Brentford Stun Liverpool 3–2 as Reds Suffer Fourth Straight League Defeat

Brentford earned a famous 3–2 victory over Liverpool on Saturday evening, condemning Arne Slot’s side to their fourth consecutive Premier League defeat — matching their total number of losses from the entirety of last season. In a pulsating contest at the Gtech Community Stadium, the Bees dominated much of the match, showing energy and precision that left the visitors repeatedly exposed. Liverpool’s defensive frailties were on full display as they conceded 17 shots, their highest tally of the season. Brentford took control early, and despite a late Liverpool fightback deep into added time, the hosts held firm to secure a well-deserved win. The result sparked jubilant celebrations among home supporters, who rose to their feet for a standing ovation as “Hey Jude” echoed around the ground. Sky Sports reporter Patrick Rowe described the atmosphere as “electric,” adding that the home side were “fantastic from start to finish.” He praised manager Keith Andrews, suggesting that something “special” might be building at Brentford after back-to-back wins over Liverpool and West Ham. Liverpool, meanwhile, continue to struggle under Slot’s leadership. Analyst Zinny Boswell called the performance “remarkable in its decline,” saying: “They just weren’t at the races today. The changes over the summer haven’t worked yet — this doesn’t look like the same team as last season.” In one of the more puzzling tactical moves of the evening, Slot substituted £100 million signing Florian Wirtz for defender Joe Gomez while trailing 3–1, a change that drew criticism from fans and pundits alike. Referee Simon Hooper was replaced at half-time due to an injury, adding to the drama of the evening, but it did little to disrupt Brentford’s momentum. Free match highlights of the game will be available shortly on Sky Sports’ platforms, covering every key moment from one of the most thrilling Premier League fixtures of the season so far.

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Mbeumo Scores Twice As Manchester United Defeat Brighton 4–2 At Old Trafford

Mbeumo Scores Twice As Manchester United Defeat Brighton 4–2 At Old Trafford

Bryan Mbeumo scored twice as Manchester United battled past Brighton 4–2 at Old Trafford, securing their third straight Premier League victory and climbing to fourth in the table — their best run since February 2024. United looked comfortable for most of the match, storming to a three-goal lead through Matheus Cunha, Casemiro, and Mbeumo before surviving a nervy finish. Cunha opened the scoring with a sharp low strike from the edge of the box, ending his 16-game goal drought and marking his first goal for the club. Casemiro soon doubled the lead in fortunate fashion when his effort deflected off Yasin Ayari, wrong-footing Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Mbeumo made it 3–0 on the hour mark, finishing coolly from close range after neat buildup play involving Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Šeško. But the visitors came roaring back late on. Former United striker Danny Welbeck curled in a stunning free-kick with 16 minutes remaining, before Charalampos Kostoulas headed home in stoppage time to set up a tense finale. Just when it seemed Brighton might complete an unlikely comeback, Mbeumo struck again in the dying moments — rifling the ball into the roof of the net to seal the points and ease the home fans’ nerves. The win continued Manchester United’s resurgence under Ruben Amorim, who has guided his team from a rocky spell into top-four contention. With confidence returning and key players finding form, United appear to have rediscovered their spark ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.

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FIFA Under Fire For Displaying Incomplete Nigerian Stadium Built With Its Development Funds

FIFA Under Fire For Displaying Incomplete Nigerian Stadium Built With Its Development Funds

FIFA has drawn widespread criticism after updating its official X (Twitter) header image to display a poorly constructed stadium in Nigeria — one allegedly built with its development funds but missing key features such as stands and seating areas. The image, which quickly went viral, shows a bare field with little to no infrastructure, sparking outrage among Nigerians who described it as a symbol of mismanagement in the nation’s football administration. The stadium, inaugurated in 2023, was financed through FIFA’s Forward Programme, a global initiative that provides funding for football infrastructure and youth development. Nigeria reportedly received $10 million under the program in 2020 to support such projects. However, the facility’s poor state has raised serious questions about how the funds were used. Many critics accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of corruption and negligence, while others questioned FIFA’s oversight of its own funded projects. Online users debated whether FIFA’s use of the image was a mistake or a subtle statement highlighting accountability issues within Nigerian football. The NFF has repeatedly denied allegations of fund mismanagement, insisting that all money received from FIFA and CAF is dedicated to approved, transparent projects. Meanwhile, former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha has announced his candidacy for NFF president, promising reforms and integrity in football governance. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau also addressed public concern over the declining standard of Nigeria’s youth teams, assuring that new initiatives are being designed to revive grassroots football and restore the country’s footballing pride. FIFA’s controversial choice of image has since ignited intense online debate, renewing calls for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s football sector.

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Sunderland Stun Chelsea With Late Winner At Stamford Bridge

Sunderland Stun Chelsea With Late Winner At Stamford Bridge

Chelsea suffered a shocking 2–1 home defeat to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 25, 2025 — a result that stunned fans and handed the newly promoted side one of their biggest Premier League victories in years. The Blues started brightly, taking an early lead in the 4th minute through Alejandro Garnacho, who calmly slotted home after a clever build-up play. However, their momentum didn’t last long. Sunderland equalized midway through the first half when Wilson Isidor pounced on a long throw to make it 1–1. Despite dominating possession — with nearly 70% control of the ball — and creating several clear chances, Chelsea failed to find a breakthrough. Sunderland’s resilience paid off deep into stoppage time, as Chemsdine Talbi struck a dramatic winner in the 93rd minute, silencing the home crowd and sealing a memorable victory for the visitors. Statistically, Chelsea were superior: 16 total shots to Sunderland’s 10, and nine corners compared to just one for the visitors. But wasteful finishing and late defensive lapses proved costly. The defeat marked Sunderland’s first win at Stamford Bridge since 2014 and a major statement of intent for the newly promoted club, who continue to defy expectations this season. For Chelsea, it was a painful setback in their quest for a top-four finish — a reminder that possession means little without precision or composure in key moments. Sunderland’s disciplined defending and fearless counter-attacks earned them all three points, while Chelsea’s struggles to convert dominance into results will likely raise fresh questions about consistency and focus within the squad.

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NFF: Monies received from FIFA & CAF are for specific purposes, and audited in every cycle

The Nigeria Football Federation finds it expedient to reiterate that the monies it receives from world football-governing body, FIFA and the continental governing body, CAF, like other Federations, are usually tied to specific purposes and not gifts to the Federations. The NFF said on Friday that this fresh clarification has become necessary in view of misinformation by some fellows on social media that the Federation ‘collects’ millions of dollars from FIFA on an annual basis, as if such monies were gifts to the Federation. The country’s football-governing body explained that every money received from FIFA or CAF is tied to a specific purpose, and both FIFA and CAF send their auditors to audit the accounts in which the monies are received at the end of every year. The NFF also explained that monies meant for development purposes are usually tied to specific projects and programmes, while the FIFA Forward monies are also properly specified and under strict adherence to financial regulations, compliance, monitoring and auditing at every stage of the project or program. FIFA Forward projects, such as the ongoing NFF/FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium, are subjected to strict controls, monitored and verified at every stage of the work. Every stage is verified, assessed and sanctioned before further monies are released to the FIFA-approved consultants, to whom the monies are paid directly. The Federation called out the mischief of the individual reeling out fictitious figures on social media, saying he would find no reason to seek clout if he has an idea of how much it costs to organize a single match of any of the National Teams. The NFF is a disciplined organization that operates prudent and strict financial protocols that are within global financial best practices. The body has regularly presented its audited account, prepared by our auditors, PriceWaterhouseCoopers (known for its global credibility and integrity) on the floor of the Congress at every Annual General Assembly.

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2026 WAFCON Race: Ihezuo, Okoronkwo Earn Falcons Win Over Bénin’s Amazons

Forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo aand Esther Okoronkwo scored first-half goals to give reigning African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons a 2-0 win over their Bénin Republic counterparts in the first leg of their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, first leg in Lome, Togo. ‎ ‎   The Super Falcons started strongly with Rasheedat Ajibade’s 6th minute lob over the Amazons’ goalkeeper Ogoun which was denied by the woodwork, while Folashade Ijamilusi’s strike two minutes later was parried away by Ogoun. ‎ ‎The Beninise couldn’t hold on tight to their low block game plan as Deborah Abiodun weaved open a congested midfield with a pass to Chiwendu Ihezuo who excellently put the ball beyond the reach of the Beninise goalkeeper to give Nigeria the lead in the 23rd minute. ‎   ‎With the Super Falcons enjoying long spells of possession, dominating every department of the game, the Amazons had their first sight of Nigerian goal in the 36th minute when Moumouni connected to a pass on the byline and managed to get past Osinachi Ohale to strike at goal, only to be denied by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. ‎ ‎   Deborah Abiodun was, once more, in her elements as she picked out Esther Okoronkwo with a defence-splitting pass, with the latter slotting home to double the lead for Nigeria before the stroke of halftime. The Super Falcons were lucky not to concede in the closing stages of the first half, as Moumouni’s shot against the run of play struck the frame of the post to end the half 2-0 in favour of Nigeria. ‎ ‎   The second half proved tough for both teams following tactical adjustments and a number of substitutions. However, Nigeria soaked the pressure better, containing the pace of the Amazon wingers who stepped up with high intensity in their search for goals. ‎ ‎An in-swinger in the 90th minute unsettled the Nigerian defence, leaving Sadikou with a chance to head into the net but her effort was denied by Nnadozie.‎   ‎The scoreline gives Nigeria the advantage ahead of the return leg billed for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta on Tuesday. ‎

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NBA Gambling Arrests Stun League, Expose Mafia Links: What to Know

A massive gambling scandal has rocked the National Basketball Association (NBA), leading to the arrests of 34 individuals — including Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former Cleveland Cavaliers player Damon Jones. Federal authorities say the arrests stem from two wide-ranging indictments that expose deep links between professional basketball figures and New York’s organised crime families. The FBI and the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York described the scheme as a “multi-million-dollar cheating conspiracy” involving both illegal sports betting and poker fraud. The scandal comes just as the NBA celebrated the start of a new season and the signing of an $76 billion broadcast deal over 11 years, adding to the shockwaves reverberating through the sport. The Sports Betting SchemeAccording to prosecutors, Terry Rozier and others exploited insider knowledge about player injuries and game absences to place strategic bets on NBA outcomes. The indictment outlines seven games between 2023 and 2024 where hundreds of thousands of dollars were wagered illegally. Authorities allege Rozier used confidential player information — often obtained through personal relationships — to ensure bets would pay off. Interim US Attorney Joseph Nocella said the defendants “misused their access and friendships within the league to corrupt the integrity of professional basketball.” Rozier’s lawyer, however, denies all allegations, insisting his client will contest the charges in court. The Poker-Cheating OperationThe second indictment details a high-stakes poker ring tied to New York’s powerful mafia groups — including the Bonanno, Gambino, Lucchese, and Genovese crime families. Prosecutors claim games were rigged using X-ray poker tables and fake shuffling machines, allowing participants to cheat unsuspecting victims out of more than $7 million. Chauncey Billups was allegedly used as a “face card,” or celebrity lure, to attract wealthy players to the fraudulent poker games. Former player Damon Jones is accused of both supplying insider betting information and helping coordinate poker events. Organised Crime LinksAuthorities say the operation was backed by members of La Cosa Nostra — the long-established Italian-American mafia network. Thirteen associates of the Five Families have also been charged for roles in extortion, money laundering, and facilitating the games. Who’s Involved? Chauncey Billups: Accused of serving as a public draw for the poker ring and participating in multiple games. Terry Rozier: Allegedly provided injury and lineup details for betting schemes. Damon Jones: Accused of insider information leaks and acting as a recruiter for poker games. Fallout for the NBAThe revelations have sparked widespread outrage among fans and players, raising questions about the NBA’s integrity and its handling of sports betting partnerships. League officials have not yet issued formal statements, though sources say internal investigations are underway. The scandal marks one of the most damaging moments in modern US sports history — intertwining professional basketball, organised crime, and gambling in a case that federal agents say “reads like a Hollywood screenplay — but with real victims, real money, and real consequences.”

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Lionel Messi Extends Inter Miami Contract Through 2028

Lionel Messi Extends Inter Miami Contract Through 2028

Lionel Messi will remain with Inter Miami through the 2028 MLS season after signing a contract extension, the club announced Thursday. Messi shared the news on social media with a video of him signing the deal at the club’s new Freedom Park stadium, still under construction, captioned: “He’s Home.” “It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi, 38, said. “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.” Co-owner David Beckham praised Messi’s dedication, saying: “He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win. To have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done so much to inspire the next generation in this country, we feel very lucky.” Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after an unsettled period at Paris Saint-Germain, having spent most of his career at Barcelona, where he won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies. Internationally, he led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and has scored 114 international goals, along with two Copa America wins in 2021 and 2024. The extension ensures Messi will continue playing well beyond the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He could appear in a sixth World Cup, potentially setting a record, and is three goals shy of Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record. Argentina qualified comfortably for the 2026 tournament, with Messi finishing as South America’s top scorer with eight goals. In MLS, Messi has continued to shine, earning 2024 MVP honors, becoming the fastest player to reach 40 MLS goals in 2025, and leading Inter Miami back into the playoffs this season. He capped the regular season with a hat-trick in a 5-2 victory over Nashville SC, finishing with 29 goals in 28 matches to claim the MLS Golden Boot.

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