Joshua overcame a stubborn Jake Paul in Miami, sealing a sixth-round knockout and immediately turning his focus toward a long-awaited all-British blockbuster with Tyson Fury.
Following his victory, Joshua was openly critical of his own showing. Speaking immediately after the fight, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion said:
“First of all, I wanna give love to the crowd.
It wasn’t the best performance. The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down, hurt him that has been the request leading up.”
It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found its destination.”
Joshua also praised Paul’s resolve before firing a warning shot toward Tyson Fury:
“Jake Paul has done really well tonight. I wanna give him his props, it takes a real man to do that.”
“He came up against a real fighter tonight, who’s had a 15-month lay-off.”
“I needed to give this guy a systematic breakdown, I said I’m going to see his soul leave his body round after round.”
“I said it, and that’s exactly what happened.”
On Fury, Joshua was blunt:
“Let’s see you in the ring and talk with our fists.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn later confirmed that Joshua vs Fury is now the priority.
Joshua Accepts Criticism: “I Deserve It”
In a candid interview with talkSPORT, Joshua acknowledged fans’ concerns:
“I deserve it [criticism].”
“Because we are elite fighters, if I put myself in the shoes of a coach, if my fighter did six rounds with Jake Paul…”
“I would get him back in the gym tomorrow, give him a bit of a beating and get straight back to work.”
“I’d be like ‘how are you letting this kid take you six rounds, are you crazy?’.
“But I can’t go back in time, but credit to him, he done well. I told him what would happen but it just took six rounds to do it.”
‘Falling Back in Love with Boxing’ – Anthony Joshua
Joshua also revealed the fight was deeply personal following his 15-month lay-off:
“It was a test for me to see if I want to continue or not.”
“This was a good eye opener for me.”
He added:
“I was trying to fall back in love with boxing.”
“My wife wasn’t happy, so I had to look at the decisions I was making. Make necessary changes to get my love back from the sport.”
“For me, this fight was a perfect plan, and I don’t want to lose my focus now.”
Joshua confirmed clarity on his future will come in the next few weeks, with Eddie Hearn already in discussions with Turki Alalshikh over his next mega-fight.
Joshua Calls Out Fury: “Put on Some Gloves”
Reports suggest Joshua vs Tyson Fury is close to being finalized for next summer — and Joshua made his intentions crystal clear:
“If Tyson Fury is as serious as he thinks he is, and he wants to put down his Twitter fingers and put on some gloves and come and fight one of the realest fighters out there that will take on any challenge, step into the ring with me next if you’re a real bad boy.”
“Don’t do all that talking, ‘AJ this, AJ that’. Let’s see you in the ring and talk with your fists.”
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The Confederation of African Football has officially released the squad numbers for the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Talismanic striker Victor Osimhen will retain his familiar number 9 shirt, while newly appointed captain Wilfred Ndidi continues with his customary number 4 jersey.
Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has been handed the iconic number 10. Meanwhile, regulars Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Frank Onyeka will keep numbers 7, 11, and 8 respectively.
New invitees Salim Fago, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Ryan Alebiosu, and Tochukwu Nnadi will wear numbers 25, 26, 27, and 28.
The Super Eagles are aiming for their fourth AFCON title and will kick off their campaign against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in Fès next Tuesday.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, defender Calvin Bassey expressed confidence in the team’s chances. “Yeah 100%. I think the last AFCON I was 23. I have matured and a lot of the team have matured and we have gained a lot of experience,” Bassey told Fulham TV.
Bassey, who was part of the squad that narrowly lost 2-1 to hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the last edition, will represent Nigeria in a major tournament for the second time. With the retirement of former captain William Troost-Ekong, Bassey and Semi Ajayi are expected to form the backbone of Chelle’s defence.
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Jake Paul’s jaw is broken in Anthony Joshua battering: YouTuber-turned-boxer rushes to hospital
Jake Paul drove himself to hospital with a double broken jaw after his knockout defeat by Anthony Joshua.
The former YouTuber survived six rounds with the former heavyweight champion before Joshua’s power finally told in Miami.
AJ knocked him down twice in the fifth round and then twice again in the sixth to end the mismatch in the early hours of Saturday morning GMT.
Paul was well enough afterwards to reveal that he feared his jaw was fractured and his promoter Nakisa Bidarian later confirmed that the 28-year-old had gone for treatment.
Bidarian said the recovery period is expected to be four to six weeks.
Paul was spitting blood following the knockout but he said in his in-ring interview: ‘I’m feeling good, that was fun, I love this sport.’ He later posted a photo of his x-ray confirming a double fracture to his jaw.
*GRAPHIC IMAGES WARNING*
Jake Paul’s jaw was broken by Anthony Joshua in their fight in Miami on Friday night
Paul posted this image, showing the moment of impact that shattered his jaw
Jake’s brother Logan visited him in hospital and posted this photo from his bedside
He also posted a series of graphic images and videos on his Instagram account which appeared to show a shift in his jaw – with plenty of blood dripping down his face.
The former cruiserweight confirmed he would take a break from the sport but planned a shot at the cruiserweight world title.
‘I’m going to take a little break. I’ve been going hard for six years. I’ll take some time off. This is amazing,’ he said.
‘We will heal the broken jaw, come back and fight people my weight.’
Paul added: ‘Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, I got beat but that’s what this sport is about. I will come back and keep on winning.
‘I’ve already won in every single way of life. My family, my beautiful fiancé his sport has helped me so much in my life.
The former YouTuber insisted he was ‘not surprised’ to have survived six rounds.
I just got tired,’ insisted Paul, who regularly fell to the canvas during the fight.
Paul says he has suffered a double jaw break – but jokes ‘give me Canelo in 10 days’
‘The Problem Child’ also posted a graphic video showing the damage he had sustained
‘It was a lot handling his weight. If I had better cardio I think I could have kept on fighting. I did my personal best.’
In any case, Paul has been handed an immediate 60-day suspension from boxing.
The Florida Athletic Commission, who sanctioned the fight, state in their rules that any boxer who is knocked out must be given at least a 60-day ban.
That can be extended if the knockout was thought to be particularly brutal.
Paul’s right-hand man Bidarian said: ‘We met with Netflix afterwards, he took a shower, he drove himself to the hospital.
‘A broken jaw is very common in sports, particularly in boxing or MMA and I think the recovery time from doctors we’ve already spoken to is four-six weeks.’
Paul is clearly keeping a light heart about his wounds. From his hopistal bed he joked on social media: ‘Double broken jaw. Give me Canelo in 10 days.’
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of his win, Joshua called out his British rival Tyson Fury to try and make a fight which fans have wanted for years.
Joshua called out Tyson Fury in the aftermath of his victory – a fight many want to see
Paul survived six rounds with Joshua but hit the canvas on four occasions
‘If Tyson Fury is as serious as he thinks he is, and he wants to put down his Twitter fingers and put on some gloves and come and fight one of the realest fighters out there that will take on any challenge, step into the ring with me next if you’re a real bad boy.
‘Don’t do all that talking: “AJ this, AJ that.” Let’s see you in the ring and talk with your fists.’
The only issue is that Fury is officially retired. He hung up his gloves in January this year. Then again, he has come out of retirement on four occasions previously, and he has hinted at a return in 2026.
‘The king must return to his throne,’ he wrote on social media earlier this month.
‘There is a long and lonely road that only I can walk on, but after the long and hard battles awaits immortality!’
Watch this space, then.
Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, has challenged the Taifa Stars to seize the moment and carve their names into history at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), starting with a high-stakes clash against Nigeria.
The Group C encounter is scheduled for December 23 at the Fez Stadium in Morocco and carries added weight for Tanzania. It will be only the second time the two nations meet in an AFCON group-stage fixture, coming 46 years after their first showdown. That earlier meeting, played on March 8, 1980, ended in a 3-1 victory for Nigeria at the then Lagos National Stadium in Surulere.
Kabudi delivered his message during the official national flag handover ceremony in Cairo, where he called on the players to approach the tournament with discipline, unity and a deep sense of national pride.
“In the Africa Nations Championship, Tanzania qualified for the quarter-finals unbeaten. That was historic and a record for our country. I urge you to fight hard and make history again at AFCON,” Kabudi said.
Overall, Tanzania and Nigeria have faced each other five times across all competitions. Nigeria have claimed three wins, while the remaining two meetings ended in draws.
Beyond Nigeria, Tanzania’s group campaign will also bring a fresh chapter in East African rivalry. They are set to meet Uganda in an AFCON group stage for the first time. The neighbours have played 22 times in total, with Uganda holding the advantage after 13 wins compared to Tanzania’s five.
Tanzania will wrap up their Group C fixtures against Tunisia, a familiar opponent who edged them 1-0 in their most recent meeting during the 2021 AFCON qualifiers.
Kabudi also confirmed that the government will be visibly backing the team on the ground in Morocco. He revealed that Deputy Minister Paul Makonda, alongside other senior officials, will travel with the squad to boost morale and ensure the players feel the full support of the nation as they chase a landmark campaign.
Nigeria defender Kevin Akpoguma will leave Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim at the end of the season, DAILY POST reports.
Akpoguma’s contract with Hoffenheim will expire at the end of the current campaign, with both parties ready to part ways.
The 30-year-old will bring his 13-year stay with the club to an end next summer.
However, the centre-back could leave Hoffenheim as early as January if the club receive a suitable offer, according to Sky Sport transfer reporter Florian Plettenberg.
“Kevin #Akpoguma and Hoffenheim are not planning to extend his expiring contract. Both sides are looking for a change and have discussed this openly. A winter move could become an option if an offer comes in,” Plettenberg wrote on X.
Hoffenheim signed Akpoguma from Karlsruher in 2013.
The versatile defender established himself as a key player for the club over the years.
However, he has struggled for regular playing time this season, making just two appearances.