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Tanzania Coach Gomandi Happy With Team Performance Against Nigeria
Tanzania head coach Manuel Gomandi has praised his players after their spirited showing against Nigeria, even though the Taifa Stars opened their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a 2-1 defeat on Tuesday night.
Naija News reports that the Group C clash, played in Fès, saw Tanzania go toe to toe with one of Africa’s traditional heavyweights and earn plaudits for a performance that defied pre-match expectations. Nigeria claimed their first win of the tournament through goals in each half from Semi Ajayi and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Gomandi said his team’s approach and attitude would have surprised many observers.
“But when you see the gap, the quality and value of one team compared to the other team…everything was great,” he said.
“I think we surprised so many people because they thought we would come here to pack the bus, which is not my philosophy…”
Tanzania conceded first in the 36th minute when Ajayi nodded home a cross from Alex Iwobi. The East Africans responded positively after the break and were rewarded in the 50th minute when Kokola M’mombwa hauled them back into contention.
However, their hopes of a famous result were dashed just two minutes later as Lookman produced a sublime finish to restore Nigeria’s lead.
Gomandi was quick to commend his players for their resilience and discipline, particularly against a Super Eagles side coached by Eric Chelle.
“The performance of my players was great even though we committed the mistake from the corner where we conceded the first goal,” Gomandi said during his interaction with the media after the game.
Tanzania also caused Nigeria problems at the back on several occasions, defending stoutly and showing a willingness to play on the front foot rather than sit deep.
Attention now turns to a crucial next fixture against regional rivals Uganda, where Tanzania must secure a win to keep their hopes of progressing alive. Uganda head into Saturday’s encounter on the back of a 3-1 defeat to Tunisia in the other Group C match.
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Travis Kelce reveals the best gift he ever bought Taylor Swift as Chiefs star prepares for Christmas Day game
Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce proved himself to be one serious gift giver and revealed the best thing he’s given to his now-fiancée, Taylor Swift.
The holidays come at a special time for Kelce after a year full of joyful moments – including his engagement to the ‘You Belong With Me’ songstress.
On the Christmas Eve episode of the ‘New Heights’ podcast that he co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce, Travis revealed the best present he’s given to his better half.
‘I will say one of Tay’s favorite gifts that I got her was the bread slicer,’ Travis revealed to Jason and his wife Kylie.
Travis revealed that Swift loves to make bread at home: ‘[I got it] because she’s been throwing together so much f***ing sourdough.’
Kelce’s fondness for the baked goods shone through. ‘Gosh, they’re the best gut healers. I love you, Tay.’
Travis Kelce revealed he bought a bread slicer for his now-fiancée, Taylor Swift
Swift opened up about her love for baking bread on an episode of New Heights this year
Kelce is preparing for what may end up being his final regular season home game
Swift has previously shared her love for baking on the ‘New Heights’ episode where she revealed the name and release date for her latest album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.
The ‘Cruel Summer’ singer revealed that she’d been working on special flavors for Jason and Kylie’s daughters: ‘There’s a blueberry lemon, a cinnamon swirl, cinnamon raisin, and this one I’ve been workshopping for the girls because they love everything rainbow: Funfetti sourdough,’ she said.
Swift continued, joking, ‘The sourdough’s taken over my life in a huge way. I’m really talking about bread 60 percent of the time now.’
In that same episode, Kelce revealed that he hasn’t gotten into a fight with Swift. After Kylie and Jason poked fun at him, Travis revealed ‘Me and Tay, we definitely don’t fight.’
This week could be a very emotional one for Kelce as he plays his final regular season game of the 2025 campaign at Arrowhead Stadium.
It could be his last home game ever, as rumors about his potential retirement continue to swirl as the Chiefs have already been eliminated from the playoffs.
Head coach Andy Reid admitted that he was unsure whether it would be Kelce’s final game at Arrowhead but still took time to heap praise on the ‘phenomenal’ tight end.
Speaking to reporters, Reid said: ‘I don’t know if it is or not. I haven’t talked to him, but his numbers and personality speak for themselves. Phenomenal person.’
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Travis Kelce reveals the best gift he ever bought Taylor Swift as Chiefs star prepares for Christmas Day game
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted that replacing Bruno Fernandes will be a near-impossible task as the captain faces up to a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
“It is impossible to replace Bruno,” Amorim told reporters. “I said that this morning to the team. We need to take the good thing, if there is a good thing on that, a lot of people need to step up.” Fernandes was forced off during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, ruling him out of Friday’s home match against Newcastle.
Amorim emphasised Fernandes’ importance beyond his creative contributions. “It is not just the creation,” he said.
“At every set-piece, he is the guy who is organising the team. He understands every position on the field, and he pays attention to every detail. When you have a substitution, he is always the guy telling the other guys where they should be.”
While Amorim did not give an exact timeline for Fernandes’ return, sources indicate the midfielder could be back for the Manchester derby against City on 17 January, meaning he would miss five matches.
With several key players away at the Africa Cup of Nations and others sidelined by injury, Amorim said senior players such as Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw will need to step up, while academy talents like Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey could see more action.
Despite the challenges, Amorim remained confident. “I am confident we can win any game,” he said. “Of course, we have some problems, but even without many players at the moment in time, I believe in the team and trust in my players. If we are really focused, we can win.”
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has disclosed that the team’s ‘big name’ players are not happy when they sit on the bench.
Chelle spoke while explaining his decision to take off winger Samuel Chukwueze during Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Commenting on Chukwueze’s clear frustration upon leaving the field, Chelle noted that the substitution was a tactical decision.
“Yes, of course, we’ve in this team a lot of big names. They are competitors; they aren’t happy when they go to the bench,” Chelle said at his post-match interview.
“My job is to make choices, and we’re playing a 4-4-2 diamond, and at this moment I feel we’ve to protect the wing.”
Chelle’s men will take on Tunisia in their upcoming AFCON match on Saturday night.
Samuel Chukwueze has admitted that he was not given enough time to show what he can do on the pitch at AC Milan.
The Nigeria international joined Premier League club, Fulham on a season-long loan from AC Milan in the summer.
Chukwueze, who linked up with Milan from Spanish club, Villarreal three years ago failed to make much impact at the San Siro before he was loaned out by the club.
The 26-year-old has made a big impression since arriving Fulham, scoring twice and providing four assists in nine league appearances.
Chukwueze On Milan Experience
Chukwueze reflected on his time in Italy, and claimed English football suits him better.
Read Also:Done Deal: Alozie Completes Move To MLS Club Chicago Stars
“I don’t think I was given the time or the opportunities I needed,” he was quoted by Milanista.
“But that’s football. I just have to keep working. Maybe one day I’ll return to Serie A, or La Liga, or stay in the Premier League. English football probably suits my style better than Italian tactics.”
Love For Milan
Chukwueze, who is still under contract with AC Milan however claimed his connection with the Rossoneri has not been severed.
“I miss Milan,” Chukwueze admitted.
“It’s my second home. My family are still there, so of course I miss the city. They are doing well and I wish them all the best, I’m still a Milan player, after all, because I’m only on loan.”
By Adeboye Amosu
SPORT
Darts star Callan Rydz shares heartbreaking news after emotional underdog victory at Ally Pally
Darts star Callan Rydz has emotionally revealed his grandad has died, just hours after his victory at the World Darts Championships.
Rydz had earned a stunning victory over world No.22 Daryl Gurney at Alexandra Palace, booking his place in the third round of the tournament.
The 27-year-old had been emotional following the victory when speaking about his grandad’s illness.
Rydz has now announced on social media that his grandad has passed away.
‘There’s not enough words to say,’ Rydz wrote while sharing a selfie of him and his grandad.
‘I’ll promise to make you and grandma proud up there. I love you.’
Darts star Callan Rydz has revealed the death of his grandfather in a post on social media
Rydz made the announcement hours after his shock win at the PDC World Championships
An emotional Rydz had been comforted by Daryl Gurney following their second round match
Rydz also shared a post of his grandad watching him play at the World Championships from hospital, prior to his passing.
The darts star had been emotional on stage following his victory over Gurney, who he revealed had been aware of his grandad’s illness and had offered his support.
‘Daryl has been one of the only lads who knows what has been going on back home with my grandad,’ Rydz told Sky Sports.
‘He has been messaging me, asking if I’m okay. I am getting emotional thinking about it. I don’t know what to say.
‘My head is all over the place but Ally Pally is the best place to play.’
Rydz had also been emotional at last year’s World Championships, with the event taking place shortly after his grandma had passed away.
Speaking to reporters after his second round win over Gurney on Tuesday, Rydz explained how his grandparents had been crucial to him taking up darts.
Rydz shared a photo of his grandfather watching his match at the World Championships
The darts star shared a tribute to his grandfather and stated ‘everything is for you big man’
Rydz admitted that he was ‘struggling’ while playing at the World Championships and suggested he may consider quitting in the near future.
‘I wear my heart on my sleeve, I’m struggling,’ Rydz said.
‘It’s hard when you have stuff going on back home. I came here to try and forget about it but it’s hard. I play for my family.
‘I’ve got a job to do and, thankfully, I got through. I have too much stuff going on back home. I hear the crowd sing my name and I smile. But I wish I was home.
‘We are preparing for this to be the last Christmas. I will go home now, see how the big man is. Listen once he goes, I will probably consider packing in, probably. But I don’t know. I have a decision if I want to keep doing it.
‘I play for my family. My grandma, granddad, my mum, they got us into darts. Everything I do is for them.’
Rydz shared a message thanking fans for their support, writing: ‘Can I just say to everyone that messaged I have seen them and I appreciate every single message.
‘Thank you for the support, yous don’t understand how much it means to me. I wish everyone a great Xmas and will see yous back after the break.’
The 27-year-old is making his seventh appearance at the World Championships.
Rydz has made it to the quarter-finals on the two occasions he has got past the second round, reaching the last eight in 2022 and 2025.
He is due to face Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock in the third round, with the match scheduled to take place on December 29.
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Darts star Callan Rydz shares heartbreaking news after emotional underdog victory at Ally Pally
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has showered praise on President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for keeping faith with the Super Eagles by fulfilling pledges made after their runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The commitments, which covered houses, national honours and plots of land for players and officials, were formally concluded at a ceremony where title documents, certificates of national honours and confirmations of land allocations were handed over.
Among those present were the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, a representative of the Presidency, Mrs Nathan-Mash, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports Hon Kabiru Amadu, NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, Malam Saleh Ahmadu and officials of the Nigeria Embassy in Morocco.
Gusau described the gesture as a major boost for the Super Eagles, linking it directly to Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Tanzania in their opening match of the 35th AFCON finals in Morocco on Tuesday.
“We cannot thank His Excellency, Mr President, enough for the fulfilment of the promises of national honours and houses for the players and officials. We also thank the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Director General of the NSC, as well as members of the Federal Executive Council for their efforts in this regard,” the NFF president said.
“The presentation of the title documents and certificates was a positive development that has lifted the spirit of players and officials and we expect even better performances in subsequent matches. The team has picked the first three points, which is important, but we must equally be at our best against Tunisia so that we can pick the Round of 16 ticket before the last round of matches in the group.”
On the pitch, the Super Eagles delivered a spirited display at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. Defender Semi Ajayi opened the scoring with a towering header. Ademola Lookman added a second to seal the win.
The victory has placed Nigeria in a strong position as they prepare for their next group match against Tunisia on Saturday, December 27.
Super Eagles midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, has revealed the mistake Eric Chelle’s men made against Tanzania on Tuesday.
Dele-Bashiru came off the bench as Nigeria defeated the Taifa Stars 2-1 in the 2025 Africa Cup Nations, AFCON, tie at the Fez Stadium in Morocco.
However, according to the Lazio star, the Super Eagles made a mistake by conceding a goal due to a defensive lapse.
Charles M’Mombwa scored for Tanzania, while Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman scored for Nigeria.
Speaking at his post-match interview after the game, Dele-Bashiru said, “We played well against Tanzania. For the goal we conceded, it was a lapse of concentration, but we created a lot of chances today.
“I think in another game we finish those chances, and the game would have been dead earlier on.
“We will analyze what we didn’t do well, and then from there we will analyze Tunisia.”
Burkina Faso rallied to beat Burkina Faso in a thrilling Group E contest at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Wednesday.
The Stallions scored two late goals against their 10-man opponents, who put up a resolute display in the contest.
The two teams failed to carve any real chance in the first half
Equatorial Guinea were reduced to 10-men five minutes after the break.
Basilo Ndung was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge.
Burkina Faso sought to capitalise on their numerical advantage and believed they had taken the lead in the 71st minute when Lassina Traoré found the net. However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out.
Equatorial Guinea took a shock through Marvin Aniebo in the 85th minute.
Substitute György Menongo equalised for Burkina Faso in the fifth minute of added time.
In the eighth minute of stoppage time, Edmond Tapsoba powered home the winner, completing an extraordinary turnaround and sending Burkina Faso’s players and supporters into raptures.
The result sends Burkina Faso to the top of the group with three points, while Equatorial Guinea remain bottom ahead of the later clash between Algeria and Sudan.
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Martha Stewart becomes latest global celebrity to become co-owner of Swansea City – joining Snoop Dogg and Luca Modric
Martha Stewart is the latest major celebrity to become co-owner of Swansea City – joining Snoop Dogg and Croatian football legend Luca Modric.
The American billionaire, who is understood to be close friends with superstar Snoop, is now a minority owner of the South Wales football club.
The 84-year-old attended the Swans’ 2-1 triumph over Wrexham last Friday, having been invited to the game as a club guest.
Stewart, who became the US’s first self-made female billionaire by building a home, cooking and entertaining empire, was pictured grinning as she watched the match last week.
The owners of Swansea City previously discussed wanting to raise the club’s profile in a bid to increase revenue and invest more money in the team.
The Swans appear to be following in the footsteps of Wrexham after its huge success since being taken over by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Despite Stewart joining as another investor and minority owner, the club said it was ‘likely’ to have a quiet January transfer window, the BBC first reported.
A club statement said: ‘Given the high turnover of players in our squad over the 2025 summer window, and Vitor’s track record of developing and improving young players, we do not expect the January window to be a particularly busy one for Swansea City.
Martha Stewart is pictured watching Swansea City’s 2-1 triumph over Wrexham on Friday
Wrexham’s James McClean and Swansea City’s Zeidane Inoussa (right) battle for the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match at Swansea stadium on December 19
Snoop Dogg (right) and Stewart (left) are understood to be very close friends
‘We will, of course, always be looking for ways to strengthen the squad and if we believe those opportunities are available and would represent good deals for the club then we will look to capitalise, but given the size of the squad we have already it’s likely January will be relatively quiet.’
Modric became an investor and co-owner of the club in April, while Snoop joined a few months later.
Last year, Stewart and Snoop were pictured together at the dressage team Grand Prix Special, where the rapper was fully kitted out to take to the saddle if needed.
Snoop was dressed in breeches, a dressage tailcoat and hard hat as he took a trip around the Chateau de Versailles venue.
‘Snoop The Stallion,’ a fan reacted on X, while another said that ‘Snoop Stallion is really getting on his high horse’.
Snoop famously commentated on dressage at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when he referred to German rider Isabell Werth’s mount as a ‘crip-walking horse’.
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Martha Stewart becomes latest global celebrity to become co-owner of Swansea City – joining Snoop Dogg and Luca Modric
Moses Simon has said the Super Eagles will fight to secure maximum points from their next game against Tunisia at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria will face the Carthage Eagles at the Complexe de Fès on Saturday.
The two former champions started their campaign in Morocco on winning notes.
The Super Eagles defeated the Taifa Stars of Tanzania 2-1, while Tunisia overpowered Uganda 3-1.
A win against Tunisia will see the Super Eagles earn a place in the Round of 16.
Simon said that is their immediate target.
“We want the three points against Tunisia, everybody wants to win and we want to be there,” the Paris FC star told reporters.
Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo has disclosed that he’s not under any form of pressure ahead of the Indomitable Lions’ opening game against Gabon in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a chat with Cafonline, the Manchester United star stated that he’s prepared to make a big difference and help the team achieve a positive result.
“It’s a source of pride for all Africans. In my family, we’ve always watched the AFCON, and for them to now see me play in it will be a great honour. It’s a very special competition to take part in.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: Why We Lost To Super Eagles –Tanzania Star, Allarakhia
“For me, there is no pressure. Wherever I have played, I have always wanted to win. Cameroon has a great history at the AFCON with many successes, and we will try to represent the country well.
“Like everyone else, he expects me to make a difference through my voice, my dribbling, and everything I can bring to help the team achieve results. That’s what we are working towards.”
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Michael van Gerwen reignites row with ‘c**p’ Peter Wright as he tells rival to RETIRE in brutal interview after two-time champion’s shock World Darts Championship defeat
Michael van Gerwen has reignited his long-running feud with Peter Wright by suggesting the Scotsman should retire after crashing out of the PDC World Darts Championship on Tuesday.
Wright, the 2020 and 2022 world champion, was thrashed 3-0 by 33-year-old qualifier Arno Merk in the second round.
On Tuesday, he turned in his worst-ever performance at Alexandra Palace, averaging just 79.20, hitting only two 180s and managing a 13.33 per cent success rate on the doubles.
Since losing his opening match at the World Championship at the end of 2023, ‘Snakebite’ has endured a largely downward spiral, tumbling down the rankings and almost certainly set to drop outside the top 32 following this year’s tournament.
Three-time world champion Van Gerwen, who progressed to the third round after defeating William O’Connor, showed little sympathy for his old rival’s struggles.
When asked whether he was surprised by Wright’s display, the 36-year-old Dutchman laughed and said: ‘You want me to answer this? I can answer this really easily.’
Peter Wright, the 2020 and 2022 world champion, was thrashed 3-0 by qualifier Arno Merk
Michael van Gerwen, 36, rubbed salt in the 55-year-old’s wounds: ‘I’m not really surprised by his performance because he’s been playing c*** lately. I think it’s time for him to retire’.
He then added: ‘I’m not really surprised by his performance because he’s been playing c*** lately. I think it’s time for him to retire anyway.’
Van Gerwen and Wright have faced each other in two World Championship finals – the 2014 showdown won by the Dutchman and the 2020 final in which Wright gained revenge to claim his maiden world title.
The pair had been on course for a tantalising post-Christmas third-round clash this year, but Wright’s early defeat means Van Gerwen will now face Merk instead.
Van Gerwen’s remarks come just a week after Wright, 55, suggested Van Gerwen’s eyesight may be deteriorating.
Following his first-round win over Noan-Lynn van Leuven, Wright said: ‘I think their (younger players’) eyesight is better than ours. I think that’s about it.
‘Obviously Gary (Anderson) is on the glasses or contacts. I don’t know if Michael is wearing contacts at the moment, but I think MVG’s vision is probably going – but he won’t admit it at the moment.’
When informed of those comments, Van Gerwen responded: ‘There’s nothing wrong with my eyes. Don’t worry. I keep getting compliments.’
Two-time world champion Gary Anderson has urged patience with his compatriot, insisting Wright should be given ‘a bit of time’.
‘We can’t play well all the time,’ Anderson said. ‘People think we’re robots and you’ve just got to play well all the time or a bad couple of games it’s “he’s finished, he’s retiring”.
Van Gerwen and Wright have faced each other in two World Championship finals – the 2014 showdown won by the Dutchman and the 2020 final in which Wright gained revenge
‘Just give folk a break, you know. We can’t keep doing that day in and day out. We’ve seen Michael van Gerwen do that for probably the last decade. He has a blip and it’s “that’s it, he’s finished”.’
Meanwhile, former World Championship semi-finalist Wayne Mardle believes Wright should avoid making any rash decisions about his future.
‘It was an awful watch – watching a champion, a legend of our sport, someone who has helped the sport grow, I didn’t enjoy it one bit,’ Mardle told Sky Sports.
‘I don’t know what questions Peter will ask himself – whether it’s like “it’s fine, I will carry on. I love the game”. And I hope that happens. He’s always said “I don’t want to retire, I love it” so I don’t want him to have a knee-jerk reaction because it’s happened at the World Championship.
‘If you play like that elsewhere, it’s OK. You don’t really think about it but when you do it at the World Championship, and I know this because I’ve done it, you end up questioning whether you are good enough to compete ever again.
‘And it’s about competing, about winning. He’s a winner. I hope he’s OK because you will think about that. That sleepless night stuff, I hope he doesn’t make one of these knee-jerk reactions like we have seen from other players.
‘He’s been a classy ambassador for darts – brings that fun but also brings that amazing ability and a touch of class.’
Former Nigeria striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has singled out Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze for special praise following the Super Eagles’ 2-1 win over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars.
Aiyegbeni said the pair stood head and shoulders above the rest, pointing to their energy and influence as Nigeria edged the visitors in a keenly contested encounter.
Iwobi caught the eye with an all-round display, capping his performance with the assist for Ajayi’s opening goal. The Fulham midfielder dictated the tempo, linked play neatly and stayed involved from first whistle to last, one of his most assured outings in national colours.
Chukwueze also impressed, stretching the Tanzanian defence and coming close to scoring just before the interval. The winger’s night ended in the 59th minute when he made way for Moses Simon, but not before he had left his mark.
Reflecting on the midfield showing, Aiyegbeni highlighted the duo’s creativity and willingness to take responsibility in possession.
“You have in Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi, and so far so good, you know. Better than they try to create chances and they create some chances for Osimhen, and he is just unlucky today, you know, but we still need creativity in midfield,” Aiyegbeni told News Central TV.
Iwobi’s display further proved his importance to the team. The Fulham star, 29, is now Nigeria’s most capped player with 92 appearances and has scored 10 goals for the Super Eagles.
Chukwueze, meanwhile, continues to grow into his role with the national side. The winger has featured 52 times for Nigeria and has found the net on seven occasions.