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Nigeria vs Sudan: Super Eagles set to clip Falcons’ wings

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Super Eagles

Three-time African champions Nigeria will be seeking their second win at the on-going  Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021  when they take on Sudan’s Falcons of Jediane tomorrow at the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua.

A few hours after Nigeria beat Egypt 1-0 to open their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, the other two teams in Group D, Guinea-Bissau and Sudan played out a goalless draw to complete the first round of matches for that group.

With those results, the Super Eagles currently top Group D with three points, Sudan and Guinea Bissau have a point each while Egypt with no points are bottom of the group.

This means that Nigeria may book a place in the round of 16 if she wins the next game against the Falcons of Sudan and the result in the other fixture (Egypt versus Guinea-Bissau) is favourable.

Nigeria has a better head to head against their North African foes. In 14 games played between both sides since their first meeting in 1963, the West Africans have won eight times, drawn four times and have lost just twice to the Falcons of Sudan.

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Interestingly, Nigeria’s 2021 AFCON group almost replicates the first tournament that Nigeria participated in. In the 1963 edition, the Red Devils (as the Nigeria national team was then called) were grouped with United Arab Republic (now Egypt) and Sudan. The Jorge Augusto Pena-led team lost their opener 6- 3 to UAR and the Brazilian’s side were walloped 4-O in their second group match against Sudan .

The next three games between both countries ended in a draw then Nigeria recorded her first win against Sudan in a 2-1 victory in a 1973 AFCON round 1 qualifying match at the National Stadium, Surulere. Nigeria would go on to dominate any clash with the Sudanese, including a 7-0 aggregate 2002 World Cup qualifying win in 2001. A brace from Victor Agali and one from Nwankwo Kanu gave Johannes Bonfrere’s team a 3-0 win at the Liberation Stadium Port-Harcourt before Yakubu Aiyegbeni (two goals), Austin Okocha and Julius Aghahowa humilated their Sudanese hosts in front 25 thousand fans in a cold evening at the El Merreikh Stadium, Omdurman.

Nigeria would then lose 1-0 to Sudan in an 2015 AFCON qualifier in Khartoum but would take a 3-1 win in the reverse fixture at the National Stadium (Moshood Abiola National Stadium) Abuja.

The last meeting between both sides was a 1-0 win for Gernot Rohr’s home-based Super Eagles at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Semi-final, Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco in 2018.

For Burhan Tia, the head coach of Sudan, facing the three-time AFCON champions is always a tough task but says his young team is preparing well and knows how they would approach the must-win match.

“It will not be easy, as well as facing Egypt, but these are matches that we have put in our minds and our program before the tournament,” the veteran coach said.

Nigeria’s players, on the other hand, have vowed to maintain their winning momentum.

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Kelechi Iheanacho, who posted a man of the match performance against the Pharaohs of Egypt, revealed that the Super Eagles will not let their chances go to waste as against their opening match where they failed to convert a flurry of chances against the hapless Egyptians.

“I feel great, I’m really buzzing about getting the goal for my team,” Iheanacho said. “We missed some goals in the second half but hopefully next game we pick up the pieces and convert our chances.

“Our team is always a confident team, we have a very intelligent group of players, and we are really vibrant and strong.

“We have been together for a while and we work together as a team”.

First choice goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye said he expected  the Sudanese clash to be a physical battle, but is sure that the team’s quality will be enough to defeat the one-time African champions.

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“I’m the Boss” — Anthony Joshua Fires Back at Tyson Fury Amid Fight Tension

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Anthony Joshua

“I’m the Boss” — Anthony Joshua Fires Back at Tyson Fury Amid Fight Tension

British heavyweight stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have once again reignited speculation over a long-anticipated “Battle of Britain” after a tense post-fight confrontation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.

The drama unfolded after Fury, who secured a comfortable win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in a one-sided bout, shifted attention to Joshua—who was seated ringside—and publicly demanded an immediate in-ring face-off to push forward long-standing negotiations for a potential blockbuster clash.

Fury used his post-fight interview and in-ring moment to directly call out Joshua, urging him to accept the challenge and stop delaying what he described as the fight fans have been waiting for. He pressed Joshua for a clear yes-or-no response on whether the heavyweight showdown would finally happen.

British heavyweight stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury

British heavyweight stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury

The call-out created a charged atmosphere inside the stadium, with many fans expecting Joshua to step into the ring and respond face-to-face. However, Joshua chose not to enter the ring, a decision that drew mixed reactions, including jeers from parts of the crowd.

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Joshua later responded firmly to Fury’s challenge, dismissing the need for a staged in-ring confrontation. He accused Fury of seeking attention and insisted that public call-outs were not necessary for serious fight negotiations, stressing that discussions should remain professional and behind closed doors.

He also referenced their long-running rivalry, insisting that he has never avoided a fight with Fury and remains open to the matchup, but only when proper contractual negotiations are completed.

Joshua further stated that he would not be pressured into making public decisions on demand, emphasizing that he has control over his career direction and fight choices. He maintained that he has been pursuing major fights for years and will continue to do so on his own terms.

Despite the strong words, Joshua reiterated that he is still willing to face Fury in the future, but insisted that any agreement must come through official negotiations rather than public confrontation.

He also revealed uncertainty about his immediate boxing return, noting that he is currently managing personal matters and assessing his physical condition before committing to his next fight. Joshua added that while an interim bout remains an option, his priority is ensuring he is fully ready before stepping back into the ring.

The rivalry between the two British heavyweights has stretched for over a decade, with multiple attempts to finalize a deal repeatedly collapsing at negotiation stages. Despite renewed public exchanges and continued fan demand, the long-awaited fight remains unsigned and uncertain.

“I’m the Boss” — Anthony Joshua Fires Back at Tyson Fury Amid Fight Tension

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Osimhen Returns to Galatasaray Training After Arm Injury Layoff

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Victor Osimhen

Osimhen Returns to Galatasaray Training After Arm Injury Layoff

Victor Osimhen has returned to full training with Galatasaray, boosting hopes that the Nigerian striker could make an earlier-than-expected return to competitive action following an arm injury that initially ruled him out for several weeks.

The Turkish club confirmed in an official update that Osimhen has resumed group training while continuing a specialised rehabilitation programme supervised by the club’s medical and physiotherapy staff. The striker had earlier been expected to miss up to six weeks, but his recovery has progressed faster than initially projected.

Club sources say Osimhen has been gradually reintegrated into team drills after completing individual recovery sessions, with coaches carefully monitoring his workload to avoid any setback. His return to the training pitch is being treated as a significant positive development within the squad.

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The injury, which affected his arm, forced the 27-year-old forward to miss key preparations, but medical assessments now suggest he is responding well to treatment and rehabilitation protocols. His improved condition has raised optimism within the club that he could return to match action sooner than expected.

Osimhen’s availability is now being closely assessed ahead of Galatasaray’s upcoming league fixture against Gençlerbirliği vs Galatasaray, with reports indicating he could be in contention for selection if he continues his recovery trajectory without complications.

His return is a major boost for Galatasaray, who rely heavily on his goal-scoring ability and physical presence in attack. Since joining the club, Osimhen has become a key figure in their domestic campaign, contributing significantly to their offensive output.

Fans have welcomed the news of his return to training, with many expressing optimism on social media about his potential early comeback as the club enters a crucial phase of the season.

While no official date has been confirmed for his full return to competitive matches, Galatasaray are expected to take a cautious approach, ensuring he reaches full match fitness before being cleared for regular action.

For now, Osimhen’s return to team training marks an important step forward in his recovery and provides a timely boost for both Galatasaray and Nigerian football supporters ahead of a busy run of fixtures.

Osimhen Returns to Galatasaray Training After Arm Injury Layoff

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Bournemouth Shock Arsenal 2-1 at Emirates as Title Race Takes Dramatic Turn

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Bournemouth Shock Arsenal 2-1 at Emirates as Title Race Takes Dramatic Turn

Bournemouth Shock Arsenal 2-1 at Emirates as Title Race Takes Dramatic Turn

AFC Bournemouth dealt a major blow to Arsenal title hopes with a stunning 2-1 victory over Arsenal FC at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, throwing the Premier League title race wide open.

The defeat comes at a crucial stage of the season, with Arsenal sitting top but now under serious pressure from Manchester City, who have games in hand and are still scheduled to face Mikel Arteta’s side.

Despite entering the match with a nine-point cushion, Arsenal delivered a disappointing performance, lacking urgency, sharpness, and defensive discipline. The warning signs were evident early as Bournemouth looked more purposeful and composed.

The visitors took the lead in the 17th minute through Eli Junior Kroupi, who finished off a flowing attacking move that carved open Arsenal’s defence—before the hosts had even registered a shot on target.

Arsenal’s equaliser came in controversial fashion in the 35th minute after a penalty was awarded for handball against Ryan Christie. The decision raised questions, with proximity seemingly ignored. Viktor Gyokeres converted from the spot to level the score.

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However, the goal failed to inspire a sustained response from the Gunners, who continued to struggle in midfield and lacked creativity in the final third.

Bournemouth capitalised again in the 74th minute when Alex Scott struck to restore their lead, punishing Arsenal’s poor marking and defensive lapses.

Arsenal pushed forward in the closing stages but failed to break down a disciplined Bournemouth side, whose organisation and resilience ensured they left North London with all three points.

Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta had urged perspective, highlighting that Arsenal have played more matches than any other team in Europe this season. The Gunners had also edged Sporting CP 1-0 in midweek, with a crucial return leg still to come.

However, this result raises fresh concerns over Arsenal’s consistency and ability to handle pressure in the run-in. With just six games remaining, the loss could prove decisive—especially with Manchester City closing in.

If results do not improve, Arsenal risk extending an unwanted record, potentially finishing second for a fourth consecutive season despite leading the table for much of the campaign.

Bournemouth Shock Arsenal 2-1 at Emirates as Title Race Takes Dramatic Turn

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