The England squad arrive home to elated crowds at London Southend airport after defending their title at Euro 2025 in Switzerland.
Sarina Wiegman’s side beat world champions Spain on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Basel.
The Super Falcons’ victory in Morocco, which was their 10th victory, have received the national honor of Officer of the Order of Niger, according to President Bola Tinubu.  ,
The players and other members of the team were hosted by Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday, and he disclosed this when he also announced the award of the team’s $100, 000 each.
The winners would each receive a three-bedroom apartment, according to the President.
Additionally, he made an announcement about the technical team receiving the naira equivalent of $50, 000.
“I thank you for your hard work, enthusiasm, and reminder of the strength of the Nigerian spirit, and I have received this trophy on behalf of all Nigerians. I hereby grant the players and the 11-man technical team the national honor of Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) in the name of a grateful nation.
Additionally, I hereby direct the players and technical team members to each receive a three-bedroom apartment.
Additionally, the 24 players will receive the equivalent of $100, 000 in cash, and the 11-member technical team will receive the same amount.
I congratulate you once more and will keep praying for you. Nigeria’s spirit is unwavering and will never end as a result of this.
Read more about the Super Falcons’ incredible comeback against Morocco to win the 10th WAFCON title.
The women’s team was commended for their valiant and courageous actions by Tinubu.
He thanked them for bringing the spirit of Nigeria to light among the people.
He added that the team’s administration would continue to support them.
You have inspired millions, especially young girls, who now have evidence that their aspirations are achievable and valid, according to the president. You also influenced me.
“A nation’s assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and thereafter are a wonderful thing.
You stand up for that hope. We are still inspired by your optimism, and we will continue to support you, encourage the next generation, and support the generations that follow you.
On behalf of the Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governor of Kwara State and the leader of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, donated 10 million dollars to each of the 24 players and the technical team.
Rasheedat Ajibade, the team’s captain, thanked the President earlier for his unwavering support for the team.
She claimed that young girls in particular, especially, should be the recipients of the WAFCON trophy.
According to Ajibade, the squad’s goal is to be the world’s best women’s team.
However, she urged more female football supporters.
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, who had earlier flown with the team after they had won their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, received the triumphant players and other team members.  ,
Around 2:26 p.m., the team boarded a chartered flight and arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Fans and government officials, some of whom had waited for hours at the airport to pick up their heroin, greeted the team with a rousing welcome.
The government officials welcomed the team on arrival, including the minister of information Mohammed Idris, Hanatu Musawa, the minister of culture and tourism, and Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the minister of women’s affairs.
The Falcons won 10 straight wins in 10 WAFCON finals on Saturday, going from two goals down to defeat Morocco.
The Moroccan women’s draw first blood in the 13th minute when Ghizlane Chebbak, the tournament’s top scorer, was kindly denied by a loose ball, who did the rest by firing her effort past Chiamaka Nnadozie, the country’s top scorer.
The hosts’ two-goal was then scored through Mssoudy’s low, left-footed shot that was fired in the 28th minute to put the Nigerians’ Mission X in immediate danger.
Morocco’s lead time was 2-0 as both teams came to an end to the first half.
The Super Falcons, however, held on, and the second half was resumed with renewed energy as their pressing and passing were more deliberate.
The Super Falcons were rewarded for their constant pressure in the 63rd minute when Ijamilusi hooked the ball back and hit Benzina.
Nigerians had a glimmer of hope when Okoronkwo quietly found the back of the net.
In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo ran down the right and cut into the area before squaring up in peace with Ijamilusi to bring him home.
Back in 2004, Rebecca Loos made headlines after making allegations that threatened to rock the marriage of the ’00s golden couple, David and Victoria Beckham.
Rebecca, now 48, briefly worked as football icon David’s personal assistant in 2003 following his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid.
In an interview given to the now-defunct News of the World, the Madrid-born former glamour model claimed she and David had embarked on a steamy night of passion behind Victoria’s back.
The Beckhams dismissed these claims as “ludicrous”, while Rebecca used her newfound platform to launch a reality TV career.
Perhaps most notably, the media personality made an appearance on Channel 5’s controversial 2004 offering The Farm.
Slammed as “morbid and sordid” by the RSPCA, the divisive show followed celebs as they competed for the title of “Top Farmer”, with challenges centred around agriculture and livestock rearing.
Rebecca, who came in third place behind Jeff Brazier and Vanilla Ice, provided what was arguably the most memorable moment of the first series. Wearing rubber gloves, Rebecca was seen pleasuring a boar to extract semen, in scenes that sparked a flurry of Ofcom complaints.
While some viewers argued that the act was “akin to bestiality”, as per the Manchester Evening News, Ofcom ultimately ruled that the incident had not been “degrading or harmful to the boar”, clearing Channel Five of breaching taste and decency.
Although the memory of ‘pig-gate’ still lingers in public consciousness, Rebecca’s life has changed in many ways since her days as a darling of the reality TV circuit.
Indeed, Rebecca bowed out of the spotlight not long after her whirlwind ascent to fame and now lives a much quieter life in the picturesque hamlet of Hemsedal in the mountains of Norway.
It’s here where former Playboy model Rebecca has found happiness with her husband, Sven Christjar Skaiaa, a Norwegian doctor she met while shooting the 2008 reality TV series 71 Degrees North.
While Rebecca appeared in front of the camera, Sven was working behind the scenes as a medic. Despite appearing to come from very different worlds, sparks soon flew, and it wasn’t long until Rebecca realised she’d found the one.
The following February, Rebecca announced that she and Sven were expecting a baby, telling Spanish gossip programme ‘Esta Pasando’:”I wasn’t planning on having a child. It was an accident. But the child will be very welcome and very loved.”
She continued: “He is not well-known. He’s Norwegian. We met after the summer in Norway, and he’s a doctor. We’re both delighted with the pregnancy. He wasn’t a fling, he’s my boyfriend, and I hope to spend the rest of my life with him.”
Noting that change was on the horizon, Rebecca then vowed: “Becoming a mother will change everything. My years as a crazy, single woman are over.”
Rebecca and Sven, who tied the knot in a small ceremony in 2012, set off for a new life in Hemsedal, in southern Norway’s Buskerud county, where they raise their two sons in the remote “Scandinavian Alps”.
A far cry from the media buzz of London, Rebecca’s idyllic-looking home is a three-hour drive from the nearest airport and a two-hour drive to the closest hospital.
However, she doesn’t seem to miss the conveniences of city life one bit. and, in a previous interview with the MailOnline, she claimed to have “no regrets”.
Mum of two Rebecca revealed: “I am so happy. I have no regrets. “People said I was mad, who was this guy? I hardly knew him, what on earth was I doing? But look at everything I have now. I am so happy with my life now. Many people are so afraid of change.
“Change is good, change is how you learn, people should just f***ing go for it. I like the way my life has taken me. If I hadn’t been famous, I would not have been invited on the TV show where I met my husband, Sven, and had my lovely boys. I would not have had the life I have now. I took a lot of wrong decisions and got talked into a lot of things.”
Nowadays, Rebecca works as a yoga teacher and massage therapist, and only ever makes a handful of media appearances. Information on Rebecca’s official website offers a little insight into her huge career change.
According to this website: “In 2009, life led Rebecca to the picturesque landscapes of Hemsedal, Norway. This move marked a significant shift in her journey, as she embraced a new way of living that prioritised connection to nature, family, and personal growth.
“While adjusting to a new language and community, she completed a rigorous three-year education to become a certified Medical Assistant in 2011. This background not only solidified her medical knowledge but also deepened her appreciation for holistic health.
“Following the birth of her second child in 2012, Rebecca’s yoga practice evolved beyond its initial physical focus. She embarked on a deeper exploration of Ashtanga yoga, experiencing firsthand how the practice revealed hidden layers of resilience, presence, and joy. Each session became an opportunity for self-discovery and reflection, enhancing her commitment to share this journey with others.”
Now Rebecca has emerged from her idyll to participate in Celebrity SAS, where she’s faced a grilling over her accusations about the Beckhams.
When quizzed by Jason Fox and Chris Oliver in the show’s Mirror Room, Rebecca discussed the motivation behind her TV comeback, admitting: “I just wanted to show people who I am and just be myself, which has always been my thing. And I just went in it with a very open mind and take it as it comes.
“I was quite nervous as to how the others would perceive me. I was nervous and apprehensive as to how the show would be edited, because that’s always something you have no control of. However, I must say the production team on this show have been absolutely amazing from day one, they have been truthful, they have stuck to their word.”
Touching upon how differently she and Beckhams are perceived by the public, she reflected: “It felt unjust that my life was pretty hell and his (Becks) life kept going and kept blossoming. I’ve been accused of being a liar. I’ve had a lifetime of opinions around me, I’ve definitely developed thick skin.
“I think the public opinion now has softened, at least from what I’m gathering since the documentary came out with the Beckhams a couple of years ago. I think it is now because thanks to social media, there is a whole different following out there, which it’s a double-edged sword.
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins can be streamed or watched live every Sunday and Monday from 9pm on Channel 4, starting on August 3.
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com. Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .
READ MORE: Charlotte Tilbury’s newest make-up product ‘gives a fuller pout in seconds’
Back in 2004, Rebecca Loos made headlines after making allegations that threatened to rock the marriage of the ’00s golden couple, David and Victoria Beckham.
Rebecca, now 48, briefly worked as football icon David’s personal assistant in 2003 following his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid.
In an interview given to the now-defunct News of the World, the Madrid-born former glamour model claimed she and David had embarked on a steamy night of passion behind Victoria’s back.
The Beckhams dismissed these claims as “ludicrous”, while Rebecca used her newfound platform to launch a reality TV career.
Perhaps most notably, the media personality made an appearance on Channel 5’s controversial 2004 offering The Farm.
Slammed as “morbid and sordid” by the RSPCA, the divisive show followed celebs as they competed for the title of “Top Farmer”, with challenges centred around agriculture and livestock rearing.
Rebecca, who came in third place behind Jeff Brazier and Vanilla Ice, provided what was arguably the most memorable moment of the first series. Wearing rubber gloves, Rebecca was seen pleasuring a boar to extract semen, in scenes that sparked a flurry of Ofcom complaints.
While some viewers argued that the act was “akin to bestiality”, as per the Manchester Evening News, Ofcom ultimately ruled that the incident had not been “degrading or harmful to the boar”, clearing Channel Five of breaching taste and decency.
Although the memory of ‘pig-gate’ still lingers in public consciousness, Rebecca’s life has changed in many ways since her days as a darling of the reality TV circuit.
Indeed, Rebecca bowed out of the spotlight not long after her whirlwind ascent to fame and now lives a much quieter life in the picturesque hamlet of Hemsedal in the mountains of Norway.
It’s here where former Playboy model Rebecca has found happiness with her husband, Sven Christjar Skaiaa, a Norwegian doctor she met while shooting the 2008 reality TV series 71 Degrees North.
While Rebecca appeared in front of the camera, Sven was working behind the scenes as a medic. Despite appearing to come from very different worlds, sparks soon flew, and it wasn’t long until Rebecca realised she’d found the one.
The following February, Rebecca announced that she and Sven were expecting a baby, telling Spanish gossip programme ‘Esta Pasando’:”I wasn’t planning on having a child. It was an accident. But the child will be very welcome and very loved.”
She continued: “He is not well-known. He’s Norwegian. We met after the summer in Norway, and he’s a doctor. We’re both delighted with the pregnancy. He wasn’t a fling, he’s my boyfriend, and I hope to spend the rest of my life with him.”
Noting that change was on the horizon, Rebecca then vowed: “Becoming a mother will change everything. My years as a crazy, single woman are over.”
Rebecca and Sven, who tied the knot in a small ceremony in 2012, set off for a new life in Hemsedal, in southern Norway’s Buskerud county, where they raise their two sons in the remote “Scandinavian Alps”.
A far cry from the media buzz of London, Rebecca’s idyllic-looking home is a three-hour drive from the nearest airport and a two-hour drive to the closest hospital.
However, she doesn’t seem to miss the conveniences of city life one bit. and, in a previous interview with the MailOnline, she claimed to have “no regrets”.
Mum of two Rebecca revealed: “I am so happy. I have no regrets. “People said I was mad, who was this guy? I hardly knew him, what on earth was I doing? But look at everything I have now. I am so happy with my life now. Many people are so afraid of change.
“Change is good, change is how you learn, people should just f***ing go for it. I like the way my life has taken me. If I hadn’t been famous, I would not have been invited on the TV show where I met my husband, Sven, and had my lovely boys. I would not have had the life I have now. I took a lot of wrong decisions and got talked into a lot of things.”
Nowadays, Rebecca works as a yoga teacher and massage therapist, and only ever makes a handful of media appearances. Information on Rebecca’s official website offers a little insight into her huge career change.
According to this website: “In 2009, life led Rebecca to the picturesque landscapes of Hemsedal, Norway. This move marked a significant shift in her journey, as she embraced a new way of living that prioritised connection to nature, family, and personal growth.
“While adjusting to a new language and community, she completed a rigorous three-year education to become a certified Medical Assistant in 2011. This background not only solidified her medical knowledge but also deepened her appreciation for holistic health.
“Following the birth of her second child in 2012, Rebecca’s yoga practice evolved beyond its initial physical focus. She embarked on a deeper exploration of Ashtanga yoga, experiencing firsthand how the practice revealed hidden layers of resilience, presence, and joy. Each session became an opportunity for self-discovery and reflection, enhancing her commitment to share this journey with others.”
Now Rebecca has emerged from her idyll to participate in Celebrity SAS, where she’s faced a grilling over her accusations about the Beckhams.
When quizzed by Jason Fox and Chris Oliver in the show’s Mirror Room, Rebecca discussed the motivation behind her TV comeback, admitting: “I just wanted to show people who I am and just be myself, which has always been my thing. And I just went in it with a very open mind and take it as it comes.
“I was quite nervous as to how the others would perceive me. I was nervous and apprehensive as to how the show would be edited, because that’s always something you have no control of. However, I must say the production team on this show have been absolutely amazing from day one, they have been truthful, they have stuck to their word.”
Touching upon how differently she and Beckhams are perceived by the public, she reflected: “It felt unjust that my life was pretty hell and his (Becks) life kept going and kept blossoming. I’ve been accused of being a liar. I’ve had a lifetime of opinions around me, I’ve definitely developed thick skin.
“I think the public opinion now has softened, at least from what I’m gathering since the documentary came out with the Beckhams a couple of years ago. I think it is now because thanks to social media, there is a whole different following out there, which it’s a double-edged sword.
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins can be streamed or watched live every Sunday and Monday from 9pm on Channel 4, starting on August 3.
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com. Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .
READ MORE: Charlotte Tilbury’s newest make-up product ‘gives a fuller pout in seconds’
John Torode’s wife Lisa Faulkner has broken her online silence in the wake of her husband’s sacking from MasterChef. It was announced that Torode’s contract on the BBC series would not be renewed following a historic allegation of racism.
In a video shared on her Instagram Stories this evening, the actress told fans: “Hi there, I just wanted to check in and say hello. I’m here and just thank you for all your lovely comments because they really, really mean a lot. So thank you.”
Faulkner, 53, tied the knot with Torode in 2019. It is the second marriage for both stars, with the former Holby City actress previously with Chris Coghill, known for his role as Tony King in ‘EastEnders’, with whom she shares an adopted daughter named Billie.
Torode’s former spouse is a woman named Jessica, and together they share two children. The former MasterChef star, 59, is also a father to two older children from a previous relationship.
Faulkner and Torode first crossed paths when Lisa competed on Celebrity MasterChef’ in 2010, striking up a solid friendship that eventually blossomed into romance. The pair clicked right away, maintaining their friendship post-filming, but Lisa maintains there was no initial romantic spark.
“He was a judge on a show I loved and I was petrified of him.He was brilliant and gave us all tips so you didn’t want to let him down,” she recalled.
“All I could think was, ‘That sauce hasn’t worked’. I didn’t see anything but food for three months. After I won, we did The Good Food Show and stuff. John and I always got on, but I never thought about me and him.”
Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed, the BBC and production company Banijay UK confirmed. Australian-born Torode, 59, started presenting MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005.
Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace.
A statement from Banijay UK said: “In response to John Torode’s statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018.
“This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.”
The Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language.
Torode confirmed he was the person alleged to have used racist language but said he had “no recollection of the incident” and was “shocked and saddened” by the allegation.
A BBC spokesperson said: “John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace- was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation.
“He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.
“The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”
Despite Torode’s MasterChef axe, he has still appeared on screens with Lisa for their own TV show. A source close to ITV confirmed to the Mirror their schedules for John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen ‘remain unchanged’ despite John’s sacking from MasterChef.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.
Can a professional football player play with a broken leg?
England defender Lucy Bronze admitted to playing the entire tournament with a broken tibia after the Euro 2025 final defeat to Spain on Sunday, saying: “No-one knew. I actually had a fractured tibia.”
Although the Chelsea full-back suffered the injury in June, Mum Diane Bronze claimed that she had played in all six of the Lionesses’ games in Switzerland and was a key factor in their success.
We are constantly aware. We were aware that the doctors had checked it and were aware of what was happening, according to Diane Bronze of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.
A tibia is “the main weight-carrying bone from the knee to the ankle,” according to Dr. Mark Bowditch, president of the British Orthopaedic Association.
The consultant knee and sports surgeon noted that “tibias can be completely broken and separated from other types of fractures, such as stress or fatigue splits.”
A high-energy sudden injury from a fall from a height, twist, or direct blow, such as a studs-up tackle, is known as a complete break. You can’t play for a complete break or even walk away.
Low-energy repeated injuries that are most prevalent in athletes and military personnel are known as “stress/fatigue fractures,” which are likely to be the type Lucy Bronze has.
They typically experience pain following an incident, not a sudden one, according to the statement.
England manager Sarina Wiegman stated that Bronze “had some issues with her tibia so we obviously tried to manage that” following Sunday’s final.
Wiegman’s comments further support the idea that the defender’s injury was a stress reaction rather than a clean break, according to Nick Worth, who served as England’s under-21 team physiotherapist between 2000 and 2003.
Only Keira Walsh, Alex Greenwood, and Hannah Hampton played more for Wiegman’s side overall, the 33-year-old played 598 minutes.
It was “remarkable” that Bronze could play a lot of tournament football, as Dr. Bowditch referred to it as.
He suggested that she should have switched to a low-heaviness training regimen in between games or to practice in a low-heavy environment like a pool or anti-gravity trainer.
“Dr. Ritan Mehta and the Lionesses medical team have done a fantastic job of keeping Lucy going,” said Dr. Ritan Mehta.
According to Worth, Bronze’s decision to accept her injury was based on a study of risk versus reward, conducted in collaboration with the Lionesses’ medical team.
Julie Tough, Bronze’s aunt, told BBC 5 Live, “Lucy wouldn’t harm her body, but she’ll play through pain if she believes she won’t do anything worse to it.”
She will not allow pain to prevent her.
Additionally, Bronze may have relied on various insoles in her boots to distribute weight on the injured leg. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications may have also helped her manage her pain during games.
Because she earned a sports science degree, Bronze’s mother, Diane, continued, “The medics knew what they were doing, and they did, and she does.”
She reads books and articles, too. She is aware of accidents. She can continue doing that.
The defender, who was England’s oldest player at the time, managed 105 minutes of play in the showpiece final on Sunday before leaving the field in tears as she was forced to leave due to a different right knee injury.
After that, Wiegman praised her attitude, saying, “She has a crazy mentality, but the entire team has a great mentality. It’s unbelievable.
Worth claimed that pain is subjective.
He said, “Lucy has added that little bit extra because she is an exceptional individual, and not everyone would do that.”
She is aware of her own body, and I have no doubt that she would speak up if something went wrong.
Without knowing the full extent of the injury, it is difficult to say.
The worst thing that could have occurred, according to Dr. Bowditch, was that “the bone effectively snapped as a partial break turned into a full break.”
He said, “Thankfully, this hasn’t happened.” In order to help the bone heal properly, it may require a protracted period of time off to allow it to heal itself, or she may require surgery.
Worth noted that the most crucial thing right now will be rest, with the goal of preventing any long-term effects from playing in the tournament.
Although she will need to work on the tibia a little bit, Bronze should be able to continue working out at the gym and swimming pool, where the weight-bearing can aid in healing.
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