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Liverpool’s Alexander Isak sidelined for two months after “reckless” tackle, Slot says

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak will be laid up for two months with a broken ankle and fibula from a tackle that coach Arne Slot described as reckless on Tuesday.

Isak had surgery on Monday, two days after he was injured in the act of scoring the opening goal of a 2-1 win over Tottenham in the Premier League.

“It’s going to be a long injury, for a couple of months,” Slot said. “It’s a big disappointment for him and, as a result, for us.

“This was, for me, a reckless challenge. I’ve said a lot about the tackle of Xavi Simons (who was sent off for dragging his studs down the calf of Virgil van Dijk in the same game) which for me was completely unintentional.

“I don’t think you will ever get an injury out of a tackle like that. But the tackle of (Micky) van de Ven (on Isak), if you make a tackle like that 10 times, 10 times there is a serious chance the player gets a serious injury.”

Van de Ven slid into Isak and trapped his shooting foot just after he’d shot.

TV analyst and Liverpool great Jamie Carragher defended Van de Ven.

“There’s a lot been made about a lot of the challenges in the game from Tottenham players and a lot of them weren’t clever,” Carragher told Sky Sports on Monday.

“I’ve put myself in Van de Ven’s position and that’s a challenge I’d probably make. He’s trying to block it, it’s just the follow through. I don’t know where else anyone thinks his foot’s going to go. He has to make that challenge. You can’t let the striker just get a shot away there in that situation.

“It’s just really bad luck for Isak. It’s probably one of the first glimpses we’ve seen of his real quality in a Liverpool shirt.”

Slot was doubly disappointed for Isak because the Sweden international was just getting up to speed.

The $170 million British record signing didn’t have a preseason because of his dispute with Newcastle then his fitness was set back by a groin injury in October.

Liverpool was patiently building him up and he’d started five of the last nine games but Slot, who expects Isak back before the end of the season, doesn’t believe he’ll be as sharp as he was last season for Newcastle.

“It’s been a really challenging and difficult period for him. Usually when you join a new club — he was very excited as well — you want to show all the qualities you have but that was simply impossible,” Slot said.

“Maybe no one understands but if you haven’t trained on a serious level for three or four months with the team and you are playing in this league you have to be on top of your game to impact a game of football.

“That took months because there was no preseason, just games, games, games and hardly any time to train. We all knew it would take him time and that’s why he is so unlucky he is now injured because we all saw with his goal against West Ham and with this goal (against Tottenham) he gets closer and closer to the player he was last season at Newcastle.” (JapanToday)

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Akpabio mourns police escort killed by tanker

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has announced automatic employment for the two sons of his police rider, Deputy Superintendent of Police Hussani Ibrahim, who died in a motor accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Sunday.

Akpabio made the announcement on Tuesday on the floor of the Senate while formally informing lawmakers of the officer’s death.

The late DSP Ibrahim, who served as the Senate President’s rider, according to a Premium Times report, was killed on Sunday when a petrol tanker rammed into Akpabio’s convoy.

The incident reportedly occurred in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, after the Senate President was picked up at the airport following his attendance at the chieftaincy conferment for Senator AbdulAzeez Yari and Seyi Tinubu in Oyo.

Speaking on the incident during plenary, Akpabio said, “We went to Oyo State for the installation of our colleague and the vehicles that came to pick me at the Ibadan airport… Unfortunately, my dispatch rider was run over by a tanker driver, and his head was shattered. We just buried him 15 minutes ago in Kogi State. He left two wives and four children.”

The Senate President appealed to heads of ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to grant automatic employment to the children of the late rider.

He added that if no vacancies were available, he would personally ensure their employment.

“By the grace of God, I’m recommending two of his senior children for employment immediately in any parastatals that may wish to, otherwise I’ll employ them personally in any of my private concerns,” Akpabio added.

In a solemn address, Akpabio paid tribute to the deceased officer, describing him as a disciplined and dedicated professional whose life was defined by service.

Addressing the bereaved family, the Senate President said, “Your late father understood the value of work and service. He devoted himself to it. Unfortunately, instead of earning a laurel for the devotion, he earned death.

“But it is death that is not in vain. It is death that testifies to his legacy of service. May the Lord accept his soul.”

Akpabio also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Nigeria Police Force, describing Ibrahim as courageous and fearless.

“I commiserate with the family, the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force over the loss of this courageous, fearless, and daring officer.

“While I pray to God to accept his soul, may He in His infinite mercy grant the family and the Nigeria Police Force the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.

The Senate President explained that the pledge of automatic employment for the late officer’s sons was a personal gesture aimed at honouring his sacrifice and years of dedicated service.

Shortly after the announcement, Kogi West senator, Sunday Karimi, raised a motion for personal explanation to formally present the incident to the Senate through a substantive motion.

While sympathising with the Senate President, Karimi said the late dispatch rider was due for retirement next year.

He added that Mr Hussaini, a native of Kogi State, had served in Akpabio’s convoy since 2023, when he assumed office as Senate President.

Also on Tuesday, the Senate paid tribute to Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur, who died recently.

Tukur was described as a committed and dedicated driver who served for 25 years under the senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District, Jibrin Echocho.

The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of both deceased individuals and offered prayers for the repose of their souls. (Punch)

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AFCON 2025: Jackson scores brace as Senegal beat Botswana 3-0

Senegal kicked off their AFCON 2025 campaign with a 3-0 victory over Botswana, powered by a brace from Bayern Munich striker Nicholas Jackson.

The Chelsea loanee opened the scoring in the first half and doubled the lead in the second, giving the Lions of Teranga a comfortable start to the tournament.

Second-half substitute Ndiaye wrapped up the win with a simple tap-in, sealing Senegal’s victory.

So far, Jackson is the only player to have scored twice in the competition, putting him in contention for the Golden Boot.

Senegal will face DR Congo in their next AFCON 2025 group-stage match on December 27, 2025. (Punch)

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Venus Williams weds Andrea Preti in Florida as part of a 5-day celebration of their union

Venus Williams and Andrea Preti are married, the tennis great announced Tuesday on social media.

Williams and Preti became wife and husband over the weekend in Palm Beach, Florida, as part of a five-day celebration.

After becoming the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match in July, the 45-year-old Williams gave thanks to her fiance, who was in the stands at the DC Open. Preti is a Danish-born Italian model and actor, according to the website IMDB.

Williams hadn’t played in a tournament in 16 months until entering the event in Washington.

The seven-time Grand Slams singles champion plans to play in a 33rd straight season on the WTA Tour, starting in Auckland in January. (JapanToday)

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Joshua knocks out Paul to win Netflix boxing bout

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua knocked out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in their controversial Netflix-backed bout in Miami on Friday.

Two-time world champion Joshua made hard work of defeating his vastly less experienced opponent, but finally made his superior size and power count in the later stages of the eight-round fight.

A mediocre contest at the Kaseya Center — with the two men reportedly splitting a mammoth purse of $184 million — descended into farce at times, with Paul repeatedly dropping to the canvas and grappling at Joshua’s legs.

At one stage even referee Christopher Young appeared to be losing patience, warning the fighters in the fourth round: “The fans did not pay to see this crap.”

As Paul tired, Joshua finally began to land punches with more regularity and after knocking down the American twice in the fifth round the end came swiftly in the sixth.

Joshua backed the 28-year-old into a corner and after teeing up Paul with a crunching left, delivered the knockout blow with a right to the chin that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas.

“It wasn’t the best performance,” Joshua, 36, admitted afterwards. “But the end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him.

“That was the request leading up, and that was on my mind. It took a bit longer than expected but the right hand finally found its destination.”

Joshua meanwhile praised Paul for lasting into the later rounds.

“I want to give him his props — he got up time and time again,” Joshua said. “It was difficult in there for him, but he kept on trying to find a way. It takes a real man to do that.”

Paul, meanwhile, his mouth bloodied from Joshua’s final assault, said he believed his jaw had been broken — but was satisfied with his performance.

“That was fun. I gave it my all,” Paul said. “I had a blast. I think my jaw is broken by the way. But Anthony’s one of the best to ever do it so. I’m gonna come back and get a world championship.

“I just got tired to be honest — like it was so much handling his weight. I think with better cardio I could have kept it up and kept on fighting. But he hits really hard.”

Friday’s made-for-streaming contest, which came just over a year after Paul had fought a 58-year-old Mike Tyson in a much-derided Netflix fight, had triggered alarm across boxing given the disparity in size and experience between the two men.

Yet the devastating first or second round knockout by Joshua that most had predicted failed to materialize as Paul scrambled desperately to stay outside of the 2012 Olympic champion’s range.

Joshua, fighting for the first time in 15 months, always looked the more threatening fighter though, landing 48 of 146 punches thrown compared to Paul’s meagre total of 16 punches landed. (JapanToday)

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Natasha shares Christmas rice, others in five Kogi LGs

The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has distributed more than 2,000 bags of rice and other relief items to constituents across the five local government areas in the district as part of her Christmas outreach.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by her Special Adviser on Media, Mike Idoko.

The distribution, which was carried out simultaneously in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okene, Okehi, and Ogori-Magongo Local Government Areas, aimed to cushion the impact of rising food prices and ensure that families celebrate the festive season with dignity.

Speaking during the outreach, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the initiative was driven by compassion and her conviction that leadership must translate into tangible benefits for the people.

“Christmas is a season of love, sacrifice, and shared joy. At a time when many households are struggling with the cost of living, it is important that we stand with our people in practical ways.

“This rice distribution is to ensure that families across Kogi Central can celebrate without hardship,” the senator said.

The distribution of the 25kg bags of rice cut across community groups, women’s associations, youth organisations, religious bodies, the elderly, and other vulnerable residents across the senatorial district.

Community leaders who supervised the exercise described the intervention as one of the largest Christmas rice distributions ever witnessed in the area.

“This is not symbolic support; it is real and far-reaching. The quantity and reach of this rice distribution show genuine concern for the grassroots,” a traditional leader in Okene noted.

The Christmas outreach adds to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s growing record of constituency interventions, including programmes in healthcare delivery, educational support, solar-powered infrastructure, water projects, as well as initiatives for women’s and youth empowerment across Kogi Central.

Addressing beneficiaries in Okehi, the senator reaffirmed her commitment to service-driven representation.

“My responsibility goes beyond the Senate chamber. Representation means being present, listening to the people, and responding with action that improves daily life,” she stated.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude and offered prayers for the senator, describing the gesture as timely, compassionate, and reflective of people-centred leadership.

The development comes barely one week after Senate President Godswill Akpabio approached the Supreme Court over the legal battle arising from the suspension of the Kogi Central senator.

The move was confirmed in court documents dated December 1, 2025, made available to our correspondent on Sunday.

This followed a recent judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which struck out the Federal Government’s brief of argument in the appeal linked to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.

The appellate court held that the brief was incompetent, having failed to comply with the mandatory provisions of the Court of Appeal Rules on formatting and procedure. (Punch)

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Tyla tops Africa’s Spotify monthly listeners chart

South African singer Tyla has become the African artist with the highest number of monthly listeners on Spotify, overtaking Nigerian stars Burna Boy and Tems.

The achievement makes the 22-year-old singer the most-followed African artiste on the streaming platform, showing how quickly she has risen and gained international attention.

Born Tyla Laura Seethal, the Johannesburg-born singer broke into the global spotlight in 2023 with her hit single Water. The song became a viral success across social media platforms, especially TikTok, and helped introduce Tyla to a worldwide audience.

Water went on to chart in several countries and earned Tyla worldwide recognition.

The success of the track marked a turning point in her career, positioning her as one of Africa’s most visible music exports.

Since then, Tyla has released other songs such as Kick to Start, Truth or Dare, and Channel which have helped sustain her momentum and attract new listeners across different markets.

In 2024, Tyla won the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance with Water, making her one of the youngest African artistes to receive the honour.

Beyond the Grammys, Tyla has also won several international awards. She has won the MTV Video Music Awards, the BET Awards and the MTV Europe Music Awards, recognising both her music and her impact as a rising pop figure.

Her growing list of accolades has helped position her as one of the most influential young artistes from Africa.

By surpassing Burna Boy and Tems in monthly listeners, Tyla joins a small group of African artistes whose music consistently attracts a massive global audience.

Burna Boy is known for his dominance and Grammy-winning career, while Tems has also enjoyed international success and also won several music awards, including the Grammys through collaborations and solo releases.

As Tyla’s fan base continues to grow, fans are glued to see more releases, tours and collaborations from her as we approach 2026. (Guardian)

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Police arrested 821 suspects, rescued 377 kidnap victims in Edo

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has said the command arrested 821 suspects for various crimes and rescued 377 kidnapped victims across the state in 2025.

Agbonika disclosed this on Monday, while addressing journalists during a press conference in Benin, where he presented a summary of the command’s major achievements for the year.

According to figures released by the police, the arrests included 39 suspects for armed robbery, 171 for kidnapping, 117 for murder, 62 for rape and sexual offences, 239 for cultism, 36 for unlawful possession of firearms, and 157 for other offences.

The command also recorded significant recoveries, including 11 stolen vehicles, 188 firearms of different calibres, and 422 rounds of ammunition. In addition, 377 victims abducted by kidnappers were rescued during police operations across the state.

“As we celebrate the Christmas season and prepare for the New Year, I wish the good people of Edo State a peaceful, safe, and prosperous festive period.

“I urge everyone to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies,” Agbonika said.

The commissioner also issued a strong warning over the reported disappearance of corpses from some morgues in the state, describing the act as criminal and unacceptable.

“Such acts are criminal, inhuman, callous and gross violations of the sensitivity of the bereaved, and I assure the public that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law without exception,” he said.

Agbonika further advised residents to make use of government-owned mortuaries, stressing the need for accountability and proper oversight.

“I also advise families and those in need of mortuary services to patronize government-owned mortuaries where proper oversight and accountability are guaranteed,” he added.

He reminded members of the public that the police emergency lines remain operational round the clock.

“Members of the public are once again reminded to utilize our 24-hour emergency contact lines which remains fully active,” the Commissioner said.

Agbonika thanked residents and the media for their cooperation with the police, pledging the command’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property in Edo State. (Punch)

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Sony to acquire control of Peanuts in $457million deal

Sony is paying more than a few peanuts to get majority ownership of Charles M. Schulz’s beloved Peanuts franchise featuring Snoopy, Charlie Brown and more.

Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) announced that they entered into a definitive agreement with Canadian media company WildBrain to indirectly acquire all of the 41% stake held by WildBrain in Peanuts Holdings LLC.

Sony will pay CAN $630 million to WildBrain for the 41% stake, or roughly $457 million. The closing of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

As a result of the transaction, SMEJ and Sony Pictures Entertainment, together with SMEJ’s existing approximately 39% stake, will indirectly own 80% of Peanuts Holdings LLC, while the members of the family of Charles M. Schulz will continue to own the remaining 20%. The ownership of rights to “Peanuts” and the management of its business continue to be handled by Peanuts Worldwide, a wholly owned subsidiary of Peanuts Holdings LLC.

With Sony taking an 80% stake, Peanuts Holdings LLC (including Peanuts Worldwide), will become a consolidated subsidiary of the Sony Group. SMEJ will take the lead in managing Peanuts Holdings LLC in partnership with SPE.

“Since 2018, SMEJ has been proud to be part of the partnership behind ‘Peanuts,’ an iconic global entertainment brand with a 75-year legacy of delighting audiences worldwide,” Shunsuke Muramatsu, president and group CEO, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), said in a statement. “With this additional ownership stake, we are thrilled to be able to further elevate the value of the ‘Peanuts’ brand by drawing on the Sony Group’s extensive global network and collective expertise.

He continued, “We are deeply committed to carrying forward the legacy of Charles Schulz and the Schulz family. Together with SPE, and backed by WildBrain’s continued partnership, we will continue to embrace new opportunities to ensure that ‘Peanuts’ remains a relevant and beloved presence across generations—reaching new audiences and sharing the timeless charm of the ‘Peanuts’ gang for years ahead.”

Since acquiring an interest in Peanuts Holdings in 2018, SMEJ said, it has focused on expanding the “Peanuts” IP business while maintaining and further building a positive relationship with the Schulz family. The company said it aims to continue to use its expertise in the character business — and the extensive network of the Sony Group — to “drive further growth of the Peanuts IP business and enhance the brand’s value.”

Ravi Ahuja, president and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, said, “‘Peanuts’ is enduring and iconic. We value the deep collaboration we have with our SMEJ colleagues and look forward to building on their meaningful partnership with WildBrain and the Schulz family. With our combined strengths, we have the unique capability and extraordinary opportunity to protect and shape the future of these beloved characters for generations to come.”

Josh Scherba, president and CEO of WildBrain, commented, “Sony has been an excellent partner on the ‘Peanuts’ brand for many years, and we’re confident that Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang are in good hands with them. We’d like to thank the Peanuts Worldwide team, as well as the Schulz family, for their incredible collaboration, and we look forward to working with them and Sony going forward to continue driving global success for ‘Peanuts’”

Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the “Peanuts” crew were first introduced to the world by Charles M. Schulz on Oct. 2, 1950, when the comic strip debuted in seven newspapers. The franchise has since become a global hit. In addition to the “Peanuts” shows and specials on Apple TV, the brand encompasses thousands of consumer products, as well as amusement park attractions, cultural events, social events, social media, and comic strips in all formats.

For WildBrain, the deal will eliminate 100% of its debt “and gives us financial flexibility to accelerate the growth of our iconic franchises Strawberry Shortcake and Teletubbies, while also investing in our premium digital content network across YouTube, FAST and AVOD, and in new technologies to drive innovation,” the company said.

Under the agreement, WildBrain also remains a multiyear partner to Peanuts for key services, including acting as distributor for WildBrain-produced Peanuts content and continued management of the Snoopy YouTube channel. In addition, the company will serve as exclusive licensing agent through its agency WildBrain CPLG for consumer products in all current territories across Europe, the Middle East, China, and Asia Pacific (excluding Japan, Australia and New Zealand).

WildBrain also will operate an exclusive production studio for new Peanuts content — including the previously announced animated feature film — under a partnership with Apple TV, recently renewed through 2030. (Variety)

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EFL: Arsenal edge Crystal Palace in 8-7 penalty thriller

Arsenal advanced to the Carabao Cup semifinals after a dramatic quarter‑final clash with Crystal Palace in the London derby at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

The match finished 1‑1 in normal time before heading to a penalty shootout, where Arsenal prevailed 8‑7 to secure their place in the last four of the competition.

Maxence Lacroix headlined the game scoring an own goal in the 79th minute.

He went on to lose the 16th penalty which the Spaniard, Kepa Arrizabalaga saved to give Arsenal the push.

Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi scored a late equaliser in stoppage time to force the shootout after Arsenal had taken the lead earlier in the contest.

The tie was also marked by a serious injury for Palace defender Chris Richards, who was stretchered off with a bleeding foot in the second half, forcing an early reshuffle for the visitors.

Despite Palace’s grit and late goal, Arsenal held their nerve in the penalty shootout to book a semifinal showdown, keeping alive their bid for silverware in the EFL Cup.

The tie saw Maxence Lacroix inadvertently put Palace behind in the 79th minute when he “stabbed the ball into his own net” under pressure from William Saliba, following a pinpoint corner from Bukayo Saka.

The own goal appeared to secure the win for Arsenal in normal time.

Arsenal players celebrate after winning in a penalty shootout the English Football League Cup quarter-final soccer match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace in London, Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

However, Palace refused to go quietly. Deep into stoppage time, Marc Guéhi “stole in at close range to tuck the ball past Arrizabalaga after Lerma had headed down a deep free-kick,” forcing a nerve-wracking shootout.

The penalty drama saw both sides trading successful spot-kicks until Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saved Lacroix’s effort to clinch victory.

Arsenal’s post-match report noted, “Kepa Arrizabalaga saved Maxence Lacroix’s penalty at the end of an epic shootout to send us through to the semi-final of the Carabao Cup.”

Arsenal dominated the early exchanges. Gabriel Jesus had a chance before the opener, while Noni Madueke, Martinelli, and Jurrien Timber were all heavily involved in creating opportunities.

The report highlighted Martinelli’s impact, saying, “Martinelli had created five chances in a fine first half, but ended it hobbling, after a clash of knees.”

After the interval, Palace grew into the game, forcing Kepa into several saves, including from Jefferson Lerma’s long throw. Mikel Arteta made tactical changes, introducing Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka, with Ødegaard delivering a cross that Jesus narrowly missed with a header.

The penalty shootout sequence was intense. Arsenal scorers included Ødegaard, Declan Rice, Saka, Trossard, Merino, Calafiori, Timber, and Saliba, before Kepa’s decisive save sealed the win.

The report summarised: “It was enough to send us through to the League Cup semi-final for the 18th time in our history.”

Arsenal will now face Chelsea over two legs in the semi-final, with the first leg at Stamford Bridge in the week beginning January 12 and the return at the Emirates on February 3 or 4.

Before that, Arsenal hosts Brighton & Hove Albion on December 27 and Aston Villa on December 30 in their final Premier League fixtures of 2025. (Punch)