The Super Eagles B draw Senegal, Congo and Sudan in the CHAN 2025.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team will compete in Group D of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), facing defending champions Senegal, Congo, and Sudan. The tournament, scheduled for August, will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—the first time CHAN spans multiple nations. The draw, conducted in Nairobi, pits Nigeria against tough opponents as they aim for their first CHAN title. The 2025 edition will feature 19 teams, with 17 already qualified. Two spots remain, to be decided in a special qualifying round. Contenders include Sierra Leone, Comoros, South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria, which previously withdrew due to scheduling conflicts. Other groups include Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia in Group A; Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and CAR in Group B; and Uganda, Niger, Guinea, and two qualifiers in Group C. Full fixtures are expected soon.
Nigeria to face Senegal, Congo and Sudan in Group D of #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 🇳🇬⚽️ pic.twitter.com/hXb0ClCwuP
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) January 15, 2025
Lamine Yamal shines as Barcelona cruises past Real Betis in the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona followed their Spanish Super Cup triumph over Real Madrid with a commanding 5-1 victory against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on Wednesday. Gavi opened the scoring in the third minute after a neat assist from Dani Olmo, who was later denied by goalkeeper Fran Vieites and the post. Jules Koundé doubled the lead in the 27th minute, finishing a brilliant pass from Lamine Yamal, though his second goal was disallowed for offside. Raphinha made it 3-0 before the hour, netting his 20th goal of the season after a dazzling run from Yamal. Ferran Torres added a fourth with a stunning volley, and Yamal capped his performance with a late goal. Betis earned a consolation penalty through Vitor Roque in the 84th minute, but Barcelona’s dominance secured an emphatic win.
FT: Barcelona 5-1 Real Betis.
ANOTHER MASTERCLASS AND ALMOST A SIMILAR RESULT AS THE ONE AGAINST REAL MADRID 3 DAYS EARLIER, BARCELONA KEEP ON COOKING! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/T3MBY6NuvG
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) January 15, 2025
Juventus and PSG close to sealing a loan move for Randal Kolo Muani.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani is set to join Juventus on Loan until the end of the season, despite interest from Tottenham, sources confirm. While Spurs offered to cover the striker’s €700,000 monthly wages, Kolo Muani, 26, opted for the Serie A side. The Paris-born player has struggled for game time under manager Luis Enrique, scoring just twice in 14 appearances this season. Left out of PSG’s last two matchday squads against Saint-Étienne and Monaco, he will also miss the upcoming French Cup tie with Espaly. Kolo Muani joined PSG 18 months ago from Eintracht Frankfurt for €95 million but is now deemed surplus to requirements. According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, all documents for the Juventus deal are ready, and the agreement is expected to be finalized today. The move offers the striker a fresh challenge.
⚪️⚫️ All documents are ready between Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus for Randal Kolo Muani deal to be announced.
Agreement to be sealed today. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/YJbOE5PgGo
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 16, 2025
Gabriel & Trossard help Arsenal complete a comeback win in the North London Derby.
Arsenal closed the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to four points with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Tottenham in the north London derby. Mikel Arteta’s side, desperate for a response after recent cup losses, delivered on home soil. Tottenham struck first when Son Heung-min’s deflected volley found the net after a defensive lapse. Arsenal equalized just before halftime as Gabriel Magalhães’ header, from a contentious Declan Rice corner, went in off Dominic Solanke. Minutes later, Leandro Trossard’s strike, following a midfield error by Yves Bissouma, gave the Gunners the lead. Arsenal dominated the second half but missed chances to extend their lead, with Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard both going close. Spurs threatened late, with Pedro Porro hitting the post, but Arsenal held firm during stoppage time to secure three crucial points and reclaim second place in the table.
https://twitter.com/theeuropeanlad/status/1879648672516075828
Trevor Chalobah recalled from his loan at Crystal Palace with immediate effect.
Chelsea have recalled center-back Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace to strengthen their defensive options for the season’s second half. The 25-year-old made 14 appearances for Palace under Oliver Glasner but now returns to Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca’s side looks to recover from a poor run of form. After emerging as title contenders, Chelsea has failed to win in five consecutive Premier League matches, leaving them 10 points behind leaders Liverpool, despite playing an extra game. Chalobah’s recall likely ends any interest in Marc Guéhi, Chalobah’s defensive partner at Palace. Glasner expressed disappointment, noting, “We are passengers, not the pilot flying the plane.” Maresca, dealing with injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile, described Chalobah as “a good player” and hopes his return will stabilize Chelsea’s defense.
https://twitter.com/fabrizioromano/status/1879500383250530311