Michigan interim football coach Biff Poggi has spoken out on the ‘turbulent time’ that the team has endured over the past week in the wake of former head coach Sherrone Moore’s scandal.

Moore, 39, was fired by the Wolverines last Wednesday after an investigation found he had engaged in an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a member of staff.

In a stunning escalation of events, the married father-of-three was arrested later that evening after allegedly entering his assistant’s apartment, terrorizing an unnamed woman and threatening to harm himself in the wake of his firing over the affair.

Addressing the shocking incident for the first time, Poggi, who was elevated to interim head coach from associate head coach, revealed that the players have been left feeling ‘betrayed’ by Moore. 

‘It has been a tumultuous time,’ Poggi said, via ESPN. ‘A lot of … first disbelief, then anger, then really, what we’re in right now is the kids, quite frankly, feel very betrayed, and we’re trying to work through that.’

Poggi was speaking during a media availability for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl and opened up on how the players were coping in the aftermath of the scandal with the game just over two weeks away. 

Michigan interim football coach Biff Poggi has spoken out on the ‘turbulent time’

Sherrone Moore was dismissed after it emerged that he allegedly had an affair with a staffer

He said he has tried to help players with ‘lots of arms around shoulders, lot of listening, lot of telling them that you love them, but showing it, because words are cheap, and that takes a lot of time. What it really takes is you being willing to listen.’ 

He admitted that there was no playbook to follow in situations like this, but insisted that the focus had remained on the players and their families. 

‘I don’t know that you can prepare for something like this,’ Poggi said. ‘It’s been complicated. I want to listen to them. I want to understand what the kids are feeling and what their parents are feeling, and so a lot of listening, and there’s been a wide range of emotions, and we are going through those steps. 

‘They’re not over yet, and I don’t expect them to be over for a while. The mandate that Warde Manuel gave me as the athletic director when he asked me to be the interim coach, was to love and take care of the kids, and so that’s what I’m spending all of my time doing.’

He also revealed that he had held discussions with players over whether they wanted to play or to opt out of the Bowl game, insisting that it was a personal decision for each one of them. 

Poggi took the helm in the wake of Moore’s dismissal after previously serving as interim head coach earlier in the season for games against Central Michigan and Nebraska while Moore was serving a suspension as part of self-imposed sanctions for NCAA violations related to the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal.

He re-joined Michigan in February as associate head coach after spending two seasons as head coach of Charlotte. 

Michigan is said to have fired Moore after it emerged that he had engaged in an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a staffer following an investigation.

Former head coach Moore, 39, was arrested just hours after being fired by the Wolverines 

Moore was pictured with his wife Kelli leaving the offices of his lawyer on Sunday 

The probe initially found no evidence of a relationship as both Moore and the woman denied the claim, according to reports.

The woman in question ultimately contacted the firm on Wednesday to change her story. The school responded to this change in testimony by firing Moore, according to the Wall Street Journal, which did not identify the woman by name.

As of Friday evening – two days on from Moore’s dismissal and subsequent arrest – the staffer alleged to be his mistress is reportedly still employed by the school. 

Michigan has since launched a fresh investigation, hiring Jenner & Block, the Chicago-based law firm that opened the previous inquiry into Moore’s conduct. 

While Moore’s dismissal will be a primary focus of the investigation, the wide-scoping inquiry will reportedly examine the numerous scandals that the school’s athletic programs have endured in recent years, including how they came about and how they were handled.

On Friday, Moore was charged with breaking and entering, home invasion and stalking at his arraignment in Washtenaw County, just days after allegedly entering his assistant’s apartment, terrorizing an unnamed woman and threatening to harm himself in the wake of his firing over the affair.

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

Pittsfield, Michigan police and Washtenaw County prosecutors claimed the uninvited Moore entered a residence unarmed through an unlocked door and ‘engaged in a verbal argument with the victim that escalated.’ From there, he allegedly grabbed two butter knives and a pair of scissors while threatening to harm himself.

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

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

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

Moore allegedly fled the residence before police could arrive. He was ultimately arrested Wednesday evening at a church parking lot in a neighboring town. After his arraignment on Friday, he has bonded out of custody, court records state.

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, according to Washtenaw County’s Friday statement.

He was granted a $25,00 bond and ordered to wear a GPS device while continuing to undergo mental health treatment. His next court appearance is January 22.

SOURCE PAGE

Imole “System” Oloyede has brushed off Saddam “Baby Boxer” Oladipupo’s boast that their fight will end inside two rounds, ahead of their national lightweight bout at GOtv Boxing Night 34.

While Saddam has predicted an early stoppage, Oloyede says the confidence is misplaced. The boxer nicknamed “System” believes the bout will be decided over time, as pressure builds and mistakes creep in.  “Everyone can talk about two rounds,” he said. “But this is a national fight. I have prepared for every minute. When the pace settles and the noise fades, that is when the real work begins.”

Oloyede added that he is unfazed by predictions and name-calling, framing the bout as a test of composure.  “I don’t rush fights,” he said. “I read them. If Saddam wants to come fast, that is his choice. I will be there from the first bell to the last, and he will understand why they call me System.”

Their duel is expected to be one of the night’s most intriguing matchups on a stacked GOtv Boxing Night 34: Jams Festival card that blends elite boxing with live music and on-stage entertainment.

Also on the lineup is the national super bantamweight title bout between Sodiq “Happy Boy” Adeleke and champion Durotimi “Tiny” Agboola; the international lightweight clash between Nigeria’s Rasheed “ID Buster” Idowu and Ghana’s Nii Offei Dodoo; the national lightweight contest pitting Segun “Odi” Gbobaniyi against Tobiloba “Smiling Assassin” Ijomoni; the light welterweight challenge between Sodiq “Smart Lion” Suleimon and Emmanuel “Ability” Abimbola; and the bantamweight matchup featuring Ezekiel “Touch” Seun versus Toheeb “Full Tank” Hassan.

GOtv Boxing Night 34 will air live on SS Africa 1 (GOtv Ch. 63, DStv Ch. 207). The event, scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on 26 December at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, is sponsored by GOtv, with support from MultiChoice, ZetaWeb, TheCable and the Lagos State Sports Commission.

SOURCE PAGE

A member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation and the CEO of AFA Sports, Ugo Udezue, lamented the chaos surrounding basketball administration in Nigeria, stating that the game will develop greatly in the country if stakeholders unite and conduct themselves professionally, rather than encouraging negativity to gain power.

He shared his mind in Lagos on Monday.

 “Let us speak plainly, because the future of Nigerian basketball demands courage, not comfort. Everywhere basketball has truly flourished, development has been driven by private enterprise — not federations, not politics, and certainly not ego. The NBA is not owned by USA Basketball; the NCAA is not owned by any federation. AAU basketball does not answer to administrators seeking relevance.

 “Federations only regulate while private enterprise builds. This is a global truth we must stop pretending not to understand. What Nigerian basketball is experiencing today is not a healthy debate — it is desperation masquerading as reform.”

The former D’Tigers power forward said that those who truly love the game in Nigeria and are honest about development should join hands to build rather than looking for every opportunity to cause failure in the system.

 “We now live in a moment so distorted that a serving member of the federation’s own board reportedly went as far as attempting to engineer the defeat of the Nigerian women’s national team, D’Tigress, at the recent AfroBasket. A custodian of the game allegedly aligned against his own country — engaging the entire Nigerian former coaching crew, including a close family member, in an attempt to stop Nigeria from winning. This is self-serving over the country. D’Tigress rose above politics, rose above betrayal, and once again proved why they are champions. Basketball will always expose the difference between builders and saboteurs.

 “Unity without integrity is a fraud. You cannot preach unity while actively working against the national team. You cannot call for progress while sponsoring parallel elections.”

The AFA sports boss explained that his support for Musa Kida as the NBBF President and the board is in defense of the constitution and orderliness.

 “I say this clearly and without apology: I stand firmly and unequivocally with the current President of the Nigerian Basketball Federation, Engineer Musa Kida, and the duly elected board because in moments like this, institutions must be defended. The Constitution is clear, and it will be respected. The board was inaugurated on October 6, 2022. Elections are due on October 6, 2026. Anything else is constitutional vandalism.

 “If ambition is allowed to override law, then no administration — present or future — will ever govern in peace again. And once stability is lost, investors leave, sponsors disappear, and the game collapses under its own chaos.

He pointed the way forward:  “As stakeholders, we owe Nigerian basketball more than noise — we owe it assets such as arenas, academies and Operational excellence.

 “This is why I have consistently championed sustainable private enterprise and equity participation in basketball. Ownership models that attract serious investors. Systems that allow value creation over time.

 “I have seen it done properly — by firms like Webber Engineering, by professionals who understand that real development is not loud, it is competent. Even in organization, presentation, and graphics, excellence signals seriousness. That seriousness attracts sponsors. That attracts capital. Basketball does not grow where chaos lives.

 “Sustainable basketball ecosystems are built on: Private capital and Long-term equity; Professional leagues and Serious infrastructure. They are not built by naming leagues after yourself. They are not built by creating teams as personal monuments. They are not built by short-term projects designed for applause or political positioning. That approach is not development. It is personal promotion disguised as reform — political banditry wearing a basketball jersey.

If your project cannot survive without your name on it, then it was never about the game.”

SOURCE PAGE

Sir Chris Hoy’s wife has revealed the heartbreaking way the couple’s two children reacted when they learned of their father’s cancer diagnosis.

The cycling legend and Olympic champion was given the crushing news he was battling cancer in September 2023 after visiting the doctor about discomfort in his shoulder and ribs. 

Hoy however didn’t make public his health issues until a year later, around the same time that he discovered the disease had spread to his bones and become terminal. 

Now, the 49-year-old and his partner Lady Sarra Hoy have opened up about what has been a difficult few years, revealing their two children blamed themselves for their father’s illness.

The Hoys share two children together, 11-year-old Callum and eight-year-old Chloe Rose. 

Speaking to the BBC on Monday, Lady Sarra said: ‘They were scared, they had heard about cancer. 

Sir Chris Hoy’s wife has revealed the heartbreaking way the couple’s two children reacted when they learned of their father’s cancerdiagnosis

The Hoys share two children together, 11-year-old Callum and eight-year-old Chloe Rose

‘Questions come very quickly, will he die? Will I catch it? Did I cause it? Is it because I was naughty? I wanted to make cancer and chemotherapy part of our lives.’

Lady Sarra was herself devastatingly diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at the age of 44 in October 2023, less than a month after her husband was made aware of his health problems. She discovered the disease after visiting the doctors over tingling in her tongue and face. 

MS is an illness in which the immune system attacks the body and causes nerve damage to the brain and spinal cord. 

The couple have now created a documentary titled Sir Chris Hoy: Cancer, Courage and Me to offer viewers an insight into their lives over the last couple of years. 

Opening up on his and his wife’s health troubles last week, Hoy explained: ‘It’s funny, on one hand, you adapt very quickly and you’re in the kind of fight or flight mode when you first get the news. 

‘But there comes a moment where the dust settles briefly, and you can’t believe that you’re in this situation, that you’re, you know, I was very quickly into chemotherapy and into treatment. 

‘And you just think, how has it come to this all of a sudden? And then with Sarra’s MS diagnosis, which came very shortly after my cancer diagnosis, it was a double whammy. 

‘But it’s not forgetting to enjoy the moment and to make the most of every day.’

Hoy has been open about his health battles since his diagnosis in September 2023

It was however sadly around a year later that the cyclist learned that the disease had become terminal 

Hoy has done just that since his diagnosis and has continued to ‘do what he loves’ – riding bikes. 

However the Scotsman suffered a broken leg earlier this year in the ‘worst crash’ he’s ever experienced, despite spending almost 30 years as a professional cyclist in the velodrome. 

Speaking on Sky Sports last week, he explained: ‘I’ve smashed up my leg on the mountain bike. That’s the worst thing that’s happened recently. You just don’t bounce like you do when you’re younger.

‘It was a big one but I’m doing better now. I’m still on crutches, hobbling about, but by the time I’m there for the darts final on January 3, hopefully I’ll be a bit more mobile.

‘Worse things happen. I’ve been riding bikes for 43 years and it’s the worst crash I’ve ever had. I’m pretty lucky that’s the worst one I’ve had in all those years of riding. 

‘You can trip walking up steps to your front door and hurt yourself. The point is I’m not a massive risk taker, but I want to live my life and I want to make the most of it.

‘None of us are here forever so you want to make the most of the time you have and do the things you enjoy.

‘I’ve just had an unfortunate spill and it’s the way the cookie crumbles. I’m doing alright now, I wasn’t doing so well in the immediate aftermath of it, but looking forward to Christmas.’

Hoy also offered a promising update on his battle against cancer, revealing that his condition is now ‘stable’ thanks to successful treatment. 

The 49-year-old suffered a broken leg earlier this year while out riding his mountain bike

‘Once you’ve got past the diagnosis, which for me was over two years ago, now the first part of that is pretty grim and then you start the treatment,’ he added.  

‘Then, if you’re lucky like me, you respond to the treatment and enter a period of kind of stability.

‘It’s not completely stable, there’s times where it comes back and then you have to change treatment, but the fortunate thing for me in my situation, there are a number of different treatments out there, as there is for any man with prostate cancer.

‘It’s putting faith in science and knowing that right today, there are countless people all around the world working on new medications, new treatments, and with the hope that one day it won’t be a terminal diagnosis, but I’m doing fine.’

SOURCE PAGE

The number of Super Eagles players is now 22 following the arrival of Blackburn star Ryan Alebiosu.

Promise Efoghe, who is the Super Eagles media officer, disclosed the arrival.

Alebiosu is the latest player who joined the team’s camp on Monday.

Other players who landed on Monday are Zaidu Sanusi and Paul Onuachu.

Alebiosu will be making his debut appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations after his inclusion into the final 28-man squad.

22 Super Eagles Players In Cairo:

Francis Uzoho
Stanley Nwabali
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Akinsanmiro Ebenezer
Amas Obasogie
Semi Ajayi
Ademola Lookman
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Igho Ogbu
Tochukwu Nnadi
Zaidu Sanusi
Paul Onuachu
Frank Onyeka
Calvin Bassey
Alex Iwobi

Wilfred Ndidi
Bruno Onyemaechi
Cyril Dessers
Akor Adams
Chidera Ejuke
Raphael Onyedika
Ryan Alebiosu

SOURCE PAGE

Twenty-one players are now in the Super Eagles camp in Cairo, Egypt, as they continue preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Akor Adams, Cyriel Dessers, Akor Adams, and Raphael Onyedika were the latest arrivals at the team’s base at the Renaissance Hotel.

The new arrivals took part in the team’s first training session at the Cairo International Stadium on Monday night.

Seven more players are still expected to join the camp.

The Super Eagles will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly Tuesday.

Players in camp:
Francis Uzoho
Stanley Nwabali
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Akinsanmiro Ebenezer
Amas Obasogie
Semi Ajayi
Ademola Lookman
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Igho Ogbu
Tochukwu Nnadi
Zaidu Sanusi
Paul Onuachu
Frank Onyeka
Calvin Bassey
Alex Iwobi
Wilfred Ndidi
Bruno Onyemaechi
Cyril Dessers
Akor Adams
Chidera Ejuke
Raphael Onyedika

SOURCE PAGE

The Discovery Cup U-19 Annual International Scouting Tournament, organised by Zero Sports Management, concluded on Monday after five days of competitive matches and intensive talent assessment at the Inspire Sports Academy Arena.

Held from December 11 to 15, 2025, the tournament brought together elite youth teams and international scouts, further reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a rich breeding ground for emerging football talents while creating direct pathways for young players to secure professional opportunities abroad.

Speaking at the end of the finals, the tournament convener, Dr. Oduwole Oluwaseyi, described the event as a strategic success in terms of both player development and international recruitment.

“The January window is a smaller window, but our focus is really the summer,” Dr. Oduwole said. “We are recruiting players now so we can begin marketing them ahead of the major transfer windows. That is the essence of this tournament. It was successful because our priority is identifying and scouting the next generation of football talent.”

He explained that the age categories were deliberately structured to ensure continuity and long-term planning.

According to him, players born in 2007 and 2008 featured this year, while next year’s edition will focus on those born in 2008 and 2009, in order to provide sustained exposure rather than one-off opportunities.

Beyond scouting players, Dr. Oduwole noted that the tournament also served as a developmental platform for coaches. He revealed that selected coaches took part in specialised courses designed to enhance tactical knowledge and professional standards.

“We are running coaching courses alongside the tournament to engage coaches tactically and help them develop better players. Scouting is not just about the players; it is about strengthening the entire football ecosystem,” he added.

Reflecting on tangible outcomes from previous editions, Dr. Oduwole pointed to concrete success stories. “From the last tournament, we secured about five trials, and some of those players have already signed professional contracts. We currently have two players in Serbia, one with OFK Belgrade and one with IMT. They are doing very well, and both are pushing to break into their first teams this summer. That is real progress,” he said.

On the depth of talent in Nigeria, Dr. Oduwole was emphatic but critical of systemic issues. “The talent pool in Nigeria is massive, but it needs to be tapped the right way. Age issues, poor coaching, and bad attitudes are major problems. Football is not just about what you do on the pitch; it’s also about how you conduct yourself off it. To be an elite player, you must be professional and well-behaved. You are a role model,” he said.

He further addressed the disparities in the National team and the Nigerian Football Federation. He said, “I think Nigerian football needs proper rehabilitation — the league, the system, and even the process of selecting leadership at the NFF. The right, experienced people need to be in charge,” Dr. Oduwole said.

International scouts in attendance echoed the positive assessment of the tournament. Dejan Veselinovic, a football scout and coach with OFK Belgrade in Serbia, praised both the organization and the quality of players on display. “This tournament was very good. We saw very good young players and very good football. Some of them are ready to play in Europe,” Veselinovic said.

He admitted that the level of play exceeded his expectations. “I was surprised. I expected a lower level, but they showed big talent and big opportunities for success. They want to learn, they want to work, and that is very important,” he said.

Speaking on African football more broadly, Veselinovic described the continent as the future of the global game.

He said, “African players have big potential. In my opinion, the future of football is in African players because they are very strong motorically. In the coming years, they will be leading players in their teams.” While noting that improvements in tactical understanding and technical refinement would further enhance their impact. “Their agility and physical qualities are already very strong. With more tactical work, they can dominate modern football.”

On the pitch, Ojodu City FC U19 emerged as champions, beating Seamoriow FC U19 on penalties to complete a remarkable turnaround after finishing as runners-up in the maiden edition of the tournament earlier this year.

Team captain Magaji Lookman Abdullahi said the victory was a reflection of growth and belief within the squad. “This is the second edition. We played the first one and ended as first runners-up. Now we are the winners. It was a good tournament with good opposition and quality teams,” he said.

Looking ahead, Abdullahi expressed confidence in the team’s ambitions. “Based on the quality of players we have, hopefully by God’s grace, Europe is the next step for us. I believe many of us will end our careers playing in Europe,” he added.

Head coach of Ojodu City FC, Ogunbanjo Olawale, attributed preparation and resilience to the team’s success. “It was a very tough tournament with quality teams. All the games were competitive, and we knew from the beginning it would not be easy,” he said. “We prepared ourselves and the boys, and they gave a very good account of themselves.”

Ali said the ultimate goal remains player progression beyond the local scene. “We work with them day in and day out, and by the special grace of God, we expect to see most of them playing professionally in different parts of the world,” he said.

SOURCE PAGE

Enyimba interim head coach Lawrence Ukaegbu has expressed the club’s determination to pick nine points in the next three matches of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Recall that the People’s Elephant thrashed Kwara United FC of Ilorin 3-1 on Sunday in Aba, to occupy 8th place on the league table with 23 points.

The hosts struck first in the 23rd minute when Samuel Agu unleashed a long-range effort that caught goalkeeper Nurudeen unprepared. Kwara United responded with purpose and drew level eight minutes later as Toheeb Gidado finished calmly to make it 1-1 before the interval.

Chidera Michael took advantage of a defensive error to restore the hosts’ advantage, before adding a second goal three minutes later to put the game beyond reach.

Read Also:AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Number In Cairo Camp Rise To 15 After Bassey, Iwobi, Onyeka Arrival

Speaking with the club’s website, Ukaegbu stated that the team will be aiming for nine points in their next three matches.

“Apart from the mistakes (from the Kwara United goalkeeper), you know we missed some scoring chances too.

“The target, however, is to get nine points from our next three games.

“Now, we are going to El Kanemi; we know how they play. We are not going to use the same formation, we’ll change our formation, which I will not reveal.”

SOURCE PAGE

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.

SOURCE PAGE

By HARRY BAMFORTH, LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE REPORTER and CHRIS WHEELER, NORTHERN SPORTS WRITER and NATHAN SALT – FOOTBALL REPORTER

Updated: 15:54 EST, 15 December 2025

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. 

Share or comment on this article:
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

SOURCE PAGE