Nigeria’s Super Eagles may be without two key players as they prepare to face Rwanda in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Monday.

The team returned to Nigeria on Friday after securing a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic. Their qualification for the AFCON tournament had already been confirmed earlier in the week, following Libya’s 1-0 win over Twanda, which guaranteed Nigeria’s spot before the match in Abidjan.

Defender Ola Aina has left the team and flown back to the United Kingdom. While the reason for his departure remains unclear, his absence leaves a gap in the squad for their upcoming match. Aina’s contributions have been pivotal in Nigeria’s defense, and his unavailability is a setback for head coach Augustine Eguavoen.

First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is also set to miss the Rwanda clash. The shot-stopper is grieving the loss of his father, who passed away on Thursday. Nwabali shared the heartbreaking news on his Instagram page, prompting the team to excuse him from the fixture to be with his family during this difficult time.

With qualification secured, the Super Eagles may opt to rotate their squad and provide opportunities for other players in their final qualifying match.

However, the absence of key players like Aina and Nwabali underscores the challenges faced by the team heading into the encounter against Rwanda.

Despite these setbacks, Nigeria remains determined to end its qualifying campaign on a high note, showcasing the depth and talent in its squad.

Fans will be eager to see how the team adapts to these challenges as it looks ahead to the 2025 AFCON tournament.

Former Barcelona and Sevilla star Dani Alves remains free on bail after being convicted of rape earlier this year. The Brazilian footballer has appealed the 4.5-year prison sentence handed down following the court’s ruling.

Alves was found guilty of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022, during his stint with Mexican club Pumas. Initially denying any knowledge of the victim, Alves later claimed their encounter was consensual—a claim that was not upheld in court.

Alongside his prison sentence, Alves was ordered to pay €150,000 in damages to the victim and abide by a 9.5-year restraining order. He secured his release by posting €1 million in bail.

Now living on the outskirts of Barcelona in a property he owns, Alves has turned his focus to entrepreneurship. According to *Sport*, he recently launched a new platform called Voxtom, which simplifies event planning and management. From birthday parties to concerts, Voxtom aims to make organizing events seamless and interactive.

The platform has begun its promotional efforts on Instagram, appealing to influencers in Alves’ native Brazil to help market its features. Brazil will serve as the initial launch market for Voxtom as it seeks to establish itself among users.

Despite his ongoing legal challenges, Alves is leveraging his public profile and network to build his new business venture.

Ruben Amorim is stepping into his role as Manchester United’s new head coach with a realistic outlook, acknowledging the “challenging” journey ahead.

After overseeing his final match as Sporting CP’s manager—a 4-2 victory over Braga to preserve their flawless start to the Primeira Liga season—Amorim wrapped up his successful tenure with a remarkable record.

The 39-year-old achieved 164 wins in 231 games (D34 L33), leaving with a club-best 71% win rate.

Amorim joins United after an encouraging stint by interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who remained unbeaten in four games. Despite the boost from recent results, Amorim is aware of the scale of the challenge awaiting him at Old Trafford.

“I’m ready for this new challenge,” Amorim shared with reporters after his final Sporting match. “But I’m not naive; I understand this will be very different and very demanding. I’m at peace now, able to focus fully on what lies ahead, and I’m excited to start tomorrow.”

Though hopeful about the fresh opportunity, he also acknowledged the unique pressures of his new role: “I know it will be hard to replicate what I had here, but there are other places with their own exposure and intensity.”

The club has yet to officially confirm Amorim’s backroom team, leaving it unclear if Van Nistelrooy will remain. The former United striker rejoined the club over the summer as an assistant to Erik ten Hag, signing a two-year contract. “I’ll speak with him [on Monday],” Amorim noted. “I’ll be straightforward. Let’s see where we stand.”

With 13 days before United’s next game, an away match against Ipswich Town on November 24, Amorim has the international break to prepare. He will make his Old Trafford debut shortly after, on November 28, in a Europa League clash against Bodo/Glimt.