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AFCON 2025: ‘I Was Dead’ – Dele-Bashiru Speaks After Nigeria’S 4-2 Penalty Win Over Egypt

Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has admitted he was completely exhausted after being deployed as a right-back during Saturday’s match against Egypt, having to constantly run up and down the flank.

The central midfielder was deployed as a right-back following an injury to Bright Osayi-Samuel in the third-place match against Pharaohs.

Dele-Bashiru said there are a lot of challenges playing at right-back for Nigeria, hailing the players that naturally play in that position.

Nigeria recorded a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout against the Pharaohs to secure the bronze medal at the tournament.

Asked about his experience playing in different positions, he said, “Yeah, I’m quite versatile.

“I’m always ready wherever the coach wants me to play. Today it came as a surprise, but I think I tried to do my best.

“It gave me a lot of respect for people who play right-back because it’s very, very tough running up and down the pitch.

“In the end I was dead, but yeah, I was just happy that we got the victory,” he said.

Nigeria missed out on a place in the final of the tournament having been defeated 4-2 on penalties by Morocco on Wednesday.

Senegal and Morocco will play in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Today, Sunday.

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Why Having House A House Or Land In Abuja Is Not Necessary For Me – Peter Obi

Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has stated that owning a house or landed property in Abuja holds no importance to him.

The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) made the remark during a coffee hangout with KayhikersClub in Abuja.

According to Peter Obi, his decision to avoid unnecessary headaches led him not to own property in Abuja.

He said, “I don’t have a house in Abuja, I don’t have a land and I’m not preparing to have because I don’t need it.

“The more you have all these things the more headache you put on your head, for years I have never been sick, why would I? Because it’s not necessary.

“I was the chairman of our regulatory body, Security and Exchange Commission, SEC; the day I was announced, I arrived and the DG showed me a jeep, a Prado and they told me how much allowance I have for accommodation and I told the DG, ‘I just want to come for meetings here, I don’t need anything from you, any day you fix meeting, tell me I would come. I don’t want your sitting allowance, your car, and your house.

“He said it’s my entitlement, but I said whatever I’m entitled to, God has given me.’

“You can go and ask whether when Peter Obi was the chairman, did he collect anything?

“I was Chairman of Fidelity Bank and they told me that I’m entitled to Mercedes 500 or Range Rover, the bank is still there, go and ask them if I collected anything. I told them that I’m the chairman and whatever I need in my house I have, unless you want to bring a headache to yourself.

“I have enough, I don’t need to do give away but what I need I have.”

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Nigeria beat Egypt on penalties to secure AFCON 2025 bronze

The Super Eagles claimed third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Egypt via a penalty shootout at Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca, on Saturday night.

Stanley Nwabali emerged as the decisive figure, producing two crucial saves in the shootout to ensure Nigeria finished the tournament with a bronze medal.

Cagey contest ends goalless in regulation time

Despite rotating his squad, Eric Chelle set Nigeria up aggressively and the Super Eagles started on the front foot.

Egypt, however, matched the intensity with a high press and created the first clear opening in the 28th minute, forcing Nwabali into a close-range save to deny Mohamed Salah.

Nigeria beat Egypt on penalties to secure AFCON 2025 bronze
Super Eagles edge Egypt on penalties to claim AFCON 2025 third place – Getty image

Nigeria thought they had taken the lead six minutes before the break when Akor Adams found the net, but VAR intervened. The goal was disallowed after Paul Onuachu was penalised for an accidental elbow on Hamdy Fathy in the build-up.

VAR frustrations and missed chances persist

Chelle introduced Ademola Lookman at half-time in search of a breakthrough, and the substitution almost paid immediate dividends.

Lookman found the net shortly after the restart, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside against Akor Adams.

Further changes followed, with Alex Iwobi replacing the injured Bright Osayi-Samuel in the 65th minute. Nigeria appealed strongly for a penalty late on after Adams went down under pressure, but VAR again ruled against the Super Eagles.

Nigeria pushed until the end, coming closest in the 85th minute when Lookman fired a dangerous low cross across goal, but no attacker could apply the finish.

Nwabali seals bronze in shootout

With neither side able to break the deadlock in regulation time, the match was decided from the penalty spot. Nwabali underlined his tournament credentials by saving the opening spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.

Ademola Lookman then stepped up and converted calmly, sealing a 2-0 shootout win and confirming Nigeria’s bronze-medal finish, a result that ensured the Super Eagles closed their AFCON 2025 campaign on a positive and credible note.

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EPL: Sanchez shines as Chelsea beat Brentford 2-0

Chelsea claimed a crucial Premier League victory in their push for a top-four finish with a 2-0 win over Brentford, as Robert Sanchez delivered a decisive performance between the posts in Liam Rosenior’s first league match in charge.

The much-criticised Spanish goalkeeper produced several key saves to preserve Chelsea’s advantage, while goals from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer ensured maximum points at Stamford Bridge.

Joao Pedro breaks deadlock after early pressure

Brentford started brightly and almost took the lead midway through the first half. Kevin Schade skipped past Trevoh Chalobah and cut the ball back into the danger area, forcing Sanchez into a sharp intervention to prevent Tosin Adarabioyo from turning the ball into his own net.

Chelsea capitalised soon after. Joao Pedro reacted quickest to a loose ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful strike that flew high into the net, giving the hosts a lead against the run of play.

EPL: Sanchez shines as Chelsea beat Brentford 2-0
Palmer sealed the win for Chelsea – Getty image

The visitors continued to threaten, with Mathias Jensen hitting the post after arriving unmarked at the far post.

Chelsea also missed an opportunity to double their lead before the break, as Alejandro Garnacho fired wide with the goal gaping following Pedro Neto’s low cross.

Sanchez and Palmer seal the points

Brentford resumed the second half strong. Sanchez was again called into action, denying Schade in a one-on-one situation, before Igor Thiago headed wide from a corner as the pressure mounted.

As Brentford pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Chelsea struck decisively. Cole Palmer converted from the penalty spot after Caoimhin Kelleher brought down Liam Delap in the box, sealing the result with a composed finish.

While Chelsea’s performance was not wholly convincing, the outcome delivered a timely boost in the race for Champions League qualification.

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La Liga: Real Madrid ease Bernabeu anger with 2-0 win over Levante

On a day of tension and discontent at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid returned to winning ways with a controlled La Liga victory over Levante.

Loud boos greeted the players as they walked out, setting the tone for a restless afternoon.

Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and club president Florentino Perez were the main targets, and the hostile atmosphere fed into a subdued first-half display from the hosts.

Real Madrid struggled to break down Levante’s defence, while the visitors looked the more threatening, with Pablo Martinez twice firing narrowly wide.

La Liga: Real Madrid ease Bernabeu anger with 2-0 win over Levante
Mbappe opened scoring for Real Madrid – Getty image

Second-half changes shift grounds

Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa responded at half-time with tactical adjustments, introducing Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono to inject urgency and creativity.

The changes paid off just over 10 minutes into the second half when Real Madrid were awarded a penalty after Kylian Mbappe was fouled by Adrian de la Fuente. Mbappe converted confidently from the spot to calm the stadium.

Seven minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage. Guler delivered a pinpoint corner from the left, and Raul Asencio rose highest to head home, making it goals in successive Bernabeu appearances for the defender.

Control restored, points secured

With a two-goal cushion, Real Madrid managed the game efficiently. They created further chances, with Bellingham denied by a strong save from Mathew Ryan after being played through by Federico Valverde.

The Levante goalkeeper also kept out efforts from Vinicius Junior, who was clearly keen to respond to the crowd’s criticism.

While the overall performance lacked fluency, the result delivered what mattered most. The victory moves Real Madrid to within one point of Barcelona in the title race, with the league leaders set to play on Sunday.

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EPL: Manchester United beat Manchester City as Carrick starts strong

Michael Carrick’s return to Manchester Unitedcontinued in fine fashion as the Red Devils claimed a 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford to move into the Premier League top four.

Carrick had spoken pre-match about the “magic” still present at the club, and United delivered a performance to match the rhetoric, producing their most complete display of the season just days into his tenure.

Carrick impact felt immediately

United benefited from a near fully fit squad, bolstered by the timely returns of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad. The duo added sharpness and intensity to a high-pressing approach that unsettled City throughout.

Mbeumo marked his first appearance in a month by opening the scoring in the 65th minute, offering further relief that Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations exit ensured his availability.

EPL: Manchester United beat Manchester City as Carrick starts strong
Carrick begins Manchester United job with win over Manchester City – Getty image

It was United’s first home league win over City since January 2023 and a result that temporarily lifted them to fourth.

City falter as title hopes fade

For City, the defeat further dented hopes of reclaiming the title from Arsenal.

Despite the scoreline, they were fortunate not to concede more, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma repeatedly denying United before eventually being beaten.

Defensive lapses proved costly, particularly for the second goal in the 76th minute when Rico Lewis failed to track Patrick Dorgu, allowing the wing-back to ghost in and finish.

City’s attack offered little resistance, with Phil Foden withdrawn at half-time, Erling Haaland neutralised, and Antoine Semenyo kept quiet.

Old Trafford atmosphere and first-half control

The derby was played against a charged backdrop, with protests aimed at the club’s ownership and banners referencing City’s ongoing Premier League charges.

On the pitch, United dominated large spells of a goalless first half, forcing City into repeated errors under pressure.

Harry Maguire struck the crossbar early on, while Fernandes and Amad both had goals ruled out for offside.

City struggled to cope with United’s aggressive press, and the interval arrived with the visitors fortunate to be level.

Second-half breakthrough seals result

City’s issues deepened after the break, including an injury-enforced withdrawal for Haaland. United continued to press and eventually found reward through Mbeumo before Dorgu sealed the win.

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Nigerian Artiste, Portable’s First Wife Gives Birth As Singer Remains In Prison

Just five days after controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was remanded in prison on a nine-count criminal charge, his first wife, Omobewaji, has welcomed a baby.

The singer was arraigned on Monday, January 12, 2026, before a Federal High Court in Ogun State.

However, the presiding judge declined to grant him bail, citing the absence of the police officer allegedly assaulted by the singer, who was expected to be present in court.

Following the development, Portable was ordered to be remanded in custody, while the court adjourned the matter to January 19, 2026, for consideration of his bail application.

Meanwhile, his wife, Omobewaji, reportedly delivered the baby while the singer remains in detention.

Sources told The Nation the news of the birth has been conveyed to Portable in prison.

It was gathered that the singer received the news with excitement and expressed eagerness to regain his freedom in order to see his newborn child for the first time.

Portable was earlier arrested following a clash involving one of his wives, Ashabi Simple, during which he allegedly assaulted a police officer.

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Seun Kuti Reacts To Claims That He’s Using Wizkid’s Name For Clout To Revive His Career

Maverick musician Seun Kuti has denied leveraging Grammy-winning singer Wizkid’s name for publicity or to “revive” his career.

Kuti has been accused of chasing clout with Wizkid’s name after he repeatedly criticised the Starboy boss and his fans during recent livestreams.

Reacting to the allegations on one of his livestreams, the Afrobeat musician argued that his career was has never been stunted and he has no reason to chase clout with Wizkid’s name to revive it.

He said, “Some people are saying I am trying to use Wizkid to revive my career. When did my career die for me to be trying to revive it? Last year alone, I did 82 shows globally.

“I sold out shows in Australia, Europe, America, and Brazil. I have people who are fans of my music worldwide. I call myself Big Bird because the sky is big for everybody. Because no matter how big you are, you can’t occupy the whole sky.

“People whose careers need revival know themselves. It is not me.”

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Only Anthony Joshua Can Decide When To Return To The Boxing Ring – British Boxing Promoter Eddie Hearn

British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has stated that former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will be the sole judge of when he is ready to make his return to the boxing ring.

Joshua was involved in a car accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on December 29, which claimed the lives of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, and left the British boxer injured.

Born in Watford to Nigerian parents, Joshua was on holiday in Nigeria following his sixth-round knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Hearn said Joshua must fully recover mentally, physically and emotionally before making any decisions about his boxing future.

“He will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually before he decides on his future. I do think he will want to return to boxing, but that will be his decision when the time is right,” Hearn said.

He added that the focus for now should be on Joshua’s wellbeing rather than his career plans.

“The only conversation is ‘are you OK?’ What happened to him is not normal and heartbreaking for all involved. When the time is right, I believe he will make his decision, and you will hear it from him. That is the only voice you should listen to in that respect,”Hearn said.

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Everything Will Be Exposed, You Can’t Silence Me — Nollywood Actress, Doris Ogala Fires At Pastor Chris Okafor (Video)

Actress Doris Ogala has released a firm statement addressing Pastor Chris Okafor, declaring that neither arrests nor intimidation will silence her from speaking out.

In a video shared online, Doris accused the pastor and others of being responsible for her brother’s death, insisting that no amount of money or pressure can replace his life.

She alleged that those involved will be haunted by the consequences of their actions and vowed to expose everything she claims to know.

She also said she is not afraid of being arrested, adding that she has never hidden her location and has nothing left to lose.

The statement comes amid ongoing public accusations by Doris Ogala against Pastor Chris Okafor, which have continued to spark debate online.

Watch video below…

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