Anthony Joshua’s Lagos–Ibadan Crash Puts £100m Tyson Fury Fight in Doubt

Monday’s Lagos–Ibadan Expressway crash has cast doubt over British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua’s highly anticipated £100m fight with Tyson Fury next year. Joshua was rescued alive from the wrecked SUV, but two of his close friends traveling with him tragically lost their lives in the accident. Reports indicate that the former heavyweight champion may have sustained more serious injuries than initially reported, including possible damage to his knee and ribs, leaving his participation in the mega-fight uncertain. Social media footage showing Joshua in pain as he was carried from the mangled vehicle has intensified concerns over his readiness for the blockbuster bout.

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Lazio Coach Maurizio Sarri Undergoes Successful Heart Surgery

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri has successfully undergone heart surgery after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the club has confirmed. The 66-year-old underwent a catheter ablation procedure in Rome on Monday to treat the irregular heartbeat, a condition that can increase the risk of stroke. Sarri is expected to return to his coaching duties in the coming days, with assistant coach Marco Ianni overseeing training in his absence. Lazio said the operation, performed by Professor Andrea Natale and attended by club doctor Italo Leo, was “carried out with a positive outcome.” Sarri, who managed Lazio between March 2021 and June 2024, returned for a second spell in June. He could be back in the dugout when Lazio host Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

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Super Falcons Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie Loses Brother

Chiamaka Nnadozie has announced the death of her brother, sharing the painful news with fans on social media on Monday. The Super Falcons goalkeeper posted a heartfelt message on Instagram alongside videos from the CAF Awards in Morocco, where her brother was seen holding her Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year trophy with pride. “Forever in my heart, big brother. Your laughter echoes in my soul. The bond we shared can’t be broken by time or distance. Your spirit guides us. Losing you is a pain like no other, but I’ll honour your life by living mine with courage. “Every star holds your light; every memory, a treasure. My rock, my friend, my guide. Rest easy, my brother,” Nnadozie wrote. Her post immediately drew an outpouring of sympathy from teammates, supporters and football stakeholders across social media. Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie shared her support, writing, “May God be with you and your whole family.” The Super Falcons Show also sent condolences, saying, “With heavy hearts, we extend our deepest sympathies to Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, following the loss of her brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chiamaka and her family. “May they find strength, comfort and peace in this moment of profound grief.” Another tribute came from John Zacheus, who wrote, “May his soul rest in peace.” The loss has brought deep sorrow to a year that has otherwise been filled with major milestones for the goalkeeper. In 2025, Nnadozie left Paris FC to begin a new chapter with Brighton Women in England, quickly establishing herself as a key figure at the club. She also claimed her third straight CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award and received nominations for The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper prize, as well as the International Federation of Football History and Statistics Women’s World Best Goalkeeper award, marking one of the most successful seasons of her career despite the personal tragedy.

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Anthony Joshua Hospitalised After Fatal Crash

Anthony Joshua has been hospitalised after sustaining ‘minor injuries ‘ in a deadly car accident in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of two individuals, shortly after 11am on Monday morning. Reports suggest that the ex-heavyweight champion was in a Lexus Jeep when it collided with a stationary lorry on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in southwest Nigeria. The Daily Star’s sister paper the Daily Mirror reached out to Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, who is currently holidaying in the Caribbean and had just learned about the accident. Hearn believes Joshua to be alright and is en route to the hospital, but could not provide any additional details. Ogun State Police Command confirmed Joshua and other injured people have been taken to “an undisclosed hospital”. They also confirmed two individual’s had been killed as a result of the crash. Horrifying images of the aftermath were shared on social media, including Joshua, who was not wearing a top, in his Lexus Jeep looking dazed. According to local reports, four people were inside the Lexus at the time, while his security followed in a separate vehicle. Reports add that rescue efforts began immediately, with eyewitnesses flagging down passing motorists to assist. And local outlets added that officers from the Nigerian Federal Road Safety Corps arrived within minutes to secure the area. Footage, which was shared on social media, appears to show Joshua being helped out of the car before he is offered aid by bystanders who were quick to the scene to help. Joshua was then filmed wincing in pain before he was seen speaking to officials. The camera then pans in the horrifying clip, which goes on to show the wreckage and images of the victims of the crash on the ground. Joshua, who has family roots in Sagamu, a town in Ogun State, was in Nigeria after he defeated Jake Paul in their lucrative heavyweight match earlier this month.

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Morocco 2025: Eagles Dread Difficult Customers, Cranes of Uganda

Nigeria and Uganda clash on Tuesday evening in a match tendered on different perspectives for both teams as three-time champions Nigeria conclude their group phase account at the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.   The Cranes, eternal difficult jobs for the Super Eagles since their first meeting in an AFCON semi-final duel in Kumasi 47 years ago, need a win to stand any chance of enjoying the cold climate of Morocco beyond Tuesday evening, while the Super Eagles, already qualified for the Round of 16 no matter the tremor anywhere on the park, need a draw simply to assure top-table finish in Group C.   Veteran goal-tender Denis Onyango and team-mates have themselves to blame for being stuck on one point to the final day of the group phase. After the expected manhandling by Tunisia, and falling behind to Tanzania in their second match, Nigeria-descent Uche Ikpeazu rose from the bench to give them an equalizer against the Taifa Stars. The game fell into their hands to pick up the three points, but Allan Okelo blasted the ball away from goal from a penalty kick.   The only route left for them is to put a sword through the Eagles. With the Nigerians intent on sustaining a winning mentality, determined to maintain their great form and put fear into the hearts of other possible contenders for the trophy, that is unlikely to happen.   Nigeria’s prolific goalscorer Victor Osimhen has netted only once in this tournament, but the man who succeeded him as Africa Player of the Year (and who teamed up with him to create a Super Eagles’ terror attack at the last competition in Cote d’Ivoire), Ademola Lookman, has again opted to take Africa’s biggest football championship by storm.   Lookman has netted two goals this term (adding to his three from the 2023 finals), and has made two assists (adding to one from last term). He looks like a man-on-a-mission. His goals have been unstoppable left-footed missiles.   Another big hurdle the Cranes will have to deal with is that Osimhen, now on 32 goals in 48 matches for Nigeria, is committed to presenting himself a special birthday gift, having turned 27 on Monday. Such a man (and being Osimhen in this case) will be difficult to contain.   In addition, Nigeria’s midfield has come into its own, with Wilfred Ndidi playing a true captain’s game in the Eagles’ first two matches, and Alex Iwobi simply magnificent. Frank Onyeka reminded all of his abilities when he starred against the Tunisians, and there are still Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi yet to be tested.   Nigeria is the country with the most appearances in the AFCON knockout rounds in history, having done so here for the 19th time, and the victory over Tunisia was the Eagles’ 35th group-stage win in the history of the competition. Nigeria have lost only one of their last 16 AFCON group-stage games – defeat to Madagascar in Egypt after they already qualified for the Round of 16.   Uganda will look to the history of contests between both nations and be hopeful.   In eight previous encounters, the Cranes have lost only twice, winning four times, with the other two games ending in a draw. Five of the matches have been competitive, and Ugandans cannot forget how their star forward Philip Omondi scored the winner to ensure a 2-1 defeat for Nigeria in the 1978 AFCON semi-finals. Uganda have won two of the three international friendly matches, with the other ending in a draw.   Uganda have progressed beyond the AFCON group stage only twice previously, in 1978 in Ghana and 2019 in Egypt.   Ikpeazu will probably start as Belgian tactician Paul Put throws his aces up from the get-go. There are also James Bogere, who earned the Cranes a second penalty against Tanzania, Okello and Denis Omedi, who scored against Tunisia and assisted the equalizer against Tanzania on Sunday.   Nigeria, now on 149 goals in 106 AFCON matches, will aim for a milestone 150th goal, and more, when the game commences at the Complexe Sportif de Fès at 5pm on Tuesday.   At his pre-match press briefing on Monday, Coach Eric Chelle said: “The competition is not only for the starting 11; everybody deserves a chance to play and show what they can offer the team. Sometimes a player who makes a cameo appearance can change the outcome of games and even win a tournament. For me, I want to present the best team every time.”   Captain Ndidi: “The atmosphere in the team is good. Everyone is excited and confident, but the previous games are in the past. The focus is one the next game.”   SUPER EAGLES, CRANES IN HISTORY   14 Mar 1978: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCON semi: Kumasi) 26 Sep 1981: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Lagos) 29 Aug 1992: Nigeria 2-0 Uganda (AFCONq: Lagos) 17 Jul 1993: Uganda 0-0 Nigeria (AFCONq: Kampala) 24 Mar 2007: Nigeria 1-0 Uganda (AFCONq: Abeokuta) 02 Jun 2007: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCONq: Kampala) 25 Mar 2015: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Uyo) 20 Nov 2018: Nigeria 0-0 Uganda (Friendly: Asaba)  

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Mentality, Resilience, and Redemption: Harry Maguire Reflects On His Man United Journey Ahead of 2025 Finale

In a revealing interview ahead of Manchester United’s final match of 2025, Harry Maguire opens up about the “sink or swim” mentality required to survive at Old Trafford and his winning heroics at Anfield this season. Stream the clash between United and Wolves live tomorrow night at 22:15 on Showmax Premier League.     29 December 2025- As Manchester United prepare to walk out at Old Trafford for their final fixture of 2025 against Wolves tomorrow night, centre-back Harry Maguire has opened up about the “sink or swim” reality of life at the world’s most scrutinised club.     In a deep-dive interview, Maguire speaks candidly about his six-year journey—a path marked by heavy responsibility, tactical shifts, and a hard-earned “redemption” that has defined his current campaign.     The Final Hurdle of 2025: “We Have the Foundations” With United facing Wolves tomorrow, 30 December, at 22:15, the focus is firmly on ending the year with momentum. Maguire believes the team has found its footing after a turbulent period. “I do feel like we’ve got the foundations now to go and have a successful season, and it’s up to us to go and do it now,” Maguire says of the current squad. “Since Ruben [Amorim] came in, I’ve always thought he is an excellent manager and he just needed things to click.” “I still think there are games this season where we’ve let ourselves down a little bit; I believe we should have more points than what we’ve got at the moment. However, we’re not in a terrible position, and I see it going in a good direction—in the right direction.”     The Scrutiny of a Giant: “Sink or Swim” Reflecting on his time at the club, Maguire notes that the intensity of the Premier League is magnified tenfold at Manchester United. “You quickly realise things can turn real quickly when you’re at this club,” he admits. “You obviously know it’s a big club, but you don’t understand how big the analysis and the scrutiny is on everything you do.” “Every tackle, every misplaced pass seems to be analysed. I’ve been really good at ignoring all that, whether it’s good or bad.” “You need to handle the defeats well, but you also need to handle the victories well, because you can get pushed up really high, as if you’re one of the best players in the world, and you know what’s going to happen—they’re going to try and knock you back down.”     The Captaincy and the Hardest Days Maguire speaks with honesty about his three-year tenure as captain, particularly the dip in form during his third season following the high-profile arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, and Jadon Sancho. “The expectation was to challenge and really kick on, and it just never happened. It never clicked,” he reflects. “I was the captain, I was the face, and I faced the media after every defeat.” “It’s tough when you feel like you’re repeating yourself to six or seven cameras, and you have to be careful what you say because it’s going to get analysed.” “I felt like during that bad period, I was always trying to look after others and I maybe took my eye off myself in terms of my own performances. That’s probably where the dip came in.”     The Amorim Era and “The Anfield Moment” A major highlight of this season was Maguire’s winner at Anfield—a goal that secured his place in United folklore. “If that happened five or six years ago, I wasn’t experienced enough to realise how big the moment was,” Maguire says. “But for it to happen this season, when I’m experienced and I know how much it means… it’s a special moment.” “I scored the header, and I didn’t know where I was in the stadium—I ended up running to the [Liverpool] fans instead of our fans. For us to stay resilient and show that spirit… I don’t think I’ll ever forget that one.” On the current manager, Maguire is equally full of praise. “I think Ruben’s record should be judged on this season; this is where he’s had his time to work and he’s picking his team up.” “I want to be part of this successful club, and when I see it going in the right direction, of course I want to be part of it.”     A Message to the Future Despite the highs and lows, Maguire remains unwavering in his commitment. “I’m a lot stronger mentally now. I’ve learned an awful amount about myself. My worst time wasn’t as bad as what was in my head, and the best time wasn’t as good as what was in my head. I try to remain focused and look forward.”

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BREAKING: Anthony Joshua Involved in Road Crash on Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Two Dead

World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway at Makun, Ogun State, on Monday, according to sources. Eyewitnesses and first responders reported that the vehicle carrying Joshua collided with another car under circumstances that remain unclear. Two people were confirmed dead at the scene, while Joshua sustained minor injuries and was quickly attended to by rescue teams. A witness who helped with the evacuation said emergency personnel acted swiftly to remove the injured from the wreckage. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released. The crash site has been cordoned off by traffic officials and local police as investigations continue. Officers from the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency were present to manage the scene. Social media quickly filled with messages from fans expressing concern for Joshua and condolences for the families of those killed. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Clinches Best Middle East Player 2025 At Globe Soccer Awards For Third Straight Year

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the Best Middle East Player 2025 at the Globe Soccer Awards gala in Dubai on December 28, 2025, marking his third consecutive win in the category since joining Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr. The event drew a star-studded audience of footballers, club executives, and global sports personalities. The award, part of a Globe Soccer segment recognizing players in Middle Eastern leagues, highlights Ronaldo’s status as the benchmark for excellence in the region. By winning it three years in a row, he has set an early standard for future stars in Middle Eastern football. Gala Night in Dubai Held at a luxurious venue in Dubai and broadcast globally, the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards brought together leading names from football and other sports. The evening also celebrated tennis icon Novak Djokovic, who received a Globe Sports Award for cross-sport excellence. Several European footballers and clubs were honoured in various categories, reflecting the event’s growing role in spotlighting Middle Eastern football alongside international competitions. Ronaldo’s Response: “I Still Motivate Myself to Carry On” In his acceptance speech, Ronaldo stressed that his hunger for goals and trophies remains undiminished despite his age and career longevity. “I still motivate myself to carry on, it doesn’t matter where I play, to score goals and keep going,” he said, highlighting the drive that has defined his career across Portugal, England, Spain, Italy, and now Saudi Arabia. He also reiterated his ambition to reach the milestone of 1,000 career goals. “I want to win more trophies and reach a number, and I will reach that number,” Ronaldo stated, making it clear that he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

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