AFCON 2025: Dessers laments injury-induced exit 

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika has explained how he was able to score two goals in Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Uganda.

He also hailed Samuel Chukwueze who helped set up both of his goals in Nigeria’s 3-1 victory against Uganda in the final Group C match at the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON,  in Morocco on Tuesday evening.

The Club Brugge midfielder netted twice in the second half and was awarded Man of the Match for his excellent performance at the Fez Stadium in Morocco.

After the game, Onyedika praised Chukwueze’s performance and explained that the goal-scoring combination was something they had practiced during training.

“It’s exactly what we train for, so it’s just a matter of seconds. You have to make a decision, and sometimes when you decide, it doesn’t happen right away, but you just have to be ready,” he said.

“I know Samuel really well, and every time he dribbles, he always looks for the first person and then cuts back. I try to stay in that position as much as I can, and today I was in a good spot again.”

The Club Brugge midfielder was happy to win the Man of the Match award and said it was the result of all his hard work over the years.

“I feel really happy and I can’t explain why.  This is the moment I’ve been working for my whole life, and I’m really happy it finally happened,” he said.

Nigeria won their match and finished first in Group C with nine points, which allowed them to move on to the next round.

How I scored two goals against Uganda – Onyedika

Fulham head coach Marco Silva has expressed frustration following the imminent departure of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The trio were named in Nigeria’s squad for the competition by head coach, Eric Chelle on Thursday.

Iwobi, Chukwueze, and Bassey would be away for around one month should the Super Eagles make it to the final of AFCON 2025.

The biennial competition will run from Sunday, 21 December, 2025 to Sunday, 18 January, 2026.

The three players have been exceptional for Fulham this season.

Silva believed they would be greatly missed during their absence.

“We are talking about three starting XI players. We know Alex is a key player in any position he plays. The importance of Calvin, and what Chukwueze has been doing in recent games. You have to find solutions. If you know any other way to handle it [AFCON], let me know.”

AFCON 2025: Fulham boss laments Super Eagles’ trio departure

Former England player Paul Merson has claimed that Pep Guardiola could leave Manchester City if Arsenal end up winning the Premier League title this season.

Going into this weekend’s fixtures, Mikel Arteta’s side maintain top spot, sitting two points clear of City in second place.

Merson is confident that his former club will end their 22-year wait for the trophy.

He told Sky Sports: “I think they [Arsenal] win the league. There are 22 games to go.

“If there were six games to go and I was sitting here and it was two points, then I’d say Man City!

“And I think if they don’t win it this season, I think he (Guardiola) will know that it will probably be an Arsenal league to dominate for a while, and I think he’ll get out while he’s still ahead.”

EPL: Guardiola will leave Man City if Arsenal wins title – Merson