Brian Brobbey’s Late Goal Secures Dramatic 2-2 Draw Between Sunderland and Arsenal

Brian Brobbey’s stoppage-time goal salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw for Sunderland against Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland had taken an early lead through Daniel Ballard, who capitalized on a free-kick from Robin Roefs to head past David Raya, ending Arsenal’s remarkable 812-minute run without conceding. The goal highlighted Sunderland’s status as one of the surprise packages of the season and sent the home crowd into raptures. Arsenal responded in the second half, showing the composure expected of title contenders. Declan Rice intercepted a loose touch from Enzo Le Fee and played the ball to Bukayo Saka, who fired past Roefs to level the score. Martin Zubimendi then struck the crossbar, while Leandro Trossard appeared to secure the lead with a thunderous shot from outside the area that rippled the net. However, Brobbey had other ideas. In the 94th minute, he pounced to fire home and snatch a point for Regis Le Bris’ side. Sunderland also had a near miss at the other end, with Ballard making a crucial challenge to deny Mikel Merino a potential winner. The result maintains Arsenal’s seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League but sees Sunderland rise to third, setting up an exciting showdown ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Liverpool on Super Sunday.

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De Ligt’s Late Header Earns United 2-2 Draw At Tottenham

Matthijs de Ligt’s 96th-minute header rescued Manchester United from defeat, cancelling out what had looked like a stoppage-time winner from Richarlison as Tottenham Hotspur and United battled to a dramatic 2-2 draw in north London on Saturday night. The pulsating clash — a rematch of last season’s Europa League final — appeared to be heading the way of Ruben Amorim’s resurgent United after Bryan Mbeumo gave them a first-half lead, only for late drama on both ends to leave the spoils shared. Mbeumo struck against his former manager Thomas Frank in the 32nd minute, heading home after Amad Diallo created the opening. The goal silenced the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and drew boos from home fans at the break, with Spurs having managed just three league wins at home in 2025. Tottenham showed more fight in the second half, though, as substitutes Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel combined to level the match in the 84th minute — Tel hammering home a fierce finish after Odobert’s cross. When Richarlison deflected in Odobert’s shot in the first minute of added time, Frank appeared on course for a much-needed home victory in his fifth month in charge. But United refused to give up. With virtually the final action of the game, Bruno Fernandes swung in a precise corner and De Ligt rose highest, powering a header past Guglielmo Vicario to snatch a point for the visitors and stretch their unbeaten run under Amorim to five games. Both sides had seven players remaining from their Europa League meeting in Bilbao, and United — coming off a strong run of form following a rough September — started brightly. Early on, Xavi Simons carved open the United defence to find Brennan Johnson, who delivered a brilliant cross that Richarlison could only divert wide off his shoulder. Moments later, at the other end, Matheus Cunha tested Spurs’ defence but saw his effort deflected narrowly wide by Pape Sarr. United eventually made their pressure count when Sarr’s sloppy pass put Micky van de Ven in trouble. The visitors recycled the ball smartly and Amad picked out Mbeumo, who escaped Pedro Porro’s marking to nod beyond Vicario. Spurs improved after the interval, with Senne Lammens twice denying Romero and João Palhinha in quick succession. Frank’s tactical switches paid off when Odobert and Udogie combined to set up Tel’s thunderous equaliser, igniting hope of a comeback win. Even after Benjamin Sesko limped off, leaving United down to 10 men, Tottenham pressed on and thought they’d secured victory through Richarlison’s clever flick — only for De Ligt’s stoppage-time strike to flip the script once again. In a match full of momentum swings, late goals, and high drama, both teams left with reasons for frustration and relief — Spurs still searching for consistency at home, and United proving under Amorim that their fighting spirit remains intact.

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Lagos Unveils Partnership With UK Community Club on Grassroots Development

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership between the Lagos State Government and Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, setting a new benchmark for grassroots football development in Nigeria. This unprecedented collaboration marks Nigeria’s inaugural link with UK community clubs at the grassroots level, offering budding young athletes and technical officials an unparalleled pathway to international training and global exposure, fundamentally redefining how local talent is nurtured. Under this strategic collaboration, Abbey Rangers FC will work with the Lagos State Sports Commission to deliver a comprehensive grassroots development framework spanning seven key pillars. The partnership encompasses talent development, coaching capacity enhancement, sports science integration, community engagement, policy advisory support, resource mobilisation, and infrastructure optimisation. This multifaceted approach ensures that the collaboration extends beyond traditional football training to establish a sustainable sports ecosystem that addresses every dimension of athlete development, from facility access and technical education to performance analytics and career progression pathways. The collaboration will implement statewide scouting programmes in schools and communities, offering technical training, scholarships, and holistic athlete support. An innovative athlete mentorship scheme will connect professional coaches and players with emerging talent, providing guidance on discipline, skill development, and career navigation, ensuring that discovery leads to genuine developmental support. Central to the partnership is the prioritisation of athlete and human capacity development, which will strengthen coaching and technical growth through accredited certification courses, regular workshops, and international exchange opportunities for Lagos-based athletes, coaches and administrators. Speaking at the unveiling, the Director-General of LSSC, Mr Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem. According to Fatodu, “This partnership represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development. Abbey Rangers brings proven capacity in grassroots development, professional networks, and a commitment to community engagement that aligns perfectly with our vision. Through this alliance, we will create opportunities for our budding young athletes and build a knowledge bridge for coaches, administrators, and sports managers.” Fatodu further expressed profound gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to sports development. “Mr. Governor has consistently demonstrated that sport is not an afterthought but a strategic priority for youth development, community cohesion, and economic advancement”. The Chairman of Abbey Rangers Football Club, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, describing it as a meaningful opportunity to bridge cultures and expand the reach of grassroots football development. “We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative. Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football can be a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity”, he said.

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NNL Opener: All Roads Lead to Lafia for Basira, Jets Clash

FC Basira of Lafia will today in Lafia take to the pitch against Mighty Jets FC Jos in the first match of the Nigeria National League 2025/26 Season — a fixture packed with intrigue and promise. The two teams are set to launch the NNL season with this fixture after venue change: originally the opener was to be another match, but due to stadium suitability issues the Basira Vs Jets game was selected. The ‘Most Important League’ begins fully on 16th Nov, but this opener has extra spotlight, as both clubs possess character and charisma. Local supporter- interest and atmosphere are expected to be high. For FC Basira, playing at home will give them the advantage. Crowd support may be strong and could help them come out with energy early, and no doubt, they will want to start the campaign confidently—getting off the mark with a win will boost morale and set the tone for their season. For Mighty Jets, the away trip means they will need to show discipline and composure, especially in front of a partisan crowd. As visitors, hitting on counter attacks or set-pieces may be a good strategy if FC Basira start brightly. Starting the season with a result (win or draw) will be important to build momentum. A tight game is foreseen. The NNL has announced that the winner of the opening match will claim a bonus of ₦56,000.

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2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs: Chelle Picks Ekong, Osimhen, Moses, 21 Others for Big Battles

Captain William Ekong, ace forward Victor Osimhen, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey have been included in Nigeria’s 24-man list for next week’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off Tournament in Rabat, Morocco. Super Eagles’ Head Coach Eric Chelle has also included 89-cap midfielder Alex Iwobi, exciting young defender Benjamin Fredericks, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman. Nigeria will take on Gabon in the first semi-final scheduled for the 22,000 – capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat, with Cameroon confronting the Democratic Republic of Congo in the other semi-final at the 18,000 – capacity El-Barid Stadium, also in Rabat. Chelle has also recalled goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Spain-based forward Chidera Ejuke, with midfielder Raphael Onyedika and forwards Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams and Olusegun Olakunle also on the roster. Defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, suspended for one game after accumulating two yellow cards in the 10-match qualifying campaign, will miss the clash with the Panthers on Thursday. The players are scheduled to fly into Morocco from their different bases in Europe and elsewhere, to converge in Rabat on Monday, 10th November. 24 SUPER EAGLES FOR 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP AFRICA PLAY-OFF TOURNAMENT Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoya (Udinese FC, Italy) Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium) Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium) Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)

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Amorim, Bryan Mbeumo Win Premier League Awards

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim and his ward Bryan Mbeumo have been named the Premier League manager and Player for October. Amorim secured wins against Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton during an uplifting month for the club. The 40-year-old claimed back-to-back league wins for the first time in the Premier League against Liverpool at Anfield, with Harry Maguire scoring a late headed goal to seal a 2-1 victory. Similarly, Mbeumo played a pivotal role in all three of Man United’s victories in October. During the 2-0 win over Sunderland, Mbeumo provided a crucial assist to Mason Mount, who opened the scoring. He then scored within just two minutes of play to hand United a crucial lead over Liverpool, with the visitors holding out for a 2-1 triumph. In what was arguable his finest moment of October, Mbeumo scored two goals to give United an emphatic 4-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. While a phenomenal month for Mbeumo, this forms just part of what has been a scintillating season for the forward to date. Since arriving at Old Trafford in the summer transfer window, Mbeumo has been an instant success. In ten Premier League appearances, Mbeumo has netted four goals and grabbed an assist. He has also exhibited much quality on the ball, with 80% passing including 90% accuracy from within his own half.

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CAF Announces Expansion of WAFCON to 16 Teams from 2026

The Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved the expansion of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from 12 to 16 teams, starting with the next edition to be staged in Morocco from 17 March-3 April 2026. As the qualification phase for the 2026 edition has already been completed, the Executive Committee has approved the selection mechanism to determine the four additional Teams. Based on the current FIFA Women’s World Rankings, the top four teams from those eliminated in the final qualifying round have been selected to complete the list of participants. The following teams will therefore join the finals of the CAF WAFCON Morocco 2026: Cameroon (66th in the FIFA ranking), Cote d’Ivoire (71), Mali (79) and Egypt (95). They are in addition to the 12 nations already qualified for the tournament: Morocco (host country), Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Cape Verde, South Africa and Senegal. The decision is in line with CAF’s strategic vision to strengthen the competitiveness and development of women’s football on the African continent. This will allow more nations to participate in African women’s football’s flagship competition, contributing to its continued growth and global reach. The CAF WAFCON also serves as the continental qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.

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Mbappe, Dembele, Others Battle for FIFA Best Player of the Year Award

Real Madrid striker, Kylian Mbappé will slug out with Paris Saint Germain forward Ousamane Dembele for the 2025 FIFA Best Palyer of the Award. FIFA, however, is inviting the global football community to help decide which of the beautiful game’s leading lights should be nominated for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025. The highlight of the year was the success of the new FIFA Club World Cup in June and July, when 32 of the leading clubs on the planet came together in the United States for the first time in football history, with 2.5 million attending in person and billions more watching on around the world. Players and coaches have taken the world’s number-one sport to new heights, enchanting billions of fans worldwide at these show-stopping competitions. The tenth edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards will honour only the finest individuals and groups of individuals in the game. A panel of experts on women’s football, representing various FIFA and external football stakeholders, have compiled a shortlist of 11 female players for The Best FIFA Women’s Player, five women’s football coaches for The Best FIFA Women’s Coach and five female goalkeepers for The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper. A panel of men’s football specialists have drawn up equivalent male shortlists for The Best FIFA Men’s Player, The Best FIFA Men’s Coach and The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper. In addition to the awarding of the above-mentioned prizes, The Best FIFA Women’s 11 and The Best FIFA Men’s 11 will be named, and the FIFA Fan Award will be bestowed on an individual or group of individuals that have gone above and beyond to show their love and passion for the game. Find out everything you need to know about The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025 –including how to vote – on FIFA.com . The coaches and captains of all 211 FIFA Member Associations’ women’s national teams will now be invited to select three outstanding candidates for each of the three women’s awards. In addition, the coaches and captains of all 211 FIFA Member Associations’ men’s national teams will be given the opportunity to choose their top three candidates for the trio of men’s awards. Media representatives (various journalists who cover the women’s and men’s games) and fans registered on FIFA.com can also vote on each of the awards. The four groups of voters have the same electoral weight, irrespective of the actual number of voters in each group (i.e. the votes of the coaches, captains, specialist journalists and fans will each make up 25% of the poll, regardless of the number of voters in each group). As was the case in previous editions, a dedicated voting application is being used for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025. Shortlist voting commenced on 6 November 2025 and will conclude at 23:59 CET on 28 November 2025. Nominees in full The Best FIFA Women’s Player nominees – Sandy Baltimore, France and Chelsea – Nathalie Björn, Sweden and Chelsea – Aitana Bonmatí, Spain and Barcelona – Lucy Bronze, England and Chelsea – Mariona Caldentey, Spain and Arsenal – Temwa Chawinga, Malawi and Kansas City Current – Kadidiatou Diani, France and Olympique Lyonnais – Melchie Dumornay, Haiti and Olympique Lyonnais – Patri Guijarro, Spain and Barcelona – Lindsey Heaps, USA and Olympique Lyonnais – Lauren James, England and Chelsea – Chloe Kelly, England and Manchester City/Arsenal – Ewa Pajor, Poland and Barcelona – Clàudia Pina, Spain and Barcelona – Alexia Putellas, Spain and Barcelona – Alessia Russo, England and Arsenal – Leah Williamson, England and Arsenal The Best FIFA Men’s Player nominees – Ousmane Dembélé, France and Paris Saint-Germain – Achraf Hakimi, Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain – Harry Kane, England and FC Bayern München – Kylian Mbappé, France and Real Madrid – Nuno Mendes, Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain – Cole Palmer, England and Chelsea – Pedri, Spain and Barcelona – Raphinha, Brazil and Barcelona – Mohamed Salah, Egypt and Liverpool – Vitinha, Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain – Lamine Yamal, Spain and Barcelona The Best FIFA Women’s Coach nominees – Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea – Jonatan Giráldez, Washington Spirit/Olympique Lyonnais – Seb Hines, Orlando Pride – Renée Slegers, Arsenal – Sarina Wiegman, England The Best FIFA Men’s Coach nominees – Javier Aguirre, Mexico – Mikel Arteta, Arsenal – Luis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain – Hansi Flick, Barcelona – Enzo Maresca, Chelsea – Roberto Martínez, Portugal – Arne Slot, Liverpool The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper nominees – Ann-Katrin Berger, Germany and Gotham FC – Cata Coll, Spain and Barcelona – Christiane Endler, Chile and Olympique Lyonnais – Hannah Hampton, England and Chelsea – Anna Moorhouse, England and Orlando Pride – Chiamaka Nnadozie, Nigeria and Paris FC/Brighton & Hove Albion – Phallon Tullis-Joyce, USA and Manchester United The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper nominees – Alisson Becker, Brazil and Liverpool – Thibaut Courtois, Belgium and Real Madrid – Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy and Paris Saint-Germain/Manchester City – Emiliano Martínez, Argentina and Aston Villa – Manuel Neuer, Germany and FC Bayern München – David Raya, Spain and Arsenal – Yann Sommer, Switzerland and Internazionale Milano – Wojciech Szczęsny, Poland and Barcelona FIFA Fan Award nominees – Alejandro Ciganotto (ARG) – Manolo el del Bombo (ESP) (posthumous) – Zakho fans (IRQ)

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