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AFCON 2025: Lookman, Akinsanmiro top Serie A stars to shine in Morocco
Ahead of Nigeria’s opening match at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 against Tanzania tomorrow in Fes, the Super Eagles’ duo of Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman and Pisa midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro have been listed among the top five Serie A layers to hit the limelight at the continental showpiece.
Of all the leagues most affected by the month-long continental tournament, Serie A is tied sixth, with a total of 21 players heading south-west from Italy to North Africa.
But according to a major Italian news outlet, both the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, Lookman and newly drafted Akinsanmiro, are just five “of the best that could play a promising role at 2025’s showpiece”.
Aside the two Nigerians, the other three players also picked are AS Roma’s duo of Morocco’s Neil El Aynaoui and Ivorian Evan Ndicka, while who plays for Roma as well as Ivorian Odilon Kossounou who is currently with Lookman at Atalanta.
Akinsanmiro, the 21-year-old Inter loanee is being tipped as “a valuable reinjection of confidence” into the Super Eagles who are desirous to claim a long-awaited fourth title following three previous successes in 1980, 19994 and 2013.
But of the quintent, Lookman, the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, is put on top of the raft as the likely player from Serie A that could have a pivotal impact at the continental’s flagship’s tournament.
“Just about taking the top spot in this list is Atalanta and Nigeria star Ademola Lookman,” the editors of getfootballnewsitaly noted.
Though Lookman has struggled so far in 2025-26, with just two goals in 11 Serie A outings in the ongoing campaign, the outlet noted: “He could play a huge role as he links back up with Super Eagles teammates Osimhen and co, as they seek retribution for 2023’s 2-1 final defeat in Abidjan.”
“The English-born 28-year-old notched 20 goals in 40 all-competition matches in 2024-25, including 15 goals in Serie A, and five in seven Champions League matches. That premier European campaign, of course, followed the victorious Europa League run in 2023-24.
“If Lookman can tap back into the kind of form that saw him blast home a decisive hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin’s final, then Nigeria may just add their fourth AFCON title,” the Italian outfit noted.
Maduka Okoye has apologised to Udinese following the club’s heavy defeat to Fiorentina, reports Completesports.com.
The Zebras were thrashed 5-1 by the hosts in their Serie A clash on Sunday.
Okoye was sent off in the eighth minute of the encounter.
Referee Maurizio Mariani gave the Nigeria international a straight red card for a rash challenge on Moise Kean.
Read Also:Nigerian Midfielder Set To Join MLS Club Colorado Rapids
Udinese capitulated after his dismissal conceding thrice before the break.
Okoye is expected to suspended for three games.
The 25-year-old took to the social media to express his regret over the incident.
“I’m sorry, Bianconeri,” the former Watford shot stopper wrote on Snapchat.
By Adeboye Amosu
As football fever builds across the continent, Goldberg has unveiled a new collective set to capture the pulse, passion and personality of Nigerian fans like never before.
Introducing The Golden Clan, a carefully curated circle of cultural tastemakers assembled to amplify the heartbeat of Nigerian football through storytelling, humour, emotion and lived fan experiences.
The Golden Clan brings together four distinct voices who represent different sides of Nigerian culture and fandom:
- Kunle Remi,
- Shaffy Bello,
- Brown Ideye and
- Broda Shaggi.
Together, they will serve as the faces and voices of Goldberg’s Feel the Beat. Taste the Gold. campaign, spotlighting how Nigerians experience football beyond the pitch, from viewing centres and streets to chants, rituals and shared moments of joy and heartbreak.
At the centre of the campaign is a simple truth: football in Nigeria has never been just about the game but about community, sound, movement, banter, pride and belief.
Through the Golden Clan, Goldberg is leaning into these realities, telling football stories through people who genuinely live and understand them.
Actor and cultural tastemaker, Kunle Remi brings warmth, depth and contemporary storytelling to the Clan, capturing match-day moments and fan connections with sincerity and style.
Veteran actress, Shaffy Bello adds elegance, gravitas and cultural pride, reflecting the generational bond Nigerians share with football.
Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye offers insider perspective, experience and emotional resonance from someone who has worn the green and white on the biggest stages.
Rounding out the Clan is comedian Broda Shaggi, whose street-smart humour and unfiltered energy mirror the voice of everyday fans across the country.
Throughout the campaign, the Golden Clan will come alive across viewing parties, fan engagements, digital content and surprise moments, documenting how Nigerians feel the beat of football and celebrate the culture that surrounds it.
With the Golden Clan, Goldberg is stepping into the crowd, standing with fans, and turning match-day moments into stories worth sharing, because when Nigerians gather around football, the energy is unmistakable, and the vibe is always golden.
Ayoub El Kaabi netted an outrageous overhead kick as hosts Morocco opened the Africa Cup of Nations with victory over Comoros in Rabat.
The 32-year-old scored an early Goal of the Tournament contender 16 minutes from time, to put the shine on a 2-0 win in front of Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, who was proudly watching on.
Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz had opened the scoring for the Atlas Lions, who are the top-ranked side in the competition, 10 minutes into the second half, to settle the home crowd’s nerves after Soufiane Rahimi’s missed penalty during the first half.
Noussair Mazraoui found the forward unmarked in the penalty area, and he made no mistake in sliding the ball past Yannick Pandor.
Comoros then threatened to tarnish their opening night party, but Yassine Bounou did well to deny Rafiki Said with his legs.
Then came the sensational strike from substitute El Kaabi, who managed to swivel and leap up to meet Anass Salah-Eddine’s clipped cross and nail an acrobatic effort into the top corner.
Ayoub El Kaabi netted a stunning overhead kick as Morocco opened AFCON with victory
The striker settled the nerves of the home crowd against Comoros 16 minutes from time
The striker then raced away in celebration before being mauled by his team-mates, who were just as shocked as the 60,000 adoring fans in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
While the victory was far from vintage, it was Morocco’s 19th on the spin, adding to their already world record run, which started back in March 2024.
Mali and Zambia are the hosts’ two remaining games in Group A as they seek their first AFCON title since 1976.
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Watch sensational overhead kick as hosts Morocco secure nervy victory to open AFCON
Ruben Amorim has admitted Bruno Fernandes could be sidelined for some time after the Manchester United captain was forced off during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
Fernandes has started every league match this season for Manchester United, but that unbroken run now looks set to end. The 31-year-old appeared to suffer a hamstring problem just before the interval at Villa Park, initially attempting to play on before failing to return for the second half.
Amorim has already ruled the midfielder out of the Boxing Day meeting with Newcastle United and admitted there are serious doubts over his availability for the remainder of the festive programme.
“It’s a soft tissue. I think he’s going to lose some games. I don’t know for sure, so let’s see,” Amorim said.
“You never control these things, so we’ll see. He is a guy who is always fit, so he can recover quite well, but I don’t know.”
Fernandes’ setback has added to United’s growing injury list. England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was already absent against Villa with a calf issue.
The 20-year-old had been a major talking point in the build-up after his half-brother wore a ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ T-shirt during Monday’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Mainoo would have been in contention to make his first Premier League start of the season against Newcastle, but he is now also set to miss out.
“I will see what we are going to do,” Amorim said. “I think Kobbie Mainoo is out, Bruno is out, so we will see. We are going to find solutions. No excuses.
“We need to win the next game, and we will try to win the next game.”
There is some relief with Casemiro returning from suspension, but the squad remains stretched. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are away at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), while Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are also unavailable.
The mounting absences have inevitably prompted questions about January reinforcements, yet Amorim insists the club will not act rashly in the transfer market.
“We need to deal with that,” he said. “What we cannot do is to reach January and try to do everything in urgency and make mistakes, and then ‘here we go again’ with a lot of mistakes.
“I’m not going to say ‘we need a lot of players’ because we have a plan. If we have to suffer, the club comes first.
“Of course, we are in a moment where we need points, but we need to find solutions, and we are going to continue with our plan.”
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has urged his teammates to fight for every ball ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, opener against Tanzania on Tuesday.
Osimhen also encouraged Eric Chelle’s squad to strive for victory in each match as they aim to reach the 2025 AFCON final in Morocco.
“This AFCON is an opportunity for us to do well and try to make sure that we win the tournament,” Osimhen told Pooja Media.
“Of course, it is not going to be easy; we have to fight for every game, fight for every ball.
“We have to try to win every game and see if we can get to the final and win it.”
Osimhen will now hope to lead the Super Eagles to claim the trophy this time around in Morocco after Nigeria finished runner-up in the last edition in Ivory Coast.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has said getting a starting role in the Super Eagles midfield for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations will be a big challenge for him.
Akinsanmiro is one of the new players who will make their debut appearance in Morocco when hostilities begin in Fes, the venue where the Super Eagles will play their Group C matches.
The Inter Milan youngster, who is currently on loan to Pisa in Serie A, will have to fight for a spot in midfield with established players like captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika and Mohammed Usman.
Speaking with Completesports.com, Akinsanmiro stated that he has to do his best to get a look in for a starting shirt from the coaching crew.
“It’s going to be a big challenge as one of the midfielder because we have a lot of experience players in the team so I have to put in my best.”
Also Read: Lookman: Bringing AFCON 2025 Glory Back Home Remains Eagles Priority
Akinsanmiro expressed his excitement for making the final 28-man squad for the 2025 AFCON.
He, however, pointed out that he is not promising anything but hopes the Super Eagles will not disappoint in Morocco.
He added:”I feel good, I feel so happy and excited being called up. Though I’m not promising anything but I hope we will do well in this tournament.”
The Super Eagles will kickoff their campaign in Morocco against Taifas Stars of Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23.
Also the other Group C match between Tunisia and Uganda will be played on Tuesday.
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco
SPORT
Worth the jaw break, Jake? Battle-scarred Paul flaunts £140m purse after knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua – posing with wads of cash and SIX guns on a private jet
Jake Paul appeared to flaunt his winnings as he jetted out of Miami after undergoing surgery to repair his broken jaw in the wake of his £140million ($187.5million) blockbuster showdown with Anthony Joshua.
The Problem Child survived six rounds in Florida against the heavyweight former world champion before he was swatted aside with a brutal knockout blow which left him fearing he had fractured his jaw.
After driving to hospital in the aftermath of the fight, Paul then learned that he would be fitted with two titanium plates and have several teeth removed – and be forced to undergo a liquid diet for seven days after the surgery.
But on Sunday, Paul seemed to have recovered enough to return home, sharing a snapshot of his atypical journey out of the Sunshine State to Instagram.
‘The American Dream (US flag emoji),’ the former YouTuber captioned the image. ‘Start yours today. Believe in it.
‘Fail. Work. Fail. Learn. Fail. Don’t ever stop.’
Jake Paul looked in the mood to celebrate his bumper payout as he returned home from Miami
The ex-YouTuber had been sent to hospital immediately after his fight after breaking his jaw
The 28-year-old posed on the private jet surrounded by thick bundles of hundred-dollar bills and five guns, plus one gold firearm he held in the same hand as a lit cigar.
The seats on the plane were swathed with luxury blankets by French fashion house Hermes, and at the other end of the cabin large Louis Vuitton shopping bags were piled on top of each other.
In the second image featured in the carousel, Paul chose a picture of himself as a young boy.
Before heading to hospital, the American fighter, despite spitting blood following the knockout, shared during his in-ring interview: ‘I’m feeling good, that was fun, I love this sport.’
Paul later posted a photo of his x-ray confirming a double fracture to his jaw. He also shared 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.
Paul was knocked out after six rounds and later shared gruesome pictures on Instagram
The former cruiserweight has since 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 fiancée his sport has helped me so much in my life.’
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Worth the jaw break, Jake? Battle-scarred Paul flaunts £140m purse after knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua – posing with wads of cash and SIX guns on a private jet
Former Manchester United defender, Gary Neville, does not expect Aston Villa to win the Premier League this season despite their current form.
Arsenal returned to a two-point lead in the Premier League on Sunday after a narrow 1-0 win against Everton.
The former England defender expects Mikel Arteta’s side to ‘extend their lead’ in the title race in the New Year before clinching a long-awaited title.
Aston Villa beat Manchester United 2-1 on Sunday to keep their third place in the Premier League, just one point behind Manchester City.
Neville expects Arsenal to win the Premier League for the first time after 22 years despite Aston Villa emerging as surprise title contenders in recent weeks.
Neville does not see Unai Emery side winning the title insisting only Arsenal and Man City can win the Premier League.
Neville told his Sky Sports podcast, “I’m drawing a line beneath the top-two.
“Aston Villa are not going to win the league. I would be amazed if that happened.
“A lot would have to go wrong for Arsenal and Man City for Aston Villa to win the league.”
Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has expressed his desire to play in any position for the team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Awaziem, who scored a goal in Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Egypt in a friendly match last week, stated this in an interview with Elegbete TV.
With the Super Eagles set to face Tanzania on Tuesday, Awaziem noted that he’s prepared to do everything to help the team excel at the tournament.
Read Also: EXCLUSIVE: AFCON 2025 Another Opportunity For Us To Redeem Ourselves –Akor Adams
“I mean for me, I’ve played a different position in the back. It depends on the structure of the coach. It depends on where the coach wants me to perform.
“I just go there and just try to do the job as possible as I can.So, I just try to do my best, you know, do everything possible to help the team, help myself as well.So, if the coach wants me to be a goalkeeper, I’m ready. If he wants me to be a striker, I’m ready.
“But my preferred position right now today as I’m speaking to you, I’m a center back, you know. So, I would prefer to remain in my position, center back,” he stated, reinforcing his confidence and experience in the role.”
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco
SPORT
Stefon Diggs sneaks out of blue medical tent to avoid in-game exam as Patriots clinch playoff berth vs Ravens
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs did not want to leave the game against the Baltimore Ravens and tried his best to avoid being medically examined.
Diggs suffered a big hit against the Ravens on Sunday Night Football and went off the field and to the sideline.
But when told to head to the Patriots ‘blue tent’, he put up something of a fight.
As NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark told the broadcast, ‘Stefon Diggs has been so fired up down here. He hated coming out of the game in the first quarter after that big hit.
‘They had to force him into the medical tent. They had to physically restrain him to keep him in there and he eventually escaped out the back.
‘He’s been hyping up the entire offense, his leadership is fully on display, very vocal and energetic with Drake Maye, doing everything he can to make sure that they are on the same page.’
Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs (8) escaped from the medical tent after being injured
Diggs had to get helped off the field, but refused being examined in the team’s ‘blue tent’
It led NBC’s Cris Collinsworth to ask, ‘There’s a back door out the medical tent?’ Stark confirmed, ‘He went out the back door, Cris.’
Earlier this season, the New York Giants were the center of controversy over their blue tent when running back Jaxson Dart went to get examined.
Both running back Cam Skattebo and head coach Brian Daboll entered the tent to check on him.
The NFL ended up fining the team, Daboll and Skattebo for violating protocol around medical exams.
Diggs was playing with intensity because the Patriots would clinch a playoff berth with a victory.
He ensured that happened with a nine catch performance to nab 138 receiving yards as the Patriots came back to beat the Ravens 28-24.
New England scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to come back from an 11-point deficit to book their first trip to the playoffs in four seasons.
Diggs played a key role in the Patriots win which clinched them a playoff spot
2025 has been a big year for Diggs, who had a child with rapper Cardi B in November
2025 has been a big year for Diggs. In addition to joining the Patriots, he entered a new relationship with rapper Cardi B.
The power couple have been going strong since they were rumored to start dating in October 2024. In November, they welcomed their first child – a son – to the world.
Elsewhere in his family, it was revealed that his brother Trevon Diggs missed eight games due to an at-home accident.
Trevon explained that he was trying to install a TV on a ceiling mount – which gave way, fell on him and resulted in a concussion.
‘I was trying to be a handyman,’ Diggs told reporters in the locker room on Sunday, according to NFL Network’s Jane Slater.