Category: Sport News

Striker Daniel Kanu scores as Walsall chase promotion

Striker Daniel Kanu scores as Walsall chase promotion

Sierra Leone International Daniel Kanu was among the goals as Walsall kept their hopes for automatic promotion alive with a solid victory over Tranmere on Saturday.

Goals from Priestley Farquharson, Daniel Kanu, and Jamille Matt ended a streak of four straight defeats for Walsall. Meanwhile, Tranmere, who scored a late goal through Joe Ironside, faced their third home loss in a row.

The game started well for Walsall, with Matt’s header from Farquharson’s long throw aimed right at Tranmere’s goalkeeper, Jack Barrett, just two minutes in.

Tranmere’s best chance in the first half came from Ethan Bristow, who shot wide from a tight angle after being set up by Connor Jennings.

Walsall took the lead in the 37th minute when Farquharson outjumped everyone to head in Evan Weir’s corner kick.

They doubled their lead just before halftime when Kanu took advantage of a defensive mistake, rounded Barrett, and easily scored into an empty net.

Walsall secured the win in the 66th minute when Matt headed in a perfect cross from Aden Flint. Ironside scored a consolation goal for Tranmere in the 90th minute.

Sullay Kaikai's stunning first-half helps Cambridge win over Fleetwood

Sullay Kaikai’s first-half stunner helps Cambridge win over Fleetwood

Sullay Kaikai scored as Cambridge maintained their League Two play-off pursuit with an away win as Fleetwood's search for a first victory of the new year continued.

Kaikai scored a great goal in the first half, but Ethan Ennis equalized with a penalty in the second half. James Gibbons then secured the win for Cambridge at Highbury, making it 11 league games without a loss.

Louis Appere missed the first chance of the match, heading the ball over the crossbar for the visitors.

Kaikai, from Sierra Leone, scored his seventh goal of the season for Cambridge with a fantastic free-kick after James Brophy was fouled near the box.

Kaikai almost assisted another goal when he set up Appere, but Appere shot wide.

In the 60th minute, Ched Evans of the Cod Army saw his volley go over the bar. Jay Lynch prevented Kaikai from scoring again by rushing off his line.

Fifteen minutes from the end, Evans earned a penalty, and Ennis scored to make it 1-1.

But Gibbons scored the winning goal with a strong shot through a crowded goal area eight minutes later.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali hero as Nigeria pick Bronze in AFCON 2025

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali hero as Nigeria pick AFCON 2025 Bronze

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was instrumental for Nigeria in the Super Eagles' bronze medal win at the 2025 TAfrica Cup of Nations in Morocco, defeating Egypt 4–2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.

Despite a previous loss to Morocco in the semifinals, Nwabali made two crucial saves against Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during the shootout, helping turn the tide after Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru had his shot saved.

Goals from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman secured Nigeria’s victory.

While both teams struggled to find clear chances during regulation, Nwabali’s solid performance kept the match scoreless, leading to penalties. After the game, he praised his teammates for their unity and determination.

Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, acknowledged the close contest but reflected on the importance of details in such matches. Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, expressed pride in his players’ effort and character, emphasising the team’s hard work and commitment to building a stronger future.

Stanley Nwabali is the TotalEnergies Man of the Match.
Nigeria 0-0 Egypt (Nigeria wins 4-2 in penalties)
Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca
Midfielder John Bilili Sesay joins Bray Wanderers FC in Ireland

Midfielder John Bilili Sesay joins Bray Wanderers FC in Ireland

Sierra Leone Premier League team Bhantal FC has announced that midfielder John Bilili Sesay has joined Bray Wanderers FC in Ireland ahead of the 2026 season. 

“We are excited to share that John Bilili Sesay has officially joined Bray Wanderers FC in Ireland! John is a talented midfielder who will play in the League of Ireland First Division.

Thank you, John, for representing Bhantal FC so well. We wish you the best in this new chapter!”

The 18-year-old, who is highly rated, comes from Bhantal FC and has already played in Sierra Leone’s World Cup qualifying matches.

Nicknamed ‘The Seagulls’, the Irish football team that competes in the League of Ireland First Division. The club, as we know it today, was established in 1942 in Bray and was previously called Bray Wanderers A.F.C. until 2010.

Egypt and Nigeria ready for AFCON 2025 third-place accolade

Egypt and Nigeria are ready for AFCON 2025 third-place accolade

Egypt and Nigeria will compete for third place at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) this weekend. The winning team will earn a bronze medal, recognizing their efforts over the past three weeks.

Both Egypt and Nigeria were expected to perform well in the tournament, but lost in the semi-finals. Egypt was defeated by Senegal, while Nigeria fell to Morocco in a penalty shootout.

Ahead of their third-place match on Saturday, Wilfred Ndidi expressed that the loss to Morocco was difficult, but the Super Eagles are looking to finish on a high note. “It was a painful loss; we have reached the end of the tournament, but tomorrow we want to ensure a positive result,” he stated.

Head coach Eric Chelle praised his players for their dedication, though he expressed disappointment over the defeat to Morocco.

During his pre-match conference for the AFCON third-place match, Hossam Hassan, in the photo, the head coach of Egypt, expressed his dissatisfaction with being involved in a third-place tie. Nevertheless, he remains determined to secure a victory following a challenging match against Senegal.

Trezeguet has recovered from injury to play in Egypt’s semi-final loss, but Mohamed Hamdi may still miss this match. Egypt struggled against Senegal, so coach Hossam Hassan might consider changing the lineup. Although Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush did not perform well, they are unlikely to be benched since they play in the Premier League.

For Nigeria, Calvin Bassey will miss this match due to a suspension after receiving a yellow card in the semi-final. Coach Eric Chelle will welcome back captain Wilfred Ndidi, who was suspended for that match. Striker Cyriel Dessers has missed the tournament due to an ankle injury. There are also concerns about Victor Osimhen’s fitness, as he limped off late in the semi-final.

Prediction

Both teams had trouble scoring in their last matches, which might happen again. The game could focus on their star players, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush for Egypt, against Osimhen for Nigeria.

Both sides will want to end the tournament on a positive note, making for an interesting match.

Head-to-Head History

– Egypt wins: 6  

– Nigeria wins: 9  

– Draws: 5  

Date, Time, and Venue  

Egypt vs Nigeria is set for 5 pm local Time on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco.