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NFF clears air on FIFA’s response regarding DR Congo players’ eligibility dispute against Nigeria
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has clarified that it has not yet received a response from FIFA regarding its challenge to the eligibility of certain players from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who participated in the 2026 World Cup African play-off against the Super Eagles some weeks ago.
NFF, however, categorically stated that the situation is still under consideration.
This statement comes in response to media claims that FIFA had dismissed Nigeria’s appeal following the Super Eagles’ defeat to DR Congo in the play-off final.
Speaking on the development, NFF Secretary General, Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed that no official updates have been received from FIFA concerning the petition.
“The Nigeria Football Federation wrote a petition to FIFA on the eligibility of some of the players of DR Congo, and if there is anything, FIFA will reply to the NFF,” Sanusi said during an interview on AIT.
“The NFF has not received any letter from FIFA saying they have thrown away our petition. We have checked our emails, and there was no letter from FIFA.
“I don’t know where they got their information from. If there is any such letter, let them show it, unless they have someone in FIFA giving them information ahead of official communication.”
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Hugh Morris dead at 62: Ex-England cricketer and chief executive passes away after battle with bowel cancer
Former England batsman Hugh Morris has died aged 62 following a near-three year battle with bowel cancer.
Morris was diagnosed with the disease in January 2022 and, despite initially returning to work, left his role as Glamorgan chief executive in September 2023 to be with his loved ones as he underwent treatment.
A prolific opening batsman, Morris scored 19,785 runs and 53 hundreds in the County Championship for Glamorgan, where he had two spells as captain and led them to the Sunday League title in 1993. He was also part of their championship-winning side four years later.
‘[We are] deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Glamorgan legend, trophy winning captain and former CEO Hugh Morris MBE,’ the county club said in a statement.
‘Hugh was a hugely respected and much-admired figure within the game, whose contribution to cricket in England and Wales will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.’
Morris also played three Tests for England in 1991, captaining the side on tours of South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka before later going on to serve as the chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Former England batsman Hugh Morris has died aged 62 following a battle with bowel cancer
Morris (left) scored 19,785 runs and 53 hundreds in the County Championship for Glamorgan
During his tenure, the England men’s Test team had one of their greatest-ever periods, winning three consecutive Ashes series. Morris resigned the day after the final victory in 2013.
Born in Cardiff, the Welshman then returned to Glamorgan, reducing the club’s debts in his role as chief executive as well as helping establish Sophia Gardens as the home of the Welsh Fire Hundred franchise.
Morris was succeeded as the club’s chief executive by Dan Cherry, who paid tribute to him as a ‘man of great energy and a true gentleman’.
‘Hugh holds a very special place in the history of Glamorgan Cricket as well as in the hearts of the Club’s supporters for his efforts, both on and off the field,’ Cherry said.
‘He was a man of great energy and a true gentleman, whilst his achievements will live long in the Club’s record books and I doubt if any batter in any county team will ever surpass Hugh’s seasonal record of 2,276 first-class runs.
‘As a player and administrator, Hugh led from the front and fearlessly fended off whatever thunderbolts opposing bowlers sent in his direction.
‘He inspired us with his actions, whether with the bat in hand or leading us in the field, besides helping to save the cash-stricken Club when foreclosure seemed a possibility and finally inspiring all he met while bravely undergoing prolonged and challenging treatment.’
Morris was awarded an MBE for services to cricket and charity by King Charles in late 2022
Morris’s battle with bowel cancer marked the second time he had faced the disease, having previously been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2002.
After surviving the disease, his work as a patron of Heads Up – a charity supporting research into head and neck cancer – saw him awarded an MBE for services to cricket and charity in November 2022.
Morris was also inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in September 2024, and is regarded as one of the country’s greatest-ever sportsmen.
Indian cricket legend Ravi Shastri, who played with Morris at Glamorgan, said: ‘Really gutted to hear of the passing of teammate and captain Hugh Morris. Baanas, God bless your soul.
‘You were honest in whatever you did, and did a bloody good job. Heartfelt condolences to the family. Respect.’
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Hugh Morris dead at 62: Ex-England cricketer and chief executive passes away after battle with bowel cancer
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has revealed the inspiration behind his goal celebration against Tunisia.
Ndidi scored Nigeria’s second goal in the 3-2 victory at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
It was midfielder’s first international goal for the Super Eagles.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: Oliseh Hails Lookman, Ndidi After Super Eagles’ Win Over Tunisia
The Besiktas star explained that the celebration was rooted in childhood memories of his father, and former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu.
“I just remember my dad, my dad always talked about Kanu Nwankwo and all. I kind of like saw the video and then I said, ‘Oh, I’ll do that one, Ndidi told reporters.
The 29-year-old also reflected on his maiden goal for the Super Eagles.
“ It was really special after a decade, it’s really amazing. And we got the win, which is wonderful,”he added.
By Adeboye Amosu
SPORT
Cole Palmer’s new girlfriend sits in an executive box at Stamford Bridge to watch him play… but Chelsea star ends up in a rage as Aston Villa win
Cole Palmer may have had the support of his new girlfriend in the stands, but it proved to be a frustrating evening for the England international as Chelsea fell to a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa.
The 23-year-old was left red-faced after Enzo Maresca replaced him with Brazilian youngster Estevao shortly after Ollie Watkins’ equaliser for Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
And things went from bad to worse for the midfielder as he watched on helplessly from the bench as Watkins struck again in the 84th minute, firing Villa into the lead and sealing a damning defeat for the hosts in west London.
It was not only a disappointing result on the pitch for the midfielder, but also not the outcome he would have hoped for with his new girlfriend watching on from the stands.
Palmer has recently struck up a relationship with beauty specialist Olivia Holder, 23, who last night shared images to her Instagram from the executive box inside Stamford Bridge.
Holder posted a picture of herself wearing a fur coat, as well as a snap of her Chelsea star boyfriend controlling the ball during the first-half.
Cole Palmer was furious after being substituted during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa
Chelsea star Palmer was cheered on in Stamford Bridge by his new girlfriend Olivia Holden
Holden shared a series of images to her Instagram account from the Chelsea executive box
It comes just a week after the pair visited London’s Winter Wonderland together, with Palmer wearing a balaclava and a hoodie to remain incognito during their romantic evening.
The footballer split from his ex-girlfriend, nail technician Connie Grace, this July and has since found love with Holder, who runs a beauty clinic alongside her sister in Bromley.
It is unclear how long Palmer and Holder have been dating, but the beauty specialist first shared images of herself inside Stamford Bridge to her Instagram account on December 17.
They were then spotted at the festive attraction in Hyde Park, where Palmer was also pictured with his ex-girlfriend last year before the pair unfollowed each other days after he won the Club World Cup.
Asked if he was concerned by Palmer’s furious reaction to being subbed during Chelsea’s defeat to Villa, Blues boss Maresca said: ‘No, no. He was working very good. He was on the ball and off the ball, pressing, he was very good.
‘We have another game now in 48 hours, so he was good and we are happy that he’s back.’
Palmer will be hoping that Holder will prove to be a lucky charm when Chelsea host Bournemouth on December 30.
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Cole Palmer’s new girlfriend sits in an executive box at Stamford Bridge to watch him play… but Chelsea star ends up in a rage as Aston Villa win
The Nigerian senior national team handler, Eric Chelle has said it seems he no longer knows the football rules.
Chelle was speaking about the penalty awarded to Tunisia in the closing stages of their second group game on Saturday.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria beat Tunisia 3-2 in Fez, Morocco and took charge of the Group C of the tournament.
After the referee had overlooked what appeared to be a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel, the VAR called his attention to the incident and a penalty was given in favour of the North Africans.
Chelle addressed journalists after the match and expressed confusion over the penalty incident.
He said, “I don’t know, I didn’t see the penalty and the video but the reality is I don’t know the rules.
“I don’t know the rules, like your friend said, my substitute brought the goal, you have your vision.”
With the win, the West Africans now top their group having accumulated all six points from two games. They will play Uganda next in the last game of the group stages.
Sunday Oliseh has thumbed up Ademola Lookman and Wilfred Ndidi for their impressive performance in the Super Eagles win over Tunisia.
Lookman, who was named Man of the Match registered one goal and two assists in the thrilling contest.
Ndidi scored Nigeria’s second goal five minutes after the break.
Read Also:AFCON 2025 Diary Day 10: Open Letter To Chelle, Ndidi’s Captain’s Response, Lookman ‘Dangerous’ As Eagles Stun Tunisia
It was the midfielder’s first international goal for the three-time African champions.
Oliseh was impressed with the duo’s performance in the game.
“Lookman on Fire! 2nd assist and i Personally love Ndidi’s attacking the ball to head Naija 2-0 up,” Oliseh wrote on X.
The Super Eagles will face the Cranes of Uganda in their last group game on Tuesday.
By Adeboye Amosu
SPORT
Lawrence Dallaglio faces financial ruin: Bankrupt England rugby legend hit with £500,000 bill amid divorce battle and having to sell off his home
England rugby legend is Lawrence Dallaglio is facing financial ruin after being hit with a fresh £500,000 bill.
The World Cup winner, 53, was declared bankrupt earlier this year after he and his wife of almost 20 years, Alice, divorced amid accusations of infidelity on both sides.
And new documents have revealed that he now owes £423,570 in overdrawn director’s loans for his failed sports company Lawrence Dallaglio Ltd.
Dallaglio, who spent all of his club career with Wasps, also owes more than £60,000 to liquidators – more than two years after they were appointed.
According to The Sun, Dallaglio and his wife sold their £2.7million home in Richmond, south west London, this May, after the ex-England captain agreed his share of the sale would go to paying off his loan debts.
Company documents filed last week reveal that his business owes around £350,000 to HMRC and £61,000 to two other creditors. The repayment of his director’s loan is expected to help pay the tax bill.
England legend Lawrence Dallaglio is facing financial ruin after being hit with a £500,000 bill
Dallaglio has been bankrupt after he and his long-term wife Alice divorced earlier this year
Dallaglio was part of the England side that won the 2003 World Cup and earned 85 caps for his country. He was also picked for the British and Irish Lions on three separate tours during a glittering career.
The former back row had multiple stints as England captain and since his retirement in 2008, he has worked as a pundit on TV and radio, as well as appearing as an after-dinner speaker. He has also been widely praised for his charity work.
Dallaglio married his model ex-wife Alice in 2005 after dating for almost 10 years. Despite their dramatic public split, the couple share two daughters, Ella and Josie, and a son, Enzo, together.
Dallaglio, who spent all of his club career with Wasps, is one of England’s greatest ever players.
He was awarded an OBE in 2008, having already been given an MBE.
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Lawrence Dallaglio faces financial ruin: Bankrupt England rugby legend hit with £500,000 bill amid divorce battle and having to sell off his home
Kenneth Omeruo has urged Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle to work on the team’s “leaky defence”, DAILY POST reports.
The Super Eagles have let in three goals in their opening two games at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The three-time African champions conceded once in their first game against Tanzania, while the defence was breached twice on Saturday night versus Tunisia.
Omeruo said it is important for the defence to be solid in subsequent games.
“The defence is still porous, and it is important we stop conceding,” Omeruo said during his post-match analysis on Afrosports.
”It is something the coach must work on in subsequent games. The attack we know is solid but we can’t keep on conceding goals like we have done so far.”
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has said Tunisia’s late fightback shows there are still work to be done in his team.
The Super Eagles raced to a 3-0 lead against Tunisia with goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
But Tunisia got a goal back through Montassar Talbi in the 74 minutes before Ali Abdi converted a penalty on 87 minutes to set up a nervy finish.
Reflecting on the encounter Chelle, however, said there are positives to take in the clash with the Carthage Eagles.
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“We still have to play a game that will bring the confidence and shows our ambitions.
“There’s positives in Tunisia’s comeback. It shows that there is still something for us to work on and something to improve. It will keep me and my players motivated.”
On how he felt in the final 15 minutes of the game when the Super Eagles were under pressure, he said:”Those final 15 or so minutes will give me nightmares. I was going a little bit crazy about what was happening because the players deserved a big game. And it was a test against a big team like Tunisia.”
The win against Tunisia means the Super Eagles have qualified for the round of 16.
Up next for them is their final group fixture against the Cranes of Uganda on Tuesday, December 30.
The Ugandans played out a 1-1 draw with fellow East African side Tanzania.
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco
Photo by Ganiyu Yusuf in Fes, Morocco
Former tennis star Anna Kournikova is ending 2025 in style after welcoming her fourth child with partner Enrique Iglesias.
The 44-year-old, known nowadays for keeping fierce guard of her privacy, announced the arrival of her baby on social media earlier in the week.
She kept the gender of her baby to herself but shared a picture of the newborn wrapped in a blanket with her followers, capitoning the image: ‘My Sunshine’.
Now, an insider close to the private couple has lifted the lid on how their life has changed since the arrival of their fourth child on December 17.
‘Anna and Enrique are so excited about welcoming a fourth child to their family,’ the source was quoted as saying by People. ‘They are floating on air.
‘Anna and Enrique love family life and will spend the holidays with their family, which varies in size depending on who is around.
Anna Kournikova and Enrique Iglesias have officially become a family of six after welcoming their fourth child together
The Russian former world no 8 welcomed her fourth child with the Spanish singer
‘It will be busy and chaotic as always, only a bit more so, but all with joy and love.’
It emerged back in August that Kournikova was pregnant again and that she and Iglesias were expanding their family.
‘Both of them love being parents and having a fourth is the best present ever,’ the insider added.
Kournikova and the ‘Hero’ singer, 50, are already parents to seven-year-old twins Lucy and Nicholas, and five-year-old daughter Mary.
They have been together since 2001, meeting on the set of the singer’s video for the song ‘Escape’.
The happy news comes just a few months after she was pictured in a wheelchair and wearing a protective boot, sparking an outpouring of concern.
Kournikova was pictured being pushed by her daughter at Miami’s Bal Harbour shopping center back in January while also wearing the boot over her foot.
In early August, however, she was spotted running her children to martial arts in Miami, allaying fears of any lingering health issues.
Kournikova met Iglesias on the set of the hitmaker’s music video for 2001 single ‘Escape’
It is believed she may have suffered a foot injury and undergone surgery around that time.
Kournikova burst onto the scene in the tennis world when she turned professional at the age of 14.
She got as high as eighth in the world rankings but never won a Grand Slam singles title.
But in the doubles, she enjoyed greater success once she partnered up with Martina Hingis. Together, they won the Australian Open doubles championship in 1999 and again in 2002.
She never officially confirmed that she had retired but her last game was in May 2003 when she was just 21 years old.
Kournikova’s rise was blighted by stress fractures in her back and feet – her foot injuries meant that there was extra concern when she was pictured in a protective boot earlier this year, considering her history.
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Anna Kournikova ‘floating on air’ after welcoming fourth child at 44 with Enrique Iglesias
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has admitted that his team want to “win badly”, as they continue to lead the way in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners were to forced to ground out another narrow victory, as they beat Brighton 2-1 at the Emirates on Saturday.
Captain Martin Odegaard had opened the scoring in the first half with a low drive.
Arteta’s men doubled their lead immediately after the break, thanks to an own goal from Georginio Rutter.
But Brigton pulled one back through Diego Gomez and also most got an equalizer, but were denied by an excellent David Raya save.
When asked about the nervy atmosphere inside the stadium after Brighton’s goal back, Arteta said: “That’s a willingness to win! We all want to win so badly.
“Now I don’t want to lose what I have and we have to play to continue to score and show that composure and that ability and we should have scored the third one.
“We have two massive chances to put it to 3-1 and then it would have been different. We haven’t, so we have to suffer a little bit more.”
The result means Arsenal continue to maintain a two-point lead at the top over Manchester City.
Manchester United are ‘negotiating personal terms’ with Auxerre and Mali star Lassine Sinayoko, who will be out of contract in the summer of 2026.
Amorim has already seen his side take wins over Liverpool and Chelsea this season but, when asked if the manner of this one made it one of his most satisfying at the club, he agreed.
“Especially if you see the second half,” he said. “We managed to defend sometimes with a back six but we suffer together and that is a good feeling.
“If we have always this spirit we are going to win so many games. I think it is something we need to feel, that we can win sometimes without playing so well, we can win games with the spirit and with a togetherness in the team.”
The Portuguese manager is expected to be backed by INEOS in the upcoming transfer windows, with United’s need for midfield and attacking reinforcements made clear by the options on his substitutes bench on Friday.
Former international Mutiu Adepoju has said it is important for the Super Eagles to secure top spot in their group at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Eric Chelle’s side defeated the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia 3-2 in a Group C fixture at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Saturday night.
Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman were on target for Nigeria in the game.
Tunisia got their goals through Montassar Taibi and Ali Abdi.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: I Was Disappointed We Conceded The Two Goals Against Tunisia –Onyeka
The Super Eagles sit at the top of their group going into Tuesday’s clash with the Cranes of Uganda.
Chelle could decide to rest some of his top stars with qualification for the Round of 16 already secured.
Adepoju however said it is important for the team to maintain winning momentum and finish top of their group.
“For the last game against Uganda, the coach will make changes, but it is important not to disrupt the winning momentum,” Adepoju during his post-match analysis on Afrosports.
“It is also important for the Super Eagles to finish top of their group. That will ensure they stay in Fes for their last group game”
By Adeboye Amosu
SPORT
Cricket legend Brett Lee reveals the moment that changed his life as he receives one of the game’s highest honours
Brett Lee credits fellow fast-bowling legend Dennis Lillee with setting him on the path to greatness in a career that has led to his induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
Lee, renowned for his express pace, first set his sights on crashing through the 160kmh barrier and wearing the baggy green, when he was nine years old.
But it was as a teenager that the NSW South Coast product had his first encounter with Lillee at a fast-bowling camp.
‘You’re the quickest here, but if you don’t change your (bowling) action, in two years I reckon you’ll have a broken back,’ Lee, now 49, recalls Lillee saying.
At the time, Lee ignored the advice.
‘When you’re 16 you think you’re invincible, and two years later I broke my back,’ he said.
Aussie fast-bowling legend Brett Lee is pictured after being inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame on Sunday
Lee (pictured with former teammate Shane Warne during the 2005 Ashes) became one of the quickest and most feared bowlers in cricket history
The former Aussie star’s life changed when he met legendary paceman Dennis Lillee (pictured) at a cricket camp when he was a teenager
Cricket Australia, then known as the Australian Cricket Board, was desperate to nurture Lee’s talent and flew the young speedster to Perth to work with Lillee.
‘Throughout my whole career he’s been incredible in modifying my action, changing my action and allowing me to play – I wouldn’t say pain-free – but to get to the speeds I did,’ Lee said.
Lee went on to become one of the quickest and most feared bowlers in cricket history, claiming 310 wickets in 76 Tests during one of Australia’s most formidable fast-bowling eras.
He was also one of the nation’s greatest limited-overs bowlers, taking 380 wickets in 221 ODIs and 28 wickets in 25 T20Is over an international career that spanned 1999-2012.
One of three brothers, Lee recalls he couldn’t bat or bowl leg-spin as a kid, and always dreamed of bowling fast.
He treated the 160kmh mark like runners did the four-minute mile, idolising the likes of Lillee and Jeff Thomson.
Lee’s fastest delivery in international cricket was clocked at 161.1kmh – among the fastest balls ever bowled.
‘I wanted to bowl quick and to have that thrill of being able to run in and see the stumps fly, it became this obsession,’ Lee said.
Lee aimed to break the 160kmh/100mph barrier, like one of his idols, Jeff Thomson – and did just that during his glittering career
‘That’s what I wanted to do. I think back to the age of nine or 10 and I wanted to break that 160km/h barrier.
‘Jeff Thomson was a guy I looked up to through the 70s and 80s and 160.45km/h was his record.
‘I thought, ‘I want to have a crack at that one day’ – and I was lucky to achieve it.’
Lee was a key figure in an era of Australian dominance, contributing to one-day World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007, as well as multiple Ashes campaigns.
Fittingly, he was unveiled as a Hall of Fame inductee on Sunday at the foot of Lillee’s statue outside the MCG, after a Boxing Day Test that was dominated by bowlers.
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Cricket legend Brett Lee reveals the moment that changed his life as he receives one of the game’s highest honours
Super Eagles attacker, Ademola Lookman, has sent a message to Nigerian fans following their 3-2 win over Tunisia on Saturday night.
Lookman provided two assists and netted one to earn himself the Man of the Match in the 3-2 win over the Carthage Eagles.
Nigeria has made it to the round of sixteen with the win and will play Uganda in a game that is no longer of much importance to the team.
Lookman has been outstanding so far in the competition, having won the game against Tanzania for Eric Chelle’s side.
Speaking after the game against Tunisia, Lookman said, “We’re in the right direction. I think today we’re outstanding from the first half into the second half, and then, you know, they had a spell in which they scored two goals.
“But apart from that, we were very good today.”
Asked if he had any particular message to the Nigerian fans, he added, “Keep supporting us.
“We really need you. So keep on being behind us. Keep on driving us and yeah, keep supporting us. Thank you.”
Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has said Benin Republic’s historic first-ever AFCON win over Botswana has boosted their chances of reaching the knockout rounds of the tournament.
Benin pipped Botswana 1-0 on Saturday after they fell by the same scoreline in their opening group game against DR Congo.
“We’re happy, it’s a historic victory because Benin had never won a match in the Africa Cup of Nations in their four appearances,” Rohr said.
“It’s the first one, so we’re very happy. It gives us hope if getting out of this tough group before the last match against Senegal.
t will obviously be complicated, but my team chowed some great things in terms of play, and morale too.”
He continued: “It was tough against DR Congo, where there was a VAR malfunction that prevented us from getting a penalty, but my players forgot about that and they produced good football.
“In the end (vs Botswana), they backed off a bit not to my liking, but they wanted so badly to defend this first victory that we have to forgive them.”
Yohan Roche fired Benin to history on Saturday. His deflected strike sealed a 1-0 win over Botswana in Group D at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute. Roche exchanged passes with captain Steve Mounié, then shot from close range. A defender’s touch wrong-footed the keeper and sent Benin into dreamland.
It was their first victory at the finals after 16 attempts since debuting in 2004. They had five draws and 10 defeats before this moment, despite reaching the quarter-finals in 2019.
Botswana remain winless in the competition. They have now lost all five of their Cup of Nations matches, stretching back to their debut in 2012.
Next up: Benin face Senegal on Tuesday. Botswana take on DR Congo. The top two teams in each group, plus four best third-placed sides, advance to the Round of 16.