SPORT
Happy New Year – From All Of Us At Complete Sports
We wish our esteemed readers, clients, and business partners a happy, successful, and fulfilling New Year, 2026.
May God bless all your efforts and diligence at making better accomplishments in the new year. Here’s to another year of growth, innovation, and shared success.
As we step into 2026, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering credible news, insightful analysis, and engaging sports content.
We sincerely thank you — our readers, clients, and partners — for your continued trust and support. Your loyalty remains the foundation of Completesports.com and e-Complete Sports.
In 2026, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering even better coverage, innovation, and excellence.
Thank you for being part of the Complete Sports family.
Enjoy a great 2026!
Johnny Manziel’s recent no-show on ESPN’s College GameDay has given way to a promotional opportunity for both the former Heisman winner and the prediction-market platform, Kalshi.
Earlier in the month it was announced that the former Texas A&M quarterback would be appearing on the show as the guest picker back at his alma mater ahead of the Aggies’ playoff game against the Miami Hurricanes in College Station on December 21.
Yet moments before he was scheduled to appear, College GameDay host Rece Davis mysteriously revealed that former Texas A&M basketball player and two-time NBA champion Alex Caruso would be stepping in instead.
Fans were left confounded Manziel’s absence, given he had been in attendance at Kaseya Center in Miami for Jake Paul’s controversial boxing showdown with Anthony Joshua just the night prior.
Social media erupted with an array of theories. Some thought Manziel’s well-known problems with alcohol had resurfaced, while others thought the former Cleveland Browns first-round pick was feuding with ESPN or College GameDay co-host, Pat McAfee.
Manziel has since claimed he was battling an illness before, somewhat confusingly, using the incident to plug Kalshi, a prediction-market platform.
Johnny Manziel’s recent no-show on ESPN’s College Game Day has given way to a promotional opportunity for both the former Heisman winner and Kalshi
Manziel was supposed to appear on College GameDay with Pat McAfee (pictured) before his alma mater, Texas A&M, hosted Miami on December 20 in College Station, Texas
‘FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE,’ began the statement dated December 30 and posted on X the following day.
‘There’s been plenty of speculation lately,’ Manziel wrote. ‘I’m good with ESPN. I’m good with McAfee.
‘If you want to keep guessing, you can now do it officially. Thanks to Kalshi, you can trade on whether I’ll be back on College GameDay in 2026.
‘The market currently gives me a 34% chance of being back on set next season. If you think that number’s low, take the other side.’
Following Manziel’s post, that figure spiked up over 50 percent.
As far as the Kalshi plug was concerned, Manziel’s online followers weren’t thrilled.
‘Get this dude a publicist for the love of god,’ one critic wrote.
‘Good thing Kalshi didn’t exist when you played,’ another wrote. ‘I would’ve lost my kid’s college fund betting on your odds of winning rookie off the year.’
Another called Manziel’s post ‘the most Johnny Manziel thing I’ve ever read.’
For the uninitiated, Kalshi and its competitor Polymarket are increasingly popular alternatives to sportsbooks, which are far more regulated.
Manziel encouraged his followers to place bets on him returning to College GameDay
Kalshi is connecting gamblers who want to wager on whether Manziel will return to College GameDay in 2026. Although he was initially a longshot, the odds changed after his X post
The emerging industry’s trading platforms do work like online sportsbooks by offering futures contracts at prices and returns that fluctuate like betting odds (i.e. underdogs pay off better than favorites). Customers are given binary choices (‘yes or no’ or ‘one or the other’) on any number of positions, from gas prices to the next Pope and, of course, sports: Will the Knicks win this year’s NBA title? etc.
Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket made news during the 2024 US Presidential race by using customers’ wagers to accurately forecast Donald Trump’s electoral victory over Kamala Harris. Since then, the industry has faced cease-and-desist orders in several states as platforms have taken hundreds of millions of dollars in bets on everything from March Madness to the Masters.
Crucially, these websites consider themselves to be ‘exchanges’ rather than ‘sportsbooks.’ As a result, they face fewer taxes and are more widely available because they’re not being prohibited, or even regulated, by individual states.
Rather, prediction markets are under the federal jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) — something Nevada state senator Dina Titus sees as a ‘backdoor way’ to legalizing sports gambling without necessary safeguards.
Share or comment on this article:
Johnny Manziel sparks more College GameDay fury after cashing in on no-show with bizarre ad
Video games are heading into 2026 with clear shifts in how they are made, how they are played, and who gets to participate. From artificial intelligence in development to mobile-first design, cloud access, esports, and creator-led platforms, these are the trends that will define gaming globally and in African markets, writes Iyke Bede
AI becomes part of video development workflows
Artificial intelligence is now common in game development tools. A Google Cloud survey found that 87 per cent of game developers use AI agents to automate repetitive tasks and focus on creative work. Most respondents also expect AI to reduce long‑term development costs even as questions about data ownership remain.
This means studios of all sizes are adopting AI to help generate content, optimise processes, and speed up production without increasing headcount, a growing trend many do not view favourably in terms of job creation. Regardless, AI’s presence in development is now a practical trend, not a distant prediction.
Mobile gaming drives player growth in Africa
Africa’s gaming market reached an estimated $1.8 billion in revenue in 2024, with mobile gaming accounting for nearly 90 per cent of that total. The number of gamers in Africa grew to about 349 million in 2024, up by 32 million from the previous year.
This shows that smartphones remain the primary gaming device across the continent. As mobile access improves and data becomes cheaper, more people are joining the gaming community without needing a console or high‑end PC.
Africa’s market is growing faster than global average
Research shows that Africa’s games market is projected to reach around $13.86 billion by 2025 and grow at a compound annual rate of about 8.5 per cent through 2030. The number of gamers in Africa is expected to hit 426.7 million by 2030, with player penetration increasing steadily.
This growth rate compares favourably to many established gaming markets and proves Africa is not only participating in the global gaming space but expanding quickly.
Cloud gaming expands device access
Cloud gaming — where players stream games to their devices rather than download them — is becoming more mainstream for publishers and players alike. According to a Boston Consulting Group report, about 60 per cent of surveyed players said they had tried cloud gaming, and of those, 80 per cent reported a positive experience.
The trend matters because it makes high‑quality titles playable on a wider range of devices. For markets with fewer high‑end consoles and gaming PCs, streaming services can remove a major barrier to entry.
Players creating content strengthen communities
Games that let players create and share content are seeing rising engagement. A global survey shows that platforms like Roblox and Fortnite are preparing to pay out more than $1.5 billion to creators in 2025, and around 40 percent of gamers said they consume more user‑generated content than a year ago.
This trend means players are not just consumers. They are co‑creators, building worlds, mods, and experiences that keep communities active and invested.
Cross‑platform play is standard practice
More titles now support multiplayer across devices, letting players on phones, consoles, and PCs join the same games. As studios adopt this feature regularly in new releases, it means fewer boundaries between platforms and more inclusive play.
For African players, this expands opportunities. Gamers on mobile can compete with global audiences without needing separate hardware ecosystems.
Esports and competitive play continue to grow
Across the world, competitive gaming remains a core part of the industry’s social fabric, with millions tuning in to watch professional leagues and tournaments. While precise 2026 estimates have not been published, data from multiple reports show investments and audience engagement are rising year by year.
In Africa, mobile esports are emerging as a major competitive segment, attracting players, sponsors, and local events that mirror global trends.
Monetisation models shifting away from one-time purchase
Game monetisation in 2025 and into 2026 continues to shift away from one‑time purchases toward models that support long‑term engagement. Hybrid approaches — combining free‑to‑play access with in‑game purchases, subscriptions, and seasonal passes — have become a staple for many studios seeking stable revenue streams.
This approach helps developers fund ongoing content while giving players flexible entry points and ongoing updates to keep games fresh.
Local content and storytelling gain traction
Players increasingly respond to gaming experiences that reflect their culture and realities. This has led to a rise in titles grounded in local stories, folklore, and artistic design. While precise numbers on this trend are still emerging, industry experts agree that culturally relevant games are gaining more attention and investment.
In Africa, several markets, including Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt, are becoming known for locally influenced game design, creative communities, and growing development talent.
Advertising and in‑game Commerce expand revenue streams
In Africa, in‑game advertising shows strong growth potential. Projections suggest that revenue from ads embedded within games could reach nearly $280 million in 2025 and approach $406 million by 2030. This aligns with broader industry shifts toward monetising gameplay experiences without forcing high upfront costs.
https://meet.google.com/call?authuser=1&hl=en&mc=KAIwAZoBFDoScGludG9fYWR2dHQyNTNlNXJ2ogE7GgIQADICUAA6AhABSgQIARABWgIIAGoCCAFyAggBegIIAogBAZIBAhABmgEEGAEgAKIBAhAA4gECCACyAQcYAyAAKgExwgECIAHYAQE&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com&iilm=1767140502906
Page
SPORT
Michigan slumps to defeat in first game after Sherrone Moore scandal as Arch Manning soars in Citrus Bowl
Michigan football had a chance to shake off its recent scandals with Wednesday’s Citrus Bowl against No. 13 Texas, but it was Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning who stole the show by passing for two touchdowns and running for a pair in 41-27 victory.
Michigan recently hired former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham to replace the fired Sherrone Moore after he was accused of having an improper relationship with a staffer and ultimately arrested on an assault charge earlier this month. But while the new coach did make a cameo appearance in ESPN’s broadcast booth at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium, Wednesday was Poggi’s show, and he did not disappoint.
As the 65-year-old Poggi told one pre-game radio show, the plan was to ‘turn [quarterback Bryce Underwood loose’ after the freshman passer spent the much of the season primarily focused on running rather than throwing.
Underwood initially rewarded Poggi’s confidence by completing 14 of his first 24 passes for two touchdowns and 114 yards as Michigan entered the fourth-quarter trailing favorited Texas just 24-20.
Things got more complicated in the fourth as he was picked off three times, while also adding a spectacular rushing touchdown to briefly help Michigan to a 27-24 lead.
Manning, the grandson of ex-Saints quarterback Archie and nephew of Super Bowl winners Peyton and Eli, responded on the ensuing possession with a brilliant 30-yard touchdown pass to Kaliq Lockett to give Texas a 31-27 edge. The throw was made all the more impressive by the fact that Manning was limping and bleeding from his mouth after taking a big hit only moments earlier.
And as if that wasn’t enough, Manning added a 60-yard rushing touchdown with five minutes to play. The PAT gave Texas a 38-27 lead.
Interim head coach Biff Poggi reacts during Michigan’s game against the Texas Longhorns
Poggi promised to unleash freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who looked good
Arch Manning had two touchdown passes and two touchdown runs on Wednesday in Orlando
Moore’s scandal isn’t the only one facing Michigan, but it is undoubtedly the largest.
Moore was fired in Ann Abor earlier this month for an allegedly inappropriate relationship with a staffer. The married father of three has since been charged with breaking and entering, home invasion and stalking for allegedly entering a woman’s apartment, terrorizing her and threatening to harm himself in the aftermath of his dismissal.
According to police dispatch audio obtained by Daily Mail, an unidentified 911 caller claimed Moore assaulted her on December 10, 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.
Police records show the alleged assault took place at the home of Moore’s executive assistant Paige Shiver. However, she has not been identified as the alleged victim or the person with whom Moore allegedly had an inappropriate relationship.
Moore was eventually granted a $25,000 bond and released. He has pleaded not guilty, and could face up to six years behind bars if convicted.
Ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore was arrested after he was fired on December 10
The 911 call that led to Moore’s arrest was made from an apartment belonging to his executive assistant, Paige Shiver (pictured). She has not officially been named as the alleged victim
Another coach, ex-Wolverines assistant Matt Weiss, was charged in March with hacking and identify theft for allegedly stealing thousands of private, intimate images from student athletes, mostly women, at more than 100 universities nationwide. Weiss has pleaded not guilty to all 24 charges and recently pushed for some charges to be dismissed.
The Justice Department is fighting Weiss’ attempts to dismiss the charges and has now submitted photos allegedly showing Weiss moments before hacking into University of Michigan computers in December of 2022, according to filings obtained by the Daily Mail. He was fired weeks after Michigan’s Fiesta Bowl loss to Texas Christian.
The Wolverines would win a national championship under head coach Jim Harbaugh the following season amid a separate, unrelated sign-stealing scandal. Harbaugh would leave for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers in 2024 as Moore, the offensive coordinator, was promoted to head coach.
Weiss (left) is seen coaching alongside Moore (right) when they both worked under Harbaugh
The scandals don’t end there. Director of football operations Jim Minick and assistant coaches Denard Robinson and Greg Scruggs were all arrested on suspicion of DUI in recent years.
Robinson, a former Wolverines quarterback, resigned in 2024. Scruggs, who played in the NFL, resigned before ever coaching in a single practice and now works for the San Francisco 49ers as an assistant defensive line coach.
As a result of the issues, the athletic department has reportedly launched an internal investigation into its culture. Jenner & Block, the Chicago-based law firm that opened the previous inquiry into Moore’s conduct, has been hired by the school to carry out the latest probe,’ according to ESPN.
While Moore’s dismissal will be a primary focus of the investigation, the wide-scoping inquiry will reportedly examine the numerous scandals that the school’s athletic programs have endured in recent years, including how they came about and how they were handled.
Michigan is among the most successful athletic programs in the NCAA. Aside from its recent national championship in football, it’s men’s basketball team currently ranks second in the country at 12-0, while its men’s hockey team is first in the nation at 16-4.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The Super Eagles and the Mambas will lock horns on Monday, 5 January, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm at the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès. The stadium has already become familiar territory for Nigeria, having hosted all three of their Group C matches.
Nigeria arrive in the last 16 brimming with confidence after a flawless group campaign. The three-time African champions swept aside all opposition, winning their three matches, scoring eight goals and conceding four.
Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika have each found the net twice, while Semi Ajayi, Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Paul Onuachu have also contributed goals.
Mozambique’s route to the knockout phase has been far more rugged. The Mambas opened their campaign with defeat against reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire, steadied themselves with a hard-earned win over Gabon, and then narrowly lost 2-1 to Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions on Wednesday evening.
History tilts firmly in Nigeria’s favour. The two nations have met five times at senior level, with the Super Eagles winning four of those encounters. Their only previous AFCON meeting came in January 2010 in Lubango, Angola, where Nigeria cruised to a 3-0 victory.
Other results include a 1-0 friendly win in Maputo in August 1999, a 3-2 friendly success in Portugal in October 2023, and two World Cup qualifiers in 2009 that ended goalless in Maputo and 1-0 in Abuja. Obinna Nsofor’s stoppage-time strike in the Abuja qualifier proved decisive in keeping Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive.
AFCON 2025 Round of 16 Fixtures
January 3: Senegal vs Sudan
January 3: Mali vs Tunisia
January 4: Morocco vs Tanzania
January 4: South Africa vs Cameroon
January 5: Egypt vs Benin
January 5: Nigeria vs Mozambique
January 6: Algeria vs DR Congo
January 6: Burkina Faso vs Côte d’Ivoire
Nigeria vs Mozambique Head-to-Head
17 Aug 1999: Mozambique 0-1 Nigeria, International Friendly, Maputo
29 Mar 2009: Mozambique 0-0 Nigeria, World Cup qualifier, Maputo
11 Oct 2009: Nigeria 1-0 Mozambique, World Cup qualifier, Abuja
20 Jan 2010: Mozambique 0-3 Nigeria, AFCON, Lubango, Angola
16 Oct 2023: Mozambique 2-3 Nigeria, International Friendly, Lisbon
SPORT
Packers sign Stefon Diggs’ brother Trevon just a day after Cowboys released the $97m defensive star
Trevon Diggs has been claimed on waivers by the Green Bay Packers just one day after his Dallas Cowboys release.
The 27-year-old cornerback, who is the younger brother of New England Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs, was cut by Dallas on Tuesday with one game of the regular season still to play.
He signed a five-year, $97million contract extension in 2023, but has struggled to stay healthy since then.
Trevon missed more than two months this season after a mysterious incident resulted in a head injury. Ultimately, Trevon claimed he ‘was trying to be a handyman’ by installing a TV, only to have the unit detach from its mount and strike him in the head.
Previously, he tore an ACL in 2023 and needed a follow-up knee surgery in 2024.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Packers have claimed Diggs on waivers following his Cowboys exit.
Trevon Diggs has been claimed on waivers by the Packers one day after his Cowboys release
His Dallas exit marked a nightmare few hours for the Diggs family after brother Stefon, 32, was charged with a felony and a misdemeanor earlier in the day amid accusations that he assaulted his personal chef.
The Patriots star is accused of slapping and choking a female chef during an argument about money on December 2 in the Boston suburb of Dedham. According to the newly released incident report, the woman said he grabbed her from behind and ‘tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.’ She told police she feared she ‘could have blacked out.’
Diggs’ attorney, Michael DiStefano, made a virtual appearance at Dedham District Court on Tuesday to argue that the details of the police report should remain impounded, but the judge denied that motion. Additionally, DiStefano said his client has made a financial offer to settle the dispute with the victim, who remains unidentified publicly.
Another attorney, David Meier, said the claims are ‘unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated – because they did not occur.’
Diggs is set to be arraigned on January 23 – days before the AFC Championship is scheduled to be played. The Patriots have already clinched a playoff berth entering the final week of the NFL season thanks to Sunday’s blowout win over the rival New York Jets.
‘The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs,’ the statement began. ‘Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations.
Diggs, the younger brother of Stefon Diggs (right), was released by Dallas on Tuesday
Stefon, pictured with girlfriend Cardi B, was hit with felony and misdemeanor charges Tuesday
‘We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Out of respect for all parties involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.’
Likewise, an NFL statement acknowledged the charges, but offered little else: ‘We are aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club. We have no further comment at this time.’
Diggs’ status for Sunday’s season finale against the visiting Miami Dolphins remains unchanged, but the Patriots have already clinched a playoff berth, so there is a chance he could be rested.
The brothers grew up in Maryland, where Stefon ultimately played for the Terrapins after opting to stay close to home following the death of their father.
New England PatriotsDallas Cowboys
Share or comment on this article:
Packers sign Stefon Diggs’ brother Trevon just a day after Cowboys released the $97m defensive star
The Super Eagles are set to face Mozambique in the last 16 of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
This was confirmed following the conclusion of Group F fixtures on Wednesday night.
Mozambique booked their spot despite throwing away their lead to lose 2-1 to Cameroon.
They finished in third place behind Ivory Coast and the Indomitable Lions.
Nigeria’s spot was confirmed after their first two group fixtures. But they finished as Group C winners after beating Uganda 3-1 on Tuesday.
Eric Chelle’s men will play Mozambique on Tuesday in Fez, Morocco for a place in the quarter-finals.
Kick off is 8pm WAT.
AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric has opened up on how Jose Mourinho reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears at Real Madrid.
The Croatian midfielder witnessed the confrontation during their shared time at Real Madrid, revealing the incident stemmed from Ronaldo’s failure to track an opposing full-back.
Modric, who joined Madrid from Tottenham in 2012 following a £33million transfer, did not identify which specific match triggered the explosive exchange.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: I’m Happy I Had The Chance To Play Again With The Team –Uzoho
“I saw him make Cristiano Ronaldo cry in the locker room, a man who gives his all on the pitch, because for once he didn’t chase the opposing full-back,” Modric told Corriere della Sera.
“As a coach and as a person. He was the one who wanted me at Real Madrid. Without Mourinho, I would never have arrived. I’m sorry I only had him for one season.
“Mourinho is very direct with the players, but he’s honest. He treated Sergio Ramos and the new arrival the same way: if he had to tell you something, he’d tell you. Max is like that too: he tells you to your face what’s right and what’s wrong. Honesty is fundamental.”
SPORT
Chelsea icon, 57, is diagnosed with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy after shedding five stone
Chelsea legend Dan Petrescu has been diagnosed with cancer aged 57 and is said to be in a ‘very serious’ condition.
The Romanian, who played for the Blues between 1995 and 2000, is undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Petrescu won five trophies with the west London side after signing from Sheffield Wednesday and was the first overseas played to amass 100 appearances for the club.
He has since gone on to an eclectic career in management – taking on 19 different jobs – and resigned from his fourth stint at CFR Cluj in his homeland in August.
Early in December, it was claimed that Petrescu had lost five stone but that he was recovering well after treatment with Chinese medicine.
But Romania’s football league president Gino Iorgulescu has now said: ‘I don’t know what to say – it is a delicate situation. May God help Dan to get better, for there to be a cure.
Chelsea legend Dan Petrescu has been diagnosed with cancer and is said to be in a ‘very serious’ condition
‘I don’t know the exact diagnosis, but I understand that it is very serious.
‘He is undergoing chemotherapy. I don’t know what he is doing.
‘He played for me, and he also worked for me as a coach at FC National. I was also friends with him.
‘Such news makes me uncomfortable – it makes my skin crawl.
‘I had, and still have, a good relationship with him. Since I found out his situation was very serious, I haven’t spoken to him.’
Born in Romania’s capital of Bucharest in 1967, Petrescu is said to have grown up practising his football skills with plastic oranges. From that, a glittering career was born.
Petrescu played a total of 208 games for Chelsea and won two FA Cups, the League Cup, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
In England, he also played for Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford City, and Southampton, all in the Premier League, while also turning out for clubs in Italy and Romania.
He won league titles back in his home city and even reached a European Cup final with Steaua Bucharest in 1989.
Petrescu stepped down from managing Romanian side CFR Club for the fourth time in August
In early December, Cluj’s club president Cristian Balaj gave some insight into his situation, saying: ‘Dan is taking steps towards recovery, and his condition is evolving towards the better.
‘His daughters have come to the country, and were by his side.
‘He is in Cluj, having treatment, and it is for the best. I have gone for walks with him and taken him for treatment.
‘At one point he was being treated with Chinese medicine. It is important that he has taken these steps.’
Truly passionate about the game, while in the reserves at Southampton he issued a ‘play me or let me go’ ultimatum, saying: ‘For me football is a drug. I cannot sit on the bench and do without my fix.
‘I don’t want to stay in the second team. I’m only 33 and I have a lot more to offer.
‘If Stuart Gray doesn’t need me, I am ready to leave straight away.’
Share or comment on this article:
Chelsea icon, 57, is diagnosed with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy after shedding five stone
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has warned Nigeria’s Round of 16 opponents at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, that he is unconcerned about who they face.
The Galatasaray star insisted that Eric Chelle’s men are fully prepared for their last-16 challenge at the tournament.
The 27-year-old spoke after captaining Nigeria to a 3–1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles will face either Cameroon, Mozambique, or Ivory Coast in the Round of 16.
When asked about Nigeria’s next opponent in the knockout stage, Osimhen told reporters, “I don’t care about our next opponent [ Cameroon, Mozambique, or Ivory Coast] in the Round of 16. Anybody can come. We are ready for whoever comes next.”
The Round of 16 will commence this weekend at various venues across Morocco.
Uche Ikpeazu is rooting for the Super Eagles to win the title at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reports Completesports.com.
Ikpeazu featured in Uganda’s 3-1 defeat to Nigeria in Fès on Tuesday night.
The Cranes of Uganda were eliminated from the competition following the defeat.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: EXCLUSIVE – What Nigerians Should Expect From Us In The Knockout Round –Obasogie
The striker, who was born to a Nigerian father has backed the three-time African champions to emerge champions in Morocco.
“I’ll be supporting Nigeria to win the AFCON. They’re a special group – very tight-knit,” he told reporters.
“I’ve been in their changing room, chatting with them, and they are very humble. The togetherness is there.
“Uganda is an amazing national team, and I love my Ugandan side and my culture here. Sadly, we’re out of the competition, but I wish Nigeria the very best.”
SPORT
Fresh crisis for Patriots as Christian Barmore is hit with domestic assault charge a day after Stefon Diggs was accused of ‘strangling’ woman
New England Patriots star Christian Barmore has been charged with one count of assault and battery on a family/household member.
According to documents filed in Attleborough District Court, the misdemeanor charge relates to an incident that took place in Mansfield, Massachusetts on August 8.
However, the criminal complaint was issued on December 16 and Barmore is due to be arraigned on February 3, just five days before the Super Bowl.
Barmore was a second-round NFL draft pick in 2021 out of Alabama and is in year two of a four-year, $83million extension that he agreed to in 2024.
In the court documents it is claimed that the victim had been in a relationship with the 6ft 5, 315lbs defensive end.
The court filing alleges that Barmore, 26, became angry with the victim over the temperature of the air conditioning in his bedroom. They also are said to have argued over food.
Christian Barmore has been charged with one count of assault and battery on a family/household member
Barmore was a second-round NFL draft pick in 2021 and is in the midst of an $83m contract
The victim is alleged to have told police that Barmore grabbed the victim’s phone out of her hands as she tried to leave the property.
The filing claims she ‘intended to open the door and scream for help’ but Barmore, who was diagnosed with blood clots last year, ‘grabbed her before she could and threw her to the floor’.
The court documents then show the victim claims Barmore grabbed her by the shirt ‘in the area of the neck’ and she tried to get back to her feet but eventually released her.
Court documents also show that an email was sent from the victim to police on December 4 that states she does not want to move forward with charges.
A team statement read: ‘The New England Patriots are aware of reports regarding a pending February arraignment involving Christian Barmore, which stems from an alleged domestic incident that occurred in August.
‘The Patriots were made aware at the time of the incident and informed the NFL in a timely manner.
‘The matter remains part of an ongoing legal process. We will respect that process, continue to monitor the situation closely, as we have over the past few months, and cooperate fully with the league. We will have no further comment at this time.’
Head coach Mike Vrabel is expected to speak at 1:10pm on Wednesday.
It comes less than 24 hours after his teammate Stefon Diggs was hit with charges of felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery after an alleged incident with a personal chef.
The wide receiver, who is dating and shares a child with rapper Cardi B, is accused of slapping and choking the woman during a financial argument at his mansion in the Boston suburb of Dedham on December 2.
According to the incident report, provided to the Daily Mail, the woman said he entered her unlocked bedroom, grabbed her from behind and ‘tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.’
Stefon Diggs was hit with charges of felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery
Diggs is pictured with girlfriend Cardi B in courtside seats at Madison Square Garden in May
She told police on December 16 she feared she ‘could have blacked out,’ before being thrown down on to the bed by Diggs. The accuser initially hesitated to identify Diggs to police ‘due to his fame,’ according to the incident report.
Diggs, 32, is set to be arraigned on January 23 – days before the AFC Championship is scheduled to be played.
Legal problems involving two of the team’s biggest names threatens to derail a remarkable season for the Patriots.
Under head coach Mike Vrabel and powered by quarterback Drake Maye, the Patriots have already clinched a playoff berth entering the final week of the NFL season and look primed for a Super Bowl spot.
Back in October 2024, Barmore publicly apologized for accusing police of racism after he was stopped in Providence.
A partially redacted incident report provided to Daily Mail at the time revealed that Barmore was stopped for a traffic violation in the early hours of the morning.
Barmore was accused of operating an unregistered vehicle, failing to display plates properly, and driving with an expired registration.
He tweeted soon after accusing the police of being racist but, taking to social media, he quickly took those remarks back after bodycam footage was made public.
Barmore publicly apologized for accusing police of racism after he was stopped last October
Barmore claimed five officers stopped him in what he described as ‘racism at it’s (sic) finest’
‘A few days have gone by since the incident with the Providence police and I have had a chance to deeply reflect on my behavior,’ he wrote.
‘I want everyone to know that I’m sorry and I take full accountability for my actions. I apologize to the Providence Police Department , my teammates, and my family.
‘My mother was a police officer and I understand the pressures related to their job. Which I didn’t make any easier by reacting in the manner that I did. I am using this as an opportunity to learn and do better.
‘I have already met with members of the Providence Police Department to apologize in person.
‘It is my hope that they accept my sincere apology. That meeting is just the first step of many that I am taking on the route to self improvement.’
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has sent a message of condolence to Nigerian-British boxer, Anthony Joshua, who recently survived a deadly car crash that killed two people in Nigeria.
Recall that the accident occurred on Monday when a Lexus SUV transporting Joshua collided with a parked truck near Sinoma, before Danco, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ogun State Sector Command, later ascribed the cause of the crash to over speeding and wrongful overtaking.
Reacting to the development, Osimhen, who is currently with the Super Eagles squad at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, tournament in Morocco, said it was devastating news.
The Galatasaray striker also sent his thoughts to Joshua and condoled the bereaved families. He’s been one of the huge celebrities that has put Nigeria on the [World] map,” Osimhen said via Pooja Media.
“I think he’s done it for so many years. Hearing something like this, I think it affected a lot of us Nigerians.
“Condolences to the families of the deceased. It’s not a beautiful thing to lose a life in such a crazy manner. My thoughts are with him.”
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has revealed the immense grief he faced after losing both his parents, admitting that he even considered quitting football.
In an emotional interview with ACL Sport on Wednesday, Nwabali said, “Most times I feel like quitting, you know? I feel like quitting because of my mom and dad. My mom was so dear to me. It’s really painful, man. Really painful to be talking about my mom today.”
He reflected on the depth of his loss, adding, “It really hurts. It’s not a nice feeling for any human being to lose both parents at the same time. I’ve tried not to dwell on it, but here I am. It’s very difficult.”
Nwabali lost his mother on January 1, 2025, just a month after his father passed away.
Despite the unimaginable loss, he credited his teammates for helping him cope and continue his football career.
“I remember talking to my captain about wanting to leave football. But with the help of some of my teammates, I keep going. It really hurts, but I’m standing here playing football,” he said.
Ahead of the round of 16 fixtures, Amas Obasogie has assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles will give more than what they gave in the group stage of the 2025 AFCON.
The Super Eagles picked up three wins from three matches in Group C to book a place in the first knock out round.
Obasogie, who has not tasted action in Morocco stated that it is going to be a different Super Eagles in the knockout phase.
Also Read: AFCON 2025: I’m Impressed With Alebiosu’s Performance Vs Uganda –Ex-International
“The group stage performance was top notch we played to the instructions of the coach,” Obasogie told Completesports.com. “From the players we are in top form a d everyone is putting their effort and we are looking forward to the second round. We were tested in every game but there was no tension for us as we were able to deliver.
“The round of 16 is a different tournament and we are going to give more than what we gave in the group stage. We will not underrate any team, whoever comes our way we will give more than what we gave in the group stage.
“We are hoping for good results as we have always trained hard ans hopefully we will see ourselves in the final.”
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has admitted he sometimes feels like quitting football due to the loss of both parents.
Nwabali revealed this while speaking with ACL Sports.
The Chippa United stopper lost his mother only two months after his father passed away.
“My mom died around two o’clock today,” he said.
“So, on how I try to keep a lot of things to myself, try to move on, try to be a stronger guy I was.”
Nwabali also said the pain of his grief almost pushed him to leave the sport.
He added: “Most times I feel like quitting, you know? I feel like quitting because, yeah, you know, mom and dad, but my mom is so dear to me.
“Really, it’s so painful, man. It’s really so painful to be talking about my mom today, bro.”