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 Sports › AFCON 2025: I Know His Character — Ex-barcelona Star Defends Osimhen After Argum by Patricksamuell7(op): 8:05pm On Jan 09 |
Victor Osimhen's former coach weighed in on the conversations around the striker's attitude after his bust-up against Mozambique. Former Super Eagles star Emmanuel Amuneke has vouched for Victor Osimhen's character, following his on-pitch bust-up, which led to questions about the Galatasaray ace’s attitude. Amuneke, 55, coached and gave Osimhen his big break, selecting and then coaching him at the U-17 World Cup with the Golden Eaglets. He knows first-hand Osimhen’s competitive edge, explaining that the 27-year-old was only hungry for success. What Amuneke said The former Barcelona man has called for calm, noting that he understands Osimhen and his character and that a team requires varying qualities to succeed. “Osimhen is one with a lot of character. It’s only when you come close to him that you can really understand him,” he said, per the Guardian. “It’s not that he is a bad person. He has the character of a person who wants to win. There are always issues within a team. “We shouldn’t make too much out of it. I was privileged to know Lookman. He’s an open-minded person who likes to relate to people. We need different characters in our team in order to succeed.” FOLLOW THIS LINK TO READ FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/afcon-2025/story/afcon-2025-i-know-his-character-ex-barcelona-star-defends-osimhen-after-argument-with-lookman-2026010916483860411
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| Sports › ‘it's Something Semi Ajayi And I Talk About’ - Bassey Claims Super Eagles Workin by Patricksamuell7(op): 12:08pm On Jan 05 |
As Nigeria prepares to face Mozambique in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16, Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has revealed that the team is working on their defensive structure. Nigeria's Super Eagles advanced to the round of 16 after achieving a flawless record in Group C, earning nine points. Despite their perfect record in the group stage, Nigeria failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their matches. Eric Chelle’s team conceded four goals in just three group stage games, leaving the team worried about their defensive vulnerability. Bassey addresses clean sheet issue Bassey acknowledged that the goals conceded were preventable and called for a collective improvement in defensive discipline. "Of course, you always want to keep a clean sheet; it's something Semi [Ajayi] and I talk about," Bassey explained. "Obviously, being the centre-backs, organising... if you look at the games we've played, it's the little details. “Now, we have to make sure that going into the next stages, we don't concede those types of goals, and it's a collective effort." FOLLOW THIS LINK TO READ FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/its-something-semi-ajayi-and-i-talk-about-bassey-claims-super-eagles-working-to-avoid-conceding-goals-2026010509330963712
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| Sports › ‘peseiro Didn't Give It To Me’ - Onyemaechi Reveals He Begged For Opportunity To by Patricksamuell7(op): 1:52pm On Jan 04 |
Super Eagles defender Bruno Onyemaechi has disclosed that his determination to secure a starting position at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was his key motivation, following a frustrating experience at the previous tournament. The Olympiacos left-back has been a standout performer for Nigeria in Morocco, displacing Zaidu Sanusi, who began the tournament as the first-choice defender against Tanzania. Onyemaechi has since made the position his own, impressing with his solid defensive work and superior technical ability, while also contributing effectively in attack. This marks a significant turnaround for the 26-year-old, whose earlier performances for the national team were often criticised. Onyemaechi speaks on his opportunity Reflecting on his improved form, Onyemaechi explained that his primary drive has been the ambition to establish himself as a regular starter for his country. The defender revealed his frustration at the 2023 AFCON, where he failed to play a single minute under former coach José Peseiro, despite pleading for a chance to prove himself. "When a coach gives you an opportunity, you need to take it," Onyemaechi stated. "At the last AFCON, I was begging for the opportunity, but Jose Peseiro didn't give it to me. FOLLOW THIS LINK TO READ FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/peseiro-didnt-give-it-to-me-onyemaechi-reveals-he-begged-for-opportunity-to-play-for-super-eagles-2026010411393939714
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| Sports › ‘we Can Trample On Any Team’ - Osimhen Warns Other Teams As They Prepare To Face by Patricksamuell7(op): 11:24am On Jan 03 |
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has declared that the Nigerian national team is fully prepared to face Mozambique in the upcoming knockout round of the AFCON 2025 tournament. The 27-year-old Galatasaray forward has been a key figure for Nigeria, featuring in all three group stage matches in Morocco. He even captained the side in their 3-1 victory over Uganda, a significant milestone for the Lagos-born star. Having secured their place in the round of sixteen, the three-time AFCON champions are set to play Mozambique, and Osimhen's confidence in his squad is at an all-time high. Osimhen speaks ahead Mozambique clash Osimhen believes the Super Eagles are one of the continent's top teams and that opponents should be wary of drawing them. “Yes, I would count my country as one of the favourites. We are one of the most feared teams in this tournament,” Osimhen said. “Any team can come and play us. If they are good, they can scale through, but if they are not, we can trample on any team because this team has got the quality to do damage to any big team.” FOLLOW THIS LINK TO READ FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/we-can-trample-on-any-team-osimhen-warns-other-teams-as-they-prepare-to-face-mozambique-2026010309230056543 1 Like
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| Sports › AFCON 2025: Lookman In, Osimhen, Amad Not Good Enough For Group Stage Best XI by Patricksamuell7(op): 2:50pm On Jan 02 |
After three electric group stage games, competition was tough for places in the Best XI of the group phase with Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen and Man United winger Amad Diallo both missing out The AFCON 2025 group stage delivered drama, standout individual displays and a few headline omissions, none bigger than Victor Osimhen missing out on the tournament’s Best XI. While goals and star power were spread across the competition, consistency, impact and match-winning contributions ultimately shaped the final selection. Ademola Lookman’s electric form ensured Nigeria still had a central figure in the XI, even as others stole the spotlight across Africa. Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy — Egypt Mohamed El Shenawy arguably produced the finest goalkeeping display of the entire group stage, anchoring Egypt’s progression with authority and composure. The veteran shot-stopper conceded just one goal across three matches and consistently came up big in key moments, most notably in Egypt’s narrow win over South Africa. Statistically, El Shenawy prevented 1.3 expected goals during the group phase, the second-best figure at the tournament, underlining just how decisive his interventions were. Beyond the numbers, his command of the penalty area and ability to organise a disciplined Egyptian defence played a major role in securing clean sheets and controlling tight games. FOLLOW THIS LINK TO READ FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/afcon-2025/story/afcon-2025-lookman-in-osimhen-amad-not-good-enough-for-group-stage-best-xi-2026010210131375676
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| Sports › Arsenal Vs Aston Villa: Ruthless Gunners End Villains' Historic Streak To Extend by Patricksamuell7(op): 7:39pm On Dec 31, 2025 |
Premier League title favourites Arsenal were dominant in their routine win over Aston Villa Arsenal spared no expense to enhance their Premier League title prospects' demolishing Aston Villa 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium. Aston Villa had been on an impressive 11-game winning streak prior to their match against Arsenal, but goals from Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes, Martin Zubimendi, and Leandro Trossard ensured a comfortable win despite Ollie Watkins' late consolation. Arsenal vs Aston Villa: How it happened Arsenal started brightly, boosted by Gabriel’s return to the starting lineup, and enjoyed the early initiative. Viktor Gyökeres headed over from a Piero Hincapié cross, while Aston Villa felt hard done by when Amadou Onana went down under William Saliba’s challenge, only for a corner to be awarded. Villa gradually settled, with Ezri Konsa winning possession and feeding Ollie Watkins, whose effort drifted wide. However, Villa’s hopes of repeating their recent win over Arsenal were dented when the influential Onana was forced off injured and replaced by John McGinn. FOLLOW THIS LINK TO READ FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/arsenal-vs-aston-villa-ruthless-gunners-end-villains-historic-streak-to-extend-premier-league-lead-2025123022224486306
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| Sports › AFCON: 'I'm Sorry Dad' — Uche Ikpeazu Says Playing Against Super Eagles by Patricksamuell7(op): 4:09pm On Dec 30, 2025 |
Uganda forward of Nigerian descent Uche Ikpeazu looks forward to facing the Super Eagles.https://www.pulsesports.ng/afcon-2025/story/afcon-2025-im-sorry-dad-ugandas-nigerian-striker-says-playing-against-super-eagles-will-be-emotional-2025122922485507109 1 Like 1 Share
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| Sports › ‘there Are Moments I Want To Kiss Him’ — Guardiola On Man City Hero Cherki by Patricksamuell7(op): 11:21am On Dec 28, 2025 |
New Manchester City hero Rayan Cherki has Pep Guardiola feeling new emotions Pep Guardiola could barely hide his emotions after Rayan Cherki’s match-winning display inspired Manchester City to a dramatic 2–1 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest. A result that showed both the Frenchman’s brilliance and his manager’s complicated relationship with him. Guardiola’s love-hate emotions over Cherki’s brilliance Cherki once again proved decisive at the City Ground, first setting up Tijjani Reijnders’ opener before scoring an 83rd-minute winner to seal all three points for the champions. His impact prompted Guardiola to offer a candid assessment of what it is like managing the gifted France international. “There are moments I shout at him and there are moments I want to kiss him, so I have that ambivalent feeling with him,” Guardiola admitted after the match. The City boss explained that his challenge is striking the balance between discipline and freedom, adding that he wants to “allow him to express his incredible talent” while also improving the team’s build-up play to get Cherki more involved. Guardiola felt City were sharper after the break, describing the second half as “a little bit better” following a frustrating opening period. FOLLOW THIS LINK TO READ FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/there-are-moments-i-want-to-kiss-him-guardiola-on-man-city-hero-cherki-2025122807415236498
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| Sports › Even Salah Was Surprised - South Africa Coach Slams Controversial Egypt Penalty by Patricksamuell7(op): 11:13am On Dec 28, 2025 |
Head coach Hugo Broos was highly critical of the officiating during South Africa's 1-0 loss to Egypt South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has strongly criticised the officiating decisions that went against his side following their narrow 1–0 defeat to Egypt at AFCON 2025. The Belgian tactician claimed the match in Agadir was decided by refereeing calls rather than football, insisting even Mohamed Salah was shocked by the penalty that settled the contest. Broos questions Salah penalty decision The decisive moment came in the first half when Salah won a penalty after minimal contact from Bafana Bafana right-back Khuliso Mudau. The Liverpool forward converted with a panenka to give Egypt the lead, but Broos was left furious by the decision. “First half, Egypt was the better team. Second half, we were the better team. The game was decided by two decisions — two decisions that were not right,” Broos told reporters after the match. He revealed a post-match exchange with the Egyptian captain that only deepened his frustration. “The first one was ridiculous. Even Mo Salah said to me after the game that he was surprised that that was a penalty,” Broos said. Late handball controversy adds to frustration Broos also pointed to a second key incident late in the game when South Africa appealed for a penalty after Yasser Ibrahim blocked a Teboho Mokoena shot with his arm inside the box. Despite a VAR review, referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana and his team waved away the appeals, ruling the arm was in a natural supporting position. “The second was a real penalty, because the arm was extended from the body and the ball hit his arm,” Broos argued. “But then suddenly, there is a rule of the supporting arm. What is the supporting arm?” South Africa dominated the second half, enjoying 62% possession and registering 16 shots compared to Egypt’s seven, while also playing against 10 men after Mohamed Hany’s red card just before half-time. However, they could not break down a resilient Pharaohs defence. https://www.pulsesports.ng/afcon-2025/story/even-salah-was-surprised-south-africa-coach-broos-slams-controversial-penalty-calls-in-egypt-loss-2025122622504887716 2 Likes
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| Sports › We Are Prepared - Wilfred Ndidi Dismisses Pressure Talk Ahead Of Tunisia Match by Patricksamuell7(op): 7:35am On Dec 27, 2025 |
Wilfred Ndidi just set the tone for Nigeria's biggest AFCON 2025 test yet.https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/there-is-no-pressure-on-us-new-super-eagles-captain-ndidis-bold-message-before-tunisia-battle-2025122701333567733 5 Likes
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| Sports › AFCON 2025: Barcelona Watching Cup Of Nations For Young Striker by Patricksamuell7(op): 10:11pm On Dec 25, 2025 |
Barcelona are reportedly monitoring their striker target at the African Cup of Nations. Barcelona and some Premier League clubs are reportedly tracking Cameroon international Karl Etta-Eyong at the AFCON, as interest in the young striker grows. Karl was on the books of Villarreal last season as a young striker, where he showed glimpses of his immense talent in the four LALIGA matches he played. The Blaugrana and other top clubs in the division and Europe registered interest, but the young striker preferred a move to Levante, prioritising his guaranteed game time and his continued development. Pay Attention: Stay informed on the biggest tournament in African football! Match reports and fixtures inside. Follow the AFCON 2025 coverage! Barcelona's fresh interest The Spanish champions retained their interest in this season, with sporting director Deco, said to be a fan, even though Hansi Flick reportedly prefers a striker with experience. FOLLOW THIS LINK TO READ FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/afcon-2025/story/afcon-2025-barcelona-watching-cup-of-nations-for-young-striker-2025122516385555357
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