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Serie A: Rasmus Hojlund brace hands Spalletti first defeat on dramatic Napoli return

Rasmus Hojlund delivered a match-winning brace as Napoli defeated Juventus 2-1, handing Luciano Spalletti his first loss as Bianconeri boss and spoiling his long-awaited return to the Stadio Maradona.

The encounter marked Spalletti’s first visit to Naples since his 2023 Scudetto triumph and his first managerial clash with Antonio Conte, adding extra weight to an already high-stakes Serie A fixture.

Injury troubles hit both camps

Both teams entered the match with extensive injury lists. Juventus were without Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Gatti following surgery, as well as Gleison Bremer, Daniele Rugani, and Arek Milik.

Kenan Yildiz led the line, with Weston McKennie pushed into a more advanced role.

Napoli were similarly depleted, missing Stanislav Lobotka, Billy Gilmour, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Miguel Gutierrez, Kevin De Bruyne, Alex Meret, and Romelu Lukaku, prompting Eljif Elmas to step into midfield.

Serie A: Rasmus Hojlund brace hands Spalletti first defeat on dramatic Napoli return

Rasmus Hojlund bagged double in the encounter – Getty image

Hojlund strikes early

Napoli started aggressively. After Scott McTominay glanced a header wide, David Neres once again carved open the Juventus defence, beating Juan Cabal and Teun Koopmeiners before cutting back for Hojlund to stab home from close range, his first goal in two months.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo came close to doubling the lead with a looping header that forced Michele Di Gregorio into an acrobatic save.

Juventus struggle to create

Spalletti’s side found chances hard to come by. Yildiz twice broke down the left to create openings, while McTominay’s set-piece threat continued as another header grazed the post on the stroke of halftime.

With Juventus posting an xG of just 0.04 in the opening period, Spalletti introduced Jonathan David after the break to spark the attack.

Yildiz equaliser against the run of play

Napoli remained dominant, with Hojlund forcing another save from Di Gregorio and tensions rising following Pierre Kalulu’s studs-up challenge on Matias Olivera.

But Juventus struck from nothing. Yildiz surged forward on the counter, exchanged a neat one-two with McKennie, and curled a precise finish across Vanja Milinkovic-Savic for Juve’s first shot on target, and the equaliser.

Hojlund restores the advantage

Napoli responded almost immediately. A David Neres cross caused chaos at the back post, where McKennie inadvertently cushioned the ball into Hojlund’s path.

The striker reacted quickly, heading in from close range to reclaim the lead.

Juventus chased a late equaliser, but Edon Zhegrova’s stoppage-time effort was straight at Milinkovic-Savic, confirming a valuable win for Conte’s men.

Spalletti’s run of four wins and three draws ends in the city that defined his legacy, while Napoli strengthened their early title credentials.

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EPL: Salah blows hot with claims of ‘thrown under the bus’ at Liverpool

Mohamed Salah says he feels he has been “thrown under the bus” by Liverpool, adding that his relationship with head coach Arne Slot has collapsed.

The Egypt forward was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United, the third consecutive match he has started on the bench.

Breakdown in relationship with Slot

After the match, Salah delivered an unusually blunt interview, claiming he was being positioned to take the blame for Liverpool’s struggles.

“I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” Salah said.

“I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why, but it seems someone doesn’t want me in the club.”

EPL: Salah blows hot with claims of 'thrown under the bus' at Liverpool
Salah feels he’s no longer needed at Liverpool – Getty image

Salah added that the situation had become “unacceptable,” insisting that he had “earned” his position in the squad and felt unfairly treated.

Future at Liverpool uncertain

The 33-year-old, who signed a two-year contract extension in April, admitted he is unsure about his long-term future at Anfield as he prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations from 15 December.

Salah scored 29 Premier League goals last season as Liverpool won the title under Slot. However, he has struggled to reproduce that form, scoring only four league goals in 13 appearances this term.

Saudi interest growing

Salah remains a prime target for the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal among the clubs tracking him. Liverpool are said to be “open-minded” about his future amid renewed interest from the region.

Slot explains decision to bench Salah

Slot defended his decision not to introduce Salah at Elland Road, saying the team needed to “control the game” when leading 3-2.

He acknowledged the interest around Salah’s benching but maintained that the forward remains a “top professional.”

Legendary status but a sour ending?

Salah is third on Liverpool’s all-time scoring list with 250 goals in 420 appearances. Since joining from Roma in 2017, he has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.

He has also collected four Premier League Golden Boots, matching Thierry Henry’s record, and won last season’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.

Salah rarely stops to speak in the mixed zone, making his latest remarks even more significant. “I’m very disappointed. I have done so much for this club,” he said on Saturday. “It seems to me that someone doesn’t want me in the club.”

Unless the situation changes quickly, Salah’s impending departure to AFCON may mark the beginning of the end.

The key question now is whether he returns in January as a Liverpool player, or whether the breakdown becomes permanent.

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Messi inspires Inter Miami to first MLS Cup, adding another title to his glittering career

Lionel Messi delivered the all important quality Inter Miami needed, orchestrating a 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps to claim the club’s first-ever MLS Cup title and add another laurel to his storied career.

Messi punished Vancouver’s only major mistake of the night, seizing on an errant pass from Andrés Cubas before threading a world-class, defence-splitting ball to Rodrigo De Paul.

The midfielder finished calmly to put Miami 2-1 up, shifting the gear, and closing out a tense final at Chase Stadium.

Messi inspires Inter Miami to first MLS Cup, adding another title to his glittering career
Messi leads Miami to first MLS title – Getty image

Early breakthrough, Vancouver push back

Miami struck first inside 10 minutes. Messi slalomed between two defenders and released Tadeo Allende, whose cut-back was turned into the net by Edier Ocampo for an own goal.

The visitors regrouped and asserted control in the second half, with Emmanuel Sabbi tormenting Miami’s right flank and Ali Ahmed capitalising on a Rocco Rios-Novo error to level in the 60th minute.

With Vancouver dominating possession, it briefly appeared momentum had swung. Then Messi intervened with the match-defining assist to De Paul, restoring Miami’s advantage.

Messi inspires Inter Miami to first MLS Cup, adding another title to his glittering career
Messi provided two assists to inspire Miami – Getty image

Allende breaks record, Miami close it out

Allende eventually sealed the win in extra time, firing home to break the postseason scoring record after another incisive pass from Messi.

The result capped a landmark night for Miami and served as a fitting farewell for Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, both retiring at season’s end.

Inter Miami, powered by Messi’s composure and vision, finally claim their place among MLS champions.

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2027: Atiku Visits Goodluck Jonathan In Abuja (Photos)

Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria has paid a visit to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Atiku visited Jonathan at his residence in Abuja on Saturday.

The meeting between Atiku and the former President is believed to be part of consultations ahead of the 2027 election.

Posting on his verified Facebook page, Atiku wrote: “It was a pleasure catching up with former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday evening, following his recent return from Guinea-Bissau.”

This comes after the former Vice President officially joined the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Atiku officially joined the ADC following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over claims that the party has derailed from the principles of its founding fathers.

There are indications that Atiku may emerge as the presidential candidate of the ADC for the 2027 election.

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A Man Stalked Me For 9 Years, Called Me 50 Times Daily – Nigerian Actress, Bimbo Akintola Reveals (Video)

Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has revealed a frightening chapter of her life when she was stalked by the same man for more than nine years.

In an interview with Chude, she explained that during that time, she received up to 50 phone calls daily and disturbing messages that described what the man wanted to do to her.

Akintola said she kept the ordeal from her family, fearing her mother would panic.

The harassment was relentless, with messages arriving every day or every other day, causing her immense stress and fear.

She revealed that, without explanation, the stalking suddenly stopped one day, leaving her without closure or understanding of why it ended after nearly a decade.

She said: “I had some guy that stalked me for a long time. It was bad. I don’t know how it ended. I just noticed one day that he had stopped sending messages. This was over 9 years. He was stalking me for over 9 years. And he would send me messages about the things that he wanted to do or the things that he would do, it was bad.

“He made me miserable. He would call 50 times a day. He would send messages, graphic, right? How he loved me and how I was it for him and how the things he would do. I never told my parents about it because my mom would have just been panicked. But it was for a long period, constant, every day or every other day.”

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I Didn’t See Potentials In Him – Kcee Reveals Why He Refused To Sign Flavour, Speaks About Their ‘Beef’ (Video)

Kingsley Okonkwo, the famous Nigerian singer, who is popularly known as Kcee, has talked about the long-rumoured rift with his colleague, Flavour.

Recall that the duo engaged in a social media skirmish in 2024 after Flavour shaded someone online for allegedly copying his musical style.

While Flavour did not mention anyone, Kcee caught the shade and responded accordingly. He warned Flavour to stop trying to gatekeep Igbo cultural music, adding that he was in the music industry before him.

Speaking in a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Kcee said his first encounter with Flavour was years ago when popular talent manager Soso Soberekon brought him to him to sign to his record label.

The Limpopo crooner explained that he refused to give Flavour a record deal because he didn’t see potentials in him then.

He, however, said he believes that their rift is not because of the rejection, but superiority complex. He emphasised that some of his colleagues believe that he is not talented because he doesn’t brag about his talent.

“Till now, I don’t understand the reason for his beef with me, especially that incident where he alleged that someone was copying him. The truth is that when some people had written you off, hoping that you would be stagnant, and you work hard and get to a level they don’t expect you to reach, that was what happened.

“I came into the music industry before Flavour. Soso Soberekon brought him to me years ago to sign to my record label. I was already driving exotic cars and balling before he came to Lagos. I told Soso I can’t sign Flavour because I didn’t see potentials in him at that time. It wasn’t because I have something against him.

“I don’t think that was why he is holding a grudge against me. But time shall tell. A lot of my colleagues underrate my talent and my humility also contributed to that. Because I don’t brag. I don’t need it. But as I always say, time will always prove them wrong. My work always prove every doubter wrong. Some of those who doubted me in the past have come to apologise to me and admitted that they were wrong about me,” Kcee said.

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ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Coup In Benin, Issues Warning

The Economic Community of West African States has voiced serious concern over reports of an attempted military takeover in Benin, calling it a grave and unacceptable attack on the people’s democratic choice.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, ECOWAS condemned the unconstitutional action and called for the full respect of the country’s Constitution.

The Commission also commended the efforts of the government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.

ECOWAS warned that the leaders of the plot, both individually and collectively, would be held responsible for any loss of life or property resulting from their actions.

The Commission further affirmed that it would support the government and people of Benin in all necessary ways, including the potential deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and territorial integrity of the country.

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Why I Stopped Attending Church – Nigerian Singer, Chike Opens Up (Video)

Chike Ezekpeazu, the Nigerian music star, has spoken about the reasons he stopped going to church frequently.

In an interview with VJ Adams, he revealed that running into someone from his past at a church made him feel uncomfortable, bringing back memories that made attending services difficult.

The singer said he stayed only briefly before deciding to leave.

Chike made it clear that stepping away from church does not mean he lost his belief in God.

He recalled a time early in his career when he prayed for guidance while living in Primewater Gardens with his girlfriend, seeking help during a period when he felt alone and uncertain about his future.

He also mentioned a strange experience shortly after releasing his first album when he accidentally consumed a strong edible and felt disoriented for several days.

Despite such moments, Chike said he learned the importance of living rightly and treating others well, regardless of whether he follows church rituals.

He said, “The person leading the praise and worship and I had history. I was having flashbacks, and I felt out of place. I stayed only a week before leaving.

“It’s not because I don’t believe in God. I do.

“I just prayed, ‘God, I don’t have anybody. I don’t have anything. Just help me.

“A few days after my album release, I accidentally consumed something strong and didn’t even know where I was.

“Church is not for me. There are things I enjoy that I wouldn’t be able to do there.

“What matters most is doing right by people. Being Christian doesn’t mean you have to live in a certain way. Doing good for others is what counts.”

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I Have Never Been Asked For S€x For Roles – Nigerian Actress, Bisola Aiyeola Opens Up

Media personality and actress Bisola Aiyeola has opened up about her experiences with the issue of s*x-for-roles in the movie industry.

Speaking at a recent event, a clip of which was shared on YouTube, Bisola stated that she has never been asked for s*x to feature in any movie project.

The mother of one spoke against the backdrop of challenges faced by actors and crew members, noting that s*xual harassment is one of many major problems experienced on the job.

Before now, aspiring performers have reported experiencing unwanted s*xual advances, often in the form of “s*x-for-roles” propositions from male directors and producers who hold positions of power.

However, Aiyeola said this has never been her experience as her talent has been enough to secure her a place in movie projects.

According to her, “Thankfully, I’ve never been asked for s*x for roles. There are some of us that it has never happened to, so I don’t have a personal story about it. My talent has always spoken for me and is still speaking for me.”

She highlighted that physical harassment, irregular working hours, and lack of health insurance, among others, also constitute challenges on the job, noting that s*xual harassment has been given disproportionate relevance.

“It feels like when we’re only talking about s*x for roles, we shelve all other major issues that also happen in the industry,” Aiyeola stressed.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.” 

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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