Category: Sport News

Categories
Sport News

NFF denies claims of owing Chelle two months’ salary, calls out NSC

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has rejected reports alleging that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is being owed two months’ salary ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chelle, appointed in January with clear performance targets, World Cup qualification and a semi-final berth at AFCON, guided Nigeria from fourth to second in Group C of the CAF qualifiers, finishing one point behind South Africa.

He then steered the team through the playoffs, beating Gabon before losing to DR Congo on penalties.

NFF denies claims of owing Chelle two months’ salary, calls out NSC
NFF denies owing Eric Chelle – Getty image

Payment responsibility lies elsewhere

The NFF insists it bears no responsibility for Chelle’s wages. According to OwnGoal, an official clarified that salary matters fall under the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Shehu Dikko.

The official also corrected circulating rumours, noting that Chelle is owed two months, not three.

“The NFF is not responsible for paying Chelle. The NSC handles that, so they should explain why he hasn’t been paid for October and November,” the official said.

Wider context around financial concerns

This comes after Super Eagles players protested unpaid allowances dating back to 2019 before the World Cup playoff campaign.

Despite the turbulence, Chelle earned a reprieve from the NFF Technical Committee following his strong performances in both qualifying phases, prompting a renewed mandate for AFCON 2025.

The coach has yet to publicly confirm or dispute reports of his outstanding salary.

Categories
Sport News

UCL: Szoboszlai late penalty hands Liverpool crucial win over Inter Milan

Liverpool secured a high-leverage Champions League win over Inter Milan after Dominik Szoboszlai converted an 88th-minute penalty, delivering a timely operational rebound during a turbulent week for the club.

The narrative heading into the fixture was dominated by Mohamed Salah’s omission following his explosive interview, but the squad recalibrated on the pitch to capture three critical points.

Liverpool regain control amid off-field turbulence

With Salah left in England, responsibility changed hands. A VAR review flagged Alessandro Bastoni’s shirt pull on Florian Wirtz, and Szoboszlai executed under pressure, beating Yann Sommer despite the goalkeeper reading the direction correctly.

The strike maintained Liverpool’s upward trajectory, extending their unbeaten run to four after a damaging sequence of nine defeats in 12.

The Reds now sit on 12 points from six league-phase matches, re-entering the top-eight bracket that guarantees automatic progression to the last 16.

UCL: Szoboszlai late penalty hands Liverpool crucial win over Inter Milan
Szoboszlai scored from the spot to hand Liverpool a vital win vs Inter after – Getty image

Inter threaten but falter late

Inter entered the match on a 19-game unbeaten home run in the competition but saw it collapse despite generating key moments.

Liverpool thought they had broken through earlier when Ibrahima Konaté headed in from a corner, only for VAR to rule Hugo Ekitike had handled the ball in the buildup.

Curtis Jones, Szoboszlai, and Ekitike all forced Sommer into action, while Inter lost Piotr Zielinski and Yann Aurel Bisseck to injury disruptions.

The hosts gained momentum midway through the first half, with Nicolò Barella going close from a free-kick and Lautaro Martínez denied by Alisson.

Categories
Sport News

Lookman’s Atalanta beat Chelsea to dent Blues’ Champions League knock-out stage qualification

Chelsea took a major hit in their Champions League campaign after Atalanta overturned a first-half deficit to claim a deserved victory in Bergamo.

Both sides entered the fixture level on 10 points, but the result leaves the Blues outside the automatic qualification zone with two league-phase matches left.

Chelsea start fast but lose control

The visitors drew first blood when Joao Pedro converted Reece James’ pinpoint cross, capping a composed early sequence.

For much of the opening period, the margins were slim, even if Ademola Lookman’s direct running continually stressed Chelsea’s defense.

Lookman’s Atalanta beat Chelsea to dent Blues’ Champions League knock-out stage qualification
Lookman made life difficult for Chelsea defenders in the encounter – Getty image

James later fired wide after the break, but the momentum had already begun shifting.

Atalanta take charge

Atalanta intensified their press and were rewarded when Gianluca Scamacca met a well-weighted delivery to level the score.

Alejandro Garnacho forced a save with a powerful effort, but the decisive blow came late: Charles De Ketelaere was afforded too much space on the edge of the box and punished the lapse with a driven finish.

Blues drop out of qualification zone

The loss sends Chelsea tumbling to 11th, outside the top eight required for automatic progression, while Atalanta surge to third, opening a three-point buffer.

The pressure metrics for Chelsea are now non-negotiable heading into the final two fixtures.

Categories
Sport News

Lionel Messi makes history with back-to-back MLS MVP awards

Lionel Messi has rewritten Major League Soccer’s record books once again, becoming the first player in league history to win consecutive Landon Donovan MLS MVP awards.

The Inter Miami superstar delivered a landmark 2025 campaign, posting numbers unmatched by nearly every player who has competed in the league.

Messi finished the regular season with 48 goal contributions, 29 goals and 19 assists, the second-highest total ever recorded, while leading Inter Miami to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference.

Unprecedented output fuels historic MVP run

Messi’s year was defined by sustained dominance. He averaged 1.78 goal involvements per 90 minutes, trailing only his own record from the 2024 season.

He also became only the second player to lead MLS in both goals and assists in a single campaign, matching Sebastian Giovinco’s 2015 achievement.

Lionel Messi makes history with back-to-back MLS MVP awards
Lionel Messi wins MLS MVP award for the second time in a roll – Getty image

The Argentine shattered multiple league benchmarks along the way. He became the first MLS player to record 10 multi-goal matches in a single season and produced three or more goal contributions in nine games.

His streak of scoring multiple goals across five straight fixtures from May to July is now the longest such run in MLS history.

Trophy haul points to complete dominance

Messi’s accolades prove the scope of his impact. Beyond his second straight MVP crown, he secured the MLS Golden Boot, was named MLS Cup MVP after orchestrating Inter Miami’s title win with two assists, and earned a suite of monthly and matchday honors.

Across his MLS tenure, Messi now holds:

2 MVP awards

1 MLS Cup MVP

2 Best XI selections

2 All-Star nods

1 Golden Boot

12 Player of the Matchday awards

5 Player of the Month awards

His MVP victory was a landslide, capturing more than 70% of the total vote, well ahead of Anders Dreyer, Denis Bouanga, Evander, and Sam Surridge.

Chasing records and surpassing legends

Messi is now only the second two-time MLS MVP winner, joining Preki, who claimed the award in 1997 and 2003. No other player has won it in consecutive seasons.

Miami’s season ends in triumph despite setbacks

Despite Messi’s statistical brilliance, Miami’s campaign came with turbulence. They exited the CONCACAF Champions Cup early, fell to Seattle in the Leagues Cup final, and failed to defend the Supporters’ Shield.

Their turnaround arrived in the postseason, where Messi’s leadership powered the club to its first-ever MLS Cup

Categories
Sport News

AFCON 2025: NFF Reportedly Owing Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle Three Months Salary

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, is reportedly owing the head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, for at least three months.

This was revealed by BBC Sport’s journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji, via his X account on Tuesday.

Okeleji, however, noted that Chelle is yet to make an official complaint to his employers.

“Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is owed three months salary and bonuses ahead of the AFCON,” Okeleji wrote.

“The Malian, who led the Eagles to 2026 World Cup playoff, has however yet to make an official complaint to his employers (the NFF) about the non-payment of his salary.”

Chelle is expected to submit his final 28-man squad ahead of the AFCON by Wednesday, December 10.

Categories
Sport News

40-Year-Old Cristiano Ronaldo Shocks World With Stoppage Time Bicycle Kick To Keep Al Nassr Top Of The League

The global football community has been thrown into a state of total frenzy following a spectacular display of athleticism by Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 40-year-old legend has once again proven that age is merely a number. He scored a jaw-dropping bicycle kick for Al Nassr during their recent clash against Al Khaleej, sealing a convincing victory that has everyone talking.

It was a moment that demanded immediate attention from fans worldwide. In the past, supporters might have quietly tracked live scores on data-friendly platforms like bet9ja old mobile while on the go. However, the sheer brilliance of this goal meant that static updates were not enough. In fact, video clips of the strike began circulating instantly, showcasing a moment of magic that simply had to be seen to be believed.

A Stoppage Time Wonder At Al-Awwal Park

Reports confirm that the match was played at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. Al Nassr was already leading, but the team continued to press forward late into the game.

The clock had ticked deep into stoppage time when the magic happened. It seems that Ronaldo was perfectly positioned to meet a right-wing cross delivered by his teammate, Nawaf Boushal.

With his back to the goal, the veteran striker launched himself into the air. He connected with an acrobatic overhead kick that flew past the goalkeeper. This effort secured a 4–1 win for his side in the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League season.

Defying Age And Breaking Records

This goal is not just about the spectacle. Rather, it highlights the incredible physical condition of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Analysts have noted that this strike is recorded as roughly the 954th goal of his professional career. Moreover, it marks his 10th league goal of the current campaign.

Here is a breakdown of the key stats surrounding the match:

  • Total Career Goals: Approximately 954
  • Current Season Goals: 10 in the League
  • Team Record: 9 Wins in 9 Matches
  • Match Outcome: Al Nassr 4–1 Al Khaleej

Due to this victory, Al Nassr has kept their perfect start to the season intact. They have secured nine wins from nine matches, ensuring they remain firmly at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.

Social Media Goes Wild

The reaction to the goal has been massive across the internet. Especially on X (formerly Twitter), where the clip has trended for hours.

Many football pundits are comparing this latest effort to his famous 2018 bicycle kickfor Real Madrid against Juventus.

Ronaldo himself decided to have fun with the moment. He posted the video on his personal account and launched a “best caption wins” challenge. This move sparked a wave of creativity from his followers and ensured the highlight remained the biggest topic of the day.

Categories
Sport News

LaLiga: Celta Vigo stun Real Madrid 2-0 to compound pressure on Alonso

Real Madrid suffered their second La Liga defeat of the campaign as Celta Vigo delivered a disciplined, high-impact performance to claim a stunning victory at the Bernabéu.

Los Blancos controlled much of the first half but lacked clear execution in the final third.

Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler and Vinícius Júnior all missed clear chances, with Güler’s close-range miss the most glaring.

The opening period was further soured by a suspected hamstring injury to Eder Militão, forcing his early withdrawal.

LaLiga: Celta Vigo stun Real Madrid 2-0 to compound pressure on Alonso
Celta Vigo beat Real Madrid in front of their fans – Getty image

Swedberg breakthrough turns the tide

Celta punished Madrid’s wastefulness shortly after the interval. A sharp collective move ended with Bryan Zaragoza whipping in a precise cross, and Williot Swedberg produced a superb back-heeled finish to put the visitors ahead.

Just minutes later, Real Madrid’s task became even harder. Fran García, already booked for a foul on Sergio Carreira, lunged recklessly into Swedberg and was shown a second yellow card, reducing the hosts to ten men.

Late pressure falls flat as chaos ensues

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Madrid mounted sustained pressure in the final stages, but Celta’s defensive held firm.

Five minutes of stoppage time offered a lifeline, yet frustration boiled over instead.

Álvaro Carreras was dismissed for dissent before Swedberg capitalised again, rounding Thibaut Courtois to calmly slot home his second goal of the night.

Title race blow for Madrid

The defeat leaves Real Madrid four points behind Barcelona in the title race and intensifies criticsm on Xabi Alonso, whose side now face an even bigger challenge with Manchester City visiting the Bernabéu in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Categories
Sport News

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.

Categories
Sport News

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.

Categories
Sport News

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.

About Us

626blaze is an entertainment and lifestyle website that brings you latest gist and scoops from the world of music, fashion, movies, sports and social commentary.

Categories

Subscribe to our Newsletters