Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Unveils Provisional Squad For 2025 AFCON

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), sharing the list via the team’s official X account on Tuesday. The attacking lineup is set to feature stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Tolu Arokodare, while goalkeeping duties will be handled by Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali. The midfield boasts experienced players including Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka. The 2025 AFCON is scheduled to kick off later this month and will run until January 2026. Provisional Super Eagles Squad: Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars), Maduka Okoye (Udinese), Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC), Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos) Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers), Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors) Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias), Peter Agba (Maccabi Haifa), Tom Dele-Bashiru (Gençlerbirligi SK) Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Simon Moses (Paris FC), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla), Tolu Arokodare (Wolves), Akor Adams (Sevilla), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod), Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad), Kelechi Iheanacho (Celtic Glasgow), Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest), Victor Boniface (Werder Bremen), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), Terem Moffi (Nice), Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos), Abdulrasheed Shehu (Niger Tornadoes), Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen), Ekeson Okorie (Nasarawa United), Chisom Orji (Warri Wolves), Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi (OH Leuven), Philip Otele (FC Basel), Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961), Emmanuel Michael (Linzer Athletik SK) Chelle’s squad is now set for further preparations ahead of the tournament as Nigeria looks to make a strong showing at AFCON 2025.

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AFCON 2025: Onana Left Out As Cameroon Shockingly Omits Vincent Aboubakar From Squad

Cameroon has made a major surprise in its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad, leaving out goalkeeper André Onana and veteran captain Vincent Aboubakar. Onana, the Trabzonspor shot-stopper who has been a regular presence for the Indomitable Lions, was not included by newly appointed head coach David Pagou. Aboubakar, a long-serving leader of the team, was also omitted from the traveling squad to Morocco. Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo has been named in the squad, strengthening Cameroon’s attacking options as the team gears up for the tournament starting December 21. The changes follow the sacking of coach Marc Brys and the hiring of Pagou, a seasoned Cameroonian coach and physical-education teacher. His selections have already sparked debate among fans and analysts, with many seeing the moves as part of a plan to refresh the squad and inject new energy. Cameroon, five-time AFCON champions, aim to bounce back on the continental stage after recent setbacks, including failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup under Brys.

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Arsenal Held To 1–1 Draw By Ten-Man Chelsea As Merino Cancels Chalobah’s Header

Arsenal left Stamford Bridge with a single point after Mikel Merino wiped out Trevoh Chalobah’s opener in a contest that felt equal parts chess match and street fight, even after Chelsea were reduced to 10 men. The evening opened with promise on both ends: Bukayo Saka drifted into a pocket of daylight but couldn’t turn it into gold, while Estêvão flashed a reminder of his threat without delivering the final spark. The rhythm never quite settled. Every duel carried a charge, and Moisés Caicedo cranked up the voltage when he flew into Merino with a studs-up challenge that caught the Spaniard above the foot. Merino hobbled but survived, refusing to surrender his place in the storm. Chelsea, a man down, refused to retreat into a shell. Early in the second half, Reece James curled in a teasing corner from the left, and Chalobah rose through the crowd to thump home his third league goal of the campaign, the roar from the stands swelling like blue thunder. Mikel Arteta had both Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Jesus waiting on the bench, but Arsenal found their breakthrough through a midfielder who’s been moonlighting as a poacher. Saka clipped in a searching cross, and Merino ghosted into the box to guide it home just before the hour mark, a finish with all the calm of a man flicking a switch. Arsenal pushed. Chelsea bent but refused to break. Robert Sánchez delivered two heroic moments late on, first smothering Merino’s low strike, then springing up to hurl himself into the path of Gyökeres’ rebound, absorbing the impact and the applause in one breath. For Arsenal, the draw tasted like a meal missing seasoning. They never truly exploited their advantage, and the chance to widen their grip slipped away. They still end the weekend five points clear after Manchester City’s win over Leeds. Chelsea, meanwhile, battled with grit sharpened by adversity, matching their visitors stride for stride and climbing back into third place ahead of Aston Villa.

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Zirkzee And Mount Secure 2-1 Comeback Win For Manchester United At Crystal Palace

Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount scored second-half goals to guide Manchester United to a hard-fought 2-1 Premier League win at Crystal Palace, helping the team bounce back after Monday’s disappointing loss to 10-man Everton. Palace took the lead in the 36th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a retaken penalty after his initial attempt struck the ball twice. The goal threatened to extend Manchester United’s struggles under Ruben Amorim following their first defeat in six matches. United responded after the break, with Zirkzee opening his account for the season and netting his first league goal since December with a precise low strike in the 54th minute. Mount then curled in a goal nine minutes later to complete the turnaround. Despite a brief Palace response, United held on to secure their fourth win in seven games, moving into the Premier League’s top half and just four points behind rivals Manchester City. Amorim made tactical adjustments following the Everton defeat, swapping his full-backs in the 3-4-2-1 formation at Selhurst Park. United started brightly against a Palace side set up in the same formation, with Casemiro forcing a close-range save from Dean Henderson within the first minute. Mateta continued to trouble United’s defence, with a shot narrowly missing after Matthijs de Ligt’s clearance struck teammate Leny Yoro. The visitors’ resilience ultimately paid off as Zirkzee and Mount turned the game in their favour.

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Liverpool Humiliated 4-1 at Home by PSV Eindhoven, Slot Faces Growing Pressure

Liverpool’s struggles in Europe deepened with a shocking 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League, marking their third consecutive loss while conceding three or more goals in each match. The night began poorly for the Reds when Virgil van Dijk handled a corner early in the game, allowing Ivan Perisic to calmly convert from the penalty spot and give PSV a surprising lead. Liverpool responded quickly. Cody Gakpo’s initial shot was saved by Matej Kovar, but the rebound fell to Dominik Szoboszlai, who tapped in from close range to level the score. PSV thought they had regained the lead through Yarek Gasiorowski shortly after, but his goal was ruled out for offside. Despite dominating much of the first half and forcing Kovar into several key saves—including a one-handed stop from Hugo Ekitike—Liverpool could not take the lead before the break. Van Dijk even saw a header rebound off the crossbar. The second half quickly turned against the Reds. Mauro Júnior’s precise pass found Guus Til, who slotted home PSV’s second goal past Giorgi Mamardashvili. Liverpool’s woes were compounded when Ekitike was injured, forcing an unplanned substitution for Alexander Isak. PSV extended their advantage just over 15 minutes from time after an Ibrahima Konate error. Ricardo Pepi’s initial strike hit the post, but Couhaib Driouech was on hand to finish into an empty net. Slot made a final substitution, bringing on Chiesa for Konate, but it proved too little, too late. In stoppage time, Driouech completed the 4-1 rout, sending Anfield fans streaming for the exits. The defeat adds to mounting pressure on Liverpool manager Arne Slot, whose position is now under intense scrutiny. PSV celebrated one of their most memorable nights in European competition, leaving Liverpool to confront yet another humiliating setback.

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Arsenal Dominate Second Half to Edge Bayern Munich 3-1, Handing Germans First Defeat in 18 Matches

The second half of the Champions League showdown between Arsenal and Bayern Munich belonged entirely to the Gunners. Unlike the first half, Arsenal returned from the break with increased intensity and a clear attacking intent. Mikel Arteta made decisive moves in the closing stages, introducing Riccardo Calafiori, who immediately provided a brilliant assist for fellow substitute Madueke to score. Shortly after, Gabriel Martinelli was also brought on, and he made an instant impact, scoring to make it 3-1. Following a Bayern corner, Arsenal launched a swift counterattack. Manuel Neuer misjudged a long ball played to Martinelli well outside his goal, leaving the Brazilian with a simple finish into an open net. Bayern now appear set to suffer their first defeat in 18 competitive matches this season.

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Mikel Obi Seeks NFF Role, Vows to Reject Corruption

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has revealed his interest in taking a leadership position within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), but made it clear that he would only step in if the system is free from corruption. Speaking after Nigeria failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, the 37-year-old ex-international said the problems in Nigerian football run deeper than poor results on the pitch. Mikel, who has long been vocal about his commitment to the national team, said he is willing to offer his expertise again, provided the federation operates transparently and with accountability. He said: “I have always fought for my country from my early days. I don’t know how many players have done that the way I have, from the U17 and U20 teams to the senior national team. I have sacrificed years and never once said no to my country.” He continued: “When I know I can contribute meaningfully, I will always be ready. But I will never have corruption tied to me. That is a line I will not cross. “If progress is the goal, the right people must be in place—people who share the same vision. That way, when players return home to play, they will find an environment where they can perform and thrive.”

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Bayer Leverkusen Shock Manchester City With 2-0 Victory At Etihad

Pep Guardiola’s 100th UEFA Champions League match as Manchester City manager ended in disappointment as Bayer Leverkusen delivered a near-perfect away performance to secure a 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium, marking just their second UCL victory on English soil (D1, L8). Guardiola made 10 changes from the team that lost 2-1 to Newcastle United in the Premier League, fielding a heavily rotated side. City started positively, with Nathan Ake forcing a smart save from Mark Flekken at the near post, but Leverkusen quickly regained control. The German side took the lead midway through the first half. Christian Kofane cushioned a cross for Alejandro Grimaldo, who drilled a low shot past James Trafford. City threatened late in the half, but Tijjani Reijnders’ strike was saved by Flekken. At halftime, Guardiola brought on Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Nico O’Reilly to spark City’s performance. However, within 10 minutes of the restart, Patrik Schick glanced a header past Ake and Trafford from Ibrahim Maza’s inswinging cross, doubling Leverkusen’s lead. Erling Haaland was introduced to ignite a comeback but saw a close-range effort saved. Flekken also denied Rayan Cherki’s late free-kick, sealing Leverkusen’s second group-stage win. The result leaves Leverkusen 13th in the group and within two points of sixth-placed City, who suffered their first defeat of the Champions League season.

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