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Category: Sports

NFF Investigates DR Congo Over Ineligible Players, Boosting Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Hopes

Wale busari04 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced an investigation into DR Congo’s use of potentially ineligible players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a move that could revive Nigeria’s chances of reaching the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, PUNCH Online reports. DR Congo eliminated Nigeria from the African play-offs in November, winning 4–3 on penalties in Morocco and ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of advancing to the FIFA intercontinental play-off. The Congolese team has since advanced to the final of the intercontinental play-off, where they are set to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica. However, the NFF has raised questions about the eligibility of several DR Congo players fielded during the African play-offs. Reports indicate that six to nine players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with Congolese law, which prohibits dual citizenship. While FIFA cleared the players based on possession of DR Congo passports, it is alleged they did not formally renounce their previous nationalities, potentially violating the country’s constitution. “NFF has done the needful,” a member of the federation’s executive board told PUNCH Online. “Their constitution does not allow dual citizenship, and about six to nine players had that status during the play-off. That is the loophole we are exploring. Our lawyers must have submitted the relevant documents to FIFA as well.” NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi also confirmed the federation’s challenge, saying, “We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality. Some of the players have European passports—French, Dutch, or others. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition. “FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared,” he added. “But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s domestic regulations; FIFA acts based on what is submitted. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.” The development has renewed hopes for Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, following their failure to reach the 2022 edition in Qatar. DR Congo has made a single FIFA World Cup appearance, in 1974, when the country was known as Zaire.

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Ebenezer Akinsanmiro Reveals How He Quit Football For Barbing Before Super Eagles Call-Up

Wale busari04 mins

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro’s road to the Super Eagles has been anything but straightforward, with the midfielder revealing that he once abandoned football entirely to learn barbing before finding his way back to the game. The young midfielder is among the new names included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His career began in the Nigeria Premier Football League with Remo Stars, where his performances later earned him a move abroad. He is currently on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan. Speaking to Super Eagles media, Akinsanmiro explained that football was part of his life from an early age, largely due to family influence. “Well, daddy inspired me a lot, he was once a footballer, and my two brothers too. They were footballers too. I took a lot of interest in the game while watching them play.” Despite that strong foundation, he admitted that there was a period when he walked away from the sport to focus on another profession. “Then, there was a time I took a break from football to learn barbing. I’m a professional barber too. I must thank my father and brothers for their support.” The Super Eagles invitation, however, came as a major surprise to him, especially after missing out on a previous chance due to injury. “I was not expecting it to be honest, the first time I was contacted was during the World Cup qualifiers, but I was injured and couldn’t make it.” He described the emotional moment he received the latest call-up, calling it the fulfillment of a long-held dream. “So, when this invitation came, I called someone close to me. I was actually shedding tears because it was a dream come true for me.” Akinsanmiro also reflected on his struggles with Nigeria’s youth teams and the doubts that followed. “I have been trying to play for the national team, from U-17 to U-20. Then, I felt maybe I was not good enough. I told myself I will keep pushing and doing my possible best, may be one day the invitation will come.” That perseverance has now paid off, as the midfielder prepares to take the next step of his career on the continental stage with the Super Eagles.

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Manchester United Blow Late Lead As Bournemouth Snatch Dramatic 4-4 Draw

Wale busari04 mins

From near-total control to chaos in minutes, Manchester United saw late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha seemingly secure a 4-3 win, only for Bournemouth to snatch a dramatic third equaliser through substitute Eli Kroupi, leaving the points shared in a 4-4 Premier League thriller. Fernandes curled a perfect free-kick into the net in the 77th minute, and Cunha capitalised just two minutes later after Benjamin Sesko’s cross deflected off Adrien Truffert. Before these strikes, United looked headed for a grim festive mood with another potential defeat. Despite Kroupi’s intervention, the result capped a run of just one loss in 10 games, highlighting United’s attacking prowess under Ruben Amorim, though defensive frailties remain glaring. Twelve minutes in, United sprang to life. Amad Diallo initiated and finished a move, starting from the right, passing to Casemiro, then Diogo Dalot on the left. Dalot’s diagonal cross found Cunha, whose header initially missed but ricocheted off Djordje Petrovic, leaving the goalkeeper no chance as Cunha nodded home. United’s early dominance included a sharp Cunha-to-Diallo pass leading to a Fernandes effort, two corners, and various blocked shots from Casemiro and Cunha. Scoring is no longer a problem for United; defending is. A high throw from Antoine Semenyo demanded Casemiro’s aerial intervention, and Marcus Tavernier’s close-range header was blocked by Senne Lammens. Amorim’s tactical setup drew attention, with speculation over a back four during warm-ups, though the team deployed five at the back when defending, shifting to four when attacking. Diallo impressed before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, his runs only partly stopped by Adam Smith. Cunha then delivered a no-look cross that nearly led to a Bryan Mbeumo volley. Yet United, despite dominating, conceded. Kluivert bullied Luke Shaw down the left, feeding Semenyo, who ran 40 yards to score past Lammens. Tensions flared in a Dalot-Semenyo clash, both players booked. Before halftime, Fernandes’ corner was headed in by Casemiro, restoring parity. Bournemouth struck again through defensive lapses by Yoro and Heaven and a precise Tavernier pass, allowing Evanilson to score. Further errors, including a free-kick drilled past a static United wall with Cunha and Fernandes beside it, highlighted defensive shortcomings. Amorim’s attempt to regain control saw the introduction of Kobbie Mainoo for Casemiro on the hour, energising United’s attack with threats from Mbeumo, Mount, Cunha, and Fernandes. Sesko also came on, though opportunities went begging, culminating in a frantic finish. United’s attacking flair shines, but defensive solidity remains elusive, a problem Amorim’s system has yet to resolve.

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Morocco 2025: Super Eagles Battle Pharaohs in Cairo Friendly

Wale busari05 mins

Three-time winners Nigeria and seven-time champions Egypt will be at each other’s jugular at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday evening, in a friendly match meant to prepare both teams for their campaigns at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals kicking off in Morocco on Sunday. Both teams will have the opportunity to test a clutch of newbies, with Nigeria manager Eric Sékou Chelle able to field the likes of goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and forwards Paul Onuachu and Salim Fago Lawal, if he so desires. Pharaohs’ Coach Hossam Hassan, himself an AFCON legend, scored seven goals as Egypt won the 1998 edition of the championship in Burkina Faso, finishing as joint top scorer with South Africa’s Benni McCarthy, whose team ended up with the silver medals. Hassan will most probably weave his gameplan for the friendly match and the AFCON tournament itself around Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah, who, despite a hefty trophy shelf, is looking for his first AFCON title. There will also be Manchester City of England’s Omar Marmoush, Al Ahly’s Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Emam Ashour and Mahmoud Trezeguet. There are also CAF Champions League holders Pyramids’ Mohamed Hamdy and Mostafa Fathi, and UAE-based Ibrahim Adel, as well as Mostafa Mohamed of FC Nantes in France. Chelle is most likely to set his store by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. The match will kick off at 8pm Egypt time (7pm Nigeria time). As of Monday afternoon, 17 of the 28 players in Nigeria’s final list were in Cairo, with more players expected to arrive before Monday evening’s training session. The Super Eagles will depart Cairo for the Moroccan city of Fés aboard a chartered flight on Thursday. Nigeria’s campaign for a fourth continental crown (following triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013), is already themed NAIJA 4 THE WIN, and rolls off the ground on Tuesday, 23rd December with a clash against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, in a repeat of the opening match of the 1980 finals that Nigeria hosted and won. The Eagles will then clash with 2004 hosts and winners Tunisia on Saturday, 27th December, before their final Group C encounter against Uganda’s Cranes on Tuesday, 30th December. All of Nigeria’s group phase matches hold at the Complexe Sportif de Fés. The Pharaohs, who are the only country to have achieved three consecutive triumphs (2006-2010), have to negotiate things with 1996 hosts and winners South Africa, as well as Angola and Zimbabwe in Group B. Their matches will take place at the Stade d’Agadir in the city of Agadir.

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Ike Ibeabuchi Challenges Usyk in 2026 Showdown

Fola Badmus04 mins

Ike Ibeabuchi is back in the heavyweight scene and has publicly challenged Oleksandr Usyk to a fight in Kyiv in 2026. Speaking in the Ukrainian capital, the 52-year-old Nigerian stated, “You are the Undisputed Champion. You are Ukraine’s champion. Fight me here in Kyiv in 2026.” Ibeabuchi is scheduled to fight Kabiru Towolawi on December 24, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria, on Prizefighting.tv PPV. He said the bout will prove whether his knockout power remains intact. “The world wants to see if the old fire is truly back. When I defeat Kabiru, I will have proven my claim to your titles, Usyk,” he explained. “I have done my part, I have shaken off the rust of two decades. Now, I call on the only man who matters: You speak of fighting for your people. I offer you a chance to do just that: Defend your titles, defend your country.” He emphasized that the location of a potential fight with Usyk is irrelevant. “It does not matter if the fight is in Ukraine, or the UK, or Nigeria, or the US. My knockout power is the same. My power has a visa that allows it to travel worldwide.” Ibeabuchi added a historical comparison to illustrate his confidence: “I will knock you out, Usyk, just like George Foreman knocked out Michael Moorer! I will get the titles that are rightfully mine and become the oldest heavyweight champion in history!” Known as “The President,” Ibeabuchi highlighted the enduring power of his punches. “They say speed fades, stamina wanes, but the heavy power that is always in the locker. That is what separates a true heavyweight from the rest,” he said. He clarified that his knockout ability relies on technique rather than athleticism alone. “My power is not reliant on how fast I move or how long I last; it relies on leverage and technique. “I still have the ability to drop a locomotive. That knockout power, Usyk, is the last thing to leave, and I still carry it. “When I hit you, you will feel the 21 victories and 16 knockouts of my past, and the hunger of my future.” Ibeabuchi referenced George Foreman’s 1994 victory over Michael Moorer to demonstrate that age does not preclude knockout power. “My power travels. I will knock you out like George Foreman knocked out Moorer,” he said.  

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Manchester City Beat Crystal Palace 3–0 As Haaland And Foden Shine

Wale busari02 mins

Manchester City secured a 3–0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, though the scoreline belied the intensity of the home side’s performance. Crystal Palace controlled large periods of the match and came close to taking the lead on several occasions, with Adam Wharton and Yeremy Pino both hitting the woodwork. Their inability to convert chances, however, allowed City to strike first just before halftime. Matheus Nunes delivered a precise cross into the box, and Erling Haaland rose to head the ball past the goalkeeper, punishing Palace for their missed opportunities. After the break, Palace continued to press, but City’s defensive composure and game management kept them at bay. In the 68th minute, Phil Foden doubled City’s lead, finishing calmly from outside the box following a slick passing move involving Rayan Cherki. Palace’s hope of a comeback ended late in the game when substitute Savinho was brought down by goalkeeper Dean Henderson, resulting in a penalty. Haaland stepped up and converted confidently, sending Henderson the wrong way to score his second of the night and seal the win. Despite the defeat, Palace can take encouragement from their performance, having matched City for long spells. Yet, once again, Manchester City’s ruthlessness in front of goal highlighted why they remain a dominant force in the Premier League. The win strengthens City’s position at the top of the table, while Palace are left to rue their missed opportunities.

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The Best FIFA Football Awards Winners to Emerge on Tuesday

Fola Badmus03 mins

The winners of The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025 will be revealed at a special event in Doha, Qatar, that will be broadcast live on FIFA.com on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 from 20:00 local time (18:00 CET). On the eve of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 final between Paris Saint-Germain and CR Flamengo at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, the world’s best players and coaches for 2025 will be revealed during the FIFA Celebration 2025 Dinner at Fairmont Katara Hall in Doha. Before that, the best fans, goalkeepers and goals will be announced in digital videos on FIFA platforms and across social media, along with the winner of the FIFA Fair Play Award. The gala dinner will be attended by 800 guests, including the FIFA President, FIFA Council members, FIFA Legends, Member Association representatives from around the world, and other local and regional ambassadors and trailblazers of the beautiful game. As ever, fans have played a key role in choosing the winners by casting over 16 million votes and having a say in the destiny of multiple awards, including The Best FIFA Women’s Player, The Best FIFA Men’s Player, The Best FIFA Women’s Coach, The Best FIFA Men’s Coach, The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper and The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper. All of these award winners have been decided by an equally weighted voting system between fans, the current captains and coaches of all women’s and men’s national teams, and media representatives. In addition, fans have also participated in the vote for The Best FIFA Women’s 11 and The Best FIFA Men’s 11. Voting for the FIFA Marta Award and the FIFA Puskás Award – for the best goals in women’s and men’s football – has been split equally between fans and a panel of FIFA Legends, while the winner of the FIFA Fan Award has been chosen entirely by fans, and the recipient of the FIFA Fair Play Award has been selected by an expert panel.

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John Cena Retires From WWE

Fola Badmus02 mins

WWE legend John Cena officially bid farewell to his illustrious wrestling career at the Saturday Night Live event in Washington, DC. 17-time world champion John Cena faced Austrian star wrestler Gunther in his final match. The match, which took place in a packed stadium, was thrilling from the start. The two wrestlers fought fiercely and evenly, and at one point, the match seemed to be going in John Cena’s favour. However, John Cena could not save himself from Gunther’s continuous and hard sleeper hold and was surprisingly tapped out, leaving the fans in the stadium disappointed and surprised. After the match, John Cena symbolically placed his shoes, armbands, and wristbands in the ring, which is considered a clear sign of his retirement from wrestling. At this point, fellow wrestlers and fans around the ring stood up and paid him a heartfelt tribute. Leaving the ring for the last time, John Cena looked at the camera and addressed the fans, saying, “It has been an honor to serve you all these years, thank you all.”

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