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EPL: ‘A lot would have to go wrong’ – Neville names club that’ll not win title
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.”
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.
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
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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
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
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
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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.
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Stefon Diggs sneaks out of blue medical tent to avoid in-game exam as Patriots clinch playoff berth vs Ravens
Victor Osimhen has declared that the Super Eagles are up for battle against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania, DAILY POST reports.
Eric Chelle’s men will open their campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup against the East Africans in Fès on Tuesday.
The highly anticipated encounter will kick-off 6.30pm Nigerian time.
The Super Eagles, who were runners-up at the last edition in Cote d’Ivoire are overwhelming favourites to win the game.
Tanzania, will be making their fourth AFCON appearance in Morocco, and have never make it beyond the group stage.
Osimhen said it is important for the Super Eagles not to underrate the Taifa Stars.
The Galatasaray striker however insisted that they are among the favourites to win the title.
“It’s all about going to war. Tuesday is the first one, and we will give everything. We are not underrating anyone in our group, but I think we’re up there with so many favourites in this tournament,” he told Nigerian journalist Kelechi Anyikude.
“So we’re going to give our all to make sure that we actualise the dream of trying to win the AFCON. It’s not gonna be easy, we still got a long way to go so I am positive about this squad.”
Osimhen will also to better his performance from AFCON 2025 where he scored only once and provided one assist in seven games.
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Ravens star Lamar Jackson sidelined with brutal back injury in crucial win-or-else game against Patriots
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been declared questionable to return to his team’s contest against the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football.
Jackson was seen dealing with a back injury and was being tended to by staff before he went to the locker room.
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley was called into action and is deputizing for Jackson.
At 7-7 on the season, a loss would eliminate the Ravens from the playoffs. It would also clinch a playoff spot for the Patriots.
Jackson appeared to injure himself on a routine running play – diving headfirst into the ground as rookie safety Craig Woodson put a simple tackle on him.
But the two-time MVP grimaced in pain on the sideline as he was being treated by staff.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable to return on Sunday Night Football
Jackson injured his back on this tackle before being seen grimacing in pain as he hobbled off
It’s been an up-and-down season for Jackson and the Ravens – with the former MVP struggling to match his production of the year prior.
Jackson missed nearly the entire month of October with an injury to his hamstring. He returned for an October 30 game against the Miami Dolphins.
This season, Jackson is 24th in the league in passing yards with 2,210.
The only quarterbacks with at least ten starts who have fewer yards are Mac Jones, Jaxson Dart and Marcus Mariota.
Meanwhile, he’s tied for 19th in the league for passing touchdowns.
What’s more surprising is that the dual-threat Jackson has not been reliable on the ground as he has in years past.
After putting up a season-high 70 rushing yards and one touchdown in their opening game against the Buffalo Bills, Jackson hasn’t cracked 50 rushing yards in any game and has only scored one other touchdown.
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Ravens star Lamar Jackson sidelined with brutal back injury in crucial win-or-else game against Patriots
Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver DK Metcalf was seen taking a swing at a Detroit Lions fan in the middle of Sunday’s win at Ford Field.
CBS cameras caught Metcalf jawing with the fan in the second quarter before reaching upwards and appearing to grab the blue wig the man was wearing. Before the two untangled, Metcalf lunged upwards with his right arm, narrowly missing the man’s face.
CBS commentator Jim Nantz remarked: ‘That is not going to have great consequences for the Steelers and Metcalf.’
It’s not clear what happened in the moments prior to this exchange.
The broadcast later said the NFL planned to address the incident at a later date. Metcalf was not tossed from the game. In a statement to the Detroit Free Press, a league spokesperson said officials could not eject Metcalf in that situation: ‘There was no flag on the field, so [the league office in New York] cannot weigh in with regard to a potential disqualification.’
ESPN’s Kimberly Martin approached Metcalf in the locker room afterwards, but the veteran receiver did not respond to her question about the incident.
Pittsburgh Steelers star DK Metcalf appeared to take a swing at a Detroit Lions fan on Sunday
The fan told the Free Press that he used Metcalf’s ‘government name’ which he ‘doesn’t like’
A reporter for the Detroit Free Press did track down the fan down, who said he was ‘a little shocked’ about the situation.
‘Like everyone’s talking to me,’ he told the Detroit Free Press before the final whistle. ‘I’m a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby.’
The fan, who was identified in the paper as Ryan Kennedy, said he called Metcalf by his full name – or, as he called it, his ‘government name.’
‘He doesn’t like his government name,’ Kennedy said. ‘I called him that and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt. I’m a little shocked.’
Kennedy added: ‘My words don’t matter because it was on camera.’
The Free Press reported that the Lions threw the fan out of the game, adding that officials from the team were speaking to Kennedy about the incident.
NFL on CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson said Metcalf came over because Kennedy ‘was holding a “4” Pittsburgh jersey, he went over and the fan said something to him.’
Wolfson added, ‘Obviously, Metcalf did not like what he said and you saw the swipe there. No Steelers came over to him and mentioned anything, we’ll see if the league takes action.’
Metcalf finished with four catches for 42 yards on Sunday.
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Wild moment Steelers star DK Metcalf takes swing at Lions fan in the stands
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Not satisfied with inability of the Super Eagles to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup after similarly missing out of the last edition in Qatar in 2022, a former Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Gabriel Chukwuma, asked for the resignation of the entire board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Ibrahim Gusau.
Although the NFF has petition FIFA to disqualify DR Congo who defeated Super Eagles in shootouts of the final match of the African Playoffs in Morocco last month for fielding nine players that Nigeria consider ineligible”, Chukwuma stressed that seeking to get into the Intercontinental playoffs through the boardroom was beneath the three-time continental champions.
“The NFF board should resign because if they had gotten their acts together earlier, the Super Eagles would have qualified with ease without depending on play-offs or boardroom points now.”
The former proprietor of Gabros FC of Nnewi who is one of the highest stakeholders in Nigerian football, having managed a football club for 22 years from amateur to professional rank, said that apart from not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, the current board rendered all male national teams powerless.
“The board has through cluelessness reduced our male teams to minnows of African football, beaten easily by unpopular or unknown names in football,” he noted with sadness.
Chukwuma recalled: “Since last year, I have been telling them to contact me so that I can assist in contributing money and can possibly engage some of my friends to assist, if money was their problem.
“Now, they have failed, there is nothing they can do. They should stop deceiving President Bola Tinubu that there is still hope for Super Eagles to Reach the World Cup to be hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.
“Just because our president is a listening president, they go to him and deceive him. They forget that Nigerians like football. They hardly eat or sleep when Nigerian teams are playing as they are always ready to watch them.
“The federal government gave NFF tax payers’ money, including my money and they swallowed it. Nigeria have the crop of best legs in the whole world. But the problem is that those who manage our football dont know what to do, they are only interested in doing players’ agent.
He decried the situation where everyone in football administration will wants his or her players to be in the teams to play matches.
“Football is either you get results or you get rich. As long as you want to enrich yourself you cannot get results. I said this many months ago that Nigeria cannot qualify for the World Cup. Not that I was wishing the country bad luck but just to challenge those managing our football to qualify for the World Cup.”
Chukwuma reiterated, ” Let me say it again, all NFF board members should resign from their positions to allow young managers take over the management of football in the country and prepare for the 2030 World Cup.
“It is shameful that some countries that are not up to Lagos qualified easily. And now, I am hearing that these same people who have dragged our football into the abyss are preparing to return for another term.
“It is an insult to the whole nation. If President Tinubu allows them to go for anothet term, we have accepted defeat and should say goodbye to ever qualifying for the World Cup. And if they are not resigning, I am ready to go to court to force them out, for capable people to take over. “
Akor Adams has said the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is an opportunity for the Super Eagles to redeem themselves, after their failure to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Adams featured for the Super Eagles at the African World Cup playoffs on Morocco in November.
After defeating Gabon 4-1 in the semis, the Super Eagles fell to a 4-3 defeat to DR Congo after 90 minutes and extra-time ended 1-1.
While the defeat means the Super Eagles have now missed back-to-back World Cups, DR ywill now feature at the Intercontinental playoffs in Mexico in March, 2026.
“I am disappointed as every Nigerian and as every player in the team,” Adams told Completesports.com in an exclusive chat after the Super Eagles training on Sunday.”But as in football and also in life you have to look forward and we have another opportunity to redeem ourselves now.”
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Playing World Cup Playoffs In Morocco Would Favour Us At AFCON 2025 – Ajayi
Asked if Nigerians should be expecting a fourth AFCON title, the Sevilla striker said:”We will give our best and trust God for a very good outcome.”
Adams also spoke about being part of the squad that will feature at this year’s tournament.
“Not just for the AFCON but being part of the Super Eagles for me it’s a blessing I am grateful to God for, I do not take it for granted, I try to give my best and I’m happy to be here.”
On whether the Super Eagles will have the advantage playing in Morocco after featuring in the World Cup qualifying playoffs.
“There are no advantages compared to how much you prepare,” Adams stated. “It doesn’t matter the weather or being here a thousand times, if you prepare good you will play good and that’s what we’ve been doing.”
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco