By Samuel Adeola

Premier League heavyweights endured a difficult midweek as Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all dropped points in a round filled with goals and late drama.

At St James’ Park, Newcastle United claimed a thrilling 4-3 win over Leeds United, sealing victory with a stoppage-time goal after Leeds had taken the lead three times.

Chelsea’s poor run continued with a 2-1 home defeat to Fulham. Reduced to ten men early on, the Blues were punished by their London rivals in the heated derby.

Manchester United were held 2-2 by Burnley at Turf Moor despite twice leading, while defending champions Manchester City settled for a 1-1 draw against Brighton after failing to convert their dominance.

Elsewhere, Brentford thrashed Sunderland 3-0, Bournemouth stunned Tottenham Hotspur 3-2, Everton and Wolves drew 1-1, and Crystal Palace and Aston Villa played out a goalless draw.

The midweek results favoured underdogs, leaving the title race and top-four battle wide open as the season enters a decisive stage.

By Samuel Adeola

Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has urged the Nigerian team to remain focused and united as they push for glory at the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, warning that anything short of the title would be disappointing for such a talented squad.

Onazi, a member of Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON-winning team, said the players must avoid distractions and seize the opportunity to etch their names in the nation’s football history, noting that continental success brings pride to both players and country.

His comments followed reports of a brief on-field disagreement between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Mozambique.

The Nigeria Football Federation, however, said the issue was resolved internally.

Head coach Eric Chelle also downplayed the incident, stressing unity ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final clash with Algeria. Team captain Wilfred Ndidi described the moment as healthy competitiveness.

Nigeria have won all four matches so far, scoring 12 goals without conceding, and are chasing a fourth AFCON title, their first since 2013.

By Samuel Adeola

Algeria have booked a quarter-final meeting with Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging DR Congo 1-0 in a tense round-of-16 clash decided in extra time in Rabat on Tuesday.

The contest remained goalless after 90 minutes, with both sides locked in a midfield battle.

Goalkeepers Luca Zidane and Dimitry Mpasi made crucial saves, while DR Congo’s Fiston Mayele narrowly missed a late winner.

Algeria dominated possession but struggled to break down a resolute defence until substitute Anis Boulbina struck in the 119th minute, firing a powerful shot into the top corner after linking up with Ismaël Bennacer.

The victory sets up a quarter-final showdown with the Super Eagles, who cruised past Mozambique 4-0 on Monday.

Nigeria and Algeria will meet on Saturday, January 10, at 5 p.m., as the Super Eagles chase a fourth AFCON title.