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Quick take: Big picture: the update fits broader trends across the league with schedule pressure and tight tables. Supporters will watch for clarity from training ground reports and official briefings. Continental stakes raise the intensity, where away goals no longer apply but margins still feel razor thin. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official …

West Ham United have had a season to forget so far.

Both players started in the 2023 AFCON final defeat to hosts Ivory Coast, a result Onyeka says the Super Eagles are determined to correct. While Osimhen scored just once during that tournament, his overall contribution to the national team remains significant.

Egypt warmed up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria on Tuesday night.The Pharaohs hosted the Super Eagles at the Cairo International Stadium for the crucial friendly match lined up to help both national teams prepare for the upcoming continental showpiece.On the matchday, Egypt impressed with a good start, taking advantage to open the scoring in the 28th minute. Midfielder Mahmoud Saber equalised to shoot the hosts into the lead after he was set up by Zizo.Down but not out, the Super Eagles of Nigeria fought to stay in the game and were rewarded in added time of the first half, when defender Chidozie Awaziem found the back of the net to restore parity to the game.After halftime, both teams made several changes to give opportunities to other players to show what they can offer the team.Amid what turned out to be wholesale changes, Mostafa Mohamed netted the winning goal for Egypt in the 53rd minute after he was assisted by Zizo.Despite the best efforts of Nigerias Super Eagles, they could not find a way back and had to succumb to a 2-1 defeat at the end of the 90 minutes.The two national teams are expected to wrap up their pre-tournament camp in Egypt before flying to Morocco for the start of AFCON 2025 on Sunday, December 21. 

Sunderland picked up a win over Newcastle United in the derby recently and former Manchester United star Gary Neville has slammed them for their approach.​

Nigerias hopes of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain alive after FIFA opened an investigation into the eligibility of players fielded by the DR Congo during the African playoffs for the 2026 tournament.DR Congo secured Africas place in the intercontinental playoffs after defeating Nigeria on penalties in the final and are now preparing to face either Jamaica or New Caledonia, with the winner earning a World Cup berth.However, that qualification is now under scrutiny following complaints over possible breaches of FIFA eligibility rules.The investigation centres on allegations that several DR Congo players may not have fully completed the legal and administrative processes required to switch national allegiance.Reports suggest that as many as nine players could be affected. DR Congo does not generally recognise dual citizenship, meaning players who acquire another nationality are expected to formally renounce their original citizenship, especially if they are beyond the age limit for making a definitive choice.Under FIFA regulations, holding a passport alone does not guarantee eligibility to represent a national team. Players must also satisfy domestic laws and FIFAs statutes on nationality changes.FIFA is examining the documentation closely, with possible sanctions ranging from match forfeiture to disciplinary action.Nigeria remain on standby as they await FIFAs final decision.

Quick take: Big picture: the update fits broader trends across the league with schedule pressure and tight tables. Supporters will watch for clarity from training ground reports and official briefings. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official sources.

Napoli arrived in Riyadh this evening for the Supercoppa Italiana, and as expected, Romelu Lukaku was with the squad for the first time this season.

Wolves midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has been linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks.​

Morocco has turned its airports into festival spaces as part of a deliberate effort to make the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations an experience that starts long before kickoff on December 21. Arrival terminals across host cities now feature illuminated walkways, interactive installations and large tournament symbols designed to welcome fans and set the mood for the competition.A promotional film released by the National Airports Office presents airports as the first chapter of the AFCON journey, blending football, culture and hospitality.Supporters arriving from across Africa have praised the organisation and atmosphere, noting the presence of volunteers, clear signage and the visible celebration of the tournament.With Morocco also preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the handling of fan arrivals is being closely watched. Officials see the airport experience as a key test of logistics, hospitality and operational readiness.As flights continue to land and terminals fill with jerseys and flags, AFCON 2025 is already taking shape, beginning not with a whistle but with a welcome.

The chaos at Fiorentina means there could be big departures in January, with reports Roma could swoop for Albert Gudmundsson.

Morocco has moved into full operational mode at its airports ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with tens of thousands of supporters expected to pass through key cities in the coming days.The National Airports Office, ONDA, has launched a nationwide campaign titled "Welcome Football, Welcome Fans," confirming that all host-city airports are fully prepared for the tournament.Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, Tangier, Fes and Agadir have received upgraded passenger flows, enhanced security arrangements and additional trained staff.Authorities say the preparations involved coordination between multiple state agencies, including security services, customs and transport authorities. Dedicated welcoming zones, multilingual signage and real-time monitoring systems have been put in place to manage the expected increase in traffic.According to ONDA, the aim is to ensure smooth arrivals and a positive first impression for visiting supporters. The airport operation is seen as a key part of Morocco’s wider ambition to deliver a well-organised AFCON and reinforce its credentials as a major sporting host.The tournament will commence on Sunday, December 21, 2025 and will conclude on January 18.

Five days before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco, the first signs of the tournament are already visible far from the stadiums.For thousands of arriving supporters, AFCON 2025 begins the moment they step into Morocco’s airports.From Casablanca to Rabat, arrival halls have been transformed with giant AFCON-branded footballs, LED screens in tournament colours and welcoming slogans celebrating African football.Immigration areas, walkways and terminals now double as extensions of the competition, immersing fans in the atmosphere before they even collect their luggage.The tournament officially opens on Sunday in Rabat with a Group A clash between hosts Morocco and Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. It marks the country’s first hosting of the men’s AFCON in 37 years, with a sold-out crowd expected for the opening match.With supporters arriving from across the continent, Morocco’s airports have become the first point of celebration, signalling that AFCON 2025 is already underway.

Ghana’s Black Galaxies put up a spirited display, but South Africa’s greater international experience proved decisive as Bafana Bafana edged a 1-0 victory in an international friendly on Tuesday.The hosts secured the win with a second-half goal, capitalising on their exposure at the highest level to see out the contest. Despite the result, the Black Galaxies showed organisation and discipline, giving a positive account of themselves against a more seasoned opponent.The victory provides a timely boost for South Africa as they continue preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they have been drawn in Group B alongside Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe.Highlights of the match below 

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso and captain Gianluigi Donnarumma had very different ideas in their votes for FIFA The Best Men’s Player award.