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NNL: Abakaliki FC get resumption date for second stanza
Abakaliki FC have set Sunday, January 28 as the resumption date for the second stanza of the 2025/26 Nigeria National League, NNL season.
The Rice Boys embarked on a one-week break at the end of the first stanza on Monday.
Abakaliki FC held Osun United to a 3-3 draw in their last game of the first round in Osogbo.
The club recorded three wins, three draws and one defeat in the first half of the season. They currently occupy third position on the Conference B table with 12 points.
Abakaliki FC will face First Bank FC when the second half of the campaign resumes in January.
Paul Onuachu has said coming to this year’s AFCON in Morocco, he and his Super Eagles colleagues already have it at the back of their mind that they have to win the tournament.
The Super Eagles will be back in action on Saturday night when they will face Group C leaders Tunisia.
While the Super Eagles edged out Tanzania 2-1 in their first match, Tunisia recorded a 3-1 victory over Uganda.
Commenting ahead of the big clash, Onuachu told journalists at the Super Eagles training:”Nigeria is a big country and Tunisia is also a football nation, but I think we have the players and squad to take it to the next level.
Also Read: AFCON 2025: We’ll Do Everything Possible To Get The Job Done Against Tunisia –Dele-Bashiru
“I think there are lots of strong teams and the game against Tunisia will not determine anything and even already coming here we have it at the back of our mind that we have to win the AFCON. But like I said earlier we have to take each game as it comes.”
Since making his AFCON debut in 2019 in Egypt, Onuachu is yet to register a single goal in the tournament.
The Trabzonspor strike le was introduced for Victor Osimhen in the win against Tanzania.
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco
SPORT
Ruben Amorim reveals why he finally changed Man United’s formation – and jokes he can enjoy Boxing Day with no need to talk about ‘clean sheet, back four or Kobbie Mainoo’
Ruben Amorim has revealed he opted for a back four to cause Newcastle ‘more danger’ after Manchester United secured all three points on Boxing Day.
Despite only having 33 per cent possession at Old Trafford, the Portuguese’s side overcame the travelling Magpies thanks to a stunning left-footed volley from Patrick Dorgu in the first half.
The Dane was deployed as a right winger in United’s new-found system, which saw Amorim at last compromise on his principles and play a back four of Diogo Dalot, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw.
‘I think we spent a lot of time with each other, had low moments, that can sometimes bring good things to the group, experienced players helped the kids,’ the United boss said post-match.
‘I think in the first half we showed it (the back four) was the only way to create more danger, was with a back four, with a lot of guys inside, even to keep the ball. I remember from the game last year, we lost 1 vs 1 outside so we just tried to imagine the game of the players to feel comfortable.
‘You put Dorgu in a position that is more in front where the responsibility is not the same, he has more freedom to lose the ball and I think it helped Patrick play better. Ugarte also had a very good day today.’
Ruben Amorim has opened up on his decision to play a back four in United’s 1-0 win over Newcastle
The Red Devils secured all three points thanks to a stunning volley from Patrick Dorgu
Amorim also opened up about his decision to bring on Jack Fletcher, son of Darren, before making a subtle joke about Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo has been absent from United’s last two games with a calf injury and, with the January transfer window on the horizon, could be out the door next month. He’s yet to start a single Premier League game this campaign.
‘It is a very important moment for any kid, he’s (Fletcher’s) going to hear a lot from his father, Darren.
‘He is really humble, works really hard and deserves this. We have a squad and we tried to choose the best players to play. I understand the history of the club and want to be part of that (playing youngsters), but sometimes you just need to choose the best players to win.
‘Clean sheet, back four, Kobbie Mainoo is injured – we don’t need a press conference I think all the subjects… we can go home to enjoy Boxing Day, I think.’
The United boss’s decision to change his preferred 3-4-3 formation comes just a couple of months after he claimed ‘not even the Pope’ could make him alter his methods.
Amorim had been urged to switch to a back four by pundits, fans and former players amid his side’s leaking defence which has seen them concede some 28 goals already this term.
Speaking after the Manchester derby back in September, Amorim said: ‘No one (could make me change’. Not even the Pope.
‘This is my job. This is my responsibility. This is my life. So, I will not change that.’
Tonight’s victory, in the absence of Bruno Fernandes, sees United move up to fifth in the table, level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea.
The Reds are next in action on Tuesday against Premier League strugglers Wolves at Old Trafford.
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Ruben Amorim reveals why he finally changed Man United’s formation – and jokes he can enjoy Boxing Day with no need to talk about ‘clean sheet, back four or Kobbie Mainoo’
Brahim Díaz and Lassine Sinayoko scored via penalty as Morocco played out a 1-1 draw against Mali in Friday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The first half was intense, with Mali showing a solid, physical game that made the opening 30 minutes a real midfield battle. Morocco gradually increased their tempo and created chances, but the Mali defense held firm.
Read Also: AFCON 2025: We’ll Do Everything Possible To Get The Job Done Against Tunisia –Dele-Bashiru
However, Brahim Díaz put Morocco ahead just before halftime (47′), converting a penalty to continue his strong start to the tournament after scoring in the opening match against Comoros.
In the second half, Mali was awarded a penalty after a defensive challenge, and Lassine Sinayoko confidently converted (64′), leveling the score at 1-1. Despite Morocco dominating possession and creating multiple chances, they couldn’t find the winner.
Morocco top the group on four points, with Mali and Zambia on two points and Comoros bottom on one point after their 0-0 draw with the southern Africans earlier on Friday.
Nigeria winger Samuel Chukwueze has said it is important for the Africa Cup of Nations to be respected by the football world.
European clubs have constantly criticised the timing of the AFCON.
Teams in the Premier League are always mostly affected, with some of them losing their players for up to one month.
Chukwueze believed that playing in the AFCON is a big honour, and the competition must be respected like the World Cup and European Championships.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Will Beat Tunisia — Bassey
He told Reuters: “Everyone wants to play in AFCON. It is one of the best tournaments in the world. You have to respect AFCON in the same way that you respect the EM or the World Cup.
“We understand that they have planned it at the wrong time of the year, but when it is important and you are taken off, you have to leave.
“You have no choice, your club can’t stop you, and no one should say anything bad about AFCON.
“Yes, they have put it at the wrong time, but to say it’s not a good or big tournament is unacceptable.”
By Adeboye Amosu
SPORT
Manchester United vs Newcastle – Premier League LIVE: Latest score, team news and updates as the Red Devils host the Magpies in standalone Boxing Day fixture
Follow Daily Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Manchester United host Newcastle at Old Trafford in the Premier League, with Ian Ladyman and Chris Wheeler reporting from the grounds.
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Manchester United vs Newcastle – Premier League LIVE: Latest score, team news and updates as the Red Devils host the Magpies in standalone Boxing Day fixture
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has predicted the Premier League match-day 18 games taking place on Christmas, Boxing Day and this weekend.
Manchester United will take on Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
On Saturday afternoon, Nottingham Forest will clash with Manchester City, followed by Liverpool facing Wolves at Anfield in the evening.
Later that evening, Arsenal will host Brighton, while Chelsea will tackle Aston Villa.
On Sunday, Crystal Palace will clash with Tottenham Hotspur, and Sunderland will take on Leeds United.
Here are Merson’s predictions via Sportskeeda:
Man United 2-2 Newcastle
Nottingham Forest 1-1 Manchester City
West Ham 2-1 Fulham
Brentford 2-1 Bournemouth
Liverpool 3-0 Wolves
Arsenal 3-0 Brighton
Burnley 1-1 Everton
Chelsea 2-2 Aston Villa
Sunderland 2-1 Leeds United
Crystal Palace 1-1 Tottenham
The Pharaohs of Egypt sealed a place in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a 1-0 victory over South Africa at the Stade d’Agadir.
The two teams came into the contest on the back of wins against Zimbabwe and Angola.
Mohamed Salah scored the winning goal from the penalty spot on the dot of 45 minutes.
Salah was brought down inside the box by Khuliso Mudau.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: Angola, Zimbabwe Share Spoils In Marrakech
Following a VAR review, Egypt were awarded a penalty, and the Liverpool forward stepped up to calmly dispatch it past Ronwen Williams.
Egypt moved top of Group B with six points from two games.
South Africa remain on three points, and can seal a place in the Round of 16 with a win over Zimbabwe in their last group game.
Olympic champion Suni Lee swapped her leotard for the lens on Christmas Day, working as the guest photographer for the Vikings-Lions clash.
The 22-year-old gymnast is a six-time Olympic medalist who has represented the United States at the past two Games.
Lee won gold in both Tokyo and Paris alongside Simone Biles and Co. But on Christmas Day this year, she was on the other side of the camera.
The Saint Paul, Minnesota, native headed to US Bank Stadium for the Vikings’ clash with the Detroit Lions.
She was behind the camera as the Lions were eliminated from playoff contention following their 23-10 loss in Minneapolis. Lee is not the first sports star to try their hand as a photographer.
Back in August, NFL legend Marshawn Lynch was behind the lens at the Seahawks-Raiders preseason clash, while ex-baseball star Ken Griffey J. is now regularly seen covering major events as a photographer.
Olympic champion Suni Lee worked as the guest photographer for the Vikings-Lions clash
The 22-year-old gymnast has represented the United States at the past two Olympic Games
The Minnesota native headed to US Bank Stadium for the Vikings’ clash with the Detroit Lions
Lee was on hand for a Christmas Day clash that featured a remarkable halftime show, headlined by Snoop Dogg.
The hip-hop legend was followed by the Korean group HUNTRIX – the musical trio behind the popular Netflix film ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ – who performed ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’.
Country music star Laney Wilson then arrived on a silver sled to sing the hit ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ before Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo closed the show with a duet of ‘White Christmas’. Lee later had the chance to meet Snoop Dogg and the members of HUNTRIX.
The 22-year-old claimed three more medals in Paris, adding to her haul from the previous Games in Tokyo, after overcoming an incurable kidney disease that threatened to cut her career short.
But back in September, just a year on from the Paris Olympics, Lee suggested she might not make another comeback – not even for her home games at Los Angeles 2028.
‘My life has been crazy,’ she told the Daily Mail. ‘I’ve just been learning to find myself and find everything else that I’m passionate about because who knows if I’ll come back for the next Olympics. But it’s been a really fun journey.’
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US Olympic hero Suni Lee spotted working as a photographer at NFL Christmas Day game
Egypt has become the first country to qualify for the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
This follows their narrow 1-0 win over South Africa in a Group A fixture on Friday evening.
The Pharoahs had opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe.
Against the Bafana Bafana, Egypt scored the only goal of the encounter in the first half, after Mohamed Salah converted from the penalty spot.
And although they finished the half with 10 men after Mohamed Hany was shown a red card, the North Africans held on for all three points.
They will now face Angola in their last group fixture, while South Africa take on Zimbabwe.
Angola and Zimbabwe battled to a 1-1 draw in their Group B clash at the Stade de Marrakech on Friday.
The regional rivals, who lost their opening fixtures to South Africa and Egypt were looking to get their campaign back on track, but instead settled for a share of the spoils.
Angola took control of the game from the start, and went in front through Gelson Dala in the 24th minute.
Dala fired home from inside the box after he was set up by To Carneiro.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: Mali Captain Bissouma Doubtful For Morocco Clash
Experienced forward Knowledge Musona equalised for Zimbabwe late in the first half.
Angola continued their dominance in the second half but couldn’t find a way past the Zimbabwe defence.
They will now shift attention to their crucial last group game against the Pharaohs of Egypt next week Tuesday.
Zimbabwe will take on South Africa same day.
By Adeboye Amosu
SPORT
‘The best is yet to come’: Liverpool boss Arne Slot demands urgent improvement in specific aspect of team’s performances
Arne Slot has demanded an immediate improvement in Liverpool’s set piece output in order to accelerate the team’s ability to fulfil its potential.
Liverpool have started to turn the corner after a ruinous autumn, with a six-game unbeaten run that – in all probability – should extend to a seventh against Wolves on Saturday afternoon, though Slot has cautioned against the prospect of taking anything for granted against the basement side.
Slot is adamant Liverpool are capable of getting to significantly higher levels but he has been flummoxed by how poorly they have dealt with an area of the game that was so profitable for them in their title-winning campaign and has taken on such huge importance.
It is a source of intense frustration to Slot that Liverpool’s record has been so poor from corners and free-kicks – they have scored from three yet conceded 11, 12 months ago they had scored two and conceded three – but he is convinced that if they can make the relevant adjustments, the complexion of their season will change dramatically.
‘The best is still to come for this team, which I think we all agree on,’ said Slot, ahead of a game in which the late Diogo Jota’s sons, Dinis and Duarte, will accompany the mascots onto the pitch before kick-off.
‘If you look at our set piece balance, there is not one team in the world that is minus eight in set pieces and is still joint-fourth in the league. If you find that team please come to me. We are from open play the number one team in the league for chance creation but I don’t think anyone sees it.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is demanding a major improvement in his side’s set-piece output
The Reds have already conceded a whopping 11 goals from corners and free-kicks this season
‘I think in general we are criticised a lot. That is true if you simply look at the results, but if you were to exclude the set pieces then the world would look completely different and we would probably be five or six points higher.
‘People say: “what are you talking about? Set pieces are part of the game.” It is part of football and the minutes you play but it is a different world you could say. I would love to do better. The fundamental is the football itself and set pieces are an add-on.’
Slot, who is without the suspended Dominik Szoboszlai for the Wolves match, added: ‘Set pieces can make such a massive difference because if you score from a set piece and it is 1-0 then all the chances you created before are accepted and people say: ‘Wow, what a great game! Look at how well, they played!’
What Slot was at pains to emphasise, however, was the point he does not think Liverpool are in a false position and is not looking to make excuses. The Dutchman has, nonetheless, underlined he will not tolerate another spell that threatened to blow Liverpool off course completely.
‘We should be higher, let that be clear,’ said Slot. ‘I was expecting and hoping for us to be even higher in the league table. But even in the last six games the difference between us and the other team is constantly too small.
‘Now we have been a few times a little bit lucky with the result and we need to find a situation where we are so much better than the other team that luck or bad luck does not influence it anymore.’
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‘The best is yet to come’: Liverpool boss Arne Slot demands urgent improvement in specific aspect of team’s performances
Former Brazilian left-back, Roberto Carlos has named Manchester United legend David Beckham as the best player he ever played with ahead of the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Ronaldo, during their time at Santiago Bernabeu.
Carlos shared a dressing room with the likes of great players like Beckham, Ronaldo, Zidane and Ronaldinho.
However, when asked to name the best player he ever played with, Carlos said on The Obi One Podcast: “Beckham, of course Beckham.
“Zidane was top. But Beckham was a close friend of mine and a role model.
“The best in training and the best during games. Running all the time and making incredible passes. He played with all his heart.
“No matter what people say about Ronaldo, Zidane, Raul, Luis Figo, in the four years of the Galacticos, in my opinion, Beckham was the most consistent and the best.
“Beckham was for the team. Beckham would attack and defend. He would pass. He did everything the team needed.”
Tunisia captain Ferjani Sassi has said the target of the Carthage Eagles is to finish top of Group C.
Sassi disclosed this in Friday’s presser, while previewing Tunisia’s second group match with Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Tunisia currently top the group thanks to their 3-1 win against Uganda in their first match.
The Super Eagles occupy second spot after opening their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Tanzania.
Speaking ahead of the big clash and reflecting on the last time both teams faced each other at the 2021 AFCON, Sassi said:”We remember our last game against Nigeria in Garouoa, we won the game, it was tough because we had a lot of players with COVID but we had solidarity and showed we can beat any one in any circumstances.
“It was a really nice game and tomorrow will be another story, we know there are a lot of changes in their team and our team amd I don’t think we are favourites for this game because Nigeria did well for the first game (against Tanzania) they have very good players.
“I think it will be a really good game and like I said we are confident because this could be the final of the group stage. We want to finish first and hopefully tomorrow we will do well.”
Also Read: AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Will Beat Tunisia — Bassey
Saturday’s game would be the seventh time the two teams will come face to face at the AFCON.
In the previous six meetings, the Super Eagles have recorded four wins and suffered two defeats.
The last time the Super Eagles secured a win against Tunisia at the AFCON was in the 2019 tournament in Egypt after Odion Ighalo netted a third minute goal.
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco
Photo by Ganiyu Yusuf in Fes, Morocco
The Michigan Wolverines are reportedly targeting Utah coach Kyle Whittingham to replace the disgraced Sherrone Moore.
Married father-of-three Moore, 39, was taken into custody earlier this month after allegedly entering a woman’s apartment, confronting her and threatening to kill himself.
Police records show the incident took place at the home of his executive assistant Paige Shiver, hours after Michigan had fired Moore over an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a staff member.
Now, according to ESPN, Whittingham is the ‘focus’ of Michigan’s search and a deal could be finalized in the near future.
A proposed move for the Utah coach will reportedly be shared with school chiefs on Friday.
Whittingham, 66, spent more than two decades as head coach of the Utes before it was announced earlier this month that he would step down.
Michigan is reportedly targeting Utah coach Kyle Whittingham to replace Sherrone Moore
Ex-Michigan head coach Moore’s haunting mugshot after he was arrested earlier in December
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer had also been linked with a move to Michigan but he is currently preparing for the quarterfinals of the College Football Players.
Michigan’s final game of the 2025 season, meanwhile, will take place against Texas on New Year’s Eve.
Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey recently left the program to join Missouri and interim coach Biff Poggi has claimed the Wolverines could be down as many as 25 players as chaos reigns in the wake of Moore’s firing.
The former coach was charged with breaking and entering, home invasion and stalking, and spent two nights in jail before he was granted a $25,000 bond and released.
If convicted on all counts, Moore could face up to six years behind bars. He has pleaded not guilty.
The scandal took another dramatic twist earlier this week, with five women coming forward with claims about awkward exchanges with the coach.
According to The Athletic, the women do not accuse Moore of anything illegal but paint him acting erratically in the days before his firing.
One claims Moore was sending her direct messages on social media on November 1, the day his team beat Purdue 21-16. She thought it was a fake account at first.
The Athletic adds that three of the women work in sports media and that another had mutual friends with him.
Reports also claim that Moore would sob in staff meetings and at other times lash out at his coaches in the days before his tenure as head coach came crashing down.
Ellen Michaels, the lawyer who is now representing Moore in response to the criminal charges he is facing, told The Athletic: ‘Sherrone Moore denies any criminal wrongdoing.
‘There is no history of domestic violence, no prior adjudication supporting claims of dangerous conduct, and no judicial determination validating these allegations. This matter will be decided in court based on evidence and due process, not speculation.’
Michaels was contacted by the Daily Mail and offered the chance to add further comment on The Athletic’s reporting.
Moore himself has not spoken publicly since his arrest. He was pictured in public alongside his wife Kelli after his release on bail and she is believed to be standing by him.
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Michigan ‘target Kyle Whittingham as new head coach’ in wake of Sherrone Moore scandal
France’s 1998 FIFA World Cup winner, Frank Leboeuf has snubbed his country and backed Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Leboeuf said it is possible for Portugal to win the World Cup under their head coach, Roberto Martínez, because they have a great squad.
Portugal were disappointed in the last World Cup as Morocco sent them packing out of the competition in the last-8 stage after losing 1-0.
Speaking with GOAL, Leboeuf said, “It was like the 2022 World Cup was dedicated to Argentina’s Lionel Messi.
“I hope that the 2026 World Cup will be dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo.
“That would be fantastic for both Ronaldo and Portugal to get a World Cup. It is possible because Portugal has a hell of a team.”