Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has announced the 28-man squad for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The biggest talking point is the absence of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who was not selected even though he is fully fit.

Chelle included several new players including Ryan Alebiosu and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro.

Alebiosu has been in good form for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship where he has played nineteen matches as a right back or right wing back.

Fago Lawal also earned a call up after a strong season with NK Istra 1961 in Croatia. He plays for NK Istra 1961 and has four goals and two assists in sixteen league matches.

His record this season is five goals and two assists in seventeen matches.

Another new player is Tochukwu Nnadi who has made fifteen appearances for SV Zulte Waregem in the second division in Belgium.

Full Squad

GOALKEEPERS
Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, Amas Obasogie

DEFENDERS
Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi Samuel, Ryan Alebiosu

MIDFIELDERS
Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Muhammed Usman, Alex Iwobi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi

FORWARDS
Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers, Salim Fago, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu

Super Eagles official squad list for the 2025 AFCON is OUT! 🇳🇬🦅🔥

✅ Francis Uzoho makes a big return to the squad.
✅ Two U20 sensations — Salim Fugo and Tochukwu Nnadi — are included.

❌ No Maduka Okoye.
❌ No Tolu Arokodare.
❌ No Victor Boniface.
❌ No Taiwo Awoniyi.

All… pic.twitter.com/D9BfRm8YOd

— Sports Radio Brila FM (@Brilafm889) December 11, 2025

Francis Uzoho has been recalled even though he has played only three matches this season and has spent most of the campaign on the bench.

Francis Uzoho. (Photo | Getty Images)

Paul Onuachu returns on merit. He is in excellent form and he is the top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig with eleven goals.

Eric Chelle is expected to help Nigeria win the AFCON after the national team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Also read: Victor Osimhen’s European Streak Ends in Monaco

The outcome of the tournament will play an important role in determining his long term future as the manager of the Super Eagles.

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The apartment where police were called to in response to fired Michigan coach Sherrone Moore’s alleged knife-wielding assault belongs to his executive assistant, it has been revealed. 

Moore, a 39-year-old married father-of-three, was arrested on Wednesday over an alleged assault after he was dismissed by Michigan over an affair. 

32-year-old staffer Paige Shiver owned the Ann Arbor apartment where a 911 call was made claiming that Moore, who was reported to be ‘suicidal’ after losing his $30million job, attacked a woman, according to the New York Post.

Police dispatch audio stated that an unnamed woman accused Moore of attacking her and stalking her ‘for months.’ The dispatcher was also heard saying that the fired coach threatened the woman with a knife before dropping the weapon and fleeing. 

The audio also claimed that Moore was ‘suicidal’ after losing his job, according to his wife Kelli. 

The call to police was made from Shiver’s Ann Arbor address, according to public records obtained by the Post, but it is currently unclear if she was the victim. 

Fired Michigan coach Sherrone Moore was arrested on Wednesday after allegedly attacking a woman with a knife at an apartment in Ann Arbor  

The apartment where police were called to reportedly belonged to Moore’s executive assistant and Wolverines staffer, Paige Shiver 

After the attack, Moore allegedly fled the scene in a black Chevrolet Tahoe before cops found and detained him roughly an hour later at the Well Church at the corner of Ann Arbor Street and Willis Road. 

Earlier on Wednesday, Moore had been fired as Michigan’s head coach over an affair with a staffer. The Wolverines employee has not been publicly identified.

The school announced they had uncovered evidence of ‘an inappropriate relationship with a staffer’ and within hours he was in custody at Washtenaw County Jail after losing his $6million-a-year job.

According to NBC, Michigan had been alerted prior to Wednesday that Moore was dealing with mental health issues, before he was fired as head coach despite HR, a representative or security not being present.

The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to Daily Mail that he remains behind bars on Thursday, with charging decisions not expected to be made until he is arraigned. 

He is set to appear in court for arraignment on Friday, just under 48 hours after he was detained by police over the alleged assault.

According to ESPN reporter Pete Thamel, the situation with Moore at Michigan had been ‘percolating’ for the last few weeks after he began acting ‘strange’ behind the scenes.

‘There had been a lot of uneasiness on the Michigan staff, sources had told me Sherrone Moore had been acting strange, berating assistant coaches, not acting in a normal way,’ Thamel said Wednesday on SportsCenter.

Moore, pictured with wife Kelli, was taken into police custody hours after he was fired from his job over an ‘inappropriate relationship with a staffer’ as police investigated an alleged assault

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

Thamel claims there was an initial investigation that had calmed towards the end of the regular season, only for it to reignite over the past week.

‘It is rare that you get a statement like the one Michigan had, being as explicit as they are, saying it was an inappropriate relationship with a staff member that led to Sherrone Moore’s firing,’ he added.

Michigan announced Moore’s exit in a damning statement on Wednesday, with athletic director Warde Manuel saying: ‘Following a University investigation, credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

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

After citing cause for firing him due to that ‘clear violation’ of school policy, Michigan will not have to pay Moore his buyout clause.

He went 18-8 in his two seasons as Wolverines head coach, with the team 9-3 this year before his shock firing.

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Super Eagles and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has been named Athlete of the Year in Turkey by GQ Türkiye.

Osimhen received the Best Athlete of the Year Award in recognition of his dominant performances since arriving in the Turkish Super Lig.

The Nigerian striker has quickly become a standout figure, delivering influential displays that have earned him admiration across the country.

“Thank you to GQ. Of course, I can’t forget my family, Galatasaray,” he said. “ This means a great deal to me. I will do my best for my family, for Galatasaray, and for the fans.

 “Thank you for this award, I am grateful.”

Last season, Osimhen was the top scorer of the Turkish Super Lig as Galatasaray won a record-extending 25th  championship as well as Turkish Cup.

His latest honour adds to a growing list of accolades and further cements his status as one of Africa’s most prolific forwards.

Osimhen’s profile continues to rise as he shines on the European stage.

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Former England centre-back, Paul Parker, has accused Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes of behaving like a one-year-old child.

Parker, joining voices with other pundits, was wondering why the Portuguese always find it difficult to maintain his position in the midfield and does not track back when needed.

Parker told Goal that Fernandes’ midfield partner, Casemiro, needs support in the middle of the pitch.

He said that the Brazilian is finding life difficult because Fernandes does not stay in a position.

“Casemiro does a great job. At Man United he is playing next to someone that doesn’t stand still.

“He [Fernandes] is like my one-year-old, you leave them somewhere but they are not going to stay there, you put your head down and he’s gone.

“When he’s gone, he doesn’t leave you a note behind about where he’s going to be. That’s the thing with Bruno, he is going to score a goal or do an assist, and the rest is all forgotten,” he said.

Clubs from the Saudi Pro League sought to sign Fernandes from Manchester United last summer, but the Portuguese said publicly that he had no intention of leaving the club.

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Liverpool are the Premier League club working the hardest on the potential signing of Real Madrid ace Arda Guler, according to a report, while there has been a double update on Anfield legend Mo Salah.

Liverpool made big changes to their forward line over the summer, spending record-breaking money on Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, but there could be yet more major transfers at the club in 2026. Whether Salah makes up with head coach Arne Slot or completes a heartbreaking transfer away from Liverpool remains to be seen.

Guler is one player who could move to Merseyside to help Liverpool in the post-Salah era, and CaughtOffside (via Teamtalk) report that Slot’s side are ‘leading the race’ for the Turkish superstar.

Liverpool are said to be ‘the most active’ club in pursuing Guler, having ‘tracked him closely this season’. A potential deal by Richard Hughes has already been endorsed by Slot, who is a huge admirer of Guler’s talent and sees him as a ‘perfect fit’ at Anfield.

Also Read: Ex-Liverpool Star A Major Contender To Replace Under-fire Alonso At Madrid

The report claims that Liverpool and Manchester United are set to ‘battle it out’ for the playmaker’s services in 2026.

Arsenal are also in the frame, as they hold ‘long-standing interest’ in Guler.

However, it is hard to see Madrid selling Guler anytime soon. The central attacking midfielder, who can also play on the right flank, has emerged into one of Xabi Alonso’s most important players.

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• Comes as the couple balance their long-distance relationship 

By JOSH ALSTON, SENIOR SPORT REPORTER, AUSTRALIA

Published: 00:11 EST, 12 December 2025 | Updated: 00:11 EST, 12 December 2025

Australia’s ‘hottest footy WAG’ Chelsea Becirevic is getting into the festive spirit for Christmas, but it is not all good news for her partner Ivan Soldo. 

Soldo is contracted with AFL side Port Adelaide for 2026 and has been busy in pre-season training before heading into a Christmas break.

Meanwhile, Becirevic is back living in Melbourne and has shared a range of images shopping, getting pampered and living her best life back in Victoria.

One of those images included a lavish view of her living room, set up for Christmas including a snow-encrusted tree.

She posted the image with the caption ‘I fear I’ve nailed it’.

The problem? It was Soldo who actually put up the Christmas tree in her stylish South Yarra apartment.

Australia’s ‘hottest footy WAG’ Chelsea Becirevic posted this image of her living room ready for Christmas with the caption ‘I fear I’ve nailed it’

Her partner Ivan Soldo told a different story on his Instagram account, though, showing him setting up the tree in his girlfriend’s living room

Soldo and Becirevic are in a long distance relationship, with the footy star remaining in Adelaide for the 2026 season

Soldo shared footage of him arriving at Melbourne Airport and images setting up the tree, with the captions ‘how it started’ and ‘how it ended’.  

Soldo and Becirevic began dating in 2022 after meeting in Melbourne while Soldo was playing at Richmond. 

The relationship became public during Soldo’s later years at the club and continued through his move into a more uncertain phase of his AFL career. 

In late 2023, Soldo was traded to Port Adelaide, requiring a move to Adelaide. 

Becirevic initially relocated to support him but later described the adjustment as difficult. 

Around the same period, she took up work in Dubai as an Emirates flight attendant, creating a long-distance relationship. 

The separation added strain and prompted speculation about the future of the relationship. 

Becirevic eventually returned to Australia and based herself in Melbourne. Soldo remained in Adelaide to fulfil his Port Adelaide contract. 

Despite living in different cities, they continued their relationship and shifted focus toward shared projects. 

In 2025, they launched a fashion and lifestyle brand together called I’M TAKEN.

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Footy’s hottest WAG caught out over big lie just before Christmas – and her AFL star boyfriend won’t be happy

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*Recalls Uzoho, Onuachu, Dessers & Dele-Bashiru with four uncapped players

Duro Ikhazuagbe 

Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, released Nigeria’s final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday evening with the exclusion of Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, who was expected to step up to the first choice role.

Surprisingly, Chelle, stick with his injured Number 1, Stanley Nwabali, who his Chippa United coach in South Africa has written off to be unfit for the AFCON in Morocco starting in barely 10 days time.

Also left out of the Super Eagles final squad is  Wolverhampton Wanderers Tolu Arokodare who has failed to take his chance with the Nigerian senior team despite the opportunities offered him during the World Cup qualifiers.

Paul Onuachu, Francis Uzoho, Cyriel Dessers and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have been recalled to  the team along with four uncapped players like Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa), Salim Fago (NK Istra, Croatia), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers) and Tochukwu Nnadi (ZulteWaregem).

All the other players in the squad participated in the failed World Cup qualification run that ended last month.

Chelle opted for the usual suspects like Nwabali, defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, and other players as Nigerians are looking forward to the team winning a fourth African title at this 35th edition of continental football showpiece to make up for the World Cup miss.

According to the statement issued by NFF’s Director of Communication, Dr Ademola Olajire, the Super Eagles will clash with the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, 16th December, before flying aboard a chartered flight from Cairo to Fès (their battlefield in Group C) two days later.

The three-time champions take on the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on 23rd December, before further group phase encounters against Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles (27th December) and Uganda’s Cranes (30th December).

NIGERIA’S 28-MAN  2025 AFCON SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961 (Croatia)   

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• Head coach at embattled NRL club until 2030
• Wooden spoon in 2024, 13th place finish this year

By SCOTT BAILEY FOR AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS and ANDREW PRENTICE, SPORTS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA

Published: 22:01 EST, 11 December 2025 | Updated: 22:18 EST, 11 December 2025

Wests Tigers have extended Benji Marshall’s contract until the end of 2030, with the embattled NRL club throwing an incredible level of support behind the coach.

Already contracted until the end of 2027, the Tigers on Friday announced a new deal that will keep the club legend at the helm for the next five seasons.

It came on another busy day in Tiger town, with Shaun Mielekamp appointed interim CEO following Shane Richardson’s dramatic exit.

In the space of 11 days, the Tigers have sacked more than half their board, had their CEO resign, invited the board members back and extended Marshall as head coach.

Marshall’s new contract is no doubt aimed at providing some stability at the club, with it in the works before the directors were invited back on Thursday.

Tigers officials will also hope it helps them secure Jarome Luai and Jahream Bula, with the star duo able to look elsewhere for 2027 and beyond.

Wests Tigers have extended Benji Marshall’s contract until the end of 2030, with the embattled NRL club throwing an incredible level of support behind the coach

Tigers officials hope Marshall’s extension will help them keep Jarome Luai (pictured, left) and Jahream Bula, with the star duo able to look elsewhere for 2027 and beyond

But it is also an incredible show of faith in the 40-year-old from the joint-venture club.

Marshall has taken the Tigers to a wooden spoon and 13th in his two seasons in charge, albeit while showing signs of improvement in 2025.

Across all 17 NRL clubs, only Cameron Ciraldo at the Bulldogs has a longer coaching deal than Marshall.

Meanwhile, Holman Barnes chairman Dennis Burgess has quit the board of the Wests Tigers.

It follows Burgess – an ARIA Hall of Fame inductee – attracting unwanted headlines after he was exposed for following hundreds of social media pages featuring sexually explicit content.

Burgess will remain chairman of the Holman Barnes Group.

‘This is about stability at the Wests Tigers,’ he told News Corp.

‘I’ve taken the view that I’ve got to be a bit selfless as part of the solution to the need for stability and unity. 

‘That’s why I’m stepping aside.’

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Benji Marshall’s INCREDIBLE contract extension at the Wests Tigers – as NRL club confirm their interim CEO after departure of Shane Richardson

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Oliver Glasner has praised Chrisantus Uche and his Crystal Palace teammates, following a comfortable win at Shelbourne in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday.

Palace boosted their hopes of automatic progress to the Conference League knockout phase with a straightforward 3-0 win away to Shelbourne in Dublin.

Uche, Eddie Nketiah and Yeremy Pino all scored as Palace completely outclassed their hosts in the first half.

Palace were missing injured Jean-Philippe Mateta on Thursday but Uche seized his opportunity, clinically converting from Nketiah’s low cross to open the scoring.

The pair linked up well throughout the game, with Nketiah benefiting for Palace’s second when Uche saw a shot come back off the post.

The win lifts Palace up to ninth, meaning they are just one point off a coveted top-eight finish and need only a point at home to KuPS next Thursday in their final league-phase game to guarantee a play-off spot for the last 16.

Speaking after the win Glasner, quoted by Sky Sport, said:”Credit to the players for their attitude today. The pitch was not in the best condition, they’re playing against a team who want to show up and I think we played a very good game.

“First half, scored nice goals. We spoke at half-time to keep the pace high and we did, created many chances and unfortunately we missed a few and were unlucky with Romain Esse’s finish.

“Against a team who defends so deep, I think it was our best game. So many chances, scoring three goals, clean sheet – a very good night.”

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By JAKE FENNER, US SPORTS WRITER

Published: 20:22 EST, 11 December 2025 | Updated: 20:30 EST, 11 December 2025

Olivia Dunne’s provocative photoshoot for the cover of Maxim magazine has set pulses racing and is garnering praise from far and wide.

Dunne – the model, influencer and former gymnast – was showcased in black-and-white on the cover of the men’s magazine’s Winter edition.

The 23-year-old received plenty of love from fans and celebrities alike – including from Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Under an Instagram post showcasing the cover, Brittany posted ‘So Good’ while adding three fire emojis.

Other celebrities and sports figures – like Lindsey Vonn, Ilona Maher, Brooks Nader, Alix Earle and the Cavinder Twins – left supportive comments.

Her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, posted about her on his own Instagram page. 

Brittany Mahomes (R) joined in the praise for Livvy Dunne’s recent raunchy photoshoot

The former LSU gymnast graced the cover of the winter edition of Maxim Magazine

Dunne is, of course, no stranger to gracing the covers of magazines while showing off her physique.

Earlier this year, she was on the front of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. It marked her third time in the iconic magazine.

2025 marked the end of Dunne’s career as an athlete and the beginning of her transition to being a full-time personality.

After the conclusion of her time as a gymnast at LSU, Dunne has signed with global talent agency Wasserman.

Now, the internet sensation can continue her modeling career as well as other brand deals and endeavors.

In addition to her social media work and endorsements, Dunne has been growing her real estate portfolio.

She recently purchased a home in Jupiter, Florida – believed to be not far from the $60million mansion owned by Tiger Woods.

Dunne was captured in black-and-white, showing off her physique and her sense of style

Earlier this year, Dunne was seen on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition

Dunne also finally landed herself a luxury New York apartment, months after her bid to buy Babe Ruth’s former home was brutally rejected. 

She was turned down by a co-op board when she previously attempted to purchase a property in the Big Apple earlier this year. 

However, according to the New York Post, the 23-year-old has put that behind her and will now be joining the hordes of social media stars in the city’s West Village. 

According to records obtained by the outlet, Dunne bought a one-bedroom, two-bath condominium for $1.95million in the area.

Kansas City ChiefsPittsburgh Pirates

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NFL WAG Brittany Mahomes gushes over Livvy Dunne’s raunchy Maxim cover debut

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