By Fr A. N Abiagom, CM

The joy of a beautiful outing that saw the Super Eagles reach the quarterfinals of AFCON 2025 in Morocco was almost overshadowed by the reaction of Victor Osimhen in the second half and at the end of the match. My aim in this write-up is not to blame any player but to critically analyze the unhealthy situation observed during and after the game and offer recommendations.
The match began well, with the Super Eagles dominating play throughout. However, team spirit appeared to weaken when individual concerns, both in play and attitude, became unnecessarily prominent.
It is important to note that good team spirit, reflected in collective play, is what most often wins matches. Rarely does an individual player take the ball from their own goal and dribble past all opponents to score. While goal scorers often get singled out for praise, the players providing assists—goalkeepers, midfielders, wingers, and even strikers assisting themselves—also deserve recognition. Overall congratulations should first be directed to the team before individual accolades.
Football history shows that even teams leading by three or four goals can be equalized and eventually defeated. In a competition of AFCON’s magnitude, no scoring opportunity should be taken lightly or approached without teamwork and collaboration. It is always important to create opportunities for the best-positioned player to score. Wasting clear chances is unjustifiable.
I personally observed that Victor Osimhen became frustrated when several clear chances in the second half were not properly utilized. His passion for helping the team win is commendable, but it is crucial for him to exercise patience and handle such situations more professionally.
Had Osimhen or Lookman scored two or more goals against Mozambique, they would be competing among the top scorers in the tournament. Teamwork is key and should never be compromised in pursuit of individual glory. While every professional player desires to leave their mark in history, when personal ambition outweighs collective success, both personal and team achievements may be lost. The ball should always be given to the player best positioned to score in any given moment.
I hope the Super Eagles’ technical crew takes note of these observations. I also urge the public not to misunderstand Victor Osimhen’s concern, which stems from his commitment to the team’s success. Best wishes to the Super Eagles.

By Samuel Adeola

Chelsea have officially appointed Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, ending days of speculation over who would take charge at Stamford Bridge following the departure of Enzo Maresca.

The 41-year-old joins the Blues after an impressive spell with French club Strasbourg, where he spent 18 months rebuilding the team and earning praise for his modern style of play and strong man-management. His appointment marks another major step in Chelsea’s long-term project under the club’s ownership.

Rosenior has described the Chelsea job as a huge opportunity, stating that leading one of the biggest clubs in world football was a challenge he could not refuse. He also highlighted the personal significance of the move, as it allows him to return home and be closer to his family while taking on one of the most high-profile roles in the Premier League.

Chelsea see Rosenior as a progressive coach with a clear football philosophy, and the club believes his experience in youth development and team building will suit their young and talented squad. His work at Strasbourg, which he called the best period of his coaching career, played a key role in convincing the Chelsea hierarchy to hand him the job.

An official unveiling is expected shortly, with Rosenior set to begin work immediately as Chelsea look to stabilise their season and push for success both domestically and in Europe.

A new chapter has now begun at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea placing their trust in Liam Rosenior to lead the club forward.

By Samuel Adeola 

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is considering retirement from boxing after a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members.

Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, said the 36-year-old has privately informed the family of his decision, citing the emotional strain boxing has placed on them.

“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing. That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally,” he said.

“Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest… now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”

The boxer has also promised to support the families of the victims, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, who were key members of his team. Joshua recently shared photos with the bereaved families on social media, captioned “My Brothers Keeper”.

The accident happened on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when their SUV crashed into a stationary truck. Ghami and Ayodele died at the scene, while Joshua escaped with minor injuries.

Residents of Sagamu have thanked God for Joshua’s survival and urged him not to turn his back on his roots. Meanwhile, the driver involved has been charged to court, with the case adjourned till January 20.