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Super Eagles Step Up AFCON 2025 Preparations As Camp Swells To 21 In Cairo
The Super Eagles’ camp in Cairo continued to gather momentum on Monday night as more players arrived ahead of Nigeria’s friendly clash with Egypt and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Akor Adams, Cyriel Dessers and Raphael Onyedika were the latest names to report at the team’s base, the Renaissance Hotel, taking the number of players in camp to 21.
The quintet wasted no time settling in, joining their teammates for the first full training session at the Cairo International Stadium later in the evening.
Seven more players are still expected to link up with the squad as preparations intensify for Tuesday’s high-profile friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt.
Three-time champions Nigeria and seven-time winners Egypt meet at the Cairo Stadium in a fixture billed as a key dress rehearsal ahead of the 35th AFCON finals, which get underway in Morocco on Sunday.
Both technical crews are expected to use the game to test combinations and assess squad depth before final decisions are made.
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has several fresh faces at his disposal and could hand minutes to players such as goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Tochukwu Nnadi, midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Usman Muhammed, as well as forwards Paul Onuachu and Salim Fago Lawal.
Egypt, meanwhile, are led by Hossam Hassan, one of the tournament’s most celebrated figures. The former striker was the joint top scorer when the Pharaohs lifted the title in 1998, netting seven goals in Burkina Faso. His current side is expected to build around Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, who remains in pursuit of his first Africa Cup of Nations crown.
Salah will be backed by an experienced supporting cast that includes Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, the Al Ahly trio of Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mohamed Hany, and Yasser Ibrahim, along with Emam Ashour and Mahmoud Trezeguet.
CAF Champions League holders Pyramids contribute Mohamed Hamdy and Mostafa Fathi, while Ibrahim Adel and FC Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed also feature in the squad.
Chelle is likely to lean on a familiar core for Nigeria, with Stanley Nwabali expected in goal behind defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi. The midfield engine room could feature Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, while the attacking line is set to include Ademola Lookman alongside the team’s established forwards.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8 pm local time in Egypt, which is 7 pm in Nigeria. By Monday night, 23 of the 28 players named in Nigeria’s final squad had arrived in Cairo, with the remainder due before matchday.
After the friendly, the Super Eagles will leave Cairo on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to Fés, where they will be based for the tournament.
Nigeria are chasing a fourth continental crown, having previously triumphed in 1980, 1994 and 2013, with the campaign carrying the slogan NAIJA 4 THE WIN.
They open their Group C campaign on Tuesday, December 23 against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, a repeat of the opening fixture of the 1980 finals. Tunisia await on Saturday, December 27, before a final group match against Uganda on Tuesday, December 30, all at the Complexe Sportif de Fés.
Egypt, the only nation to win the AFCON three times in a row between 2006 and 2010, are drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe, with their fixtures set for the Stade d’Agadir in Agadir.
Super Eagles’ Players currently in camp
Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, 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, Cyriel Dessers, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke and Raphael Onyedika.
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Oyo State Celebrates Responsible Gaming, Industry Partnership, Trust at Award Night – THISDAYLIVE
Against the elegant backdrop of the Gaming Operators’ Annual Dinner and Awards Night in Ibadan, the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board brought together regulators, operators, innovators, and partners for an evening that went beyond ceremony, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong
The ballroom glowed softly under warm lights as evening settled over Ibadan. Laughter, quiet conversations, and the gentle clinking of glasses filled the air, creating a sense of anticipation. This was not just another dinner; it was the Gaming Operators’ Annual Dinner and Awards Night, a moment the industry in Oyo State had come to recognise as both a celebration and a reaffirmation of shared values.
As the Director-General of the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, Hon. Olajide Boladuro rose to speak, the room fell into attentive silence. His welcome was more than ceremonial. It carried the voice of a government and an industry that had, over time, learned the importance of walking together. He spoke on behalf of the Oyo State Government and the Board, extending a warm embrace to everyone present—regulators, operators, legal and compliance experts, technology innovators, and partners who collectively sustained the state’s gaming ecosystem.
The director-general reminded the audience that the night was not merely about fine dining or social interaction. It was a celebration of partnership, resilience, and shared purpose. Over the past year, the industry has grown in size and sophistication. Collaboration had deepened, and responsible gaming had moved from a regulatory requirement to a shared commitment aligned with global standards. Innovation had not been stifled by regulation; instead, it had found strength in clear, fair rules.
At the heart of his message was trust. Trust from players who must believe in fair play, trust from the government that operators will act responsibly, and trust among operators themselves as competitors and collaborators. The Board, he explained, had invested heavily in strengthening this trust through clearer regulatory guidance, closer engagement with stakeholders, improved compliance systems, and reforms designed to position Oyo State as one of the most transparent and organised gaming jurisdictions in Nigeria.
Yet, beyond policies and processes, the director-general emphasised people. Citizens, players, and host communities remained central to every decision. The Responsible Gaming Framework, community outreach initiatives, and consumer-protection campaigns were not abstract ideals; they were deliberate efforts to ensure that gaming in Oyo State remained safe, fair, and beneficial to the state’s socio-economic fabric.
The evening also carried a tone of recognition. The Awards Ceremony, he noted, was designed to spotlight excellence—operators and partners who had distinguished themselves through compliance, innovation, responsible gaming, community support, and inter-agency collaboration. These awards were more than plaques; they were symbols of integrity and professionalism, reminders that ethical conduct remained the industry’s strongest currency.
As the director-general added, he invited everyone to enjoy the night, good food, warm company, and well-earned celebrations, while also looking ahead. The challenge, he said, was to continue building an industry that balanced competitiveness with ethics, profitability with social responsibility, and growth with care for societal wellbeing.
Applause filled the hall as he expressed gratitude to operators, government partners, sister agencies, and the Board’s management and staff for their dedication throughout the year. He congratulated the award recipients even before their names were called, acknowledging the collective effort behind individual success.
With that, the night unfolded into celebration. Conversations resumed, awards were presented, and the room buzzed with optimism. It was an evening that captured the spirit of an industry learning to grow responsibly—proud of its progress, mindful of its duties, and united in purpose.
It was a gathering defined by reflection on a year of growth, renewed commitment to responsible gaming, and a shared resolve to build a transparent, people-centred gaming industry that balances innovation with integrity.
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) elegantly extended its corporate social responsibility beyond the financial sector at its annual end-of-year event, the Evening of Praise 7.0.
Under the theme “Symphony of Gratitude,” and led by its esteemed Council members, the Institute dedicated a special segment to recognizing the indelible contributions of former Nigerian football internationals.
The event was presided over by the Institute’s President/Chairman of Council, Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju, alongside key figures including the 1st Vice President, Dr. Dele Alabi; the 2nd Vice President, Dr. (Mrs) Mojisola Asieru-Sweet; Past President Dr. Bayo Olugbemi; and the Registrar & Chief Executive, Mr. Akin Morakinyo. Their presence underscored the Institute’s profound commitment to honouring national heroes who have shaped the country’s cultural and sporting heritage.
This thoughtful initiative was met with deep appreciation by the esteemed ex-internationals, who were led by Engr. Waidi Akanni. The celebrated legends included Henry Nwosu (MON), Victor Agali, Godwin Okpara, Wasiu Ipaye, Friday Elaho, Friday Ekpo, Benson Edema, Loveday Omoruyi, Franklin Howard, Taiwo Oloyede, and Monday Kanu.
By applauding these icons under the direct stewardship of its leadership, the CIBN has set a commendable precedent for celebrating excellence and fostering a culture of remembrance and national pride.
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The Ashes LIVE: England get a win out of huge ‘cheating’ controversy surrounding Adelaide hero Alex Carey
Newcastle United teenager Lewis Miley’s stoppage-time header sealed a 2-1 win over Fulham to send the holders into the Carabao Cup semi-finals, Sky Sport reports.
The 19-year-old started the game out of position, filling in at right-back amid a raft of injuries for Eddie Howe, but he was in the right place to head in Sandro Tonali’s corner in the 92nd minute to make it nine wins in a row in this competition for Newcastle.
St James’ Park was nervous for much of the game after Sunday’s disastrous derby defeat at Sunderland but the anxiety was momentarily lifted by Yoane Wissa opening his Newcastle account just 10 minutes into his first start with a tap in from close-range.
Also Read: Carabao Cup: Man City Clinch Semi-Final After 2-0 Win Vs Brentford
However, Fulham hit back quickly, equalising six minutes later through Sasa Lukic to unsettle Newcastle, who left the midfielder completely unmarked in the box to header in from Antonee Robinson’s cross.
Penalties loomed as Fulham’s deputy goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte produced a fine save to deny Miley in stoppage time only for the Newcastle academy graduate to glance in a header from the resulting corner and put his side into the semi-finals.
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From Gaelic football to NFL hero! Saints kicker Charlie Smyth on whirlwind New Orleans rise after game-winning field goal vs Panthers
In the midst of a dark season of rebuilding for the New Orleans Saints, kicker Charlie Smyth has emerged as a beacon of light.
The pride of County Down in Northern Ireland, Smyth worked his way up through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program (IPPP) and into the league.
Smyth, who previously played as a Gaelic footballer for club side Mayobridge before eventually making a 2023 debut with the Down county football team, spent years grinding away to earn himself a spot on an NFL roster.
At the end of November, after fighting through the practice squad, Smyth was elevated to the active roster and made his NFL debut.
Last week, Smyth knocked through a 47-yard game-winning field goal to beat the NFC South-leading Carolina Panthers – reaching the peak of his career so far.
In the locker room afterward, Smyth received a game ball and broke the team down as they all chanted his name before the team went off to celebrate their fourth win of the season.
Irishman Charlie Smyth has been a revelation for a rebuilding New Orleans Saints team
After months of training and working his way through the practice squad, Smyth broke into the Saints’ active roster this year – making his debut with the team in November
It all led to this past week: when Smyth knocked through a game-winning field goal
‘It was a really cool moment,’ Smyth said, reflecting on the biggest moment of his career so far. ‘You see that around the league, the head coaches breaking the teams down. You always see whatever position it is or whatever player it is, getting the last game ball and they get to break the team down.
‘I always imagine it would be pretty cool to be in that situation, right? But yeah, I just wanted to make sure that in that moment that I’m giving credit to all my teammates as well, because it’s not just the kick… it’s a whole team effort. Because everybody else did their job, then that allowed me to go out and hit the kick.’
After his third game and his first game-winner, there are few cities better in the country to go out and celebrate than New Orleans. But Smyth opted for something more subtle.
‘You might think that back home, we go to the pub and we’ll drown ourselves in beer or whatever,’ Smyth joked. But instead, ‘I just went and got some pizzas with my mom, sister, and girlfriend, and we had a few beers as well. Just went back to my apartment, just chilled, but just really soaking it in.
‘I was glad we were able to just… The four of us together. I wish my dad could have been there as well, but he’s tied up with work at the minute. It was just a really cool evening and just glad to get to celebrate with those you’re closest to.’
In that time since, Smyth has been able to relive the final moments leading up to the game-winning kick in his head.
‘I remember it was maybe three or four minutes left in the fourth quarter,’ he recalled.
‘And I was just talking to our snapper, Zach Wood, and Kai Kroeger, he’s our punter and also holds the field goals. … I said, “I have a feeling we’re going to have a game winning opportunity here”. And I just started laughing to Zach and Kai.
Smyth has heaped praise on his teammates: ‘Everybody else did their job, then that allowed me to go out and hit the kick’
The County Down native and former Gaelic footballer has no fear in front of 70,000 people
‘I was like, “This is what we want, isn’t it?” I just remember smiling as [Saints quarterback Tyler Shough] was driving up the field with the offense. And I just felt like I was for whatever opportunity that was going to arise. … It’s what you come over here to do, right? You come over here and try and help your team.
‘But it’s those moments where you’re sleeping at night and you’re thinking, Wouldn’t it be cool to have a game winning attempt? And thankfully, we got the opportunity on Sunday.’
While Smyth’s story is inspiring, it also comes with some degree of peril. Kickers in the NFL are being given a shorter and shorter leash as the years progress and many teams have started multiple players at that position this year.
The Giants, for example, have used three kickers – including one of Smyth’s countrymen, Jude McAtamney – and have yet to settle on one.
But Smyth is unflappable: ‘I wasn’t thinking, “Oh, there’s 70,000 people here. What if I miss?” It’s not like that. It’s just go out and just own what you’ve been doing and trying to just make the most any moment you got.’
Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo has backed Victor Osimhen to become captain of the team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Recall that William Troost-Ekong, who was Super Eagles captain, recently announced his retirement from international football.
However, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been widely tipped to take up the captaincy role vacated by Troost-Ekong.
But Ighalo believes Osimhen is the right player to become captain of the Super Eagles because Eric Chelle’s men will listen to him.
“There are several players ahead of Osimhen (as senior players), but now Osimhen is doing well and he has the balls to demand what the team wants,” Ighalo said in an speaking to former Super Eagles media officer Colin Udoh.
“Ndidi is not the talking type, he is a very calm guy, but Osimhen is outspoken, he is going to speak on behalf of the team, he is going to ginger the boys, he’s going to fight for the boys, he will speak to any body he needs to speak to to make sure they are okay.
“The captain job is not easy because your neck in on the line, because whatever the boys demand it’s you that will put it forward to the NFF.
“And if NFF want to come for anybody, they are coming for you because you are the captain.
“With Osimhen, he will speak and nothing can happen because he’s the biggest player in the team, so they won’t want to look down on him, they will listen to him because he’s doing well.”
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Estevao Willian will miss this weekend’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United.
Chelsea’s route into the Carabao Cup semi-finals continued without the 18-year-old, as the Blues claimed a 3-1 victory away at League One side Cardiff City without including him in the matchday squad.
In a chat with the club’s website, Maresca confirmed the setback but was unable to offer a timeline for Estevao’s return, a concern with three fixtures scheduled in the next ten days.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: Simon Sad Over Fredrick’s Absence
“He had a small problem, a muscle problem.
“He won’t be available for Newcastle, and we’ll see for the next one.”
Since arriving in the capital from Palmeiras during the summer, the teenager has caught the eye, registering five goals and one assist in 21 games.
However, Enzo Maresca has remained cautious in his use, limiting the winger to brief substitute appearances in recent weeks.
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Manchester City vs Brentford – Carabao Cup LIVE: The Bees aim to upset at the Etihad to book their spot in the semi-final plus updates from Newcastle vs Fulham
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Manchester City vs Brentford – Carabao Cup LIVE: The Bees aim to upset at the Etihad to book their spot in the semi-final plus updates from Newcastle vs Fulham
Inter Miami have confirmed that star forward Luis Suárez has signed a new contract, keeping the Uruguayan striker at the club until the end of the 2026 Major League Soccer season.
Luis Suárez, who joined Inter Miami ahead of the 2024 campaign, has been pivotal in the club’s recent success.
Suárez continued his rich form in 2025 after a record-breaking 2024 season, in which he helped the team claim its first Supporters’ Shield and set the MLS single-season points record.
He played 50 matches across all competitions, scoring 17 goals and providing 17 assists, as Inter Miami lifted both the Eastern Conference Championship and the MLS Cup. The forward also starred internationally, reaching the Round of 16 at the revamped FIFA Club World Cup and the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Suárez’s influence extends beyond statistics. “His experience and leadership have been crucial to our success,” the club said in an official statement. “Luis is not just a goal scorer; he is a talisman who inspires those around him both on and off the pitch.”
Since arriving in Miami, Suárez has amassed 42 goals and 30 assists in 87 appearances, making him the second-highest scorer in club history. Alongside fellow star Lionel Messi, he has elevated Inter Miami into one of MLS’s most formidable teams, combining world-class talent with an unyielding work ethic.
Before his move to the United States, Suárez enjoyed a glittering career in Europe and South America. He lifted the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, five LaLiga titles, four Copa del Rey trophies, and numerous other honours.
Internationally, he led Uruguay to Copa América glory in 2011, retiring as the nation’s top scorer with 69 goals and the second-most capped player at 161 appearances.
Individually, Suárez’s career is studded with accolades. He has been the top scorer in seven competitions, including LaLiga, the English Premier League, Eredivisie, and the FIFA Club World Cup, earning European Golden Shoes for his 2013-14 and 2015-16 league performances.
He has also won awards such as Dutch Footballer of the Year, Premier League Player of the Season, FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball, and Trofeo Alfredo di Stéfano.
Arsenal are showing their determination to sign Kenan Yıldız from Juventus ahead of the January transfer window.
As reported by TouchlineX on Wednesday, the Arsenal board has told manager Mikel Arteta he needs to sell one of his attackers to make Yıldız’s signing happen.
The Gunners chiefs are keen to bolster Arteta’s squad in the second half of the season when the January transfer window opens.
The Premier League North London club are keen to win the English top-flight league this season, having finished in second position in the last three seasons.
This season, Arsenal is currently on top of the Premier League table with two points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.
Arteta’s side will face Everton in their next Premier League fixture this weekend.