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‘I can’t wait forever. It was cold’: Unai Emery’s bizarre reason why he snubbed Mikel Arteta handshake after bruising defeat by Arsenal – but new footage reveals the truth
Unai Emery has come under fire for failing to shake Mikel Arteta’s hand after Arsenal’s 4-1 pummeling of Aston Villa.
The Gunners struck four times in the second half on Wednesday night to claim a statement win at the Emirates, delivering a hammer blow to a Villa side who were subject to growing talk of a Premier League title challenge.
Arteta, who replaced Emery as Arsenal manager in December 2019, was clearly elated and immediately celebrated with his coaching staff on the touchline after the final whistle.
But this did not go down well with the Villa boss, who appeared to shoot a disapproving glance in the direction of his counterpart before walking straight down the tunnel.
By the time Arteta had left the embrace of his team, Emery had already disappeared, leaving the Arsenal boss looking visibly puzzled as he sought out his fellow countryman.
Emery, however, launched a staunch defence of his decision in the aftermath of the match, saying he could not wait on Arteta finishing his celebrations because it was ‘cold’.
🚨🔴‼️ Emery on why he didn’t shake Arteta’s hand after Villa’s loss 😂:
“After finishing the match my routine is always quick, shake hands.
I was waiting. Of course (Arteta) was happy.
I decided to go inside.
I can’t wait forever. It’s cold outside.” pic.twitter.com/xlLpTSBPCF
— Arsenal Zone (@ArsenalZNE) December 30, 2025 
Unai Emery defended his decision not to shake Mikel Arteta’s hand because it was ‘cold’
Arteta embraced his staff throughout the game and celebrated with them after the final whistle
‘It is simple,’ the Villa boss said in his post-match press conference. ‘You can watch. After I finish the match, my routine is always quick, I shake hands, and I go with my coaches, with my players to the dressing room.
‘I was waiting, I was waiting. He was happy, of course he was happy. He was with his coaches. And I decided to go inside. But for me it is no problem.’
Emery also told Sky Sports: ‘Always my routine is go to the opposition coach, shake hands and go inside. If he is not doing the same rule, I can’t wait… it was cold.’
The Villa boss’s explanations, however, did not wash with goading Arsenal fans online.
‘Brother was standing in the cold for 90 minutes but waiting for 10 seconds wasn’t possible lol,’ one wrote on X.
Another added: ‘That was a hard watch. I cringed. Why can’t he just be honest? He could’ve just said that emotions got the better of him. I’d understand that. This? Spineless. So cringe.’
A third branded Emery’s excuse as ‘rubbish’ and added that ‘he would’ve been sat there sipping tea if his side had won’.
Arteta, who hailed the ‘extraordinary’ performance of his team after the match, did not seem to have as much of a problem with the snub as some of the Arsenal support.
‘You saw it, but it’s OK,’ the Arsenal boss insisted after the match. ‘It’s all good. That is part of the game and it’s not unusual at all.’
Some Gunners fans even found themselves on the side of their former manager, suggesting that it was disrespectful for Arteta not to go straight to Emery before celebrating with his team.
Emery has come under fire from goading Arsenal fans who criticised the Spaniard’s decision
‘I might get attacked but honestly I don’t see a problem,’ one fan wrote online. ‘The nice thing to do from Arteta would’ve been to go directly to shake the ref and Emery’s hand before celebrating with his assistants.’
They added: ‘Unai doesn’t have to wait for him if he celebrates first [in my opinion]. Neither is in the wrong.’
The pressure was firmly on Arsenal to deliver a big result in their hunt for a first Premier League title in more than 20 years – with Villa on a run of 11 consecutive victories before arriving in north London – and they rose to the occasion.
Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus had the Gunners’ four goals to the good, before Ollie Watkins’ injury time consolation strike.
Villa remain in 3rd-place after the bruising defeat, but the victory puts Arsenal six points ahead of Emery’s side and five ahead of Manchester City.
‘I’m so happy,’ Arteta said post-match. ‘We play every three days, and today we played an opponent that has won 11 games in a row.
‘They are a superb team, very difficult to play against, and we knew that we were going to have periods throughout the game.
‘We talked about emotionally how demanding it was going to be and we struggled in the first 10 minutes. Then we adjusted, got a bit more control. We didn’t manage to score and then in the second half we clicked.
‘We competed for everything much better. The timing was better and the individual goals were fulfilled in an extraordinary way, and we were so efficient in everything that we did.
‘Unlike in the last few games where we had so many big situations, today we were very prolific and accurate to make the difference.’
Ryan Alebiosu is facing one month out after suffering a serious injury in his debut game for the Super Eagles in Tuesday’s AFCON 2025 Group C fixture with Uganda.
Alebiosu made his debut for the Super Eagles in their 3-1 win against Uganda, making the starting line-up.
The Blackburn Rovers star suffered the injury after he pushed into the advertising board by a Uganda player in the first half.
After laying on the ground for some minutes he was back on his feet and played the full 90 minutes.
It was later reported that he suffered a deep cut to his right leg as a result of the collision.
In a chat with Completesports.com the team’s media officer Promise Efoghe said the injury is severe and Alebiosu, who is in the hospital, could be out for one month.
Also Read: AFCON 2025: Chukwueze Deserves Gift From Me — Onyedika
Meanwhile, Cyriel Dessers has a thigh problem and is expected to undergo a scan today (Wednesday).
The Olympiacos striker is yet to feature in this year’s AFCON for the Super Eagles who finished top of Group C with nine points.
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco
SPORT
Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis tie the knot in Aussie sport’s wedding of the year as Matildas stars stun in all-black outfits
Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis have tied the knot in a glamorous ceremony in Perth, Australia, with some big names from the world of women’s football all arriving to celebrate their special day.
The ceremony got underway at 5.30pm (AWST) at the magnificent Venetian estate, Villa Dionysus, which is situated just 23km from Perth’s CBD.
Kristie, 34, looked stunning wearing a sparkling wedding gown that featured a white lace corset that finished at her thigh. The corset was overlaid with a transparent dress that featured seams of sparkly material running down the length of the dress.
Sam also dazzled, wearing an all-black tuxedo, which was complete with a white boutonniere.
The happy couple held hands and gazed lovingly into each other’s eyes as they recited their vows in front of a large crowd of over 100 guests at the stunning Swan Valley venue.
Prior to the ceremony the 32-year-old Matildas striker had stayed at the Crown Towers hotel, just a 30-minute drive from the wedding venue.
She walked out of the lobby alongside her dad, Roger, with guests also seen leaving the hotel and heading to the venue via a coach.
Sam Kerr (right) and Kristie Mewis (left) have tied the knot in a glamorous ceremony in Perth, with big names from the world of women’s football all arriving to celebrate their big day
Mewis and Kerr stood face to face and recited their vows, but in a heartwarming moment, the former West Ham United star appeared to touch the Matildas skipper on the arm
Kristie, 34, looked stunning wearing a sparkling wedding gown that featured a white lace corset that finished at her thigh. The corset was overlaid with a transparent dress that featured seams of sparkly material running down the length of the dress
As part of the dress code, guests all wore black outfits, with Sam’s Matildas team-mate Emily Van Egmond, who got married earlier this year, also seen wearing a black tuxedo complete with a bow tie.
Steph Catley walked alongside her towards the coach, with the Arsenal defender also dazzling in a simple, yet glamorous, black, strapless dress.
A host of Matildas stars also joined them on the bus, with Alanna Kennedy wearing a black pair of trousers with a corset that had a keyhole cut out around her midriff.
She was seen chatting to Mackenzie Arnold, who similarly wore a black pair of trousers and a black dinner vest.
Guests were seen watching on as the happy couple recited their wedding vows.
Sam turned to face Kristie, before bowing her head and holding her partner’s hands.
The pair grinned at each other as the ceremony continued, with the former West Ham United star also appearing to touch her beau on the arm in a show of affection.
Prior to the wedding
Members of the wedding party gathered around on the terraces supping on glasses of champagne, with a group of Sam’s Matildas team-mates all seen chatting as they congregated in the shade of the Perth sunshine.
Located in the Swan Valley, just 30 minutes east of Perth, Villa Dionysus is a simply sensational venue, with the manor house, that is situated on a seven-acre plot of land, with its design being inspired by an 18th-century Venetian villa.
In March 2021, the manor was sold for a figure of between $2,278,000 and $3,240,000 and later underwent major refurbishment works.
The stately home, which has four master suites, is surrounded by some of Western Australia’s best vineyards. Inside the villa, guests are greeted with a magnificent foyer and lobby, which exudes grandeur.
Villa Dionysus also boasts a theatre room, wine cellar, library, a state-of-the-art kitchen and a swimming pool. There is also a guest house on the property that boasts an open-plan living arrangement.
Sam had dropped a bombshell during her high-profile court case this year that the pair had planned to get married in December and that they had been expecting a baby boy.
The Matildas star and her partner are understood to have first crossed paths while playing for competing clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States in 2019.
Sam had been playing for the Chicago Red Stars at the time, while Kristie was playing for Houston Dash.
However, as Sam explained in 2023, the pair were unable to meet up for a first date for three months, due to Covid restrictions.
The ceremony got underway at 5.30pm (AWST) at the magnificent Venetian estate, Villa Dionysus, which is situated just 23km from Perth’s CBD
Sam had dropped the bombshell that the couple were due to be married earlier this year during her high-profile court case in London
Kerr (right) beamed from ear-to-ear as she stunned in an all black tuxedo complete with a white boutonniere
Prior to the ceremony, Kerr had stayed at the Crown Towers hotel, just a 30-minute drive from the wedding venue
Mewis and Kerr first met back in 2019, when they crossed paths while playing football in America
The happy couple grinned and gazed into each other’s eyes as they recited their vows
It’s been a rollercoaster few years for the Chelsea striker, who has bounced back from an ACL injury, appeared in court, got engaged, became a mum and today got married
On a sunny 25-degree day in Perth, members of the wedding party gathered outside the venue, including multiple Matildas stars (Pictured right, Mackenzie Arnold), to cheers the happy couple
Guests wore all-black outfits as they mingled in the Western Australia sunshine
After the ceremony, the Matildas stars were seen chatting next to an outdoor chandalier (Mackenzie Arnold, right, Emily Van Egmond, centre)
They then proceeded to make their way to another area of the luxurious venue
Prior to the wedding, Mewis had described the venue as ‘beautiful’ stating that they had first seen the venue two-and-a-half years ago when they first got engaged
Kerr (pictured) stayed overnight in the Crown Towers hotel in Perth, along with her family and wedding party
Several of Sam’s Matildas team-mates were seen departing via coaches to the Villa Dionysus venue, where Kerr and Mewis were married (Pictured: R-L Mackenzie Arnold, Alanna Kennedy, Caitlin Foord and Katie McCabe)
During her high-profile court case in London, the Chelsea star took to the stand to give evidence and spoke on her relationship with Kristie, stating that the former West Ham star had ‘slid into her DMs’.
It wasn’t until several months later that the two were able to meet after they had first begun talking.
The pair subsequently fell head over heels for each other and a few years later, Sam and Kristie would both attend the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Their relationship had not been publicly revealed at the time, but rumours had been swirling that the two had been dating.
Australia and the US National Team would both be knocked out in the semi-finals of the tournament and would face each other in the bronze medal final.
The Matildas would suffer a 4-3 defeat during the match, and there were heartbreaking scenes at full-time with Sam dropping to her haunches, gutted by the defeat.
Kristie was then seen comforting the heartbroken Aussie striker in the middle of the field.
Not long after that, Sam took to Instagram to confirm the rumours, with the Australian publishing a snap of Kristie sitting on her lap while the pair shared a kiss. Their relationship would blossom with the smitten couple going on to share insights into their lives, with Kristie taking to Instagram later that year to wish her beau a happy birthday.
Villa Dionysus is located 23km away from the Perth CBD. It is an 18th-century Venetian manor that rests on approximately 6.9 acres of land
Kerr’s dad Roger (pictured second from left) was seen accompanying her as she left the hotel
Alanna Kennedy (centre) stunned wearing a black pair of trousers with a corset that had a keyhole cut out around her midriff
Kennedy (left) was seen chatting to Mackenzie Arnold (right) who similarly wore a pair of black trousers along with a black dinner jacket
Steph Catley (pictured) walked alongside her towards the coach, with the Arsenal defender also dazzling in a simple, yet glamorous, black, strapless dress
Matildas midfielder Emily Van Egmond (centre), who also got married at the end of last year, looked suave as she donned a black tuxedo and a pair of black shades
Van Egmond (right) and her partner Kat Thompson, who was not seen arriving with guests, recently announced the heartwarming news that they had welcomed a baby girl
Caitlin Foord and Katie McCabe (pictured left and right) watched on as guests boarded the coach
‘[She’s] my biggest supporter, always listening to me nag and complain, all of my crazy antics,’ she said.
In November 2024, the couple announced that they were expecting a baby boy, with their son, Jagger, being born in May 2025.
‘Our little man is here, Jagger Mewis-Kerr,’ the pair wrote on Instagram.
The couple, who live in London, have been candid in sharing snaps of their lives as new parents, with Sam and Kristie seen taking Jagger out for walks around the UK capital.
Sam recently opened up on what parenting is like, stating that it hasn’t changed her perspective on football, but her life at home is now a little different from what it once was.
‘I still love the game and I’m all in when I’m there. But it has changed my home life. When I come home, I’m not watching clips of myself anymore. I have better separation now, and it’s been healthy,’ she told the CBA Newsroom.
Kristie shared snaps of herself getting ready for their pre-wedding drinks reception on Tuesday, publishing a snap of herself holding her baby boy.
She revealed that while her boy was a little too young to have a role at the wedding, he would be walking down the aisle with his mum Sam, with the pair set to wear matching outfits.
On Tuesday, Kristie (pictured) and Sam appeared to host a drinks reception for their guests
The footballers are very candid when it comes to sharing insights into their lives on social media
The Matildas star and her partner are understood to have first crossed paths while playing for competing clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States in 2019
‘I feel like he [Jagger] is a little bit too young to have a role but Sam is going to walk with him down the aisle, which is very, very sweet,’ she said on the Mewis Squared podcast.
‘That is going to be gut-wrenching for me, I will sob when that happens.
‘He’s probably going to be wearing a little matching outfit with her, it’s going to be absolutely adorable so he’s just chilling for the ceremony.’
While Sam ends 2025 on a happy note, the Chelsea striker has endured a rollercoaster few years.
In 2024, Sam ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament during a Chelsea training camp in Morocco.
The striker would subsequently undergo surgery to treat the injury and would be sidelined for 634 days, before finally returning to play for Chelsea in September.
Earlier in 2025, Sam was cleared of the racially aggravated harassment of a British police officer, following a heated row at Twickenham Police Station in London after she and Kristie had been on a night out.
Kristie had stuck by her partner’s side throughout the ordeal, with the former West Ham midfielder seen holding Sam’s hand as they entered Kingston Crown Court, before breaking down in tears as the verdict was read out in court.
Kristie was seen during the Tokyo 2021 Olympics comforting the heartbroken Aussie striker after America beat Australia 4-3 in the bronze medal final
Kerr and Mewis went public with their relationship not long after the Games, publishing this snap of themselves sharing a kiss
After the trial had concluded, Sam stated that she was ‘putting this challenging period behind her’ before thanking Kristie and her family for standing by her.
‘I would like to thank my partner Kristie, my family, friends and all the fans for their love and support, especially those who attended court each day,’ she said.
In recent months, Sam and Kristie have been hard at work preparing for their big day.
The former US National team star revealed in November that she had been curating the set list for their evening of celebrations, opening up on some of the songs they’ll be dancing to late into the night.
‘I got some requests yesterday for two songs,’ Mewis said on the Mewis Squared podcast. ‘Two Fred Again songs.
‘I sent them to Sam and I was like, Sam wants these on the playlist. And Sam’s response to me was: “Fred Again will be on the playlist. Don’t you worry”.’
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has insisted that he is not thinking of equaling or surpassing the late ex-Nigerian international Rashidi Yekini’s goals record for the national team.
Osimhen, however, expressed hope he would equal Yekini’s record in the future.
The Galatasaray striker spoke at his post-match interview after captaining the Super Eagles to beat Uganda 3-1 in Tuesday’s AFCON group stage tie.
DAILY POST reports that Osimhen is just giving goals away from equaling Yekini’s goals record for the Auowe Eagles.
The 27-year-old former Napoli attacker has so far scored 32 goals for Nigeria, while Yekini had 37.
“The captaincy today gave me a strong sense of belonging. I’m not thinking about equaling or surpassing Rashidi Yekini’s record for now; it’s all about the team,” Osimhen told reporters after Nigeria won against Uganda.
“I am trying to fight for my team to get goals, assists, but yes, hopefully not this AFCON and maybe not the qualifiers, but one day I know I am going to get there.”
SPORT
TECNO Brings Immersive Fan Experience To AFCON 2025 With Pop-Up Stores And Interactive Zones Across Morocco
Dual-city activation in Rabat and Casablanca showcases AI-powered experiences, creative workshops, and community engagement throughout tournament
Following the opening of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, TECNO extended its tournament presence into public spaces across Morocco through a series of TECNO AI pop-up stores and fan zones in Rabat and Casablanca. Designed to bring AI-powered innovation closer to consumers, these spaces allowed visitors to experience how TECNO AI enhances everyday smartphone usage, from photography and gaming to productivity and entertainment. In total, the brand activated four experiential venues, two pop-up stores and two fan zones, with one of each established in both cities, creating a parallel rollout across Morocco’s major urban centers.
The opening ceremony marked the starting point of TECNO’s AFCON “Power Your Moment” campaign, welcoming invited clients, guests, and partners as the tournament officially began. From the same day, the brand opened its physical spaces to the public, shifting from a symbolic brand moment to hands-on consumer engagement.
This approach enabled TECNO to stay connected with fans throughout different stages of the competition, offering repeated opportunities to discover TECNO AI features in real-life scenarios rather than limiting interaction to a single event. Special performances featuring live juggling ball demonstrations alongside African song and dance were presented on December 21 and are scheduled to return on January 18, creating a vibrant environment that blended technology, culture, and entertainment.
Related: TECNO In Partnership With Lagos State Sports Commission Launches Babajide Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium At Sura
TECNO AI Pop-Up Stores: An Immersive Fan-First Experience
The TECNO AI pop-up stores, deployed in Casablanca and Rabat and located near Mohammed V Stadium and Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium respectively, were designed as immersive, consumer-centric environments rather than conventional retail spaces. Open for a limited period during the AFCON 2025 tournament, each location combined product discovery with interactive AI demonstrations, allowing visitors to test TECNO AI features directly across multiple touchpoints.
Upon arrival, guests were welcomed in a reception area offering complimentary gifts and guided experiences, while simple interactive challenges encouraged participation and social sharing. By connecting physical interaction with digital engagement, the pop-up stores translated advanced AI technology into clear, tangible benefits that consumers could immediately understand and enjoy.
At the heart of the TECNO AI pop-up store, the AI Experience Area brought TECNO AI to life through practical, real-world applications showcased on large-format screens and interactive stations. Visitors could test TECNO AI features hands-on, discovering how AI enhances everyday moments such as photography, content creation, and daily productivity. By placing consumers directly in control of the experience, the activation positioned TECNO AI not as a distant technology, but as an intuitive, accessible tool designed to make daily smartphone use smarter, easier, and more creative.
A fashion-inspired clothing swap installation offered jerseys representing the 24 national teams competing in AFCON 2025, allowing fans to express tournament allegiances while engaging in a creative, participatory activity. Nearby, the Champions Road installation invited visitors to interact with a team matchup chart using magnetic team markers, encouraging predictions and photo sharing that extended the experience beyond the physical space.
The Product Experience Area provided hands-on access to TECNO’s latest smartphone lineup and connected devices, supported by on-site brand representatives. A customization station allowed visitors to personalize their phones with tournament-themed back stickers, creating tangible mementos linked to the AFCON experience. Photo areas throughout the pop-up stores offered opportunities to capture moments against branded backdrops, while a CSR Culture Wall highlighted TECNO’s community initiatives and long-term engagement in youth development and grassroots football across Africa.
TECNO Fan Zones: Bringing Fans Together Beyond the Stadium
Alongside the TECNO AI pop-up stores, TECNO’s fan zones were established in Casablanca and Rabat, located at Anfa Park and OLM Souissi respectively, as open-access community spaces operating throughout match days. Freely accessible to the public, without purchase or registration requirements, the fan zones welcomed football supporters and passersby alike, emphasizing shared experience over transaction. These spaces featured relaxed product discovery areas, free photo-taking and printing services, and interactive challenges designed to encourage participation.
Skill-based football challenges, including juggling and heading activities, animated both the pop-up stores and fan zones, creating moments of spontaneous interaction and crowd engagement. Giveaway mechanics were tied to simple social media actions, while classification-style photo activities encouraged visitors to capture and share moments online without competitive pressure, prioritizing participation and community visibility.
By activating simultaneously in Rabat and Casablanca and maintaining a presence across match days with special programming on key dates, TECNO established a sustained physical footprint throughout the AFCON period. Rather than limiting its engagement to the opening ceremony, the brand positioned its pop-up stores and fan zones as ongoing touchpoints within the rhythm of the tournament, embedding technology, football and urban culture into everyday public life during AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
Uganda goalkeeper, Denis Onyango has insisted that Nigeria ‘punished’ his team because they were desperate for goals.
Onyango was unable to save Uganda as Nigeria defeated them 3-1 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, encounter on Tuesday.
Uganda had needed a win against Eric Chelle’s side to stand a chance of qualifying for the Round of 16 stage.
But a brace from Raphael Onyedika and a goal from Paul Onuachu ensured the Super Eagles eliminated the Cranes from the AFCON.
Speaking to reporters at his post-match interview, Onyango also hailed the Super Eagles as a quality team.
“We were desperate for goals, and Nigeria punished us,” Onyango said.
“They are a quality side,” the Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper added.
Meanwhile, more AFCON final Group game fixtures will take place today.
Ivory Coast will face Gabon, Mozambique will clash with Cameroon, Sudan will take on Burkina Faso, and Algeria will square off against Equatorial Guinea.
SPORT
TECNO In Partnership With Lagos State Sports Commission Launches Babajide Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium At Sura
Football remains one of the most powerful forces for unity in Nigeria, transcending ethnic, religious, and socio-economic boundaries. It is a shared passion that binds communities, inspires hope, and creates opportunities for millions of young people across the country. In recognition of this unique unifying power, Africa’s leading mobile phone brand, TECNO, has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots sports development by bringing football infrastructure to underserved communities across Nigeria and the African continent.
As one of the official partners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) currently taking place in Morocco, TECNO has launched a continent-wide initiative focused on building small-sized football pitches in communities where access to quality sports facilities is limited.
This initiative aligns with the brand’s broader vision of empowering African youth, fostering social inclusion, and nurturing the next generation of football talent from grassroots to professional levels.
The flagship Nigerian project under the TECNO 2025 AFCON initiative was recently unveiled in Lagos with the commissioning of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium, located in Sura, Lagos Island. The event marked a significant milestone not only for TECNO but also for sports development in Lagos State, as it represents the first mini football stadium delivered through a collaborative public-private partnership between a corporate organisation and the state government.
The newly commissioned mini stadium, named in honour of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stands as a symbol of shared responsibility and collective purpose between the public and private sectors.
It is designed to serve as a hub for grassroots football, youth engagement, and community development, providing young people in the area with a safe, modern, and accessible space to train, compete, and develop their talents.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by key government officials, community leaders, and representatives of TECNO. Among them was the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Mr. Lekan Fatoba, who described the project as one that holds special significance for the Lagos State Government.
Read Also: ‘It Was A Terrifying Experience’ –Rush Speaks On Health Challenges
In his remarks, Mr. Fatoba expressed profound appreciation to TECNO for its investment in grassroots sports development.
“To our partner, TECNO, we are extremely grateful. Words are not enough to appreciate what you have done with this project,” he said.
“We understand that this is a corporate social responsibility initiative dedicated to youth empowerment and community development. However, this project goes beyond private investment. It represents a rare convergence of purpose between corporate social responsibility and the government’s social contract with the people, delivered through a public-private partnership arrangement.”
Also present at the event was the Lagos State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Honourable Mobolaji Ogunlende. He commended TECNO for an initiative he described as deeply community-driven and firmly rooted in grassroots development. The Commissioner further encouraged the company to extend similar projects to other underserved areas within Lagos State, including Ikorodu and Badagry, to broaden the initiative’s impact.
Representing TECNO at the ceremony, Mr. Babatunde Giwa, Head of Legal Affairs, who spoke on behalf of Mr. Chidi Okonkwo, General Manager of Transsion, shared insights into the motivation behind the company’s growing investment in football development. According to Mr. Giwa, TECNO’s long-term ambition is to become synonymous with football across Nigeria and Africa.
“This vision is driven by our commitment not only to associate with established football stars across the continent, but also to identify, support, and partner with the future stars of the game,” he said. “Our goal is to help young, football-loving Nigerians achieve their dreams by creating a bridge between grassroots talent and today’s football icons.”
To officially open the stadium for use, a novelty match was played on the new pitch, featuring a Lagos State team against a TECNO team. The entertaining encounter ended in a 2–2 draw and saw participation from top state officials, including the Commissioner for Sports and the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission. A second match between two local community teams followed, with Sura Red Stars emerging victorious with a 3–1 win, further underscoring the community-centric focus of the facility.
TECNO has consistently demonstrated its commitment to football development in Africa through partnerships with major continental competitions, including previous and current editions of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The commissioning of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium reinforces the brand’s belief in football as a catalyst for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and sustainable community development.
In closing, TECNO expressed sincere appreciation to the Lagos State Sports Commission and the Lagos State Government for their continued dedication to youth and community development through inclusive sports initiatives. The company reaffirmed its commitment to deepening partnerships that create lasting impact and unlock opportunities for young Nigerians through the power of football. For more updates, follow TECNO on Facebook, Instagram, and X(Twitter)
Gary Neville launched into an impassioned and detailed critique of Ruben Amorim’s tactical plan after Manchester United fell flat against Wolves.
Amorim reverted back to his typical 3-4-3 formation and only managed a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against a side who have earned three points all season.
That’s despite the fact that his switch to a 4-2-3-1 against Newcastle on Friday produced a 1-0 win and left some feeling United had taken a step forward.
Neville was critical of Amorim’s formation as well as how he deployed his players. The draw leaves Manchester United sixth going into the New Year.
‘This isn’t right again,’ Neville said on Sky Sports.
‘So I think I’ve watched enough United over this last five or six weeks. I’ve watched six out of their last seven games to know what looks right and what isn’t right and I’m really surprised.
Gary Neville tore into Ruben Amorim’s tactics following Man United’s 1-1 draw with Wolves
Amorim reverted back to his unsuccessful 3-4-3 system and Neville was unimpressed with how he deployed his men
‘[Joshua] Zirkzee on this right side having to chase back to right-back almost, [Diogo] Dalot right wing back, Ayden Heaven right centre back, [Patrick] Dorgu over on the left back where he’s not been playing well.
‘All of it just isn’t as good as it was in the last couple of games where they’ve played in different positions and we should be OK to say that. I think that’s what the fans are thinking inside this stadium. They’re in exactly the same place as we are.
‘The performances have been so much better in these last two or three games through the tweaks that have been made but he’s gone back tonight to his 3-4-3 but the problem is he has got players in the system.
‘Zirkzee on this right channel, obviously he’s going central now. Dalot over here, having to come back all the time, it’s not right. They’re playing against a team tonight that are struggling so could win and get away with it but it doesn’t mean it’s the right system to watch because it’s not.’
Manchester United were missing multiple first-team stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo.
But the draw comes just three weeks after United went to Wolves and obliterated Rob Edwards’ side, winning 4-1.
They got off to a good start on Tuesday night when Joshua Zirkzee gave them the lead via a deflection off Ladislav Krejci. That was only the Dutchman’s second Premier League goal of the season.
Wolves pegged United back just before half-time as Krejci redeemed himself with a header from eight yards out.
Patrick Dorgu thought he had bagged a late winner but a VAR check ruled him offside
In the last minute, Patrick Dorgu thought he had won United the game with his second goal in as many games, but his effort was chalked off by VAR due to him being offside.
Amorim told the BBC: ‘Strange game. We knew it would be a different game to Newcastle. We needed more imagination today to create chances.
‘We struggled in the first half trying to steal the ball. They put a lot of men in the midfield. We tried, but the quality was not there. We need to recover to the next one.’
Ruben AmorimWolverhampton Wanderers
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Gary Neville fumes at Ruben Amorim’s tactics after Man United’s draw with Wolves
Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, has showered Paul Onuachu with praise after Nigeria beat Uganda 3-1 in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations match on Tuesday.
Paul Onuachu scored his first goal in the Afcon tournament, and received cheers.
Osimhen talked to reporters in the mixed zone about Onuachu’s role and said, “Paul Onuachu is family to me. I’ve known Paul for so many years. I’m happy about his first goal and how well he played.”
Speaking more about the team’s goal, Osimhen, who led Nigeria as captain on Tuesday, said, “Honestly, we don’t talk about clubs because this is a national team mission.”
Osimhen said that right now, everyone’s attention is on the team they will play in the round of 16.
He said, “We only focus on the Super Eagles and the games, so for me, we just talk about our next match in the round of 16.”
Nigeria ended their group stage with a win, getting nine points from three matches and moving to the top of Group C, which qualified them for the next round.
A strike by Paul Onuachu and a brace by midfielder Raphael Onyedika lifted a remarkably different Nigeria team to a 3-1 win over Uganda in their final Group C encounter at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
Onuachu, starting ahead of Akor Adams as Coach Eric Chelle made several changes to the squad that defeated Tanzania and Tunisia in their earlier games, connected perfectly with a pass from the left by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the 28th minute to give Nigeria the lead, only two minutes after veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango had stopped a point-blank effort by the Trabzonspor of Turkey forward.
Before then, Nigeria had dominated play extensively, and as early as the 9th minute, Samuel Chukwueze’s shot came off the defensive wall after good work by Simon Moses. A teasing pull-out by Chukwueze in the 25th minute narrowly missed the head of Onuachu.
Moses himself came close with four minutes left in the first period, as his shot came off the wall after the Eagles poured forward in numbers once more.
In the second half, Rogers Mato came close to connecting with a good cross but missed. Nigeria regrouped and sustained the pressure on their opponents, who had won four of their previous eight encounters before Tuesday evening’s match in Fès.
Wing-back Bruno Onyemaechi side-netted in the 51st minute, and six minutes later, goalkeeper Salim Omar, who had come in for the injured Onyango, was red-carded after punching the ball outside his box as Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s stand-in-captain, loomed towards goal.
Midfielder Raphael Onyedika, playing his first game at this AFCON, scored Nigeria’s second in the 62nd minute after connecting well with a pass by Samuel Chukwueze. Chukwueze and Raphael recreated a similar process four minutes later, leading to Onyedika, who plays his club football in Belgium, scoring his second and Nigeria’s third.
In the 70th minute, Paul Onuachu’s header was a little too high, and five minutes later, Rogers Mato scored at the other end as Uganda finished well from a brilliant team move.
Victory gave the Eagles the maximum nine points from their three matches, and they will now certainly meet the third-placed team in Group F, with both third-placed finishers in Groups A (Comoros) and B (Angola) already eliminated. This could be any of Cote d’Ivoire’s Elephants (Cup holders), Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions or the Mambas of Mozambique.
That match comes up on Monday, 5Th January in Fès.
Tanzania’s gutsy 1-1 draw with Tunisia saw the Taifa Stars reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history. They will play host nation Morocco in the Round of 16.
Former Ghana head coach Claude Le Roy has kicked against the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to change the football calendar of the Africa Cup of Nations from two years to four years.
The surprise announcement about the future of AFCON was made by Motsepe after a meeting of CAF’s executive committee in Morocco before the start of the 2025 finals in Rabat on Sunday.
The tournament has taken place every two years since 1968, with a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: Chukwueze Deserves Gift From Me — Onyedika
But it will switch to a four-year cycle after the 2027 AFCON in East Africa and a 2028 edition.
Reacting to the development, Le Roy, in a chat with BBC Africa Sport’s Osasu Obayiuwana, stated that it is very wrong to change the AFCON from a two- to a four-year event.
“Football in Africa is under serious attack. It is very wrong to change the AFCON from a two to a four-year event.
“Look at the way Infantino was acting during the AFCON 2025 opening ceremony, like he owns the place. Can he do this at a UEFA event?. When Issa Hayatou was president, these things would never have happened,” he added.
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Cricket stars rally around Damien Martyn as deadly illness puts him in a coma – and hospital issues update
- Legend played 67 Test matches for Australia
Australia’s cricket community is rallying around Damien Martyn after the Test great was hospitalised suddenly in Brisbane.
The 54-year-old former batter has fallen ill in recent days, reportedly being placed in an induced coma amid a battle with meningitis.
Martyn is receiving treatment for the illness, which leaves sufferers with an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
‘Damien Martyn remains in a serious condition at the Gold Coast University Hospital,’ a spokesperson for Gold Coast Health said on Wednesday.
Adam Gilchrist confirmed his former Test and Western Australia teammate’s hospitalisation in a statement on behalf of the Martyn family.
‘He is getting the best of treatment and (Martyn’s partner) Amanda and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes,’ Gilchrist said.
Damien Martyn (pictured) is fighting for his life in a Queensland hospital
The 54-year-old played 67 Tests and 208 one-day internationals for Australia
Chief executive Todd Greenberg wished Martyn a quick recovery on behalf of Cricket Australia.
‘I’m saddened to hear of Damien’s illness. The best wishes of everyone at CA and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time,’ said Greenberg.
Former Test teammate Darren Lehmann and veteran sports broadcaster Jim Wilson were among others to send Martyn their best on social media.
‘Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family,’ wrote Lehmann.
Speaking on 6PR radio, former Test bowler Rodney Hogg called Martyn’s hospitalisation ‘shocking news’.
‘We wish him all the best,’ Hogg said.
Martyn’s seemingly effortless stroke play was his calling card as a player, averaging 46.37 with the bat across 67 Tests for Australia.
‘All our thoughts are with you @damienmartyn x,’ former England captain Michael Vaughan wrote on X.
The former middle order batter (pictured with Merv Hughes) is seen as one of the most underrated players of Australia’s golden era
Martyn has received numerous messages of support in the wake of his diagnosis
‘Oh no.. this is terrible news. Praying for you, Damo,’ added English broadcaster Piers Morgan.
Born in Darwin, Martyn earned a Test debut at 21 replacing the late Dean Jones in the 1992/93 home series against West Indies and was Western Australia’s captain at 23.
He was player of the series the last time Australia won an away series in India, top-scoring in four of Australia’s eight innings at the crease in the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy battle.
His Test high score of 165 came against New Zealand in 2005, one of 13 Test centuries Martyn made in the baggy green.
Martyn retired from Test cricket midway through the 2006/07 Ashes series, playing his final match at the Adelaide Oval that summer.
Martyn also played 208 ODIs, averaging 40.8 and scoring an unbeaten 88 runs as Australia defeated India in the final of the 2003 World Cup.
He dabbled in commentary in retirement but has mostly kept out of the limelight in recent years.
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Cricket stars rally around Damien Martyn as deadly illness puts him in a coma – and hospital issues update
Senegal have qualified for the last 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, thanks to a 3-0 thrashing of Benin Republic on Tuesday night.
The result confirmed the Teranga Lions as the winners of Group D.
Abdoulaye Seck and Habib Diallo gave the West Africans a 2-0 lead, before captain Kalidou Koulibaly was shown a straight red card.
But it was Senegal who scored again through Cherif Ndiaye.
They will now face either Burkina Faso or Sudan in the knockouts.
Democratic Republic of Congo also hammered Botswana 3-0, but will settle for second place.
They play Algeria for a place in the quarter-final.
Other Round of 16 fixtures that have been confirmed are Tunisia vs Mali and Egypt vs Benin Republic.
The other teams in the last 16 are South Africa, Morocco and Nigeria.
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Michigan director recalls moment he told Sherrone Moore he was fired… causing meltdown that led to arrest
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel says the decision to fire Sherrone Moore was an ‘easy’ one despite expressing sympathy over the turmoil in his personal life.
Married father-of-three Moore, 39, lost his job as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines due to an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a staffer before being arrested over an alleged assault in the space of a dramatic few hours earlier this month.
The disgraced football coach was charged with breaking and entering, home invasion and stalking after entering a woman’s apartment, confronting her and threatening to kill himself, before spending two nights in jail.
He was eventually granted a $25,000 bond and released. If convicted on all counts, Moore, who has pleaded not guilty, could face up to six years behind bars.
Michigan has already moved on after firing him, with the Wolverines unveiling Kyle Whittingham as their new head coach at the weekend.
And after hiring Whittingham from Utah, Manuel has opened up on the moment he parted company with Moore – which preceded his shocking arrest later that day.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel says the decision to fire Sherrone Moore was ‘easy’
Moore was fired as Michigan football head coach and arrested over an alleged assault hours later earlier this month
‘Listen man, it’s hard,’ the Michigan director admitted, via Detroit Free Press. ‘It’s hard when you have a colleague that is going through something personally, professionally, in his family and [knowing the] people and impact that it has on so many staff, student-athletes and the Michigan community.
‘Personally, I’ve known him for seven or eight years, so it was difficult to see him, as a person, go through what he went through.
‘But professionally, it was an easy decision to make because of the expectations that we have for everyone on our side.’
After Moore’s firing and alleged assault, Michigan brought in an outside law firm to review both the situation involving their former football coach and the athletic department at large, which Manuel says was partly his idea.
‘There’s not much I can say. There’s an investigation continuing into coach Moore, there’s a cultural evaluation around the department and so we will we obviously know some facts,’ he explained.
‘There’s some things that are out there that I can’t comment on, that are untrue, and there may be some things that they find, but that’s why we do an investigation, and I’m very open to that. Wanted the cultural analysis to be done to help us get better.
‘I asked the President to help with a cultural analysis and have somebody come in. So yes, I am very supportive of that, because as a leader, I face reality. There are things that happen. I don’t step away from it. Never have, never will. So we need to get better, and that’s part of is getting somebody to come in and to assess.’
The 39-year-old has three kids with wife Kelli (left), who appears to be standing by him
Manuel (pictured) did express sympathy over the current turmoil in Moore’s personal life
Police records show the alleged assault took place at the home of Moore’s executive assistant Paige Shiver, hours after Michigan had fired him over the ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a fellow member of staff – who is still yet to be officially named.
According to police dispatch audio obtained by Daily Mail, an unidentified 911 caller claimed he assaulted her on Wednesday, adding that he had a knife and had been stalking her ‘for months.’ A dispatcher was later heard saying that the suspect was described by his wife Kelli as ‘suicidal’ after losing his job earlier in the day.
Pittsfield, Michigan police and Washtenaw County prosecutors alleged the uninvited Moore was unarmed when he entered an unlocked door before allegedly grabbing two butter knives and a pair of scissors while threatening to harm himself.
‘I’m going to kill myself,’ he told the alleged victim, as quoted by assistant prosecutor Kati Rezmierski on Friday. ‘I’m going to make you watch. My blood is on your hands. You ruined my life.’
Rezmierski said Moore and the woman had been engaged in an ‘intimate relationship’ for a number of years. Magistrate Odetalla M. Odetalla forbid the court from identifying the alleged victim, but the 911 call that led to his arrest was made from an apartment belonging to Shiver.
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Tyson Fury breaks his silence on Anthony Joshua’s car crash – and appears to confirm his return from boxing retirement despite their £100m fight being thrown into doubt
Anthony Joshua’s long-time rival Tyson Fury has paid tribute to the two men tragically killed in a horror car crash in Nigeria.
Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both integral members of Joshua’s team, lost their lives when the SUV they were travelling in with Joshua smashed into a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Makun yesterday.
Local police told Daily Mail Sport that Joshua escaped with only ‘minor’ injuries, but sources close to the fighter fear they could be more severe than publicised.
Former heavyweight champion Fury has now taken to social media to pay tribute to Ghami and Ayodele.
‘This is so sad,’ wrote the Gypsy King on Instagram. ‘May God give them a good bed in heaven.’
Fury’s tributes came only minutes after he teased his own return to the ring in 2026 – despite insisting he was retiring from the sport for good last January.
The 37-year-old posted a picture of himself alongside his sons Prince and Johnboy with the trio wearing shirts bearing the message: ‘I’m back. Fury. My legacy. Old School.’
Instagram story posted by Tyson Fury in tribute to Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami
Fury also appeared to tease his return to the ring after posing for a photo alongside two of his sons
Anthony Joshua appeared to be in considerable pain as he was helped away from the site of the crash
A long-awaited bout between Joshua and Fury, the two elite British heavyweights of the past decade, had been mooted for 2026 following the former’s victorious return to the ring over Jake Paul.
But those hopes, Daily Mail Sport understand, now hang in the balance after video footage captured at the scene of the crash showed the boxer grimacing in pain as he was helped away from the wreckage.
Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s management team,shared a tribute to Ghami and Ayodele on Monday night.
It read: ‘It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele.
‘Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team.
‘We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news.’
Earlier on Monday night officials in Nigeria confirmed to the Daily Mail that Joshua was ‘awake and conscious and had spoken with his family’ after the 36-year-old had been pulled from the wreckage of the crash.
A spokesperson for the Ogun state government said: ‘Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos.
‘Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time. A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely.
‘Anthony Joshua is conscious and has been in communication with his family.
‘The Governments of Ogun and Lagos States are closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that the affected persons receive the best possible medical care. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident have also commenced.
‘We appreciate the concern shown by members of the public and kindly request privacy for Anthony Joshua and his family at this time.’
More to follow.
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Tyson Fury breaks his silence on Anthony Joshua’s car crash – and appears to confirm his return from boxing retirement despite their £100m fight being thrown into doubt
The inaugural African Boxing Congress (ABC) held in Lagos at the weekend has elected Omonlei Imadu as the Vice President of the continental boxing body.
The election of Imadu who is also the vice president of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), was generally seen as the reaffirmation of Nigeria’s leading role in African Boxing.
The landmark event organised by the Nigeria Boxing Federation witnessed the participation of over 30 countries on the continent.
The congress which held in Lagos State, is a significant milestone towards strengthening governance, unity, and global competitiveness within African boxing.
Solomon Desmond Kargbo (Sierra Leone) was elected president, while Anta Gueye (Senegal) emerged as second vice president. Cyprien Tamo Tamo (Madagascar) will serve as Secretary General.
Other members of the board are: Alaeldin Alfaith (Sudan) Lamptey George (Ghana) Dirang Thipe – (Bostwana) and Awil Gele – (Somalia).
The congress also announced the organization of the first-ever African Boxing League to begin in 2026. The framework for the league was unveiled at a gala-night held at Providence Hotel in GRA Ikeja.
The newly elected president Solomon Kargbo said the board will work assiduously towards achieving the aims and objectives of the continental body in line with the framework of World Boxing.
“This congress is a significant milestone to change the trajectory of the squared ropes sports in the continent. We would implement several programs to support the respective national federations to grow the sports.
” We are creating a new trajectory for African boxers to dominate at the global stage, including the Olympics. These things are achievable with the board we have in place,” Kargbo added.
The vice president Omonlei Imadu said Africa will experience a significant advancement in the squared ropes sports with African Boxing now fully inaugurated.
” I make bold to say that the trajectory is about to change, Africa will experience an exponential growth in boxing like never before, and most importantly I am happy that my beloved nation Nigeria is now the centre of the decision making body in the continent,” Imadu stated.
As part of its resolutions, the Congress announced the establishment of African Boxing headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.