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Category: Sports

Oyo APC leaders back Tinubu for 2027

Prominent leaders of All Progressives Congress in Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in Oyo State have affirmed their commitment to backing President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027 general election.

The declaration was made yesterday at a unity rally organised by constituency leaders at Moniya, Ibadan.

The event drew key party figures from the constituency, including Chief Kunle Sanda, Joshua Oyebamiji, Femi Egbedeyi, Tayo Oyetunji, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, Abisoye Fagade, Chief Isiaka Alimi and Adigun Abiodun, among others.

Top APC leaders from the state also attended the rally. They included the state party chairman, Alhaji Olaide Abas; Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; senators Teslim Folarin, Yunus Akintunde, Sharafadeen Alli, and Abdulfatai Buhari; Aderemi Oseni; Senator Ayo Adeseun; Prof Adeolu Akande; Bolaji Repete; Akeem Akogun; and Chair of Oyo APC’s United Kingdom caucus, Adebayo Amusat-Gbenla.

Read Also: 2027: Reps Deputy Speaker drums support for Tinubu, says Igbo must extend handshake to southwest

Speaking with journalists, Chairman of Oyo Central Senatorial District APC, Joshua Oyebamiji, said party leaders had reached a resolution to work for President Tinubu. He added that state leaders would operate as a unified bloc ahead of the 2027 polls.

Oyebamiji said stakeholders in the party had agreed to prioritise collective objectives over personal interests, noting that internal divisions were now a thing of the past.

He said: “We are here for two purposes. First, to tell the world and the people of Oyo State that APC is united. We are now one family, and that is why this is called a unity rally. Second, we are here to express our support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027. APC in Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency supports his second-term bid.”

Other speakers echoed the same sentiments.

In his remarks, Senator Folarin described the APC as the political platform capable of steering Nigeria to progress. State chairman Alhaji Olaide Abas reaffirmed that the party remains united and urged members to work diligently for the victory of President Tinubu and others in the general election 2027.

January 8, 2026
Arsenal must win trophies to leave ‘legacy’, says Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the Premier League leaders must win trophies if they were to be remembered like the “Invincibles” side that last won the title for the Gunners in 2004.

Arsene Wenger’s side romped to the title 22 years ago without losing a single league game.

Arsenal head into today’s clash at home to reigning champions Liverpool with a six-point lead at the top of the table, although Manchester City and Aston Villa can cut that gap when they are in action on Wednesday.

Arteta’s men, runners-up for the past three seasons, have two more points and four more goals than Wenger’s ‘Invincibles’ managed after 20 games. But the Spaniard said those stats matter little unless Arsenal go on to win the league.

“No because ‘the Invincibles’ won a lot,” Arteta told his pre-match press conference on whether his side can be considered better than Arsenal’s last title winners. “They won consistently, and they created a history and a legacy, and we have to do that.”

The lone major piece of silverware won by Arsenal in six years under Arteta remains the 2020 FA Cup

“There are a lot of stats, but in the last two or three years we have managed more points and more goals than ever before. But at the end, we have to translate that to major trophies,” he added.

Read Also: Court okays interim forfeiture of N213.2b 57 assets by Malami, sons

“Probably doing what we are doing now would have been enough (in 2004), but now it’s not, and we have to make the margins even bigger.”

Arsenal lost 1-0 to Liverpool at Anfield back in August in what was billed as an early showdown between title rivals.

The defending champions head to the Emirates 14 points off the top after a difficult second season for Arne Slot, but Arteta insisted the Reds remain “a superb side”.

The Gunners remain without sidelined defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera but are “monitoring the load” on Kai Havertz as the Germany forward intensifies his training while continuing to recover from a long-term leg injury.

Arteta, meanwhile, said he was “sad” to see rival boss Ruben Amorim sacked by Manchester United on Monday after just 14 months in charge at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese coach’s exit followed growing tensions with senior United officials, including director of football Jason Wilcox, over recent days.

United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe had previously suggested Amorim would be given at least three years in charge, citing Arsenal’s patience with Arteta as an example to follow.

Appointed in 2019, Arteta endured a rocky start to his time in charge of Arsenal.

But they are now a commanding 17 points ahead of sixth-placed United, who won just 25 of 63 games in all competitions under Amorim.

“I can only talk about what I have experienced and it’s always sad to see a colleague losing his job, obviously,” said Arteta. “We know where we are and I think you need support from the ownership, from your staff, from players.

“At the end of the day, you need to win a lot of football matches if you want to stay in the job, and that’s the reality and the nature of our job.”

January 8, 2026
Messi wants to be club owner at retirement

MLS superstar Lionel Messi wants to follow in the footsteps of Inter Miami’s David Beckham and become a club owner after he hangs up his boots.

The 38-year-old Argentina legend, who is signed with Miami through 2028, said he prefers ownership over coaching as his second act.

“I don’t see myself as a coach,” the two-time MLS MVP and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner told Argentine streaming channel Luzu TV in an interview. “I want to have my own club, start from the bottom and make it big. Being able to give kids the opportunity to develop and achieve something important. If I had to choose, that would appeal to me more.”

Messi, who guided Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup championship in 2025, has a future minority ownership stake in the MLS club in his contract.

Read Also: EPL: Wilson stuns Chelsea as Fulham claim 2-1 win under Rosenior

In May, he helped long time former MLS and FC Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez to launch a new fourth-division club Deportivo LSM in Suarez’s native Uruguay.

“I want to thank Luis for giving me this opportunity, for inviting me to join him and share this project that he has been working on for many years and that has grown a lot,” Messi said at the time, per ESPN Uruguay.

“Being able to be a part of this is an honor. I hope to contribute everything I can to continue growing this club and to be by your side.”

Messi and Miami begin the 2026 MLS regular season on Feb. 21 at Los Angeles FC.

January 8, 2026
EPL: Newcastle edge Leeds 4-3 in seven-goal thriller

Newcastle United forward Harvey Barnes scored an incredible 102nd-minute winner as his side ended Leeds United’s unbeaten run in an all-time Premier League classic.

It looked like the teams were going to share the spoils after Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes scored a penalty to make it 3-3 in the final minute of normal time at St James’ Park.

But there was still time for one final twist in a topsy-turvy game as Barnes fired home through a crowd of bodies in stoppage time to send the stadium into raptures.

It was an emotional night as Newcastle supporters repeatedly sang the name of club legend Kevin Keegan, who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Keegan is one of the most transformational figures in the club’s history, who left his mark as a player and manager, not least as the mastermind behind the Entertainers, who challenged for the Premier League title in 1996.

Read Also: EPL: Man Utd draw 2-2 with Burnley as Sesko shines with double

So it was rather fitting that this breathless game was packed with goals, drama and some cavalier defending after Leeds eventually broke the deadlock following an error from Malick Thiaw.

Thiaw slipped under pressure from Dominic Calvert-Lewin deep in Newcastle’s half and the Leeds forward threaded the ball through to Brenden Aaronson, who clinically picked out the bottom corner from outside the box in the 32nd minute.

The goal served as a jolt for sleepy Newcastle, and the hosts quickly drew level thanks to a sidefooted finish from Barnes after Nick Woltemade deftly laid the ball off to his team-mate inside the box.

But Leeds were gifted the chance to restore their lead in first-half stoppage time after the tormented Thiaw handled the ball inside the area in a tussle with Calvert-Lewin.

Calvert-Lewin coolly sent goalkeeper Nick Pope the wrong way to put the visitors back in front with his ninth goal of an impressive season.

But Newcastle came roaring back after the break and Joelinton headed his side level following a clever assist from captain Guimaraes with the outside of his boot.

Aaronson then put Leeds back ahead once again in the 79th minute with an angled finish after Ilia Gruev pounced on a misplaced pass from Yoane Wissa to set up his team-mate.

But there was still time for Guimaraes to score a penalty before Barnes struck to send Newcastle up to sixth, while Leeds remain in 16th.

BBC

January 7, 2026
EPL: Man Utd draw 2-2 with Burnley as Sesko shines with double

Manchester United were denied victory in their first game since the sacking of head coach Ruben Amorim as relegation-threatened Burnley fought back to claim only their third point in 12 games.

The visitors were on track to claim a comeback victory when striker Benjamin Sesko doubled his tally for the season with two goals in a 10-minute spell at the start of the second half – both thanks to precise first-time finishes.

Ayden Heaven’s own goal had put Burnley in front at the break, and just as it looked as though they were heading for yet another defeat after Sesko’s goals, Jaidon Anthony equalised.

Read Also: EPL: Haaland nets 150th goal as Man City draw 1-1 with Brighton

That made it a frustrating night for interim United boss Darren Fletcher, who ditched Amorim’s formation – including three central defenders and wing-backs – and saw his side carve out numerous chances.

Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu both had goalbound efforts cleared off the line, Lisandro Martinez had a goal disallowed for a debatable push on ex-Manchester City defender Kyle Walker, Sesko wasted a couple of chances to complete his hat-trick, and teenage substitute Shea Lacey curled a superb effort against the bar.

The visiting fans had made their feelings known about the club’s hierarchy before the game when they raised a banner bearing a message condemning minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. They also sang a vicious song about co-chairman Joel Glazer.

However, they also sang loudly in support of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick – the two frontrunners to take over as caretaker boss until the end of the season.

BBC

January 7, 2026
EPL: Haaland nets 150th goal as Man City draw 1-1 with Brighton

Erling Haaland returned to scoring form with his 150th Manchester City goal – but his side’s Premier League title challenge is falling apart, with Brighton holding them to a third consecutive draw.

Pep Guardiola’s men have endured an underwhelming start to the year, with poor results and injuries to key players handing the initiative to Arsenal, who could go eight points clear at the top if they beat Liverpool on Thursday.

Brighton were looking to capitalise on City’s makeshift backline and Pascal Gross found room to thump a header at goal which was clawed out by Gianluigi Donnarumma, with the German unable to convert the follow-up.

Georginio Rutter then released Ferdi Kadioglu with a pass from the halfway line, but the Turkey international could only shoot straight at the towering Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma.

The Seagulls were exploiting gaps in the opposition defence – Rutter ran clear himself to bear down on goal but was denied by Abdukodir Khusanov’s brilliant, last-ditch challenge.

Read Also: EPL: Wilson stuns Chelsea as Fulham claim 2-1 win under Rosenior

But Brighton failed the most of their chances and paid for that as City took a 41st-minute lead.

Star man Haaland converted a penalty, and scored the Premier League 35,000th goal since its 1992 inception, after Jeremy Doku was brought down in the box by Diego Gomez – the referee only awarding the spot-kick after reviewing it on the pitchside monitor.

Captain Bernardo Silva clipped the post in the second half as the hosts looked to stretch their lead, but Fabian Hurzeler’s men hit back through Kaoru Mitoma’s lovely finish from the edge of the area.

Gomez incredibly missed when picked out by Mitoma a couple of yards from goal, and both sides had to settle for a point.

BBC

January 7, 2026
EPL: Wilson stuns Chelsea as Fulham claim 2-1 win under Rosenior

New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior watched from the stands as Harry Wilson’s strike condemned his team to defeat against west London rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Rosenior was not appointed in time to take charge but took a watching brief and may have feared the worst when Marc Cucurella was sent off early on.

Chelsea fell behind to Raul Jimenez’s header after 55 minutes, but Rory Delap levelled after the ball rebounded off the post from a corner routine.

With nine minutes remaining, Wilson beat Jorrel Hato with a smart touch just inside the penalty area before half-volleying the ball into the left corner beyond Robert Sanchez.

Read Also: EPL: Bournemouth beat Tottenham 3-2 with Semenyo’s last-minute strike

However, under caretaker manager Calum McFarlane, Chelsea had been left with a mountain to climb from the 22nd minute when Cucurella pulled down Wilson and was shown the red card for a professional foul.

It was Chelsea’s eighth dismissal of the season, including one for former boss Enzo Maresca who was deemed to be over-celebrating in October after a last-minute winner against Liverpool.

There was anger in the away end, with a ‘BlueCo out’ banner displayed and chants against the ownership as they watched on alongside their new appointment Rosenior.

Defeat means Chelsea fall to seventh place in the Premier League, below Brentford, while Fulham join them on 31 points from 21 games.

BBC

January 7, 2026
EPL: Bournemouth beat Tottenham 3-2 with Semenyo’s last-minute strike

Antoine Semenyo struck a stunning late winner in what is likely his final game for Bournemouth as they beat Tottenham in dramatic fashion at Vitality Stadium.

With the game finely poised at 2-2, Semenyo, who is expected to join Manchester City this week, struck from outside the box to beat Djordje Petrovic and end the Cherries’ 11-game winless run in style.

Mathys Tel had struck inside five minutes to give Spurs the perfect start.

Picking up a backheel pass from the returning Xavi Simons near the left touchline, the French winger drove past James Hill into the box and neatly finished low past Petrovic into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.

But their lead only lasted 17 minutes as Evanilson headed home from a Marcus Tavernier cross to lift the mood at the Vitality.

Read Also: AFCON 2025: CBN handling direct payment of Super Eagles’ allowances-NFF

Bournemouth turned the game on its head when Tavernier was afforded space again on the right to cross and Marcos Senesi cut the ball back for Eli Junior Kroupi to score his seventh goal of the season in the 36th minute.

Second-half substitute Richarlison saw his header strike the woodwork following a corner, before referee Darren England pointed to the penalty spot after Micky van de Ven’s marauding run from his own half.

However, the decision was overturned after a video assistant referee (VAR) intervention, with Hill’s contact on the Spurs centre-back deemed not enough to warrant a spot-kick.

The visitors then found the leveller in the 78th minute when Senesi’s defensive header from a corner fell to Palhinha to produce a stunning overhead kick past Petrovic.

But Semenyo had the final say in his farewell game with an emotional winner in the 95th minute.

Bournemouth have 27 points after 21 games following their sixth win of the season and are only one point behind Spurs.

BBC

January 7, 2026
AFCON 2025: CBN handling direct payment of Super Eagles’ allowances-NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has begun processing the payment of allowances owed to Super Eagles players and team officials participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with funds set to be paid directly into their individual bank accounts.

Journalist Tobi Adepoju, popularly known as Oganla Media, confirmed this following reports of unrest within the squad.

The situation escalated after the Super Eagles reportedly threatened to boycott their AFCON 2025 quarterfinal encounter against Algeria over delays in the payment of their entitlements.

“UPDATE FROM MOROCCO: I just spoke with a top NFF official about the potential players’ and officials’ strike,” Adepoju said in a post on his official X account.

He added NFF official said: “The monies have been processed from CBN to individual banks. The players and officials will receive all their bonuses when the process is completed.”

Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 10 most valuable footballers in the world

BBC journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji, reported the Super Eagles had threatened to boycott their AFCON 2025 quarterfinal match against Algeria over unpaid allowances.

“Players and coaching staff of Nigeria are waiting on AFCON 2025 bonus payments. Win bonuses from four matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Mozambique – have yet to be received,” Okeleji wrote.

“The squad remains focused but the players will NOT train or travel to Marrakech on Thursday if this isn’t resolved.

“Three-time #AFCON champions Nigeria have a strange ability to self-sabotage.

Officials made a promise to the players and coaching staff ahead of the AFCON 2025 tournament.

“After going unbeaten to reach the quarterfinal against Algeria, the squad will NOT train or travel on Thursday.”

The Super Eagles enjoyed a perfect run in the group stage, recording victories of 2–1 against Tanzania, 3–2 over Tunisia, and 3–1 against Uganda, before delivering an emphatic 4–0 win against Mozambique in Monday’s round-of-16 clash.

Eric Chelle’s side will now face Algeria in the quarter-final showdown, scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Marrakech, with a coveted semi-final berth at stake.

January 7, 2026
FULL LIST: Top 10 most valuable footballers in the world

The latest report from the CIES Football Observatory has revealed the most valuable players in world football, highlighting a new era led by young, elite talents whose performances, age, contract length, and potential have driven their market worth to historic levels.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top 10 most valuable footballers in the world:

1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – €343.1 million

At just 17, Lamine Yamal sits atop world football’s valuation chart. The Barcelona and Spain winger has already become a key figure at the club and international level, combining flair, maturity, and tactical intelligence far beyond his age. His long-term contract and enormous growth potential make him the most valuable asset in the game.

2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – €255.1 million

One of the most prolific goal scorers of the modern era, Erling Haaland, continues to redefine attacking efficiency. The Norwegian striker’s physical dominance, relentless scoring record, and central role in Manchester City’s success keep him firmly among football’s elite assets.

3. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain) – €201.3 million

A global superstar and World Cup winner, Kylian Mbappé remains one of football’s most decisive players. His blistering pace, finishing, and commercial appeal ensure his valuation remains sky-high, even as younger stars begin to close the gap.

4. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – €153.1 million

Jude Bellingham has quickly established himself as one of the world’s best midfielders. A leader at a young age, the England international blends strength, intelligence, and goalscoring ability, making him indispensable to Real Madrid’s present and future.

5. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) – €136.9 million

Michael Olise’s rise has been rapid and impressive. The dynamic winger has flourished at the highest level, showcasing creativity, precision, and consistency. His valuation reflects both his current impact and long-term upside.

6. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen) – €135.8 million

A creative force in midfield, Florian Wirtz is one of Europe’s most technically gifted playmakers. His vision, ball control, and ability to dictate games have been central to Leverkusen’s success, earning him a place among the world’s most valuable players.

Read Also: FULL LIST: Footballers with most goals scored in a calendar year

7. Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain) – €134.6 million

Another product of France’s rich talent pool, Désiré Doué has emerged as an exciting attacking midfielder. His versatility, confidence, and rapid development underline PSG’s investment in youth and the growing value of multifunctional attackers.

8. João Neves (Benfica) – €130.6 million

João Neves has quickly become one of Europe’s most highly-rated young midfielders. Known for his composure, work rate, and tactical discipline, the Benfica star represents the modern midfielder clubs are eager to secure early.

9. Arda Güler (Real Madrid) – €130.3 million

Despite limited minutes at times, Arda Güler’s talent is unquestionable. The Turkish playmaker’s technical brilliance and creative flair have already produced match-winning moments, justifying his soaring valuation.

10. Pedri (Barcelona) – €130 million

Rounding out the list is Pedri, whose elegance and football intelligence continue to define Barcelona’s midfield. When fully fit, the Spain international remains one of the most influential young midfielders in the world.

January 7, 2026