Eric Chelle, head coach of Super Eagles, has stated that the best team will win when Nigeria tackle Morocco in the AFCON semi-final tie on Wednesday.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Chelle, who stated this at his post-match interview after the Super Eagles defeated Algeria 2-0 in the AFCON quarter-final on Saturday, described Morrocco as a ‘strong’ team.

Nigeria’s goals were scored by Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams as the Desert Foxes failed to score.

Chelle’s men will now clash with Morocco who defeated DR Congo in the last-8 encounter on Friday.

“Morocco is a strong team, and there’ll be pressure in front of the host country,” Chelle said.

“The best team will win. I’m proud that we’ll face Morocco, and I hope it’ll be a good match, with the best team winning.”

Moroccan authorities have detained cameramen from an Algerian television channel, officials of the Algerian Press Agency and several supporters following disturbances at the Marrakech Stadium during the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between Nigeria and Algeria.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

The incident occurred after Algeria’s 2–0 defeat, which confirmed Nigeria’s progression to the semi-finals.

Local security sources said the detained media personnel were allegedly involved in acts of vandalism within the stadium complex, while a number of Algerian fans were arrested for disorderly conduct.

Witnesses reported that the unrest broke out shortly after the final whistle, with some Algerian supporters allegedly attacking Nigerian players and fans, leading to a brief breakdown of order in parts of the stadium.

Moroccan security forces moved quickly to restore calm and prevent further escalation. No serious injuries were reported, though the incident caused temporary disruption as players and spectators were escorted to safety.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to assess reports from match officials and Moroccan authorities as investigations continue.

Nigeria will now turn attention to the semi-finals, while Algeria bow out of the tournament amid controversy on and off the pitch.

The England international has found himself embroilled in trouble off the pitch....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been handed a six-month driving ban and ordered to pay a £2,185 fine after being caught speeding twice near his Surrey home.

The off-field setback comes during a period of strong form for the England international with Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Speeding offences push Rice to 15 points.

The 26-year-old was caught speeding on two occasions on the A217 close to his reported £3 million mansion in Surrey.

Rice was first clocked driving at 37mph in a 30mph zone on January 3, before being recorded again just five days later at 49mph in a 40mph zone.

Both offences were committed in his £40,000 Land Rover and proved costly due to the totting-up system. Having already accumulated six points on his licence, the two incidents took Rice to 15 points, resulting in an automatic six-month driving ban.

He was also ordered to pay £2,185, comprising a £1,500 fine, a £600 surcharge, and £85 in court costs, following the ruling. The punishment caps a frustrating episode away from the pitch for the former West Ham United captain.
Midfielder stays focused amid strong Arsenal form

Despite the ban, Rice will be keen to ensure the issue does not distract him as Arsenal continue their title push. After missing the Gunners’ emphatic 4-1 win over Aston Villa with a knee complaint, he returned in style by scoring twice in a 3-2 victory over Bournemouth.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool, Rice stressed his confidence and mindset. “I’m loving my football at the moment,” he told Sky Sports. “When I’m going on the pitch, I’m full of confidence, full of energy.”

Reflecting on his season, he added: “At the start of the season, I probably wasn’t at my best, but I wasn’t too worried — I knew I’d pick it back up.”

Rice also highlighted the competitive standards at the club, saying: “Nothing’s ever guaranteed here, so you have to be on it every single day and every single week just to keep your place.”