The draw for this season’s Carabao Cup semi-finals were conducted on Wednesday night.

It followed Newcastle’s last-gasp win over Fulham in the last quarter-final tie for this week.

The Magpies needed a late header from Lewis Miley to defeat their Premier League rivals 2-1 at St James’ Park.

Earlier in the evening, Manchester City beat Brentford 2-0 at the Etihad, while Chelsea won 2-0 at Cardiff City on Tuesday.

Newcastle, who are the current holders, will take on City in the last four.

The winner of the Arsenal vs Crystal Palace tie plays Chelsea in the other semi-final.

The semi-final first legs will be played on the week of January 12, with the second legs on the week of February 2, 2026.

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• Panel submits APC primary election report to Yilwatda

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Osun State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said the “State of the Living Springs” is eager to have the party at the helm of affairs next year.

Okpebholo, who is also the Edo State governor, said this while submitting the report of his committee to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

He said: “Osun people are eager for change. They are tired of motion without development. What we saw was a strong desire for real governance.”

The committee chairman described the assignment as a defining experience, stressing that the committee witnessed overwhelming unity, enthusiasm and popular support for the party’s candidate across Osun State.

The Osun State primary was conducted by a high-powered committee, underscoring the party’s commitment to transparency, credibility and internal democracy.

Okpebholo expressed appreciation to the party’s leadership for the confidence reposed in the committee.

Yilwatda received the report alongside the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu; and the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru.

Yilwatda praised the committee for a job well executed.

The APC national chairman said the atmosphere during the primary was celebratory and peaceful.

He assured the committee that the report would be presented to the Party Caucus and the National Executive Committee (NEC) immediately.

“What you have submitted gives us something cheery to present to NEC. Your sacrifice, even at short notice, is deeply appreciated,” he said.

The national chairman said the strategic importance of Osun State, calling for massive mobilisation to secure a decisive victory.

Yilwatda noted the cordial collaboration between APC governors and the party, stressing that such synergy would be key to reclaiming Osun State for the APC.

Former Kogi State governor and committee member, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, also praised the party’s leadership.

He described the consensus process as instrumental to the committee’s success.

The former governor stressed that the Osun State governorship election, being the last major poll before the 2027 general election, is critical to the party’s national momentum.

“The APC must go to the field and deliver Osun. My support for the party is total and unwavering,” he said.

Senator Basiru expressed confidence in the party’s victory, declaring that the current Osun administration has been given a “yellow card” and would receive a “red card” at the poll.

The committee’s secretary is Solomon Maren, while other members include the governors of Ondo, Nasarawa, Delta, and Lagos states.

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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.

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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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England get a win in Snicko drama

This just in from Daily Mail cricket correspondent Lawrence Booth…

England have had a review reinstated by ICC match referee Jeff Crowe after a technology error cost them the wicket of Australia’s Alex Carey on the first day of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide.

BBG Sports, the company who operate the Real-Time Snicko in Tests in Australia, had taken ‘full responsibility’ for the error, after one of the operators of the technology ‘selected the wrong stump mic for audio processing’.

That meant the audio and visual aspects of the technology failed to align, with the spike on Snicko registering before the ball touched the underside of Carey’s bat en route to England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Carey, who had 72 at the time and went on to make 106, later all but admitted he had edged it.

Before play began on the second day, with Australia 326 for eight, it emerged that Crowe had reinstated England’s review. With each team allowed three incorrect challenges per innings, the tourists’ tally is now back to two.

The controversy led to England head coach Brendon McCullum and team manager Wayne Bentley having discussions at the close of play with Crowe, and the ECB will hold discussions with the ICC, the global game’s governing body, to ensure the protocol of Decision Review System is reviewed, with the aim of improving decision-making processes.

Australian broadcasters use the less accurate RTS, while Sky Sports in the UK use Ultra Edge after the ECB decided to dip into their own pockets to fund the technology.

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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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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.’

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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.”

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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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By JACK GAUGHAN and CRAIG HOPE, CHIEF FOOTBALL REPORTER and LEWIS BROWNING, SPORTS REPORTER

Updated: 14:33 EST, 17 December 2025

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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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