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I almost quit football because of parents’ death – Nwabali
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has revealed the immense grief he faced after losing both his parents, admitting that he even considered quitting football.
In an emotional interview with ACL Sport on Wednesday, Nwabali said, “Most times I feel like quitting, you know? I feel like quitting because of my mom and dad. My mom was so dear to me. It’s really painful, man. Really painful to be talking about my mom today.”
He reflected on the depth of his loss, adding, “It really hurts. It’s not a nice feeling for any human being to lose both parents at the same time. I’ve tried not to dwell on it, but here I am. It’s very difficult.”
Nwabali lost his mother on January 1, 2025, just a month after his father passed away.
Despite the unimaginable loss, he credited his teammates for helping him cope and continue his football career.
“I remember talking to my captain about wanting to leave football. But with the help of some of my teammates, I keep going. It really hurts, but I’m standing here playing football,” he said.
Uche Ikpeazu is rooting for the Super Eagles to win the title at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reports Completesports.com.
Ikpeazu featured in Uganda’s 3-1 defeat to Nigeria in Fès on Tuesday night.
The Cranes of Uganda were eliminated from the competition following the defeat.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: EXCLUSIVE – What Nigerians Should Expect From Us In The Knockout Round –Obasogie
The striker, who was born to a Nigerian father has backed the three-time African champions to emerge champions in Morocco.
“I’ll be supporting Nigeria to win the AFCON. They’re a special group – very tight-knit,” he told reporters.
“I’ve been in their changing room, chatting with them, and they are very humble. The togetherness is there.
“Uganda is an amazing national team, and I love my Ugandan side and my culture here. Sadly, we’re out of the competition, but I wish Nigeria the very best.”
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Fresh crisis for Patriots as Christian Barmore is hit with domestic assault charge a day after Stefon Diggs was accused of ‘strangling’ woman
New England Patriots star Christian Barmore has been charged with one count of assault and battery on a family/household member.
According to documents filed in Attleborough District Court, the misdemeanor charge relates to an incident that took place in Mansfield, Massachusetts on August 8.
However, the criminal complaint was issued on December 16 and Barmore is due to be arraigned on February 3, just five days before the Super Bowl.
Barmore was a second-round NFL draft pick in 2021 out of Alabama and is in year two of a four-year, $83million extension that he agreed to in 2024.
In the court documents it is claimed that the victim had been in a relationship with the 6ft 5, 315lbs defensive end.
The court filing alleges that Barmore, 26, became angry with the victim over the temperature of the air conditioning in his bedroom. They also are said to have argued over food.
Christian Barmore has been charged with one count of assault and battery on a family/household member
Barmore was a second-round NFL draft pick in 2021 and is in the midst of an $83m contract
The victim is alleged to have told police that Barmore grabbed the victim’s phone out of her hands as she tried to leave the property.
The filing claims she ‘intended to open the door and scream for help’ but Barmore, who was diagnosed with blood clots last year, ‘grabbed her before she could and threw her to the floor’.
The court documents then show the victim claims Barmore grabbed her by the shirt ‘in the area of the neck’ and she tried to get back to her feet but eventually released her.
Court documents also show that an email was sent from the victim to police on December 4 that states she does not want to move forward with charges.
A team statement read: ‘The New England Patriots are aware of reports regarding a pending February arraignment involving Christian Barmore, which stems from an alleged domestic incident that occurred in August.
‘The Patriots were made aware at the time of the incident and informed the NFL in a timely manner.
‘The matter remains part of an ongoing legal process. We will respect that process, continue to monitor the situation closely, as we have over the past few months, and cooperate fully with the league. We will have no further comment at this time.’
Head coach Mike Vrabel is expected to speak at 1:10pm on Wednesday.
It comes less than 24 hours after his teammate Stefon Diggs was hit with charges of felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery after an alleged incident with a personal chef.
The wide receiver, who is dating and shares a child with rapper Cardi B, is accused of slapping and choking the woman during a financial argument at his mansion in the Boston suburb of Dedham on December 2.
According to the incident report, provided to the Daily Mail, the woman said he entered her unlocked bedroom, grabbed her from behind and ‘tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.’
Stefon Diggs was hit with charges of felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery
Diggs is pictured with girlfriend Cardi B in courtside seats at Madison Square Garden in May
She told police on December 16 she feared she ‘could have blacked out,’ before being thrown down on to the bed by Diggs. The accuser initially hesitated to identify Diggs to police ‘due to his fame,’ according to the incident report.
Diggs, 32, is set to be arraigned on January 23 – days before the AFC Championship is scheduled to be played.
Legal problems involving two of the team’s biggest names threatens to derail a remarkable season for the Patriots.
Under head coach Mike Vrabel and powered by quarterback Drake Maye, the Patriots have already clinched a playoff berth entering the final week of the NFL season and look primed for a Super Bowl spot.
Back in October 2024, Barmore publicly apologized for accusing police of racism after he was stopped in Providence.
A partially redacted incident report provided to Daily Mail at the time revealed that Barmore was stopped for a traffic violation in the early hours of the morning.
Barmore was accused of operating an unregistered vehicle, failing to display plates properly, and driving with an expired registration.
He tweeted soon after accusing the police of being racist but, taking to social media, he quickly took those remarks back after bodycam footage was made public.
Barmore publicly apologized for accusing police of racism after he was stopped last October
Barmore claimed five officers stopped him in what he described as ‘racism at it’s (sic) finest’
‘A few days have gone by since the incident with the Providence police and I have had a chance to deeply reflect on my behavior,’ he wrote.
‘I want everyone to know that I’m sorry and I take full accountability for my actions. I apologize to the Providence Police Department , my teammates, and my family.
‘My mother was a police officer and I understand the pressures related to their job. Which I didn’t make any easier by reacting in the manner that I did. I am using this as an opportunity to learn and do better.
‘I have already met with members of the Providence Police Department to apologize in person.
‘It is my hope that they accept my sincere apology. That meeting is just the first step of many that I am taking on the route to self improvement.’
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has sent a message of condolence to Nigerian-British boxer, Anthony Joshua, who recently survived a deadly car crash that killed two people in Nigeria.
Recall that the accident occurred on Monday when a Lexus SUV transporting Joshua collided with a parked truck near Sinoma, before Danco, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ogun State Sector Command, later ascribed the cause of the crash to over speeding and wrongful overtaking.
Reacting to the development, Osimhen, who is currently with the Super Eagles squad at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, tournament in Morocco, said it was devastating news.
The Galatasaray striker also sent his thoughts to Joshua and condoled the bereaved families. He’s been one of the huge celebrities that has put Nigeria on the [World] map,” Osimhen said via Pooja Media.
“I think he’s done it for so many years. Hearing something like this, I think it affected a lot of us Nigerians.
“Condolences to the families of the deceased. It’s not a beautiful thing to lose a life in such a crazy manner. My thoughts are with him.”
Ahead of the round of 16 fixtures, Amas Obasogie has assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles will give more than what they gave in the group stage of the 2025 AFCON.
The Super Eagles picked up three wins from three matches in Group C to book a place in the first knock out round.
Obasogie, who has not tasted action in Morocco stated that it is going to be a different Super Eagles in the knockout phase.
Also Read: AFCON 2025: I’m Impressed With Alebiosu’s Performance Vs Uganda –Ex-International
“The group stage performance was top notch we played to the instructions of the coach,” Obasogie told Completesports.com. “From the players we are in top form a d everyone is putting their effort and we are looking forward to the second round. We were tested in every game but there was no tension for us as we were able to deliver.
“The round of 16 is a different tournament and we are going to give more than what we gave in the group stage. We will not underrate any team, whoever comes our way we will give more than what we gave in the group stage.
“We are hoping for good results as we have always trained hard ans hopefully we will see ourselves in the final.”
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has admitted he sometimes feels like quitting football due to the loss of both parents.
Nwabali revealed this while speaking with ACL Sports.
The Chippa United stopper lost his mother only two months after his father passed away.
“My mom died around two o’clock today,” he said.
“So, on how I try to keep a lot of things to myself, try to move on, try to be a stronger guy I was.”
Nwabali also said the pain of his grief almost pushed him to leave the sport.
He added: “Most times I feel like quitting, you know? I feel like quitting because, yeah, you know, mom and dad, but my mom is so dear to me.
“Really, it’s so painful, man. It’s really so painful to be talking about my mom today, bro.”
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has rated Gabriel Jesus as a better player than Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal.
The Gunners are five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table after their 4-1 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday night.
Despite starting the game, Gyokeres failed to get on the score sheet while Jesus got Arsenal’s fourth goal of the game after making an appearance from the bench.
In a chat with Sky Sports, Carragher stated that Jesus has been more effective in the attack for Arsenal than Gyokeres.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: I’m Impressed With Alebiosu’s Performance Vs Uganda –Ex-International
“The one negative out of tonight for Arsenal is that Gyokeres should not be starting, when they have players like this. In a couple of games time, when Jesus is a bit more up to speed, he should be starting. He’s a better player than Gyokeres – that’s a fact.
“There’s been questions in the past asking if (Jesus) is good enough for Arsenal to go and win the league. But right now, he’s better than the guy they brought in who they thought was going to win them the league.
“Havertz or him as the central striker is a better player than Gyokeres. He lacks finesse and quality when you think of what they’ve got on the bench. I think Arsenal need to improve on Gyokeres and they’ve got players that can in Jesus.”
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Pep Guardiola in bizarre clash with Sky Sports reporter: Man City boss bites back and claims channel ‘put on screen the complete opposite of what I say’ after banning their questions
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola took aim at Sky Sports by suggesting that the broadcaster misrepresent his words.
The Catalan’s displeasure with the Premier League’s largest TV partner has been a long running theme throughout a decade in charge but has become more pronounced in recent weeks.
Sky were banned from asking questions at one media briefing in December, a decision thought to have been taken by Guardiola after viewing footage on their rolling news channel.
When responding to a question on City’s ongoing move for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, the 54-year-old sarcastically made a point about the TV behemoth during a press conference beamed live.
‘You are from Sky, right? OK, good,’ Guardiola said. ‘I have to be careful what I say. After that, it is completely the opposite (of) what you write and put on the screen.
‘That is why I said yesterday before and the day of the game – the transfer window is completely closed right now.’
Pep Guardiola clashed with a Sky Sports reporter during the Man City’s boss’ latest press conference
Guardiola suggested that the broadcaster misrepresent his words when he responded to a question about Man City’s interest in Bournemouth star Antonie Semenyo
City are looking to finalise a £65million deal for Semenyo in the coming days, with Oscar Bobb in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund over a loan and potential £30m permanent switch.
Guardiola takes City to Sunderland on New Year’s Day, with the Black Cats unbeaten at the Stadium of Light all season since promotion from the Championship.
The possibility of Rodri featuring has been talked up, the Spaniard on the comeback trail after playing just one minute of football since the start of October.
Pressed on the title race, Guardiola added: ‘A few weeks ago it was just Arsenal, two days ago it was three (with City and Aston Villa) and now two so we will see.
‘Sunderland are so tough. I remember in my first season when I went there the crowd was unbelievable. They have beaten Newcastle, plus Arsenal and Aston Villa could not win there. It will be really difficult but at the same time we are ready.’
Pep GuardiolaManchester City
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Pep Guardiola in bizarre clash with Sky Sports reporter: Man City boss bites back and claims channel ‘put on screen the complete opposite of what I say’ after banning their questions
The Super Eagles were back in training on Wednesday morning following Tuesday’s clash with the Cranes of Uganda, DAILY POST reports.
The West Africans defeated Paul Put’s side 3-1 in their last group game in Fès.
Victor Osimhen, who captained the team on the night, Ryan Alebiosu and Cyriel Dessers missed the brief session.
Alebiosu sustained an injury in the clash with Uganda, while Dessers is suffering from a knee problem.
Osimhen was rested to keep him fresh for the task ahead.
The Super Eagles are expected to observe New Year Day (Thursday) as a rest day.
They are still awaiting their Round of 16 opponents, who will be known later on Wednesday night.
Nigeria will face either Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon or Mozambique in Fes next week Monday.
Ryan Alebiosu is facing one month out after suffering a serious injury in his debut game for the Super Eagles in Tuesday’s AFCON 2025 Group C fixture with Uganda.
Alebiosu made his debut for the Super Eagles in their 3-1 win against Uganda, making the starting line-up.
The Blackburn Rovers star suffered the injury after he pushed into the advertising board by a Uganda player in the first half.
After laying on the ground for some minutes he was back on his feet and played the full 90 minutes.
It was later reported that he suffered a deep cut to his right leg as a result of the collision.
In a chat with Completesports.com the team’s media officer Promise Efoghe said the injury is severe and Alebiosu, who is in the hospital, could be out for one month.
Also Read: AFCON 2025: Chukwueze Deserves Gift From Me — Onyedika
Meanwhile, Cyriel Dessers has a thigh problem and is expected to undergo a scan today (Wednesday).
The Olympiacos striker is yet to feature in this year’s AFCON for the Super Eagles who finished top of Group C with nine points.
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco
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Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis tie the knot in Aussie sport’s wedding of the year as Matildas stars stun in all-black outfits
Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis have tied the knot in a glamorous ceremony in Perth, Australia, with some big names from the world of women’s football all arriving to celebrate their special day.
The ceremony got underway at 5.30pm (AWST) at the magnificent Venetian estate, Villa Dionysus, which is situated just 23km from Perth’s CBD.
Kristie, 34, looked stunning wearing a sparkling wedding gown that featured a white lace corset that finished at her thigh. The corset was overlaid with a transparent dress that featured seams of sparkly material running down the length of the dress.
Sam also dazzled, wearing an all-black tuxedo, which was complete with a white boutonniere.
The happy couple held hands and gazed lovingly into each other’s eyes as they recited their vows in front of a large crowd of over 100 guests at the stunning Swan Valley venue.
Prior to the ceremony the 32-year-old Matildas striker had stayed at the Crown Towers hotel, just a 30-minute drive from the wedding venue.
She walked out of the lobby alongside her dad, Roger, with guests also seen leaving the hotel and heading to the venue via a coach.
Sam Kerr (right) and Kristie Mewis (left) have tied the knot in a glamorous ceremony in Perth, with big names from the world of women’s football all arriving to celebrate their big day
Mewis and Kerr stood face to face and recited their vows, but in a heartwarming moment, the former West Ham United star appeared to touch the Matildas skipper on the arm
Kristie, 34, looked stunning wearing a sparkling wedding gown that featured a white lace corset that finished at her thigh. The corset was overlaid with a transparent dress that featured seams of sparkly material running down the length of the dress
As part of the dress code, guests all wore black outfits, with Sam’s Matildas team-mate Emily Van Egmond, who got married earlier this year, also seen wearing a black tuxedo complete with a bow tie.
Steph Catley walked alongside her towards the coach, with the Arsenal defender also dazzling in a simple, yet glamorous, black, strapless dress.
A host of Matildas stars also joined them on the bus, with Alanna Kennedy wearing a black pair of trousers with a corset that had a keyhole cut out around her midriff.
She was seen chatting to Mackenzie Arnold, who similarly wore a black pair of trousers and a black dinner vest.
Guests were seen watching on as the happy couple recited their wedding vows.
Sam turned to face Kristie, before bowing her head and holding her partner’s hands.
The pair grinned at each other as the ceremony continued, with the former West Ham United star also appearing to touch her beau on the arm in a show of affection.
Prior to the wedding
Members of the wedding party gathered around on the terraces supping on glasses of champagne, with a group of Sam’s Matildas team-mates all seen chatting as they congregated in the shade of the Perth sunshine.
Located in the Swan Valley, just 30 minutes east of Perth, Villa Dionysus is a simply sensational venue, with the manor house, that is situated on a seven-acre plot of land, with its design being inspired by an 18th-century Venetian villa.
In March 2021, the manor was sold for a figure of between $2,278,000 and $3,240,000 and later underwent major refurbishment works.
The stately home, which has four master suites, is surrounded by some of Western Australia’s best vineyards. Inside the villa, guests are greeted with a magnificent foyer and lobby, which exudes grandeur.
Villa Dionysus also boasts a theatre room, wine cellar, library, a state-of-the-art kitchen and a swimming pool. There is also a guest house on the property that boasts an open-plan living arrangement.
Sam had dropped a bombshell during her high-profile court case this year that the pair had planned to get married in December and that they had been expecting a baby boy.
The Matildas star and her partner are understood to have first crossed paths while playing for competing clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States in 2019.
Sam had been playing for the Chicago Red Stars at the time, while Kristie was playing for Houston Dash.
However, as Sam explained in 2023, the pair were unable to meet up for a first date for three months, due to Covid restrictions.
The ceremony got underway at 5.30pm (AWST) at the magnificent Venetian estate, Villa Dionysus, which is situated just 23km from Perth’s CBD
Sam had dropped the bombshell that the couple were due to be married earlier this year during her high-profile court case in London
Kerr (right) beamed from ear-to-ear as she stunned in an all black tuxedo complete with a white boutonniere
Prior to the ceremony, Kerr had stayed at the Crown Towers hotel, just a 30-minute drive from the wedding venue
Mewis and Kerr first met back in 2019, when they crossed paths while playing football in America
The happy couple grinned and gazed into each other’s eyes as they recited their vows
It’s been a rollercoaster few years for the Chelsea striker, who has bounced back from an ACL injury, appeared in court, got engaged, became a mum and today got married
On a sunny 25-degree day in Perth, members of the wedding party gathered outside the venue, including multiple Matildas stars (Pictured right, Mackenzie Arnold), to cheers the happy couple
Guests wore all-black outfits as they mingled in the Western Australia sunshine
After the ceremony, the Matildas stars were seen chatting next to an outdoor chandalier (Mackenzie Arnold, right, Emily Van Egmond, centre)
They then proceeded to make their way to another area of the luxurious venue
Prior to the wedding, Mewis had described the venue as ‘beautiful’ stating that they had first seen the venue two-and-a-half years ago when they first got engaged
Kerr (pictured) stayed overnight in the Crown Towers hotel in Perth, along with her family and wedding party
Several of Sam’s Matildas team-mates were seen departing via coaches to the Villa Dionysus venue, where Kerr and Mewis were married (Pictured: R-L Mackenzie Arnold, Alanna Kennedy, Caitlin Foord and Katie McCabe)
During her high-profile court case in London, the Chelsea star took to the stand to give evidence and spoke on her relationship with Kristie, stating that the former West Ham star had ‘slid into her DMs’.
It wasn’t until several months later that the two were able to meet after they had first begun talking.
The pair subsequently fell head over heels for each other and a few years later, Sam and Kristie would both attend the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Their relationship had not been publicly revealed at the time, but rumours had been swirling that the two had been dating.
Australia and the US National Team would both be knocked out in the semi-finals of the tournament and would face each other in the bronze medal final.
The Matildas would suffer a 4-3 defeat during the match, and there were heartbreaking scenes at full-time with Sam dropping to her haunches, gutted by the defeat.
Kristie was then seen comforting the heartbroken Aussie striker in the middle of the field.
Not long after that, Sam took to Instagram to confirm the rumours, with the Australian publishing a snap of Kristie sitting on her lap while the pair shared a kiss. Their relationship would blossom with the smitten couple going on to share insights into their lives, with Kristie taking to Instagram later that year to wish her beau a happy birthday.
Villa Dionysus is located 23km away from the Perth CBD. It is an 18th-century Venetian manor that rests on approximately 6.9 acres of land
Kerr’s dad Roger (pictured second from left) was seen accompanying her as she left the hotel
Alanna Kennedy (centre) stunned wearing a black pair of trousers with a corset that had a keyhole cut out around her midriff
Kennedy (left) was seen chatting to Mackenzie Arnold (right) who similarly wore a pair of black trousers along with a black dinner jacket
Steph Catley (pictured) walked alongside her towards the coach, with the Arsenal defender also dazzling in a simple, yet glamorous, black, strapless dress
Matildas midfielder Emily Van Egmond (centre), who also got married at the end of last year, looked suave as she donned a black tuxedo and a pair of black shades
Van Egmond (right) and her partner Kat Thompson, who was not seen arriving with guests, recently announced the heartwarming news that they had welcomed a baby girl
Caitlin Foord and Katie McCabe (pictured left and right) watched on as guests boarded the coach
‘[She’s] my biggest supporter, always listening to me nag and complain, all of my crazy antics,’ she said.
In November 2024, the couple announced that they were expecting a baby boy, with their son, Jagger, being born in May 2025.
‘Our little man is here, Jagger Mewis-Kerr,’ the pair wrote on Instagram.
The couple, who live in London, have been candid in sharing snaps of their lives as new parents, with Sam and Kristie seen taking Jagger out for walks around the UK capital.
Sam recently opened up on what parenting is like, stating that it hasn’t changed her perspective on football, but her life at home is now a little different from what it once was.
‘I still love the game and I’m all in when I’m there. But it has changed my home life. When I come home, I’m not watching clips of myself anymore. I have better separation now, and it’s been healthy,’ she told the CBA Newsroom.
Kristie shared snaps of herself getting ready for their pre-wedding drinks reception on Tuesday, publishing a snap of herself holding her baby boy.
She revealed that while her boy was a little too young to have a role at the wedding, he would be walking down the aisle with his mum Sam, with the pair set to wear matching outfits.
On Tuesday, Kristie (pictured) and Sam appeared to host a drinks reception for their guests
The footballers are very candid when it comes to sharing insights into their lives on social media
The Matildas star and her partner are understood to have first crossed paths while playing for competing clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States in 2019
‘I feel like he [Jagger] is a little bit too young to have a role but Sam is going to walk with him down the aisle, which is very, very sweet,’ she said on the Mewis Squared podcast.
‘That is going to be gut-wrenching for me, I will sob when that happens.
‘He’s probably going to be wearing a little matching outfit with her, it’s going to be absolutely adorable so he’s just chilling for the ceremony.’
While Sam ends 2025 on a happy note, the Chelsea striker has endured a rollercoaster few years.
In 2024, Sam ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament during a Chelsea training camp in Morocco.
The striker would subsequently undergo surgery to treat the injury and would be sidelined for 634 days, before finally returning to play for Chelsea in September.
Earlier in 2025, Sam was cleared of the racially aggravated harassment of a British police officer, following a heated row at Twickenham Police Station in London after she and Kristie had been on a night out.
Kristie had stuck by her partner’s side throughout the ordeal, with the former West Ham midfielder seen holding Sam’s hand as they entered Kingston Crown Court, before breaking down in tears as the verdict was read out in court.
Kristie was seen during the Tokyo 2021 Olympics comforting the heartbroken Aussie striker after America beat Australia 4-3 in the bronze medal final
Kerr and Mewis went public with their relationship not long after the Games, publishing this snap of themselves sharing a kiss
After the trial had concluded, Sam stated that she was ‘putting this challenging period behind her’ before thanking Kristie and her family for standing by her.
‘I would like to thank my partner Kristie, my family, friends and all the fans for their love and support, especially those who attended court each day,’ she said.
In recent months, Sam and Kristie have been hard at work preparing for their big day.
The former US National team star revealed in November that she had been curating the set list for their evening of celebrations, opening up on some of the songs they’ll be dancing to late into the night.
‘I got some requests yesterday for two songs,’ Mewis said on the Mewis Squared podcast. ‘Two Fred Again songs.
‘I sent them to Sam and I was like, Sam wants these on the playlist. And Sam’s response to me was: “Fred Again will be on the playlist. Don’t you worry”.’
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has insisted that he is not thinking of equaling or surpassing the late ex-Nigerian international Rashidi Yekini’s goals record for the national team.
Osimhen, however, expressed hope he would equal Yekini’s record in the future.
The Galatasaray striker spoke at his post-match interview after captaining the Super Eagles to beat Uganda 3-1 in Tuesday’s AFCON group stage tie.
DAILY POST reports that Osimhen is just giving goals away from equaling Yekini’s goals record for the Auowe Eagles.
The 27-year-old former Napoli attacker has so far scored 32 goals for Nigeria, while Yekini had 37.
“The captaincy today gave me a strong sense of belonging. I’m not thinking about equaling or surpassing Rashidi Yekini’s record for now; it’s all about the team,” Osimhen told reporters after Nigeria won against Uganda.
“I am trying to fight for my team to get goals, assists, but yes, hopefully not this AFCON and maybe not the qualifiers, but one day I know I am going to get there.”
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TECNO Brings Immersive Fan Experience To AFCON 2025 With Pop-Up Stores And Interactive Zones Across Morocco
Dual-city activation in Rabat and Casablanca showcases AI-powered experiences, creative workshops, and community engagement throughout tournament
Following the opening of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, TECNO extended its tournament presence into public spaces across Morocco through a series of TECNO AI pop-up stores and fan zones in Rabat and Casablanca. Designed to bring AI-powered innovation closer to consumers, these spaces allowed visitors to experience how TECNO AI enhances everyday smartphone usage, from photography and gaming to productivity and entertainment. In total, the brand activated four experiential venues, two pop-up stores and two fan zones, with one of each established in both cities, creating a parallel rollout across Morocco’s major urban centers.
The opening ceremony marked the starting point of TECNO’s AFCON “Power Your Moment” campaign, welcoming invited clients, guests, and partners as the tournament officially began. From the same day, the brand opened its physical spaces to the public, shifting from a symbolic brand moment to hands-on consumer engagement.
This approach enabled TECNO to stay connected with fans throughout different stages of the competition, offering repeated opportunities to discover TECNO AI features in real-life scenarios rather than limiting interaction to a single event. Special performances featuring live juggling ball demonstrations alongside African song and dance were presented on December 21 and are scheduled to return on January 18, creating a vibrant environment that blended technology, culture, and entertainment.
Related: TECNO In Partnership With Lagos State Sports Commission Launches Babajide Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium At Sura
TECNO AI Pop-Up Stores: An Immersive Fan-First Experience
The TECNO AI pop-up stores, deployed in Casablanca and Rabat and located near Mohammed V Stadium and Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium respectively, were designed as immersive, consumer-centric environments rather than conventional retail spaces. Open for a limited period during the AFCON 2025 tournament, each location combined product discovery with interactive AI demonstrations, allowing visitors to test TECNO AI features directly across multiple touchpoints.
Upon arrival, guests were welcomed in a reception area offering complimentary gifts and guided experiences, while simple interactive challenges encouraged participation and social sharing. By connecting physical interaction with digital engagement, the pop-up stores translated advanced AI technology into clear, tangible benefits that consumers could immediately understand and enjoy.
At the heart of the TECNO AI pop-up store, the AI Experience Area brought TECNO AI to life through practical, real-world applications showcased on large-format screens and interactive stations. Visitors could test TECNO AI features hands-on, discovering how AI enhances everyday moments such as photography, content creation, and daily productivity. By placing consumers directly in control of the experience, the activation positioned TECNO AI not as a distant technology, but as an intuitive, accessible tool designed to make daily smartphone use smarter, easier, and more creative.
A fashion-inspired clothing swap installation offered jerseys representing the 24 national teams competing in AFCON 2025, allowing fans to express tournament allegiances while engaging in a creative, participatory activity. Nearby, the Champions Road installation invited visitors to interact with a team matchup chart using magnetic team markers, encouraging predictions and photo sharing that extended the experience beyond the physical space.
The Product Experience Area provided hands-on access to TECNO’s latest smartphone lineup and connected devices, supported by on-site brand representatives. A customization station allowed visitors to personalize their phones with tournament-themed back stickers, creating tangible mementos linked to the AFCON experience. Photo areas throughout the pop-up stores offered opportunities to capture moments against branded backdrops, while a CSR Culture Wall highlighted TECNO’s community initiatives and long-term engagement in youth development and grassroots football across Africa.
TECNO Fan Zones: Bringing Fans Together Beyond the Stadium
Alongside the TECNO AI pop-up stores, TECNO’s fan zones were established in Casablanca and Rabat, located at Anfa Park and OLM Souissi respectively, as open-access community spaces operating throughout match days. Freely accessible to the public, without purchase or registration requirements, the fan zones welcomed football supporters and passersby alike, emphasizing shared experience over transaction. These spaces featured relaxed product discovery areas, free photo-taking and printing services, and interactive challenges designed to encourage participation.
Skill-based football challenges, including juggling and heading activities, animated both the pop-up stores and fan zones, creating moments of spontaneous interaction and crowd engagement. Giveaway mechanics were tied to simple social media actions, while classification-style photo activities encouraged visitors to capture and share moments online without competitive pressure, prioritizing participation and community visibility.
By activating simultaneously in Rabat and Casablanca and maintaining a presence across match days with special programming on key dates, TECNO established a sustained physical footprint throughout the AFCON period. Rather than limiting its engagement to the opening ceremony, the brand positioned its pop-up stores and fan zones as ongoing touchpoints within the rhythm of the tournament, embedding technology, football and urban culture into everyday public life during AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
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‘I can’t wait forever. It was cold’: Unai Emery’s bizarre reason why he snubbed Mikel Arteta handshake after bruising defeat by Arsenal – but new footage reveals the truth
Unai Emery has come under fire for failing to shake Mikel Arteta’s hand after Arsenal’s 4-1 pummeling of Aston Villa.
The Gunners struck four times in the second half on Wednesday night to claim a statement win at the Emirates, delivering a hammer blow to a Villa side who were subject to growing talk of a Premier League title challenge.
Arteta, who replaced Emery as Arsenal manager in December 2019, was clearly elated and immediately celebrated with his coaching staff on the touchline after the final whistle.
But this did not go down well with the Villa boss, who appeared to shoot a disapproving glance in the direction of his counterpart before walking straight down the tunnel.
By the time Arteta had left the embrace of his team, Emery had already disappeared, leaving the Arsenal boss looking visibly puzzled as he sought out his fellow countryman.
Emery, however, launched a staunch defence of his decision in the aftermath of the match, saying he could not wait on Arteta finishing his celebrations because it was ‘cold’.
🚨🔴‼️ Emery on why he didn’t shake Arteta’s hand after Villa’s loss 😂:
“After finishing the match my routine is always quick, shake hands.
I was waiting. Of course (Arteta) was happy.
I decided to go inside.
I can’t wait forever. It’s cold outside.” pic.twitter.com/xlLpTSBPCF
— Arsenal Zone (@ArsenalZNE) December 30, 2025 
Unai Emery defended his decision not to shake Mikel Arteta’s hand because it was ‘cold’
Arteta embraced his staff throughout the game and celebrated with them after the final whistle
‘It is simple,’ the Villa boss said in his post-match press conference. ‘You can watch. After I finish the match, my routine is always quick, I shake hands, and I go with my coaches, with my players to the dressing room.
‘I was waiting, I was waiting. He was happy, of course he was happy. He was with his coaches. And I decided to go inside. But for me it is no problem.’
Emery also told Sky Sports: ‘Always my routine is go to the opposition coach, shake hands and go inside. If he is not doing the same rule, I can’t wait… it was cold.’
The Villa boss’s explanations, however, did not wash with goading Arsenal fans online.
‘Brother was standing in the cold for 90 minutes but waiting for 10 seconds wasn’t possible lol,’ one wrote on X.
Another added: ‘That was a hard watch. I cringed. Why can’t he just be honest? He could’ve just said that emotions got the better of him. I’d understand that. This? Spineless. So cringe.’
A third branded Emery’s excuse as ‘rubbish’ and added that ‘he would’ve been sat there sipping tea if his side had won’.
Arteta, who hailed the ‘extraordinary’ performance of his team after the match, did not seem to have as much of a problem with the snub as some of the Arsenal support.
‘You saw it, but it’s OK,’ the Arsenal boss insisted after the match. ‘It’s all good. That is part of the game and it’s not unusual at all.’
Some Gunners fans even found themselves on the side of their former manager, suggesting that it was disrespectful for Arteta not to go straight to Emery before celebrating with his team.
Emery has come under fire from goading Arsenal fans who criticised the Spaniard’s decision
‘I might get attacked but honestly I don’t see a problem,’ one fan wrote online. ‘The nice thing to do from Arteta would’ve been to go directly to shake the ref and Emery’s hand before celebrating with his assistants.’
They added: ‘Unai doesn’t have to wait for him if he celebrates first [in my opinion]. Neither is in the wrong.’
The pressure was firmly on Arsenal to deliver a big result in their hunt for a first Premier League title in more than 20 years – with Villa on a run of 11 consecutive victories before arriving in north London – and they rose to the occasion.
Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus had the Gunners’ four goals to the good, before Ollie Watkins’ injury time consolation strike.
Villa remain in 3rd-place after the bruising defeat, but the victory puts Arsenal six points ahead of Emery’s side and five ahead of Manchester City.
‘I’m so happy,’ Arteta said post-match. ‘We play every three days, and today we played an opponent that has won 11 games in a row.
‘They are a superb team, very difficult to play against, and we knew that we were going to have periods throughout the game.
‘We talked about emotionally how demanding it was going to be and we struggled in the first 10 minutes. Then we adjusted, got a bit more control. We didn’t manage to score and then in the second half we clicked.
‘We competed for everything much better. The timing was better and the individual goals were fulfilled in an extraordinary way, and we were so efficient in everything that we did.
‘Unlike in the last few games where we had so many big situations, today we were very prolific and accurate to make the difference.’
Uganda goalkeeper, Denis Onyango has insisted that Nigeria ‘punished’ his team because they were desperate for goals.
Onyango was unable to save Uganda as Nigeria defeated them 3-1 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, encounter on Tuesday.
Uganda had needed a win against Eric Chelle’s side to stand a chance of qualifying for the Round of 16 stage.
But a brace from Raphael Onyedika and a goal from Paul Onuachu ensured the Super Eagles eliminated the Cranes from the AFCON.
Speaking to reporters at his post-match interview, Onyango also hailed the Super Eagles as a quality team.
“We were desperate for goals, and Nigeria punished us,” Onyango said.
“They are a quality side,” the Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper added.
Meanwhile, more AFCON final Group game fixtures will take place today.
Ivory Coast will face Gabon, Mozambique will clash with Cameroon, Sudan will take on Burkina Faso, and Algeria will square off against Equatorial Guinea.
SPORT
TECNO In Partnership With Lagos State Sports Commission Launches Babajide Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium At Sura
Football remains one of the most powerful forces for unity in Nigeria, transcending ethnic, religious, and socio-economic boundaries. It is a shared passion that binds communities, inspires hope, and creates opportunities for millions of young people across the country. In recognition of this unique unifying power, Africa’s leading mobile phone brand, TECNO, has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots sports development by bringing football infrastructure to underserved communities across Nigeria and the African continent.
As one of the official partners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) currently taking place in Morocco, TECNO has launched a continent-wide initiative focused on building small-sized football pitches in communities where access to quality sports facilities is limited.
This initiative aligns with the brand’s broader vision of empowering African youth, fostering social inclusion, and nurturing the next generation of football talent from grassroots to professional levels.
The flagship Nigerian project under the TECNO 2025 AFCON initiative was recently unveiled in Lagos with the commissioning of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium, located in Sura, Lagos Island. The event marked a significant milestone not only for TECNO but also for sports development in Lagos State, as it represents the first mini football stadium delivered through a collaborative public-private partnership between a corporate organisation and the state government.
The newly commissioned mini stadium, named in honour of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stands as a symbol of shared responsibility and collective purpose between the public and private sectors.
It is designed to serve as a hub for grassroots football, youth engagement, and community development, providing young people in the area with a safe, modern, and accessible space to train, compete, and develop their talents.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by key government officials, community leaders, and representatives of TECNO. Among them was the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Mr. Lekan Fatoba, who described the project as one that holds special significance for the Lagos State Government.
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In his remarks, Mr. Fatoba expressed profound appreciation to TECNO for its investment in grassroots sports development.
“To our partner, TECNO, we are extremely grateful. Words are not enough to appreciate what you have done with this project,” he said.
“We understand that this is a corporate social responsibility initiative dedicated to youth empowerment and community development. However, this project goes beyond private investment. It represents a rare convergence of purpose between corporate social responsibility and the government’s social contract with the people, delivered through a public-private partnership arrangement.”
Also present at the event was the Lagos State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Honourable Mobolaji Ogunlende. He commended TECNO for an initiative he described as deeply community-driven and firmly rooted in grassroots development. The Commissioner further encouraged the company to extend similar projects to other underserved areas within Lagos State, including Ikorodu and Badagry, to broaden the initiative’s impact.
Representing TECNO at the ceremony, Mr. Babatunde Giwa, Head of Legal Affairs, who spoke on behalf of Mr. Chidi Okonkwo, General Manager of Transsion, shared insights into the motivation behind the company’s growing investment in football development. According to Mr. Giwa, TECNO’s long-term ambition is to become synonymous with football across Nigeria and Africa.
“This vision is driven by our commitment not only to associate with established football stars across the continent, but also to identify, support, and partner with the future stars of the game,” he said. “Our goal is to help young, football-loving Nigerians achieve their dreams by creating a bridge between grassroots talent and today’s football icons.”
To officially open the stadium for use, a novelty match was played on the new pitch, featuring a Lagos State team against a TECNO team. The entertaining encounter ended in a 2–2 draw and saw participation from top state officials, including the Commissioner for Sports and the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission. A second match between two local community teams followed, with Sura Red Stars emerging victorious with a 3–1 win, further underscoring the community-centric focus of the facility.
TECNO has consistently demonstrated its commitment to football development in Africa through partnerships with major continental competitions, including previous and current editions of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The commissioning of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium reinforces the brand’s belief in football as a catalyst for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and sustainable community development.
In closing, TECNO expressed sincere appreciation to the Lagos State Sports Commission and the Lagos State Government for their continued dedication to youth and community development through inclusive sports initiatives. The company reaffirmed its commitment to deepening partnerships that create lasting impact and unlock opportunities for young Nigerians through the power of football. For more updates, follow TECNO on Facebook, Instagram, and X(Twitter)