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Anthony Joshua car crash LIVE: Officials reveal suspected cause of smash which killed two men and left two-time heavyweight champion injured
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Anthony Joshua Hospitalised After Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash As Ogun Govt, Police, Hearn React
Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has been hospitalised following a serious road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State that claimed the lives of two people.
Naija News reports that the incident happened shortly after 11am on Monday in the Makun area, when the sports utility vehicle conveying the 36-year-old boxer crashed into a stationary truck. Joshua, who was travelling in a convoy, sustained injuries described by officials as minor and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Disturbing footage shared on social media showed the British-Nigerian boxer shirtless and visibly shaken inside the badly damaged Lexus SUV, surrounded by shattered glass. In another clip, he was seen seated in an emergency vehicle while speaking with officials at the scene.
Nigerian road safety authorities confirmed that five men were involved in the collision. Joshua was seated behind the driver, alongside another passenger, while his security detail followed in a separate vehicle.
According to the Daily Mail, Preliminary findings suggest the SUV was travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before crashing into the parked truck. According to reports obtained by the Daily Mail, the vehicle suffered a tyre burst as it swerved moments before impact.
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Lanre Ogunlowo, said: “I can confirm an accident occurred and Anthony Joshua has been taken to the hospital.
“A vehicle rammed into a stationary vehicle. Unfortunately, there were two fatalities. Anthony Joshua was treated by first responders at the scene and then taken to the hospital.”
A close associate of the boxer said he escaped serious harm but was badly shaken by the experience.
“He’s okay but badly shaken up. Nobody knows quite what damage has been done, but he was able to escape the wreckage. Others weren’t quite so lucky, so it’s been a traumatic ordeal which he’s trying to process,” the friend said.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, told The Daily Mail that efforts were ongoing to reach the boxer.
“We are trying to contact Anthony, and in the meantime, we don’t want to speculate on how he is, but thankfully, he appears okay from what I have seen in the images,” Hearn said.
“We are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course.”
In a later statement, the Ogun State Government expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the crash.
“The Ogun State Government has expressed profound condolences to the families, friends, and associates of the victims of a tragic road accident involving world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, who narrowly escaped death on Monday,” the statement read.
“Preliminary reports indicate that two male foreign nationals died on the spot. Their remains have since been deposited at the Livewell Morgue in Sagamu.
“Anthony Joshua and the driver of the vehicle were promptly rescued by security personnel attached to his convoy and taken to a hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention.”
The government added that the damaged vehicle had been evacuated to the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division for investigation, while efforts were underway to tow the truck involved in the crash.
An eyewitness, quoted by Punch, described the frantic moments after the accident.
“It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed,” the eyewitness said.
“Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles to assist. A few minutes after the crash, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived.”
Joshua, who has family roots in Sagamu, Ogun State, is believed to have been on holiday and travelling to visit relatives when the accident occurred. A relative told the BBC the family was still in shock.
“We are hoping for his speedy recovery, and also for the people who passed away. I pray for the departed to rest in peace,” the relative said. “He’s normally coming around for the new year, so we were expecting him.”
An American professional boxer, influencer and actor, Jake Paul, has sympathised with a renowned global boxer, Anthony Joshua, who was involved in a ghastly auto-crash.
Sending his condolences on Monday, Jake Paul said life more important than boxing.
DAILY POST reports that the Nigeria-born British heavyweight was involved in a fatal car accident Ogun state.
Two people died after a Lexus Jeep that Anthony Joshua was in crashed into a stationary truck around the Sinoma area near the Sagamu axis of the road.
The accident occurred around 12 noon, and Joshua survived the incident with minor injuries.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, blamed the incident to overspending.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) returns in 2025, bringing together the continent’s elite football talent in a celebration of African football excellence. As the biggest and most prestigious competition in African football, AFCON 2025 represents a crucial opportunity for Nigeria to reclaim continental glory and for several key players to cement their legacies on the biggest stage African football has to offer.
As the tournament approaches, three players stand out as potential difference-makers for Nigeria. These are the individuals who could determine whether the Super Eagles lift the trophy or exit with regrets. With BetKing offering comprehensive coverage of all AFCON matches, Nigerian fans have the perfect platform to follow and bet on their team’s journey through the tournament.
Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 Squad: Three Pillars for Success
The Super Eagles squad traveling to Morocco is brimming with talent, from established stars to emerging prospects. Yet within this collective, three players stand apart as the essential pillars upon which Nigeria’s entire AFCON 2025 campaign will be built. Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze each represent a critical component of the team’s spine: the decisive goals, the defensive leadership, and the creative spark. Their individual form and synergy will directly dictate how far this Nigeria national football team can go, in their quest to win the Africa Cup of Nations.
See the full Super Eagles squad list for the tournament here.
Here is why we think they will deliver:
Victor Osimhen
When discussing Nigeria’s prospects at any major tournament, the conversation inevitably begins with Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray striker has established himself as the Super Eagles’ most indispensable player, yet his record at major tournaments tells a frustratingly incomplete story, one he’s desperate to rewrite at AFCON 2025.
Nigeria’s Dependence on Their Talisman
The statistics paint a stark picture of Nigeria’s reliance on Osimhen. During World Cup qualifying, the Super Eagles failed to win any of the five matches he missed, highlighting his irreplaceable presence in the attack. Most painfully, Nigeria lost the World Cup playoff final against DR Congo after Osimhen was forced off due to injury, unable to rescue his team when they needed him most.
Even when present, his influence is unmistakable. In a qualifier against Zimbabwe, Nigeria led 1-0 before Osimhen was substituted late in the game, only for the team to concede and draw. But perhaps his most crucial intervention came against Benin in the final World Cup qualifier, where Nigeria needed nothing less than a 4-0 victory to reach the playoffs. Osimhen delivered a stunning hat-trick in that must-win match, dragging his nation through when elimination loomed large. Every Super Eagles match now revolves around him and depends largely on him.
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The Numbers That Define His International Career
At just 26 years old, Osimhen has already established himself as Nigeria’s second all-time leading scorer with 31 goals in 45 appearances. Only the legendary Rashidi Yekini, who scored 37 goals in 62 games, stands ahead of him in the Super Eagles’ record books. At his current trajectory, Osimhen will almost certainly become Nigeria’s all-time top scorer but individual records mean little without tournament success.
Herein lies the painful paradox of Osimhen’s international career: domestic dominance without the major tournament performances to match. He has scored just one goal at a major tournament for Nigeria, during AFCON 2023, a statistic that haunts a player of his caliber.
Why AFCON 2025 Is Make-or-Break
The 2025 tournament represents a critical juncture in Osimhen’s career. A series of unfortunate circumstances has denied him the opportunity to shine on the continental and global stage. He missed AFCON 2021 through injury, robbing him of a prime opportunity. At AFCON 2019, he was too young and inexperienced, playing just 45 minutes in the third-place playoff. Nigeria’s failures to qualify for both the 2022 and 2026 World Cups have further limited his chances to prove himself when it matters most.
If Osimhen doesn’t stamp his authority at AFCON 2025, his next opportunity won’t come until AFCON 2027, when he’ll be 29 years old. For a player entering what should be his absolute prime, the pressure is immense. He needs this tournament not just to add to Nigeria’s trophy cabinet, but to validate his status as one of Africa’s greatest strikers. The goals, the performances, the moments that define legacies, they all need to happen now.
Nigeria’s tactical setup revolves entirely around maximising Osimhen’s strengths. His pace, power, and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for African defences, but AFCON 2025 will test whether he can deliver when every opponent has specifically prepared to stop him. BetKing is offering a specific boosted market on the number of goals Osimhen will score at this tournament. You can definitely back him to deliver, all things considered.
Bet on Victor Oshimhen to Score Over 3.5 Goals at AFCON 2025 (Includes ET) @1.65 Odds
Calvin Bassey
While Osimhen shoulders the goalscoring burden, Calvin Bassey faces perhaps an even more daunting challenge at AFCON 2025: stepping into the leadership void left by William Troost-Ekong’s retirement and establishing himself as Nigeria’s defensive anchor.
From Supporting Act to Leading Man
Bassey’s rise has been meteoric. At AFCON 2023, where Nigeria reached the final, he was exceptional, showcasing the composure and quality that made him one of the tournament’s standout defenders. Since then, he has evolved from a promising talent into the main man in Nigeria’s defence, growing in stature and responsibility with each international appearance.
However, AFCON 2025 presents a completely different challenge. With Troost-Ekong, the experienced leader who had marshaled Nigeria’s backline for years, retiring just before the tournament, Bassey must now step up fully as the undisputed leader at the back. This goes behind his defensive abilities, and includes communication, organisation, and taking on the mental burden of coordinating an entire defensive unit under the intense pressure of tournament football.
The Weight of Leadership
This will be Bassey’s first major tournament as the primary leader in defence, and the consequences of how he handles this responsibility cannot be overstated. All 16 semifinals Nigeria has reached (joint top with Egypt on the AFCON table) were built on defensive solidity, and any cracks in that foundation could derail even the most talented attacking players.
The challenges are multifaceted. Bassey must develop instant chemistry with new defensive partners, communicate effectively with goalkeeper and midfielders, and maintain concentration through the grueling tournament schedule. He’ll face some of Africa’s most lethal attackers, all while carrying the psychological weight of being the last line of organisation before the goalkeeper.
What makes Bassey particularly suited to this challenge is his versatility and intelligence. Comfortable on the ball and capable of playing multiple positions across the backline, he brings a modern defender’s skillset to the role. His performances since AFCON 2023 have consistently demonstrated growth in maturity and decision-making, exactly the qualities needed for defensive leadership.
For Nigeria to go deep into the knockout stage, Bassey’s performance will be just as crucial as Osimhen’s goals. Clean sheets win tournaments, and the foundation of those clean sheets rests on Bassey’s shoulders. Bettors tracking Nigeria’s defensive record on BetKing should watch how quickly Bassey establishes his authority in the opening group stage matches.
Bet on Nigeria to win Group C @ 1.83 Odds
Samuel Chukwueze
Perhaps no player at AFCON 2025 carries a more compelling redemption narrative than Samuel Chukwueze. Once considered among Africa’s brightest young talents, his career appeared to stall dramatically in recent years, leading to harsh criticism from Nigerian fans frustrated by his underwhelming national team performances. Now, with his career trajectory finally pointing upward again, AFCON 2025 offers the perfect stage for vindication.
The Long Road Back to Form
Chukwueze’s loan move to Fulham in the Premier League has proven transformative. In just 10 appearances this season and starting only three games, he has contributed four assists and two goals, demonstrating the explosive attacking threat that once made him so highly rated. More importantly, he’s shown consistency and confidence, the two qualities that had deserted him during his wilderness years.
His form for Nigeria has reflected this renaissance. In the must-win World Cup qualifier against Benin, the same match where Osimhen scored his crucial hat-trick, Chukwueze provided two assists, playing a vital role in securing the 4-0 victory Nigeria desperately needed. That performance reminded everyone of his capability to influence matches at the highest level.
Living Down to Expectations Until Now
The criticism Chukwueze has endured from Nigerian fans hasn’t been without merit. Apart from his lauded performances at AFCON 2019 where a younger, less pressured Chukwueze dazzled, his tournament appearances have been disappointingly inconsistent. For years, he seemed unable to translate his club form to the international stage, leading to questions about his mentality and whether he would ever fulfill his enormous potential.
That criticism has clearly weighed on him. Players of Chukwueze’s profile, technically gifted wingers with pace and trickery, are supposed to be game-changers, the players who unlock defenses and create moments of magic. When they fail to deliver, the backlash is inevitable and intense.
Why This Tournament Is Different
What makes AFCON 2025 such a pivotal moment for Chukwueze is the convergence of form and opportunity. He arrives at the tournament playing the best football of his career, brimming with confidence from his Premier League performances. The doubt that previously plagued him appears to have been replaced by belief.
In the modern game, players like Chukwueze are essential to breaking down organised defences: exactly the kind Nigeria will face as the tournament progresses. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one, deliver dangerous crosses, and create space for Osimhen could be the difference between Nigeria advancing or exiting disappointingly.
For Chukwueze, this tournament represents a chance to own his narrative completely. A strong performance at AFCON 2025 would dispel all the doubts, silence the critics, and re-establish him as one of Africa’s premier attacking talents. Given his current form, that outcome looks increasingly likely.
Bettors considering Nigeria’s attacking options should monitor Chukwueze’s minutes and positions carefully. If he starts matches and maintains his creative output, Nigeria becomes significantly more dangerous going forward. It could become worth backing Nigeria to reach the AFCON final.
Bet on Nigeria to reach the AFCON 2025 final @ 5.00 Odds
The Collective Challenge
While these three players stand out as Nigeria’s most likely standout performers, tournament success requires collective effort. The chemistry between Osimhen and Chukwueze in attack, protected by Bassey’s defensive leadership, forms the spine of Nigeria’s tactical approach.
AFCON tournaments are won by teams that can handle pressure, adapt tactically, and maintain consistency across multiple matches in compressed timeframes. Nigeria possesses the individual talent to challenge for the title, but translating that talent into cohesive team performances remains the challenge.
The group stage will be crucial for establishing momentum and confidence. Nigeria must navigate their AFCON fixtures efficiently, managing player fitness while building the partnerships and understanding that become essential in knockout matches. Each of these three players will need to deliver multiple standout performances if the Super Eagles are to progress deep into the tournament.
To follow Nigeria’s path, check the full schedule of AFCON 2025 fixtures.
Bet on Nigeria to reach the AFCON 2025 semi finals @ 2.75 Odds
Legacy-Defining Moments Await
AFCON 2025 promises to be a tournament where legacies are defined and narratives rewritten. For Osimhen, it’s the chance to finally deliver on the biggest stage and prove he’s not just a prolific scorer but a tournament winner. For Bassey, it’s about establishing himself as a true leader and demonstrating he can carry the defensive responsibility. For Chukwueze, it’s redemption, proving the doubters wrong and reclaiming his place among Africa’s elite.
Nigerian fans will be watching intently, and with BetKing providing comprehensive AFCON coverage and betting options, they can engage with every moment of the Super Eagles’ journey. Whether Nigeria lifts the trophy or falls short, these three players will largely determine the outcome.
Track all the action with live AFCON results and standings.
If you feel confident backing Nigeria at AFCON 2025, Sign Up and check out BetKing’s AFCON betting markets for the latest odds on Super Eagles matches, fixtures, and results throughout the tournament.
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AFCON 2025: EXCLUSIVE: “Never Undermine Nigeria” – Salomon Kalou Warns Against Facing Super Eagles
Former Chelsea and Côte d’Ivoire forward, Salomon Kalou has delivered a detailed assessment of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Cameroon at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Kalou, a key member of Côte d’Ivoire’s AFCON 2015-winning “golden generation”, shared his thoughts during an interview on Sports Radio, Brila FM.
Kalou insisted both teams (Nigeria and Cameroon) has remained among the continent’s most dangerous forces while urging caution ahead of a heavyweight showdown involving the Indomitable Lions.
“You Can Never Give Up on Them” – Kalou on Nigeria’s Super Eagles
Beyond Cameroon, Kalou was emphatic in his praise of Nigeria, identifying the Super Eagles as one of the standout teams at AFCON 2025.
“I think Nigeria looked solid,” Kalou stated.
Addressing criticism of Nigeria’s defensive lapses, he offered a broader perspective.
“Yes, the people say they take two goals at the end, but at the end of the day, we know how solid Tunisia is.”
Kalou was particularly impressed by Nigeria’s attacking output.
“Scoring three goals against Tunisia shows that this striking force of Nigeria is very dangerous,” he said.
He singled out key attacking figures for special mention.
“Lookman looks amazing, Victor Osimhen, we know what he can bring on the team with his energy and stuff.”
His conclusion was unequivocal:
“So you can never give up on Nigeria, you can never undermine them and say, they’re not going to make it.”
“So Nigeria, for me, is going to be there.”
Kalao Takes a Dig at a Familiar Rivalry
Kalou’s respect for Nigeria is rooted in long-standing rivalry, dating back to his own playing days. Recalling his goal against Nigeria at AFCON 2008, he added a personal touch.
“Every time I remember that goal, I think of Obi, right?” Kalou said.
“He was saying that the Nigerian team would destroy us.”
With a smile, he concluded:
“We don’t talk, we make it happen.”
“We Are Always Slow Starters” – Kalou Explains Côte d’Ivoire’s Approach
Kalou acknowledged that Côte d’Ivoire were not at their best in their opening match but insisted slow starts are part of the team’s tournament history.
“I thought that our first game was a little bit… we started slow,” he said.
“Côte d’Ivoire always is a slow starter. We showed that when we were in the AFCON in 2023 at home.”
He added:
“We need more games to get in the rhythm. And then when we get there, then we can be very dangerous.”
Kalou also highlighted the importance of the fixture within the broader group context, especially after Mozambique’s shock 3–2 win over Gabon on Sunday.
“Well, this group is very open,” he said.
“I think now that Mozambique today beat Gabon, they also have a chance to qualify.”
He added:
“If one team loses, it can be a really open group.”
“That Was the End of Our Golden Generation”
Kalou revealed the emotional weight of the 2015 title.
“It was the end of our golden generation,” he said.
“A lot of players left the team and that was the only chance that we had to win such a prestigious competition.”
“Cameroon Is Always Going to Be a Great Team” – Salomon Kalou
Cameroon won their opening AFCON2025 game and drew their second against defending champions, Cote d’ Voire opening performance at the tournament.
Kalou admitted he was impressed by what he saw from the four-time African champions.
“I was really impressed with the first game from Cameroon. I thought they played with a lot of energy, a lot of physicality,” Kalou said.
While acknowledging internal challenges within the Cameroonian camp, Kalou stressed that such issues rarely diminish their competitiveness.
“We knew that they had issues in the team before the half-time, letting out some key players,” he noted.
“But the way they played against Nabaon, they showed that Cameroon is always going to be a great team.”
According to Kalou, Cameroon’s identity remains unchanged regardless of personnel.
“Regardless, it doesn’t matter which team, which player they bring in the half-time, they’re always going to bring that energy, that competition.”
Read More: EXCLUSIVE: “Chelsea Always Prevail”- Ex-Blues Star Salomon Kalou Reassures Fans After Aston Villa Defeat
Read More: 2026WC: “No Letter From FIFA – NFF Refutes Reports of Nigeria’s Petition Over DR Congo Players Dismissal
Read More: How Nigeria’s Super Eagles Survived Tunisia Scare to Seal AFCON 2025 Round-of-16 Spot
Salomon Kalou Predicted Cameroon vs Ivory Coast Result Correctly
Speaking before the tight clash, primarily from an Ivorian perspective, Kalou acknowledged that Cameroon’s approach makes them a dangerous opponent for any side in the group.
“Based on those two games, I think we’ve got to be careful with Cameroon this afternoon,” he warned.
Pressed for a prediction, Kalou stopped short of backing a winner, instead forecasting a stalemate.
“I would say 1–1,” he said.
“Yes, to the fact that we are still progressing in our games.”
He explained that tactical experimentation and adaptation could influence the outcome.
“We played with a different style in the first game, with two wingers changing positions in the front line,” Kalou explained.
“So I think if we need to play that way, we need more time, more adaptation.”
The match eventually ended 1-1 as predicted. Manchester United’s Amad Diallo converted Ghislain Sangare’s beautiful cross with a long range strike to put Cote d’Voire ahead.
However, five minutes later, an own goal from Cote d’Voire’s Ghislain Konan leveled the scoreline, ending the game 1-1 at fulltime.
Amad Diallo was awarded the Man of the Match, having scored two goals in the AFCON2025 tournament.
Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City’s revival this season has been fuelled by a shift in mindset and a recovery of the energy he felt was absent last season.
Speaking ahead of City’s New Year’s Day visit to Sunderland, Guardiola reflected on the previous campaign in comments reported by BBC Sport, insisting that managers cannot simply wave away deeper issues when things are not right.
The City boss, who has enjoyed sustained success throughout his career, stressed that he has never turned on his own club publicly, even during difficult periods.
“Managers are not magicians. Sometimes you need time. Last season, something was in the fog in Manchester, surrounding our training centre. We missed something,” he said.
“I could, I have big numbers in my career as a manager. How many [times]? Never, ever. It’s not about you or you or you, it was something… something was in the fog in Manchester, surrounding our training centre. We missed something.”
Guardiola pointed to the club’s pre-season trip as a moment that helped restore belief and togetherness within the squad, regardless of results on the pitch.
The Spanish coach explains: “When we went out to Al Hilal, it wasn’t the fact that we didn’t win but that we were so good there. It was then the holidays, so I said: ‘OK, go on holiday’, but I was annoyed because we were good there, good with the guys training, good with the competition.
“The place we were in, Boca Raton in front of the beach, everyone was happy. We made a lot of dinners, a lot of talks, [about] what we have to do next season. What we have to do. We wanted to extend it, just to live that.”
According to Guardiola, the biggest difference this season has been the return of intensity and purpose on the training ground and during matches.
“Energy, energy, energy. We lost it last season. We started to train better, compete better,” the former FC Barcelona manager said.
“It doesn’t mean you are going to win but that you can recognise the team. Now it is eight victories in a row. It is not easy but we compete in a way we do. We have to improve, absolutely, but this mindset is better.”
Super Eagles midfielder, Raphael Onyedika, has decided he wants to join teammate Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray.
This was revealed by Turkish football pundit, Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, who claimed that Onyedika was open to the idea of joining Osimhen at Galatasaray.
Onyedika, who currently plays his club football for Belgium side Club Brugge, has been linked with a move to Galatasaray ahead of the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old could join Galatasaray if Club Brugge agreed on a transfer deal with the Turkish Super Lig champions.
Speaking on the development, Sabuncuoğlu said Onyedika’s agent has met with Galatasaray again to express their interest in the player to switch clubs.
“Galatasaray has contacted Onyedika’s agent again and expressed their interest. In fact, an administrative official from Galatasaray called the player’s agent directly, and the agent said he was open to the idea,” Sabuncuoğlu said on the Sports Digitale YouTube channel.
“Osimhen is also interested in Onyedika. Onyedika wanted to come to Galatasaray, but the problem was Club Brugge. They are also interested in some midfielders, so this time they might allow Onyedika to leave.”
Both Onyedika and Osimhen are currently with the Super Eagles squad at the ongoing 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.
Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway at Makun, Ogun State.
Eyewitnesses and first responders at the scene told reporters the vehicle conveying the boxer collided with another car under circumstances that remain unclear.
Two persons were confirmed dead at the scene, while Joshua reportedly sustained minor injuries and received immediate attention from rescuers.
A witness who took part in the rescue operation told newsmen that emergency teams worked quickly to evacuate the injured. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released.
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Traffic officials and local police have cordoned off the crash site as investigations into the cause of the collision continue.
Officers from the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency were said to be on the scene.
Social media platforms were quickly awash with messages from fans and well-wishers expressing concern for the boxer’s condition and sympathy for the victims’ families.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement; updates are expected as investigators and medical teams provide further information.
A Difficult Decision for Eric Chelle
With Maduka Okoye unavailable, Nigeria’s goalkeeping options are limited. Amas Obasogie’s debut failed to inspire confidence, while Francis Uzoho is not a popular choice among many fans.
That reality leaves Eric Chelle facing a difficult decision. If Nwabali’s injuries are indeed affecting his performances, the Super Eagles could find themselves in serious trouble should his condition worsen.
After making his name during AFCON 2023, the 6’5” goalkeeper has started all but one of Nigeria’s matches since then. Whether he retains the number-one shirt for the remainder of AFCON 2025 remains uncertain.
Stanley Nwabali Under the Spotlight
Much of the post-match discussion has centred on Stanley Bobo Nwabali, whose recent performances have come under increasing scrutiny.
While not all the goals Nigeria have conceded can be laid squarely at his feet, many of them, critics argue, could have been avoided. Recent goals against Nigeria have stemmed from:
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Bright Osayi’s deflection against Gabon
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Wilfred Ndidi’s error against DR Congo
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Uncleared crosses versus Egypt and Tanzania
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Two set-piece goals conceded against Tunisia
Over Nigeria’s last four matches, several of the goals conceded have seen Nwabali rooted to the spot, with minimal movement toward the ball.
Against Tunisia, his struggles were again evident. After conceding twice, the Chippa United goalkeeper attempted to claim multiple crosses but failed to gather them cleanly, despite his towering aerial presence.
Repeated spills caused panic inside the Nigerian box and placed additional pressure on the defence.
Notably, the opening goal by Talbi appeared savable, with suggestions that it could have been parried away.
A Flying Start: Nigeria’s Best Football in Years
Nigeria raced into a commanding 3–0 lead thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman, overwhelming Tunisia with pace, pressing and precision.
The Super Eagles dominated possession, won second balls with ease and carved open Tunisia’s defense repeatedly.
At that point, the contest appeared settled, and a statement victory seemed inevitable.
Late Collapse: Tunisia Fight Back
However, the complexion of the match changed dramatically in the closing stages.
Tunisia clawed their way back into the contest when Montassar Talbi headed home in the 74th minute, before Ali Abdi converted a penalty to make it 3–2, injecting tension into the closing moments.
Though Nigeria held on for the win, the late wobble marred what could have been a complete performance and exposed lingering issues at the back.
The result also means the Super Eagles are now without a clean sheet in their last five games, a statistic that continues to fuel debate over their defensive setup heading into the knockout stages.
New York Giants cornerback Rico Payton appeared to try and stamp on the head of Las Vegas Raiders rival Chigozie Anuseim in an vicious brawl during Sunday’s game in Sin City.
The footage was caught on camera by a fan who inadvertently had a front row seat for the scrap, which saw multiple Giants players rush over to try and break things up.
Payton shoved Anuseim into a water cooler on the sideline by the Giants’ bench before the Raiders man tackled him to the ground in response.
Both men then wrestled on the ground and appeared to throw fists but Payton really appeared to see red in the fan video footage that later circulated on social media.
Payton’s Giants teammates raced across to intervene and some got between the two while another grabbed Payton and hauled him up to his feet.
But just before Payton was led away, he very clearly stamped down towards the helmet of Anuseim, who was still lying on the ground amid the melee.
Giants cornerback Rico Payton appeared to try and stamp on Chigozie Anuseim’s head
A huge brawl broke out on the Giants sideline when Payton and Anuseim started fighting
The Giants went on to win the game in Vegas 34-10, snapping a nine-game losing streak but in the process, relinquishing all their realistic grip on the first pick of the 2026 Draft.
The Raiders are 2-14 with one game left, against Kansas City Chiefs, to round out the regular season. They have now lost 10 games in a row.
The Giants, now 3-13, are second to the Raiders in the Draft order going into the final weekend of the regular season, where they will play Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium.
After the Giants loss, Raiders head coach Pete Carroll revealed starting quarterback Geno Smith sustained a high ankle sprain and will miss the last game of the season.
‘That’s pretty hard to bounce back from,’ Carroll said. ‘That might knock him out of next week, we’ll have to wait and see.’
Smith is under contract through to the 2027 season with the Raiders, so will likely be on the roster next year even if they take a quarterback with the first pick, which they surely will if it all works out from here.
Heisman trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, from the Indiana Hoosiers, is the favorite to be taken first by whoever cements their position in having first pick.
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New York Giants star tries to stamp on Las Vegas Raiders man’s head in astonishing fight
World heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident on Monday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Ogun State.
Eyewitnesses said the crash happened on a busy stretch of the highway when the vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua collided with another car. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation by local authorities.
An eyewitness, who took part in the rescue operation and spoke to Punch, disclosed that Joshua sustained minor injuries in the incident. Sadly, two people were confirmed dead at the scene.
At the time of writing, there was no official statement from Anthony Joshua’s representatives or family.
Naija News reports that the incident comes just days after Joshua was in the headlines for a very different reason following his bout with American social media star and boxer Jake Paul.
According to revelations by Paul’s mother, Pam Stepnick, on Friday, December 26, the Nigerian-born former world heavyweight champion personally apologised to her after her son suffered a broken jaw in the fight.
Speaking on the Impaulsive podcast, Stepnick praised Joshua’s conduct, describing him as respectful and compassionate in the aftermath of the bout. She revealed that the boxer made his way through the crowd to speak with her directly.
“He worked his way through the crowd and came up to me and said, ‘Mum just know, it’s just boxing.’ It is just the fight game,” she said.
While commending Joshua’s behaviour, Stepnick was less charitable towards his promoter, Eddie Hearn, accusing him of appearing indifferent to her son’s condition.
“I want to get in the ring and punch Eddie Hearn, because I don’t like his smug face. Jake is struggling and he’s sitting over there smiling, like he’s the cat that swallowed the canary,” she said.
“That’s sickening to me, that’s sick. I don’t like it. Even Anthony Joshua had some class and apologised to me.”
Former South African national team captain, Bongani Khumalo, says he is surprised that Uche Ikpeazu decided to play for Uganda at the senior level rather than Nigeria.
Uche was born in London to a father from Nigeria and a mother from Uganda, which means he could have played for any of the three countries.
Khumalo, who is working as a pundit with SuperSport covering the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, said, “I remember talking to him, Nigerian and Ugandan parents.”
“So I’m pretty surprised that he ended up playing for Uganda because I thought he would have definitely wanted to represent Nigeria.”
Come tomorrow, Ikpeazu will face his home country in the final match of Group C in Fez.
DAILY POST reports that Ikpeazu has already said Uganda will fight hard against the Super Eagles.
Over the weekend in England, Manchester City threw down the gauntlet for the second successive weekend and Arsenal proved undaunted as they kicked off their festive fixtures with a narrow 2-1 defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion to stay as Premier League leaders. City won 2-1 at Nottingham Forest with Rayan Cherki grabbing a goal and an assist to briefly move top of the pile. But Arsenal, just as they had done last week by beating Everton after City’s earlier win over West Ham United, were unwavering as captain Martin Odegaard scored his first goal of the season for Mikel Arteta’s side. Arsenal also needed an own goal and a spectacular save by keeper David Raya to preserve their lead as the halfway point in the Premier League season looms. How long will the Gunners preserve this lead at top the table? Should the Gunners be concerned about Manchester City’s form?
Related: SPORTS PLANET Podcast…EPISODE 44: Emmanuel Adebayor On His Career Trajectory
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BBC forced to apologise as they face backlash for tennis’s Battle of the Sexes: Fans furious at licence fee being spent on rights for Dubai ‘farce’ after feed kept cutting out
The BBC were forced to offer multiple apologies during their broadcasting of Aryna Sabalenka’s Battle of the Sexes showdown with Nick Kyrgios – but fans still vented their fury over both broadcasting issues and the decision to host the contest on social media.
The event had been mired in controversy since Kyrgios first announced that he would be facing off with the women’s world No 1 in September.
Its detractors cited the sham of organising a clash between a men’s player currently ranked 671st in the world standings and persistently injured, and the woman at the summit of the ATP rankings, as well as Kyrgios’ own checkered past as a critic of women’s tennis on social media.
News that the BBC had purchased the rights and programmed it on their flagship BBC One channel prompted further criticism, and on Sunday afternoon as the match was being played, social media users were still incensed by the decision.
‘It’s genuinely dispiriting that our national broadcaster, the BBC, is showing Battle of the Sexes tennis match (Sabalenka vs Kyrgios),’ one user wrote. ‘An event which cheapens the sport and fundamentally betrays the legacy of Billie Jean King.’
‘Why on earth is BBC Sport showing the match between Sabalenka & Kyrgios?’ another added.
Nick Kyrgios’ victory over Aryna Sabalenka in their Battle of the Sexes match was loaded with controversies on and off the court
The BBC were forced to offer viewers multiple apologies after losing pictures during the clash
‘Why don’t you make more effort to show the matches tennis fans would prefer to watch?’
A third added: ‘The BBC is disgraceful. Billie Jean King was a legend, Kyrgios vs Sabalenka is a joke.’
King herself, who faced off with retired player turned ‘chauvinist pig’ Bobby Riggs in 1973, was keen to distance the event from her own victory, which proved landmark in prompting cultural change around how women’s tennis was perceived.
The 12-time Grand Slam-winner had said before the match that ‘the only similarity is that one is a boy and one is a girl. That’s it.
‘Everything else, no. Ours was about social change; culturally, where were in 1973. This is not.’
There was neither social change nor pure entertainment on the menu at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Sunday, with a visibly unfit Kyrgios sweating and junk-balling his way to a 6-3, 6-3 victory against the four-time Grand Slam champion in just over an hour and a half.
Sabalenka attempted to inject some levity into the proceedings with a showy entrance from the top of the stadium wearing a glittering trench coat set to the sound of ‘Eye of the Tiger’, and a dance break where she performed the Macarena, but failed to truly enliven a leaden audience.
But even predictable tennis – albeit played on an unequal court, with Sabalenka’s side nine per cent smaller to reflect data showing women’s speed in comparison to men’s – proved hard to watch, with the pictures lost multiple times during the broadcast.
The world No 1 made a splashy entrance to ‘Eye of the Tiger’ in reference to her nickname
But Kyrgios failed to give the contest an edge as he breezed to victory despite being far from match-fit
With the commentary pairing of former British No 1 Annabel Croft and journalist Andrew Cotter based in the UK rather than the UAE, both were forced to try and keep up with the score without the visuals of the match at times.
Problems throughout the second set also saw the sound audible as the picture froze, with the BBC offering audiences their apologies via Cotter, and messages on the screen.
‘Utterly rubbish pictures from the BBC during this debacle,’ one incensed commenter wrote on social media site X. ‘Is this what we pay £15 a month for?
‘#battleofthesexes #Sabalenka #Kyrgios #Tennis #abolishthelicencefee.’
Another agreed: ‘BBC finally get the exclusive rights to show a big sporting event and they keep losing the picture.
‘Welcome back to the 1970s.’
The BBC also received backlash from those representing the viewpoint some critics of the match-up had feared most, with some suggesting that the competition wasn’t worthy of the rights sale.
‘The farce that women players get equal prize money for less work expsed (sic)’, a user wrote. ‘Now provably far lower quality tennis too with the female No. 1 vs male No. 500+ with a ruleset rigged in favour of Sabalenka and she still lots (sic).
‘Ludicrous and appalled that BBC paid for the rights.’
For his part, Kyrgios believed that the event had been a success and that it had been ‘all the world was talking about for six months’.
‘Considering I took away one of her strengths, her first serve, she’s an incredible athlete,’ Kyrgios said in his post-match remarks.
‘The gap is closer (than the scoreline) – I’m not surprised. It could have gone either way. I’m not even joking.’
SPORT
Rivers United Open Five-Point Lead As Pillars Sink Nasarawa In NPFL Thriller [Matchday 19 Results]
![Rivers United Open Five-Point Lead As Pillars Sink Nasarawa In NPFL Thriller [Matchday 19 Results]](https://informationhub.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rivers-United-.webp.webp "Rivers United Open Five-Point Lead As Pillars Sink Nasarawa In NPFL Thriller [Matchday 19 Results]")
Rivers United have tightened their grip on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) summit after edging past Rangers International 1-0 on Sunday, a result that opened a five-point cushion at the top following Nasarawa United’s heavy defeat in Kano.
A second-half header from centre-back Bolu Sholumade settled the NPFL Matchday 19 contest in Port Harcourt, striking in the 53rd minute to hand Finidi George’s side a deserved win and a commanding position going into the mid-season break of the league.
Rivers United’s advantage was further boosted at the Sani Abacha Stadium, where Nasarawa United were convincingly beaten 3-0 by a resurgent Kano Pillars. Playing their first home match after serving a five-game ban, the Sai Masu Gida made a statement in front of their supporters.
Mustapha Umar broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute before second-half goals from Chiedozie Okorie and Jibrin Mustapha wrapped up a comprehensive victory. The result lifted Kano Pillars off the bottom of the table and up to 18th on 19 points, while Kun Khalifat and Plateau United slipped deeper into trouble in 20th and 19th places respectively.
At the New Jos Stadium, Plateau United’s woes continued with a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Abia Warriors, their third loss at the venue this season. In Owerri, Kun Khalifat FC suffered a fifth home defeat, going down 1-0 to Katsina United.
In Aba, nine-time champions Enyimba ended the year on a positive note with a commanding 3-0 victory over Shooting Stars. Chinedu Ufere opened the scoring in the 16th minute, while late strikes from Edidiong Ezekiel and Chidera Michael put the result beyond doubt.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes closed to within a point of the top three after a solid 2-0 home win against relegation-threatened Barau FC. Abdulaziz Dalhatu struck in the 35th minute before Rickson Mendos sealed the points in stoppage time. Barau, who had briefly climbed out of danger, slipped back into the bottom four on 21 points after 19 matches.
NPFL matchday 19 also produced notable results elsewhere, with Ikorodu City edging Remo Stars 1-0, El-Kanemi Warriors claiming a 1-0 away win at Bayelsa United, and Warri Wolves sharing a 2-2 draw with Wikki Tourists.
The league will resume for the second half of the season on January 7 with Matchday 20 fixtures. The mid-season transfer window opens on January 1 and runs until January 30, 2026.
NPFL Matchday 19 Results
Bendel Insurance 2-0 Kwara United
Kano Pillars 3-0 Nasarawa United
Rivers United 1-0 Rangers International
Plateau United 0-1 Abia Warriors
Niger Tornadoes 2-0 Barau FC
Warri Wolves 2-2 Wikki Tourists
Kun Khalifat FC 0-1 Katsina United
Enyimba 3-0 Shooting Stars
Bayelsa United 0-1 El-Kanemi Warriors
Ikorodu City 1-0 Remo Stars
Arabinrin Aderonke, a former sports administrator, has praised the Super Eagles for their impressive victory against Tunisia.
The win helped the team advance to the Round of 16 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
After the challenging match, Aderonke commended the players for their toughness, strong discipline during the game, and positive approach in attack, especially against a confident Tunisian team coming off their first win against Uganda.
She told reporters, “I want to sincerely congratulate the Super Eagles on their brave and hard-earned win against a strong Tunisian team.
“Qualifying with a game to spare shows a lot about the team’s character, strength, and ambition,” she added.
Aderonke, who recently won Role Model of the Year at the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) in Copenhagen, Denmark, also praised the three goal scorers and the team’s overall performance.
She noted that the Nigerian team’s strong start had a positive impact on the entire game.
“The goals scored by Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman are not just the result of individual talent, but also reflect the strength of the team’s philosophy.
“This philosophy is based on discipline, confidence, and belief in the team. Even though Tunisia tried to come back, the Super Eagles stayed calm and determined, finishing the game strongly,” she added.
She also highlighted the importance of earning six points from the two matches, stating it sent a strong message about Nigeria’s intentions in the championship.
“Getting six points from two group games and making it to the Round of 16 is a good achievement for Nigeria.
“It shows that the Super Eagles are not just participating, they are genuinely in the race for the title,” said the soccer fan.
The Super Eagles are currently leading Group C. If they maintain their position, they could face the second-place team from Group D, which includes Senegal, Benin, Congo, and Botswana.
Arabinrin Aderonke encouraged the team to stay focused as the tournament continues.