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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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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Showmax Premier League Chat with Conor Bradley on Liverpool’s Difficult Run

Ahead of Liverpool’s crucial game against Brentford this weekend, Showmax Premier League caught up with marauding Reds right back Conor Bradley. This wasn’t just a standard chat – Bradley got candid with us about the team’s “emotional” slump after those tough defeats and what it takes for them to pull out of a difficult moment. Liverpool FC right-back Conor Bradley has opened up about the club’s recent difficult run, emphasising that the team’s only path forward is to “stick together and keep fighting.” The Reds suffered four consecutive defeats across all competitions before securing an emphatic 5-1 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night. Reflecting on the preceding Premier League loss to Manchester United, Bradley admitted the results were hard for everyone at the club. “We’re just trying to recover from it,” Bradley said. “It was a tough setback for Arne Slot and the whole team, but with the group we have, we’re determined to bounce back.” The young defender acknowledged the gravity of the four losses, stressing that the focus must now shift entirely to the upcoming away fixture against Brentford. “I think the focus has to be on beating Brentford. We need to perform on the pitch, that’s the only way.” “Losing four times in a row is never easy, especially for Liverpool – it’s emotional for everyone. But we just have to stick together and keep fighting.” Bradley offered insight into the team’s current struggle, attributing it to collective performance issues. “It’s hard to point fingers. It’s just been a tough period for us. We’re not creating enough chances and we’ve been conceding too many goals,” he explained. “It’s been a difficult spell, but I’m confident we’ll find our rhythm again soon.” Having overcome his own injury setbacks during the pre-season, Bradley spoke about the challenge of finding consistent form. “It’s never easy. When you’re ready to go and then get hit by an injury, it really disrupts your momentum. It’s frustrating, but I’m just trying to get as many games as possible under my belt and help the team wherever I can.” The arrival of several new signings has also brought a period of adjustment to the squad, which Bradley believes requires patience. “Yes, it will definitely take time. Building relationships doesn’t happen overnight, it takes weeks and months,” he said. “But I think the new lads are settling in really well. They’re top players and great people too, so that helps a lot.” He singled out one of the new arrivals, Florian Wirtz, as a player he has best connected with.   “Probably Florian Wirtz. We got to know each other when playing for our national teams against one another crazily enough.” Addressing the frequent comparisons made between himself and fellow right back Jeremy Frimpong, Bradley welcomed the intensity. “Competition is always healthy, it pushes you to be your best. Jeremy’s a great guy and a top player. He’s brought great energy from Germany, and I think that kind of challenge only makes us both stronger.”   “For me, it would be about cementing my place in the team and helping Liverpool win trophies. Whether that’s the Champions League, Premier League, or FA Cup, any silverware would mean a lot. We just have to keep striving, and I believe we can go again even stronger next season.” Watch Liverpool take on Brentford away in the Premier League, LIVE on Showmax Premier League this Saturday at 8pm (WAT). How can fans get Showmax Premier League on their phones? Sign up for the Showmax Premier League mobile plan for N3,600 at www.showmax.com for all the Premier League action.

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2026 WAFCON Race: Super Falcons Seek Comfortable Win over Bénin’s Amazons

The 25,000 -capacity Stade de Kégué in the Togolese capital, Lomè is venue for Friday’s 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying fixture, first leg match between 10-time champions Nigeria and their Bèninoise counterparts, known as Amazons, with the Cup holders seeking a comfortable win that will render the return leg in Nigeria on Tuesday a mere formality.   Head Coach Justine Madugu has a total of 19 players available for the encounter, and has promised his squad will go all out for the goals that will earn it the ticket to a defence of the title won in Morocco this summer. The Kingdom of Morocco will also host next year’s houseparty, where all semi-finalists will collect automatic qualification tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.   “We have a team that will go out there and make us proud. Yes, we would have loved to have Jennifer (Echegini) but we do not and we can only pray for her to recover quickly.   “On Friday, we will go out and play our game and seek the goals that will put us in a good stead ahead of the return leg.”   With Echegini out, Madugu is likely to opt for US-based impresario Deborah Abiodun to start, alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe in the middle, with Chiamaka Nnadozie (one of the best goalkeepers in the world) marshalling a defence-line of Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Ashley Plumptre.   In the fore, Madugu has Esther Okoronkwo (doubtless one of Nigeria’s impact players at this year’s Women AFCON), the pushful Chinwendu Ihezuo, six-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, new-face Joy Omewa and China-based Folashade Ijamilusi, who was also a delight as Nigeria won a tenth AFCON title in Morocco this summer.   Gambian official Ngum Fatou will be the referee of the encounter that begins at 3pm Togo time (4pm Nigeria time).   SUPER FALCONS TO FACE AMAZONS:   Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)   Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)   Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)   Forwards: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)  

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