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Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has reportedly been offered a chance to manage another team at the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria could lose head coach Eric Chelle after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as Tunisia are reportedly keen on landing the Malian tactician.

Chelle, who has transformed Nigeria into the tournament's most dominant side, has a chance to book a place in the final this Wednesday when the Super Eagles face hosts Morocco in Rabat.

While Chelle faced immense pressure after failing to secure World Cup qualification in late 2025, his stock has risen sharply during a flawless AFCON campaign that saw Nigeria dismantle Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals.

Nigeria’s resurgence after the World Cup heartbreak has now put Chelle on the map of the continent's top sides, including Tunisia, who are reportedly ready to offer Chelle a massive financial package to lead their 2026 World Cup campaign.

Tunisia keen on Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle for 2026 World Cup

According to reports, the Tunisian Football Federation has sounded out Chelle with a salary offer of $100,000 per month—effectively doubling his current $50,000 monthly wage in Nigeria.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/report-eric-chelle-offered-massive-dollar100k-monthly-salary-to-leave-super-eagles-for-world-cup-role-2026011314315250908

Everything to know about Calvin Bassey, including overcoming academy rejections, family challenges, football achievements and relationships.

Who is Calvin Bassey?

Calviin Bassey is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or left-back for Premier League club Fulham and the Nigeria national team.

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Born in Italy and raised in England, Bassey is known for his versatility and somewhat aggressive defensive style.

How old is Calvin Bassey?

Calvin Bassey is 26 years old. He was born on 31 December 1999.
Calvin Bassey Height

Calvin Bassey's height is 1.85 metres, equivalent to 6 ft 1 in.

Where is Calvin Bassey from?

Although he was born in Italy and grew up in England, Calvin Bassey is from Umunnamehi village in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria.
Where was Calvin Bassey born?

Calvin Bassey was born in Aosta, Italy, but grew up in England.

Calvin Bassey Biography

Calvin Bassey's football journey began in Italy, where he was born, but his development as a player took place in England after relocating to London at a young age.

After rejections at Leyton Orient, Crystal Palace and Charlton, he joined Leicester City's academy in September 2015 at 15, showcasing his talent with their under-18 and under-23 sides, though the defender never featured for the Foxes’ senior team.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/calvin-bassey-biography-age-height-salary-stats-club-and-international-career-parents-brothers-girlfriend-net-worth-2025022203572871851

Former South Africa international Teko Modise has called on Super Eagles striker Akor Adams to improve his clinical finishing to secure a regular spot at Sevilla.

Adams has had a productive AFCON campaign for the Super Eagles, contributing two goals and two assists in five appearances.

The Super Eagles star was on target during the quarter-final game against Algeria, putting Nigeria two goals up.

Although he squandered a big opportunity in the first half to give Nigeria the lead, but eventually atoned for his poor finishing as the Super Eagles claimed a 2-0 win.

Modise advises Adams

Modise shared his analysis following the win against Algeria on Saturday, a match where Adams scored but also squandered several significant opportunities.

During his post-match commentary on SuperSport, the former Bafana Bafana star highlighted Adams' inefficiency in front of goal, emphasising that ruthlessness is essential at the elite level.

"I think it is important because we were off the screen complaining yesterday," Modise remarked. "How many chances does he need?"

While acknowledging the striker's commendable work rate and intelligent movement off the ball, Modise insisted that these attributes must be complemented by decisive finishing to succeed in the Spanish top flight.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/how-many-chances-does-he-need-south-african-legend-calls-on-akor-adams-to-improve-on-his-finishing-2026011209454092035

Former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen has claimed Arsenal may need to sign a new striker next summer.

Viktor Gyokeres arrived at the Emirates in a high-profile £64 million transfer from Sporting CP last July, following a prolific spell where he netted 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese club.

However, the Sweden international has found the net just seven times in 24 games for the Gunners.

Five of those goals came against Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, and Everton, with the other two scored in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid.

The striker's recent form has come under scrutiny, particularly after he failed to register a shot on target during Arsenal's goalless draw with Liverpool on Thursday. Gyokeres has now scored only once in his last ten matches.
Michael Owen tells Arteta to replace average Gyokeres

"We were on the pitch four or five minutes before kick-off, and we were discussing him [Gyokeres], and I said then, ‘the jury is out’, and I still feel the same way at the moment," Owen told Premier League Productions.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/simply-not-good-enough-arsenal-urged-to-dump-pound64m-man-gyokeres-2026010915472812904

Nigeria's Ministry of Finance has issued a crucial update that could ease tensions ahead of AFCON 2025, promising the Super Eagles their bonuses will be settled without the payment disputes that have plagued previous tournaments.

Nigeria's Ministry of Finance has delivered a crucial lifeline to the Super Eagles, promising swift resolution of the bonus dispute that threatened to derail their AFCON 2025 quarter-final campaign just days before their showdown with Algeria.

The intervention comes after players and coaching staff threatened to boycott training following four consecutive victories without receiving their promised match bonuses, a familiar scenario that has haunted Nigerian football at previous tournaments.

Crisis averted through direct Government action

Minister of State for Finance, Hon. Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, announced that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented emergency measures to bypass bureaucratic delays and process payments directly into players' domiciliary accounts.

"I am pleased to provide an update on the administrative progress regarding the match bonuses for our national team at AFCON 2025," the minister stated.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/super-eagles-get-major-boost-as-finance-ministry-makes-bold-afcon-2025-bonus-payment-pledge-2026010811561288685

Ruben Amorim walked away with a sizable pay-off on Monday when he was sacked as Manchester United's head coach after 14 months in charge at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim walked away with a sizable pay-off on Monday when he was sacked as Manchester United's head coach after 14 months in charge at Old Trafford.

Amorim was fired by Manchester United, and given the news of his dismissal by Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.

The decision follows a week of escalating tensions between the manager and the club's leadership, and cost the club a reported £10million.

Amorim's compensation package took the total cost of hiring and firing him to nearly £27m.

What next for Manchester United?

In the interim, Under-18s coach and club legend Darren Fletcher will take the helm for Wednesday's match against Burnley.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/revealed-manchester-united-must-pay-naira19-billion-to-fire-amorim-2026010611161020693

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly considering retirement after a tragic car accident in Nigeria claimed the lives of two members of his team.

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly considering bringing his boxing career to an end following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest associates.

The incident occurred on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, and has left the 36-year-old boxer emotionally devastated, according to family members.

The accident claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele both long-time members of Joshua’s team.
What Anthony Joshua's Uncle said

Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua revealed that the boxer has privately discussed retirement with his family in the aftermath of the crash.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/boxing/story/he-has-retired-from-boxing-anthony-joshuas-uncle-reveals-plans-after-fatal-crash-in-nigeria-2026010612173686641

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has issued a firm warning to his Nigerian teammates ahead of their AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash against Mozambique, urging them not to underestimate their opponents.

The Super Eagles, who won all three of their group stage matches, will take on the Mambas at the Complexe de Fes.

Eric Chelle’s team qualified for the round of 16 with a perfect record in Group C, securing nine points.

Mozambique advanced to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams after securing just one victory in their group.

Bassey warns his teammates

With a quarter-final spot on the line, Bassey emphasised the unpredictable nature of the tournament, pointing to Mali's recent upset over Tunisia as a cautionary tale.

"Never underestimate any team. We can't underestimate any team," the 26-year-old stated in an interview with NFF Media.

"Look at yesterday's game, Tunisia had 11 men, Mali had ten men, and they won. They took it all the way to penalties."

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/never-underestimate-any-team-bassey-warns-super-eagles-that-big-name-players-alone-do-not-win-games-2026010509214441309

Nigeria's head coach, Eric Chelle, has acknowledged the immense pressure on his team to succeed but is adamant that the Super Eagles will not be haunted by their premature exit from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The team's strong performance in the group stage has drawn parallels to their 2021 campaign, where they won all their group matches only to be knocked out in the Round of 16.

At the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, Nigeria dominated their group with a perfect record but were eliminated by a 1-0 loss to Tunisia.

Chelle and his squad are determined to avoid a similar fate and translate their current form into a deep tournament run.
Chelle speaks ahead of Mozambique clash

Speaking ahead of their next match, Chelle admitted that pressure has been a constant companion since he assumed the role in 2025.

"Since I took this job, I have been under pressure," Chelle stated at a pre-match press conference. "This is not a question about the NFF; this is a question about the official, the group, and me. Game after game, we want to be ambitious. We are thinking about the next game."

Despite the high stakes, Chelle described the team's atmosphere as calm and unified, with a singular focus on securing a win against Mozambique.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/i-have-been-under-pressure-chelle-states-super-eagles-will-not-let-the-afcon-2021-failure-distract-them-2026010509580851582

Former Nigerian international and Everton striker Daniel Amokachi has identified three players who have quietly made a significant impact during the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Reflecting on the tournament, Amokachi praised the influence of young talent, noting that their performances underscore the growing competitive depth of African football.

Amokachi gave special recognition to Senegal's teenage sensation, Ibrahim Mbaye, who has been a game-changer despite not starting any of the three group-stage matches.

Nigeria's Raphael Onyedika also caught Amokachi's eye, impressing after being introduced into the Super Eagles' lineup.

Amokachi names players that stood out

Speaking in an interview, Amokachi named his standout players in the group stage but left out Ademola Lookman.

Despite Lookman’s contribution for the Super Eagles, scoring two goals and providing two assists in the group stage, Amokachi failed to acknowledge his performance.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/super-eagles-legend-snubs-lookman-names-three-players-that-has-impressed-him-in-the-afcon-group-stage-2026010411334555263

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has praised Eric Chelle for the remarkable improvement of Nigeria’s performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The three-time African champions advanced to the knockout stage with a perfect record, winning all three of their group matches.

Aside from their perfect record, the Super Eagles team have been able to control games and pin their opponent back to their half.

They are set to face Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the AFCON 2025 tournament on Monday.

Oliseh speaks on Chelle’s influence

Speaking on his "Sunday Oliseh Global Insight Football" show, the 1994 AFCON winner, who is currently working as a commentator for the tournament, highlighted the unforgiving nature of the knockout rounds.

Oliseh praised the team's performance in their final group game against Uganda, describing it as a significant improvement after less convincing displays against Tunisia and Tanzania.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/give-him-kudos-sunday-oliseh-hails-eric-chelle-for-making-super-eagles-look-formidable-2026010309465014886

Ademola Lookman has been named in CAF’s AFCON 2025 Group Stage Best XI after Nigeria’s flawless run.

Nigeria’s impressive group-stage performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been recognised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with Ademola Lookman earning a place in the official Group Stage Best XI.

However, the absence of Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen has ignited widespread debate.

CAF unveiled the Best XI on social media, selecting standout performers from the opening phase of the tournament in a 3-4-3 formation.

While Lookman was rewarded for his decisive influence, Osimhen’s omission came as a surprise given his stature and ever-present role in Nigeria’s attack.
Lookman rewarded for standout displays

The Atalanta winger has been one of the tournament’s most electric performers, delivering two goals and two assists in just two appearances.

Operating from advanced midfield and wide areas, Lookman dictated tempo, unsettled defenders, and emerged as Nigeria’s most consistent attacking star.

His performances earned him the highest average player rating of the group stage.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/afcon-2025/story/afcon-2025-osimhen-missing-as-lookman-makes-caf-group-stage-best-xi-2026010210093277105

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami teammate provides some insight into their relationship.

Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright shared his first impression of Lionel Messi, how he was awestruck, and how the Argentina national team captain helped him settle into the side.

The 24-year-old joined the Miami-based outfit in 2024 and has become a prominent fixture in the side, contributing to their recent MLS Cup triumph.

What Bright said

Bright was slugging it in the Serie D before moving to the United States. His career is on the up now, as he shares a dressing room with Messi. In a conversation with Gazzetta, the Italian provided insight into his relationship with Lionel Messi.

"Leo is a very humble person with an incredible aura,” he said. “I remember the first time I saw him I almost fainted, despite trying to mentally prepare myself before he arrived.

“He presented himself as just any person, he is a leader on and off the pitch, before matches he always knows how to find the right words to motivate us. A model professional, with obsessive attention to detail.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/he-transforms-into-an-animal-messis-teammate-reveals-how-argentina-star-almost-made-him-faint-2025123100433560774

American speedster Noah Lyles referenced Usain Bolt vs. Justin Gatlin as the biggest in track and field history amid poor storylines in the present era.

Despite being the face of track and field in the past few years, Noah Lyles still respects the impact Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin's rivalry had on the sport's image for the present generation.

In a modern sports landscape driven by compelling narratives and larger-than-life personalities, the reigning Olympic 100m champion believes that track and field is currently lacking a crucial element: powerful storytelling, which his predecessors enjoyed during their era.

"I think that if a rivalry is cared for in the correct manner, then yes, it can be good," Lyles stated in an interview with Olympics.com. "But calling every competition of an athlete going up against another athlete a rivalry is not the same. There has to be a story. There has to be a purpose. There has to be intent."

His perspective is born from a deep passion for the sport and a desire to see it achieve the same narrative depth as others. He points to legendary clashes like Ali vs. Frazier in boxing, Messi vs. Ronaldo in football, and LeBron vs. Steph in basketball—sagas that transcended individual contests and created global conversations.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/usain-bolt-vs-justin-gatlin-was-probably-the-biggest-rivalry-noah-lyles-hails-sprint-legends-impact-amid-poor-storylines-in-the-present-era-2025122920291296038

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against defending champions Ivory Coast in Marrakech.

In a hrilling Group F encounter, five-time champions Cameroon fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against defending champions Ivory Coast.
After a cautious first half that saw Cameroon's Christian Kofane rattle the crossbar, the match exploded into life following the interval.

Manchester United’s Amad Diallo broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, showcasing individual brilliance to curl an unstoppable strike into the bottom corner.

Uganda vs. Nigeria: AFCON 2025 Group C finale — Kick-off Time, venue, and where to watch
However, the lead was short-lived. Just five minutes later, Stoke City defender Junior Tchamadeu restored parity with a powerful effort from the edge of the area that took a wicked deflection off Ghislain Konan, looping over the backpedaling goalkeeper.

The result leaves both heavyweights on four points at the summit of Group F, virtually guaranteeing them a place in the knockout stages.

While Cameroon will take confidence from their resilience, Ivory Coast remain a formidable force as they continue their title defence in Morocco.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/afcon-2025/story/ivory-coast-vs-cameroon-amad-diallo-stars-as-heavyweights-share-points-in-afcon-thriller-2025122822064137838

Senegal captain Sadio Mane is rewriting AFCON history with his performances in Morocco

Sadio Mané etched his name even deeper into Africa Cup of Nations history alongside one of the continent’s greatest players.

Mane reached a new milestone as Senegal were held to a hard-fought 1–1 draw by DR Congo in a gripping Group D encounter in Tangier, a result that kept the group finely balanced heading into the final round of matches.
Mané draws level with Drogba in AFCON history

Mané’s equaliser against DR Congo was far more than just a crucial goal for the reigning champions. It took the Senegalese forward to 16 direct goal contributions in AFCON history, made up of 10 goals and six assists across 16 matches.

That return sees him draw level with Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba, who recorded 11 goals and five assists in the same number of games, making both men the most decisive players at the tournament since 2006.

Earlier in the match, Mané had been at the heart of Senegal’s attacking play, delivering a pinpoint cross that Nicolas Jackson narrowly failed to convert and testing the Congolese defence with a dangerous free kick.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/afcon-2025/story/afcon-2025-mane-equals-drogba-record-as-most-decisive-african-player-2025122807242651387

Bournemouth and Ghana attacker Antoine Semenyo has picked a side in the never-ending GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Ronaldo vs. Messi rivalry has been a dominant narrative in football for over fifteen years, with both players consistently pushing each other to new heights.

While Messi’s 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar is often cited as the definitive "tie-breaker," Ronaldo remains a firm favorite for many who value his unmatched athleticism and prolific scoring record.

Semenyo settles Ronaldo vs Messi debate

Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo is the latest to weigh in on the discussion, siding with the Argentine playmaker. Speaking during a segment on the AwayDays YouTube channel, the 25-year-old Ghana international was asked to choose between the two icons.

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https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/ronaldo-vs-messi-ghana-star-semenyo-wastes-no-time-in-picking-the-goat-2025122517195885752