Arsenal beat Bournemouth 3-2 in Saturday’s late kick-off to open a six-point gap at the top of the Premier League table.

The Gunners began the game knowing Aston Villa had crept into second place, with a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.
But it was the Cherries who took the lead, after Gabriel’s pass was intercepted and finished off by Evanilson.

Gabriel then went down the other end and made atonement with the equalizer six minutes later.
Arsenal then opened a two-goal lead after the break with a Declan Rice brace.

Although Kroupi Jr scored again for Bournemouth, Mikel Arteta’s men held on to take all three points.

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The West Africans defeated Paul Put’s side 3-1 in their last group game in Fès.
Victor Osimhen, who captained the team on the night, Ryan Alebiosu and Cyriel Dessers missed the brief session.

Alebiosu sustained an injury in the clash with Uganda, while  Dessers is suffering from a knee problem.
Osimhen was rested to keep him fresh for the task ahead.

The Super Eagles are expected to observe New Year Day (Thursday) as a rest day.
They are still awaiting their Round of 16 opponents, who will be known later on Wednesday night.
Nigeria will face either Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon or Mozambique in Fes next week Monday.

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Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has talked about why he didn’t shake hands with Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, after Villa lost 3-1 to the Gunners on Tuesday night.

The Gunners moved five points ahead of the other Premier League teams again, thanks to a fantastic second-half performance in north London.
Villa might have closed the gap at the top if they had won the match, which was tied 0-0 at halftime.

In the second half, the host team played better than they did in the first period, and Gabriel Magalhaes scored the first goal just three minutes into the second half.
Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus each scored goals that helped their team take a large lead in the standings.

In the final moments of the game, Ollie Watkins managed to score a goal that only served as a consolation for Unai Emery’s side.
After the final whistle, Arteta, who couldn’t hide his happiness about the win, didn’t shake hands with Emery.
In his press conference after the game, Emery, who had previously coached Arsenal after Arsene Wenger left the club, spending 18 months at the Emirates, said he was waiting for Arteta but his fellow Spaniard was already celebrating his team’s win.

“After the game ends, I usually quickly shake hands and then leave. Of course Arteta was happy and was with the coaches, and I can’t wait for him. I was there but no problem. I came along to my dressing room,” he  said.

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Victor Giadom, the National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has stated that Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, cannot achieve any electoral success without the support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Giadom emphasised Wike’s dominance in Gokana politics, asserting that the minister’s influence is unchallenged and essential for any political success in the area.
He described Wike as a “dependable leader” in Rivers politics and stated that Wike remains the only dominant political figure in Gokana.

“I guarantee, on behalf of my brothers, that the Gokana people are for Wike and Tinubu and nobody will challenge Wike’s influence in Gokana.
“Gokana is a ‘no go area’ for anybody, even Governor Fubara. For him to win anything in Gokana, he must pass through Wike,” he said.

Former Senator Magnus Abe also expressed Gokana’s loyalty to Wike and President Bola Tinubu, urging Tinubu not to campaign in Gokana as their support is assured.
Their comments highlight the renewed political tension between Wike and Fubara over control of Rivers State’s political structure.
On Monday, Wike rejected Fubara’s claim of being the leader of the APC in Rivers State.

He also warned that sudden support for President Tinubu does not guarantee a party ticket in the 2027 elections.

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Raphael Onyedika claimed the Man of the Match award following the Super Eagles’ 3–1 victory over the Cranes of Uganda.

Onyedika, who made his maiden AFCON appearance in the match, scored a brace for the Super Eagles. He also formed an effective partnership with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in midfield.
The midfielder was in action for the full duration of the game.

Before the encounter, the 24-year-old had scored only once for the three-time African champions. That goal came in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in March 2024.
Onyedika has now made 19 appearances for the Super Eagles.

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Niger Tornadoes have been rewarded with a cash gift for their matchday 19 victory over Barau FC.

The Ikon Allah Boys defeated the Maliya Boys 2-0 at the Bako Kontagora Stadium last Sunday.
The players and officials received a cash price of N1.4m for the win against Barau FC.

“The victory against Barau FC was special and outstanding,” The Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission, Hon. Danjuma Abdul Masu stated during the cash presentation.
“The match lived up to the pre-game hype, and you have put smiles on the faces of football-loving Nigerlites. We are proud of you.”

Musa, however, assured the team of more supports towards achieving their goals for the season.
Niger Tornadoes finished the first stanza in fifth position with 29 points.

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Cristiano Ronaldo has declared his ambition to win more titles and reach the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals.

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Jamie O’Hara believes Manchester City will once again prove too strong in the Premier League title race, insisting he is not convinced by Arsenal’s credentials.

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Paris Saint-Germain defender, Achraf Hakimi, has insisted he deserves to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or award.

Hakimi has claimed that his achievements cannot be overlooked in favour of attacking players.
The 26-year-old became the first defender in Champions League history to score in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the competition in a single campaign.

Hakimi finished the campaign with 11 goals and 16 assists in all competitions is also a new European record for a defender, breaking Dani Alves’ record.
Speaking to Canal+, Hakimi said: “When people put me in the Ballon d’Or debate, it’s a dream I had never thought of.
“If I have the possibility of winning it, I think I deserve it too.”

Hakimi also impressed as PSG won the Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Champions League, and Trophée des Champions titles.

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