Sports
Ibrahimovic double wins Milan derby as Real Madrid, Barcelona suffer defeat
Zlatan Ibrahimovic made a winning return to the AC Milan team as his quickfire double won the Milan derby, while Real Madrid and Barcelona suffered a shock defeats in La Liga.
Romelu Lukaku also scores for Inter Milan in derby; Real Madrid beaten by Cadiz in La Liga for the first time since 1991; Luis Suarez scores for Atletico Madrid but Diego Costa injured; Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller and Marco Reus all on the scoresheet in the Bundesliga
Ibrahimovic, a 39-year-old striker, had missed recent games after contracting coronavirus and only resumed training this week, but scored twice early on, Sky Sport reports.
Ibrahimovic put Milan in front after 13 minutes, tapping the ball in from the rebound after his penalty was saved by Samir Handanovic, and then struck again three minutes later from Rafael Leao’s cross.
In a breathless first half, Romelu Lukaku pulled one back for Inter in the 29th minute – the first Serie A goal Milan have conceded this season. Inter were awarded a penalty in the 75th minute but it was revoked for offside in the build-up.
Milan have won all four games so far and top the table with 12 points, while Inter have seven after their first defeat of the season.
Federico Chiesa was sent off on his debut for Juventus as Crotone earned their first point back in Serie A.
Juventus was without Cristiano Ronaldo and Weston McKennie, who both tested positive for COVID-19, and also had several other players out injured.
Simy gave Crotone a surprise lead from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Leonardo Bonucci fouled Arkadiusz Reca.
Chiesa set up Alvaro Morata for the equaliser nine minutes later but was shown a straight red on the hour following a challenge on Crotone midfielder Luca Cigarini.
Juve thought they had scored a winner shortly after but Morata’s effort was ruled out for offside on video review by VAR.
Napoli were 4-1 winners against Atalanta, which was only their second loss since January.
Hirving Lozano scored twice for Napoli and there were also goals for Matteo Politano and Victor Osimhen in the first half. Sam Lammers netted a consolation for Atalanta in the 69th.
The only positive note for Atalanta from a miserable afternoon was the return of key forward Josip Ilicic. He has not played since July after being given compassionate leave because of personal issues.
triker Fabio Quagliarella set Sampdoria on the way to a comfortable 3-0 win at home to a disappointing Lazio.
The 37-year-old capitalised on poor marking by Lazio to head in from Tommaso Augello’s cross in the 32nd minute after Sampdoria had taken control of the game.
Augello added the second himself nine minutes later when a clearance landed at his feet and he thumped a left-foot shot into the net from the edge of the area for his first Serie A goal at the age of 26.
Lazio failed to take their second-half chances and substitute Mikkel Damsgaard wrapped the game up for Sampdoria in the 74th minute after the ball ricocheted around the Lazio area.
Spanish champions Real Madrid suffered a shock 1-0 loss at home to promoted Cadiz – their first La Liga defeat in over seven months.
Honduran forward Anthony Lozano put Cadiz ahead in the 16th minute, darting between Madrid defenders Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane to meet a cushioned header from Alvaro Negredo and lifting the ball over keeper Thibaut Courtois into the net.
Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane made four substitutions at half-time in a bid to turn the game around and brought on Luka Jovic later on. The Serbian striker soon putt the ball in the net but saw his effort ruled out for a clear offside.
Vinicius Jr missed the target with a free header, while Karim Benzema struck the bar from the edge of the area and Cadiz clung on to claim their first league win over Madrid since 1991.
Barcelona missed the chance to go top of La Liga after slipping to a surprise 1-0 defeat at Getafe.
Jaime Mata scored the only goal from the penalty spot early in the second half and that was enough to lift Getafe up to second, level on points with leaders Real Madrid, who were beaten at home by Cadiz earlier on Saturday.
Lionel Messi hit a post for Barca in the first half, but it was a frustrating evening for the Catalans and Getafe also hit the woodwork in the closing stages.
Barca’s first defeat of the season under head coach Ronald Koeman leaves them ninth in the table, three points adrift of Madrid with a game in hand.
Luis Suarez scored an early goal to help Atletico Madrid win 2-0 at Celta Vigo, breaking a short run of 0-0 stalemates against Huesca and Villarreal.
Suarez netted after a pass from Manuel Sanchez in the sixth minute at Celta’s Balados Stadium. Yannick Carrasco added a second goal in stoppage time when he headed in a rebound after fellow substitute Joao Flix hit the crossbar with a curling strike.
Celta had their chances to equalise in the first half, only to be stopped by the woodwork and goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Sports
This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing
This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has lost his mother to the cold hands of death barely two month after losing his father.
Nwabali took to his X handle on New Year Day to announce the death of his mother.
In a deeply emotional moment, he shared that this has been “the worst year” of his life, a heart-wrenching statement that captures the weight of his grief.
Nwabali‘s words convey the raw pain of navigating through such a devastating period, with a message that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced profound loss.
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His final post describes the world as “crazy,” encapsulating the bewilderment and despair that often follows such an overwhelming tragedy.
This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing
Sports
EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool
EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool
Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to six points as Gabriel Jesus extended his hot-streak in a 3-1 win at Brentford on Wednesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side were rocked by Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half goal at the Gtech Community Stadium.
But Arsenal refused to be blown away on a wet and windy evening in west London as Jesus equalised before the break.
It was the Brazilian’s sixth goal in his last four games after he scored just once in his first 20 matches this season.
Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli netted in quick succession soon after half-time to ensure Arsenal moved into second place above Nottingham Forest.
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Excluding their 5-1 rout of Crystal Palace, the Gunners had spluttered through their last four games with lacklustre draws against Fulham and Everton followed by a narrow win over lowly Ipswich.
But Arsenal’s first Premier League game of 2025 provided compelling evidence that they are ready to compete in the title race with Liverpool, who have a game in hand on the north Londoners.
Runners-up to Manchester City for the last two seasons, Arsenal are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions, a revitalising run that includes four successive wins.
With Bukayo Saka sidelined for several months due to a hamstring injury, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his first league start for Arsenal.
Kai Havertz was absent after scoring Arsenal’s winner against Ipswich but Jesus ensured the German was not missed.
Arsenal did not lose a single one of their 10 league London derbies in 2024 and they maintained their impressive record in capital clashes after surviving an early blow.
EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool
Sports
Anthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit
Anthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit
British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua recently paid a courtesy visit to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during his trip to Nigeria.
In a heartfelt display of respect for Yoruba culture, Joshua took to social media to share a moment where he fully prostrated to greet the governor, embodying the Yoruba tradition of humility and reverence.
The image quickly went viral, resonating deeply with many Nigerians who admired his pride in his heritage.
Joshua, whose roots trace back to Sagamu in Ogun State, has long celebrated his Nigerian background despite achieving global recognition in the boxing world.
His connection to his heritage has remained a core part of his identity, and this visit further solidified his bond with the country.
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The meeting took place at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, where Governor Abiodun and his team warmly welcomed the boxing champion.
He wrote: “Today, we had the distinct honour of welcoming @anthonyjoshua, the world-acclaimed boxing champion and a proud son of Ogun State, to our office during his courtesy visit.
“Anthony Joshua’s remarkable achievements in the world of boxing continue to inspire not only the people of Ogun State but also millions across the globe. His dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence are values we hold dear as a state.
“This visit is a testament to the bond we share as a people and our collective pride in the success stories that emerge from Ogun State. We remain committed to supporting our talents and creating an environment that nurtures greatness in all spheres of life.
“Together, we celebrate Anthony Joshua’s accomplishments and look forward to more victories as he continues to make Ogun State proud.”
Anthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit
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