SPORT
AFCON 2025: Super Eagles squad numbers unveiled
Super Eagles squad numbers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have been made available by the Confederation of African Football, CAF, DAILY POST reports.
Talismanic forward Victor Osimhen will keep his number 9 shirt, while newly appointed captain Wilfred Ndidi maintains his regular number 4 shirt.
Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru will wear the iconic number 10, while regulars Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Frank Onyeka maintain their number 7, 11, and 8 shirt.
New invitees Salim Fago, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Ryan Alebiosu and Tochukwu Nnadi will wear numbers 25, 26, 27 and 28 respectively.
The Super Eagles are gunning for a fourth title in Morocco.
Eric Chelle’s side will open their campaign against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Fès next week Tuesday.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that all rewards promised to Nigeria’s senior national teams have been fully approved and processed.
Speaking on Friday during an interview on Arise Television, Shehu Dikko revealed that the Super Falcons and D’Tigress will be rewarded for their recent continental triumphs, while the Super Eagles will be honoured for finishing runners up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
According to him, the incentive package covers houses, plots of land, national honours and financial rewards, all of which have received presidential approval.
“I can tell you Mr President has already approved the houses and the land for the Super Eagles, and the National Awards, and the monies for the Super Falcons. All that has been processed,” Dikko said.
He went on to assure Nigerians that the housing aspect of the rewards is no longer a promise on paper, explaining that the necessary documents are already in his custody.
“As I speak to you, I have in my possession all the Certificates of Occupancy for the houses of the players in Lagos and Abuja for both the Super Eagles, Super Falcons and D’Tigress,” he said.
Dikko also confirmed that the national honours have been concluded, while the payment of the financial incentives has reached its final stage.
“I have all the certificates for the National Awards. The money has been processed and is currently at the payment point at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation,” he noted.
Kun Khalifat FC have completed the signing of striker, Obari Israel, DAILY POST reports.
Israel joined the Owerri-based club from non-league side, Acquire FC.
According to the club, his arrival is part of their ongoing commitment to strengthening the squad with talented and promising players ahead of the mid season.
Israel is expected to hit the ground running with Kun Khalifat as they hope to improve on their position on the league table.
Kun Khalifat FC currently occupy 19th position on the league table with 17 points.
They will be up against Wikki Tourists in a matchday 18 fixture this weekend.
Kevin Akpoguma will leave Bundesliga club Hoffenheim at the end of the current campaign,reports Completesports.com.
According to Sky Sport reporter, Florian Plettenberg, Akpoguma and Hoffenheim have reached agreement to part ways after 12 years.
A January move is also on the card if a suitable offer comes in.
Read Also:Olopade Salutes Musa On Super Eagles’ Retirement
“🚨🔵⚪️ 30 y/o Kevin #Akpoguma and Hoffenheim are not planning to extend his expiring contract,” Plettenberg wrote on X.
“Both sides are looking for a change and have discussed this openly. A winter move could become an option if an offer comes in.”
The Nigeria international linked up with
Die Kraichgauer from Karlsruher in 2013.
The centre-back has struggled for regular playing time this season, featuring just twice for Hoffenheim.
SPORT
UFC legend Anderson Silva, 50, announces surprise career switch live on Netflix after winning boxing showdown with brutal KO
UFC legend Anderson Silva stunned fans across the globe by announcing a shock career switch to law enforcement – just moments after delivering a brutal knockout.
The 50-year-old made his return to the boxing ring on Friday night to fight ex-UFC star Tyron Woodley, as part of the blockbuster Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua event.
And, despite being seven years Woodley’s senior, the Brazilian icon got the job done, after delivering a brutal KO to his American counterpart in the second round.
Former welterweight champion Woodley had no answer to the barrage of punches that Silva unloaded and now falls to 0-3 in his professional boxing record.
Silva, meanwhile, was visibly overcome with emotion and dropped to his knees in the middle of the ring, before conducting a post-fight interview with Ariel Helwani.
During which, the 50-year-old revealed that he will not be stepping away from boxing – but revealed plans to embark on a new adventure in law enforcement.
UFC legend Anderson Silva stunned fans by announcing a career switch to law enforcement
Silva secured a stunning second round knockout against former UFC star Tyron Woodley (left)
Helwani asked: ‘Is that the moment you want to go out on or do you want to keep going?’
Silva replied: ‘I mean, I’ll keep doing it. [But] You know, I’ll go back to work right now and start my police academy [with the] Beverly Hills PD’.
A stunned Helwani asked: ‘You’re going to become a police officer?!’
Silva then confirmed his desire to join the police force before explaining that, from his perspective, he views it as an opportunity to ‘give back’ to the community.
Later in the interview, the 50-year-old called out former UFC rival Chris Weidman for a fight inside the boxing ring.
During his illustrious career, Silva was defeated twice by American star Weidman, with the second fight ending by the Brazilian suffering a gruesome leg-break.
A potential move to law enforcement would mark a brand new chapter for a man who previously dominated the UFC middleweight division for nearly a decade.
Former UFC champion Woodley had no answer to the barrage of punches that Silva unloaded
An emotional Silva dropped to his knees in the middle of the ring after securing the KO win
Silva holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC history, a staggering 2,457 days that spanned from 2006 to 2013.
During that period, he secured a UFC record 16 consecutive victories, defending his middleweight championship 10 times.
He notably knocked out Vitor Belfort with a front kick and secured a dramatic last-minute submission over Chael Sonnen at UFC 117.
Silva was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July 2023, cementing his status as a combat sports legend before his transition to boxing.
Share or comment on this article:
UFC legend Anderson Silva, 50, announces surprise career switch live on Netflix after winning boxing showdown with brutal KO
Former heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, delivered a commanding performance on Saturday morning, stopping YouTuber‑turned‑boxer Jake Paul with a sixth‑round knockout in their heavyweight bout in Miami.
Although Paul exceeded expectations by lasting beyond the early rounds, Joshua’s superior power and experience eventually proved decisive, according to The Athletic.
The British boxer floored Paul twice during a chaotic fifth round, setting the stage for the finish.
Joshua sealed the victory in the sixth round, unleashing a barrage of heavy punches that left Paul unable to continue, prompting the referee to halt the contest.
Speaking after the fight, Joshua immediately set his sights on a new challenge, calling out longtime rival Tyson Fury.
“Put down (your) Twitter fingers and put on some gloves and come and fight me,” he said.
Paul later revealed that he suffered a broken jaw in the bout. He declined to name a future opponent and said he would take a break from boxing following the loss, the second of his professional career.
Paul, who is ranked as the No. 14 cruiserweight with the WBA, has enjoyed high‑profile wins, including back‑to‑back victories over former boxing world champions.
He comfortably defeated a 58‑year‑old Mike Tyson in November 2024 on Netflix’s boxing debut and most recently outpointed 39‑year‑old Julio Cesar Chávez Jr. this past June.
Jake Paul was rushed to hospital after suffering a suspected fractured jaw following his six-round loss to former world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua in Miami.
The 28-year-old YouTuber-turned-professional boxer displayed resilience and determination throughout the bout but was ultimately overpowered by Joshua’s superior size and punching strength.
Speaking after the fight, Paul revealed concerns that his jaw may have been broken, a claim later confirmed by his promoter, Nakisa Bidarian, who said medical evaluation was required and recovery could take between four and six weeks.
Despite the setback, Paul struck an optimistic tone in his post-fight remarks.
“I feel good. It was fun, and I genuinely love this sport,” he said, while sharing graphic images and videos on social media highlighting the physical toll of the contest.
The former cruiserweight contender stated that he intends to take a brief rest period before resuming his career, with his sights still set on challenging for a cruiserweight world title.
“We’ll heal the jaw, come back stronger and fight opponents in my weight class. Anthony Joshua is a great champion. I lost, but that’s part of boxing. I’ll return and keep pushing forward,” Paul said.
Reflecting on the fight itself, Paul admitted fatigue played a major role in the outcome.
“I got tired trying to manage his size and weight. With better conditioning, I think I could have lasted longer. I gave it everything I had,” he added.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 3: Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City gestures during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Southampton FC at The King Power Stadium on May 3, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by James Holyoak/MB Media/Getty Images)
Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been confirmed as the new captain of the Super Eagles. Speaking on his new role the Besiktas player said it is a major responsibility that he is ready to shoulder with the full support of his teammates and officials.
Ndidi emphasised that leadership in the national team must be collective, built on a shared understanding and unity of purpose, rather than individual authority.
“It’s a huge responsibility, and with the help of the players, I think everything will go smoothly,” Ndidi said in an interview with the Super Eagles media department.
The 29-year-old revealed that he has already begun consultations within the squad, particularly with senior players, to ensure everyone is aligned with the team’s objectives as Nigeria target a fourth AFCON title in Morocco.
“I’ve had a conversation with a couple of players, just some of the older players. You know, just try to make them understand the reason why we’re here, you know. Also need the support also from the staff. We’re all in this together,” he said.
Ndidi emphasised the importance of clarity and unity within the group, noting that leadership conversations have focused on keeping the squad focused and committed.
“The Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the last World Cup remains a painful memory for players and fans alike, and Ndidi acknowledged the disappointment while looking ahead.
“Yeah, it was a sad one. Missing out on the World Cup. And this is another opportunity, you know, they say another day, another opportunity,” he said.
The new captain believes the team has a chance to restore pride and reconnect with Nigerians through renewed commitment and collective effort.
British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has disclosed that former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is ready to fight Tyson Fury.
Hearn made this known after Joshua defeated Youtube-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on Saturday.
The two-time world champion made hard work of defeating his vastly less experienced opponent but finally made his superior size and power count in the later stages of the eight-round fight.
Read Also:Joshua Knocks Out Jake Paul In Brutal Fashion
Speaking after the fight, Hearn stated that he wants the fight between Joshua and Fury to happen in 2026.
“We want the Tyson Fury fight. That’s the biggest fight in boxing.
“Respect to Jake Paul, he did a great job. 2026, back to the real business. Tyson Fury and the world heavyweight championship.”
Like Joshua, Fury is a multiple heavyweight world champion and a fellow Englishman, but the pair have never fought in the ring.
SPORT
ASHES BREAKFAST: Zak Crawley’s delaying tactics attract boos as England battle to save Third Test, a former Australian captain demonstrates his wit and Travis Head earns another accolade
England have not let the Urn fall from their fading grasp just yet but Australia appear to be edging slowly closer to victory in the Third Test – and an insurmountable 3-0 lead in this Ashes Series – at the Adelaide Oval.
England started Day Four well and took Australia’s last six wickets for 78 runs in less than 19 overs. If it didn’t quite qualify as a fightback, it was at least a gesture of defiance. At one point Brydon Carse was on a hat-trick but he bowled wide of off stump to Scott Boland.
Australia finished on 349 all out just before lunch, which left England needing 435 to win. The current world record for the highest successful fourth innings run chase stands at 414, achieved by South Africa against Australia at the WACA Ground in Perth in 2008.
But Bazball’s mantra has always been that anything is possible, particularly when England are chasing down a total and so there was still a remnant of optimism among the Barmy Army when the England batsmen emerged.
That lasted until the second over when Aussie captain Pat Cummins elicited an awful shot from Ben Duckett, who was caught at slip. Ollie Pope, who may have played his last game on this tour, was out cheaply again.
The loss of Joe Root was a major blow to England’s faint hopes of saving the third Test
Zak Crawley and Joe Root chiselled out a gritty 78-run partnership but then Cummins provoked a mistake from Root, who was caught behind, and England were reduced to 109-3. Root’s dismissal often represents a haemorrhaging of hope and this time was no different.
Crawley moved past his half-century, his second 50 of the series, with Harry Brook alongside him at the crease but England still need more than 250 runs to win. It remains a target that is all but out of sight.
Crawley’s delaying tactics lead to boos
The last ball before lunch was a soap opera all of its own.
England had lost the wicket of Ben Duckett earlier in the over and Zak Crawley, wanting to make sure there was not time for another over to be bowled, ambled up the wicket to prod the pitch. The crowd booed.
Pat Cummins, waiting at the end of his run-up, mocked Crawley by bending down to tie his shoelace. Cummins ran in and Crawley backed away from the stumps at the last minute, suggesting a spectator had moved in front of the sight-screen. This time, the boos were louder.
Cummins was properly irritated by now. He delivered a peach of a ball that beat Crawley’s outside edge to huge cheers from the crowd.
As they walked off for the interval, Cummins could be seen talking to Crawley. It was hard to make out the words but we can reasonably sure it wasn’t complimentary.
Zak Crawley was booed by the crowd for his attempts to prevent another over before lunch
Pat Cummins was seen talking to Crawley as they made their way off for the interval
Parkrun organiser revels in England’s Ashes woes
More than 500 people took part in the Torrens Parkrun on Saturday morning. The numbers were swelled by plenty of troops from the Barmy Army and the Australian organiser of the event had prepared a list of gags to crack at their expense.
Once he was done, he signed off with a final message.
‘The route takes you past the Adelaide Oval,’ he said. ‘To all our English participants today, I suggest that when you see it, you keep on running.’
Chappell demonstrates his wit
In the gap between the Second Test and the Third Test, I emailed the former Australia captain Ian Chappell to see if he would be willing to sit down for an interview.
Chappell is an intelligent man with a dry wit and I was no match for him. ‘Hi, Oliver,’ he wrote in his reply. ‘I’m retired now and won’t be in Adelaide. Regards, Ian.’
I persevered. I asked him if maybe I could take him out for a coffee somewhere near his home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
‘Hi Oliver,’ he wrote this time. ‘I’m retired & I don’t drink coffee. Regards, Ian.’
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell showed his wit when turning down an interview request
Head wins facial hair poll
During the Saturday morning session, the digital scoreboard kept updating the results of a poll that was being conducted inside the ground.
Spectators were asked to choose who had the best moustache: Travis Head or Ian Botham.
Head has won pretty much every contest he has been involved in during these Ashes and this was no exception. His moustache won by 76% to 34%.
Travis Head won a poll inside the ground over whether he or Ian Botham had the best moustache
Press pack feel impact of nanny-state
Officialdom in Australia has become notoriously nanny-state and journalists who had left the premises to have a cigarette twice found their return barred by a security guard because they had to walk through a members’ area to get back to the press box and were not wearing a collared shirt.
Cricket Australia intervened and the journalists were allowed to return to their desks.
Inglis shows off his footwork
Josh Inglis hasn’t made much impression on this series with the bat but there is some evidence he might be a useful footballer.
Fielding at midwicket, Inglis controlled a defensive shot from Ollie Pope with his right foot and juggled the ball three or four times.
The crowd was so delighted that the big screen operators showed a replay of Inglis playing keepy-uppy. The crowd cheered and Inglis took a bow.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola dismissed speculation over his future at the club, insisting contract talks are not on the agenda despite rumours he could leave at the end of the season, but added his side were not yet good enough to win the title.
While Guardiola’s team, who host lowly West Ham United on Saturday, could overtake Arsenal for top spot in the Premier League this weekend, the Spaniard’s job status was the hot topic at his pre-game press conference.
“I always get asked this question, so sooner or later I will quit Manchester City,” Guardiola told reporters. “I have 18 months, so I’m so happy with the development of the team. That question is there every single season at some point. Whatever is going to happen will happen.
“They are not discussions. End of the subject. I will not be here forever. What is going to happen will happen. The club must be prepared but that subject is not on the table right now.”
Reports linked Enzo Maresca as a potential successor, although the Chelsea manager dismissed them earlier.