Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi have paid heartfelt tributes to Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong after the defender announced his retirement from international football, bringing to a close a decade-long career with Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The 32-year-old Troost-Ekong confirmed his decision on Thursday, concluding a career that saw him earn 83 caps and score eight goals, including appearances in two Africa Cup of Nations finals. His retirement comes just days before Nigeria’s 2025 AFCON campaign in Morocco.

In response to the news, Osimhen expressed his admiration on , praising Troost-Ekong as a mentor both on and off the field. The Galatasaray striker wrote: “It’s been an honour sharing the pitch with you, Skippo. Your guidance, humility, and professionalism inspired us all to strive for excellence. Thank you for everything you’ve given to the team and Nigeria. Wishing you greatness ahead. You’ve earned it. Legend forever.”

Iwobi echoed similar sentiments in an interview with SportyTV, describing the mood in camp as emotional following the announcement. The Fulham midfielder emphasized Troost-Ekong’s enduring influence on the team, saying, “Obviously, it is a sad one for us because he is a big part of our team. But at the end of the day, I wish him well, he is a brother, he has helped Nigeria and me.”

Iwobi added that even in the later stages of his career, when his playing time was limited, Troost-Ekong remained pivotal to team morale and cohesion. “He was still a big part of our team, his voice, the way he was leading us and the way he made sure the togetherness in the team was very high and very strong,” he said.

Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, Troost-Ekong chose to represent Nigeria after featuring for the Netherlands at youth level. He made his senior debut on 13 June 2015 against Chad in an AFCON qualifier. His five goals in the Africa Cup of Nations remain the highest ever scored by a defender in the competition. Troost-Ekong’s final appearance for Nigeria came as a late substitute against Gabon on 13 November 2025.

Troost-Ekong currently plays for Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League.

Nigerian-born British boxer Anthony Joshua has successfully made weight for his highly anticipated fight against Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, stepping on the scales at 110.6kg (17st 7lb). The two-time heavyweight world champion faces a six-round contest with a maximum weight limit of 111kg, a rare restriction in a division where fighters typically compete at their natural weight.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a brief social media video, Joshua acknowledged the scale reading with a nod and commented, “They must have forgotten. I’m used to dealing with big weights and scales.” The fight has captured widespread attention due to the significant gap in size and experience between the two competitors.

Jake Paul, 28, transitioned from YouTube to professional boxing, competing mostly at cruiserweight, with his heaviest recorded fight being against Mike Tyson at 16st 3lb last year. In contrast, Joshua has established himself among the sport’s elite, boasting an Olympic gold medal and two heavyweight world titles.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, revealed that Paul’s team initially requested a lower weight limit before both camps agreed on the 111kg cap. The fighters will compete using regulation 10-ounce gloves.

The matchup has also drawn commentary from former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated Joshua in two grueling bouts. “If Anthony Joshua wants, he will kill this guy,” Usyk said. “Anthony Joshua is an Olympic champion first. Jake Paul, yeah, a sportsman, a YouTuber, a showman. Joshua is Rolls-Royce; Jake is a Fiat.” He added, “Yes, I will pray for Jake Paul. Because I want to fight with Jake Paul in the octagon.”

Nigerian track and field athlete Godson Oghenebrume, 22, residing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm while in the United States on a non-immigrant visa. The plea was entered before U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

United States Attorney Kurt L. Wall confirmed the development in a statement released by the Department of Justice on December 3, 2025. Oghenebrume now faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Deportation after the completion of any prison term is also possible.

The Department of Justice revealed that the charges stem from a February 7, 2025 incident, during which Oghenebrume discharged a Glock 43X, 9mm pistol during an argument with his ex-girlfriend, in the presence of their infant child. The confrontation intensified when the ex-girlfriend entered Oghenebrume’s apartment and observed him with another woman. The argument escalated outside, leading to additional gunfire.

Authorities said that after the initial confrontation, Oghenebrume destroyed his ex-girlfriend’s phone, took their child, and discarded the firearm in nearby shrubs before deputies arrived. He later admitted to investigators that he fired the weapon to intimidate his ex-girlfriend.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy S. Johnson and Lyman E. Thornton III, and forms part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America, a nationwide effort targeting illegal firearms, transnational criminal organisations, and violent crime.

Oghenebrume, who is the brother of Olympic bronze medalist Ese Brume, enrolled at Louisiana State University in 2021. His promising athletic career has since been overshadowed by the legal challenges arising from the February incident.