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2025 AFCON: What Late Stephen Keshi Told Me About Corruption In Team Selection – Mikel

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has disclosed what the late former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, told him regarding corruption in the team selection process.

Mikel made the disclosure while drawing a comparison between Keshi’s squad and Nigeria’s team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

According to Mikel, Keshi told him that highly placed individuals attempted to influence his selection, but the late coach resisted the pressure and selected players purely on merit.

“I remember the late Stephen Keshi when he wanted to make his World Cup selection, called me up and say Mikel, I want to make the squad but these f****s keep calling me trying to influence my decision,” Mikel said on his Obi One Podcast.

“They say I have to pick this player but you know me, I will always do what’s right and I will pick the players that I think deserve and will go and help this country do well in the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles already have 25 players in camp as preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations intensify in Egypt.

Nigeria are scheduled to face Egypt in a friendly match on Tuesday before travelling to neighbouring Morocco for the tournament.

The Super Eagles will play Tanzania, Uganda and Tunisia in Group C of the AFCON.

Nigeria’s campaign begins against Tanzania on December 23, followed by matches against Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30.

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Chelsea Legend, John Terry Reveals He Considered Su!cide After Champions League Final Penalty Miss

Chelsea legend John Terry has revealed that he struggled deeply after his penalty miss in the 2008 UEFA Champions League final, admitting he even contemplated taking his own life in the aftermath.

The former England defender slipped and hit the post with what could have been the decisive spot-kick against Manchester United,  before the Red Devils eventually won the shoot-out at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.

Now Terry, 45, admits he considered suicide from the 25th floor of the team’s hotel, before his team-mates led him away.

Speaking to Reece Mennie on his podcast, he said: ‘Looking back, I would have loved at that time to have spoken to someone because I remember after the game, we all went back to the hotel, and I was on the 25th floor in Moscow, and I’m just looking out the window, just going, “Why? Why?”

‘I’m not saying if I had that opportunity that you’d jump, but you know things go through your head at that particular time.

‘Then the boys came up, and they took me downstairs. It’s those moments that you have the “what if?” You just never know, do you.’

He added: ‘At the time, three or four days later, we went and met up with England so now we’re sitting across the dining table with the Man United players, which was the worst thing ever anyway!

‘But then we played America at Wembley and I ended up scoring, I scored a header from outside the box, and just after that I was like, “why couldn’t I just swap that moment for that?”

‘Still even now today, it goes over in my head. It has softened over the years for sure but I think when you’re playing and you’re churning out game after game, season after season, you compartmentalise it a little bit and put it right to the back.

‘But it’s now that I’m retired, I’ve not got that focus of playing every week or playing in front of the supporters and having that buzz, that it really gets me. I still wake up middle of the night and go oh yeah it did happen, and I don’t think that I’ll ever go.’

Four years later, Chelsea beat Bayern Munich on penalties, and Terry finally got to lift the trophy, although he didn’t play as he was suspended for the match after being sent off in the semi-finals against Barcelona.

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AFCON 2025: Anticipation Builds As 10 Players Hit Super Eagles Camp

At least 10 players have reported to the Super Eagles’ camp as preparations get underway for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles’ camp officially opened on Sunday at the Renaissance Hotel, Cairo, with all coaches and backroom staff already in attendance ahead of the tournament.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the first player to arrive, touching down shortly after 2 a.m. local time, signalling the start of full squad mobilisation.

Uzoho was named as one of three goalkeepers in head coach Eric Chelle’s 28-man squad, marking his return to the national team setup after more than a year on the sidelines.

Stanley Nwabali followed as the second arrival, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro later arrived to raise the number in camp to four.

Six more players, Amas Obasogie, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Igho Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Tochukwu Nnadi, arrived later, bringing the total number in camp to 10.

More players are expected to join in the coming hours as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the continental showpiece.

NAN also reports that the three-time African champions are scheduled to hold their first training session later on Sunday.

As part of their preparations, the Super Eagles will play a friendly match against the Pharaohs of Egypt on Tuesday at the Cairo International Stadium.

Nigeria will head into the 2025 AFCON looking to build on their runners-up finish at the last tournament, where they lost 2–1 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.

The Super Eagles are aiming for a fourth continental crown, having previously won the competition in 1980, 1994 and 2013.

The 2025 AFCON kicks off in Morocco on December 21 and is expected to end on January 18, 2026.

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Deontay Wilder Calls Anthony Joshua Vs Jake Paul Fight ‘Scripted’ Ahead Of Miami Showdown

Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has sparked debate ahead of Anthony Joshua’s highly anticipated showdown with Jake Paul, hinting that the fight may have been carefully staged.

Speaking to FightHub TV before the fight on December 19 at the Kaseya Centre in Miami, Wilder questioned the authenticity of the heavyweight contest between the two-time unified champion Joshua and YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.

The fight marks another bold step for Paul, who shocked the boxing world in 2024 when he defeated former heavyweight great Mike Tyson after the latter came out of retirement. However, Deontay Wilder believes stepping into the ring with an active and elite fighter like Joshua presents a completely different level of danger.

“In my opinion, I think it’s (the fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua) scripted a little bit because of the weight difference, and Joshua is active. This is going to be the first time that we see (Jake) Paul fighting an active fighter,” Wilder said.

“We’ve seen him with Mike Tyson, that was all fun, that was cute…but now you’re dealing with a real professional, so we’ll see how it ends up.”

The bout is expected to be a major commercial event, with Joshua and Paul reportedly set to earn at least $40 million each. The eight-round fight will be contested using 10-ounce gloves, while regulations state that Joshua must not weigh more than 245 pounds on fight night.

Despite the hype, the professionally sanctioned heavyweight contest has sparked serious concern within boxing circles. Naija News reports that Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali, alongside former world champion Amir Khan, have both warned that Paul could be putting his life at risk by facing a fighter of Joshua’s calibre.

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AFCON 2025: Chelle Names Final 28-Man Super Eagles Squad (Full List)

Eric Chelle, the Head coach of the Super Eagles, has released his final squad list for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chelle has trimmed his initial 50-man squad to 28 players.

The most obvious absentee is captain William Troost-Ekong, who announced his retirement from international football last week.

However, vice-captains Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Osimhen make the cut.

The deadline for the submission of the final squads was December 10.

The Super Eagles squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece), Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)

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Super Eagles Striker, Victor Osimhen Named GQ Sportsman Of The Year In Turkey (Video)

Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker, has been named GQ Sportsman of the Year in Turkey.

The former Napoli striker, 26, received the award at a black-tie ceremony held in Istanbul on Wednesday, December 10.

The accolade, organised by the Turkish edition of GQ Magazine, a leading international men’s fashion and lifestyle publication, recognises outstanding achievers across various fields, including sports, music, and film.

The Nigerian international was recognised for his contribution to Galatasaray’s domestic double last season, scoring 37 goals and providing seven assists in 41 appearances to help the club secure both the Super Lig and Turkish Cup titles.

Despite being slowed by injuries this season, Osimhen has continued his impressive form, netting 11 goals in 14 matches across all competitions.

Osimhen has registered 37 goals and seven assists across all competitions for the Yellow and Reds.

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AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle warned against overreliance on Osimhen

Former Nigeria winger Tijani Babangida has cautioned Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle against what he calls a “dangerous” overreliance on Victor Osimhen ahead of AFCON 2025.

He insists Nigeria cannot build its ambitions for a fourth continental title around one player, no matter how influential.

Data exposes worrying dependency

Osimhen’s impact on the team is undisputed. With 31 goals in 43 games, he is closing in on Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record, and Nigeria’s results reflect his importance.

With him available, the Super Eagles have lost just five of 40 matches. Without him, they have suffered 11 defeats in 29.

AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle warned against overreliance on Osimhen
Chelle warned against over dependence on Osimhen – Getty image

That gulf showed during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria failed to win any of their first four games while Osimhen was injured.

His return brought six goals in six matches and a haul of 14 points, yet the team still fell behind South Africa in the race for automatic qualification.

Collapse against Congo reveals wider structural issue

Osimhen inspired Nigeria past Gabon in the playoff, but when he limped off in the final versus DR Congo, the team fell apart and eventually lost on penalties.

Babangida says moments like that highlight a system too dependent on the striker.

Speaking to Tribal Football, he said Chelle must “fix” the issue and build a squad capable of performing with or without the Galatasaray forward.

He added that every player selected must take responsibility and maintain performance levels irrespective of Osimhen’s availability.

Mentality shift needed ahead of AFCON 2025

Babangida stressed that injuries are part of football and Osimhen’s absence should not “throw the Super Eagles into a mess.”

He urged the coach to instil confidence across the squad, particularly among the attackers, so the team can operate effectively even when their talisman is unavailable.

Nigeria face Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in Group C, opening their AFCON 2025 campaign on December 23 against Tanzania.

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Paul Pogba invests in World’s first professional camel racing team in Saudi Arabia

Paul Pogba has broadened his investment footprint by partnering with Al Haboob, a Saudi Arabian camel racing team aiming to build the world’s first professional league.

The former Manchester United midfielder, now with Monaco, joins as both ambassador and shareholder, marking his latest business venture after launching a clothing line earlier this year.

Paul Pogba invests in World’s first professional Camel Racing team in Saudi Arabia

Paul Pogba invests in Camel Racing team – SunSport image

Inside Pogba’s new venture

Pogba, who returned to action this season after his doping ban was reduced from four years to 18 months, is aligning with a fast-growing sport rooted deeply in Arabian tradition.

Al Haboob compete across the GCC region, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as part of a push to formalise camel racing into a global commercial product.

Elite racing camels can fetch up to £3.8 million, with top speeds reaching 65km/h. The sport’s rapid commercial growth is underscored by the 2024 AlUla Camel Cup, which offered a record-breaking prize pool of nearly £5 million and featured 10,000 competing camels, attended by top Saudi royals.

Paul Pogba invests in World’s first professional Camel Racing team in Saudi Arabia
Paul Pogba – Getty image

Pogba on why he joined the project

Announcing the partnership on Instagram, the World Cup winner said he is proud to be part of “a historic sporting moment.”

He explained that his interest grew during repeated visits to the Middle East, where camel racing increasingly caught his attention.

Pogba said the tradition, culture and competitive spirit behind the sport drew him in, describing it as “a whole world” filled with history and family heritage.

Expanding a diverse portfolio

The midfielder continues to diversify his off-field interests, with investments spanning fashion, tech, real estate and multiple start-ups.

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Madueke stars with double at Brugge as Arsenal maintain perfect Champions League record

Arsenal strengthened their Champions Leaguecampaign on Tuesday night as Noni Madueke’s brace powered a 3-0 win over Club Brugge, extending their 100% record and effectively sealing their place in the knockout stages.

Madueke sets the tone early

Mikel Arteta rotated heavily after the weekend loss to Aston Villa, and one of the incoming players delivered immediately.

Madueke opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort, shrugging off a defender before firing a 20-yard strike off the crossbar.

Club Brugge applied pressure late in the first half, but David Raya’s sharp saves from Christos Tzolis and Aleksandar Stankovic preserved Arsenal’s lead.

Madueke stars with double at Brugge as Arsenal maintain perfect Champions League record
Madueke scores double to hand Arsenal win over Brugge – Getty image

Quickfire second-half push

Madueke doubled the advantage two minutes into the second half, heading in a precise cross from Martin Zubimendi.

Moments later, Gabriel Martinelli curled home Arsenal’s third to put the game beyond reach and secure a comfortable finish.

Key returns and milestones

Gabriel Jesus made his first appearance in 342 days after recovering from an ACL injury, while 16-year-old Marli Salmon earned his senior debut.

Jesus nearly capped his return with a goal, but his late effort rattled the crossbar.

The victory lifts Arsenal to 18 points, surpassing last season’s threshold for a top-eight finish, and positioning them to bypass the February play-offs and advance straight to the last 16.

Rotation pays off for Arteta

Supporters have urged Arteta to rotate amid a heavy injury list, and he deployed his seventh different centre-back pairing of the season with Christian Nørgaard and Piero Hincapié.

Though the performance dipped at intervals, Arsenal’s control strengthened in the second half, enabling Arteta to manage minutes efficiently.

Gabriel Jesus impressed during his half-hour caméo, offering more attacking presence than Viktor Gyökeres, who endured a challenging evening.

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UCL: Haaland, O’Reilly strike as Alonso’s Madrid sink against Man City

Real Madrid’s crisis deepened on Wednesday night as Manchester City secured a 2-1 win at the Bernabéu, leaving Xabi Alonso’s job on the line after just seven months in charge.

Pep Guardiola, already an unpopular figure in Madrid from his Barcelona days, returned to inflict more damage, this time with a victory that exposed Madrid’s frailties and amplified pressure on his former Bayern Munich protégé.

Madrid start strong but collapse quickly

Despite their struggles in La Liga and a long injury list, Madrid opened brightly. Rodrygo ended his 32-game goal drought with a composed finish after a well-timed pass from Jude Bellingham, giving the hosts the lead they deserved.

The momentum didn’t last. Within five minutes, City were level as Nico O’Reilly reacted quickest to a Thibaut Courtois spill. Madrid’s appeals for a foul on Ruben Dias were dismissed, and City seized control.

UCL: Haaland, O’Reilly strike as Alonso’s Madrid sink against Man City
Man City beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu – Getty image

Haaland turns the tide

O’Reilly then combined with Jeremy Doku before floating a cross toward Erling Haaland, who was hauled down by Antonio Rüdiger.

After VAR intervention, the penalty was awarded, and Haaland, unfazed after his recent miss against Liverpool, sent Courtois the wrong way.

City nearly added a third before the break, with Courtois producing a double save to deny Haaland and Rayan Cherki.

Madrid chase the game but fall short

Alonso’s side pushed hard in the second half. Bellingham attempted a delicate chip that landed on the roof of the net, while Vinícius Júnior squandered two promising chances. Substitute Endrick struck the crossbar late on, summing up a night of frustration.

City, meanwhile, continued to create chances of their own, with Courtois keeping the deficit respectable as Cherki and Doku caused persistent problems.

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