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Revealed: What next for Jake Paul as he faces at least NINE MONTHS out following brutal Anthony Joshua defeat which left him requiring surgery on a broken jaw
Jake Paul is facing a nine-month recovery after Anthony Joshua fractured his jaw during their heavyweight bout, it can be revealed.
Paul, 28, who banked an eye-watering £69,000 per second for the fight at Miami’s Kaseya Center, was sent crashing to the canvas in the sixth round after Joshua, 36, delivered a devastating knockout blow.
The defeat left ‘The Problem Child’ with a parasymphysis fracture on the right-hand side of his jaw, as well as a fracture to the body of the mandible. The injuries are expected to take around eight weeks to heal.
However, due to the fracture running through the roots of Paul’s teeth, he is likely to require dental implants, with the procedure expected to take place roughly three months after the fractures have healed.
Paul may then need crowns fitted to the implants – a process that typically takes a further six to seven months – meaning it could be at least nine months before the influencer-turned-boxer even regains around 90 per cent of his jaw strength.
As a result, Paul faces a prolonged spell away from the ring and is expected to return to the cruiserweight division should he wish to box again, having weighed in almost 30lbs lighter than Joshua for his most recent fight.
Jake Paul was knocked out in the sixth round of his heavyweight bout against Anthony Joshua
Paul earned an eye-watering £69,000 per second for the fight but was left with a fractured jaw
Paul and Joshua are understood to have evenly split a sum of £136million, meaning that for every one of the 989 seconds they were in the ring, each boxer earned a remarkable £69,000.
Joshua gave Paul credit while speaking to reporters after his victory, admitting it took him ‘a bit longer than expected’ to stop the American.
‘It wasn’t the best performance,’ he said. ‘The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him. That has been the request and that was on my mind. Took a bit longer than expected but the right hand found the destination.
‘Jake Paul has done really well tonight, I want to give him his props. He got up, time and time again. It was difficult in there for him, but he kept on trying to find a way through.’
Joshua himself gave Paul a recovery prognosis of 15 months, but it is understood that Paul’s jaw will be largely good-to-go by the end of next year.
The American shared photos of himself in hospital – where he drove himself in the aftermath of Joshua’s win to undergo surgery – but appeared to quickly pick himself up by flaunting his mega-payout on a private jet.
Surrounded by thick bundles of hundred-dollar bills and five guns, he held a gold firearm in the same hand as a lit cigar.
The seats on the plane were swathed with luxury blankets by French fashion house Hermes, and at the other end of the cabin large Louis Vuitton shopping bags were piled on top of each other.
The American shared a series of images of himself in hospital where he underwent surgery
‘The Problem Child’ later posted a photo of his x-ray confirming a double fracture to his jaw
Before heading to hospital, the American fighter said: ‘I’m feeling good, that was fun, I love this sport.’
He added: ‘I’m going to take a little break. I’ve been going hard for six years. I’ll take some time off.
‘This is amazing. We will heal the broken jaw, come back and fight people my weight.’
Paul later shared a photo of his x-ray to his 29million Instagram followers, which confirmed a double fracture to his jaw.
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Revealed: What next for Jake Paul as he faces at least NINE MONTHS out following brutal Anthony Joshua defeat which left him requiring surgery on a broken jaw
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Nancy is not out of the woods just yet … these three festive games are still make-or-break, writes CALUM CROWE
THERE was a palpable sense of relief coursing around Celtic Park last Sunday afternoon as Wilfried Nancy finally claimed his first victory at the fifth time of asking.
After four straight defeats saw the Frenchman make the worst start of any manager in the club’s history, he finally stopped the rot with a 3-1 win over Aberdeen.
He then swiftly set his sights on chasing down Hearts after their victory over Rangers maintained a six-point lead at the top of the Premiership table.
It would be extremely naive and premature, however, to believe that all is suddenly rosy at Celtic. Nancy is not out of the woods yet. Far from it, actually.
The damage suffered over those first four games was too significant to be erased purely on the basis of one win over a Dons side reduced to ten men. An Aberdeen team who were clearly jaded off the back of a Europa League match in Prague the previous Thursday night.
Beating Aberdeen has bought Nancy time but his position will be under scrutiny if Celtic falter over the Christmas period
Nancy gets his message across as Celtic substitutes prepare to come on against Aberdeen
Celtic so nearly made a mess of it, allowing the visitors to come back and equalise at 1-1, before two late goals dragged Nancy’s team over the line.
The Parkhead side’s performance was okay. Nothing more than that. They created a decent amount of chances, but squandered the vast majority of them.
There was a recurrence of certain themes which are becoming all too common under the new manager. Even against ten men, there was still a frailty to Celtic, especially the way they were exposed on the counter-attack.
As was the case in previous matches since his arrival a couple of weeks ago, Nancy’s team still looked desperately vulnerable at times.
For all that the former Columbus Crew boss could be pleased with his first win, the result did little to dispel the notion that he is a man who is still living on a game-by-game basis.
He is now entering a run of three games over the festive period that could well decide whether or not he has a long-term future at Celtic.
It starts with a trip to Livingston on Saturday. For all that David Martindale’s side are bottom of the league, it’s a venue that has caused the champions plenty of problems over the years.
For a boss who is seeking to introduce a new playing style and formation, the tight confines of Livi’s stadium and plastic pitch could easily become a graveyard.
Celtic then face another away game next Tuesday, against a Motherwell team who have been an absolute revelation this season under Jens Berthel Askou.
Motherwell will pose a stiff test to Celtic when Nancy takes his team to Fir Park on December 30
On their day, the Steelmen are a brilliant watch and play the most attractive football in the league. Flying high in third place, they could cause Celtic all manner of problems.
Then comes the litmus test for Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic just after New Year when they face Danny Rohl’s Rangers at Parkhead.
Rohl had his first taste of the Old Firm derby in last month’s League Cup semi-finals. He had only been in the door just over a week at that point when caretaker Martin O’Neill’s men won 3-1 in extra time.
This will be Nancy’s first crack at the fixture. It is not difficult to envisage a scenario where a couple of sticky results over these next three games could send him right back to square one.
Given the volume of chances that Celtic are missing under his stewardship, you do wonder what difference a quality, proven goalscorer might make to them.
Nancy addressed this in his media conference yesterday, stressing that Daizen Maeda should be retained at all costs in the January window.
However, Maeda alone is not enough. Last season now looks like an anomaly, when he scored 33 goals in all competitions and was named Player of the Year.
Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy is keen to keep hold of star striker Daizen Maeda
The Japanese international has scored seven goals in 26 games so far this season. He scored a good goal against Dundee United last week, but also missed a sitter as Celtic lost 2-1.
He is back to the same erratic player who first arrived at Parkhead in 2022. Having expressed a desire to leave the club last summer, there are still questions about his commitment.
Nancy insisted yesterday that Maeda is happy and will be a key part of the club’s plans moving forward into the second half of the season.
Give the player’s unreliability, though, and the injuries suffered by Kelechi Iheanacho, Celtic need a new striker. If they can get one, Nancy might just have half a chance.
These next three games will be pivotal in determining whether or not Celtic should actually sanction a January rebuild to suit his new system.
If he were to suffer another couple of shaky results, there would be a plausible argument that the club should not throw money at a manager who patently is not up to the job.
There might be some who feel that is slightly harsh given he’s only five minutes in the door. But that’s the reality of the situation he’s been thrown into by Celtic.
He will naturally want time to build something, but the manner in which the club botched the timing of his appointment means that he is unlikely to be afforded much patience.
Fans were chanting for Nancy to be sacked after his fourth consecutive defeat at Tannadice
In the defeat at Tannadice the previous week, fans were already calling for him to be sacked, while chanting O’Neill’s name.
It was mortifying. All the more so when Nancy then spoke afterwards and claimed he knew everything about Scottish football … because he almost signed for Carlisle once upon a time as a player.
The win over Aberdeen was only a momentary lifting of the gloom. A brief interlude in this brutal baptism of fire he is experiencing in Glasgow. There is still a long road ahead if the 48-year-old is to turn this around and prove that he can cut it as a Celtic manager.
The Frenchman spoke on Tuesday about how he is not accustomed to playing football over the festive period. It’s all new to him. If things don’t go well over these next three games, it won’t just be turkey on the menu. Nancy’s goose could well be cooked.
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Arsenal Set Up Carabao Cup Semi-Final Clash With Chelsea After Penalty Drama Against Crystal Palace
Arsenal booked a Carabao Cup semi-final meeting with Chelsea after edging past Crystal Palace on penalties in a tense quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, December 23.
The tie finished 1-1 after normal time before the Gunners prevailed 9-8 in a dramatic shoot-out, with Maxence Lacroix enduring a night to forget. The Palace defender had earlier diverted the ball into his own net and then saw his decisive penalty saved to send the hosts through.
Arsenal looked in control for long spells and thought they had done enough to win it late on when Jurrien Timber’s effort sparked a frantic goalmouth scramble. The ball eventually went in off Lacroix after 80 minutes, with Palace defenders desperately attempting to clear it off the line.
However, Palace refused to fold. Deep into stoppage time, Marc Guehi rose to meet Jefferson Lerma’s header and stabbed home from close range, forcing penalties and silencing the home crowd.
The shoot-out was of the highest quality. Fourteen spot-kicks were converted without a blemish before Lacroix stepped up. He aimed low to the goalkeeper’s left, but Kepa Arrizabalaga guessed correctly and smothered the effort, sparking wild celebrations.
Earlier in the evening, Arsenal had been the sharper side, especially before the break. Stand-in Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez produced a string of impressive saves, notably denying Noni Madueke three times and getting down smartly to keep out Gabriel Jesus.
Palace grew into the contest after half-time and went close through Adam Wharton’s long-range strike, while Jesus squandered two presentable chances at the other end as the tension mounted.
Despite being taken all the way, the numbers told a clear story. Arsenal outshot Palace 25 to eight and dominated the expected goals count.
The win continues an encouraging run in the competition. Having already seen off Brighton in the previous round, Arsenal have now beaten successive Premier League opponents in the Carabao Cup for the first time since the 2010-2011 season, a campaign that ended in final defeat to Birmingham City.
Attention now turns to a two-legged semi-final against Chelsea, with the first leg scheduled for January 14 and the return leg at the Emirates on February 3. The winner will face either Manchester City or holders Newcastle United in the final.
Carabao Cup Semi-final Fixtures and Kick-off Times
First Leg
Newcastle United vs Manchester City
13 January
9 p.m.
Chelsea vs Arsenal
14 January
9 p.m.
Second Leg
Arsenal vs Chelsea
3 February
9 p.m.
Manchester City vs Newcastle United
4 February
9 p.m.
Former Super Eagles striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni has predicted a “tough” game when Nigeria face Tunisia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, tie.
The Super Eagles will face off against the North Africans in their second AFCON match on Saturday.
Eric Chelle’s side enters the contest following a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their opening game on Tuesday, while the Carthage Eagles secured a 3-1 win against Uganda.
As a result, Tunisia currently leads Group C, closely followed by Nigeria, with both teams earning three points each.
After Nigeria’s win over Tanzania, Aiyegbeni told reporters in Morocco, “We were lucky today [against Tanzania].”
“When you look at Tanzania, they have chances to kill the game and we are lucky to get away with it, and hopefully against Tunisia is not going to be easy. It’s going to be a tough one.”
The match between Nigeria and Tunisia is set to kick off at 9 pm, Nigerian time.
Lionel Messi’s sister has reportedly postponed her wedding after she was involved in a serious car crash in Miami.
According to reports from Argentina, the 32-year-old sustained multiple injuries, including spinal fractures, burns and broken bones in her heel and wrist.
Argentine TV journalist Angel de Brito said on the America TV show LAM that Messi’s mother, Celia Cuccittini, confirmed Maria Sol is now “out of danger” but faces a long recovery.
Read Also:Done Deal: Alozie Completes Move To MLS Club Chicago Stars
According to local reports, Maria Sol Messi lost control of her vehicle and collided with a wall.
Maria Sol Messi was set to marry Julian ‘Tully’ Arellano, who currently works as a coach for Inter Miami’s U-19 team.
The wedding was planned to take place in her hometown of Rosario on January 3rd, with the entire Messi family, including Lionel Messi, expected to attend. Messi himself married his wife, Antonella Roccuso, in the same city of Rosario.
Japanese golf icon Masashi ‘Jumbo’ Ozaki has died at the age of 78.
The World Golf Hall of Famer passed away following a courageous battle with colon cancer, the Japan Golf Tour confirmed on Wednesday.
The Tour released a poignant statement describing him as a ‘one-of-a-kind figure’ who would remain ‘indispensable’ to the history of the game.
‘He is an indispensable, one-of-a-kind figure in discussing men’s golf, both now and in the future,’ the tour shared in a social media tribute.
Ozaki’s dominance was legendary, racking up a staggering 94 wins on the Japan Golf Tour over nearly three decades.
He is often credited as the pioneer who transformed golf into a national obsession in Japan, through his raw power and flamboyant style on the course.
Japanese golf icon Masashi ‘Jumbo’ Ozaki has died at the age of 78
Ozaki racked up a staggering 94 wins on the Japan Golf Tour over his 29 year career
He earned the nickname ‘Jumbo’ for his exceptional driving distance.
His only international victory came at the New Zealand PGA Championship, yet his impact on the global stage was undeniable.
He competed in 49 majors, recording a career-best finish of tied sixth at the 1989 U.S. Open at Oak Hill.
When he was finally inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011, Ozaki spoke candidly about his career choices.
‘I dedicated my life to Japanese golf and am extremely grateful the voters thought I was worthy of this honor,’ he said at the time.
Before he was a master of the fairways, Ozaki was a professional baseball pitcher for the Nishitetsu Lions, leading his high school to a national championship. He switched to golf at 23.
Ozaki served as a vital inspiration for both Isao Aoki – the first Japanese golfer to enter the World Golf Hall of Fame – and Hideki Matsuyama, who became the nation’s first male major champion at the 2021 Masters.
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Golf icon Masashi ‘Jumbo’ Ozaki dies at 78 after colon cancer battle
The results of yesterday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, matches are out.
DAILY POST reports that Nigeria defeated Tanzania 2-1 in their AFCON opener in Group C on Tuesday, thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman.
Also in Group C, Tunisia won 3-1 against Uganda. Elyes Skhiri, Elias Achouri and Denis Omedi scored the goals for the Carthage Eagles.
Similarly, in Group D, Senegal thrashed Botswana 3-0, while DR Congo defeated the Benin Republic 1-0.
Meanwhile, more matches will be played later today in Group E and F.
Algeria will face Sudan, while Burkina Faso will tackle Equatorial Guinea.
Cameroon will clash with Gabon, while AFCON defending champions, Ivory Coast will take on Mozambique.
Ivory Coast star Franck Kessié has disclosed that the Elephants are the team to beat at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Recall that the Ivory Coast are the reigning champions after winning the 2023 AFCON as host, beating the Super Eagles 2-1 in the final.
Speaking ahead of their opening game against Mozambique today, Kessié in a chat with Cafonline, said that the team has worked hard and feels ready for the tournament.
Read Also:‘I Was Really Pleased’ — Ajayi Reflects On Super Eagles’ Win Over Tanzania
“We worked on every aspect — technically, mentally and physically. The goal was to be ready not only on the pitch but also off it.
“In a competition like AFCON, mental management and team cohesion are just as important as tactical work.
“We have a lot of respect for Mozambique. They are a solid team that plays without fear. But we also know what we want to do.
“Football is about being able to seize opportunities and score when they arise. We want to impose our game while remaining disciplined.
Tanzania head coach Manuel Gomandi has said his Taifa Stars players surprised many people with the way they played against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Gomandi’s side began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to the Super Eagles in Group C on Tuesday.
Despite the defeat, the Tanzanians put up a good fight and caused the Super Eagles lots of problems.
The Super Eagles took the lead in the first half thanks to Semi Ajayi who headed home Alex Iwobi’s cross.
But Kokola M’mombwa equalised for Tanzania early in the second half as he beat the offside trap to slot home past Stanley Nwabali.
But just minutes later Ademola Lookman put the Eagles back in front with a brilliant left foot strike.
Also Read: AFCON 2025: We Still Have Lot Of Work To Do –Chelle Admits Despite Tanzania Win
Speaking to journalists after the defeat, Gomandi said:”The performance of ny players was great even though ee committed the mistake from the corner where we conceded the first goal.
“But when you see the gap, the quality and value of one team compared to the other team, how we applied the game in terms of the tactical issues, how we tried to reduce the space, everything was great.
“I think we surprised so many people because they thought we will come here to pack the bus which is not my philosophy. My style is to try to convince the players that they can defend, you must defend evem more, but we need to attack and not respect the opponent too much.”
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco
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Appeals officer rules on DK Metcalf’s two-game ban in potential $45million decision for Steelers star
Pittsburgh wide receiver DK Metcalf’s two-game ban has been upheld, in what could be a $45million disaster for the Steelers star.
An appeals officer jointly appointed by the league and players’ union upheld the NFL’s ruling days after Metcalf took a swing at a Lions fan during Pittsburgh’s win in Detroit.
Metcalf’s suspension could prove costly. Based on his contract with the Steelers, the ruling would void not only the rest of his salary for this season, but also $45 million in future guarantees, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Daily Mail has reached out to Metcalf’s agent for confirmation.
This doesn’t necessarily mean Metcalf lost $45million by taking a swing at an antagonist on Sunday, but the Steelers will have more flexibility with his back-loaded contact.
The 28-year-old Metcalf is owed $23million and $30.5million in 2028 and 2029, respectively.
Metcalf violated league policy specifying ‘players may not enter the stands or confront fans’
Pittsburgh wide receiver DK Metcalf’s two-game ban has been upheld by an appeals officer
He will miss the remainder of the rest of the season, including the team’s games in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns and Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Metcalf will be eligible to return to the Steelers active roster on Monday, January 5, following the remaining two games of the regular season. I
Metcalf signed a four-year, $132 million contract extension with the Steelers in March after he was traded from the Seattle Seahawks.
CBS cameras caught Metcalf jawing with a man in a blue wig during the second quarter before grabbing the fan by his shirt collar and punching at his face. Metcalf only made minimal contact, if any, with his swing.
At the time, commentator Jim Nantz remarked: ‘That is not going to have great consequences for the Steelers and Metcalf.’
The former Ole Miss star did not discuss the incident with reporters after Sunday’s controversial win in Detroit, but Metcalf and the fan do have a shared history dating back to his time in Seattle. According to NFL Network, Metcalf reported the same fan to Seahawks security in 2024.
As reported by NFL Network, Metcalf claimed on Sunday he heard that fan use a derogatory term to describe his mother and called the receiver ‘something we both know you don’t call a black man.’
However, the fan, identified by the Detroit Free Press to be Ryan Kennedy, strongly denied those allegations.
A statement from his lawyer on Monday said that Kennedy ‘categorically denies using… any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur.’
The statement continued: ‘At no point before, during, or after the incident did Mr. Kennedy use racial slurs or hate speech of any kind. The claims suggesting otherwise are untrue and are not supported by video evidence, eyewitness accounts, or any contemporaneous reporting.’
Kennedy’s lawyer claimed that, ‘since these false statements began circulating,’ his client ‘has been subjected to harassment, threats, and messages advocating violence, creating serious concern for his and his family’s personal safety and well-being.’
The statement concluded: ‘Mr. Kennedy is a lifelong Detroit Lions football fan who attended the game lawfully and never anticipated becoming the subject of national attention, much less false accusations of racism. He respects the game, the players, and fellow fans – and rejects hate and discrimination in all forms.’
Kennedy claimed to the Free Press that he had called Metcalf by his full name -DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf – which triggered the furious outburst from the NFL star.
‘Like everyone’s talking to me,’ he said before the final whistle. ‘I’m a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby.’
‘He doesn’t like his government name,’ Kennedy said. ‘I called him that and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt. I’m a little shocked.’
Flykite Productions, organisers of GOtv Boxing Night Jam Festival, have assured fans and stakeholders that robust security measures will be in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The event will hold this Friday at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the organisers said they are working closely with relevant security agencies and private security outfits to guarantee crowd control, traffic management, and overall safety before, during, and after the event.
They noted that the event, which blends the excitement of professional boxing with live music and comedic performances, is expected to attract a large audience, making security planning a top priority. Measures outlined include controlled access points, enhanced surveillance, emergency response teams on standby, and clearly marked entry and exit routes.
“Our commitment is to deliver world-class entertainment in a secure environment. Fans should come ready to enjoy six boxing bouts, the music and comedy confident that their safety has been properly catered for,” the statement said.
The organisers also urged attendees to cooperate with security personnel, adhere to event guidelines, and arrive early to avoid last-minute congestion.
GOtv Boxing Night has grown into one of Nigeria’s most popular sports-entertainment events, producing top-tier boxing bouts while spotlighting musical talent. The event will air live on SS Africa 1 (GOtv Ch. 63, DStv Ch. 207). It is sponsored by GOtv, with support from MultiChoice, Renmoney, ZetaWeb, TheCable and the Lagos State Sports Commission.
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Norwegian biathlon Olympic hopeful Sivert Guttorm Bakken has died suddenly. He was 27.
‘The International Biathlon Union is deeply saddened to learn that Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken has passed away at the age of 27 during a training camp in Italy,’ the sport’s governing body said on Tuesday.
Bakken was found dead in his hotel room in the Alpine town of Lavaze in the Trentino region of Italy, Norwegian TV station NRK said.
Bakken was diagnosed with myocarditis, a heart condition, in 2022 and took a break from competition.
He was the reigning European champion in the 10km sprint and two relays and was preparing to compete in the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
He also had four World Cup victories and won the season-long title in the mass start discipline in 2021-22.
Sivert Guttorm Bakken (pictured) was found dead in his hotel room in northern Italy during a training camp months out from the Winter Olympics
The Norwegian star (pictured) was diagnosed with the heart condition myocarditis in 2022
Bakken was making a comeback to the biathlon when tragedy struck
‘The IBU is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of Sivert Bakken’s sudden death,’ IBU president Olle Dahlin said.
‘Sivert’s comeback to biathlon after a period of great hardship was a source of immense joy for everyone in the biathlon family and an inspiring demonstration of his resilience and determination.
‘His passing at such a young age is impossible to comprehend but he will not be forgotten and he will forever remain in our hearts,’ Dahlin added.
‘The IBU’s thoughts are with Sivert´s family and friends, his team and all members of the Norwegian biathlon family at this very difficult time.’
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Olympics hopeful Sivert Guttorm Bakken dies in his hotel room aged just 27
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi says the team deserved maximum points from their opening fixture against Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reports Completesports.com.
Éric Chelle’s men defeated the Taifa Stars 2-1 in the Group C fixture.
Semi Ajayi opened scoring for the Super Eagles with a superb header in the 36th minute.
Tanzania however fought back five minutes after the break equalising through Charles M’Mombwa.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: Super Eagles’ Rating Player-By-Player In Slim Win Over Tanzania
Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman netted the winning goal for Nigeria in the 52nd minute.
Akpeyi praised the Super Eagles for their performance in the game.
” I think they (Super Eagles) played well. They deserved the win. Tanzania too deserved credit for their performance,” Akpeyi said during his analysis of the game on SuperSport.
“The Super Eagles gave Nigerians a good Xmas gift, and hopefully they will do well in the next game.”
The Super Eagles will confront the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in their next game on Saturday.
By Adeboye Amosu
Photo by Ganiyu Yusuf
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Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – Carabao Cup LIVE: Latest score and updates as Gunners FINALLY go in front late on
Follow Daily Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Arsenal host Crystal Palace at the Emirates in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup, with Matt Barlow reporting from the ground.
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Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – Carabao Cup LIVE: Latest score and updates as Gunners FINALLY go in front late on
The Super Eagles of Nigeria began their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C journey with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Tanzania.
The Super Eagles struck first midway through the opening half when Semi Ajayi rose highest to head home in the 36th minute. The defender met a teasing delivery from Alex Iwobi, sending Nigeria into the break with a deserved lead after a spell of steady pressure.
Tanzania came out with renewed purpose after the interval and were briefly handed a lifeline when Victor Osimhen found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Super Eagles’ dominant display did little to slow the East Africans, who levelled moments later through Charles M’Mombwa. The midfielder finished confidently in the 50th minute after being picked out by Novatus Miroshi.
Parity lasted barely two minutes. Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s advantage with a crisp finish, again set up by the influential Iwobi, whose vision and timing proved decisive on the night. The goal settled the Super Eagles, who managed the game well despite Tanzania’s willingness to press for another equaliser.
Eric Chelle turned to his bench just before the hour mark, introducing Moses Simon and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru as Nigeria looked to add fresh legs and maintain control. Later, Paul Onuachu replaced Osimhen to see out the closing stages.
Tanzania also shuffled their pack, with Denis Kibu, Kelvin John and Haji Mnoga among those brought on as Miguel Angel Gamondi searched for a late breakthrough. Nigeria, however, stood firm, defending smartly and slowing the tempo whenever required as the game ended in favour of the Super Eagles.
The win lifts the Super Eagles to the top of Group C after the opening round, offering a solid platform as they look ahead to their next fixture which is against Tunisia.
The head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has admitted he made some poor decisions, despite a 2–1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday.
Nigeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with three points as they chase a fourth continental title.
Semi Ajayi opened the scoring for Chelle’s men before Charles M’Mombwa levelled for Tanzania.
Ademola Lookman then struck the winning goal two minutes later.
Speaking after the game, Chelle said: “I made a lot of choices; some were good, some were not good.
“I told the journalists that I have my vision and I’m the coach.”