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Marcus Rashford identifies the reason he is thriving at Barcelona after leaving Manchester United – as on-loan forward doubles down on his future
Marcus Rashford has admitted that he finds he is more motivated to succeed at Barcelona following his move from Manchester United, insisting there isn’t a ‘bad type of pressure’ at his new club.
Rashford, who joined the Spanish giants on loan from his childhood club at the beginning of the season after being frozen out by Ruben Amorim, is enjoying life in Spain and has scored seven times and notched 11 assists in 24 appearances this campaign.
Previously, the 28-year-old forward has insisted he wanted to extend his stay in Spain beyond the end of the season, when his loan spell comes to an end, with the club having the option to sign him for £30.3million.
When asked if that was still his main motivator, he told Spanish outlet Sport: ‘Of course this is what I want, but it’s not the reason why I’m pushing and working hard.
‘The reason why is because I want to win. Barcelona is a fantastic club. A club that is known for winning, and it’s this type of pressure – I want to say pressure but it’s not a bad type of pressure.
‘It’s a pressure that you look forward to and a pressure that I want to have whilst I’m playing football. If I’m at a club that doesn’t demand these things then it’s more difficult for me to be motivated. It’s a fantastic environment for me to continue my football journey.’
Rashford, who joined Barcelona on loan from his childhood club Manchester United at the beginning of the season has scored seven times and notched up 11 assists in 24 appearances
‘I think there’s more scrutiny on Manchester United just because more people in the country hate them, and that’s just a fact,’ Harry Maguire told TNT Sports earlier this year.
Asked about how he had enjoyed settling into life in Barcelona, Rashford said: ‘From the minute that I arrived I felt welcome. For me, the reason why I’m here is to help the team. I’m here to help them win trophies.
‘Last year they had a fantastic season but – like in life and in football – things move on quickly so we have to repeat the season that we had last season.
‘I’m fully focused on this and the staff, the players know that I’m focused on this so it’s really good.’
Rashford broke through from United’s academy into the first team under Louis van Gaal in 2016, and the Wythenshawe native was one of the club’s brightest prospects for the future. But a turbulent period at United – including witnessing six different managers in charge – led to inconsistent performances in his later seasons.
After netting 30 times in Erik ten Hag’s debut season, he struggled to maintain his form and the arrival of Ruben Amorim marked the beginning of the end for the Englishman’s time at Old Trafford.
Rashford joined Aston Villa less than three months after the arrival of the Portuguese boss, who said he could not get Rashford to buy into his ideas. ‘What I say is I couldn’t put Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train the way I see it,’ Amorim said at the time.
‘And sometimes you have one player who is really good with one coach and the same player with another coach is different. I just wish the best to Rashford.’
These latest comments from Rashford, though, hint at a deeper issue the forward felt regarding the level, and nature, of the pressure at the club.
Scott McTominay has also reached incredible new heights since leaving childhood club United, helping clinch the Serie A with Napoli last season and getting a Ballon d’Or nod for his efforts
And he’s not the only person to draw upon the intense criticism felt by players at United, with Harry Maguire saying that the pressure was ‘on a totally different scale’ from other clubs.
‘I think there’s more scrutiny on Manchester United just because more people in the country hate them, and that’s just a fact,’ Maguire told TNT Sports earlier this year.
‘Everyone in the Premier League dislikes Man Utd and they don’t want to see them do well.’
And Rashford, who has been hailed an ‘absolute professional’ by his new manager Hansi Flick, is not the only recent departee to be thriving abroad. Former winger Antony has contributed 13 goal involvements in 19 appearances for La Liga side Real Betis in his first season since his permanent move in the summer.
Meanwhile, Scott McTominay was also nominated for the Ballon d’Or after helping Napoli clinch the Serie A title last season, winning the Player of the Season award for his performances.
Former Red Angel Gomes, who has received an England call-up since leaving United in 2020 for a flourishing career at Lille and now Marseille, described how some players benefit from being free of the weight of the United shirt.
‘Players may have been intimidated or not really know about the weight, what it carries and what it takes,’ he told the BBC in June.
‘But ultimately, sometimes, it’s down to environment, timing and having the right things in place to help you.
‘Some players who have left and gone on to do better than when they were at United, there might be things in place at that certain club, at that moment in time, that helped them succeed.’
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has opened up on a defining period in his career as Nigeria kicked off their AFCON 2025 campaign against Tanzania, revealing how close he came to walking away from professional football before his breakthrough.
Calvin Bassey, 25, who now plays for Fulham, cut a confident figure as Nigeria made a winning start in Group C. Bassey’s surging run helped spark the opening goal, before Ademola Lookman added a second. Both strikes were created by his club and national teammate, Alex Iwobi.
Ahead of kick-off at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Bassey and Iwobi took a moment to reflect on their journeys and the privilege of featuring on Africa’s biggest football stage.
Bassey was born in Italy to Nigerian parents before moving to England as a child. He grew up in Newham, East London, with strong family ties to Nigeria. His father, Kingsley, is from Umunnamehi Ihiala in Anambra State, while his mother, Ebere, hails from Oron in Akwa Ibom State.
His early education came at Rokeby School in London, while his football development began at CrownPro Elite Football Academy and later CM Futsal Academy. Despite his commitment, opportunities were slow to arrive, and as he approached his mid-teens, the absence of professional interest pushed him to a difficult crossroads.
“I remember being 15 and going into my final year, and I told myself that if I didn’t get a professional club, I would quit football. It was that simple,” the former Rangers defender said.
“I would just stop pursuing it seriously and only play for fun. Thank God I eventually got a club, because I honestly don’t know where I would be otherwise.
“I would have played casually with my friends, but I wouldn’t have chased a career in it anymore.”
That turning point came when Bassey earned a place at the academy of Leicester City, setting him on a path that would later take him across Europe.
“Looking back, that moment was good for me. It felt like a make-or-break point, so I had to give everything I had. That’s the positive side of it,” he explained.
“I would have been at peace with myself either way, because at least I promised myself that I would give it everything, and if it didn’t work out, then so be it.”
For Iwobi, the Africa Cup of Nations remains a stage every African player longs to reach.
“You know, many people dream of being here, I actually thank God,” Iwobi said.
“I thank God, bro,” Bassey responded.
“I don’t understand what God has done in my life. Moments like this, I just sit and look, and I just appreciate God because 10,11 years ago, I had no club.”
“Now, I’m representing my National team, it’s crazy. It’s the biggest stage in Africa.”
Calvin Bassey has since gone on to build a solid career, making over 220 appearances for club and country across the SPFL, the Eredivisie and the English Premier League.
…hands over facilities to govt
A US-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, Chief Afolami Awosika, has officially handed over three modern games courts built within the Ondo Township Stadium to the Ondo state government.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held in Ondo on Tuesday, Chief Awosika explained that the basketball, volleyball and lawn tennis courts were conceived as a deliberate intervention to engage young people positively and to support the Osemawe of Ondo’s drive to promote grassroots sports development.
According to him, “the facilities are designed to harness youthful energy productively, nurture talents and align with the Osemawe’s vision of using sports as a tool to curb cultism, youth restiveness and other social vices, while also creating opportunities to discover athletes with global potential”
Chief Awosika, who is currently holds the chieftaincy title of Lomafe of Ondo Kingdom, reaffirmed his belief that meaningful youth development begins with the deliberate provision of safe and functional spaces where young people can channel their energy positively.
He explained that sports not only promote physical fitness but also instill values such as teamwork, discipline and perseverance, which are essential for building responsible future leaders.
He further stated that the establishment of the courts and the accompanying tournament was his modest way of giving back to the Ondo community that nurtured him.
In his remarks, the governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Omoyofunmi Henry, expressed the state government’s appreciation to Chief Awosika for the laudable gesture.
He described the donation as a clear demonstration of effective public-private partnership in sports development.
The governor assured that the state government would ensure the proper management, maintenance and optimal use of the facilities to serve the intended purpose of youth engagement and talent development.
He added that the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to empowering young people, expanding sports infrastructure and creating pathways for youths to excel constructively.
A former governor of Ondo state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who was present at the event, applauded Chief Afolami Awosika for his enduring commitment to community development and youth empowerment.
He described the donation of the sports courts as a timely and impactful contribution that reflects a deep understanding of the role sports play in shaping healthy, disciplined and productive youths.
Mimiko noted that investments of this nature strengthen social development efforts and complement government initiatives aimed at nurturing talents from the grassroots.
He encouraged other well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations to emulate the gesture, stressing that collaborative efforts remain vital to building sustainable platforms that will empower young people and secure a brighter future for Ondo state.
The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo, who graced the occasion, commended Chief Awosika for his foresight and commitment to youth empowerment through sports.
The monarch described the donation as a strategic investment in the future of Ondo youths, noting that sports remain one of the most effective platforms for character building, discipline and social cohesion.
Oba Kiladejo further emphasized that the facilities would complement traditional and governmental efforts aimed at redirecting the energies of young people towards productive ventures.
He reiterated his belief that sustained engagement through sports would help reduce crime, foster unity and position Ondo as a breeding ground for outstanding athletes at national and international levels.
A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Chief Afolami Victor Awosika (CAVA) tournaments, which featured competitive games across different sports, with winners emerging in each category.
In the lawn tennis event, the Senior Staff Tennis Club, Akure, defeated the Ondo Tennis Club to claim the gold medal in the doubles category, while Olakunle Gbologe of UNIMED triumphed over Olanrewaju Akinnagbe of Ondo Tennis Club to emerge winner in the singles category.
In basketball, the UNIMED team outplayed the Don Bosco Youths with a scoreline of 73–55 to win the gold medal, while the Ondo City Spikers Club defeated Akure Dynamite Spikers Club in two straight sets to clinch the gold medal in the volleyball category.
Pamodzi Sports Marketing, a leading force in sports marketing, sponsorship, hospitality, and rights acquisition in Nigeria, has strongly condemned a recent media article that questioned the Nigeria Basketball Federation’s (NBBF) engagement with a major national institution.
The company described the report as ‘myopic, self-serving, and blind to the bigger picture of basketball development.
Pamodzi Rejects Claims Of Political Motives Behind NBBF Deal
The article had suggested that the partnership initiative was political theatre designed to elongate the current board’s tenure. Pamodzi rejected this claim, stressing that the timing of such deals is irrelevant compared to their long-term impact on the sport.
Also Read: D’Tigress To Face Germany, France, Others At 2026 Basketball World Cup Qualifiers
“The writer’s obsession with timing shows how myopic his thinking is. There is no best time to pursue a partnership that will benefit basketball. What matters is the deal itself, and the biggest beneficiary is the sport, not individuals or boards,” Pamodzi said in a statement.
Firm Accuses Writer Of Undermining Basketball Development
Pamodzi further accused the writer of acting as an agent for those intent on undermining basketball’s growth.
“Instead of reporting the sport, the writer is busy acting as an agent for those hell-bent on killing the sport. Why is he not seeing beyond politics? Why is he blind to the fact that basketball needs institutional support to grow? His narrative is not journalism, it is a hatchet job,” the statement continued.
Partnership Described As Structured, Long-Term Initiative
Highlighting the structured nature of the partnership, Pamodzi noted that the institution involved will only revert in the first quarter of next year, underscoring that this is not a unilateral promise but a carefully planned process.
Pamodzi Cites Track Record Of Transformational Sports Deals
Pamodzi has a proven track record of negotiating landmark deals that have transformed Nigerian sports, including sponsorship agreements for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that have outlived successive boards.
The company emphasized that basketball has long struggled to attract the kind of sponsorship needed to elevate players, coaches, and officials, and that dragging politics into every initiative only holds the game back.
Beyond Basketball — Pamodzi’s Expanding Sports Portfolio
Beyond basketball, Pamodzi’s diverse activities and aggressive initiatives have made it a central player in the sports industry. The company operates across media sports events, athlete and player marketing, relationship marketing with sports associations, sports management and promotion, multimedia campaigns, and strategic licensing.
Also Read: I Almost Quit Football To Play Basketball –Gvardiol
Pamodzi is also the organizer of the prestigious Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, the first road race in West Africa to have its course measured by a World Athletics-accredited course measurer. It was also the first in the region to be granted a World Athletics label, designating it among the leading road races worldwide.
‘Celebrate Partnerships, Don’t Politicise Them’ — Pamodzi
For Pamodzi, the message is clear: partnerships that strengthen Nigerian sports should be celebrated, not politicized.
“This is about basketball, pure and simple. Those who insist on dragging politics into every initiative are the ones holding the game back,” the company concluded.
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Man United outcast Andre Onana drops major transfer hint as he gives honest verdict about life on loan in Turkey
Andre Onana has given a glowing review of his new life on loan at Trabzonspor in Turkey – in a hint he may want to leave Manchester United permanently.
The Red Devils outcast called his new circumstances as ‘perfect’, ‘amazing’, and ‘incredible’ as he reached for any adjective to describe the ‘best period of his life’.
Onana doubled his salary when he joined Trabzonspor on loan in September, just two years after arriving at Old Trafford for £47million.
And he has made a decent start to life in Turkey, nailing down the starting goalkeeper spot while Trabzonspor sit third in the top flight.
He said: ‘I’m very happy, trust me. I’m living the best period of my life. I can’t complain, I’m very happy to be here.
‘Sometimes I’m driving and a car cuts in front of me. “Onana, stop, I want a photo.” I think to myself, “Yes, but we can do this in another way.”
Andre Onana says he is living the ‘best period of his life’ on loan at Trabzonspor in Turkey
The Manchester United outcast has called his new situation ‘perfect’ in a hint he may want a long-term move
‘But when they see me, they’re happy, and so am I. It was difficult at first, but now I understand.
‘They are my men, I love them, and I love this feeling. Because they are very passionate. It’s a wonderful thing. It’s something you can’t describe if you’re not here.
‘But the time I’ve spent here has been perfect for me. I’m happy to be here. It’s a different lifestyle, but it’s great. Truly incredible, amazing.’
Onana went in search of first-team football after United bought Senne Lammens for £21.7million.
His loan at Trabzonspor runs until the end of the season and while there is no buy clause inserted in the deal, his contract at Old Trafford is up in June 2027, so he would be available for a cut price in the summer.
The 29-year-old was controversially left out of Cameroon’s squad for the African Cup of Nations. He had been expected to feature.
United forward Bryan Mbeumo and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, who has been linked with a big-money move to Old Trafford, are the Premier League stars selected by Cameroon.
The squad announcement came on the same day the Cameroon Football Federation, led by former Barcelona and Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o, sacked manager Marc Brys with just three weeks until their AFCON opener against Gabon.
Cameroon controversially left him out of their African Cup of Nations squad
He was replaced by David Pagou and Cameroon have gone on to win their opening game 1-0 against Gabon.
Onana has been capped 53 times by Cameroon and played the full 90 minutes in their 1-0 defeat by DR Congo in a World Cup qualifying semi-final in November, which ended their chance of securing a place at next year’s tournament.
Andre OnanaManchester United
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Man United outcast Andre Onana drops major transfer hint as he gives honest verdict about life on loan in Turkey
Tunisia midfielder Mejbri Hannibal insists the Carthage Eagles are brimming with confidence ahead of their crucial Group C clash with Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Tunisia announced their intentions in style on Tuesday, defeating Uganda 3-1 in their opening match at the Annexe Olympic Stadium of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
Elyes Skhiri opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Elias Achouri doubled the lead in the 40th minute and later completed his brace in the 64th minute. Uganda pulled one back through Denis Omedi in stoppage time, but the result never looked in doubt.
“It was important for us to start with victory. Obviously, it gives us momentum going into the next games,” Hannibal said ahead of Saturday’s encounter with Nigeria at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Tunisia head into the match on three points, sharing the top of Group C with Nigeria, but lead on goal difference. The two sides are set for a high-stakes showdown as they aim to strengthen their position in the group.
Coach Sami Trabelsi praised the Moroccan supporters for their enthusiastic backing. He said, “I am sure the whole team is very effective, and I am hoping to have the entire squad fit for all our matches. For us, the city is very welcoming.
“We are very happy to have the warm welcome of Moroccan fans. For us, we consider all matches to be difficult, and we give them the respect required. Our goal is to improve with each match as we gain momentum.”
He also highlighted the professionalism of the tournament organisers.
“I must also commend the organisers because even while we played under heavy rains, the pitch remained in very good and playable conditions,” the coach added.
Nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, champions Enyimba will officially announce Deji Ayeni as their new technical adviser next week.
The People’s Elephant suspended their erstwhile technical adviser, Stanley Eguma, in November due to poor results.
Lawrence Ukaegbu has managed the Aba giants in interim capacity since Eguma’s suspension.
Ayeni will now step in into the role for the second stanza of the 2025/26 season.
The 53-year-old last managed Nigeria National League, NNL, outfit, Crown FC of Ogbomosho.
He has also worked with other top clubs including Sunshine Stars and Akwa United.
Liverpool hero Jon Arne Riise says he sees Jurgen Klopp managing the Three Lions of England in the future.
In a chat with TMW, Riise stated that the German tactician will be willing to work with a national team at the club level.
“If he were to return, I think he’d choose a national team. I don’t think he’d work for a club anymore. I could see him managing England in the future. An international team is less demanding than a daily job at a club, and that could be a good fit for him.
Read Also:HEAD-TO-HEAD: Nigeria 4-2 Tunisia – Super Eagles Edge Out Carthage Eagles In Previous AFCON Meetings
“Jurgen loves life and puts passion into everything he does. I’d love to see him back at work for the energy he exudes, but at the same time his legacy is already immense. He did so well at Dortmund and Liverpool that I find it hard to imagine him doing better elsewhere.”
“Perhaps he’s simply satisfied with what he’s achieved and now wants to devote himself to other interests. I think his time at Liverpool took its toll on him: he was exhausted mentally and physically, because he gave everything he had, every single drop of energy, to that job.”
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John Robertson dead at 72: Tributes pour in as legendary ex-Nottingham Forest and Scotland star passes away
Legendary Nottingham Forest and Scotland player John Robertson has died aged 72 on Christmas Day.
Robertson was part of the iconic Forest side which won the First Division and two European Cups among other trophies under Brian Clough in the 1970s and ’80s.
He set up Trevor Francis to score the winner against Malmo in the 1979 European Cup final before becoming the goalscoring hero himself a year later against Hamburg.
The winger also picked up 28 caps for Scotland and spent a couple of years at Derby County in a career which spanned 627 games.
Forest said in a statement: ‘We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Nottingham Forest legend and dear friend, John Robertson.
‘A true great of our Club and a double European Cup winner, John’s unrivalled talent, humility and unwavering devotion to Nottingham Forest will never ever be forgotten.
Nottingham Forest icon John Robertson – a two-time European Cup winner – has died aged 72
‘Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Robbo… our greatest.’
Robertson made his debut for the Midlands outfit in October 1970 and made 502 appearances in a 13-year stint at the club. He then dropped down into the Second and Third Division with Derby County for a couple of years before returning to end his career at Forest in the top flight in 1985-86.
With Scotland, he is remembered for scoring the winning penalty as they beat England 1-0 at Wembley in 1981 to win the British Home Championship.
He also scored against New Zealand in the 1982 World Cup.
Clough once described him as a ‘Picasso of our game,’ adding: ‘Give him a yard of grass and he was an artist.’
After retiring, he was Martin O’Neill’s assistant manager at Wycombe, Norwich, Leicester, Celtic, and Aston Villa.
In 2015, a poll by the Nottingham Post revealed him to be the fans’ all-time favourite player.
The Scottish national team posted: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of John Robertson, following his passing today.’
Robertson, pictured at Forest in 1971, also turned out for Scotland and Derby County
Celtic added: ‘Celtic Football Club is sad to learn of the passing of our former assistant manager, John Robertson. Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family today at such a difficult time for them all.’
Journalist Henry Winter wrote: ‘John Robertson made the ball dance. He filled Forest fans with joy and filled opposing full-backs with fear and he did it his way. He entertained and delivered. Two-time European champion. Great player, great character. Thoughts with John’s family, friends and team-mates. RIP.’
One fan called on the club to honour Robertson by renaming the Bridgford Stand after him.
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John Robertson dead at 72: Tributes pour in as legendary ex-Nottingham Forest and Scotland star passes away
Bright Osayi-Samuel has praised Samuel Chukwueze for his influence on Nigeria’s attack following the Super Eagles’ opening win at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nigeria kicked off their AFCON 2025 campaign with a 2-1 win over Tanzania, a match in which Chukwueze did not find the net or register an assist but still played a central role in stretching the opposition and driving the team forward.
Chukwueze arrived at the tournament in strong form, having recorded four assists and scored two goals for his club before the competition. That momentum, according to Osayi-Samuel, has carried over into the national team setup.
The Birmingham City defender highlighted the growing understanding between himself and the winger, particularly on Nigeria’s right flank.
“Yeah, I mean, I love playing with him [Samuel Chukwueze], we play on the same side. What I need to do is just give him the ball and run in space, you know, he’s been great in the Premier League, and you can see those flashes of quality today,” Osayi-Samuel said as quoted by Soccernet. “I think the more we gel together, the more we play together, then we will see more of him.”
Osayi-Samuel also stressed the importance of teamwork and sharper finishing as the tournament progresses, noting that the Super Eagles created several opportunities against Tanzania.
“I think taking our chances, we had quite a few today, but we didn’t take them. Overall, the more we play together, know our strengths, and try to give service to our number 9, then yeah, all the best,” he said.
Currently on loan at Fulham from AC Milan, Chukwueze has been one of Nigeria’s most dangerous attackers in recent months. Before AFCON 2025, he was directly involved in six Premier League goals, scoring twice and setting up four more.
Against Tanzania, the winger delivered an energetic 59-minute display, completing six successful dribbles, contesting 13 duels and recording four touches inside the opposition box as he repeatedly unsettled the Tanzanian defence.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to their next group match against Tunisia on December 27, as they look to build on a positive start to the tournament.
Bournemouth attacker, Antoine Semenyo has picked Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi as a better player ahead of Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Semenyo insisted that he is a fan of the Argentina forward, as he also described what Ronaldo has done in football as incredible.
Messi and Ronaldo are widely regarded as among the best football players who have ever played the sport.
The duo are in the twilight of their football careers and are set to play their last World Cup tournament next year.
Speaking during a segment on the AwayDays YouTube channel, Semenyo was asked to pick between Messi and Ronaldo, the 25-year-old simply said: “Messi 100%.
“I’m not downplaying what Ronaldo has done. What he has done is unbelievable. And what they are both doing is great. But personally, I’m a Messi fan.”
Day 7 (Wednesday, 24 December, 2025)
Super Eagles’ Favourite Nigerian Meals Revealed
“As a Mr. Chef ‘envoy’, most of my questions were focused on the players bud tastes. Moses Simon told me that his favourite dish is pounded yam with ‘egusi’ soup; Victor Osimhen chose ‘amala’ (yam flour) and ‘gbegiri and ewedu’ soup (beans soup and jute leaves). Calvin Bassey said he loved ‘jollof rice and dodo’ (fried plantain). I am sure that Mr. Chef is reading this and taking the players’ meal orders”
The foregoing is an extract from my diary of Sunday, 21 December, 2025 when I visited the Super Eagles at their training ground, the Sardienne Complex here in Fez, Morocco. I speculated that Mr. Chef, the Official Food Seasoning Partners of the Nigerian national football teams, must be taking the players’ meal orders. Well, I was bang on target.
Visit To Super Eagles’ Hotel Sahrai In Fez
Today, Wednesday, 24 December, 2025, I decided to pay a visit to the Super Eagles HOTEL SAHRAI, not to interview the players who needed to rest properly from the exertions of the previous match day against Tanzania, but to find out how well they were being taken care of by the hotel. I was taken to the hotel kitchen to witness dinner being cooked and, what a pleasant coincidence: on the menu list indeed were ‘ogbono’ soup, ‘egusi’ soup and, wait for it, jollof rice!
Main entrance to Hotel SAHRAI, nest of the Super Eagles in Fez.
Mezgueldi Mohammed is the Executive Chef of Hotel Sahrai. He wasn’t feeling quite well, so he delegated his deputy, 2nd Executive Chef Aziz Salaheddine to talk to me. Aziz didn’t speak English, so a smartly dressed Achraf Alazraq, director of food and beverages at the hotel, served as the interpreter. The interview took place in their cozy restaurant.
Also Read: AFCON 2025 Diary Day 6: Short Corner Genius, Chelle’s Reality Check, Super Eagles’ Fez Fight And More!
Aziz has been a Chef for 15 years now. He regaled me with talk about Morocco’s food culture and how Couscous is the number one meal on the national food league table. But, for his Super Eagle guests, pasta and continental dishes were their favourites, aside from the local cuisines from Nigeria. And this is where Mr. Chef Nigeria comes fully into the picture.
I was welcomed by the hotel’s Director of Food and Beverages, Achraf Alazraq (middle) and 2nd Executive Chef, Aziz Salaheddine.
Inside The Hotel Kitchen — Ogbono, Egusi And Jollof Rice On The Menu
During my tour of the hotel’s expansive kitchen, I met a team of cooks clad in white overalls busy preparing the dinner for the Super Eagles. The kitchen staff couldn’t have been less than 15 from my rough estimate. Men were slicing up loads of beef and chicken while the women were stirring big pots of various soups. Naturally, I was attracted to a black lady at work. She turned out to be Esther who had been flown in from Nigeria to supervise the cooking of local dishes for the Super Eagles.
2nd Executive Chef Aziz Salaheddine taking me on tour of the hotel’s kitchen facilities…..
Esther from Nigeria in action preparing ‘ogbono’ and ‘egusi’ soups for the players, powered by Mr.Chef seasoning, Official Sponsors of the Super Eagles….
“In this pot is ‘ogbono’ soup,” she told me as she stirred frantically. “The other pot is for ‘egusi’ soup to be taken with swallows. Then, there’s jollof rice. The players love everything.” Obviously, Mr.ChefNigeria is living up to its name as the foremost food seasoning in Nigeria, and making its presence felt on the Super Eagles meals as an official partner.
Nigerian Chefs Behind Super Eagles’ Home-Flavoured Meals
Esther is not the only Nigerian in the hotel kitchen. When it was time for photographs, she sent for her partner, Queen, who came running over from another section of the kitchen. They were joined for the photo shoot by other Moroccan cooks Fatima and Amina, and the Chief Pastry, Rachid Abdelmanay. They were all very exited to shout ‘Up Super Eagles’ into my rolling camera when I encouraged them to do so.
Dining Setup For Players And Team Officials
From the kitchen, I was also taken on a tour of the restaurant where the Super Eagles ate their meals. There was a long table already set for the players, and two smaller tables by the side for the team officials and backroom staff. The restaurant manager, a lady, Boutayna, showed me where the buffet was usually arranged, a separate table for tea and coffee and a corner where assorted fruits was already lying in wait for the Nigerian team. Another round of photographs followed.
Here I am with Queen and Esther (on the right), the two cooks from Nigeria, alongside Aziz Salaheddine.
Super Eagles dining table. This is where the players eat their ‘ogbono’ and ‘egusi’ soups plus the jollof rice spiced richly with Mr.Chef seasoning.
A bunch of fruits already waiting in the restaurant to prepare the players’ stomachs for the swallows that would follow.
L-R: Yours truly, Queen, Chief Pastry Rachid Abdelmanam (doing the thumbs up), Amina, Fatima and Esther in the kitchen. At the back is Aziz.
L-R: The restaurant manager, Boutayna, yours truly, Achraf and Aziz.
Also Read: AFCON 2025 Diary Day 5: Fed Govt. Motivates Super Eagles, Tanzania Memories, Chelle’s Calm And Eagles’ Mission In Fez
‘That Would Be Third World War!’ — Chef Reflects On A Chance Morocco–Nigeria Clash
Back in the Executive Chef’s office in the kitchen, Muhammed congratulated me on Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Tanzania in our opening match the previous day. “Of course, we’re supporting Nigeria because the players are our guests and we want them to continue winning,” he said. But when I asked what happens if Nigeria were to encounter Morocco during the tournament, Muhammed paused, breathed in the sweet aroma coming from the pots in his kitchen, and then said: “That would be a Third World War!”
Everyone burst into a laughter.
Executive Chef Mezgueldi Mohammed (seated) is the overall boss of the Hotel SAHRAI kitchen. He delegated his deputy Aziz (middle) to receive me while Chief Pastry Rachid (holding Nigeria flag) joined in the photo as I said my goodbyes to them.
Behind The Scenes At Super Eagles’ Training Camp
MY visit to the Super Eagles camp was arranged deliberately to avoid any distractions to the players. I arrived with Complete Sports photographer, Ganiyu Yusuf, as the team departed for training and we left the hotel, coincidentally, just as they were arriving back from the training ground. As they disembarked from the team bus, I noticed that only the players that featured against Tanzania went for the training, presumably for the traditional recovery session. Team captain Wilfred Ndidi was the last to walk back into the hotel.
Cold, Rain And Fatigue — A Freezing Day In Fez
IT HAS been a very cold and wet day in Fez today, forcing most Nigerians here to stay indoors. Were it not for my scheduled appointment at the Eagles hotel, I would not have stepped out either.
After our opening match against Tanzania on Tuesday night, I didn’t get back to my hotel until midnight, famished and fatigued. The rain that started falling during the match continued overnight and into Wednesday morning and it had not subsided when I went to the Eagles hotel in the evening. What a wet and freezing cold day. Huuugh!
AFCON 2025 Round-Up — Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon Win
ACTION continued at the AFCON in other groups and cities. In Group E, Algeria opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over 10-man Sudan in Rabat, with Algeria’s star player Riyad Mahrez scoring twice in the 2nd and 61st minute. In the group’s other game, Burkina Faso snatched a dramatic win with two late goals against Equatorial Guinea. After the 10-man Guineans scored late in the 85th minute, the Burkinabes fought back very late in the 95th and 98th minutes to snatch the win.
Cameroon players celebrate a goal against Gabon. Credit: @caf_online (IG)
Also Read: AFCON 2025 Diary, Day 4: Mr. Chef Partnership, Super Eagles’ Spirit And Morocco’s Opening Night Win
In Group F, Manchester United’s Amad Diallo scored the only goal as defending champions Côte d’Ivoire edged Mozambique 1-0 in Marrakech, while Cameroun beat their Central African neighbours Gabon by the same score in Agadir. Karl Etta Eyong grabbed the solitary goal for the Indomitable Lions in the 6th minute.
With the first round of matches concluded in all the groups, the big guns have delivered wins in their opening games while the underdogs are still searching for upsets. Christmas Day, Thursday, 25 December is a rest day in all groups and I will probably take a break and rest my diary, too. Action resumes again on Friday, 26 December. Join me again then……
By Mumini Alao, in Fez
Photos by Ganiyu Yusuf
SPORT
Saquon Barkley reveals he used to hate Eagles coach Nick Sirianni: ‘I couldn’t stand that motherf***er’
Saquon Barkley has revealed that he ‘couldn’t stand’ Eagles coach Nick Sirianni before moving to Philadelphia.
The running back led the league in rushing after teaming up with Sirianni last season as they led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl since 2017.
But Barkley admitted that he was not a fan of the head coach while he was playing for the New York Giants.
‘I’ve said it to him – I couldn’t stand that motherf***er,’ he said, per 6abc, ahead of Philadelphia’s clash with the Bills on Sunday. ‘I wasn’t a fan of him.’
But Barkley is now approaching the end of his second season with the Eagles and, under Sirianni, they have already secured a playoff spot and the NFC East title.
And the running back said: ‘Now being here and seeing how obsessed he is… he’s so obsessed with the little things, and there’s a reason why this team has been super successful.
Saquon Barkley said he used to hate Nick Sirianni — also said he’s the perfect coach for the city of Philadelphia. He had some high praise for Nick. pic.twitter.com/p85BiO950M
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) December 24, 2025 
Saquon Barkley ‘couldn’t stand’ Eagles coach Nick Sirianni before moving to Philadelphia
After teaming up last season, however, Sirianni and Barkley led the Eagles to Super Bowl glory
Barkley enters Sunday’s game against Buffalo with 1,072 rushing yards and nine touchdowns
‘It’s been pretty cool to be able to go from [being] against him and not being a fan of him and seeing what he’s all about.
‘I think he does a really good job. He’s the perfect coach for Philadelphia.’
Barkley claimed that even behind-the-scenes shows such as HBO’s Hard Knocks cannot ‘do justice’ to Sirianni’s coaching skills.
The 44-year-old is in his fifth season at the helm in Philadelphia and the Eagles have – once again – had to overcome some struggles this year.
Barkley and Co have suffered five losses and the running back has so far failed to match his heroics of the 2024 campaign.
He enters Sunday’s game against Buffalo with 1,072 rushing yards and nine total touchdowns.
The 28-year-old, who spent six seasons in New York out of Penn State, amassed 2,005 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns in the 2024 regular season.
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Saquon Barkley reveals he used to hate Eagles coach Nick Sirianni: ‘I couldn’t stand that motherf***er’
Spanish side Valencia have been linked with a January move for Nigerian forward Emmanuel Dennis as the club weighs up options to strengthen its attack midway through the season.
Emmanuel Dennis is currently without a club after parting ways with Nottingham Forest during the summer. The 28-year-old has since attracted interest from several sides, with Spanish outlet Fichajes reporting that Valencia are keen on adding him to their squad.
The former Watford man is valued for his versatility, being comfortable both through the middle and out wide. At the same time, his free-agent status makes the deal financially appealing for Los Che as they plan for the January transfer window.
Meanwhile, another Forest striker could also be on the move, with Taiwo Awoniyi linked with a return to Germany. According to Kicker, Bundesliga strugglers Mainz are considering a January approach as they look to boost their goal threat while sitting at the bottom of the league.
Awoniyi previously spent the 2019 to 2020 season on loan at Mainz from Liverpool, scoring once in 12 league appearances. A move back would see him reunite with coach Urs Fischer, who later played a key role in his permanent switch to Union Berlin in 2021.
The Nigerian international has struggled for game time at Forest this season, finding himself behind Chris Wood and Igor Jesus in the pecking order. He has featured just five times in the league, and a January exit could offer a fresh start as he looks to revive his campaign.
Nicolas Jackson and Riyad Mahrez are leading the golden boot race at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reports Completesports.com.
The duo have scored two goals each in the competition.
Jackson bagged a brace in Senegal’s 3-0 victory over Botswana on Tuesday.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: My Goal Is To Be The Best In The World –Cameroonian Midfielder
Mahrez also scored twice in Algeria’s 3-0 thrashing of Sudan on Wednesday.
The former Manchester City winger has now scored 36 goals for Algeria.
Mahrez moved to second on the nation’s all-time scorers list behind Islam Slimani.
The brace also saw him become Algeria’s leading scorer in AFCON’s history with eight goals.
By Adeboye Amosu
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has emerged as the joint-leading scorer at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco after a lively opening round of group matches that wrapped up on Wednesday.
Mahrez struck twice in Algeria’s convincing 3-0 victory over Sudan. The winger now shares top spot on the AFCON 2025 scorers’ chart with Senegal forward Nicolas Jackson and Tunisia’s attacking standout Elias Achouri.
Jackson also grabbed a brace as Senegal swept aside Botswana on Tuesday, while Achouri matched that feat in Tunisia’s win over Uganda on the same day.
Behind the leading trio, several familiar names have already opened their accounts, including Nigeria duo Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman, Egypt talisman Mohamed Salah, South Africa’s Lyle Foster, Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo and Equatorial Guinea’s Marvin Anieboh.
Wednesday’s results added further intrigue across the groups. Defending champions Ivory Coast edged Mozambique 1-0 in Group F, with Amad Diallo providing the decisive moment.
Cameroon also claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Gabon in the same group, Etta Eyong finding the net before the break.
In Group E, Algeria’s comfortable success over Sudan was complemented by Burkina Faso’s 2-1 victory against Equatorial Guinea, a result that leaves them second behind the group leaders.
There is a brief pause in the action on Thursday, Christmas Day, with no fixtures scheduled.
The group stage resumes on Friday, Boxing Day, as Angola face Zimbabwe in the afternoon, followed by a heavyweight meeting between Egypt and South Africa in the evening.
Zambia will take on Comoros, while hosts Morocco close the day with a night-time clash against Mali.