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Why Rivers United Lost To Barau FC
Rivers United head coach Yemi Olanrewaju has blamed fatigue for his team’s defeat to Barau FC, reports Completesports.com.
Finidi George’s side lost 4-1 to Barau FC in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, matchday five encounter at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano on Friday.
Osimaga Duke gave Rivers United the lead after five minutes.
Barau FC equalised in the 25th minute from Usman Maidubji’s penalty.
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Jimmy Ambrose struck just before half time to give Barau FC the lead for the first time in the game.
Substitute Kabir Abdullahi scored two more goals for the hosts in the second half.
“Conceding four goals doesn’t really show the true nature of the game. We controlled the match and had about 70 per cent possession, but the outcome wasn’t what we wanted. I think fatigue played a big role — the players looked tired,” Olanrewaju said after the game.
“It’s been a tough run with a lot of travelling. You go back to Port Harcourt, then make a two-day trip again. It’s not easy for the boys, but this is Rivers United — we’re built for tough moments. One or two games won’t go your way in a 38-game season.”
By Adeboye Amosu
SPORT
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.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that all rewards promised to Nigeria’s senior national teams have been fully approved and processed.
Speaking on Friday during an interview on Arise Television, Shehu Dikko revealed that the Super Falcons and D’Tigress will be rewarded for their recent continental triumphs, while the Super Eagles will be honoured for finishing runners up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
According to him, the incentive package covers houses, plots of land, national honours and financial rewards, all of which have received presidential approval.
“I can tell you Mr President has already approved the houses and the land for the Super Eagles, and the National Awards, and the monies for the Super Falcons. All that has been processed,” Dikko said.
He went on to assure Nigerians that the housing aspect of the rewards is no longer a promise on paper, explaining that the necessary documents are already in his custody.
“As I speak to you, I have in my possession all the Certificates of Occupancy for the houses of the players in Lagos and Abuja for both the Super Eagles, Super Falcons and D’Tigress,” he said.
Dikko also confirmed that the national honours have been concluded, while the payment of the financial incentives has reached its final stage.
“I have all the certificates for the National Awards. The money has been processed and is currently at the payment point at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation,” he noted.
Kun Khalifat FC have completed the signing of striker, Obari Israel, DAILY POST reports.
Israel joined the Owerri-based club from non-league side, Acquire FC.
According to the club, his arrival is part of their ongoing commitment to strengthening the squad with talented and promising players ahead of the mid season.
Israel is expected to hit the ground running with Kun Khalifat as they hope to improve on their position on the league table.
Kun Khalifat FC currently occupy 19th position on the league table with 17 points.
They will be up against Wikki Tourists in a matchday 18 fixture this weekend.
Kevin Akpoguma will leave Bundesliga club Hoffenheim at the end of the current campaign,reports Completesports.com.
According to Sky Sport reporter, Florian Plettenberg, Akpoguma and Hoffenheim have reached agreement to part ways after 12 years.
A January move is also on the card if a suitable offer comes in.
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“🚨🔵⚪️ 30 y/o Kevin #Akpoguma and Hoffenheim are not planning to extend his expiring contract,” Plettenberg wrote on X.
“Both sides are looking for a change and have discussed this openly. A winter move could become an option if an offer comes in.”
The Nigeria international linked up with
Die Kraichgauer from Karlsruher in 2013.
The centre-back has struggled for regular playing time this season, featuring just twice for Hoffenheim.
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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.