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Why Bob MacIntyre’s near miss at Oakmont could yet be the making of him as a major force in golf
When Bob MacIntyre finds the time to pause and reflect on his 2025 season, it would be easy for him to fixate on events at Oakmont back in June.
He probably wouldn’t be human if his mind didn’t stray occasionally and wonder what might have been on that fiendishly difficult final day in Pennsylvania.
For a period of about 30 minutes in the closing stages of the US Open, it looked like MacIntyre was about to break his duck and become a major champion. The stars were aligning.
The conditions were brutal. Others around him were faltering badly. MacIntyre refused to buckle and his round of 68 was without question one of the very best of his career given the circumstances.
But it just wasn’t quite enough. JJ Spaun broke his heart and denied him any chance of a play-off by holing a monster putt from over 60 feet on the final green.
MacIntyre had started the day seven shots off the lead. Eventually finishing two shots back from Spaun, his golf had been sensational, even though he had fallen just short.
Bob MacIntyre reacts in the Oakmont clubhouse after watching JJ Spaun hole out for victory
MacIntyre had recorded a stunning 68 in treacherous conditions to put himself in line for glory
American Spaun held firm to finish strongly and claim his own maiden major title
Yet, a few months down the line, and with the season now at an end, MacIntyre can surely look back on Oakmont as foundational rather than painful.
Major champions rarely arrive fully formed. The vast majority of players suffer a few near misses before they finally get it over the line.
They endure some heartache before finally clinching one of the game’s biggest prizes. In the fullness of time, MacIntyre will recognise this as a necessary experience.
Rory McIlroy blew a four-shot lead in the final round of The Masters in 2011. Mercifully, MacIntyre doesn’t know that kind of pain just yet and it can only be hoped he never will.
But only a couple of months after his Augusta meltdown, McIlroy won his first major after blowing away the field in the 2011 US Open at Congressional.
That would be one of the most high-profile examples of a player who bounced back to win a major after a near miss.
Rory McIlory bounced back from a Masters meltdown in 2011 to win the US Open months later
It doesn’t always happen as quickly as it did with McIlroy. Sometimes, players have to bank these experiences over a number of years.
But if they keep knocking on the door, as MacIntyre is now doing, eventually it will open. The 29-year-old Scot is now at the point where he is ready to bang the door down.
Speaking earlier this month, he said: ‘I’m a big believer that it’s about getting statistically better every year. Results take care of themselves.
‘It’s difficult to win anywhere in the world. But, if you can get better year on year, then that’s all you can do.
‘That’s all I’ve ever tried to do since I got to a certain level and realised that I could do something in this game.
‘How do we improve? Do you know what, it’s sometimes not about improving every part of the game.
‘Like, it’s just sustaining certain things. Keep things at a certain level. See the things that are potentially a weakness and just get a little bit better at that.
MacIntyre can look back fondly on a majestic year that included victory at the Dunhill Links
‘I honestly believe I can do anything I want in the game of golf.’
The second-placed finish at Oakmont is MacIntyre’s best result in a major to date. He has also claimed top-10 finishes in the US PGA and Open Championship. His best finish in the Masters is tied for 12th.
He can look back on 2025 not only with a huge amount of pride, but also confidence as he heads into next season.
This was the year he broke into the top 10 in the world rankings for the first time in his career. He won another title on home soil at the Dunhill Links Championship.
That came on the back of him being part of a victorious Ryder Cup team as the Europeans triumphed over America at Bethpage Black in New York.
That was, of course, the second time MacIntyre has helped Europe win the Ryder Cup after his maiden appearance in Rome two years ago.
He looked far more at ease with himself this time around and it was clear that captain Luke Donald viewed him as a big asset to the team both on and off the course.
The Oban-born left-hander was a massive part of Luke Donald’s victorious Ryder Cup team
Across his efforts on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, MacIntyre’s total earnings for the season sit just north of $10million. Not a bad year’s work.
In 23 events on the PGA Tour, MacIntyre only missed two cuts — one in the Genesis Invitational and the other in The Masters.
He recorded six top-10 finishes, including the runner-up finish to Spaun in the US Open, and also had 11 top-25 finishes. By every possible metric, it’s been a good year for the man from Oban.
MacIntyre will start his 2026 campaign by heading to Hawaii for the Sony Open in mid-January before teeing up in the The American Express in California the following week. But it’s the majors which will now be the focus of his attention. That is the only box left to tick on his burgeoning CV.
There are no guarantees of anything. You only have to look at the likes of Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter in recent history to know that nobody has any god-given right to win a major, regardless of their talent.
With the best years of his career very much ahead of him, MacIntyre still has time on his side. If he continues on his current trajectory, he won’t just be knocking on the door. He will be waltzing through it with his first major silverware in his grasp.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will step out at the Fez Stadium at 5 p.m. (WAT) on Tuesday, December 30, determined to keep their momentum intact when they take on Uganda in the final Group C match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The Super Eagles, who are assured of qualifying for the round of 16, have little left to prove in terms of qualification, having secured back-to-back victories over Tanzania and Tunisia.
For Uganda, however, the equation is far simpler and far harsher. Only a win will keep their faint hopes of reaching the knockout phase alive.
The fixture brings a touch of history with it. It is only the second time the sides will meet at the finals, with Uganda still fondly recalling their dramatic 2-1 semi-final win over Nigeria in 1978. Overall, the Cranes enjoy a slight edge in the head-to-head record, boasting four wins from eight meetings, compared to Nigeria’s two victories and two draws.
Uganda are also unbeaten in their last three encounters with Nigeria, a sequence that includes two wins and a draw. Nigeria’s most recent competitive success against the Cranes dates back to the 2007 AFCON qualification campaign, when Nwankwo struck the decisive goal in Abeokuta.
Despite that, Nigeria’s pedigree at the tournament remains unquestionable. Their win over Tunisia was their 35th group-stage victory at the AFCON, with only Egypt managing more.
They have now won each of their last four AFCON group matches, all by a single-goal margin, and another success on Tuesday would mark the first time they have won all three group games at a finals since 2021.
Under Eric Chelle, Nigeria have also shown remarkable consistency in front of goal, scoring in each of their last nine AFCON matches and in their last eight group-stage outings.
Much of that cutting-edge has come from the growing understanding between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Osimhen’s headed goal against Tunisia, his second of the tournament, was again created by Lookman, meaning both of the striker’s goals at this AFCON have arrived via assists from the winger.
Lookman’s influence has been especially striking. His goal and two assists against Tunisia made him only the second Nigerian since 2010 to be directly involved in three goals in a single AFCON match. He now has eight goal involvements in nine appearances at the finals, five goals and three assists, as Nigeria focuses on sharpening their edge rather than simply protecting their status.
The midfield has also provided authority and balance. Captain Wilfred Ndidi has set the tone, while Alex Iwobi’s composure and intelligence have helped Nigeria control long periods of games.
Frank Onyeka impressed with his energy against Tunisia, and the availability of Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi gives Chelle options as he considers rotation.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday, Chelle stressed the importance of competition within the squad. He said, “The competition is not only for the starting 11; everybody deserves a chance to play and show what they can offer the team. Sometimes, a player who makes a cameo appearance can change the outcome of games and even win a tournament. For me, I want to present the best team every time.”
Uganda, by contrast, arrive in Fès carrying regrets. A defeat to Tunisia, followed by a draw with Tanzania, has left them bottom of the group on one point, with missed chances proving costly.
Their frustration was summed up by Allan Okello’s missed penalty in stoppage time against Tanzania, an opportunity that could yet define their campaign.
Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango has led a resilient side, while Nigeria-born Uche Ikpeazu, alongside Denis Omedi, James Bogere and Okello, remains central to Paul Put’s plans as the Cranes chase a result that could prolong their stay in Morocco.
Uganda have only progressed beyond the group stage twice in their AFCON history, in 1978 and 2019, and they know they must defy Nigeria’s recent form to repeat that feat.
Where to watch the Super Eagles of Nigeria vs Uganda clash:
Every match of the tournament will be shown across Channel 4’s network in the UK and Canada.
In Nigeria, the game will be broadcast live on NTA Sports 24, NTA’s national station and SuperSport’s dedicated AFCON channels on DStv. International coverage is available on beIN Sports, SuperSport, Canal+ Afrique, DAZN and other partner networks, with streaming options including beIN Connect, TOD and Fubo TV.
Abia Warriors earned a well‑deserved 1‑0 victory over Plateau United on Sunday in Jos, according to technical adviser Imama Amapakabo.
Taheer Abubakar’s lone goal secured the three points for Abia Warriors at the New Jos Stadium.
Amapakabo added that Plateau United were predictable throughout the match.
“Every victory is exciting because it’s been a while since we had a three-game winning streak. It’s an exciting feeling, as we needed to end the first round on a positive note,” Amapakabo remarked.
“Plateau United were too predictable because they were waiting for my team to make mistakes instead of trying to create something themselves,” he added.
The victory lifted Abia Warriors to second position on the league table with 33 points from 19 matches.
Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Stanley Nwabali, and Semi Ajayi are in danger of being banned for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16, reports Completesports.com.
The quartet are a booking away from suspension going into tonight’s clash with the Cranes of Uganda.
Lookman was booked in the Super Eagles opening fixture against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: Nigeria’s Wins Against Tanzania, Tunisia Doesn’t Matter To Us — Uganda Midfielder, Alhassan
Osimhen, Ajayi, and Nwabali were cautioned in Nigeria’s second game against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.
The four players could however be rested for the game by head coach Éric Chelle with the Super Eagles already assured of a place in the knockout round.
The encounter against the Cranes will hold at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
The Group C encounter will kick-off at 5pm Nigeria time.
By Adeboye Amosu
Manchester United legend, Peter Schmeichel hopes his old team will continue their good recent performance and achieve a much better result in the Premier League this season.
The last campaign was a big setback for the Red Devils because they ended up in 15th place in the top league and did not win any trophies.
That has left them without any European competitions this season, and after a surprising early departure from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Grimsby Town, they now have just the league to focus on.
Ruben Amorim’s team is currently sixth in the league, just three points behind the fourth place.
A victory against Newcastle United last time means they are now tied on points with Chelsea, who are in fifth place, so there’s some positive feeling coming back to Old Trafford.
Iconic goalkeeper, Schmeichel, is not getting too excited, but he believes they can keep up their current level and end the season in a similar position as they are right now.
“I think fifth or sixth. Fifth place is good, but they’re competing with a few other clubs that are also doing really well,” the Dane said on ViaPlay.
“But I think that’s the level Manchester United are at. With the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, they should be able to finish around fifth or sixth,” he said.
When asked if he would be happy with that position, he said, “If fifth place gives them a chance to play in the Champions League, I would be very happy.”
However, it is still uncertain whether fifth place will be enough for a spot in the Champions League next season.
Schmeichel was with Liverpool’s former star Jan Molby, who was not very confident about United’s chances of getting back into European competitions next season.
“I think they’re pretty capable of finishing somewhere between fifth and tenth,” said the former midfielder.
“I think that’s the issue with Manchester United’s season. You keep thinking about the next game, and if they win, it’s a good season, but if they lose, you’re back to where you started.”
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan says the Pharaohs are prepared to face any team in the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Hassan, who won the Africa Cup of Nations three times as a player in 1986, 1998, and 2006, stated this after the team was held to a goalless draw against Angola in their final Group B game on Monday. Egypt finished top of Group B with seven points, while South Africa, who defeated Zimbabwe 3–2, finished second.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: I Don’t Know Whether I Will Celebrate If I Score Against Nigeria –Uganda Striker, Ikpeazu
Speaking with the Egyptian Football Association on its official Facebook page, Hassan stated that he’s impressed with the general performance of his players.
“We are ready to face any team in the round of 16. The next stage will be tough, and the competition is strong. We will work on increasing the positives in the next match and correcting the negatives,” Hassan said.
“I am satisfied with the performance of those who played for the first time in the Africa Cup of Nations. The aim of the Angola match was to test more players.”
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What will happen to Arrowhead when the Chiefs leave? ‘White elephant’ fears spark possibility of DEMOLITION
Fears over Arrowhead becoming an abandoned ‘white elephant’ stadium has led to the possibility that it could be demolished after the Kansas City Chiefs leave in 2030.
Last week, the team announced the bombshell decision to leave Missouri – and therefore its iconic Arrowhead home – to build a new $3 billion stadium across the border in Kansas in time for the 2031 season.
That has led to much speculation over what will happen to one of the best stadiums in the NFL when the Chiefs leave – and it could even be knocked down for good.
Front Office Sports reports that the final decision will ultimately come down to the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority, who owns the stadium.
In an interview with KCMO last week, Missouri House majority leader Jonathan Patterson opened up on the costs for both options, claiming that it will cost $150 million to demolish the stadium, or $20m a year to maintain it in its current form.
Meanwhile, Patrick Tuohey – senior fellow at the Show-Me Institute – shared his concerns with Front Office Sports about Arrowhead becoming a relic, which could mean the county opt to knock it down and avoid any long-term headaches.
The Chiefs revealed that they are set to leave Arrowhead for a new stadium in 2031
The news was confirmed by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt last week
‘My fear is that it’ll be like the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis,’ Tuohey said, referencing the former home of the NFL’s St. Louis Rams, who moved to LA after the 2015 season.
It still hosts concerts, but has been hampered by financial issues and reportedly needs $155m to be paid in repairs and maintenance over the next 10 years. It has been claimed that the St. Louis Regional Sports Authority only has $88m in cash, leaving it $67m short.
It also remains to be seen whether legislation will be filed that attempts to put the Chiefs on the hook for some of the costs for upkeep or demolition of Arrowhead after the team leaves for its new home.
‘It’s unbelievable what it costs to demolish those things,’ Patterson said last week.
Meanwhile, prominent Democrat and Congressman Brendan Boyle launched a blistering attack on Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, branding him a ‘welfare king’ over the decision to leave Arrowhead.
The Chiefs, who moved into Arrowhead in 1972, will also build a new team headquarters and training facility in Olathe, Kansas, ready in 2031.
Chiefs CEO Hunt announced that, as a result of the agreement, the team will relocate across the Missouri River to a ‘state-of-the-art’ facility in Wyandotte County.
Democratic Party member Brendan Boyle ripped into Clark Hunt over the Chiefs’ stadium move
Hunt hailed the move as a ‘momentous step for the franchise’, however U.S. Representative Boyle did not agree and, instead, offered a brutal analysis.
Taking to X on Boxing Day, he wrote: ‘Clark Hunt: the biggest Welfare King in America. Billions of taxpayer money going to this billionaire, while working people suffer. Just a disgrace’.
According to the Chiefs’ press release, the project is slated to deliver over 20,000 jobs to Kansas and will have an estimated economic impact at around $4.4 billion.
However, Boyle took issue with the funding behind the project. It will be funded through a public-private partnership – with the public portion accounting for 60 percent of the funding.
Meanwhile, the Hunt family, owners of the franchise, have also committed to $1 billion in additional development.
Similarly to Boyle, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who was informed of the move by team president Mark Donovan, called the day a ‘setback as a Kansas Citian’.
Arrowhead is widely regarded as one of the best – and loudest – stadiums in the NFL
The likes of Travis Kelce (pictured) and Patrick Mahomes have made the stadium a fortress
‘We are professionals and understand the Chiefs have a business to run and today made a business decision,’ Lucas admitted according to KCTV.
‘Business decisions are a reality, and we all understand that, but Arrowhead Stadium is more – it’s family, tradition, and a part of Kansas City we will never leave’.
The Mayor revealed that Jackson County, the City, and the State of Missouri had organized a massive $1.5 billion package that he described as ‘compelling for team officials and responsible for taxpayers’.
Despite the lucrative offer, the Chiefs still decided to leave their iconic home stadium.
At least five countries have been eliminated from the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Morocco.
Zimbabwe is the latest team to exit the tournament following the conclusion of the final Group B fixtures played on Monday.
Recall that Zimbabwe were beaten 3-2 by South Africa and finished bottom of the group with one point, while Angola drew with Egypt and finished with just two points on the log.
As a result, Zimbabwe have joined Botswana, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Zambia, who were thrashed 3-0 by Morocco in a Group A tie, in exiting the tournament.
DAILY POST had earlier reported that Botswana, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon were eliminated after the conclusion of the second round of group-stage fixtures.
The three countries failed to secure a point from their opening two matches.
Nigeria and Uganda clash this evening in a match tendered on different perspectives for both teams as three-time champions Nigeria conclude their group phase account at the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
The Cranes, eternal difficult jobs for the Super Eagles since their first meeting in an AFCON semi-final duel in Kumasi 47 years ago, need a win to stand any chance of enjoying the cold climate of Morocco beyond Tuesday evening, while the Super Eagles, already qualified for the Round of 16 no matter the tremor anywhere on the park, need a draw simply to assure top-table finish in Group C.
Veteran goal-tender Denis Onyango and team-mates have themselves to blame for being stuck on one point to the final day of the group phase. After the expected manhandling by Tunisia, and falling behind to Tanzania in their second match, Nigeria-descent Uche Ikpeazu rose from the bench to give them an equalizer against the Taifa Stars. The game fell into their hands to pick up the three points, but Allan Okelo blasted the ball away from goal from a penalty kick.
The only route left for them is to put a sword through the Eagles. With the Nigerians intent on sustaining a winning mentality, determined to maintain their great form and put fear into the hearts of other possible contenders for the trophy, that is unlikely to happen.
Nigeria’s prolific goal scorer Victor Osimhen has netted only once in this tournament, but the man who succeeded him as Africa Player of the Year (and who teamed up with him to create a Super Eagles’ terror attack at the last competition in Cote d’Ivoire), Ademola Lookman, has again opted to take Africa’s biggest football championship by storm.
Lookman has netted two goals this term (adding to his three from the 2023 finals), and has made two assists (adding to one from last term). He looks like a man-on-a-mission. His goals have been unstoppable left-footed missiles.
Another big hurdle the Cranes will have to deal with is that Osimhen, now on 32 goals in 48 matches for Nigeria, is committed to presenting himself a special birthday gift, having turned 27 on Monday. Such a man (and being Osimhen in this case) will be difficult to contain.
In addition, Nigeria’s midfield has come into its own, with Wilfred Ndidi playing a true captain’s game in the Eagles’ first two matches, and Alex Iwobi simply magnificent. Frank Onyeka reminded all of his abilities when he starred against the Tunisians, and there are still Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi yet to be tested.
Nigeria is the country with the most appearances in the AFCON knockout rounds in history, having done so here for the 19th time, and the victory over Tunisia was the Eagles’ 35th group-stage win in the history of the competition. Nigeria have lost only one of their last 16 AFCON group-stage games – defeat to Madagascar in Egypt after they already qualified for the Round of 16.
Uganda will look to the history of contests between both nations and be hopeful.
In eight previous encounters, the Cranes have lost only twice, winning four times, with the other two games ending in a draw. Five of the matches have been competitive, and Ugandans cannot forget how their star forward Philip Omondi scored the winner to ensure a 2-1 defeat for Nigeria in the 1978 AFCON semi-finals. Uganda have won two of the three international friendly matches, with the other ending in a draw.
Uganda have progressed beyond the AFCON group stage only twice previously, in 1978 in Ghana and 2019 in Egypt.
Ikpeazu will probably start as Belgian tactician Paul Put throws his aces up from the get-go. There are also James Bogere, who earned the Cranes a second penalty against Tanzania, Okello and Denis Omedi, who scored against Tunisia and assisted the equalizer against Tanzania on Sunday.
Nigeria, now on 149 goals in 106 AFCON matches, will aim for a milestone 150th goal, and more, when the game commences at the Complexe Sportif de Fès at 5pm on Tuesday.
At his pre-match press briefing on Monday, Coach Eric Chelle said: “The competition is not only for the starting 11; everybody deserves a chance to play and show what they can offer the team. Sometimes a player who makes a cameo appearance can change the outcome of games and even win a tournament. For me, I want to present the best team every time.”
Captain Ndidi: “The atmosphere in the team is good. Everyone is excited and confident, but the previous games are in the past. The focus is one the next game.”
HEAD-TO-HEAD: SUPER EAGLES, CRANES IN HISTORY
14 Mar 1978: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCON semi: Kumasi)
26 Sep 1981: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Lagos)
29 Aug 1992: Nigeria 2-0 Uganda (AFCONq: Lagos)
17 Jul 1993: Uganda 0-0 Nigeria (AFCONq: Kampala)
24 Mar 2007: Nigeria 1-0 Uganda (AFCONq: Abeokuta)
02 Jun 2007: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCONq: Kampala)
25 Mar 2015: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Uyo)
20 Nov 2018: Nigeria 0-0 Uganda (Friendly: Asaba)
Joe Rogan has been slammed by an ex-UFC fighter for his recent comments about the appearance of unbeaten PFL champion fighter Dakota Ditcheva.
Rogan was discussing Ditcheva on one of his recent podcasts where he welcomed comedian Shane Gillis onto the show.
Ditcheva has been making waves with her 15-0 start to her career that caught the eye of Rogan, who forged a reputation as a martial arts expert long before his podcast became one of the most popular in the world.
‘Have you seen that really pretty girl that fights in the PFL?’ he asked Gillis. ‘What’s her name? Dakota Ditcheva? I don’t know how to say her last name. She’s from England.
‘Most of her fights are wins by knockout. She’s this Muay Thai specialist, but she’s pretty.
As clips played of her recent wins, Rogan continued: ‘She’s real pretty and slim and slender. And she just f***s these girls up. She tunes up all these girls. She’s nasty, man.
Joe Rogan hailed Dakota Ditcheva in a recent podcast episode with Shane Gillis
But Rogan’s comments about the English fighter being ‘pretty’ caused a bit of backlash
‘Look at that knee to the body. She’s pretty. She’s got a nice body. If you saw her at a club, you’d say, ‘Wow, she looks really fit. Maybe she’s a crossfitter or something.’ And then she just f***s you up.’
Gillis joked: ‘If you tried to hug her you’d get put in a clinch and elbowed.’
The clip was shared by the PFL’s Instagram page, where it caught the eye of Bec ‘Rowdy’ Rawlings.
She was unimpressed by how much of a point Rogan made about Ditcheva’s appearance.
‘Have you seen that like really hot guy? He fights guys & he’s really f***ing hot,’ Rawlings sarcastically commented underneath the post.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail in June 2024, Ditcheva said how people are surprised to find out she is a fighter.
‘i mean, that’s one of the first things people say, that “you don’t look like a fighter,’ she said.
‘I’m like “why?”. I get where they are coming from, there is a stereotype. But I don’t look rough, is basically what they are saying.’
Join the debate
Should comments about female athletes’ looks overshadow their achievements in the sport?
Former UFC fighter Bec Rawlings criticized Rogan for focusing on Ditcheva’s appearance
Ditcheva is unbeaten in 15 fights but had to withdraw from her next one through injury
Ditcheva won’t have a new highlight reel for Rogan to discuss anytime soon, though.
Ditcheva was forced to withdraw from her February 7 fight in Abu Dhabi with an unknown injury.
In her last fight, in Cape Town in July, she broke her left hand on the way to winning against Sumiko Inaba.
Speaking in the cage after her win, she underlined how she was going to be fighting in PFL for years to come but her growing fanbase will have to be patient before they see her fight once again.
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Joe Rogan slammed for ‘pretty girl’ comment about champion fighter Dakota Ditcheva
Reminiscences of the Ghana 1978 Africa Cup of Nations were drawn by President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta – Mbata who believes the best way to exorcise the ghost of Kumasi is for Nigeria to batter Uganda in Fes.
The Nigerians are through to the Round of 16 of the Morocco 2025 edition but the Ugandans need a win to have any hope of making it out of Group C.
In 1978, Cranes defeated Green Eagles 2-1 in the semi finals.
Azuta – Mbata said : “Green Eagles were good enough for their first trophy in 1978 but their dreams crashed when they lost to Cranes. This is payback time. Cranes must be caned. Hosts, Ghana were scared of Nigeria and were lucky to equalise 14 minutes to time through Willie Klutse after Segun Odegbami’s 33rd minute opener.”
That game turned Odegbami to a hero in Ghana. They still scream ‘Mathematical’ anytime he is seen in Accra. The 1-1 draw attracted a capacity crowd of 60,000 spectators, higher than the grand finale turn out of 40, 000.
“Uganda humiliated us,”Mbata added. “Abdulla Nasur’s11th minute shocker began the sad story. Martin Eyo leveled up in the 54th. It took four minutes for Philip Omondi to bury the game with the winning goal.
“That was the Uganda of Moses Nsereko, Captain Jimmy Kirunda, Godfrey Kisutu, Samuel Musenze, Edward Semwanga and keeper Paul Ssali. Sadly, Nsereko was murdered in 1991, around his home in the Kololo area of Kampala, by unknown gunmen”.
Curiously, there is so much between Nigeria and Uganda. The Cranes, like the Super Eagles were known as Red Devils. They have an Uche Ikpeazu in Morocco and were managed by Harrison Okagbue between 1999 and 2001. Long before the former Rangers player, Uganda was led by a coach known as Otto Westerhof.
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Fears Anthony Joshua’s car crash injuries are worse than first thought: Sources say £100m Tyson Fury mega-fight is in the balance amid potential internal injuries and psychological trauma of seeing close friends killed
Anthony Joshua’s car crash injuries are feared to be worse than thought as sources say his £100m Tyson Fury mega-fight now hangs in the balance.
The two-time heavyweight world champion was a passenger in a black Lexus when it ploughed into a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Nigeria.
The deaths of two of his long-term friends – Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele – were confirmed last night, while the vehicle’s other two passengers escaped unharmed.
Local police told Daily Mail Sport yesterday that Joshua sustained only ‘minor’ injuries and is ‘stable’.
However, sources close to the fighter now say they fear the damage could be more severe than publicised.
The possibility of rib and knee injury was floated by an individual in his inner circle, despite Nigerian authorities downplaying the scale of damage to Joshua.
Footage collected at the roadside showed the boxer grimacing in agony as he was helped from the mangled vehicle and moved to a police cruiser.
A representative of Joshua issued a statement on Monday evening confirming the deaths of the boxer’s two team members and ‘close friends’.
The spokesman said: ‘It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele.
Anthony Joshua pictured after the car crash in Nigeria on Monday which killed two people. The star came within inches of death in the crash. His boxing future is now unclear as a result too
An SUV can be seen completely totalled in grim pictures taken by eyewitnesses, while a Mitsubishi believed to be part of Joshua’s convoy sits undamaged just yards away
Footage posted online appears to show former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua, 36, shirtless and looking dazed as he sits in a wrecked Lexus SUV among shattered glass
‘Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team.
‘We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news.
‘Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment, he is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.
‘No further information will be made available at this time.’
Earlier on Monday night officials in Nigeria confirmed to the Daily Mail that Joshua was ‘awake and conscious and had spoken with his family’ after the 36-year-old had been pulled from the wreckage of the crash.
A spokesperson for the Ogun state government told the Daily Mail: ‘Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos.
‘Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time. A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely.
‘Anthony Joshua is conscious and has been in communication with his family.
‘The Governments of Ogun and Lagos States are closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that the affected persons receive the best possible medical care. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident have also commenced.
‘We appreciate the concern shown by members of the public and kindly request privacy for Anthony Joshua and his family at this time.’
Images of the SUV’s crumpled wreckage were released by Nigerian officials, while a Mitsubishi believed to be part of Joshua’s convoy sat undamaged just yards away. A source has said that a local driver had been hired for the trip.
Five people were involved in the collision, with photos revealing how the vehicle was completely destroyed, with the car’s doors ripped out and the roof smashed out of place.
Footage posted online on Monday show the former heavyweight world champion shirtless and looking dazed as he sat in the wrecked vehicle among shattered glass.
Two of the three people who were in the Lexus alongside Joshua died, the boxer miraculously cheated death and was later seen in the front seat of an emergency vehicle speaking to officials.
Joshua pictured with friends Latif Ayodele (centre) and Sina Ghami who both died in the crash
Just last week, Ayodele posted this picture of he and Joshua with the caption: ‘Looking like we just swam back from Miami’
Ghami poses with Joshua earlier this month before his fight against Jake Paul
He looked set to finally face Tyson Fury in 2026 but that heavyweight showdown is in doubt
He fought earlier this month, knocking out Jake Paul but now it is unclear if he will fight again
A truck pictured at the side of the road following the fatal collision in Nigeria on Monday
A large vehicle pictured with a tarpaulin draped over it on Monday afternoon. Five men are believed to have been involved in the crash overall
The stationary truck which the car Anthony Joshua was travelling in hit on Monday morning
The crash, which occurred at midday local time, came just 10 days after he defeated Jake Paul in Miami.
It is understood Joshua had been visiting family in Nigeria as part of a one-week holiday, with a view to resuming training ahead of a fight in late March, most likely in Saudi Arabia against the kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, prior to his proposed showdown against Fury in September or October.
While the exact nature of Joshua’s injuries are currently unknown, it is thought to be highly doubtful that he will be in any shape for a quick ring return. There will also be the question of psychological trauma as the ordeal that killed two other passengers in the same vehicle.
Images indicated it was the non-driver side of the car that collided with the truck on a road 30 miles north-west of Lagos and close to where Joshua attended boarding school as a child. Joshua was in the rear of the car behind the driver’s seat.
Speaking earlier on Monday, promoter Eddie Hearn told Daily Mail Sport: ‘I am away on a family holiday and awoke to the news of this incident. We are trying to contact Anthony and in the meantime we don’t want to speculate on how he is but thankfully he appears OK from what I have seen in the images. We are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course.’
Preliminary findings from an investigation have indicated Joshua’s vehicle was travelling in excess of the speed limit and then ‘lost control’ while overtaking another vehicle, according to local authorities.
CP Lanre Ogunlowo, Commissioner of Ogun State Police, told Daily Mail Sport: ‘I can confirm an accident occurred and Anthony Joshua has been taken to hospital.
‘It happened on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. 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 hospital.’
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps released images of the crash site, including one that depicted what appeared to be a large pool of blood next to the destroyed Lexus. In a statement they said five people were involved in the crash and added: ‘Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.
‘Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road.
‘The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways.’
The speed limit around the crash area is 50mph.
An eyewitness told Punch newspaper: ‘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. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash.
‘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 had posted a story on his Instagram account just hours before the crash, where he is seen topless in a video playing table tennis with his long-time friend Ayodele
Joshua is pictured with his entourage in Nigeria at the beginning of this year, with the Lexus involved in the crash in the background
A relative of Anthony Joshua, who asked not to be named, told the BBC they were in ‘shock’ upon hearing the news.
‘We are hoping for his speedy recovery and also the people who passed away – I pray for the departed to rest in peace,’ they said.
‘He’s normally coming around for the new year. We haven’t seen him so we were expecting him.’
Joshua had posted a story on his Instagram account just hours before the crash, where he was seen topless in a video playing table tennis with his long-time friend Kevin Ayodele.
He accompanied the clip with the message: ‘@healthy_mindset dishing out table tennis smoke.’
Joshua, who has an outline of the Nigerian borders tattooed on his right shoulder, has long celebrated his ancestry within the African nation. He has roots in Sagamu, in the south-west of Nigeria, and attended a boarding school in Ikenne, 53 miles from where the crash occurred. Daily Mail Sport understands member of Joshua’s immediate family was at his bedside in hospital on Monday.
Responding to the news, Jake Paul posted on social media: ‘Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.’
Joshua is yet to comment publicly.
Cranes of Uganda striker Uche Ikpeazu has said he does not know whether he will celebrate if he score against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, in Tuesday’s Group C Africa Cup of Nations match.
Ikpeazu, 30, was born in Harrow, London to a Nigerian father who is from Delta State and a Ugandan mother.
A former Reading Academy player, Ikpeazu joined Watford in 2013. He spent three years with the club without making a first-team appearance. Instead, he played on loan at Crewe Alexandra, Doncaster Rovers, Port Vale, and Blackpool.
He signed with Cambridge United in August 2016 and spent two seasons with the club before signing with Heart of Midlothian in April 2018. He played for Hearts as they lost the 2019 Scottish Cup final.
Ikpeazu was called up to the Uganda squad by former head coach Johnathan McKinstry for two 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches in March 2020, but the games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda.
He made his full international debut on 5 September 2025, appearing as a substitute in a 4–0 win against Mozambique.
Also Read: AFCON 2025: We’re Not Afraid Of Super Eagles — Uganda Captain Obita
He scored Uganda’s goal in their 1-1 draw with Tanzania last Saturday.
For Uganda to stand a chance of making it to the round of 16, they must beat the Super Eagles who have already qualified.
Asked, at Uganda’s training, if he will celebrate scoring against the three-time AFCON champions, Ikpeazu said:”In football sometimes your emotions get the better of you so I don’t know but I will see how it goes but I don’t have any plans celebration or anything like that.
“If I score that would be wonderful but the most important thing is to get the three points.”
On what it means to him playing and also scoring at the AFCON:”Playing and also scoring in the AFCON is amazing because considering last season I was out for almost a year and I had to work extremely hard to get back.
“You want to play at the highest level possible and obviously you know I have overcome so much trials and tribulations and to play in the Africa Cup of Nations has been a dream of mine.
“It’s amazing but I have a lot of dreams to progress into the next round, I don’t want the journey to finish I feel like it’s just getting started.”
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco
SPORT
Luke Littler turns on Ally Pally crowd after being booed: Darts star, 18, survives scare to reach last eight then goads fans with ‘prize money’ jibe
Luke Littler goaded the Alexandra Palace crowd after surviving a scare to reach the World Championship quarter-finals on Monday night.
The defending champion, 18, saw off Rob Cross 4-2 in a tricky last-16 clash in which he was booed by some sections of the crowd.
‘I’m not bothered, really I’m not bothered.’ he said when asked about the brickbats after the match. ‘Can I just say one thing? You guys paid for tickets and you’re paying for my prize money – so thank you for my money. Thank you for booing me! Come on!’
The world No1 admitted to Sky that the atmosphere was ‘hostile’ and claimed ‘nobody wanted me to win’ after he had celebrated his win emotionally by gesturing animatedly towards fans.
The 2018 world champion Cross, who has dropped to 17 in the world, was throwing to level the match at 3-3 but Littler turned the set around, winning the final two legs.
He racked up 17 180s in the win and averaged over 106 to Cross’s 98, but those numbers did not tell the full story of a tense encounter.
Luke Littler gestures to fans during his post-match interview with Sky’s Emma Paton
Littler will now return on New Year’s Day for a last-eight showdown with either Luke Woodhouse or Krzysztof Ratajski.
It remains to be seen what reception he will get after Monday’s display, but he is guaranteed at least £100,000 for reaching the quarter-finals again – with a £1million payday if he can successfully defend his title.
Littler burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old two years ago, stunning the sporting world and earning £200,000 for reaching the final, before going on to win the event – and land a £500,000 jackpot – last year.
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Luke Littler turns on Ally Pally crowd after being booed: Darts star, 18, survives scare to reach last eight then goads fans with ‘prize money’ jibe
Former Liverpool striker Ian Rush has opened up about a harrowing health scare which left him fearing for his life.
Rush, an all-time record goalscorer, has revealed he feared for his life after collapsing at home earlier this month, speaking candidly about the experience via BBC Sport.
“I did think the worst and thought this could be it. I couldn’t breathe.
“It was very difficult and I’m fortunate the NHS helped me; there were a couple of times where I thought I may not be here (for much longer). But I’m feeling stronger and much better now.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: We’re Not Afraid Of Super Eagles — Uganda Captain Obita
“It was a terrifying experience. I thought it was the end because I couldn’t breathe, and I went into a panic attack. Carol was brilliant. She helped me with my breathing, which gave me more time as we waited for the ambulance to come,” he said.
Rush also spoke on the support from his wife Carol and Liverpool FC who supporters him as he recovered.
“Carol stayed by my bedside every night without fail,’ he added. “Liverpool Football Club were fantastic and provided the support and love which made everything so much better.
“They are a family club after all, and that’s what counts in times like this. LFC went above and beyond.”
SPORT
Anthony Joshua’s best friends killed in Nigeria car crash: Coach and personal trainer both die in crash that put boxer in hospital – just hours after one was filmed playing ping pong with the star
Two of Anthony Joshua’s closest friends have been named as the two men who have died in the car crash which left the two-time world heavyweight champion injured in Nigeria.
Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both long-time friends of Joshua, were killed after the Lexus SUV they were all travelling in smashed into a stationary truck shortly after 11am today on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Makun.
Images of the SUV’s crumpled wreckage were released by Nigerian officials, while a Mitsubishi believed to be part of Joshua’s convoy sat undamaged just yards away.
Joshua – who was sat behind the driver’s seat – miraculously cheated death and was later seen being pulled from the wreckage, appearing dazed and wincing in pain.
Tragically, his strength and conditioning coach, Mr Ghami, and trainer, Mr Ayodele, did not survive. Two other men escaped unhurt.
A representative of Joshua issued a statement this evening confirming the deaths of the boxer’s two team members and ‘close friends’.
The spokesman said: ‘It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele.
‘Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team.
Anthony Joshua is pictured with friends Latif Ayodele (centre) and Sina Ghami (right) who both died in the crash
Just five days ago, Ayodele posted this picture of he and Joshua with the caption: ‘Looking like we just swam back from Miami’
Joshua had posted a clip of him playing table tennis with his long-time friend Latif Ayodele just hours before the crash
‘We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news.
‘Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment, he is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.
‘No further information will be made available at this time.’
Just hours before the crash, a shirtless Joshua had posted a video of him playing table tennis with Mr Ayodele.
The former world champion, whose parents are both Nigerian, shared a story to his 18 million followers on Instagram at 9.30am local time (8.30am GMT), where he appeared happy as he rallied with his close friend.
Joshua, who is understood to have been on his way to see family to celebrate the New Year, accompanied the clip with the message: ‘@healthy_mindset [Mr Ayodele] dishing out table tennis smoke.’
It is unclear when the footage was taken but it was posted just an hour and a half before Mr Ayodele and Mr Ghami were killed in the same car Joshua was in.
Mr Ghami had also shared a heartbreaking story last night where he ate a Persian meal with a friend and smiled as he said: ‘One life.’ This morning, he posted a picture of a Mitsubishi, which was part of Joshua’s convoy.
Ghami poses with Joshua earlier this month before his fight against Jake Paul
Ayodele posted a video of himself (right) and Sina (left) arriving in Nigeria before the fatal crash
Mr Ayodele, a personal trainer who goes by the name Healthy Mindset online, is understood to be a long-standing friend of Joshua’s – with their friendship stretching back before the start of the champion boxer’s career.
He featured Joshua in his first post on Instagram in 2015 to mark his friend’s first world title win against Charles Martin.
Mr Ayodele was born Kevin Ayodele, though he later converted to Islam and went by the name Abdul ‘Latz’ Latif.
A keen sportsman, Mr Ayodele played football for Aylesbury United, Tooting & Mitcham United, Hillingdon Borough, AFC Hayes, Chalfont Wasps and Northwood.
Mr Ghami, Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach, also featured Joshua in his first post on Instagram.
The photo depicts the pair together in 2017 just before Joshua’s triumph against Ukrainian legend Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley.
Mr Ghami, also in his 30s, was often seen in the gym with Joshua and was in the boxer’s corner for his successful fight with Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
The trainer had shared a photo this morning of himself with Joshua at the airport in Lagos shortly after arriving in Nigeria.
Five men were involved in the collision in total, Nigerian road safety officials said this afternoon.
The Ogun State Government confirmed the two fatalities were ‘foreign nationals’. ‘Preliminary reports indicate that two male foreign nationals died on the spot,’ they said. ‘Their remains have since been deposited at the Livewell Morgue in Sagamu.’
An Foreign Office spokesperson said: ‘We are urgently investigating reports of a road incident in Nigeria involving at least one British national and stand ready to offer consular assistance, if requested. Our thoughts are with those affected, and their families.’
Swedish boxing champion Badou Jack paid tribute to Mr Ayodele, sharing several photos of the pair with the caption: ‘Still in shock…May Allah forgive you for your shortcomings and grant you the highest level of paradise.’
Another friend, Ali Alman, wrote: ‘This one hit me hard!!! All I have is precious memories left with you both, this life is way too short. I can’t believe this news. May Allah bless your souls my brothers.’
Tagging Mr Ghami and Mr Ayodele, he added: ‘Today we lost 2 very special souls.’
Joshua’s former strength and conditioning coach, Rob Madden, said he was in ‘shock’, adding: ‘Two incredible men gone far too soon… I will miss you both. The energy you brought. The presence. The way you treated people. Rest in peace brothers. Thank you for the time, the memories, and the impact you made on all of us.’
And Chris Eubank Jr tweeted: ‘Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz & Sina & their families. I knew both… they were genuinely good men. Rest in Peace boys.’
Authorities said the SUV is believed to have been travelling ‘beyond the legally prescribed speed limit’ and lost control while making ‘an overtaking manoeuvre’, before crashing into a truck parked on the side of the road.
The Daily Mail understands the car’s tyre burst when it swerved and hit the truck.
CP Lanre Ogunlowo, Commissioner of Ogun State Police, said: ‘I can confirm an accident occurred and Anthony Joshua has been taken to hospital.’
He added: ‘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 hospital.’
A friend of the star said that ‘he’s okay but badly shaken up’.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn told Daily Mail Sport: ‘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.
‘We are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course.’
David Meshioye, of the Nigerian Guardian, told the Daily Mail: ‘It was a very bad accident and we have spoken to several people at the scene.
‘Anthony Joshua was on his way to visit family as part of his holiday here in Nigeria. Two people were killed in the accident and they were both British we understand.
‘Anthony was taken to a local private hospital with the driver by his security team who were provided by the Nigerian government and we are waiting further news.’
An SUV can be seen completely totalled in grim pictures taken by eyewitnesses, while a Mitsubishi believed to be part of Anthony Joshua’s convoy sits undamaged just yards away
Joshua pictured after the car crash in Nigeria on Monday which killed two people. The star came within inches of death in the crash
Footage posted online appears to show former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua, 36, shirtless and looking dazed as he sits in a wrecked Lexus SUV among shattered glass
Later, in a statement shared with the Daily Mail, the Ogun State Government gave new details on the accident.
A spokesperson said: ‘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.
‘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 sport utility vehicle conveying the occupants was said to have rammed into a stationary truck along the expressway.
‘While the severely damaged vehicle has been evacuated to the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division (MTD) office, efforts are ongoing to tow the truck involved to the same location to facilitate a comprehensive investigation.
‘The Ogun State Government describes the incident as deeply unfortunate and painful, particularly with the loss of precious lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical care.
‘Our hearts go out to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident, which the State considers a devastating loss.
‘As we mourn collectively, we pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the speedy recovery of the injured. May Almighty God grant the families left behind the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.’
He is later seen sitting in the front seat of an emergency vehicle, speaking to officials. The star cheated death in a horror car crash in Nigeria on Monday, escaping with minor injuries while two other passengers were killed
A truck pictured at the side of the road following the fatal collision in Nigeria on Monday
A large vehicle pictured with a tarpaulin draped over it on Monday afternoon. Five men are believed to have been involved in the crash overall
The stationary truck which the car Anthony Joshua was travelling in hit on Monday morning
An eyewitness told Punch newspaper: ‘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. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash.
‘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.’
The heavyweight has family roots in Sagamu, a town in Ogun State, Nigeria, and has a tattoo of Africa on his right shoulder.
He is believed to have been on holiday and on the way to see relatives when the accident occurred.
A relative of Anthony Joshua, who asked not to be named, told the BBC they were in ‘shock’ upon hearing the news.
‘We are hoping for his speedy recovery and also the people who passed away – I pray for the departed to rest in peace,’ they said.
‘He’s normally coming around for the new year. We haven’t seen him so we were expecting him.’
Joshua had posted a story on his Instagram account four hours ago, where he is seen topless in a video playing table tennis with his long-time friend Latif Ayodele.
He accompanied the clip with the message: ‘@healthy_mindset dishing out table tennis smoke.’
A picture of a truck which was posted on Instagram by his strength and conditioning coach before the group set off
Joshua is pictured with his entourage in Nigeria at the beginning of this year, with the Lexus involved in the crash in the background
Joshua was expected to fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in February next year after his sixth-round knockdown of YouTuber Jake Paul in Miami this month.
He had flown back to Britain after his knockout victory before his pre-planned trip to Nigeria where he was expected to stay for a week.
Joshua pocketed a reported £70million from his fight with Paul, which was viewed by more than 30 million people on Netflix.
The father-of-one, as expected, emerged triumphant – breaking his opponent’s jaw in two places ahead of the final knock-out, although later said he should have won sooner.
Joshua gave Paul credit while speaking to reporters after his victory, admitting it took him ‘a bit longer than expected’ to stop the American.
‘It wasn’t the best performance,’ he said.
‘The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him. That has been the request and that was on my mind. Took a bit longer than expected but the right hand found the destination.
‘Jake Paul has done really well tonight, I want to give him his props. He got up, time and time again. It was difficult in there for him, but he kept on trying to find a way through.
‘You have to give Jake his respect for trying, trying and trying. But he came up against a real fighter tonight that’s had a 15-month lay-off.’
Joshua and his promoter Hearn also looked ahead to the future, urging Tyson Fury to sign on the dotted line and set-up arguably the biggest fight in British boxing history.
Fury is expected to come out of retirement next year after stepping away from the sport when he suffered a second consecutive loss to Oleksandr Usyk in May 2024.
Hearn said: ‘We want the Tyson Fury fight of course. That’s the fight, the biggest fight.
‘We can do that, by the way, straight away. No interim fights. If Tyson’s ready and AJ is ready, we don’t have to fight in February or March. I think he’s saying eight weeks, 24 hours to sign a contract.’
Before Joshua added: ‘The best promoter in the world has been speaking with Turki [Al-Sheikh], His Excellency, Riyadh Season, and now he’s going to relay those messages and speak to my training team.
‘I’m a strong guy. I want to push on – but the coaches, it’s really up to them, they’re the ones that guide me. Fighters will always fight, coaches are there to guide us.
‘They know what I’ve been through over the x amount of weeks I’ve been with them so it’s up to them to make a decision. They’re going to speak with Eddie, and then hopefully in a week or so, I’ll have some news.’