We’re republishing the best of DailyMail+ Sport from 2025 – the exclusive, in-depth stories that our subscribers love. Here, we look back at the stories from the Premier League ‘fixer’ who has, quite literally, seen it all. 

When you work with footballers nothing much surprises you but then occasionally something does. Finding spent machine gun bullets in the garden of one of your club’s top players probably fits into that category.

Occasionally, when working as a player liaison officer for a big Premier League club, I would drop in on players’ houses just to see how they were and, if I am honest, to make sure they were looking after the place.

Many foreign stars – especially if they were young and single – would be in rented accommodation that we had found for them. They could get bored or lonely and both of those could be problematic in different ways.

That day was an eye opener, even for me. The bullet casings scattered across the lawn were actually from an Uzi 9mm submachine gun. They were blanks but even so. What or who had he been aiming at? My guess would have been one of his friends.

That particular player did struggle to be alone. On a further tour of the place, I found a pair of pink, fluffy handcuffs and a packet of condoms by his indoor swimming pool. I didn’t ask any questions on my way out.

For a good number of years, this was my world. Looking after the best interests of footballers at a big club in the south.

When you work with footballers nothing much surprises you but then occasionally something does (Paul Gascoigne is not involved in this story)

Occasionally, when working as a player liaison officer for a big Premier League club, I would drop in on players’ houses (Wayne Rooney and others pictured are not included in the story)

 I found a pair of pink, fluffy handcuffs and a packet of condoms by one player’s indoor swimming pool

Helping them, looking out for them, trying to give them the structure and the balance in their lives to hopefully help them be happier and more balanced and, as a result, play better and serve the club I worked for.

I used to say to them: ‘I am not your servant. I am here to service your needs, not your wants.’ Occasionally the lines could get blurred and yes, at times, it paid to turn a blind eye.

Players, for example, would gamble and occasionally would get into a bad place. One denied to me that he had a problem even though I had been tipped off by a local casino. When a staff member went to take his car for a service there were roulette chips spilling out of the glove compartment.

We all know players aren’t allowed to gamble on football. FA rules forbid it. Even I wasn’t allowed to do it. But some of them do it anyway.

One of them at my club – a big star – used to give his mate thousands of pounds in cash to take to the bookies. Proper old school. His mate would come back with the betting slip. Literally as long as my arm.

The same player used to smoke shisha at the training ground and it burned holes in the carpet. I persuaded him to pay for it to be repaired before the manager found out and fined him. He didn’t want to. In fact, he told me to: ‘F*** off.’ But he did it. And he thanked me later.

Smoking was a reasonably common vice, especially among some of the Eastern European players. They didn’t really try to hide it. It did get ridiculous when one of them went missing during half-time of a big game, though. We found him passed out in a disabled toilet, engulfed in cigarette smoke. He still played the second half.

On matchday and at training, at least we could keep an eye on players. They were all there where you could see them. Bliss. Away from work, though, boredom remains the modern footballer’s great enemy.

My colleagues and I would identify areas where particular players were vulnerable and find ways to prevent problems occurring. Some would be genuinely lonely, for example. Some would have friends but too many of the wrong type. Some would be too trusting and targeted and exploited by women, by criminals posing as friends and even by members of their own family.

One of our top players, for example, was constantly surrounded by other people. Maybe a dozen at a time. He also just couldn’t sit still.

At one rented property he had a par-3 golf hole built in his garden. The landlord wasn’t chuffed. Then he moved to another place while still contracted to pay rent on the first. He was paying tens of thousands of pounds a month on houses he wasn’t even living in.

Once, while returning from injury, the same player was asked to play in a reserve game up at a local League One club. He was late for kick-off. The reason? He had taken a car-load of mates with him and stopped to buy them all ice cream on the way. This is a player of worldwide repute who has more than 65 international caps for his country.

That player was particularly complex and we worked hard with him. His personal security was lax which made him vulnerable. His father was financially demanding while his single greatest fear was that his children – estranged from him in another country – would not get any of his money if he died.

He refused to take his driving theory test but would get behind the wheel anyway. And against all of this background, he was one of our very best players. It’s amazing what players will lock away in the back of their minds as soon as they step on to a football field.

You may ask about the roles of players’ agents in all of this? Why is there a need for player care when they are literally paying people to represent them? Well, my job was to service the best interests of the club, first and foremost. There is a difference.

I would trust and engage with some agents and others less so. My take was always that 20 per cent of them generally had the best interests of their players at heart while the other 80 per cent were in it for themselves. Others take a more generous view.

I would simply say to the agents: ‘I will do as much or as little for your player as you want.’

Some of them I would never see again, while others would constantly be at the training ground. I actually saw one big-name player come to blows with his agent in my office. They were rolling around on the floor until I dragged them apart. They called it play-fighting but punches were thrown.

And then there were the wives and girlfriends. Many players had great and stable relationships, others less so. It wasn’t unknown for a player to sidle up to me after a game and say: ‘If she asks, tell her I was playing golf on Tuesday…’

This wasn’t just happening at my club of course. I remember a star defender at a big northern outfit had nowhere to go after telling one extra-marital ‘friend’ that he was a carpet salesman from Coventry. That all went fine until she saw him on the TV one Saturday holding a big trophy.

Some wives and girlfriends could be incredibly forgiving but then would run their actual homes with an iron fist. One player ordered a new TV only to be told by his wife that it was far too big and ostentatious. She sent it back. On the same day she took delivery of a new dressing table covered in Swarovksi diamonds.

There is no point pretending women weren’t an issue because they occasionally were. Post-season tours and parties would be particularly tricky.

Players would quite literally take their gatherings underground, hosting them in basements of big, rented mansions with certain female ‘guests’ invited and mobile phones left at the door.

Post-season tours could get lively, meanwhile, with players relishing the freedom of the end of a campaign and disappearing off in all directions in search of pleasure.

On one trip abroad there was supposed to be a midnight curfew and all seemed well when a group of the lads went out for a ‘sightseeing tour’ in a minibus. The only issue was that the vehicle had blacked out windows and two pole-dancing poles built into the back.

Needless to say, the lads were not alone. It was sightseeing – just of a different kind.

Players were not allowed guests on away trips before games. Of course they weren’t. Very occasionally, though, a ‘friend’ would book herself in to a room a couple of floors below in the team hotel.

It wasn’t rocket science. Some players would take risks to get what they wanted and the truth is that we took it all seriously. The coaching staff needed the players to be asleep!

Not that the training ground was deemed completely off limit by some players, mind. There was a particular cupboard that we strongly suspected was occasionally used for illicit entertainment – all ‘a bit Boris Becker’ – but nobody was ever caught in the act. I do have the names of the suspects lodged in my mind, though.

More broadly, we would put together SWOT analyses for individual players to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. That way we could ideally help players with problems like languages and cultural and religious differences.

These things are a real problem in modern football and can lead to unhappiness, poor form and, most damagingly of all, cliques in a dressing room.

SWOT would also help to identify those players vulnerable to being exploited or used. As ever, some would relish the help. One senior player told my department we were worth five Premier League points a season, while others would push back against it.

I mean, when a player insists on paying a mate £100 a time to drive to a city centre restaurant to pick up £15 Margherita pizzas five nights a week what can you really do?

Occasionally, the manager and coaching staff would need a little help too. I remember after one game the boss, a foreigner, pulled me and asked me to explain what a particularly crude swear word actually meant.

I asked him why and he said: ‘Because the opposition manager has just called me it.’ In fairness, that particular manager – an Englishman – subsequently wrote to my guy and apologised for being a ‘neanderthal.’

Ultimately, it was all about trust. We tried to treat our players as assets and did all we could to give them an environment in which they could thrive.

In terms of people who worked for them – whether it be cooks, nannies, cleaners, drivers, tutors – we would try and supply them from our trusted list and they all would sign Non-Disclosure Agreements to stop them gossiping or selling tittle-tattle to the media. On the whole, it worked. Not always, but usually.

Fan mail, on the other hand, was harder to police. It was amazing what people would send. Requests for money and autographs and advice and signed items were common, of course.

But so were letters of horrendous abuse – often neatly written and signed at the bottom – and even packages containing human excrement.

Most of it never got to the players, of course. We would sift out the really malicious or malevolent stuff and they would never know. At one point, we considered hiring someone specifically to look after the mailbag. Having said that, there was one England star who insisted on all his correspondence being dealt with by his mother.

I am still in football but now that I am no longer working directly with players, I sometimes get asked if I actually liked them. And the answer, on the whole, is that I did and I do. Many of them are funny, generous, humble and kind. And then there is the percentage that are ‘d***heads.’ Just like in any walk of life.

Equally, some are incredibly mature and will do things for fans and other people that never get publicised. Others just don’t seem to grow up.

One young player, for example, used to bang golf balls into the distance at the training ground and then tell a female staff member to pick them up. Amazingly, she did it until someone had a word with him.

Another got into an altercation with a girl in a nightclub and a drink was thrown. It was hard to know who was actually to blame but the player had form with women so to avert what could have been a very public problem, I wrote a letter of apology to appease the angry father.

After much wrangling and persuasion the player agreed to sign it – only to write his name so small that it was impossible to read. I sent it off anyway. Another crisis avoided.

The language of the dressing room has changed over the years and that’s for the better. Players have genuinely tried to embrace issues around diversity even if there is still some way to go.

I do recall one meeting when the first-team squad were being educated on the use of vocabulary around women, religion and nationality.

One player from Eastern Europe – the players who tended to have the best sense of humour – pointed to a teammate and said: ‘Does this mean I can’t call him a French t**t anymore then?’ Everybody just collapsed laughing.

Players are fundamentally normal guys, really. With many of the same worries and insecurities as the rest of us. They can get star-struck too.

I will never forget loitering with a star of our game in the gents toilet in a restaurant on a pre-season tour. The reason? Zinedine Zidane was in one of the cubicles and my guy wanted his autograph. He got it, too.

Do I like the industry? That’s harder to answer. There can be a lot of jealousy inside a football club towards staff who work with the players. It can look like a glamorous job and to a degree it is.

People would want your job, both from outside the club and inside. At Christmas, for example, players would get super generous, handing out Rolex watches and cash to staff on the football side of the operation. News of that would spread through other departments of the club. A HR nightmare!

For me, it wasn’t about that. It was about serving the interests of the football club and making sure my phone was always on for that 11pm phone call from a player who needed something.

I should have kept one of those bullets as a souvenir, mind. After all, I had helped players dodge a few. As for the pink, fluffy handcuffs, I have tried to put that image out of my mind…

The names in this piece have been kept anonymous.

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The Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission Law does more than regulate gaming within the state, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong

Enugu State has taken a decisive step toward reshaping gaming regulation in Nigeria with the enactment of its Gaming and Lottery Commission Law. Far more than a routine legislative update, the law introduces one of the most comprehensive, practical, and forward-looking regulatory frameworks at the subnational level, addressing long-standing weaknesses in oversight, enforcement, and consumer protection.

As gaming activity continues to expand rapidly across Nigeria—cutting across retail betting shops, online platforms, and emerging digital formats—many regulatory structures have struggled to keep pace with the sector’s scale and complexity. Enugu’s new law responds directly to this challenge by prioritising visibility, accountability, and enforceability, while still allowing room for innovation under clear regulatory supervision.

One of the law’s most distinctive features is the introduction of a mandatory Gaming Approval Sign, which must be prominently displayed by all licensed operators. This seemingly simple requirement carries significant regulatory weight. For consumers, it provides immediate assurance that an operator is duly licensed and operating within the law. For regulators and law enforcement agencies, it offers a clear, visual tool for identifying legitimate operators and swiftly isolating illegal or non-compliant activities—an area where ambiguity has historically enabled regulatory evasion.

Equally significant is the establishment of a structured Gaming Inspectorate with clearly defined statutory powers. Under this framework, authorised inspectors may enter licensed premises, examine gaming equipment, audit operational records, question suspected violators, and take enforcement action where breaches are identified. By granting legal protection to inspectors acting in good faith, the law reinforces regulatory authority and reduces the risk that enforcement will be undermined by intimidation, procedural delays, or frivolous litigation.

Beyond enforcement, the law places strong emphasis on social responsibility and public benefit. It establishes the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission Charitable Trust Fund, financed primarily through unclaimed winnings and statutory contributions from licensed operators. The fund is dedicated to supporting education, healthcare, psychological services, and other public-interest initiatives approved under the law.

This approach marks an important shift in regulatory philosophy. Rather than relying on discretionary or voluntary corporate social responsibility programmes, the Enugu framework embeds social impact into the regulatory system, ensuring that gaming activities deliver tangible, measurable benefits to society.

Notably, the law is designed with the future of gaming firmly in view. It expressly accommodates online and remote gaming, e-sports, virtual and augmented reality platforms, and blockchain-based gaming models. By granting the Commission the authority to license and regulate emerging technologies, the framework avoids the rigidity that has rendered older gaming laws obsolete and positions Enugu to adapt to innovation without the need for constant legislative overhaul.

Consumer protection is further strengthened through provisions on responsible gaming, underage gaming prevention, data protection, and transparency in the display of rules, odds, and winnings. These measures align the state’s regulatory approach with evolving international best practices, while remaining sensitive to Nigeria’s unique social and economic realities.

At the national level, the Enugu State Gaming Law assumes added significance against the backdrop of ongoing debates over the structure of gaming regulation in Nigeria, particularly the tension between federal oversight and state-level authority. Enugu’s model demonstrates how decentralised regulation can be both robust and modern, combining visible compliance mechanisms, empowered enforcement institutions, and structured social accountability.

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The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon commenced their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on positive note as Etta Eyong’s goal was enough to beat Gabon on Wednesday.

Eyong squeezed his shot under Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba in the sixth minute after being set up by Bryan Mbeumo, but the goal was later confirmed after a VAR check.

Gabon responded positively after falling behind and began to grow into the contest. Head coach Thierry Mouyouma made a bold move midway through the first half, introducing experienced duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina in the 33rd minute as the Panthers searched for an equaliser.

Read Also:NFF Hails Tinubu On Fulfillment Of Pledges To Eagles’ Players, Officials

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Gabon pressing forward in numbers. However, Cameroon remained disciplined and organised at the back, frustrating their opponents and limiting clear-cut chances.

The Indomitable Lions also had opportunities to put the game beyond reach, but failed to add to their lead as the match ended 1-0.

Cameroon moved alongside holders Ivory Coast, who beat Mozambique, at the top of Group F with all 24 teams at the tournament in Morocco now having played a game.

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The Super Eagles have witnessed diverse attacking talents over decades. Earlier periods relied heavily on individual artistry and audacious long-range efforts.

Modern iterations favour imposing statures, commanding aerial contests, and blistering transitional surges. These shifts underscore tactical refinements in forward selection.

Limited strikers have eclipsed the 20-goal mark internationally. Fans tracking such records often explore top goal scorer markets on platforms like Betwinner Nigeria.

The longstanding pinnacle remains unchallenged, though the pursuit intensifies with each campaign.

Top Goal Scorers in the History of the Nigeria National Team

Introduction: The Men Who Built the Super Eagles Legacy

The Super Eagles’ attacking legacy draws from generations of talented forwards who navigated evolving tactical demands as Nigeria solidified its African football stature.

Enthusiasts following these prolific marksmen often access detailed player stats and goalscorer odds through reliable platforms, completing a quick Betwinner login to explore markets.

Early players excelled through nimble footwork, astute off-ball runs, and potent strikes from distance to outmanoeuvre structured defences in qualifiers.

The 1980s-1990s heyday emphasised physical robustness, sharp penalty-area instincts, and reliable conversion of crosses during dominant continental spells.

Subsequent eras, enriched by European club seasoning, integrated strong hold-up work, neat combinations, and incisive channels behind defences.

Present-day strikers dominate aerial spheres, unleash rapid transitional thrusts, and sustain forward pressing intensity.

Amid these adaptations, a compact group provided reliable scoring, influencing approaches in AFCON showdowns and World Cup pathways while setting enduring standards for future Nigerian attackers.

Nigeria’s All-Time Top Scorers:- From Legends to Modern Superstars

Nigeria boasts a rich tradition of clinical forwards whose international exploits elevated the Super Eagles on continental and global stages.

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1. Rashidi Yekini — 37 Goals (The Eternal King of Nigerian Football)

Rashidi Yekini holds the undisputed record as Nigeria’s leading international scorer. His 37 goals came across 62 appearances between 1984 and 1998.

Powerful headers and opportunistic strikes defined his style. He netted Nigeria’s inaugural World Cup goal against Bulgaria in 1994.

Yekini topped the charts at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations with five strikes, earning player of the tournament honours as Nigeria claimed gold.

His predatory presence inside the box proved decisive in qualifiers and friendlies alike. European stints at Vitória Setúbal sharpened his finishing edge.

Yekini’s tally remains a benchmark few approach.

2. Victor Osimhen — 31 Goals (The Record Hunter)

Victor Osimhen ranks second and actively chases the summit. By late 2025, the Galatasaray forward amassed 31 goals in 46 caps since debuting in 2017.

Aerial dominance, explosive pace, and ruthless composure characterize his play. Hat-tricks in qualifiers highlight his potency.

Osimhen’s physicality overwhelms defenders, drawing fouls and creating space for teammates. Club success in Serie A and Turkey translated seamlessly to national duty.

His rapid ascent from youth levels underscores relentless drive. At 26, further tallies seem inevitable during upcoming tournaments.

3. Segun Odegbami — 22 Goals (The 1970s & 80s Icon)

Segun Odegbami secured third place with 22 goals. Nicknamed “Mathematical” for precise execution, he dazzled in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Elegant dribbles and curled efforts from distance marked his arsenal. Odegbami contributed heavily to Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON triumph on home soil.

His vision complemented wing play at Shooting Stars domestically. Graceful movement evaded markers consistently.

Odegbami’s flair embodied an era of individual brilliance before structured tactics dominated.

4. Yakubu Aiyegbeni — 21 Goals (The Premier League Bulldozer)

Yakubu Aiyegbeni registered 21 goals in 58 outings from 2000 to 2012. Robust build and hold-up skills made him a target man par excellence.

Premier League experience at clubs like Everton honed his box instincts. Yakubu converted penalties and rebounds reliably.

His strength shielded possession effectively. Memorable strikes in World Cup qualifiers bolstered campaigns.

Despite occasional criticism, his output proved vital during transitional phases for the Super Eagles.

5. Ikechukwu Uche — 19 Goals (The Underrated Finisher)

Ikechukwu Uche tallied 19 goals across limited appearances. Sharp movement and volley technique distinguished him in the 2000s and early 2010s.

Uche thrived on service from wide areas. Spanish league exposure at Villarrealrefined his timing. Underrated due to injuries, his efficiency shone in bursts.

Key contributions included qualifiers and continental ties.

Other Notable Sharpshooters

Several others left lasting impressions just outside the top five.

• Obafemi Martins (18 goals) gained fame for acrobatic flips celebrating overhead kicks and speed bursts.
• Sunday Oyarekhua (17 goals) featured prominently in the 1970s with consistent scoring in limited caps.
• Samson Siasia (17 goals) combined finishing with leadership, later guiding the Super Eagles as coach.
• Odion Ighalo (16 goals) emerged as top scorer at AFCON 2019 with poised conversions.
• Ahmed Musa (16 goals) holds Nigeria’s World Cup scoring record with four strikes, including braces against heavyweight opposition.
• Kelechi Iheanacho (15 goals) unleashes a deadly left foot, often deciding tight encounters with curled precision.

These marksmen collectively forged Nigeria’s reputation for dynamic attacking football across decades.

Full Table — Nigeria’s All-Time Leading Scorers

Nigeria’s national team has consistently produced lethal forwards whose goals decided crucial qualifiers, AFCON encounters, and World Cup fixtures across decades.

These strikers blended raw power, technical finesse, and opportunistic timing to overcome varied defensive setups.

The table below ranks the most prolific Super Eagles marksmen based on official international appearances. Active players continue accumulating tallies, narrowing gaps in this historic leaderboard.

Rank
Player
Goals
Status

1
Rashidi Yekini
37
Legend

2
Victor Osimhen
31
Active

3
Segun Odegbami
23
Legend

4
Yakubu Aiyegbeni
21
Retired

5
Ikechukwu Uche
19
Retired

6
Obafemi Martins
18
Retired

7
Sunday Oyarekhua
17
Legend

7
Samson Siasia
17
Retired

9
Odion Ighalo
16
Retired

9
Ahmed Musa
16
Retired

11
Kelechi Iheanacho
15
Active

Who Will Break the Records? Future Goal-King Candidates

Rashidi Yekini’s 37-goal benchmark has stood firm for decades, yet current trajectories point to inevitable challenges from active Super Eagles forwards.

Victor Osimhen — The Inevitable Successor

Victor Osimhen stands closest to the throne with 31 goals in 46 caps as of December 2025. His blend of towering leaps, blistering speed, and unyielding physicality terrorises defences consistently.

Recent braces and hat-tricks in qualifiers underscore relentless efficiency. At 26, club form at Galatasaray sustains sharp instincts for Nigeria.

Upcoming AFCON fixtures and World Cup campaigns offer prime opportunities to eclipse Yekini’s mark within years.

Kelechi Iheanacho — The Silent Climber

Kelechi Iheanacho occupies the top-10 fringe with 15 international strikes across 58 appearances. His velvet left foot delivers curled precision and decisive penalties in clutch moments.

Versatile positioning allows seamless drops deep or late box arrivals. Recent moves to Celtic revived consistent minutes, honing composure.

Steady accumulation positions him to climb further, especially if regular starts align with major tournaments.

Emerging Talents

Nigeria’s youth pipeline brims with sharp finishers eyeing senior breakthroughs and long-term record assaults.

These prospects showcase varied attributes from European academies and leagues.

• Salim Fago Lawal — Croatian-based forward with clinical movement and poaching instincts, already earning provisional call-ups and spot in AFCON 2025 squad.
• Rafiu Durosinmi — Powerful Viktoria Plzeň striker blending hold-up strength and prolific league output.
• George Ilenikhena — Monaco teenager offering mobility, box lethality, and dual-nationality potential.
• Victor Boniface — Werder Bremen marksman known for dribbling flair and goal threat in Bundesliga.
• Gift Orban — Explosive finisher drawing European interest through rapid scoring bursts.
• Akor Adams — Sevilla forward combining pace and aerial prowess in La Liga.
• Ebenezer Akinsanmiro — Midfielder-forward with technical skill, included in AFCON 2025 as new face.

These names signal sustained attacking depth for future Super Eagles cycles.

 Nigeria’s Scoring Records at AFCON & the World Cup

Nigeria has built a strong reputation for producing prolific forwards whose goals have shaped performances in major tournaments across Africa and globally.

Top AFCON Scorer of the Modern Era

Rashidi Yekini stands as Nigeria’s undisputed leader with 13 goals across four AFCON appearances from 1988 to 1994.

His predatory instincts delivered consistent threats in crowded boxes and on counters.

Yekini claimed the Golden Boot twice, in 1992 with four strikes during a bronze-medal run and in 1994 with five during Nigeria’s triumphant campaign in Tunisia.

Those tallies powered the Super Eagles to continental glory and established benchmarks for efficiency.

Modern challengers include Odion Ighalo, who netted five goals at Egypt 2019 to secure the top scorer award despite Nigeria’s third-place finish.

Jay-Jay Okocha contributed seven goals, highlighted by four in the 2004 edition where he shared the Golden Boot. Victor Osimhen and others continue pursuing these heights in ongoing cycles.

 Nigeria’s World Cup Goal King

Ahmed Musa holds Nigeria’s World Cup scoring record with four goals across the 2014 and 2018 tournaments.

His brace against Argentina in 2014 delivered through pace and composure under pressure. Musa repeated the feat in 2018 with two strikes versus Iceland, injecting momentum into group-stage efforts.

Other contributors feature Rashidi Yekini, who scored Nigeria’s inaugural World Cup goal against Bulgaria in 1994.

Kalu Uche, Daniel Amokachi, and Jay-Jay Okocha each added strikes in various editions. Musa’s tally remains the pinnacle as the Super Eagles aim for deeper runs in future finals.

 The Legacy of Nigeria’s Greatest Goal Scorers

Nigeria’s all-time leading scorers have defined the Super Eagles through distinct eras of African and global football.

From Rashidi Yekini’s unmatched 37 strikes that anchored golden generations to Victor Osimhen’s rapid pursuit, these forwards embodied evolving tactical demands and national pride.

Their records span triumphant AFCON campaigns, historic World Cup moments, and countless qualifiers where clinical finishing turned pressure into victory.

Icons like Segun Odegbami and Yakubu Aiyegbeni bridged periods of flair and physical dominance, while emerging talents promise continued potency.

This lineage underscores Nigeria’s reputation for producing relentless attackers capable of deciding major fixtures.

Yekini’s benchmark may fall soon, yet the collective heritage of sharp instincts, aerial mastery, and opportunistic ruthlessness endures as a cornerstone of Super Eagles identity.

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ABS FC have embarked on a two-week mid-season break following the conclusion of the first stanza of the Nigeria National League (NNL) 2025/2026 season.

The players and officials will resume training on January 13, 2026, for the continuation of the league season.

ABS FC recorded three wins and four defeats in seven matches.

The Ilorin-based side occupy seventh position on the Conference C league table with nine points.

ABS FC reassured supporters of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the club’s set objectives are achieved.

They will take on Mighty Jets in their game of the second stanza in Ilorin.

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Amad Diallo netted the only goal of the game as reigning champions, Ivory Coast pipped Mozambique 1-0 in Wednesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The defending champions’ first big chance came in the 26th minute, as Guela Doue delivered a cross into the area, but Yan Diomande blazed over.

the Ivorians battled to break down their opponents in a competitive first half but took firm control after the break without converting the many chances they created.

Read Also:NFF Hails Tinubu On Fulfillment Of Pledges To Eagles’ Players, Officials

Diallo side-footed the ball into the net in the 49th minute to ensure the three-point haul in rainy conditions but the scoreline would have been a lot more emphatic had the Ivorians been sharper in front of goal.

Both sides play the second of their three group stage games on Sunday, when Mozambique meet Gabon in Agadir and Ivory Coast meet five-time champions Cameroon in Marrakech.

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Former Manchester United star Nani claims the disciplinary issues at the club under Ruben Amorim would never have happened when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge at Old Trafford.

Amorim offloaded Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea for £40million after the Argentina international and his brother Roberto publicly criticised him.

Last week, Amorim took aim at United’s young players over a sense of entitlement after pictures emerged on social media of Kobbie Mainoo’s half-brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames, Chido Obi and Harry Amass having a dig at him.

Nani insists that Ferguson, who was fiercely opposed to social media, would never have put up with such insubordination.

‘No way, not a chance,’ said the ex-Portugal winger who made 230 appearances for the Reds. ‘If someone needed it, he would put a player to one side for a game, and usually they would learn straight away. If you were in trouble for any kind of bad behaviour, you would only play again when you changed.

‘You need to accept the rules and then you need to follow the rules. For us in that time, that was the key. Nobody was bigger than the club. No player, not Ronaldo, not Rooney, not Giggs, nobody. If you’re behaviour wasn’t good enough, you were punished.

Ruben Amorim last week criticised a sense of entitlement from Man United’s young players 

His comments came after Kobbie Mainoo’s half-brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames stoked tensions by wearing a ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ T-shirt during Man United’s draw with Bournemouth

Youngsters Harry Amass (left) and Chido Obi (right) sent subtle responses to Amorim’s comments, sparking the boss’ ‘entitlement’ remark

‘It actually happened to me during one of my first weeks. I played one fantastic game and then I went several weeks without playing. I was complaining, talking with Cristiano, saying “hey, I don’t know why I’m not playing”. I knew there was something behind the scenes they wanted me to fix, and then when I found out what it was, I addressed it, worked hard. These players need something similar; discipline and rules.’

Speaking via online casino experts casino.co.uk, Nani also believes that the senior players in Ferguson’s dressing-room would also have stepped in.

‘Yes, a conversation would take place inside the dressing-room because I think all of the team was mature enough. We had very responsible players like Rio, Gary Neville, Giggs; the older players would step in and they would fix it.

‘It would usually be the small things, but sometimes when the player was not giving his maximum during the training sessions or in games, some of those players I just mentioned would be calling them and say, “hey, come on man, you need to do better”. It was a good mind-set and mentality. It all fed down from the manager.

‘I think the first thing is the mind-set in the squad, because when you have the right mind-set any other things can work.’

Despite the problems Amorim has faced during his first 13 months in charge, Nani is convinced his Portuguese compatriot is the right man for the job.

‘I’ve said this before. He is young, he has the hunger and always want to do better,’ added the 39-year-old who retired from playing a year ago.

‘He’s got a huge future in front of him and has shown already that he is a good coach. He has his ideas and sticks to them. He just needs to continue to learn because the Premier League is different than other leagues.

Former Man United star Nani has claimed Sir Alex Ferguson would not have put up with such insubordination

Nani is backing Amorim to succeed at Man United and praised the impact of signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo

‘It’s tougher than any other league, especially for people going into it for the first time. We’ve already seen a big improvement from the last season to this season, and I believe the next season we’ll see another jump forward.’

Nani is impressed by some of the signings Amorim has made, in particular Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha who arrived from Brentford and Wolves in the summer.

‘I think they are two players who made the difference since they came,’ he said. ‘They’ve been showing good signs, and they’ve improved. They’ve been getting comfortable with the team, and taking responsibility.

‘Both players are making differences in games and scoring goals. I also like that they fight for the team on the field. These are the type of players we want in the club.

‘The coach is building a strong team, which takes time, but we can see a very beautiful future with this, with these two players at the front of it.’

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Burkina Faso’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign burst into life in Casablanca earlier today, December 24, as the Stallions came from behind astonishingly to secure a dramatic late victory over Equatorial Guinea.

Brama Traoré’s side had arrived at the tournament in a confident mood after a strong run of results and, ranked 35 places above their opponents, were widely expected to impose themselves.

The early stages suggested just that. Bertrand Traoré and Issoufou Dayo both went close as Burkina Faso pressed forward, but Juan Michá’s Equatorial Guinea side dug in bravely.

Clear chances were rare, with Luís Asué and José Machín wasting long-range efforts for the National Thunder, while Dango Ouattara was denied by a superb sliding challenge from Pablo Ganet when space opened up invitingly down the left. The lack of cutting edge was reflected at the interval, with neither team registering a shot on target.

The match turned shortly after the restart when VAR intervened to upgrade Basilio Ndong’s booking to a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Bertrand Traoré’s right ankle.

10-man Equatorial Guinea retreated further, prompting Michá to introduce Charles Ondo for Asué in a bid to hold firm. Burkina Faso pushed harder, with Ouattara testing Jesús Owono and Pierre Landry Kaboré heading wide, but the breakthrough continued to elude them.

That sense of frustration deepened when substitute Lassina Traoré thought he had finally scored, only for a lengthy VAR check to rule the goal out for offside. Against the run of play, Equatorial Guinea then stunned the favourites in the 85th minute as Marvin Anieboh rose highest to power home a header from Carlos Akapo’s corner.

What followed was a breathtaking finale. Georgi Minoungou dragged Burkina Faso level deep into stoppage time with a crisp finish, before Edmond Tapsoba completed the turnaround in the 98th minute, heading in from close range to spark wild celebrations among the Stallions’ players and supporters.

Earlier in Group E, the Algeria national football team laid down an emphatic marker with a dominant 3-0 victory over the Sudan national football team at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. With expectations high following a mixed build-up to the tournament, Algeria wasted no time in asserting control.

The breakthrough arrived almost immediately. Just two minutes in, Riyad Mahrez drifted into space on the edge of the area before steering home a composed finish to give Sudan an early problem to solve.

The Desert Foxes monopolised possession thereafter, patiently probing while Sudan struggled to escape their own half.

Sudan’s task became significantly harder shortly before the interval when Salaheldin Adel was shown a second yellow card for a rash challenge, leaving his side down to 10 men.

Algeria continued to dominate after the restart and were rewarded on the hour, Mahrez striking again with a crisp effort after clever build-up play involving Mohamed Amoura.

With the points already within reach, Algeria maintained their intensity rather than settling. Substitute Ibrahim Maza added the gloss in the 85th minute, arriving late in the box to make it 3-0 and put the contest beyond doubt. The result sent Algeria top of the group after the opening round.

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Eric Chelle, head coach of Super Eagles, has addressed Victor Osimhen’s reaction after substituting the Galatasaray attacker during Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Tanzania on Tuesday.

Chelle made the change in the 86th minute of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, opener which visibly affected Osimhen and led to questions during the post-match press conference.

Speaking on the matter, Chelle disclosed that he had already talked with the former Napoli striker.

“We talked and it will stay between him and me,” Chelle said.

“If you want more information, you’ve to tell Osimhen to ask me,” he insisted.

Meanwhile, Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman scored the goals for Chelle’s side against the Taifa Stars.

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has hosted three victorious Super Falcons of Abia origin who helped Nigeria lift the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy in Morocco, defeating the host nation in Rabat to secure a record 10th title.

The players hosted include Miracle Useni Ofem of the state-owned Abia Angels, Christy Ucheibe (represented by her father) of Portugal’s Benfica FC, and Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto, Canada.

Governor Otti congratulated the players, expressing pride in their achievement and the honour they brought to Abia State and Nigeria.

“I just want to thank you for bringing honour and pride to this State and Nation. We are very happy that you emerged as champions. Of course, Abia State is a State of champions,” he said.

The Governor explained that the visit had been planned earlier but could not take place due to the players’ tight schedules. He emphasized that his administration celebrates excellence to inspire others.

“We like to celebrate people who have done well so that others would emulate them and even want to do better than them. As you perform better, be assured that we are also going to celebrate you,” Gov. Otti added.

A special reward package for the victorious Falcons will be delivered through the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, who also thanked Governor Otti for his continuous support of sports and youth development in the state.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Abia Angels, Mr. Johnson Nwosu, praised the Governor’s backing, noting that the team has evolved from being a player-supply club to one of Nigeria’s elite teams. “If you cannot perform under this administration, go and look for something else; something is wrong. The name of the State is now a visa for the players,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the players, Miracle Useni expressed gratitude to Governor Otti, saying, “Being received by His Excellency is a big honour and a privilege for me. I would say, thank you to His Excellency and thank you to Abia State as a whole.”

The Governor was joined by the acting National Secretary of the Labour Party, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and other commissioners and aides.

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St. Saviour’s School Ikoyi Endowment Fund Hosts 7th Lagos Kids Mini Marathon at Orange Island

The St. Saviour’s School Ikoyi Endowment Fund successfully hosted the 7th edition of the Lagos Kids Mini Marathon on Saturday, December 6, at Orange Island, celebrating children’s athleticism, healthy competition, and community spirit.
The event attracted pupils, parents, partner schools, sponsors, and supporters, with young runners competing across age categories. A major highlight was the inclusion of children with special needs for the first time, as pupils from Modupe Cole School joined the race. Access Bank Fifth Chukker School, Kaduna, emerged strongly, winning 8 of the 12 medals on offer.
Supported by CardinalStone, Alafia Foundation, Lagos State Government, Zenith Sport, Kids Future Hub, and Zaqonomic, the marathon reinforced the school’s commitment to teamwork, discipline, and youth development through sports. Organisers and school leaders praised the seamless execution and vibrant turnout, as all participants were celebrated with medals, certificates, and recognition prizes.

The Endowment Fund reaffirmed its dedication to growing the Lagos Kids Mini Marathon as an inclusive and impactful children’s sporting event, with expectations of an even bigger edition next year.

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1xBet says responsible betting is not about reducing enjoyment, it is about staying in control, making informed decisions, and keeping betting a positive and balanced experience.

As interest in sports and digital entertainment continues to grow globally, education around responsible betting has become more important than ever.

This is where 1xBalance by 1xBet plays an essential role. The initiative was created as an educational and awareness-driven project aimed at helping bettors better understand the principles of smart, responsible play.

Through informative content and ongoing social media communication, 1xBalance focuses on building healthier betting habits based on knowledge, self-control, and long-term thinking.

Below are three core principles promoted by 1xBalance that every bettor should keep in mind.

 1. Discipline Over Emotion

One of the biggest challenges in betting is managing emotions. Excitement, frustration, or the desire to recover losses quickly can lead to impulsive decisions and those decisions often carry unnecessary risk.

Responsible bettors prioritize discipline over emotion.

This means setting clear limits on time and budget, following a plan, and avoiding bets driven by pressure, anger, or overconfidence. Knowing when to pause or step back is just as important as knowing when to place a bet.

Through its educational messaging, 1xBalance by 1xBet regularly emphasizes emotional awareness and self-control, encouraging bettors to recognize risky behavior early and make calmer, more thoughtful decisions.

 2. Quality Over Quantity

Placing more bets does not increase the quality of play. In fact, frequent and rushed betting often leads to higher risk and lower control.

A responsible approach focuses on quality rather than quantity, carefully choosing events, taking time to analyze information, and avoiding random or unnecessary bets.

Fewer, well-considered decisions help maintain balance and reduce stress.

1xBalance consistently reminds bettors that thoughtful choices matter more than volume, promoting a more selective and mindful betting approach.

 3. Track and Learn

Responsible betting is a continuous learning process. Tracking decisions, reviewing outcomes, and understanding patterns help bettors improve over time.

By reflecting on past bets, both successful and unsuccessful, bettors can identify habits, manage risks more effectively, and adjust their approach.

Mistakes are not failures; they are opportunities to learn and grow.

Educational content within the 1xBalance initiative encourages self-reflection, awareness, and long-term learning as key elements of responsible betting behavior.

1xBalance: Education Comes First

At its core, 1xBalance initiative is about education, awareness, and support. The initiative does not promote excessive play or unrealistic expectations.

Instead, it provides accessible guidance designed to help bettors stay informed, balanced, and in control.

Looking ahead, the project is expected to expand further, with new educational initiatives, tools, and formats planned for the coming year, reinforcing 1xBalance’s long-term commitment to responsible betting culture.

Smart Betting Is Balanced Betting

Responsible betting is built on simple but powerful principles: discipline over emotion, quality over quantity, and continuous learning.

By following these guidelines, bettors can enjoy sports responsibly while maintaining control and balance.

Through 1xBalance by 1xBet, responsible betting is positioned not as a restriction, but as a smarter, healthier way to engage with sports, proving that balance is always the best strategy.

Follow 1xBet on social media to stay informed, learn from expert guidance, and build healthier betting habits over time.

https://www.instagram.com/1xbet_nigeria_official 

https://www.facebook.com/1xbet.nigeria.official/

https://twitter.com/1xbetngofficial 

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By JAKE FENNER, US SPORTS WRITER

Published: 17:21 GMT, 24 December 2025 | Updated: 17:56 GMT, 24 December 2025

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce proved himself to be one serious gift giver and revealed the best thing he’s given to his now-fiancée, Taylor Swift.

The holidays come at a special time for Kelce after a year full of joyful moments – including his engagement to the ‘You Belong With Me’ songstress.

On the Christmas Eve episode of the ‘New Heights’ podcast that he co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce, Travis revealed the best present he’s given to his better half.

‘I will say one of Tay’s favorite gifts that I got her was the bread slicer,’ Travis revealed to Jason and his wife Kylie.

Travis revealed that Swift loves to make bread at home: ‘[I got it] because she’s been throwing together so much f***ing sourdough.’

Kelce’s fondness for the baked goods shone through. ‘Gosh, they’re the best gut healers. I love you, Tay.’

Travis Kelce revealed he bought a bread slicer for his now-fiancée, Taylor Swift

Swift opened up about her love for baking bread on an episode of New Heights this year

Kelce is preparing for what may end up being his final regular season home game

Swift has previously shared her love for baking on the ‘New Heights’ episode where she revealed the name and release date for her latest album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.

The ‘Cruel Summer’ singer revealed that she’d been working on special flavors for Jason and Kylie’s daughters: ‘There’s a blueberry lemon, a cinnamon swirl, cinnamon raisin, and this one I’ve been workshopping for the girls because they love everything rainbow: Funfetti sourdough,’ she said.

Swift continued, joking, ‘The sourdough’s taken over my life in a huge way. I’m really talking about bread 60 percent of the time now.’

In that same episode, Kelce revealed that he hasn’t gotten into a fight with Swift. After Kylie and Jason poked fun at him, Travis revealed ‘Me and Tay, we definitely don’t fight.’

This week could be a very emotional one for Kelce as he plays his final regular season game of the 2025 campaign at Arrowhead Stadium.

It could be his last home game ever, as rumors about his potential retirement continue to swirl as the Chiefs have already been eliminated from the playoffs.

Head coach Andy Reid admitted that he was unsure whether it would be Kelce’s final game at Arrowhead but still took time to heap praise on the ‘phenomenal’ tight end.

Speaking to reporters, Reid said: ‘I don’t know if it is or not. I haven’t talked to him, but his numbers and personality speak for themselves. Phenomenal person.’

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Travis Kelce reveals the best gift he ever bought Taylor Swift as Chiefs star prepares for Christmas Day game

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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted that replacing Bruno Fernandes will be a near-impossible task as the captain faces up to a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

“It is impossible to replace Bruno,” Amorim told reporters. “I said that this morning to the team. We need to take the good thing, if there is a good thing on that, a lot of people need to step up.” Fernandes was forced off during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, ruling him out of Friday’s home match against Newcastle.

Amorim emphasised Fernandes’ importance beyond his creative contributions. “It is not just the creation,” he said.

“At every set-piece, he is the guy who is organising the team. He understands every position on the field, and he pays attention to every detail. When you have a substitution, he is always the guy telling the other guys where they should be.”

While Amorim did not give an exact timeline for Fernandes’ return, sources indicate the midfielder could be back for the Manchester derby against City on 17 January, meaning he would miss five matches.

With several key players away at the Africa Cup of Nations and others sidelined by injury, Amorim said senior players such as Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw will need to step up, while academy talents like Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey could see more action.

Despite the challenges, Amorim remained confident. “I am confident we can win any game,” he said. “Of course, we have some problems, but even without many players at the moment in time, I believe in the team and trust in my players. If we are really focused, we can win.”

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Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has disclosed that the team’s ‘big name’ players are not happy when they sit on the bench.

Chelle spoke while explaining his decision to take off winger Samuel Chukwueze during Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Commenting on Chukwueze’s clear frustration upon leaving the field, Chelle noted that the substitution was a tactical decision.

“Yes, of course, we’ve in this team a lot of big names. They are competitors; they aren’t happy when they go to the bench,” Chelle said at his post-match interview.

“My job is to make choices, and we’re playing a 4-4-2 diamond, and at this moment I feel we’ve to protect the wing.”

Chelle’s men will take on Tunisia in their upcoming AFCON match on Saturday night.

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