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AFCON 2025: Alex Iwobi’s Father, Chuba Opens Up On Jay-Jay Okocha’s Influence On Son

Chuba Iwobi, father of Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi, has highlighted the significant influence Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha has had on his son’s career.

Okocha, a former Super Eagles player, is the uncle of Alex.

In an interview with Molatsportsgist, Chuba shared how Okocha has consistently inspired his nephew, Alex.

“Uncle Jay-Jay has been an inspiration to Alex. When he was at the Arsenal academy, we often visited Bolton to watch Jay-Jay play,”
Chuba explained.

“Alex has his own playing style, but he is also influenced by the skills and the technical ability of his uncle, and Jay-Jay has always been there for him.”

Okocha, who last played his club football at English side Hull City, retired from professional football in 2008.

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AFCON 2025: Nigerian Government Releases N3 Billion For Super Eagles Campaign

The Nigerian government has so far released N3 billion to support the Super Eagles’ campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

According to SCORENigeria, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, are expecting more money to cover the Super Eagles’  mounting tournament expenses.

The NFF has agreed to pay the players $30,000 each for reaching the Round of 16 in the competition.

Eric Chelle’s men will earn additional bonus should they beat Mozambique in their next game.

They will face the Mambas at the Complexe Sportif de Fès next week Monday.

Should they progress, the Super Eagles will face either Algeria or Democratic Republic of Congo in the quarter-finals.

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Anthony Joshua’s Crash: The Driver Is Now In Custody – Police

The Ogun State Police Command on Thursday confirmed that the driver of Nigerian-British boxer Anthony Joshua is currently in its custody.

Recall that the 36-year-old boxer was involved in a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of his close friends Sina Ghami,  Latif Ayodele and left him injured on Monday.

The crash which involved a Lexus Jeep with the number plate, KRD 850 HN, carrying Joshua and his two friends reportedly collided with a stationary truck around past 11am on Monday, in front of Sinoma, before Danco, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) Ogun Sector Command, the driver who was over-speeding, wrongfully overtook from the right hand side thereby ramming into the stationary vehicle.

An AFP report, from the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) in Ogun State, also revealed that the front tyre on the passenger side of the vehicle experienced a burst due to the excessive speed and then lost control.

“From the preliminary investigation that was conducted, definitely there was over speeding on the part of the SUV Anthony Joshua was travelling in. In the course of that, the front tyre on the passenger side burst.


“That led to loss of control before the vehicle now swerved and rammed into the stationary truck that was parked. There was excessive speed”
Babatunde Akinbiyi the TRACE spokesperson said.

Anthony Joshua was rushed to Duchess International Hospital, Lagos and the bodies of the deceased deposited at Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, had assured members of the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident would commence.

Babaseyi on Thursday in a statement made available to Daily Post said the driver is currently in custody and investigation is ongoing.

“The driver of the Lexus SUV is currently in custody in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident case.

“Investigations are ongoing” the police spokesperson added.

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Bodies Of Anthony Joshua’s Late Friends Flown Abroad For Burial (Video)

The bodies of Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, the two friends of International boxer, Anthony Joshua, who d!ed in the car crash that occurred on December 29, have been flown abroad.

Joshua and the deceased were communting along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway when the accident occurred in Makun, Ogun State.

The Lexus SUV they were riding in collided with a stationary truck along the road, killing both Latif and Sina instantly and leaving Joshua with some injuries..

The victims flew into Nigeria to spend the Christmas holiday with Joshua before the tragic incident cut their visit short.

While Joshua was discharged from hospital on Wednesday evening December 31, bodies of the two deceased men have now been released for burial.

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Football Legend, JJ Okocha’s Daughter Daniella Shares Photos With Her Fiancé

Daniella, the daughter of legendary former Nigerian footballer Jay-Jay Okocha, has delighted fans by officially revealing her fiancé.

The 25-year-old shared the exciting news on her Instagram page on December 31, 2025, offering a glimpse into her journey toward marriage.

The post features a collection of intimate and joyful moments, including snapshots from her engagement dinner, her bridal shower, and touching family moments.

Among the highlights is a photo of her parents and fiancé lovingly holding onto each other.

In another striking image, Daniella stuns in a traditional wedding outfit, giving fans a glimpse of her style and the cultural richness she intends to bring to her big day.

“2025. What a year,”
she captioned the post, reflecting on a year filled with love, family, and new beginnings.

Fans and well-wishers have since flooded her comment section with congratulatory messages, celebrating both her engagement and the continuation of the Okocha family’s inspiring legacy.

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Anthony Joshua Discharged From Hospital, To Continue Recuperation At Home

Anthony Joshua has been discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment for injuries sustained in a road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

In a statement on Wednesday, Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos commissioner for information, says the former heavyweight boxing champion has been “deemed clinical fit to recuperate from home”.

On Monday, a Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and his team rammed into a stationary truck along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Two of Joshua’s close associates — Kevin Latif Ayodele, his personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach — died in the accident.

The boxer survived the crash with minor injuries and was taken to a medical hospital in Lagos.

Omotoso revealed that Joshua had been receiving treatment at the Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, following the accident, and was discharged on Wednesday afternoon.

The commissioner added that the boxer and his mother then visited the funeral home in Lagos, where the remains of the late associates are stationed, to pay their final respects.

“Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu deeply appreciate the public concern and show of love and affection over this very sad and unfortunate incident,”
Omotoso writes.

On Tuesday, the Ogun police command said a burst tyre caused the accident.

However, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had said its preliminary findings show that excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were the cause of the motor accident.

Although born in England, Joshua often visits his native home in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. He was also in Nigeria last year, where he hung out with celebrities and also presented President Bola Tinubu with a signed boxing glove.

The latest visit comes a few days after Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in an exhibition heavyweight bout at the Kaseya Centre, Miami.

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AFCON: Osimhen Speaks On Equaling, Surpassing Rashidi Yekini’s Goals Record For Nigeria

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has stated that he is not focused on equaling or surpassing the late Nigerian international Rashidi Yekini’s goal record for the national team.

Osimhen, however, expressed hope he would equal Yekini’s record in the future.

The Galatasaray striker spoke at his post-match interview after captaining the Super Eagles to beat Uganda 3-1 in Tuesday’s AFCON group stage tie.

Osimhen is just goals away from equaling Yekini’s goals record for the Super Eagles.

The 27-year-old former Napoli attacker has so far scored 32 goals for Nigeria, while Yekini had 37.

“The captaincy today gave me a strong sense of belonging.

“I’m not thinking about equaling or surpassing Rashidi Yekini’s record for now; it’s all about the team,” Osimhen told reporters after Nigeria won against Uganda.

“I am trying to fight for my team to get goals, assists, but yes, hopefully not this AFCON and maybe not the qualifiers, but one day I know I am going to get there.”

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EPL: Arsenal thump Aston Villa 4-1 to finish year five points clear

Arsenal produced a ruthless second-half display to dismantle Aston Villa 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium, closing out the year firmly in control of the Premier League title race with a five-point cushion at the summit.

The contest was delicately poised at the interval, but Mikel Arteta’s side shifted through the gears after the break, exposing Villa’s resistance and underlining their growing authority as genuine frontrunners.

Second-half surge breaks Villa resistance

The breakthrough arrived three minutes after the restart when Gabriel Magalhaes, making his first start since returning from injury, forced the ball home from close range following another well-worked Arsenal corner. Despite Villa protests over a potential foul on Emiliano Martinez, the goal stood.

Arsenal quickly seized control. Martin Odegaard’s aggressive press in midfield led to the second goal as he teed up Martin Zubimendi, who calmly poked past Martinez to double the advantage and tilt the game decisively in the hosts’ favour.

EPL: Arsenal thump Aston Villa 4-1 to finish year five points clear
Arsenal beat Aston Villa 4-1 to extend Premier League lead – Getty image

Goals flow as Arsenal take control

Leandro Trossard made it 3-0 with a precise low finish from the edge of the area, after a lengthy VAR check confirmed he was onside.

Substitute Gabriel Jesus then added further gloss with a curling strike late on, before Ollie Watkins bundled in a stoppage-time consolation for Villa.

Unai Emery’s side, who arrived on an 11-game winning run and had beaten Arsenal earlier in the month, showed early intent but ultimately lacked the cutting edge to trouble a composed and clinical home side.

The victory caps an outstanding year for Arsenal, who have lost just twice in the league and now sit five points clear ahead of second-placed Manchester City who although, have a game in hand.

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Man United 1 Wolves 1: Zirkzee scores, but familiar flaws cost United again

Manchester United’s inability to manage games resurfaced at Old Trafford as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Wolves, gifting the visitors only their third point of the season and squandering a clear opportunity to climb the Premier League table.

Joshua Zirkzee marked a year since his lowest moment at the club by scoring the opener, but his goal – deflected and unconvincing, did little to mask another disjointed United performance that showed lingering structural issues under Ruben Amorim.

Zirkzee moment fails to change narrative

Zirkzee’s opener in the 27th minute came after sustained pressure, with the striker benefiting from a deflection following Ayden Heaven’s driving run into the box.

It was a rare positive moment, but not a transformative one.

Despite the goal, United remained laboured and predictable in possession. Zirkzee, starting more through seniority than form, struggled to impose himself and was eventually substituted.

This drew a reaction from the crowd that underlined his uncertain standing at the club after a modest return since arriving.

Man United 1 Wolves 1: Zirkzee scores, but familiar flaws cost United again

Zirkzee scored Manchester United only goal – Getty image

Tactical choices hand Wolves control

Amorim’s decision to revert to a back three against Wolves’ matching system played directly into the visitors’ hands. Wolves were comfortable without the ball and repeatedly exposed United’s inability to break down compact shapes.

Wolves grew in confidence as the half progressed and were rewarded just before the break when Ladislav Krejci guided a header home from a corner, punishing United’s poor defensive organisation yet again.

Another missed opportunity compounds concerns

United improved marginally after switching shape in the second half, but Wolves continued to create the clearer chances.

Late pressure failed to yield a winner for United, with a disallowed goal in stoppage time summing up a frustrating night.

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EPL: Defensive lapses cost Chelsea in 2-2 draw against Bournemouth

Chelsea’s struggles for consistency continued at Stamford Bridge as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth, dropping points for a third successive Premier League match despite racing into a first-half lead.

Goals from Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez were cancelled out by defensive errors that once again exposed the Blues, particularly from set-piece situations, leaving Enzo Maresca’s side with growing questions to answer.

Chaotic opening defines the contest

Bournemouth took the lead inside six minutes after Chelsea failed to deal with a long throw, allowing David Brooks to convert from close range after Robert Sanchez parried his initial effort back into danger. The goal set the tone for a frantic opening spell.

Chelsea responded quickly. Palmer levelled from the penalty spot following a VAR review that ruled Antoine Semenyo had fouled Estevao.

EPL: Defensive lapses cost Chelsea in 2-2 draw against Bournemouth
Chelsea winless run continues with 2-2 draw against Bournemouth – Getty image

Eight minutes later, Fernandez completed the turnaround with a superb strike from the edge of the area, briefly putting the hosts in control.

Set-piece weakness proves costly

Chelsea’s advantage did not last. Another long throw caused confusion in the box, with a defensive header looping to the back post where Justin Kluivert was left unmarked to tap home and restore parity for Bournemouth.

Fernandez later missed a clear chance to win the game, firing over after Neto’s cross fell kindly to him, while Bournemouth wasted a late opportunity of their own through Enes Unal.

Pressure builds as form dips

Despite late pressure, Chelsea could not find a winner and were forced to settle for a point, following a draw with Newcastle and defeat to Aston Villa. Their last league victory remains the December 13 win over Everton.

The pattern is increasingly familiar: attacking quality offset by defensive fragility. Until that imbalance is corrected, Chelsea’s momentum will continue to stall.