Category sport-news

Mikel Arteta said Friday that Gabriel Jesus has the qualities to be Arsenal’s first-choice striker following the return of the Brazil international after 11 months on the sidelines.

The 28-year-old on Wednesday played his first minutes for the club since suffering a knee injury in January, coming on as a substitute in the Gunners’ 3-0 win against Club Brugge in the Champions League.

Jesus will have to compete with Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, currently sidelined with a knee injury, to be the focal point of Arsenal’s attack.

Arsenal boss Arteta also has a host of other options in attacking positions including Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Leandro Trossard.

The Spanish manager, whose team host bottom side Wolves on Saturday, was asked at his pre-match press conference whether Jesus could push to be the club’s number one striker.

READ ALSO: Jesus Added To Arsenal’s Champions League Squad

“Yes, a player of his quality, a player that has given us so much and he comes with the energy that he came with the other day,” he said.

“He’s certainly a player that has to be pushing and aiming for that, that’s for sure.”

Arteta was also asked if he would think about selling the former Manchester City star, given his wealth of attacking options, but quashed the idea.

“Gabriel has a lot to offer to the team and he’s proven that straight away in the first minute that he was available to play,” he said. “He’s put so much to be in this position again and now the focus is to be with us.”

The Arsenal boss insisted the “goals will come” for struggling Gyokeres, who has scored just once in the Premier League since mid-September.

Arteta said the team and the 27-year-old forward, who joined the club from Sporting Lisbon in July, had to adapt to each other.

“We have to put the player in the best possible condition to explode and fulfil his potential, and then there are certain things that within the role, in the manner that we play, have to be fulfilled, and that’s a combination of both,” he said.

He added: “It took him a while at the beginning because it’s a different league, different demands, he had no pre-season, and now he’s starting to get some momentum. The goals will come and we’re going to be very pleased with him.”

Arsenal are two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League ahead of the visit of Wolves, who have lost their past eight league games.

Arteta was non-committal on the potential return of several first-choice players for the game, including central defender William Saliba and midfielder Declan Rice.

He said both men would be assessed ahead of the match at the Emirates, adding there was also uncertainty over the fitness of Jurrien Timber and Trossard.

NBA legend Michael Jordan reached a settlement in his antitrust case against NASCAR on Thursday, ending a federal lawsuit that had threatened to upend the sport.

Jordan’s 23XI Racing and the Front Row Motorsports teams had both sued NASCAR after refusing to sign the circuit’s new charters, the rules which guarantee teams entry to races and share of prize money.

Front Row and 23XI alleged the charters were unfair and did not give the teams enough rights or money.

The suit accused NASCAR and the racing circuit’s chief executive, Jim Franc, of operating without transparency, stifling competition, and controlling the sport in ways that unfairly benefit them at the expense of team owners, drivers, sponsors, partners, and fans.

However, in a joint statement issued on Thursday, the warring factions announced a settlement had now been reached, which would see NASCAR issue an amendment to existing charter holders. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“From the beginning, this lawsuit was about progress,” Jordan said in a statement.

READ ALSO: Chris Paul Axed By Los Angeles Clippers

“It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees, and fans,” added Jordan, who had testified in court last week after the trial got underway.

“With a foundation to build equity and invest in the future and a stronger voice in the decisions ahead, we now have the chance to grow together and make the sport even better for generations to come,” Jordan said.

Front Row and 23XI were the only two NASCAR teams out of 15 that did not sign the new charters at the heart of the dispute.

NASCAR chief executive France said Thursday’s agreement ensured the future of the circuit for “generations to come.”

“We worked closely with race teams and tracks to create the NASCAR charter system in 2016, and it has proven invaluable to their operations and to the quality of racing across the Cup Series,” France said.

“Today’s agreement reaffirms our commitment to preserving and enhancing that value.”

All eyes are on Mohamed Salah’s uncertain future at Liverpool as Arne Slot tries to shut out the noise and prepare his men to face Brighton this weekend.

The Egyptian superstar has hinted Saturday’s match at Anfield could be his last for the Premier League champions, taking aim at manager Slot and the club hierarchy in an explosive interview.

Leaders Arsenal host winless Wolves, who have lost their past eight games and are already 13 points from safety.

READ ALSO: Arsenal Thrash Club Brugge To Stay Perfect In Champions League

Manchester City, now just two points behind the Gunners, face a tricky trip to London to face Oliver Glasner’s in-form Crystal Palace.

AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of the action:

Salah in the spotlight

It is difficult to see a way back for Mohamed Salah at Anfield unless he apologises to Arne Slot and the club.

The forward accused Liverpool of throwing him “under the bus” and said he had no relationship with the Dutch manager after he was left on the bench for last week’s 3-3 draw at Leeds — the third match in a row that he did not start.

The 33-year-old did not travel for Tuesday’s Champions League match at Inter Milan, which Liverpool won 1-0, posting a picture of himself alone in a gym on social media.

Salah, who is preparing to join the Egypt squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, has invited his family to the Brighton game.

“I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go the Africa Cup,” he told reporters. “I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”

But as things stand Salah, who has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, may not get the chance to say his farewells.

It is impossible to predict how the saga will end but there is a chance that the man who is third in Liverpool’s all-time list of goalscorers will never wear the shirt again.

Arsenal host toothless Wolves

Arsenal’s match against Wolves at the Emirates appears to be a nailed-on home win for the Premier League leaders, who last week suffered their first defeat since August.

Wolves, with just two points from their opening 15 games, are on track for the worst season in Premier League history.

That unwanted title is held by Derby, who ended the 2007/08 campaign with just 11 points.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal slipped up against Aston Villa last week and Manchester City took full advantage.

But the Gunners bounced back in the Champions League in midweek, beating Club Brugge 3-0 to make it six wins out of six in Europe.

Arteta’s team have been without both of their first-choice centre-backs, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, for their past four games in all competitions but they will likely have too much for Wolves.

Palace eye Man City repeat

Crystal Palace have reached 26 points after 15 Premier League matches — their best start to a top-flight campaign and double the tally they had at this stage of last season.

The highlight of 2025 for Oliver Glasner’s team was beating City in the FA Cup final in May, which ensured qualification for Europe.

Now Palace, who have already beaten Liverpool at home this season, are in the top four as they aim even higher.

City have gone under the radar this season but are emerging as the main challengers to Arsenal, seeking their fifth successive win in all competitions.

Pep Guardiola’s men can take heart from the fact that they have not been beaten at Selhurst Park since 2015.

But they face a tough task against Palace, who have the tightest defence in the league apart from Arsenal, with just 12 goals conceded.

Fixtures

Saturday (1500 GMT unless stated)

Chelsea v Everton, Liverpool v Brighton, Burnley v Fulham (1730), Arsenal v Wolves (2000)

Sunday (1400 unless stated)

Crystal Palace v Manchester City, Nottingham Forest v Tottenham, Sunderland v Newcastle, West Ham v Aston Villa, Brentford v Leeds (1630)

Monday (2000)

Lionel Messi will unveil a 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself in India on Saturday as he embarks on a three-day tour of the country that has sparked a fan frenzy.

The iron sculpture in Kolkata, which shows Messi holding aloft the World Cup, is part of a so-called GOAT Tour that will take in four Indian cities and a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar will unveil the monument virtually rather than in person for security reasons.

A “Hola Messi” fan zone has also been set up in Kolkata, where on display is a life-sized replica of Messi sitting on a throne.

The hall also recreates his Miami home, complete with mannequins of his family members.

Football fan Samir Nandy said it would be “a dream come true” to catch a glimpse of his idol.

“Legends are not made by success alone. It is his resilience that made me believe in him,” Nandy, 64, said in Kolkata.

“The statue is a fitting tribute to him.”

Monti Paul, the statue’s main sculptor, told AFP the structure was built in 40 days.

“It’s a matter of pride to build the sculpture of Messi. It’s the tallest statue I have made,” he said.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will also meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly during his whirlwind trip to Kolkata.

READ ALSO: Messi Inspires Inter Miami To Win MLS Title

Ahead of his arrival, Messi said it was an honour to visit India and interact with the fans.

“India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago — the fans were fantastic,” Messi said in a statement.

“India is a passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game.”

After Kolkata, where Messi will play a short friendly match, he will head to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.

In Hyderabad he will attend a concert in his honour and play another friendly.

He is reportedly scheduled to meet Modi in the capital.

Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award this week after propelling Inter Miami to the MLS title and leading the league in goals.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker will spearhead Argentina’s defence of the World Cup in June-July in North America.

Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has made a surprise return to the Super Eagles, while Maduka Okoye, who has been deputizing for first-choice keeper Stanley Nwabali, was omitted from Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 squad list.

Also recalled to the team is Paul Onuachu, who has been scoring freely for his Turkish club, Trabzonspor.

The long-awaited squad list was released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on its verified X handle on Thursday night.

In the final list, coach Eric Chelle named three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and nine forwards for the tournament scheduled for December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco.

The 28-player squad blends familiar stars with fresh faces as the Super Eagles gear up for the competition, which kicks off on December 21.

Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, and Kelechi Iheanacho have also been omitted from the squad, while Ebenezer Akinsanmiro received his first call-up.

See the full team list below:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)

Victor Osimhen-inspired Nigeria are hurting after another unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign, and the quickest route to recovery would be winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Since 1990, the Super Eagles have never until this year failed twice in a row to secure a place at the global showpiece.

After finishing runners-up to table toppers and automatic qualifiers South Africa in Group C, Nigeria were given a second chance as one of the best four second-placed nations.

But after walloping Gabon 4-1 in a play-offs semi-final in Morocco with star striker Osimhen scoring twice, they lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo and were eliminated.

READ ALSO: World Record Winning Streak Sets Up Morocco For AFCON Challenge

“Our players are suffering, and we must find a cure. Instead of hurting, we must hurt our opponents,” Ivory Coast-born head coach Eric Chelle told reporters.

Turkey-based Osimhen said, “Nigerians keep telling us we are a golden generation. But we have now failed twice in succession to qualify for the World Cup.

“If we are that good, how come we keep failing? Now we have to return to Morocco and win the Cup of Nations.

“Our squad is packed with great Nigerians playing for some of the best clubs in Europe. The time has come to translate that greatness into trophies.”

Nigeria are in Group C with Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda, and as top seeds will enjoy the advantage of playing all their first round matches in northern city Fes.

The Super Eagles and the Carthage Eagles are ranked much higher than the east African nations, and their December 27 clash should decide who finishes first.

It will be the seventh meeting between two former champions in the premier African football competition. Nigeria have won three, lost one, and two were drawn.

“Tunisia have had an excellent year,” says Chelle, referring to a team that held record five-time world champions Brazil in a friendly in France last month.

‘Enormous pressure’ 

“Uganda are improving consistently under (Belgian coach) Paul Put and many of the Tanzanians play in one of the strongest domestic leagues in Africa.

“My squad and I are under enormous pressure because there are about 230 million Nigerians — which means 230 million national coaches.

“I have avoided social media for some time to dodge the noise and concentrate on working with my technical staff.”

Chelle took Mali to the 2024 AFCON. They conceded late in regular time and again late in extra time to finish unlucky 2-1 quarter-final losers to hosts and eventual champions Ivory Coast.

The 48-year-old tactician says one of his biggest challenges in Morocco will be picking his strike force from an array of top-class strikers.

Apart from Osimhen, he can call on 2024 African player of the year Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Moses Simon, Adams Akor and Chidera Ejuke.

Tunisia coach and former defender Samy Trabelsi calls Nigeria a “continental powerhouse with a vast pool of talent playing for top European clubs”.

But he is not dismissing the hopes of his own team, saying “anything is possible at an AFCON. If we set our minds to it, we can achieve a lot. My target is at least a semi-finals place.”

Tunisia had a poor AFCON qualifying campaign, losing at home to both Comoros and Gambia. They did much better to reach the 2026 World Cup, winning nine games, drawing the other, and keeping 10 clean sheets.

Uganda return to the African tournament afer missing the last two editions and Put has promised supporters a team that will “not back down when we play stronger opponents”.

Tanzania made a late change of coaches, replacing local Hemed Suleiman with Argentine Miguel Gamondi, who doubles as the tactician of local club Singida Black Stars.

Good form with French Ligue 1 outfit Le Havre led to a recall for captain and striker Mbwana Samatta as Taifa Stars seek a first AFCON victory after three winless campaigns.