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“That Is The League” – Arteta Speaks After Arsenal Lose To Villa
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has insisted that his team would bounce back and move on from the dramatic 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday.
According to Arteta, the Gunners have been to a lot of different grounds and the result could have been different.
He however acknoleged that the outcome of Saturday’s game represents one of the highlights of the English Premier League, but remains confident they will handle the mounting pressure.
“That is the league, you go to Old Trafford, you go to St James’ Park, you go to Chelsea, you come here, we have been in a lot of difficult grounds,” he said.
“The result could have been different, the reality is not. We went 18 games unbeaten and still we are there, close to each other.
“That is the level of the league, we know that. That is the opportunity that we have ahead of us and that’s it.
“Now it is time to bounce back, they have given me all the right reasons to think we are going to perform at the same level. We move on. We will learn from today and it will make us a better team,” he said.
Naija News recalls that Arsenal’s title push suffered a painful setback on Saturday after a dramatic late winner saw Aston Villa clinch a 2-1 win at Villa Park.
The Premier League match looked destined for a draw until Emiliano Buendia struck deep into added time to seal all three points for the home side.
Speaking further, Arteta commented on the impact of injuries to some players on the overall output from the team.
“It’s five months into the competition and so far we have coped. We are going to have to prove we can cope again, again, again for another six months.
“People who think at this moment we are going to be 10 points clear live in a different world,” he said.
The Gunner’s boss also revealed that centre-back Cristhian Mosquera’s ankle injury is worse than first feared and the defender would be out for weeks.
“He is going to be out for weeks, unfortunately.
“It is much more than we were expecting, so he is going to be out for weeks,” Arteta said.
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Nigeria’s friendly match against Egypt has been postponed to December 16, from its original date of December 14.
The adjustment follows FIFA’s new rule allowing clubs to keep their players until December 15, ensuring that Nigeria can field a near-full-strength squad.
NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire confirmed the change:
“The match will now take place at Cairo Stadium at 8 p.m. local time (7 p.m. Nigeria time) as a practice encounter. This adjustment allows both teams to make more than five substitutions, giving coaches greater flexibility ahead of AFCON in Morocco.”
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle. Photo | X
Coach Eric Chelle will use the friendly to assess his squad and experiment with tactical options ahead of the tournament.
Also read: Stanley Nwabali A Major Doubt for AFCON 2025
Nigeria opens its AFCON 2025 campaign against Tanzania on December 23, followed by matches against Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30, with all Group C fixtures held in Fez.
Egypt, meanwhile, is in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has revealed Lionel Messi’s long-term plan once his playing days come to an end.
Lionel Messi, who guided Inter Miami to the MLS Cup title on Sunday, December 7, has reportedly made it clear that life after football will take him back to Barcelona, the city where he became a global icon.
Messi’s current deal with Inter Miami runs until 2028, but Beckham suggested the 38-year-old already has a vision for his post-retirement life. Speaking to Marca, Beckham explained that he had hoped Messi would consider staying in the United States when he finally leaves the pitch behind.
“I would like Messi to live in Miami after he retires. But Leo told me that he only thinks about living near the Camp Nou,” Beckham said.
The former England captain added that the bond between Messi and Barcelona remains unmatched in modern football.
He said, “There is no player who loves Barcelona as much as he does. You can see the Barca logo on his leg and even on his water bottle.”
Messi, who is widely expected to retire after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has enjoyed a remarkable spell since arriving in Major League Soccer in 2023 following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain. His arrival transformed Inter Miami’s fortunes on and off the pitch, drawing global attention to the MLS and boosting the club’s commercial value.
© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]
Rivers United technical adviser, Finidi George, has expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s draw against Abia Warriors.
The Pride of Rivers were held to a 1-1 draw by Abia Warriors in Umuahia on Sunday.
Maclyn Biokpo gave Rivers United the lead in the 87th minute before Suraj Lawal equalised for Abia Warriors in added time.
Finidi believes his team has much to do in the area of game management.
“It’s just concentration, we need to get the players stronger mentally to be able to manage games when the match is almost over,” Finidi told Rivers United’s media.
“It’s not a physical thing about managing games, it’s just unfortunate on how the goal was conceded.
“We came to Umuahia not to lose or maybe the players where not even sure if we can get a victory from this game but overall its a sad one.”
Former Cameroon coach Marc Brys has questioned Federation president Samuel Eto’o’s decision to leave out Andre Onana and Vincent Aboubakar from the Indomitable Lions’ final list for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a chat with Afrik Foot, Brys stated that Cameroon will be going to the AFCON 2025 without their best players in the team.
“Eto’o left out important players, leaders, because he obviously made the list,” Brys told Afrik Foot.
“How can you face a tournament of this level without a world-class goalkeeper or without Aboubakar?
Read Also:Nwabali Doubtful For AFCON 2025 With Injury
“They are players with character, who don’t bow to the president.”
“It’s incredible, but it doesn’t surprise me because he’s a narcissist who thinks he’s the best looking player.”
Brys also clarified that he is still under contract with Fecafoot until September 30, 2026, and that he hasn’t received any official communication from the Ministry of Sport, which appointed him in April 2024.
Super Falcons striker, Uchenna Kanu has shared her deep disappointment over her exclusion from Nigeria’s squad to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, saying she never received any explanation from the coaching crew.
The striker unveiled her memoir titled Football, My Escape at a launch event in Lagos on last week.
Super Falcons Clinch 10th Title Without Uchenna Kanu
Led by coach Justine Madugu, Nigeria staged one of the greatest comebacks in WAFCON history, overturning a 2–0 deficit to defeat hosts Morocco 3–2 in a dramatic final.
The victory handed the Super Falcons a record-extending 10th continental crown.
However, Kanu who was a member of Nigeria’s squads to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games, was a surprise omission, amongst others.
‘No Conversation With Me… I Just Got a Text’ – Uchenna Kanu
Speaking in a recent interview, the 28-year-old forward revealed that she had already begun visa processing for the tournament when she unexpectedly received a message informing her she had been dropped.
“I haven’t heard any feedback, especially from the coach. There hasn’t been any conversation with me from anyone.”
“I actually started my visa, and a few days to the travel date, I got a text message from the coach saying, for whatever reasons, I was no longer a part of the team.”
Kanu admitted the decision left her hurt and confused.
“I felt bad, I was sad. I thought I was going to be part of the team.”
Despite the disappointment, Kanu says she kept supporting the team throughout the tournament.
“My teammates did well and I supported them the entire time. I have reached out to congratulate them and the coach. Hopefully I’ll be back on the team.”
Return From Injury Played a Role
Uchenna Kanu was just returning from a long-term injury that sidelined her for about six months during the build-up to WAFCON.
Since resuming action in March, she has managed only seven appearances for Racing Louisville in the NWSL, scoring once.
She is also reportedly out of contract with the American club.
Read More: EXCLUSIVE: “I Still Have More to Give” – Uchenna Kanu Targets Super Falcons Return
Read More: Uchenna Kanu proud to give Super Falcons victory over bitter rivals Ghana
Read More: “I Planned to Win the World Cup” – Waldrum Opens Up on Turbulent Super Falcons Tenure
Eyes on 2026 WAFCON Return
Kanu, who has scored seven goals in 27 appearances for the Super Falcons since making her debut in 2019, hopes to earn a recall ahead of the 2026 WAFCON, also set to take place in Morocco.
France manager Didier Deschamps believes his team will be among the leading contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding that only a small group of nations have the quality and experience to challenge for the trophy.
The expanded World Cup kicks off in June next year across the United States, Canada and Mexico. France have been drawn in Group I, where they will face a strong Senegal side and a rising Norway team. It is a demanding group on paper, but Didier Deschamps is confident his squad will arrive ready to compete.
His side came within moments of winning the title in Qatar in 2022, only to lose dramatically to Argentina in the final. Asked whether he views the next World Cup as a chance to avenge that defeat, the France coach dismissed the idea of revenge and stressed that every tournament brings a fresh challenge.
“There is no rematch in soccer. Argentina won [the 2022 World Cup] and there is nothing we can do about it now,” Deschamps said in an interview with Olé. “This is a new competition and we are going to try to go as far as possible. France can be a contender.”
The former World Cup winner also pointed out that the level of competition remains fierce, even with a larger field of nations involved. “As in every World Cup, there are between six and seven teams that can win, but in the end, only one wins. To be the best, you have to beat all the teams,” he said.
Deschamps also shared his belief that global icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo should be part of the tournament. “They [Messi and Ronaldo] are two players who have marked international soccer for more than 15 years; without a doubt, it is something special for them,” he said.
© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]
The Cranes of Uganda have arrived Casablanca, Morocco, for their final preparations ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
Seventeen players, technical crew members and officials departed the Entebbe International Airport, Kampala, aboard Qatar Airways on Sunday night.
The contingent arrived Casablanca on Monday morning.
The remaining 13 players are expected to join their colleagues in camp later this week.
The Cranes will undertake an 11-day preparatory camp in Morocco, which includes two friendly matches as part of the final build up to AFCON 2025.
The East Africans are drawn in Group C with Nigeria, Tunisia and Tanzania.
Put’s side will open their campaign against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Tuesday, 23 December.
The Cranes of Uganda on Monday arrived Casablanca, Morocco for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations preparatory camp, reports Completesports.com.
17 players, head coach Paul Put, assistant coach Fred Muhumuza, and the full technical and support team made the trip.
The remaining 13 players will connect directly to Morocco from their respective clubs.
Read Also:CAF Unveils Official Mascot For AFCON 2025
The squad will undertake an eleven day preparatory camp in Morocco.
Uganda will play will play two friendly matches before the final squad announcement.
Put’s side have been drawn in Group C of the AFCON 2025 finals alongside Nigeria, Tanzania and Tunisia.
Uganda open their AFCON campaign against Carthage Eagles of Tunisia on 23 December before facing Nigeria and Tanzania in what is considered one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
By Adeboye Amosu
Super Falcons skipper, Chiamaka Nnadozie has earned fresh acclaim in England after being voted the Barclays Women’s Super League Save of the Month winner for November.
This is another major highlight in her outstanding start at Brighton & Hove Albion as Nnadozie clinched the award for her stunning reflex save in Brighton’s clash against Liverpool.
In its official announcement, the WSL described the save as a demonstration of her
“elite reaction speed and command of her area,”
….noting that no other goalkeeper matched her consistency in November.
BBC Sport called the moment “one of the standout goalkeeping moments of the WSL season so far,” while Sky Sports hailed her as “a transformative signing for Brighton with immediate impact.”
The former Paris FC goalkeeper, already decorated with multiple honours in France, appears to have adapted seamlessly to English football, strengthening her reputation as one of Africa’s finest exports.
Brighton head coach Melissa Phillips, celebrating her goalkeeper’s latest achievement, said:
“Chiamaka has been exceptional since she arrived. This award is fully deserved.”
Nnadozie Lifts Brighton Over London City With Composure
Just days after winning the award, Nnadozie produced another dominant display as Brighton secured a gritty 1–0 victory over London City Lionesses following the international break.
The decisive moment of the match came early on from a calamitous defensive error from the hosts, who attempted to play out from the back.
This allowed Rosa Kafaji to intercept a misplaced pass and launch a swift counter-attack, finished clinically by Kiko Seike.
Brighton later missed the chance to extend their lead when Madison Haley saw her penalty saved by London City keeper Elene Lete, who read the strike perfectly and pushed it aside.
London City continued, dominating major stretches of the game, recording 14 shots to Brighton’s eight. However, they failed to make their pressure count.
Freya Godfrey curled a brilliant effort narrowly wide, while Jana Fernandez was denied by a crucial last-ditch block.
Brighton nearly found a second goal shortly after the break when Elena Linari cleared a threatening cross off the line before Lete collected amid a frantic goalmouth scramble.
Nnadozie’s Wall-Like Presence Proves Decisive
As the game grew tense in the closing stages, Nnadozie implemented the very qualities that earned her November’s top goalkeeping honour.
She commanded her box with authority, produced timely saves, and swept up behind the defence with confidence, denying London City any clear route back into the match.
Her dominant presence inspired Brighton to tighten defensively late on, ensuring the Seagulls held firm to move just one point behind London City in the WSL table.
Defender Caitlin Hayes also received praise for her determined display, making crucial interceptions and blocks to support the clean sheet.
Rofiat Imuran and London City Their Own Worst Enemy
Nigeria international, Rofiat Imuran’s side, London City will look back on this defeat with frustration.
They generated more chances, enjoyed longer spells of pressure, and produced better attacking patterns but once again, costly defensive errors undermined their efforts.
The team has now conceded six penalties in 10 league games, the most of any club in the WSL. They have also allowed 20 goals, a number exceeded only by second-bottom West Ham.
Their carelessness played directly into Brighton’s hands.
Mohamed Salah is not expected to be in Liverpool’s squad to face Inter Milan, despite taking part in training on Monday.
In an explosive interview at the weekend the 33-year-old forward said he felt like he had been “thrown under the bus” by the Reds amid the side’s struggles this season, and that his relationship with head coach Arne Slot had broken down.
Salah was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United – the third straight game the Egypt international has started on the bench.
Monday’s training took place before Liverpool face Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday, and Salah was involved while the session was open to the media.
Liverpool will fly out to Italy later this afternoon and Slot is scheduled to hold a news conference at about 18:45 GMT this evening.
Salah’s comments came after the Reds let a 2-0 lead slip in the draw at Leeds, with the Egypt international an unused substitute for the game.
The previous two games had seen Salah come on as a substitute in a 1-1 home draw at Sunderland, while he was left on the bench in a 2-0 win at West Ham.
His last start was in a 4-1 defeat by PSV Eindhoven at Anfield in a Champions League group game and his last goal came in a 2-0 win at Aston Villa on Saturday, 1 November.
Salah has scored five goals in 18 appearances in the Premier League and Champions League this season.
Overall, he has 250 goals in 420 Liverpool appearances and his 29 top-flight goals in the 2024-25 campaign helped the Anfield side win the Premier League title last season.
Salah, who joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017, signed a new two-year contract with the club in April.
BBC Sport pundit and former England striker Wayne Rooney believes Salah is “destroying his legacy” at the club and that Slot should not involve the player against Inter or in a home match against Brighton on Saturday.
The game against the Seagulls comes before Salah is scheduled to join up with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations.
“In my head, I’m going to enjoy that game because I don’t know what is going to happen now,” said Salah.
“I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to Africa Cup of Nations. I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”
BBC