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Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi has confirmed he will speak with star striker Victor Osimhen after the forward's visibly angry reaction to being substituted in the team's 2-1 Africa Cup of Nations win over Tanzania.Osimhen was replaced in the 86th minute, appearing frustrated as he left the pitch despite Nigeria holding a winning position. The Napoli striker had missed several chances earlier in the match."He's a big player; he wants to do the best for the team, so maybe [he's] a bit frustrated; it's normal," Ndidi told ESPN after the match. "I think he's kind of like putting too much pressure on himself. I am going to speak to him. He's a great guy, he wants to win."The incident highlights the intense pressure on Osimhen as Nigeria's primary attacking threat as they pursue their first AFCON title since 2013.The Super Eagles are preparing to face Tunisia in their next game on Saturday, December 27 at the Fez Stadium.The three-time champions, after losing the final of the 2023 edition to Ivory Coast, are poised to make amends, with their surprise failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup another driving factor for their determination.

Alessandro Florenzi has shared his thoughts on AC Milan’s Scudetto season once again, stating that the group as a whole was the Rossoneri’s secret ingredient. 

Asante Kotoko coach Abdul Karim Zito has declared that he needs a defensive midfielder as the midseason transfer window for the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League inches to a close.This comes after the Porcupine Warriors recorded a 2-0 win over bottom-place Eleven Wonders on Wednesday at the University of Ghana Stadium.Despite the win, several Kotoko fans were far from impressed with the team’s performance, particularly in midfield against the lowly ranked Eleven Wonders, and Karim Zito addressed this by stating,“For the DM [Defensive Midfield] position, I still need some. I still need a DM, and [Hubert] Gyau didn’t get his day because it also affected the midfield," Zito said.“Some [of the midfielders] are just coming [back] from injury, so I didn’t expect them to play the normal game the way they would. At the end of the day, since we were able to win, I’m okay with that, but it shall be well,” he added.The midseason transfer window for the Ghana Premier League is set to close on January 15, 2026.Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko will next take on Bechem United on Sunday, December 28 at the Baba Yara Stadium in the Matchday 16 games.

Juventus have rejected a loan-with-option offer from AC Milan for Federico Gatti, according to a report, but the negotiations haven’t been completely abandoned just yet. 

Arsenal are interested in signing Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stanković.

Juventus have identified Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali as a dream signing, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, with the Serie A giants closely monitoring his situation ahead of future transfer windows.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing for an aggressive January transfer window, with the club willing to invest up to £150 million in a bid to reshape the squad and reignite their season.

Franco Ordine has warned that the top-four race will become even more difficult after January, which is why AC Milan need to wise up and reinforce the team. 

Aston Villa are interested in signing Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen during the January transfer window.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain attacker Bradley Barcola after losing out on the signing of Antoine Semenyo.

Newcastle United are interested in signing the Ajax defender, Youri Baas.

Liverpool are preparing for a pivotal period off the pitch as they brace themselves for face-to-face talks with the representatives of Mohamed Salah during the Africa Cup of Nations.

Dusan Vlahovic’s contract will expire in the summer and AC Milan believe that they can secure him on a free transfer, being on very good terms with the striker’s agent. 

Leeds United are hoping to sign El Chadaille Bitshiabu from RB Leipzig in January.

It has been a tough old year for the Azzurri and an even more testing one lies in store. Giancarlo Rinaldi examines what could help the national team return to its former glory.