Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle says he has a headache picking his first X1 for the team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 clash.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Chelle made seven changes to his starting line-up for Tuesday’s Group C clash with the Cranes of Uganda.

Only Victor Osimhen, who captained the team on the night, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Calvin Bassey were the only players retained by the Malian.

A number of the fridge players impressed in the 3-1 victory over the Cranes.

Club Brugge star Raphael Onyedika starred in midfield, netting twice, while Samuel Chukwueze provided two assists.

Paul Onuachu combined well with Osimhen in attack, while the likes of Ryan Alebiosu, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Igoh Ogbu also shone in the game.

Chelle admitted that it is a good thing that all players can make impact in the team.

“I now have a lot of choices because everybody can play in this team and it’s perfect for me,” Chelle said after the game.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria wrapped up their Group C campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a confident 3-1 win over Uganda.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

The win extended the Super Eagles’ flawless run and highlighted their status as one of the tournament’s early pace-setters.

The Super Eagles, already assured of progress, showed no signs of easing up as goals from Paul Onuachu and a second-half brace by Raphael Onyedika proved decisive against a spirited Ugandan side.

Nigeria took control midway through the first half when Onuachu rose highest in the 28th minute to head home the opener, rewarding a period of sustained pressure. Uganda tried to respond after the break and briefly gave themselves hope through Salim Magoola, who found the net in the 56th minute to reduce the deficit.

Any momentum Uganda hoped to build was short-lived. Just six minutes later, Onyedika struck to restore Nigeria’s two-goal cushion, finishing calmly after a slick move through midfield. The same player made it 3-1 on 67 minutes with a powerful effort that effectively settled the contest.

Uganda continued to battle and were rewarded late on when Rogers Mato scored in the 75th minute, but by then Nigeria were firmly in control and saw out the closing stages with authority.

The result means Nigeria finish top of Group C with a maximum nine points from three matches, scoring eight goals and conceding four. Uganda, by contrast, end their group campaign bottom with just one point, their hopes of qualification faded despite moments of promise.

With three wins from three, Nigeria now look ahead to the knockout phase of the 2025 AFCON. The Super Eagles are expected to face the best 3rd team from Group A, B, or F in the round of 16 on January 6.

President Bola Tinubu has spoken by telephone with former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and his mother following the fatal road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway that claimed the lives of two of the boxer’s associates and left him injured.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

According to a State House press release issued on Monday and signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Tinubu personally conveyed his condolences to Mr Joshua during the call and offered prayers for his recovery.

“I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital,” Mr Tinubu said.

The president also said he reached out to Mr Joshua’s mother to express sympathy and offer prayers, noting her appreciation of the gesture.

“I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call,” he said.

Mr Tinubu added that he spoke with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was with the boxer at the hospital, and received assurances on the quality of care being provided.

“Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The Governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention,” the president said.

The telephone conversation followed an earlier public message by Mr Tinubu, who is currently abroad, in which he expressed sympathy with Mr Joshua after the accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.

“I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride,” the president said.

“In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.

“I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.”

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had earlier confirmed that the crash occurred near the Sinoma area of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, close to Sagamu. The accident involved a Lexus Jeep conveying Mr Joshua and a stationary commercial truck.

Five adult males were involved in the crash. Two persons died, one sustained injuries, while two others, including Mr Joshua, escaped with minor injuries. FRSC operatives said they arrived at the scene shortly after the incident was reported and carried out rescue operations, traffic control and evacuation of victims.

Preliminary findings by the FRSC indicated that excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were the likely causes of the crash, both of which remain among the leading factors in fatal road accidents on Nigerian highways.

Mr Joshua, a Nigerian-born British boxer, is a former unified heavyweight world champion and one of the most recognisable figures in global boxing. He has repeatedly spoken about his Nigerian heritage and remains a major source of national pride, with a strong following across the country.

The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest highway, has continued to record fatal crashes, particularly during festive travel periods, prompting repeated warnings from safety authorities on speeding and dangerous driving.