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Champions League GW 6: Crunch Time Arrives as Teams Fight for Survival and Playoff Spots

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Champions League GW 6: Crunch Time Arrives as Teams Fight for Survival and Playoff Spots


The final UEFA Champions League gameweek of 2025 is here, and the stakes have never been higher.

With the league-phase table tightly packed and margins razor-thin, Tuesday and Wednesday’s fixtures are set to shape the destiny of Europe’s elite clubs.

The revamped format may have softened early-stage jeopardy, but Gameweek 6 marks the beginning of full-throttle tension, setting the stage for the chaotic and decisive 18-match Gameweek 8 where the league phase will reach its crescendo.

One mistake now could cost a whole season,” a Champions League official noted ahead of Tuesday’s matches, capturing the growing pressure across the continent.

Champions League Table Before Matchday 6

Arsenal lead the league phase with a perfect 15 points, followed by PSG, Bayern, Inter, and Real Madrid.

Positions 1–8 will advance directly to the Round of 16, while 9–24 fall into the complex knockout playoff web.

Meanwhile, positions 25–36 face elimination, intensifying the pressure on a host of European giants.

TUESDAY – GAMEWEEK 6 MATCHDAY PREVIEW

Kairat Almaty vs. Olympiacos (15:30 GMT)

Olympiacos hunt first league-phase win after near-miss vs Real Madrid

Both teams have struggled, combining for just three points and zero wins so far. Olympiacos enter Almaty after a painful loss to Real Madrid in Gameweek 5.

Despite difficult trips to Arsenal and Barcelona, José Luis Mendilibar’s side believes this is the moment to strike.

Bayern Munich vs. Sporting CP (17:45 GMT)

Kane leads Bundesliga giants in quest to return to Champions League rhythm

Bayern’s perfect run was halted by Arsenal, but the German champions responded with a ruthless 5–0 demolition of Stuttgart, featuring a Harry Kane hat-trick.

Sporting have been impressive under Rui Borges, but Munich away at dusk is a different beast.

Atalanta vs. Chelsea (20:00 GMT)

Maresca’s inconsistent Blues look to stabilize after domestic setbacks

Just two weeks ago, Chelsea’s statement 3–0 win at Barcelona looked like a turning point. Since then, turbulence has returned with dropped points against Leeds and Bournemouth.

Atalanta, meanwhile, are evolving under Raffaele Palladino, having just suffered a shock Serie A loss to Hellas Verona.

Barcelona vs. Eintracht Frankfurt (20:00 GMT)

In-form Barça prey on Bundesliga’s most porous defence

Barcelona’s resurgence under Hansi Flick—three straight Liga wins and five goals past Real Betis, comes at the worst possible time for Frankfurt, who have conceded 14 Champions League goals, second only to Ajax.

Fresh off a 6–0 Bundesliga humiliation to RB Leipzig, Frankfurt’s defence looks ripe for punishment.

Inter Milan vs. Liverpool (20:00 GMT)

Salah left behind as wounded Reds face high-flying Nerazzurri

Arne Slot has removed Mohamed Salah from the travelling squad amid escalating tension following the Egyptian’s recent outburst, but, Liverpool’s problems run deeper.

Inter, meanwhile, are thriving domestically, sweeping Como aside 4–0 at the weekend.

Monaco vs. Galatasaray (20:00 GMT)

Two unpredictable teams clash with playoff spots on the line

Monaco continue to wobble between beating PSG one week and losing to Brest the next. Galatasaray, once in top-eight contention, were stunned by Union Saint-Gilloise in their last outing.

PSV vs. Atlético Madrid (20:00 GMT)

A clash of styles as Bosz’s fluid football meets Simeone’s structured steel

PSV’s shock Anfield win keeps their hopes alive, but Atlético travel wounded after back-to-back La Liga defeats.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Slavia Prague (20:00 GMT)

Xavi Simons’ brilliance lifts Spurs ahead of must-win European home test

A rare home win has revived optimism at Spurs. Slavia Prague, with three draws, remain stubborn but limited.

Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Marseille (20:00 GMT)

USG target historic first home Champions League win

Union Saint-Gilloise stunned Galatasaray in Gameweek 5 and now believe they can overtake travel-shy Marseille, who rely heavily on the form of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

No prediction provided in original brief for this match.

2025/26 UEFA Champions League

 

WEDNESDAY – GAMEWEEK 6 MATCHDAY PREVIEW

Qarabağ vs. Ajax (17:45 GMT)

Two struggling sides meet with elimination looming.

Villarreal vs. Copenhagen (17:45 GMT)

Copenhagen seek crucial points to stay inside the top 24.

Athletic Club vs. Paris Saint-Germain (20:00 GMT)

PSG, second in the standings, aim to tighten their grip on a top-eight berth.

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Newcastle United (20:00 GMT)

A pivotal clash between two sides hovering in mid-table.

Benfica vs. Napoli (20:00 GMT)

With both still outside the playoff zone, this is a near must-win.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Bodø/Glimt (20:00 GMT)

Dortmund look to cement their top-eight position.

Club Brugge vs. Arsenal (20:00 GMT)

Arsenal, the only side with a perfect record, aim for win No. 6.

Juventus vs. Pafos (20:00 GMT)

Juve seek stability in an unstable season as they host struggling Pafos.

Real Madrid vs. Manchester City (20:00 GMT)

The heavyweight showdown of Gameweek 6

Real Madrid sit fifth, City ninth—an early-season slump has put pressure on Pep Guardiola’s men. A win here could dramatically reshape the upper tier of the table.



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Pat Cummins leads Aussie sport stars with an urgent call to action after Bondi Beach massacre

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Pat Cummins leads Aussie sport stars with an urgent call to action after Bondi Beach massacre


Pat Cummins and a host of other big names from the world of sport have called on Aussies to pitch in and help by donating blood in the aftermath of the massacre at Bondi Beach.

The Red Cross has been appealing for donors after 16 people died and 42 more were taken to hospital as a result of the shootings on Sunday.

Lifeblood Australia, which collects blood on behalf of the Red Cross, announced it had transferred blood ‘from multiple states to support the need in Sydney’.

The organisation has asked for donors with type O blood – which is most commonly used for transfusions when the recipient’s blood type is unknown – to come forward.

Lifeblood has received a badly needed helping hand from Cummins and other big names like swimmers Emma McKeon and Michael Klim.

‘Absolutely devastated by the horror last night in Bondi,’ Cummins wrote on Instagram on Monday.

Pat Cummins is one of several Aussie sport stars to urge people to donate blood after the atrocity at Bondi Beach

Pat Cummins is one of several Aussie sport stars to urge people to donate blood after the atrocity at Bondi Beach

The cricket captain was joined in the drive by Olympic pool queen Emma McKeon

The cricket captain was joined in the drive by Olympic pool queen Emma McKeon 

Rugby star Charlotte Caslick also drew attention to the drive for badly needed blood donors

Rugby star Charlotte Caslick also drew attention to the drive for badly needed blood donors

‘My heart goes out to the victims, their families, the people of Bondi and our Jewish community during this time.

‘If you can, please book an appointment to donate blood.’

Klim and McKeon re-posted Lifeblood’s message about seeking type-O donors, with Klim also posting footage of long queues of donors forming in Sydney in response to the call-out.

McKeon wrote, ‘Woke up to the news of heartbreak, tragedy and outright evil in Bondi Beach.

‘My heart breaks to bits for the victims and families.

‘And my heart breaks over the fact that the Australian Jewish community cannot feel safe in their own country.’

Aussie rugby star Charlotte Caslick re-posted a call for blood donors from MP Allegra Spender, whose federal electorate includes Bondi Beach.

Footy WAGs also promoted the cause.

Swimming great Michael Klim also pitched in to help out the Red Cross

Swimming great Michael Klim also pitched in to help out the Red Cross

Pictured: Pat Cummins' message to Aussies on Monday

Pictured: Pat Cummins’ message to Aussies on Monday

Pictured: A long queue of blood donors in Sydney on Monday

Pictured: A long queue of blood donors in Sydney on Monday

NRL star Nicho Hynes’s fiancee Piper Wallis, Paris Tier – the partner of GWS Giants footballer Conor Stone – and Tayla Montoya, wife of Bulldogs star Marcelo Montoya, all urged Aussies to donate if possible.

NSW Premier Chris Minns also backed the drive to shore up Sydney’s blood banks.

‘If you are looking for something practical to do, you could give blood,’ Minns said on Monday.

The alleged Bondi gunmen took aim at a crowd gathered for a Hanukkah celebration at the beach just before 7pm on Sunday. 

Multiple videos on social media show the alleged gunmen standing on a footbridge as they fired shots into a crowd near the northern end of the beach.  

As many as 12 of the survivors are in a critical condition in hospital.

Makeshift memorials sprang up on Monday morning in the beachside park where hundreds of people had earlier gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah.

‘This was an attack deliberately targeted at the Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah, which of course should be a joyous celebration,’ Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters on Monday.



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Travis Kelce refuses to speak to reporters again moments after Chiefs’ latest loss condemned playoff hopes

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Travis Kelce refuses to speak to reporters again moments after Chiefs’ latest loss condemned playoff hopes


Travis Kelce gave the media the silent treatment on Sunday after the Kansas City Chiefs were officially eliminated from playoff contention. 

Kelce and co slumped to a 16-13 defeat to divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, in what had been a do-or-die Week 15 matchup in front of his fiancee Taylor Swift and his family. 

The Chiefs needed to best their opponents and rely on other results around league going their way to cling on any slim hope of making the postseason – neither of which went in their favor. 

And after Kansas City failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014, Kelce apparently wasn’t in a talkative mood. 

The tight end declined to speak to reporters in the locker room following the loss, according to The Athletic’s Jesse Newell. 

‘It’s not the time. I’ll catch you guys during the week,’ he reportedly told members of the media.

Travis Kelce reportedly refused to speak to reporters following the Chiefs' defeat

Travis Kelce reportedly refused to speak to reporters following the Chiefs’ defeat 

Kansas City was officially eliminated from playoff contention with a 16-13 loss to the Chargers

Kansas City was officially eliminated from playoff contention with a 16-13 loss to the Chargers

Members are the media are permitted in NFL teams’ locker rooms following games to capture the immediate postgame reaction from players.

Sunday wasn’t the first time that Kelce has declined to participate this season. Just last week, he also kept quiet after the Chiefs had fallen 6-7 for the season with a lackluster 20-10 defeat to the Houston Texans. 

With three minutes remaining and the Chiefs desperately trying to claw their way back into the game against the Texans, the three-time Super Bowl winner had spilled a pass from Patrick Mahomes that led to an interception.

Furthermore, last month, he also refused to speak to reporters following Kansas City’s defeat to the Denver Broncos that saw them fall to 5-5. 

It’s the first time since 2014 that the Chiefs will not be heading to the playoffs – which makes it the first time in Patrick Mahomes’ career that he misses the postseason.

A left knee injury to Mahomes was what ultimately doomed Kansas City from a last-second victory drive.

The quarterback’s knee buckled backwards, leading to the former MVP clutching his leg in pain on the ground.

He needed to be helped off the field by training staff – who aided him down the tunnel to the locker room.

Taylor Swift was one of 73,000 witnesses to the end of this phase of the Chiefs dynasty

Taylor Swift was one of 73,000 witnesses to the end of this phase of the Chiefs dynasty

Patrick Mahomes went down late in the game with a knee injury which could be serious

Patrick Mahomes went down late in the game with a knee injury which could be serious

Gardner Minshew, the former Raiders starting quarterback, was brought in with one final chance to salvage the season.

He completed three of his first four passes to bring the Chiefs within field goal range – which would have tied the game.

However, Minshew tried uncorking a deep pass intended for Kelce – only to be picked off by Chargers star safety Derwin James to officially kill any hopes of a postseason run.

A kneel-down of the ball officially sealed the loss. But other results confirmed the elimination.

Patrick MahomesTravis Kelce



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Early Bird Uzoho Happy to be Back to Super Eagles  – THISDAYLIVE

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Early Bird Uzoho Happy to be Back to Super Eagles  – THISDAYLIVE


*Nwabali, Lookman, Dele-Bashiru, new boy Akinsanmiro amongst early birds

Duro Ikhazuagbe 

Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper in the Cyprus First Division, Francis Uzoho, is relishing his return to the Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Uzoho who was frozen out of the Nigerian national side after his faux pas  against Ghana in Abuja costs the Super Eagles qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, however returned for the AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire. He was however ignored since Stanley Nwabali came into the scene to take the Number 1 shirt.

Speaking yesterday as the first player to arrive Super Eagles camp at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo, Egypt, Uzoho admitted that he missed the team while he was ‘in exile’.

“To be honest, I missed the boys, I missed the vibe in the camp and all the camaraderie that goes with the national team,” began the goalkeeper who has chalked up 35 caps since his debut in 2017 in a Super Eagles 4-2 win over Argentina in a friendly.

Uzoho stressed that he has good relationship with the two goalkeepers called up for the 2025 AFCON  in Morocco.

“Stanley (Nwabali) is my brother…he learnt a few things from me and I also get a few tips from him also. I think I was in camp two times with Amas (Obasogie) before I stopped coming. We are close and I have good relationship with most guys in the team.”

He confessed that it was a matter of joy to be recalled. “ it is a thing of joy to return and be having the kind of feelings that I am having now. Any player called up to the national team must be ready to give his best. So basically, I am ready and if the time comes and the country needs me, I will be ready to give my best.”

Apart from Uzoho, other players who arrived Super Eagles camp before dinner time last night include: Stanley Nwabali, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Akinsanmiro Ebenezer. Others like: Ademola Lookman, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayomore-Samuel, Tochukwu Nnadi, Amas Obasogie and Semi Ajay also arrived the camp by midnight. 

 After the weekend fixtures in most European league, most of the invited players to the Super Eagles are expected to fly into Cairo today to tomorrow’s friendly with Egypt.

Although some of the senior players who have asked for exemptions from the Egypt friendly for fears of injuries, are expected to fly straight into Fes, Morocco, the venue of Nigeria’s opening  2025 AFCON  clash with Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on December 23. Tunisia and Uganda are the other teams in Group C with Nigeria.



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Chiefs’ worst fears confirmed as extent of Patrick Mahomes’ injury is revealed after QB broke silence on nightmare

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Chiefs’ worst fears confirmed as extent of Patrick Mahomes’ injury is revealed after QB broke silence on nightmare


Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL tear during the Kansas City Chiefs’ devastating defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers, the team has confirmed. 

The Kansas City Chiefs had their misery compounded on Sunday afternoon when star quarterback Mahomes was forced out of the game in the crucial final minutes of their game against the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Kansas City needed to beat divisional rivals, the Chargers, to keep any hope of making it to the playoffs alive – as well as relying on other results from around the league.  

With the Chiefs’ season on the line, Mahomes went down with a crushing knee injury late in the fourth quarter and hobbled off the field in pain. 

Following an MRI scan on his left knee, the Chiefs have now officially confirmed that the signal caller suffered a torn ACL and will be exploring surgical options. 

In the aftermath of the crushing defeat, Mahomes had vowed to come back stronger as he thanks fans for their support. 

Patrick Mahomes went down with an injury in the dying minutes of Sunday's crucial game

Patrick Mahomes went down with an injury in the dying minutes of Sunday’s crucial game

The quarterback stayed down on the turf and appeared to be clutching his knee in pain

The quarterback stayed down on the turf and appeared to be clutching his knee in pain  

‘Don’t know why this had to happen,’ Mahomes shared on social media a couple of hours after the heartbreak. ‘And not going to lie it’s hurts.

‘But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back stronger than ever.’

Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew stepped in for the injured Mahomes to keep the Chiefs in the playoff hunt with under two minutes left on the clock. 

However, as Mahomes limped down the tunnel with the assistance of Chiefs staff, Minshew threw a season-ending interception to Derwin James. 

Mahomes appeared to suffer an injury to his left knee as he hit the turf at an awkward angle following a tackle by Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand.

The three-time Super Bowl winner stayed down on the turf clutching his knee in pain as Chiefs medical staff rushed to his side. 

In an instant blow to Kansas City fans’ hopes, Minshew immediately began warming up on the sidelines as Mahomes remained down and was examined. 

Mahomes eventually managed to get to his feet and hobbled to the sidelines. The devastated signal caller was then seen leaving the field with a towel over his head and was helped to the locker room. 

Head coach Andy Reid confirmed following the game that Mahomes will undergo an MRI scan to determine the extent of the injury. 

The coach admitted that ‘it didn’t look good’ for the signal caller. With the Chiefs’ season now set to come to an end following the remaining three regular-season games, it is expected that the team will exercise extreme caution over Mahomes’s condition. 

The signal caller was attempting to keep the Chiefs' playoff hopes alive in the fourth quarter

The signal caller was attempting to keep the Chiefs’ playoff hopes alive in the fourth quarter

The three-time Super Bowl winner hobbled off the field and was helped to the locker room

The three-time Super Bowl winner hobbled off the field and was helped to the locker room 

The injury could not have come at a worse time for Andy Reid’s team as they headed into the two-minute warning trailing the Chargers by just three.

Mahomes was trying to rally the Chiefs in the closing seconds, completing a series of passes to get across midfield by the two-minute warning. 

But on the next play, he was scrambling toward the Kansas City sideline and throwing the ball away when he was spun to the ground by defensive lineman Hand, leaving the two-time MVP clutching his left knee.

Mahomes was taken briefly to the blue injury tent, then helped to the locker room with a towel draped over his head.

Minshew took over and completed three straight passes, giving Chiefs fans hope on a day that began with wind chills near zero and their playoff chances about the same. But with 20 seconds to go, Minshew unloaded a pass intended for Travis Kelce, and James – his longtime divisional foil – leaped up to pick it off, allowing Los Angeles to escape.

Mahomes was held to 189 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. Kansas City (6-8) managed just 239 yards as a team.

Kansas City welcomed its longtime rival knowing a loss, coupled with the wrong results in three other games, would eliminate the AFC juggernaut completely.

Mahomes would ultimately end the game in the Kansas City locker room.

The Chargers would ultimately end the Chiefs’ season with one more interception in the final seconds.



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Serie A: Orban grabs brace to help Hellas Verona beat Fiorentina

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Serie A: Orban grabs brace to help Hellas Verona beat Fiorentina


Gift Orban was the hero as Hellas Verona defeated Fiorentina 2-1 away in their Serie A clash on Sunday.

Orban scored both goals for the visitors in a thrilling contest. The Nigerian opened the scoring for Verona three minutes before half-time. Fiorentina equalised through an own goal by Unai Nunez in the 69th minute.

Orban, however, fired home the winning goal deep into stoppage time. The striker has so far registered four goals and one assist in 11 league appearances for the Yellow and Blues this season.

Paolo Zanetti’s side moved from 19th to 18th position in the table following the victory.



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Ruben Amorim hits back at former Man United stars’ criticism of Kobbie Mainoo’s lack of minutes: ‘Sometimes they don’t have all the information’

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Ruben Amorim hits back at former Man United stars’ criticism of Kobbie Mainoo’s lack of minutes: ‘Sometimes they don’t have all the information’


Ruben Amorim has accepted criticism from former Manchester United players and pundits because he is still under-achieving at Old Trafford, and claimed that he would get away with riding to games ‘on a horse’ if the team were winning.

Amorim has come under fire from Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt in recent days over his handling of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who will again look to leave United on loan when the January transfer window opens.

The United boss insists the 20-year-old has not taken advantage of his opportunities, and issued a sobering assessment of the club’s other academy stars such as Toby Collyer, Chido Obi and Harry Amass.

Ferdinand, Scholes and Butt have claimed that Mainoo has to leave United for the good of his career after failing to make a Premier League start this season.

‘Sometimes they don’t have all the information and they see Manchester United with the standards that they lived here, always winning. So it’s hard for them to see their club in this situation,’ said Amorim ahead of Monday night’s clash with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

‘I take that naturally. It’s a fact that me as a manager of Manchester United, I think we are underachieving. We should have more points, especially this season.

Amorim has come under fire from Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt in recent days over his handling of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who will again look to leave United

Kobbie Mainoo will again look to leave United on loan when the January transfer window opens

Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have claimed that Mainoo has to leave United for the good of his career after failing to make a Premier League start under Amorim this season

Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have claimed that Mainoo has to leave United for the good of his career after failing to make a Premier League start under Amorim this season 

But Amorim has insisted that Mainoo has not taken advantage of the opportunities given to him

But Amorim has insisted that Mainoo has not taken advantage of the opportunities given to him

‘The problem is that me, as a manager, I’m not doing good enough and I can accept that. So that is the only problem. Not winning is the issue.

‘If I’m winning I can go to the games on a horse, arrive there, play with just two defenders and everything will be fine.

‘At Sporting (Lisbon) there was no issue because we were winning all the time. So I understand and that’s okay.’

Napoli were Mainoo’s preference when United rejected his request to go out on loan in the summer, and the Italians will be at the front of the queue again next month.

‘No, I didn’t speak with him, not about that,’ added Amorim. ‘I had some conversations with him, especially last year, and with other players, but not about that subject.

‘The team comes first and I will be really pleased if Kobbie comes to talk to me about that. I just want my players happy, and I understand that every individual has their goals.

‘The problem is that we are playing with two midfielders and you guys see Kobbie in a different way than I’m seeing him. Maybe if we play with three midfielders, Kobbie will have more minutes.’

United have a proud tradition of players graduating to the first team from their academy, but Amorim won’t be swayed by sentiment.

‘The problem is that we are playing with two midfielders and you guys see Kobbie in a different way. Maybe if we play with three midfielders, Kobbie will have more minutes,' Amorim said

‘The problem is that we are playing with two midfielders and you guys see Kobbie in a different way. Maybe if we play with three midfielders, Kobbie will have more minutes,’ Amorim said

Amorim was frank in his assessment of some of the youngsters to have played under him, including Mainoo, Chido Obi (far left), Harry Amass and Toby Collyer (second from right)

Amorim was frank in his assessment of some of the youngsters to have played under him, including Mainoo, Chido Obi (far left), Harry Amass and Toby Collyer (second from right)

He was frank in his assessment of some of the youngsters to have played under him, including Mainoo, Chido, Amass who is currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, and Collyer who has returned to United for treatment on an injury after having limited playing time at West Brom.

‘Of course he’s not playing so many games, but Kobbie has had opportunities, especially last year. Everyone has,’ said Amorim.

‘I understand all the interest, but I also just want to win and if he’s the right guy, I will put him. No problem.

‘Toby went to West Bromwich and he’s not playing. He played for Manchester United. So sometimes it’s not because he’s from the academy or whatever.

‘Amass is now struggling in the Championship. Chido is not always a starter in the Under-21s. All these guys played when a lot of people were saying sack the manager.’



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List Of Players That Have Arrived Super Eagles Camp

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List Of Players That Have Arrived Super Eagles Camp


South Africa-based Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, was among the first set of players to arrive in camp ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Naija News reports that Francis Uzoho, Italy-based duo Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Akinsanmiro Ebenezer completed the list of early arrivals at the Eagles camp at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo, Egypt on Sunday night.

It is understood that six more players, including Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tochukwu Nnadi, Amas Obasogie, Ademola Lookman, and Semi Ajayi are expected to arrive in camp later tonight.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to hold their first training session on Monday, with Eric Chelle’s side set to face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday.

It would be recalled that Chelle, on Thursday, unveiled his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, leaving out Maduka Okoye while handing a recall to Francis Uzoho as preparations intensify for the tournament in Morocco.

Chelle confirmed his selection on Thursday, listing Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman among the core group expected to drive Nigeria’s campaign. With the competition kicking off in just ten days, the coach has opted for a mix of experience, strong form and a handful of exciting new names.

Cyprus-based Uzoho returns to the fold after months away from the national team. He is joined by defender Igoh Ogbu and striker Paul Onuachu, both making their way back into the squad. Chelle has also opened the door to fresh faces including Ryan Alebiosu, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Tochukwu Nnadi and Croatia-based Salim Fago Lawal, all of whom will be linking up with the squad for the first time.

Nigeria will face Egypt in a friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on 16 December, their final test before heading to Fès, where they will play all three Group C matches. The Super Eagles begin their AFCON journey against Tanzania on 23 December, then take on Tunisia four days later before rounding off the group stage against Uganda on 30 December.



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AFCON 2025 Will Be Difficult –Toure

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AFCON 2025 Will Be Difficult –Toure


Manchester City assistant manager Kolo Toure has disclosed that it will be very difficult to predict the country that will win the fast-approaching 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

Ivory Coast, who are the reigning champions after overcoming the Super Eagles 2-1 in the 2023 AFCON final, will be aiming to retain the trophy in Morocco.

Read Also:AFCON 2025: Dele-Bashiru, Akinsanmiro Hit Super Eagles Camp In Egypt

Speaking with reporters, Touré was asked which country will win the trophy; he replied, “It’s going to be difficult.

“North African countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria will be very strong. I also see my country, Ivory Coast, in the mix. We won the last AFCON and we still have a very good team.

“I’m counting on my country to win the tournament.”



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Fired Michigan coach Sherrone Moore and his wife put on united front as they bring daughter to lawyer’s office after his shock arrest and affair

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Fired Michigan coach Sherrone Moore and his wife put on united front as they bring daughter to lawyer’s office after his shock arrest and affair


Disgraced ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore has broken his cover for the first time since his shocking arrest – putting on a brave face with his wife and youngest child after being outed as a cheat.

The married father-of-three has been keeping a low profile after spending two nights in a cell after going on a rampage following his dismissal as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines.

Moore, 39, was fired due to an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a member of staff and was charged with breaking and entering, home invasion and stalking in Ann Arbor.

He threatened to kill himself in front of the unnamed woman, brandishing butter knives at her before fleeing the apartment – which is owned by his executive assistant, Paige Shiver.

Prosecutor Kati Rezmierski said Moore and the woman had been engaged in an ‘intimate relationship’ for a number of years. Magistrate Odetalla M Odetalla forbade the court from identifying the alleged victim.

The ex-coach slipped out of the courtroom past waiting media on Friday following his arraignment and has been hunkering down at his $1.3million five-bedroom family home with his wife.

Disgraced ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore visited his lawyer’s office on Sunday with his wife, Kelli, and youngest child after being outed as a cheat

Moore pushed a stroller with a pink blanket after having a two-hour meeting with his lawyer

Kelli, who was seen clutching documents, got behind the wheel of Moore’s black Chevy Tahoe

But exclusive photos obtained by the Daily Mail show a glum-looking Moore making a Sunday morning visit to his lawyer’s office.

Surprisingly, he was accompanied by his wife Kelli, who he has been married to since 2015, and their youngest daughter.

The couple put on a united front after being seen for the first time since the scandal broke, with Moore making threats to kill himself after his firing.

Moore pushed a stroller with a pink blanket after having a meeting with his lawyer for around two hours, with Kelli walking a few steps behind him.

It is the first time that the couple have been seen since his explosive firing and arrest, with neither issuing a statement on the incident.

Kelli, wearing a green wooly hat and clutching documents, got behind the wheel of Moore’s black Chevy Tahoe, which he was driving at the time of his arrest, while Moore sat in the rear with their daughter.

Despite the court confirming that Moore had seemingly been cheating on his wife, the pair have remained at the family home together since his release.

Dispatch calls obtained by the Daily Mail also revealed that she called the police over concerns that her husband was going to harm himself over his firing.

The couple put on a united front after being seen for the first time since the scandal broke

They spent just under two hours in the offices before Kelli drove them back to the family house

They spent just under two hours in the offices before Kelli drove them back to the family house

An unidentified 911 caller claimed Moore assaulted her on Wednesday, adding that he had a knife and had been stalking her ‘for months’, according to the audio.

Moore was taken into police custody at a church parking lot in a neighboring town two hours later.

Prosecutors claim that Moore was unarmed when he entered an unlocked door and ‘engaged in a verbal argument with the victim that escalated.’

From there, Moore allegedly grabbed two butter knives and a pair of scissors while threatening to harm himself.

‘I’m going to kill myself,’ Moore told the alleged victim, as quoted by assistant prosecutor Kati Rezmierski on Friday. ‘I’m going to make you watch. My blood is on your hands. You ruined my life.’

If convicted on all counts, Moore could face up to six-and-a-half years in jail and as much as $3,500 in fines. He was granted a $25,00 bond and ordered to wear a GPS device while continuing to undergo mental health treatment.

Moore appeared remotely from Washtenaw County Jail. As seen on the courtroom video monitor, Moore was dressed in a white jumpsuit while quietly sitting in a confined cinderblock room.

During the hearing, Moore was told by Odetalla not to consume any controlled substances, such as alcohol or marijuana, or possess any weapons while out on bond.

Moore was fired over his inappropriate relationship with a staffer before being arrested and charged with three crimes

Moore was fired over his inappropriate relationship with a staffer before being arrested and charged with three crimes

Defense attorney Joe Simon insisted there is ‘no evidence to suggest’ his client is a threat to the public while out on bond. Moore’s next court appearance is January 22.

Shiver has not been officially identified as the 911 caller, the alleged victim, or the Wolverines staffer with whom Moore was alleged to have been involved.

Rumors about Moore’s extracurricular activities had been rampant around the program but matters came to a head on Monday when Moore was advised not to work directly with the staffer, Maize and Blue Review reported.

However, when Moore made the decision to fire the woman instead of transferring her elsewhere in the football program or the athletic department, she came forward to University higher ups.

The Wall Street Journal reported that a tipster informed Wolverines officials in mid-October that Moore had been engaged in an inappropriate relationship with someone on his staff.

A person familiar with the situation told the Journal that the university opened an investigation but found no evidence of a relationship as both Moore and the woman denied the claim.

Seeking more information, the school reportedly hired an outside law firm, which the woman in question ultimately contacted on Wednesday to change her story, the Journal reported.

The woman allegedly told the firm that she and Moore had been involved for two years until 2024.

Moore has been married to his wife, Kelli, since 2015. They have three daughters together

Moore has been married to his wife, Kelli, since 2015. They have three daughters together

The school responded to this change in testimony by firing Moore, according to the Journal, which did not identify the woman by name.

As for the 32-year-old Shiver, she has been a visible part of the Wolverines football program as Moore’s executive assistant over the last few years.

She’s also the daughter of Bears scout Jeff Shiver, who has been a constant presence with the historic NFL team since 1987.

Interestingly, the Bears drafted one of Moore’s players in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft in tight end Colston Loveland. The elder Shiver has also appeared at Michigan games with his daughter, as seen in one 2021 Instagram post that was ‘liked’ by Moore.

Paige was even profiled on the Bears’ website in 2016 amid her long-time battle with Pompe Disease, which is a rare disorder that impacts the heart and skeletal muscles.

‘I get a lot of pain throughout my body,’ she wrote about her illness. ‘When I am in pain, I am really in pain and there is nothing that can be done but hope and pray that it will go away. This disease has been such an impact on my life and sometimes I feel as if it has taken over my life because every day is a battle.’

School records show Paige’s salary spiked 70.6 percent over that time, from $58,025 in 2022 and 2023 to $99,000 in 2025.

The younger Shiver recently switched her social media profiles to ‘private’ since the Moore scandal broke and has not responded to the Daily Mail’s emails requesting comment.

The 911 call that led to Moore's arrest was made from an apartment belonging to his executive assistant, Paige Shiver (pictured)

The 911 call that led to Moore’s arrest was made from an apartment belonging to his executive assistant, Paige Shiver (pictured)

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel was reportedly informed about mental health issues facing Moore on Sunday – three days before the coach was fired ‘for cause.’

As one source told CBS News’ DeJanay Booth-Singleton, prominent donors told Manuel that Moore was struggling with his mental health. Manuel would later fire Moore in a one-on-one conversation without the presence of human resources or security, according to CBS News. It’s not know how or if Moore’s mental state impacted his dismissal.

The source went on to tell CBS News that this was the school’s third investigation of Moore over his alleged conduct with women.

Michigan athletic department spokespeople declined to comment when asked by the Daily Mail about the reports.

Moore’s salary started at $5.5m in 2024 and reached $6.1m this season with various incentives.

Of course, any hope Moore had for a buyout was likely squandered when the school fired him for cause.

‘Following a University investigation, credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member,’ Manuel wrote in his statement.

‘This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior.’



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EPL: ‘Brave, defenders’ nightmare’ – John Terry hails best No.10 in the world

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EPL: ‘Brave, defenders’ nightmare’ – John Terry hails best No.10 in the world


Former Chelsea captain John Terry has named Cole Palmer as the best No. 10 in the world at present.

Chelsea returned to winning ways on Saturday, defeating Everton 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Cole Palmer put the home side ahead in the 21st minute, slotting in Male Gusto’s through ball. Gusto then doubled the lead for the Blues before half-time, and that was enough to secure all three points for the west London side.

Terry praised Palmer, describing the England international as “the best No. 10 in world football.”

“I was also delighted to have Cole Palmer back in the team and playing in that No. 10 role,” he said on TikTok.

“I’m not sure there’s anyone better in world football playing in the No. 10 role. If there is, Palmer certainly gives them a run for their money.

“He’s so brave, constantly on the half-turn trying to get in those little pockets. It’s a defender’s nightmare when you come up against a player like that.”

The win took the Blues to fourth place in the Premier League table.



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