Chelsea will hope to progress to the last four while keeping key players fresh for the Premier League schedule.
Sports
Egypt Beat Super Eagles Of Nigeria In Cairo Ahead Of AFCON 2025
Egypt secured a narrow 2-1 win over the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday night in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday night, December 16.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Ahmed Saber finished calmly from close range. The move stemmed from slick work on the right by Zizo, whose low cross picked out Saber arriving unmarked.
The Super Eagles responded with greater intent as half-time approached and went close to drawing level through Paul Onuachu. The striker met a long throw from Frank Onyeka with a well-placed header, only for Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy to produce a sharp save.
Pressure eventually told in first-half stoppage time. A delayed free kick from the right by Zaidu Sanusi confused the Egyptian area, and Chidozie Awaziem reacted quickest to nod into an empty net and restore parity.
Egypt reclaimed the lead shortly after the restart. Mostafa Mohamed read the situation well as Nigeria’s offside line failed to hold, racing through before drilling his finish beyond Amas Obasogie.
The Super Eagles injected fresh energy as the match wore on and enjoyed spells of possession. Still, a disciplined Egyptian defence limited clear chances, allowing the hosts to secure a win.
The game doubled as a useful dress rehearsal for the Super Eagles. Midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Obasogie both made unofficial debuts, while Stanley Nwabali started despite recent concerns over wrist and ankle soreness.
Onyeka was handed a rare start in midfield, and Onuachu led the line, with key figures such as Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon yet to report for duty.
Nigeria will travel to Morocco on Thursday as preparations intensify for the 2025 AFCON. The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, and will begin their campaign against Tanzania on December 23 in Fez.
Sports
Super Eagles Unveil Squad For Egypt Friendly Clash
The Super Eagles have unveiled their lineup for Tuesday’s international friendly against Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium, opting for a second-string squad to conserve energy ahead of crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Head coach Eric Chelle adopted a rotated line-up featuring several fringe players and youngsters, allowing key stars like Victor Osimhen to rest.
The starting XI, announced via the official Super Eagles X account, includes goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, with a defensive line anchored by Bright Osayi-Samuel, Sanusi, and Ogbu.
Midfield duties fall to Raphael Onyedika and new call-up Akinsamiro, while Onuachu and Ejuke lead the attack.
Ogbu
Onyeka
Dele Bashiru
Nwadika
Onuachu
Awaziem
Ejuke
Akinsanmiro
Substitutes: Uzoho, Obasogie, Ndidi, Ajayi, Lookman, Cybriel, Onyemaechi, Muhammed, Iwobi, Bassey, Akoh, and Lawal
This friendly serves as a tune-up for Nigeria, who are preparing for AFCON qualifiers where they aim to secure a spot in the tournament proper.
Match Details:
Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM WAT
Venue: Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt
Sports
Palmer Out For Chelsea’s Carabao Cup Quarter-Final, Says Maresca
Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer will not feature in the Blues’ Carabao Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City, head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed.
The match is set for Tuesday at 8 pm in the Welsh capital, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Palmer recently returned to action after a spell out with groin and toe injuries and scored in Chelsea’s weekend victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge.
However, Maresca, in his press conference on Monday, explained that the young forward is being carefully managed to avoid overexertion.
“I’ve already said many times in press conferences that we have many players who need to be protected. Cole is one of the players who deserves to be protected right now. In this moment, he’s not available to play two games in three days. So, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game, but should be fine for the weekend,” Maresca said.
The Chelsea coach also praised Cardiff City and their manager, Brian Murphy, highlighting the challenge the Blues will face:
“They are top of the league, playing nice football and winning games. I know Brian and know he is doing a good job. This will be a dangerous game for us, and we need to pay attention and be careful tomorrow. We have the opportunity to achieve something important, which is to reach the semi-final of this competition.”
Sports
Osimhen Named Sportsman Of The Year In Turkey
Victor Osimhen has been crowned Sportsman of the Year at the 2025 GQ Türkiye Men of the Year Awards, DAILY POST reports.
Osimhen received the prestigious award at an elaborate ceremony on Wednesday night.
The Nigeria international was recognised for his contribution to Galatasaray’s domestic double last season.
The 26-year-old registered 37 goals and seven assists across all competitions for the Yellow and Reds.
Osimhen has already netted 11 goals in 14 matches for Okan Buruk’s side this season.
He is the first Nigerian to win the award.
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