Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has apologized to Nigerians following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Osimhen said the Super Eagles were sorry for not qualifying for the world’s biggest tournament.
The Galatasaray star spoke ahead of Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, clash against Tanzania in Fès on Tuesday.
“The expectations are very high. This AFCON is an opportunity for us to try and write out wrongs,” Osimhen told Pooja Media.
“Make the Super Eagles fans all over the world believe that there is so much more we can give. We are so sorry.
“We have to use this opportunity to say we are so sorry for not getting the World Cup ticket. We know the disappointment in the faces of Nigerian fans, it has happened, and we have to keep it going,” he said.
Recall that Nigeria failed to secure the World Cup ticket after losing to DR Congo in the playoff final encounter a few weeks ago.
Victor Osimhen has stated that the Super Eagles are ready to face a tough battle against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars.
Eric Chelle’s men will open their campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup against the East Africans in Fès on Tuesday.
The highly anticipated encounter will kick-off 6.30pm Nigerian time.
The Super Eagles, who were runners-up at the last edition in Cote d’Ivoire are overwhelming favourites to win the game.
Tanzania, will be making their fourth AFCON appearance in Morocco, and have never make it beyond the group stage.
Osimhen said it is important for the Super Eagles not to underrate the Taifa Stars.
The Galatasaray striker however insisted that they are among the favourites to win the title.
“It’s all about going to war. Tuesday is the first one, and we will give everything. We are not underrating anyone in our group, but I think we’re up there with so many favourites in this tournament,” he told Nigerian journalist Kelechi Anyikude.
“So we’re going to give our all to make sure that we actualise the dream of trying to win the AFCON. It’s not gonna be easy, we still got a long way to go so I am positive about this squad.”
Osimhen will also to better his performance from AFCON 2025 where he scored only once and provided one assist in seven games.
Aston Villa extended their remarkable winning run to 10 matches in all competitions with a hard-fought victory over Manchester United at Villa Park, their longest top-flight streak since 1914.
Unai Emery’s side were not at peak performance, but Morgan Rogers once again delivered decisively, underlining Villa’s growing credibility in the title conversation as they closed to within three points of leaders Arsenal.
Rogers delivers when it matters
Villa broke the deadlock just before half-time when Rogers curled a composed finish into the corner, rewarding sustained pressure rather than dominance.
United briefly restored parity just before the break when Matheus Cunha capitalised on a costly error from Matty Cash.
However, Rogers responded again in the second half, cutting inside Leny Yoro and bending a near-identical strike beyond Senne Lammens for his sixth league goal in as many games.
Emery’s animated reaction on the touchline reflected both relief and significance, as Villa secured only their second home league win over United in 27 attempts.
Rogers scores double to hand Aston Villa win over Manchester United – Getty image
United woes deepen amid mounting injuries
It was a damaging afternoon for United head coach Ruben Amorim, whose squad arrived heavily compromised and left even thinner.
Already missing six senior players due to injury, suspension and Africa Cup of Nations commitments, United were forced into further disruption when Bruno Fernandes suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury late in the first half.
The captain failed to return after the interval and was seen walking cautiously to the bench, raising concerns over a prolonged absence at a time when United can least afford it.
The situation was compounded by a pre-match withdrawal for Kobbie Mainoo and debuts for teenagers Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey, underlining the depth of the crisis.
Barcelona strengthened their hold on top spot in La Liga with an away win over Villarreal, restoring a four-point lead over Real Madrid and extending their league winning run to eight matches.
Despite not being at their fluent best in the early exchanges, Hansi Flick’s side executed the key moments efficiently to secure maximum points at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Raphinacapitalises as Villarreal rue missed chances
Villarreal started aggressively and created several early openings, but their failure to convert proved costly.
Against the run of play, Barcelona struck first in the 12th minute when Raphinha calmly converted a penalty after being brought down by Santi Comesana.
The hosts continued to threaten, with Nicolas Pepe and Ayoze Pérez both spurning opportunities, while Raphinha came close to doubling Barca’s lead by rattling the crossbar from distance.
Yamal delivered the decisive blow to help Barcelona tighten their grip of La Liga top spot – Getty image
Red card shifts momentum decisively
The match tilted firmly in Barcelona’s favour in the 39th minute when Renato Veiga was sent off for a rash challenge on Lamine Yamal.
Villarreal briefly thought they had equalised before the break, but Jules Koundé’s own goal was ruled out for offside, compounding the hosts’ frustration.
Yamal seals routine victory
With the numerical advantage, Barcelona controlled the tempo after the interval. Yamal delivered the decisive blow in the 63rd minute, reacting quickest to a scramble in the box to poke home his ninth goal of the season.
From there, Barcelona managed the game professionally, limiting Villarreal’s threat and seeing out the contest without alarm.
The result keeps Barcelona firmly in control of the title race heading into the winter break. They return to action against Espanyol on January 3, while Villarreal travel to Elche later the same day.
At the free OLM Souissi Fan Zone, Afrobeats superstar Davido took the spotlight, performing alongside French Montana, Douaa Lahyaoui, and Lartiste, delivering an electrifying fusion of music and football excitement in anticipation of AFCON Morocco 2025.
Fans sang along to hits like ‘Fall,’ ‘With You,’ and ‘Unavailable,’ creating an energetic atmosphere that set the tone for the tournament running through January.
Davido’s performance continues his tradition of thrilling shows at major football events, with fans eagerly anticipating his role in the official opening ceremony.
Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester Citycontinued their strong run with a comfortable Premier League victory over West Ham United, moving Pep Guardiola’s side to the top of the table.
City’s fifth straight league win puts them one point clear of Arsenal, who can reclaim first place later on Saturday with a win away at Everton.
Early strike sets the tone
The contest was effectively decided within five minutes. Haaland reacted quickest after Alphonse Areola saved his initial effort, converting the rebound to give City an early lead at the Etihad Stadium.
City dominated thereafter, carving West Ham open repeatedly. Haaland missed a clear chance to double the advantage with a free header, while Tijjani Reijnders and Phil Foden both forced saves from Areola.
Erling Haaland bagged a brace to help Manchester City win the game – Getty image
Reijnders adds control
City’s pressure told again seven minutes before half-time when Reijnders collected a pass from Haaland, drove into space and rifled a shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-0.
That goal removed any lingering doubt about the outcome, with Guardiola’s side controlling possession.
Haaland seals it
West Ham showed brief intent after the break, with Jarrod Bowen twice going close, but their resistance ended when Haaland struck again in the 69th minute to secure the points.
The Norwegian now has 19 league goals this season and 38 in all competitions, underlining his central role in City’s title push.
Contrasting trajectories
The win extends City’s unbeaten run against teams starting the day in the relegation zone to 48 matches and marks their seventh consecutive victory in all competitions.
For West Ham, the situation looks increasingly bleak. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side remain 18th, three points from safety, and are now winless in six league games as relegation concerns deepen.
City return to action on 27 December away at Nottingham Forest, while West Ham host Fulham the same day, facing growing pressure to reverse their slide.
Thiago Silva has officially signed for FC Porto, ending speculation linking him with returns to former clubs AC Milan and Chelsea.
The 41-year-old defender has committed to a contract running until June 2026, with an option to extend for a further year until 2027.
Thiago Silva announced new Porto player – Credit: FC Porto media
Return to familiar ground
The move represents a brief return to Porto, where Silva spent six months in 2005 earlier in his career.
The announcement was made via social media, featuring the defender alongside transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, with Silva confirming he was “very happy and honoured” to take up the opportunity.
Farioli influence
Silva also acknowledged Porto head coach Francesco Farioli, crediting the Italian for playing a key role in the move. The veteran centre-back is expected to provide leadership and experience as Porto target domestic and European objectives.
Chelsea mounted a spirited second-half comeback to earn a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park, with João Pedro delivering the equaliser against a Newcastle side that again failed to protect a commanding lead.
Newcastle appeared in full control at the interval after Nick Woltemade struck twice to put Eddie Howe’s team 2-0 ahead, energising a vocal home crowd and leaving Chelsea facing a steep uphill task.
Newcastle dominance, familiar fragility
Despite their first-half authority, Newcastle’s inability to manage games resurfaced.
No Premier League side has dropped more points from winning positions this season, and that underlying struggle became evident shortly after the restart.
Chelsea captain Reece James reignited the contest with a precise 25-yard free-kick, reducing the deficit and shifting things in Chelsea’s favour.
The goal visibly unsettled the hosts, with anxiety spreading around the stadium.
Joao Pedro gave Chelsea the equaliser against Newcastle – Getty image
Controversy and momentum shift
Tensions rose further when Newcastle were denied a penalty after Trevoh Chalobah bundled Anthony Gordon inside the area, a decision that inflamed the home support and intensified the atmosphere.
Chelsea capitalised soon after. Pedro, who chose Stamford Bridge over Newcastle last summer, punished a defensive lapse as Malick Thiaw slipped, allowing the Brazilian to break clear and finish calmly past Aaron Ramsdale.
Missed chance at the death
The equaliser set up an open finale, with both sides committing numbers forward.
Newcastle came agonisingly close to snatching victory late on, but substitute Harvey Barnes volleyed wide from a promising position, prompting a frustrated reaction from Howe on the touchline.
Table implications
The draw leaves Chelsea six points clear of Newcastle in fourth place. Newcastle, meanwhile, remain 11th for now, with familiar questions resurfacing about game management and defensive discipline.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held every four years starting from 2028.
This was revealed by Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, on Saturday.
Since 1968, the tournament has been played every two years.
There was, however, a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions.
But after the 2027 edition in East Africa and the next one in 2028, it will switch to a four-year cycle.
“We have the most exciting new structure for African football,” Motsepe said.
“I do what is in the interests of Africa. The global calendar has to be significantly more synchronised and harmonised.”
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has suggested reasons for his loss to British fighter Anthony Joshua on Friday.
Paul admitted he was fatigued during the fight and lacked the best cardio, praising Joshua for his great performance and powerful punches.
In their Miami fight, Paul sustained a fractured jaw as he endured six rounds against the two-time heavyweight champion.
The 28-year-old American was knocked down four times during the fight.
In his post-fight interview, Paul stated (via Metro UK), “My [jaw] is definitely broken. But man, that was good.
“I love this, so I will come back and get a world championship belt at some point and I’m not surprised [I lasted long against Joshua]. I just got tired.
“It was just so much handling his weight. If I had better cardio, I could’ve maybe kept on fighting. But he did amazing, and hits really hard.”
