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AFCON 2025: Nwabali Arrives Super Eagles Camp In Egypt
Stanley Nwabali has arrived the Super Eagles’ Renaissance Hotels, Cairo, Egypt ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Nwabali’s arrived was confirmed by the Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe.
The Chippa United first choice is the second player to arrive camp after Francis Uzoho touched down at past 2am local time Sunday morning.
The Super Eagles camp officially opened on Sunday, 14th of December and all the coaches and back room staff have arrived.
Francis Uzoho has expressed his excitement at being back in the Super Eagles, describing the opportunity to represent the country as the highest honor of his career.
Speaking in a recent interview, Uzoho admitted he deeply missed life in camp during his absence.
“I think I missed quite a lot,” told the Super Eagles media. “I miss the boys, to be honest. I miss the vibe in camp because we’ve been together a lot.”
“The most noticeable thing is being around the boys and facing every challenge together.”
Uzoho, 26, revealed that despite being away from the team, he maintained regular contact with his teammates to keep relationships strong.
“I speak to them once in a while. We chat and check up on each other. I have colleagues I’m closer to, but in general I do reach out to the boys. I was filled with joy one I can’t really express especially knowing I was coming back to represent Nigeria, which is the most important thing in my career,” he added.
Addressing questions surrounding his recall, Uzoho firmly defended his inclusion, stating that only players deemed ready by the technical crew earn national team call ups.
Francis Uzoho. (Photo | Getty Images)
“Everyone called up to the national team is ready. If you aren’t ready, you won’t be called. The technical scouts and coaching staff know what they are doing. If they call a player, it means he’s ready to represent Nigeria, and that applies to me as well. If the time comes and the country needs me, I will be ready.”
Uzoho also spoke warmly about his relationship with his fellow goalkeepers, noting a healthy and supportive atmosphere within the unit.
Also read: Bassey on Target as Fulham Edge Burnley 3–2
While he shares a good bond with Amas Obasogie, he admitted he is particularly close to Stanley Nwabali.
“I was with Amas twice in the national team before I stopped coming. He’s a good lad and we’re close. Stanley Nwabali is my brother. When he came in, we were all together and helped each other.
“We have a very good relationship. People outside may not see it, but personally, I’m good with him and also with Amas,” he explained.
Francis Uzoho has earned 35 senior caps for Nigeria and last featured for the Super Eagles at the 2023 AFCON.
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Manchester United vs Bournemouth – Premier League LIVE: Poor goalkeeping error gifts Red Devils a deserved lead after Antoine Semenyo cancelled out Amad Diallo’s opener – and angrily grabbed Diogo Dalot by the throat
Follow Daily Sport’s live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Manchester United takes on Bournemouth at Old Trafford in the Premier League, with Chris Wheeler and Nathan Salt reporting from the grounds.
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Manchester United vs Bournemouth – Premier League LIVE: Poor goalkeeping error gifts Red Devils a deserved lead after Antoine Semenyo cancelled out Amad Diallo’s opener – and angrily grabbed Diogo Dalot by the throat
Inter Miami have confirmed the signing of Spanish left back Sergio Reguilón, securing the experienced defender on a contract that runs until December 2027, with an option to extend until December 2028.
Sergio Reguilón, 28, arrives as a free agent after his most recent spell with Tottenham Hotspur and will occupy an international roster slot. His arrival adds depth and pedigree to Inter Miami’s squad, with the club continuing to strengthen ahead of the coming seasons.
Speaking after the announcement, Reguilón said, “It’s a very ambitious project, a winning Club that is doing things the right way, and that’s what attracted me: coming here to keep winning and competing. My objective is to keep winning, go after the trophies we’re missing, and win everything here.”
Reguilón brings with him a wealth of top-level experience from European football. Over the course of his career, he has made more than 260 senior appearances, including 81 in the Premier League and 56 in LaLiga.
He has also featured regularly in elite competitions such as the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Born in Madrid, Reguilón spent a decade in the Real Madrid academy, progressing through the youth system before a loan move to UD Logroñés during the 2015-2016 season.
He returned to the Spanish giants the following year, featuring for Real Madrid Castilla before making his first-team debut in the UEFA Champions League in October 2018. A LaLiga debut followed a month later, and he was part of the squad that lifted Real Madrid’s fourth FIFA Club World Cup title.
His career gathered momentum during a successful loan spell at Sevilla in the 2019-20 season, where he played a key role in their UEFA Europa League triumph and was named in the competition’s squad of the season.
Strong performances in Spain earned him a move to Tottenham Hotspur, where he spent two seasons before returning to LaLiga on loan with Atlético de Madrid. Further loan spells followed at Manchester United and Brentford, before he rejoined Tottenham in May 2024.
At the international level, Reguilón has been capped six times by Spain, with appearances in the UEFA Nations League in 2020 and a FIFA World Cup qualifier in 2021.
The Nigeria National League, NNL, has rescheduled two matches in Matchday Day Seven of Conference A and B.
The fixture between Stormers SC and Rovers FC, originally scheduled for Saturday, December 20, will now take place on Friday, December 19, 2025. The encounter will be held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta.
Meanwhile, the Matchday Six fixture between Smart City and Heartland, which had been put on hold, will now be played on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
All remaining matches in the groups will proceed according to the original schedule..
NNL announces new date for Week 6, 7 fixtures
Rivers United secured top spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, following a 1-0 win over Wikki Tourists at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Monday.
Taofeek Otaniyi scored the winning goal in the 19th minute.
Rivers United extended their unbeaten run to nine games.
The Port Harcourt club top the standings with 33 points from 16 matches.
Read Also:NPFL: Nasarawa United Boss Satisfied With Draw Against Plateau United
Finidi George’s last defeat was against Bayelsa United on October 12.
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Ikorodu City and Katsina United battled to a 0-0 draw.
Ikorodu City maintained third position on the log following the stalemate.
Katsina United moved to 11th position with 22 points from 17 matches.
By Adeboye Amosu
Calvin Bassey was on the scoresheet as Fulham secured a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Burnley, with the Nigerian defender delivering a commanding all-round performance.
Fulham made a bright start to the encounter and took the lead in the 9th minute through Emile Smith Rowe, who rose to meet a well-delivered corner from Harry Wilson.
Burnley responded in the 21st minute, drawing level courtesy of Lesley Ugochukwu, but Fulham regained control just ten minutes later.
Calvin Bassey restored the hosts’ advantage after Harry Wilson sent in an exquisite cross, which the Nigerian international powered home with a towering header.
Calvin Bassey scores during the Premier League match between Burnley and Fulham at Turf Moor. (Photo | Getty Images)
Fulham sealed the win in the 58th minute, with Samuel Chukwueze providing the decisive moment.
The Nigerian winger drove into Burnley’s 18-yard box before squaring the ball to Wilson, who calmly slotted into the bottom left corner to make it 3–1.
Burnley managed a late response as Oliver Sonne pulled one back, but it proved to be no more than a consolation as Fulham held on for all three points.
Fulham’s Nigerian contingent were outstanding throughout the match.
Calvin Bassey delivered an exceptional performance, completing 50 passes, including eight into the final third, while recording a 100% success rate in dribbles and long balls.
Also read: Meet Belgian Youngster Who Almost Broke Kanu Nwankwo’s 31-Year Record
Defensively, he was equally dominant, registering five tackles, four clearances, one block, and nine ball recoveries, while winning 14 duels overall.
Samuel Chukwueze was influential in attack and diligent in defense.
He completed 30 passes, created the match-winning chance, and contributed defensively with three clearances, one interception, and five ball recoveries.
Operating in a central midfield role, Alex Iwobi showcased his versatility, completing 40 passes, with seven into the final third, alongside two interceptions and six ball recoveries.
The Nigerian Fulham trio continue to deliver consistently week after week.
The victory moves Fulham up to 13th place in the Premier League, leaving them just three points off the top half of the table.
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Titans star Jeffery Simmons’ home is robbed as ‘six burglars’ are seen entering through smashed window
Tennessee Titans star Jeffery Simmons became the latest pro athlete to have his home burglarized while he was on the road.
The Pro Bowl defensive tackle’s Nashville-area home was broken into on Sunday as the Titans were in Santa Clara, California to face the 49ers, as seen in security footage posted by Simmons on Instagram.
‘Team security is actively working with Metro Nashville Police Department to recover items stolen from Jeff Simmons’ house,’ the Titans said in a statement. ‘No residents were home during the burglary.’
No fewer than six suspects were seen entering the home after smashing out a window, according to Metro Nashville PD. Several items were taken.
Simmons called police Monday morning after arriving home to see the damage to his home. He later shared security footage of the break-in and a message to the robbers online.
‘God is the Greatest and I’m his son!!’ Simmons wrote. ‘Whoever you are, just know he sit high and look Low. You’ll get what you deserve f***ing cowards!
A burglar is seen walking through Jeffery Simmons’ home as the Titans star was on the road
Simmons, a two-time All-Pro and former first-round pick, is seen here on November 30
‘What if any of my family members was in my house??’ he added in a follow-up post. ‘All that materialistic s*** you can have but this is crazy!’
The 28-year-old Simmons is a two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection. The former Mississippi State standout was a first-round pick for the Titans back in 2019.
Simmons is far from the only NFL player who has been robbed over the last few years.
Shedeur Sanders’s house in suburban Cleveland was reportedly broken into while he made his NFL debut for the Browns last month. That came about a year after Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Mahomes and teammate Travis Kelce had their homes raided during a game against the New Orleans Saints.
Similarly, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow saw his Ohio home broken into while he was helping Cincinnati beat the Cowboys in Texas last season.
And NBA players have faced the same issues.
Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was robbed this year after thieves targeted fellow league stars Luka Doncic, Ja Morant and Hart’s Knicks teammate, Karl-Anthony Towns, last season.
Most recently the New York Post revealed New York Knicks star Josh Hart had $185,000 in watches and jewelry stolen from the SoHo hotel, where he was staying earlier this year.
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Titans star Jeffery Simmons’ home is robbed as ‘six burglars’ are seen entering through smashed window
Nigeria midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has revealed how he felt about his first Super Eagles invitation, describing it as a moment he never saw coming after years of setbacks, self-doubt and sacrifice.
The Pisa FC midfielder, owned by Inter Milan, was named in Nigeria’s 28-man squad for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. For Akinsanmiro, the call-up marked the fulfilment of a dream that once felt painfully distant.
“I wasn’t expecting it to be honest,” Ebenezer Akinsanmiro told NFF TV. “Because I was first called up during the qualifier for the World Cup, I was called up, then I got injured. So, when they called me up, when I saw the invitation, to be honest, I called someone closer to me, and I started crying because it had been a dream for so long.”
The 20-year-old admitted that representing Nigeria at the senior level had been a lifelong ambition, one he chased through the youth ranks without immediate reward.
“I have been trying to play for the national team for so long, since the U17, U20, and I think, like then, maybe I am not good enough. I just felt like maybe when I keep on pushing and give my possible best, maybe one day, I will be called up to the national team,” he said.
Akinsanmiro’s journey has been anything but straightforward. Growing up, he had limited access to live football and instead developed his love for the game by playing rather than watching.
“I don’t really watch football like that because where I grew up, you had to pay before you could watch games,” he explained. “So, we were not allowed when I was young to, so we didn’t have time to watch games. I love to play football, but I didn’t watch football but I was growing up, making it serious that I want to become a football player.”
When he did study the game, his inspiration came from two Nigerian greats. Akinsanmiro revealed that former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel and Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha shaped his style.
“I will watch on YouTube, which is like Mikel Obi, and I like the way he plays from the U20 World Cup, and I also love Okocha, and I only watch these people on YouTube, their highlights to be honest, and I love them,” he said.
There was, however, a period when football no longer felt like a guaranteed path. Unsure of his future, Akinsanmiro stepped away from the game to learn a trade.
“There was a time I doubted football because it’s not something where you’re 100 per cent sure you’ll make it. So I decided to learn barbering. I stopped playing football for some months, even years,” he said.
Family support proved decisive in pulling him back. Akinsanmiro credited his father and brothers, all of whom played football when they were younger, for keeping his dream alive.
“The people around me, like my dad, my brothers, both of them played football when they were young, and my dad also plays football,” he said. “I choose to play, but there was a time when I was like football is not like something like 100 per cent you will make it, so I have to learn work.”
His persistence eventually paid off. After impressing with Pisa following their promotion to Serie A, Akinsanmiro earned his place in the Super Eagles squad for the biennial tournament.
The midfielder is now hoping to make his senior debut when Nigeria face Egypt on Tuesday in a preparatory match ahead of AFCON 2025.
Newly invited Super Eagles midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has revealed that he abandoned football for barbing while growing up, DAILY POST reports.
Akinsanmiro is one of the fresh faces in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The energetic midfielder was previously on the books of Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, champions Remo Stars before moving abroad a few years ago.
“Well, daddy inspired me a lot, he was once a footballer, and my two brothers too. They were footballers too. I took a lot of interest in the game while watching them play,” he told the Super Eagles media.
“Then, there was a time I took a break from football to learn barbing. I’m a professional barber too. I must thank my father and brothers for their support.”
Akinsanmiro, who is on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan, also reacted to his Super Eagles invitation.
“I was not expecting it, to be honest, the first time I was contacted was during the World Cup qualifiers, but I was injured and couldn’t make it,” he added.
“So, when this invitation came, I called someone close to me. I was actually shedding tears because it was a dream come true for me.
“I have been trying to play for the national team, from U-17 to U-20. Then, I felt maybe I was not good enough. I told myself I will keep pushing and doing my possible best, maybe one day the invitation will come.”
The Obasa Games 2025 came to an end with an exciting football final as Future Stars emerged champions after beating Goal Getters 6–5 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the final match that took place at Anwar-Islam Model College in Oniwaya, Agege, Lagos.
About 10,000 student-athletes within Educational Districts participated in six sports in a month of thrilling sporting events held at various venues across Lagos State.
Speaking to Journalists at the closing ceremony, the Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC), Hon. Abdulganiyu Vinod Obasa, expressed satisfaction with the multi-sport event, promising to add more sports next year.
”The Obasa Games 2025 were as exciting and enjoyable as previous editions. We witnessed many student-athletes giving their all to become champions. In the football final, it was a tense 90 minutes, and in the end, Future Stars emerged victorious,” Vinod said.
He added, “We are thrilled about the Obasa Games. This marks our third year hosting this multi-sport event, and we’ve learned a lot from our experiences, refined our approach, and improved the competition for our young athletes in Lagos State.
”This year, we expanded our reach across Lagos, particularly within the Educational Districts, featuring six sporting events. Congratulations to all the stars we’ve discovered.
”For the football event, we engage scouts every year to identify emerging talents and increase the total prize money to ₦12 million to reward our young athletes’ efforts.
”For next year, we plan to add more sports and reach more areas within Lagos to ensure that talents who have not yet been discovered can participate. Sports are a big business, and we believe every young athlete has the potential to earn a good living from it.
”We are also using the Obasa Games to engage our youth. As mentioned by the Lagos State Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, we plan to launch the Agege Football League for academies to participate in on weekends, and we are enhancing local sports facilities, including building 5-a-side and 7-a-side pitches in Agege.
”With nearly one million residents in Agege, 60% of whom are under 30, there is ample opportunity for sports development. Not every young person will pursue academics, trade, or creative endeavours; some will find their path in sports.
”We have seen the success Morocco has achieved in football with facility upgrades, and that’s why we are creating an environment in Agege that will nurture young talents. Our goal is to do things differently here.”
The total prize pool was ₦12 million, with ₦6 million (₦3.5, ₦1.5 and ₦1million) awarded to the champion and the first and second runners-up, while student-athletes who excelled in Chess, Scrabble, Table Tennis, Ayo Olopon, Boxing, and Athletics also shared the remaining ₦6 million.