Football
NFF releases statement on Osimhen bust-up with Lookman at AFCON
Nigeria booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, January 5, with an emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique, but the result was briefly overshadowed by an on-field incident involving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
During the dominant win, which saw the Super Eagles comfortably dispatch the Mambas, Osimhen was involved in a heated exchange with Lookman shortly before a corner kick.
The moment sparked widespread speculation online, with reports suggesting tensions within the camp and even claims that the Galatasaray striker had threatened to leave the team’s AFCON base.
The Nigeria Football Federation has since moved quickly to address the situation, firmly dismissing suggestions of unrest within the squad.
Officials described reports of a serious disagreement as misleading, insisting there was no breakdown in unity following the match that sealed Nigeria’s progression to the last eight of the tournament in Morocco.
According to the NFF, the gestures seen between Osimhen and Lookman were misinterpreted and any misunderstanding between the two forwards was resolved within hours.
Team administrator Dayo Enebi Achor confirmed that there is harmony in the camp, adding that the players trained together as normal the following day with no lingering issues.
On the pitch, Osimhen delivered another standout performance, scoring twice to take his international tally to 34 goals in 50 appearances, putting him just three goals shy of Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing Nigeria record.
Lookman also played a key role on the night, adding a goal and three assists to his growing contribution at the tournament, having already been influential in earlier group matches.
The federation also confirmed that nearly the entire squad took part in Tuesday evening’s training session at the Sardienne Complex, with only young defender Ryan Alebiosu continuing his recovery.
Attention has now turned to the quarter-finals, with Nigeria set to travel to Marrakech on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s clash against either Algeria or DR Congo, scheduled for a 5pm kick-off.
While the NFF insists the matter has been fully resolved, some fans have continued to debate Osimhen’s conduct, with a section of supporters suggesting that similar incidents may be contributing to the reluctance of top European clubs, including Chelsea, to pursue a move for the striker.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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