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Alexander Isak Undergoes Surgery After Ankle Fracture
Liverpool have confirmed that Alexander Isak has successfully undergone surgery after suffering a fracture to his left leg, dealing the club an early-season injury blow.
The Sweden international required an operation on an ankle injury which included a fractured fibula. While the Merseyside club stopped short of putting a precise timeframe on his recovery, it is understood that the 26-year-old is expected to be out for at least a few months.
Alexander Isak picked up the injury during Saturday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham. Introduced from the bench, he marked his appearance by finding the net for Arne Slot’s side, only for the moment to quickly turn sour.
The striker was injured by a challenge from Micky van de Ven immediately after striking the shot for his goal. He was unable to continue and was clearly in distress as medical staff assisted him off the pitch.
The setback is a major concern for Liverpool, particularly given Isak’s status as the club’s record signing following his £125m move in the summer. Since arriving from Newcastle in September, the forward has scored three goals in 16 appearances across all competitions.
The injury also extends a frustrating spell for the striker. During the summer, Isak was left out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia with what was described as a minor thigh problem, amid growing uncertainty over his future. He later trained alone at former club Real Sociedad before sealing his switch to Anfield on deadline day.
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Antoine Semenyo makes his choice: In-demand Bournemouth star favours Man City move in blow to Man United after Chelsea withdrew from the race
Antoine Semenyo is understood to favour a move to Manchester City in the January transfer window.
Pep Guardiola’s side look likely to win the race for the Bournemouth star amid interest from a host of Premier League sides.
Should Man City seal a deal it would represent a blow to Manchester United, who had been battling their city rivals for the attacker’s signature.
Liverpool have previously done due diligence on him too, with Tottenham having also registered interest.
Daily Mail Sport reported that Chelsea had also come to the table on Monday evening, after Semenyo had spent a day off weighing up his options.
The Blues have now withdrawn from the race.
Antoine Semenyo is understood to favour a move to Manchester City in the January window
Chelsea pulled out of the race to sign Semenyo after making an initial enquiry for the star
Semenyo is available for £65million in the January window, although his release clause expires in the second week of the month.
The Ghana international was born in west London and has an affiliation with Chelsea, but the Blues will not take their interest in the attacker further at this stage.
Daily Mail Sport understands Chelsea have belief in Enzo Maresca’s attacking options, but are open to additions, more likely in the summer transfer window.
The Blues are expected to also look to reward leading performers in their squad.
Scoring 11 goals last season, Semenyo was on the radar of a number of top clubs last summer and has followed that up with eight goals in 16 appearances this term.
Semenyo’s contract with Bournemouth runs until 2030, and boss Androni Iraola has said the forward remains fully focused on his job despite the noise around his future.
The Ghanaian star – who is not at AFCON after his nation’s failure to qualify – joined the Cherries from Bristol City in 2023 for £10.5million and has since established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic and exciting attackers.
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Antoine Semenyo makes his choice: In-demand Bournemouth star favours Man City move in blow to Man United after Chelsea withdrew from the race
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have confirmed their starting line-up for today’s Group C encounter against Tanzania, with Victor Osimhen spearheading a familiar 4-3-3 formation as both sides chase vital points in the group stage.
Kick-off is set for 6:30 p.m. WAT, and all eyes will be on the Super Eagles as they look to assert their authority early in the competition. Stanley Nwabali retains his place in goal, offering continuity at the back after his recent run of appearances.
The defensive line features Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi. In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi anchors the side, flanked by Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze, who is expected to drift forward and support the attack.
Up front, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams provide width and creativity, while Victor Osimhen leads the line.
Tanzania also lined up in a 4-3-3 system, led by experienced forward Mbwana Samatta. Their starting XI includes Salum Msuva, Novatus Miroshi and Saimon Kapombe, with the East Africans hoping to frustrate Nigeria and capitalise on any lapses.
Both benches are well-stocked. Nigeria can call on the likes of Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Cyriel Dessers and Frank Onyeka if needed, while Tanzania have attacking options such as Denis Kibu and Kelvin John waiting in reserve.
Below is the Super Eagles’ starting eleven against Tanzania:
Stanley Nwabali (Goalkeeper)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Defender)
Semi Ajayi (Defender)
Calvin Bassey (Defender)
Zaidu Sanusi (Defender)
Alex Iwobi (Midfielder)
Wilfred Ndidi (Midfielder)
Samuel Chukwueze (Midfielder)
Ademola Lookman (Forward)
Victor Osimhen (Forward)
Akor Adams (Forward)
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AFCON 2025: Lookman scores winner as Super Eagles start campaign with 2–1 victory over Tanzania
Ademola Lookman scored what proved to be the decisive goal as Nigeria beat Tanzania 2-1 in their opening game at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles came into the match as heavy favourites to win and dominated the opening exchanges.
After coming close a few times, the three-time champions took the lead through Semi Ajayi.
The ball was recycled following a corner-kick, before Alex Iwobi crossed it into the area for Ajayi to head home.
Tanzania equalized after Charles M’Mombwa found himself unmarked inside the area.
But two minutes later, Nigeria struck the winner through Lookman, who took a few touches and finished with his left foot.
Nicholas Jackson scored a brace as Senegal triumphed over Botswana in Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Senegal entered the game as favourites and nearly opened the scoring as early as the fourth minute, when Goitseone Phoko thwarted Jackson’s effort.
Read Also:EXCLUSIVE: Super Eagles Must Win Their AFCON 2025 Opener To Build Title Momentum — Osigwe
However, Jackson converted Ismail Jakobs’ low cross to give his side the lead after 40 minutes as they broke the resistance of a stubborn Botswana, before showing quick feet from Ismaila Sarr’s pass to finish from close range just before the hour-mark.
Senegal, who won the Cup of Nations title in 2021 and are among the favourites again, overwhelmed their opponents with waves of attacks and added a third late on from Cherif Ndiaye, one of 28 efforts on the Botswana goal.
Senegal head Group D on goal difference from the Democratic Republic of Congo after the opening round of games. The latter defeated Benin 1-0 on Tuesday
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Venus Williams marries Italian partner Andrea Preti in Florida… and sister Serena gifts her an astonishing wedding present
Tennis great Venus Williams married her Italian actor and model partner Andrea Preti in a second ceremony in Florida over the weekend, months after first tying the knot in Italy.
The happy couple held six days of luxurious dinners and celebrations in Palm Beach, Florida with their closest friends and family. And Williams told Vogue that her sister Serena even gifted her a yacht which hosted some of their wedding guests.
‘Serena gave us this gift of a beautiful yacht, and she arranged all the food, everything,’ Williams said of how the romantic week got underway.
‘We had 10 to 12 of our closest family and friends who were in town on the boat, and we were singing, dancing, gossiping, and just enjoying each other.’
Williams, 45, and the 37-year-old Preti chose to hold a second wedding because paperwork to confirm their first marriage in Italy in September can take up to eight months to become official.
They welcomed members of his family over to the United States just before Christmas and hosted dinners and pool parties leading up to the big day.
Venus Williams has married her Italian actor and model partner Andrea Preti in Florida
The couple, pictured in New York earlier this year, had a wedding ceremony in Italy in Septemer
During the service itself, Williams recited her vows to Preti in both English and Italian before partying into the early hours of Saturday morning.
‘It was just the happiest, most beautiful, sweetest day,’ Venus said, while Preti added: ‘When I saw Venus, she was beautiful, like a goddess. I was crying and happy.’
Williams shared pictures from the big day on Instagram on Tuesday morning, with one picture appearing to show sister Serena singing with a backing band.
‘Guess what I did this weekend?’ she captioned one picture of her in her wedding dress, which she posted as a story.
Williams and Preti met in 2024 at a fashion show in Milan that the tennis legend, who at the time had been single for six years, nearly skipped.
‘I was in Lake Como on a sisters’ trip when I got an invite at the last minute and decided to go on a whim, and Andrea was tired. Neither of us was planning on being there,’ she explained to Vogue.
After first meeting in Italy, they later had a breakfast date in London where Williams said: ‘I just knew I was going to marry him. People always say they just know, and I just knew.’
Williams first revealed that she and Preti were engaged back in July, after winning a comeback tennis match at the DC Open – 16 months after last playing competitively due to having fibroids removed from her uterus.
The couple first met at a fashion show in Milan in 2024 and have had two wedding ceremonies
Speaking to Vogue, Venus said that her younger sister Serena gave her a yacht at her wedding
Speaking to the crowd afterwards, she said: ‘My fiancé is here and he really encouraged me to keep playing,’ she said to huge cheers and applause.
‘There were so many times where I just wanted to coast and kind of chill. Do you know how hard it is to play tennis? You guys don’t know how much work goes into this, like it’s 9 to 5 except you’re running the whole time.
‘Lifting weights and just like dying and then you repeat it the next day. So he encouraged me to get through this and it’s wonderful to be here. He’s never seen me play.’
Speculation first started that Preti had popped the question when Williams was seen practicing in Italy with a huge ring on her wedding finger in February.
Opening up about her health issues back in July at the DC Open, Williams said: ‘At the end of the day, it (tennis) doesn’t really matter if your health is not there. So, it definitely put it in perspective for me and maybe made it easier to make the decision to maybe come back out here and maybe play even freer.
‘Where I am at this year is so much different where I was at last year. It’s night and day, being able to be here and prepare for the tournament as opposed to preparing for surgery a year ago.’
Venus said she was engaged in July at the DC Open, when she referred to Preti as her fiance
That day, Preti saw her play tennis live for the first time at her hugely anticipated comeback
While sister Serena has been married to Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian since 2017, Venus had stayed single for much of her sporting career.
But in October 2022, she admitted that she was ready to settle down with the right person.
‘I’ve had a single life for a long time and I think it’s really easy to get stuck in a single life and sometimes – at least for me – harder to get out,’ she told Gamour.
‘It makes you think about yourself and what you want and how to behave. When life changes, you’ve got to know when to change.’
As Nigeria prepares to face Tanzania in their opening match of AFCON 2025 at 6:30 p.m. this evening, Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has downplayed comparisons with Nigerian football legend Rashidi Yekini.
Osimhen is closing in on Yekini’s all-time goal record for Nigeria, sitting just six goals shy of the mark set by the man who scored the Super Eagles’ first-ever World Cup goal.
Despite the tantalising prospect of breaking history, the 2023 CAF Player of the Year insists that surpassing Yekini would not diminish the late striker’s legendary status.
“To be honest, I don’t have this in my head. Even when I started playing for the Super Eagles, I never checked who the highest goalscorer in Nigeria’s history was,” Osimhen told Pooja Media.
“I was just doing my job, trying to help my teammates with goals, assists and everything, but to be up there with the greatest striker the country has ever produced is something to be proud of. It doesn’t matter if I surpass or equal it; he’s the greatest ever, and to be mentioned alongside him is a privilege.
“As always, I’ll help my teammates with goals and assists, and if I equal or surpass the record, then that’s it. However, that doesn’t diminish what Late Rashidi Yekini did for the Super Eagles, and I’m happy to walk in his footsteps.”
Osimhen’s teammate, Cyriel Dessers, has expressed confidence in the forward’s ability to become Nigeria’s greatest-ever footballer, yet the striker himself remains focused on collective success rather than personal milestones.
Following Nigeria’s absence from the recent World Cup, AFCON 2025 represents a chance for redemption on the continental stage. The Galatasaray forward acknowledged the weight of expectation on both himself and the team but emphasised that success will be a shared effort.
“It’s not about Osimhen or me. I know a lot of people believe in me and depend on me, and I appreciate that, but I think we have talents in the squad that can dictate how the game should be, so I’ll just try to help with goals or assists or come into the defence or midfield to help my teammates,” he said.
“Of course, I’ll give everything as I’ve always done since I started wearing the green and white colours of Nigeria. It is paramount to up my game when playing for the Super Eagles, so I’ll give my everything, and I know other quality players that I’m depending on to bring their best as well. We’ll complement each other. I’m positive about the players we have in the camp.”
Nigeria will kick off their AFCON 2025 campaign at the Complexe Sportif de Fès at 6:30 PM WAT, as the Super Eagles aim to make a statement in the tournament.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his starting line-up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Group C clash with Taifa Stars of Tanzania, DAILY POST reports.
Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali will be in goal, cementing his status as the team’s first choice goalkeeper.
Chelle picked Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi as full-backs.
Regulars Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi will feature as centre-backs.
Newly appointed captain Wilfred Ndidi will pair Alex Iwobi in midfield.
Victor Osimhen will lead a four-man attack that includes Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Adams Akor.
Super Eagles X1 Vs Tanzania
Nwabali
Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi
Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze , Lookman
Akor, Osimhen
Completesports.com’s live blogging of the AFCON 2025 Group C Matchday 1 game between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania at the Fez Stadium in Few, Morocco.
The post Nigeria Vs Tanzania Live Blogging – AFCON 2025 Group C Matchday 1 appeared first on Complete Sports.
Tanzania head coach, Miguel Gamondi has dismissed any suggestion that his side will be overawed by Nigeria ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations opener.
The coach insists his players are tactically prepared, mentally strong and ready to compete with one of Africa’s most talented squads.
he Africa Cup of Nations clash between Nigeria and Tanzania will take place on Tuesday, December 23, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 pm.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s encounter, the Argentine coach acknowledged the quality within the Super Eagles camp but stressed that Tanzania’s approach will be based on structure, discipline and belief rather than fear.
“We have analysed Nigeria very well,” Gamondi said.
“We know the quality they have, especially Victor Osimhen.”
Osimhen Threat Acknowledged, But Focus Goes Beyond One Player
Gamondi admitted that stopping Nigeria’s main attacking threat will be a major challenge, but warned that focusing on one player alone could prove costly.
“Of course, there is a tactical plan to try to neutralise him, but it’s not only about Osimhen,” he explained.
“They also have players like Chukwueze, Lookman and many others. If you neutralise one, another can hurt you.”
The Tanzania coach highlighted the depth and versatility of Nigeria’s attack as a key reason why his team must remain alert throughout the match.
Tanzania Reject Intimidation as AFCON Opener Beckons
Gamondi also stated that tactical discipline and intelligent positioning will be crucial against a Super Eagles side capable of punishing even the smallest error.
“You need to be very aware of how you are positioned on the pitch,” he said.
“Our mentality is to play and to attack, but we must be tactically disciplined.”
He was clear about the fine margins involved in facing Nigeria.
“There is no room for mistakes because the quality of the Nigerian team can punish you.”
Tanzania Ready and Motivated for Tournament Opener
The Argentine coach revealed that his team heads into the tournament opener well prepared and highly motivated.
“We are well prepared and excited to start this Africa Cup of Nations,” Gamondi said.
“When you see the quality of Nigerian players, you need more than 100 per cent effort to try to neutralise them.”
He reiterated how unforgiving matches at this level can be.
“One small mistake can cost you.”
According to Gamondi, Tanzania’s success will depend on maintaining their shape, staying organised and executing their tactical plan with precision.
“The key for us is our shape, tactical discipline, structure and organisation,” he stated.
“In games like this, there is no room for mistakes.”
However, he was keen to emphasise that Tanzania do not intend to sit back and defend for the entire match.
“But our mentality is not only to defend. We want to recover the ball and try to attack.”
“We are here to compete with courage and show our quality.”
Belief and Ambition Drive Tanzania’s AFCON Dream
Gamondi concluded with a strong message of belief, underlining that his team arrives at AFCON determined to challenge expectations.
“In football, anything is possible. Nobody can stop us from dreaming,” he said.
“If we avoid mistakes and give extra effort, we can do something good.”
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England cricket great is stunned into disbelief by Ashes star’s quote after losing the series to Australia
England batter Zak Crawley has left multiple former cricketers scratching their heads after making a bizarre claim about the Ashes series during the fourth day in Adelaide.
As England trundled their way towards defeat, needing a miracle of 228 more runs on Sunday to seal victory, Crawley admitted that the tourists were ‘slightly short of their best’ before praising Australia, who would go on to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.
While the Bazballers still had four wickets in hand, it appeared that Crawley had all but admitted defeat and conceded the urn once again to the old enemy.
‘The last two Tests… we haven’t won a Test here in a while, so it’s a chance to win those two Tests,’ he said.
‘If we can get it back to 3-2, suddenly it’s a pretty good series. We were this close.’
The comment left England great Matt Prior, who has been working as a pundit for TNT Sports during the series, perplexed.
Zak Crawley (pictured) has been slammed by several cricket greats after he appeared to say it would be a ‘pretty good Ashes series if we can get it back to 3-2’
The comments, which came just before England suffered a 3-0 series loss, stunned multiple greats, including Matt Prior
The former wicket keeper wrote on X: ‘This just can’t be a real quote??? Please, someone, tell me it’s a parody.’
He wasn’t the only former star left stunned by Crawley’s comment.
Jason Gillespie, speaking to ABC Sport, added: ‘I just found the words a bit staggering. You’re going to be 3-0 down…
He then mimicked Crawley, saying: ‘“But if we win the last two Tests it’s 3-2 and that’s a pretty good tour”.
‘No, I’m sorry. You lost the Ashes. That’s just nonsense talk.’
It took Australia just 11 days to retain the urn, with this being the fourth consecutive time England have gone 3-0 down in an Ashes series on Australian soil.
Ex-Australia coach Darren Lehmann agreed with Gillespie.
‘It was surprising,’ he said. ‘Yes it’s going to be tough work. I’m not saying they’re going to get there but what I was surprised about is they almost admitted defeat.’
Prior (second from right) who has been working on TNT Sports’ Ashes coverage this year was so taken aback by Crawley’s comment, he asked: ‘This can’t be a real quote?’
Crawley had started the series poorly in Perth, being dismissed for two ducks before bouncing back in Brisbane
Crawley had started the series poorly in Perth, being dismissed for two ducks before bouncing back in Brisbane.
England would go on to lose by eight wickets, but the opening batsman, Crawley, posted scores of 76 and 44 in both innings, delivering a much more composed performance at the crease.
He’d struggle again in the first innings in Adelaide, clipping a delivery from Pat Cummins to Alex Carey behind the stumps, for nine runs, before going on to post a score of 85 in the second innings.
‘It was always going to be tough coming up here against them,’ Crawley had said on Saturday ahead of the final day in Adelaide.
‘And they were the favourites going into it and they have proven why — they have played very, very well and made it very hard for us.
‘Obviously, we have been slightly short of our best. But a lot of credit has to go to them, they have not allowed us to be our best really.
‘They have bowled very well and haven’t given us a lot … it’s hard to play that way that we have in the past, perhaps — and to their credit for that.’
While the Australian side celebrated their Ashes victory into the early hours of Sunday morning, the Bazballers flew out to Melbourne on Monday morning and have been back in the nets this week ahead of the Boxing Day Test, which commences on Thursday.
England have returned to the nets this week as they prepare for their fourth Test in Melbourne
In the wake of their third Test defeat, Ben Stokes called on his team to salvage some pride in the remaining Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.
‘That dream that we came here with is now over, which is obviously incredibly disappointing,’ Stokes said.
‘Everyone is obviously hurting and quite emotional about it. But we’ve got two more games to go and that’s where the focus needs to switch to now.
‘We came here with a goal in mind and we’ve not been able to achieve that. It hurts and it sucks, but we’re not going to stop.’
‘All of the stuff from last week about me wanting to see a bit more from the team, I can definitely say I saw that this week,’ Stokes said.
‘Some of the guys lower down the order dug in and showed that courage and fight that I was asking for.
‘Yes, we’ve been on the wrong side of the result, but I think we can take a lot from this game into the remaining two games.’
He added: ‘We aren’t just going to fall over and let this series play out. We’re going to give absolutely everything.’
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has responded to an open letter by Amnesty International urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the long-running case of Suleimon Olufemi, a Nigerian who has spent more than 20 years on death row in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the commission said the Amnesty letter, though presented as advocacy, failed to reflect the full facts surrounding the case and the extensive efforts already made to secure Olufemi’s freedom.
NIDCOM explained that Olufemi travelled to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj, Umrah, before visiting a friend in Jeddah. During that visit, a police officer was killed in an incident at the location. Olufemi was arrested along with others found nearby and later sentenced to death, while some of the suspects received prison terms.
Under Saudi law, the family of the slain officer retained the right to pardon Olufemi or uphold the sentence once the victim’s child reached adulthood. When the child turned 18, the family chose to demand blood money, known as Diyya, amounting to 570,000 dollars.
According to NIDCOM, this demand was made about three and a half years ago. At that time, the commission said Amnesty did not participate in efforts to raise the funds, despite being approached.
“Amnesty International was nowhere to be found then, when we approached them to collaborate to raise the funds required since they had also shown interest in the case,” NIDCOM said in a statement signed by its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
The commission said it eventually raised the full amount in collaboration with the Association of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, led by the Yaro brothers. Contributions came from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Seyi Tinubu, who together provided about 150,000 dollars.
The remaining balance was raised through a GoFundMe campaign initiated by the Yaro brothers during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
With the money now paid into a dedicated account, NIDCOM said Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia are in active talks with Saudi authorities over Olufemi’s release. The minister has also briefed President Tinubu on the progress made.
The commission expressed confidence that a pardon would follow, noting that Olufemi had spent over two decades behind bars for an offence it believes could not be conclusively proven. It described him as someone who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
While acknowledging Amnesty International’s work in human rights advocacy, NIDCOM urged the organisation to present a balanced account of the case.
“We appreciate the role of Amnesty International, but we also encourage Amnesty to be factual and not just be self-seeking in this pathetic case,” the statement added.
NIDCOM also revealed that its chairman has remained in close contact with Olufemi’s family and received his elderly parents at the commission’s Lagos office on December 30, 2020.
The Commission appealed to Saudi authorities to release Olufemi, citing fairness, justice and the cordial diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, especially now that the required blood money has been paid.
Rivers United head coach, Yemi Olarewaju, has hailed his players for their performance in the 1-1 draw against Katsina United.
Azeez Falolu and Stephen Manyo were on target for Katsina United and Rivers respectively in Ilorin on Monday.
Olanrewaju believes his team deserved more from the game.
He admitted that their defensive lapses gifted Katsina United a chance to score .
“We’re the better side despite the tiredness from my players,” Olanrewaju stated after the game.
“We squeezed them just that mistake at the back which gave them a chance to score.
“Its a game that we deserved the victory but considering how many games we have played in recent days I will say we happy with the result.”
Rivers United maintained their position at the top of the league table with 34 points.
They will host Rangers in Port Harcourt this weekend.
Nigeria’s top-ranked male doubles tennis player, Yusuf Abubakar, and the country’s highest-ranked female junior player, Ohunene Yakubu, emerged champions in the men’s and women’s singles events respectively at the Merit Tennis Open, held at the National Stadium tennis courts, Surulere, Lagos.
Abubakar defeated Daniel Adeleye, the current No. 1 player in the Nigeria Tennis Federation men’s singles rankings, to secure the men’s singles title and a ₦500,000 winner’s prize. Adeleye received ₦250,000 as runner-up.
In the women’s singles final, Yakubu overcame Bright Emmanuel to claim the ₦500,000 top prize, while Emmanuel earned ₦250,000.
The tournament, organised by Merit Petroleum Nigeria Limited in collaboration with the Mainland Tennis Club, also featured junior and wheelchair tennis events, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity.
In the junior category, Issa Yahya defeated Nathaniel Aluko to emerge champion, earning ₦150,000, while the runner-up received ₦100,000.
In the wheelchair tennis events, Nigeria’s top-ranked men’s wheelchair player, Alex Adewale, claimed the men’s title and ₦400,000, with Yusuf Wasiu finishing second.
In the women’s wheelchair final, Nigeria’s number one-ranked female wheelchair player, Chituru Nwaozuzu, defeated Andrea Usoh to win the title and a ₦400,000 prize.
Speaking on the rationale behind the sponsorship, the Chief Executive Officer of Merit Petroleum Nigeria Limited, Tokunbo Onasanya, said the initiative was designed to promote local talent and encourage inclusivity in sports.
“Every time I come to the stadium, I see the hard work these players put in, from children to women and the physically challenged. This is our third year of supporting tennis here, and we hope to continue to grow the tournament and show our local talent”, she said.
Onasanya stressed that the company was deliberate about equitable rewards across all categories, adding that every participant received some form of incentive.
“Whether they are men, women or wheelchair players, everyone is rewarded fairly. We want to encourage them to represent Nigeria locally and internationally”, she added.
President of Mainland Tennis Club, Tochukwu Adino, described the event as a maiden edition at this scale, noting that plans were underway to elevate it to a national tournament.
“We decided to make it an open tournament to invite players from Lagos and its environs to showcase their talents. Next year, we are planning a bigger edition that will be included in the Nigeria Tennis Federation calendar”, Adino said.
He noted that sports remained one of the most effective tools for youth empowerment and urged government and corporate organisations to invest more deliberately in grassroots competitions.
“There are many empowerment programmes by politicians, but sports is the language young people understand. Through sports, we can get many youths off the streets, help them discover their talents and even build careers”, Adino said.
He added that tennis had helped transform the lives of several youngsters at the National Stadium, noting that many started out as ball boys before being mentored by club members.
“Some of these boys you see today came from the streets. They started by picking balls and, through mentoring and scholarships from club members, they have developed into competitive players”, he said.
Adino called on corporate bodies to see tennis sponsorship as a viable corporate social responsibility (CSR) platform, stressing that sustained funding was key to the sport’s survival.
“Tennis is an expensive sport. Without corporate sponsorship, it is difficult to sustain development. We are building a structure that will outlive our tenure and continue to support young talents,” he added.
Also speaking, Yemi Onasanya said the cumulative prize money for the tournament exceeded ₦10 million, noting that most of the players were nationally ranked.
“The winners of both the men’s and women’s categories earned ₦500,000 each. The tournament is open, but seeded players are selected based on national rankings”, he explained.
The wheelchair tennis champions used the platform to highlight challenges facing para-sports athletes in the country.
Adewale described the Merit Tennis Open as the highest-paying para-sports tennis tournament in Nigeria, while calling for improved sponsorship and equipment support.
“We have the talent, but we lack equipment and sponsorship. If we get the right support, we can compete internationally”, he said.
Nwaozuzu, who recently won three gold medals at the West African Para Games in Abeokuta, said inadequate equipment and funding continued to hamper wheelchair tennis development in Nigeria.
“I believe that this new president will do better. Because in the wheelchair tennis, they don’t have a standard wheelchair to play the tennis. If at all we have a standard wheelchair, because I have been in tournament outside country, I don’t see what they are playing.
But what they are using to defeat us is the wheelchair that they are using. They are using a better wheelchair than us” .
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Prince Adewole Adebayo Flags Off 2nd Edition Of The Christmas Marathon & Queen Lillian Adebayo Health Walk In Ondo City
Preparations are in top gear for the much-anticipated 2nd Edition of the Prince Adewole Adebayo Christmas Marathon & Queen Lillian Adebayo Health Walk, scheduled to hold on December 28, 2025, in Ondo City.
The annual fitness and community-building event is returning bigger, more exciting, and fully open to participants of all ages—with free registration for everyone. The marathon, powered by Prince Adewole Adebayo and Queen Lillian Adebayo, is fast becoming one of the most inspiring holiday traditions in Ondo State. Designed to promote healthy living, youth engagement, community bonding, and festive celebration, the event draws hundreds of runners, fitness lovers, families, and professionals.
Prince Adebayo
Speaking on the significance of this year’s edition, Prince Adewole Adebayo, philanthropist and global policy advocate, emphasized the vision behind the initiative. “Our people deserve opportunities to experience wellness, unity, and the joy of shared purpose. This marathon is more than a race – it is a celebration of community and a reminder that good health is a gift we must protect,” he declared.
Participants stand the chance to win mouthwatering cash prizes in both the male and female categories: 1st Position: N2,000,000, 2nd Position: N1,000,000, 3rd Position: N500,000 with consolation prizes 4th to 10th positions.
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The Queen Lillian Adebayo Health Walk will run simultaneously, encouraging families, youth groups, fitness clubs, and senior citizens to participate in a refreshing, non-competitive wellness walk.
Participants, with Omoyele Sowore
Last year’s debut edition recorded an impressive turnout, energetic atmosphere, and strong community support. This year, the organizing committee is introducing improved route coordination, enhanced safety measures, digital registration, and expanded cheer zones along the marathon path. Interested participants can still register at designated physical centres in Ondo City or through the event’s online platforms: https://runsignup.com/Race/NG/ONDOCITY/PrinceAdewoleADEBAYOChristmasONDOCITYRoadRace
Queen Lillian Adebayo with a participant
With entertainment, refreshments, medical support, and special appearances from notable personalities, the Christmas Marathon promises to be a unifying celebration for families and residents ahead of the New Year.
The initiative is powered by Prince Adewole Adebayo, a humanitarian, legal expert, and advocate for youth empowerment, and Queen Lillian Adebayo, a champion of health, fitness, and women’s wellbeing.
Super Eagles debutant and forward, Akor Adams has shared excitement and determination after being named in the Nigerian squad for the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 25-year-old Sevilla striker described the call-up as a dream fulfilled and a defining moment in his international career.
He admitted that wearing Nigeria’s colors at a major tournament has been a long-standing ambition and said he is fully committed to helping the team go as far as possible in the competition.
The ongoing 2025 AFCON will mark Akor Adams’ first appearance at the continental platform after announcing himself to Nigerians by scoring on his debut against Lesotho.
From Dream Debut to Continental Stage – Akor Adams
Speaking in a recent interview, Adams said the opportunity means everything to him.
“I am excited, I am looking forward to it. I have been looking to it for a long time and I am grateful to be part of this amazing group and to feature in my first major tournament with Nigeria,” Akor Adams said.
AFCON as a Chance for Redemption
Adams acknowledged that the disappointment of Nigeria’s struggles in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers is still fresh, but believes AFCON provides a crucial opportunity for the Super Eagles to make amends.
According to the striker, the squad understands what is at stake and is united by a shared sense of responsibility.
“I think we have so much to do as a group. We have to redeem ourselves from the fall of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers,” he said.
“For us, we set the target to go as far as possible in this tournament.”
The forward added that belief within the camp is strong, both in terms of quality and purpose.
“We know what we are capable of doing and we know God is on our side as well, so we have to go as far as possible.”
No Personal Ambition, Only Team Goals
Akor Adams has made it clear that individual accolades are not part of his mindset, despite being one of the players to watch heading into the tournament,
Instead, he emphasised unity, sacrifice, and collective ambition as the foundation of Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.
“When you come into a tournament like this, you don’t have personal ambition. Instead, you have ambition as a group,” he explained.
“It’s not just the 28 players that are here, all Nigerians have the ambition to win the trophy.”
He contrasted tournament football with league competition, stating the importance of togetherness.
“In a league season you can have personal ambition, but for a tournament like this the whole team has one goal: to support each other and go as far as possible.”
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Akor Adams’ Message to Nigerian Fans
Adams also reserved special praise for Nigerian supporters, acknowledging their unwavering backing and calling for continued encouragement as the tournament approaches.
“They have been amazing and supportive,” he said.
“Just stay positive, hold us up in prayer and we will give our best.”
At just 25 years old, Adams is widely regarded as one of the forwards shaping the future of Nigerian football and the Sevilla striker will be eager to make his mark as Super Eagles chase continental glory.