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Estevao Won’t Be Available For Newcastle Clash
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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Disgraced Michigan coach Sherrone Moore was DUMPED by staffer two days before alleged knife attack as bleary-eyed mugshot emerges
Disgraced Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore was dumped by the staffer he was having an affair with and proceeded to bombard the woman with text messages two days before he allegedly threatened her with a knife, it was revealed.
Moore – whose bleary-eyed mugshot was released for the first time on Wednesday – allegedly threatened an unnamed female staffer with several butter knives and a pair of scissors, a bombshell new police report has claimed.
He then screamed he would kill her and himself, claiming that she had ‘blood on her hands,’ cops said.
Moore was fired as the Wolverines head coach on December 10, before traveling to the home of his executive assistant Paige Shiver shortly after.
While there, it is alleged that he threatened an unnamed female staffer after their affair came to an unsavory end.
Now, some shocking new details have been revealed by Detective Jessica Welker of the Pittsfield Township Police Department during a court hearing.
In documents seen by Daily Mail, the unnamed staffer claimed that she had been in an ‘intimate relationship’ with Moore, with the coach himself admitting to detectives that it had lasted ‘approximately two years’.
The staffer is alleged to have ended the relationship two days before the arrest, also filing a formal report to the University of Michigan revealing the details of their secret romance.
Sherrone Moore’s haunting mugshot was released by police for the first time Wednesday
The fired Michigan coach is accused of breaking into the home of his executive assistant Paige Shiver (left) with a knife and terrorizing an unnamed woman
Disgraced ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore visited his lawyer’s office on Sunday with his wife, Kelli, and youngest child after being outed as a cheat
Disgraced ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore visited his lawyer’s office on Sunday with his wife, Kelli, and youngest child after being outed as a cheat
Despite being dumped, Moore – who is married to his wife Kelli with three young daughters – is then said to have bombarded his former mistress with ‘dozens of text messages and calls’ over the next two days.
In the wake of his arrest, Moore was released after posting a $25,000 bail, and he was pictured alongside his wife over the weekend as she continues to stand by him.
As he awaits his next court date, Moore is being forced to wear a GPS tether and is receiving mental health treatment as conditions of his release.
The police report also states that he has been prohibited from having any contact with the unnamed staffer, who remains employed by the University of Michigan.
Earlier on Wednesday night, the school’s interim president made a rare address to students – revealing that more heads could roll in the wake of their own investigation into Moore’s actions.
Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block are currently conducting an in-depth review of the athletic department, in the wake of several scandals over the past few years.
The president – Domenico Grasso – said in his video message: ‘We will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that conduct like this does not happen again.
‘Make no mistake. We will leave no stone unturned, and any further action we take will be based on credible evidence and findings, developed through a rigorous investigation.
The 911 call reporting the alleged assault was made from an apartment belonging to Shiver
The married father-of-three was fired by Michigan over an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a staffer
Moore, pictured with wife Kelli, allegedly threatened to kill himself during the shocking incident
‘If the university learns of information through this investigation or otherwise that warrants a termination of any employee, we will act swiftly, just as we did in the case of Coach Moore.’
He also went on to urge students with any information to contact Jenner & Block, as the school focuses on ‘uncovering the facts’.
‘It is my job, my duty, to ensure the integrity of this investigation,’ he added.
In his address to students, Grasso also mentioned the search for the next Michigan head coach, after Biff Poggi was installed as interim coach ahead of an upcoming bowl game against Texas on December 31.
‘We will hire an individual who is of the highest moral character and who will serve as a role model and a respected leader for the entire football program,’ Grasso said.
‘And who will, with dignity and integrity, be a fierce competitor.’
If convicted, Moore could face up to six-and-a-half years in jail after being charged with felony third-degree home invasion and misdemeanors of breaking and entering and stalking. He has pled not guilty.
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Man Utd, Tottenham in battle to sign El Mala
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have joined the battle to sign Koln winger Said El Mala next year.
According to Sport Bild, the Premier League clubs have now contacted Koln through intermediaries to register their interest in El Mala ahead of next summer’s transfer window.
The report added that both the Red Devils and Spurs have indicated that they would be willing to pay a transfer fee between £30.7m and £35m for El Mala.
El Mala is currently considered as one of the brightest young prospects in German football.
The 19-year-old made an excellent start to his first Bundesliga campaign with six goals and two assists in 14 league matches.
He was rewarded last month for his form as Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann called him up to the national team for the first time.
El Mala was also a key figure for Germany at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship and was named in the team of the tournament.
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AFCON 2026: Easywin flags off campaign with trips to Morocco
Easywin, one of Nigeria’s sports betting, casino and entertainment platforms, has rolled out its biggest football promotion, giving customers the chance to experience the thrill of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) live in Morocco.
Every week, throughout the campaign, players stand the chance to win free all-expense-paid trips to watch Africa’s biggest football tournament in person. The Easywin AFCON Promotion rewards both new and existing customers, offering multiple avenues to win weekly.
A statement by the sports betting platform said each week, lucky winners will be selected for an exclusive football getaway that includes round-trip flights to Morocco, hotel accommodation and matchday access to live AFCON games.
This initiative reinforces Easywin’s mission to bring entertainment, excitement, and life-changing opportunities to Nigerians.
The platform, however, added that in addition to the weekly grand prize trips, thousands of customers will win consolation prizes, including AFCON matchday tickets or its cash equivalent.
Speaking about the promotion, Marketing Lead at Easywin, Anthony, said: “Football is the heartbeat of the continent, and AFCON is where the pulse is strongest.
“This promotion is a testament to our commitment to rewarding our customers at Easywin where everyone has a genuine chance to win.
“We’re excited to give our customers a chance to witness Africa’s biggest football moments live, all expenses on us. With weekly opportunities to win and exciting consolation prizes, every Easywin player now has a real shot at becoming part of African football history.”
Players can participate by going to www.Easywin.ng to start any game on Easywin and climbing the leaderboard displayed transparently on the website.
Easywin affirmed that it remained committed to delivering transparent, rewarding, and socially responsible gaming experiences, noting that with a fast-growing customer base and nationwide reach, it continues to transform lives through exciting draws, jackpots, and lifestyle rewards.
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Alonso Fighting To Keep His Job –Tote
Former Real Madrid forward Tote believes manager Xabi Alonso is fighting to keep his job at the club.
In a chat with Radio Marca, Tote stated that the decision to sack the former Bayer Leverkusen manager has been concluded already.
“I have the feeling that Xabi’s time is up, because there’s no confidence in him and some people don’t believe in him.
“He’s fighting for his job every three days, and working like that must be incredibly difficult.
Read Also:Ighalo: Osimhen Should Be New Super Eagles Captain
“When you arrive at a monster like Real Madrid, you have to have a lot of personality to lead and establish your authority.
“What happened with Vinicius (Junior) really disappointed me. There had to be a punishment to send a message to the group.
“Up front they have the best player and in goal they also have the best player, and those two are holding the team together.”
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Carabao Cup: Semi-final draw confirmed [Full fixtures]
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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Osun eager for change, says Okpebholo
- 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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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.
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CIBN Honours Nigeria’s Football Legends With ‘Evening of Praise 7.0’ – THISDAYLIVE
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
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Newcastle Reach Semi-finals After Late Goal Against Fulham
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.
