ADÉMỌLÁ LOOKMAN INSPIRES ATALANTA TO AUTHORITATIVE 3-0 VICTORY OVER EINTRACHT FRANKFURT IN UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Atalanta BC delivered a commanding performance at the Gewiss Stadium on Wednesday evening, November 26, 2025, sweeping aside Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 in the UEFA Champions League league phase to strengthen their grip on a direct knockout-round place.

Nigerian international Adémọlá Lookman was the undoubted star of the show, scoring twice and providing a pinpoint assist as Gian Piero Gasperini’s side produced one of the most complete displays of the 2025/26 European campaign so far. The result lifts La Dea to provisional 5th in the 36-team league phase table with 13 points from six matches, while Eintracht remain in 22nd with just four points and are now in serious danger of missing the knockout playoffs.

Lookman opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a trademark piece of brilliance: collecting a lofted pass from Matteo Ruggeri on the left touchline, he cut inside past two defenders and rifled an unstoppable 25-yard drive into the top corner beyond Kauã Santos. The 27-year-old Super Eagles forward doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time, meeting Charles De Ketelaere’s clever cut-back to sweep home from 12 yards for his eighth Champions League goal of the season – a tally that now sees him joint-top of the competition’s scoring charts alongside Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski.

Atalanta never took their foot off the accelerator after the break. In the 62nd minute, Lookman turned provider, threading an exquisite through-ball for substitute Mateo Retegui, who calmly rounded the goalkeeper and slotted into an empty net to complete the 3-0 scoreline. Eintracht, despite the efforts of Omar Marmoush and Hugo Larsson, offered little attacking threat and managed only one shot on target all evening.

Post-match, an elated Gian Piero Gasperini paid tribute to his talisman:

“Adémọlá is playing at an extraordinary level right now. His movement, his finishing, his decision-making – everything is world-class. Tonight he showed why the biggest clubs in Europe wanted him last summer. We are privileged to have him wearing the Atalanta shirt.”

Lookman, named UEFA Man of the Match for the fourth time this season, remained humble:

“This is what I work for every day. The coach and my teammates give me freedom, and tonight everything clicked. But the most important thing is the three points – we’re building something special here.”

Key Match Statistics

Possession: Atalanta 58% – 42% Eintracht Frankfurt

Shots (on target): Atalanta 19 (9) – Eintracht 6 (1)

Expected Goals (xG): Atalanta 2.91 – Eintracht 0.44

Big chances created: Atalanta 6 – Eintracht 0

The victory extends Atalanta’s unbeaten home record in Europe to 11 matches (W9 D2) and marks their biggest-ever Champions League margin of victory. It also keeps them firmly on course for a top-eight finish and automatic qualification to the round of 16.

Atalanta return to Serie A action on Sunday when they travel to face Napoli in a mouthwatering top-of-the-table clash. Their next Champions League fixture is away to Celtic on December 10.

Quotes

Adémọlá Lookman: “Scoring twice in the Champions League at the Gewiss is always special. We want to keep this momentum going – top eight is the target.”

Gian Piero Gasperini: “This was our most complete performance of the season. When we press and attack with this intensity, very few teams can live with us.”

Dino Toppmöller (Eintracht coach): “We were simply outclassed tonight. Lookman was unplayable and Atalanta deserved every goal.”

LIVERPOOL FC SUFFERS HUMILIATING 1-4 DEFEAT TO PSV EINDHOVEN IN UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LEAGUE PHASE – ARNE SLOT FACES MOUNTING PRESSURE AMIDST NINTH LOSS IN 12 GAMES

 In a night that will haunt Anfield for years to come, Liverpool FC endured a shocking 4-1 thrashing at the hands of PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League league phase on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. The Reds' defensive frailties were laid bare once again, as Peter Bosz's clinical Dutch side capitalized on a catalogue of errors to inflict Liverpool's heaviest home defeat in European competition since 2009 and their third consecutive loss by three or more goals – a nadir not reached since September 1992.

Played before a stunned crowd of 59,964 at Anfield – a venue that had been unbeaten in 14 Champions League group stage matches prior to this – the contest unravelled spectacularly for Arne Slot's beleaguered team. PSV struck first in the 6th minute when captain Virgil van Dijk inexplicably handled a corner kick inside the penalty area, handing Ivan Perišić the opportunity to convert from the spot with a composed finish past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Liverpool responded valiantly through Dominik Szoboszlai's equalizer in the 16th minute, a curling strike from the edge of the box that briefly ignited hopes of a comeback.

However, the second half exposed Liverpool's vulnerabilities in ruthless fashion. Guus Til restored PSV's lead in the 56th minute, latching onto a sublime left-footed through-ball from Mauro Júnior before rifling past Mamardashvili. The visitors then piled on the agony with two goals from 20-year-old winger Couhaib Driouech: the first in the 73rd minute, tapping in a rebound after Ibrahima Konaté's ill-judged clearance gifted PSV a chance; the second a stunning long-range drive in the 90+1st minute, curling into the top corner from the edge of the box to seal a historic victory. Liverpool dominated possession (62%) and registered 27 shots (9 on target) with an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.66, but their profligacy upfront – epitomized by Mohamed Salah's quiet night with zero goals or assists – proved costly against a PSV defence marshalled expertly by keeper Matěj Kovář.

The result leaves Liverpool in 13th place in the league phase standings with just four points from five matches, teetering on the brink of a playoff spot and facing a daunting run-in against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. PSV, meanwhile, climb to 15th with eight points, their Eredivisie leaders' form translating seamlessly into Europe and marking only their second-ever win at Anfield.

Head coach Arne Slot, whose side has now suffered nine defeats in 12 games across all competitions, cut a forlorn figure post-match. "This is unacceptable, especially at home in front of our fans," Slot admitted. "We had chances to kill the game but gifted them too many opportunities with individual errors. The defence has to be better, and we need to find that ruthlessness in front of goal. The players are fighting, but results like this demand accountability from everyone, including me. We'll regroup, learn, and fight back – that's the Liverpool way."

Captain Virgil van Dijk echoed the sentiment, taking responsibility for the early penalty: "It was a stupid mistake from me, and it set the tone. We're in a dark place right now, but we've been here before. We owe it to the badge to bounce back." Mohamed Salah, applauded off by supporters despite his subdued display, added: "Anfield is supposed to be a fortress, but tonight it wasn't. We need to stick together and turn this around starting Sunday against West Ham."

The defeat has amplified calls for change at Anfield, with fan frustration boiling over into jeers at full-time and travelling PSV supporters mockingly serenading the Kop with "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life." Pundits were scathing: Sky Sports' Gary Neville described it as "a masterclass in self-destruction," while The Athletic's Gregg Evans warned that Slot's position could become untenable if results don't improve imminently.

Liverpool now shift focus to a Premier League trip to West Ham United on Sunday, November 30 (2:00 PM GMT kick-off), where three points are imperative to stem the tide of their domestic slump (currently 12th in the table). Fans can access full match highlights, exclusive interviews, and analysis on LFCTV and the official Liverpool FC app.

Quotes:

Arne Slot: "Nine defeats in 12? That's not the Liverpool we know. But crises build champions – we'll use this pain as fuel."

Peter Bosz (PSV Coach): "Anfield is intimidating, but we played without fear. Driouech and Til showed why we're top of Holland. This is a massive statement."

Couhaib Driouech: "Scoring twice at Anfield? Dream come true. We came to win, and we did it as a team."

CHELSEA FC DELIVERS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MASTERCLASS: ESTÊVÃO'S STUNNING SOLO GOAL INSPIRES BLUES TO 3-0 THRASHING OF BARCELONA AT STAMFORD BRIDGE

 Chelsea FC produced a clinical and dominant display in the UEFA Champions League league phase on Tuesday evening, November 25, 2025, dismantling FC Barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in a performance that underlined the Blues' growing credentials as serious contenders for European glory. The emphatic victory – Chelsea's biggest-ever margin against the Catalan giants – was illuminated by an 18-year-old sensation, Estêvão Willian, whose breathtaking individual brilliance earned widespread acclaim as one of the standout moments of the season so far.

In front of a raucous home crowd of 40,217, Enzo Maresca's side wasted little time asserting control. The breakthrough arrived in the 27th minute through a fortuitous yet richly deserved own goal by Barcelona's Jules Koundé, who inadvertently deflected a cleverly worked set-piece effort from Enzo Fernández into his own net. The visitors' woes deepened just before halftime when captain Ronald Araújo was dismissed in the 44th minute for a second bookable offence – a clumsy challenge on Marc Cucurella – reducing Hansi Flick's team to 10 men and tilting the tie decisively in Chelsea's favour.

The second half belonged entirely to the hosts, who could have added more to their tally after three disallowed goals (including strikes from Andrey Santos and a near-miss from Enzo Fernández). But it was Estêvão who stole the headlines in the 55th minute, collecting a precise pass from Reece James on the right flank before embarking on a mesmerizing jinking run. The Brazilian prodigy, signed from Palmeiras for £29.1 million in the summer of 2024, danced past Pau Cubarsí on his left foot, switched to his right to evade Alejandro Balde, and unleashed a thunderous shot high into the net past goalkeeper Joan García. The strike – a sublime blend of skill, vision, and audacity – marked Estêvão's third goal in as many Champions League starts, placing him in elite company alongside Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland as only the third teenager to achieve the feat.

Chelsea's relentless pressure paid further dividends in the 78th minute when substitute Liam Delap marked his UCL debut with a composed finish, tapping in from a square pass by Fernández after a swift counter-attack that exploited Barcelona's high line. The Blues ended the night with 68% possession, 22 shots (10 on target), and a comprehensive shutout, extending their unbeaten run to six matches across all competitions and propelling them provisionally into the top eight of the league phase table.

Estêvão's performance – a masterclass in directness and creativity that eclipsed Barcelona's young star Lamine Yamal – has ignited global conversation. Brazilian football expert Tim Vickery hailed him as "the best, brightest, most talented player to come out of Brazil since Neymar," while Thierry Henry drew comparisons to Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs for his balance and flair. Spanish outlet Sport lamented Barcelona's missed opportunity to sign the versatile winger, who reportedly pushed for a move to the Camp Nou before committing to Chelsea until 2032. Head coach Enzo Maresca, ever the pragmatist, urged caution amid the hype: "Estêvão is special, but let's not put too much pressure on him by comparing him to Messi or Ronaldo just yet. He's 18, learning every day, and tonight he showed why we believe in him."

For Barcelona, the defeat – which ended their remarkable 53-game scoring streak – leaves them in 15th place, just two points shy of a direct knockout spot but facing a potential playoff route. Hansi Flick remained defiant post-match, praising his side's resilience despite the errors: "We fought hard with one less player, but we lost too many easy balls under pressure. It's not easy against a team like Chelsea, but I'm positive about the future."

Maresca reflected on the bigger picture: "This win is a statement. We've rebuilt with intelligence and youth, and nights like this show we're on the right path. Estêvão's goal? Pure class – a reminder that talent like his can change games, and we're building around players who excite."

Chelsea now turn their attention to Sunday's Premier League clash against Arsenal, live on Sky Sports from 4:30 PM GMT. Fans can relive the magic of Estêvão's goal and the full match highlights on the official Chelsea FC app and website.

Quotes:

Estêvão Willian: "Scoring against Barcelona, a club I grew up admiring, is a dream. But it's a team effort – the boys created space, and I just finished it. We're hungry for more."

Enzo Maresca: "Estêvão's run was unstoppable. He's not just a finisher; he's a creator who makes us tick."

Reece James: "Feeding that pass to Estêvão felt like assisting a future Ballon d'Or winner. What a player."

FORMER PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN SAFE AND HAS SAFELY DEPARTED GUINEA-BISSAU FOLLOWING MILITARY TAKEOVER

 The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the public that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is safe and has successfully left Guinea-Bissau after a brief period of being stranded due to the military coup announced on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

Dr. Jonathan, who recently celebrated his 68th birthday, was in Bissau as Head of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Observation Mission, part of a joint high-level delegation with the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The 36-member mission was deployed to monitor the peaceful conduct of Guinea-Bissau’s presidential and parliamentary elections held on November 23, 2025.

The military intervention occurred shortly after the observer missions concluded consultations with the two leading presidential candidates—incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition leader Fernando Dias—who had both pledged to respect the electoral outcome. Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, leading to the arrest of President Embaló, the suspension of the electoral process, the imposition of a nationwide curfew, and the closure of all land, air, and sea borders.

Led by Brigadier General Denis N’Canha, former head of the presidential guard, the coup leaders declared the formation of a “High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order.” This abrupt action trapped Dr. Jonathan, former Mozambican President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi (Head of AU Mission), Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara (Head of ECOWAS Mission), and hundreds of international observers in the country, with many rushing to the airport only to find flights grounded.

In a joint statement issued on November 26, 2025, the heads of the observer missions expressed deep concern over the development:

“We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains achieved thus far. It is regrettable that this announcement came at a time when the missions had just concluded meetings with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the will of the people. We call on the armed forces to immediately release all detainees, including senior officials overseeing the electoral process, and allow the results to be announced without further interference.”

The statement further urged the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm and reaffirmed the missions’ commitment to supporting democratic stability in the country.

Following intensive diplomatic engagements by the Nigerian government, in coordination with ECOWAS, the AU, and a multinational task force present in Guinea-Bissau (including Nigerian personnel), arrangements were swiftly made for the safe evacuation of Dr. Jonathan and other mission members. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed: “Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau.”

The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly condemns the military takeover, which threatens regional peace and democratic progress in West Africa. Nigeria calls for the immediate restoration of constitutional order, the release of all detained officials, and respect for the sovereign will of the Bissau-Guinean people as expressed in the November 23 elections.

The House of Representatives had earlier urged the government to prioritize Dr. Jonathan’s safe return, a call that was promptly addressed through robust diplomatic channels.

The Ministry assures all Nigerians that the government remains vigilant in protecting its citizens and dignitaries abroad during crises. Further updates will be provided as necessary.

NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY OPENS ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL FOR 78 REGULAR COURSE (2026/2027 ACADEMIC SESSION)

 The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, has officially commenced the sale of online application forms for admission into its 78 Regular Course for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The announcement was made today by the Registrar of the Academy, Brigadier General A.M. Tukur, on behalf of the Commandant, Major General J.O. Ochai. The 78 Regular Course will lead to the award of Bachelor’s degrees and commissioning as Second Lieutenants into the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force upon successful completion of the five-year programme (four years academic and one year military training).

Eligibility Criteria

Interested candidates must meet the following requirements:

Be Nigerian citizens by birth (as stipulated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended).

Be male or female aged between 17 and 21 years as of August 2026 (born not earlier than August 21, 2005, and not later than August 21, 2009).

Possess a minimum of 5 credit passes at SSCE (WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, or NABTEB) in not more than two sittings, including English Language and Mathematics.

Have credit passes in relevant subjects for the chosen Faculty (Arts & Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, Management Sciences, or Military Science & Interdisciplinary Studies).

Be medically and physically fit and of good moral character.

Be at least 1.68 metres (male) or 1.65 metres (female) in height.

Must not be married or have any legal obligation to support a child or other dependents.

Application Period

The online application portal (www.nda.edu.ng and www.ndaapplications.net) opened on Wednesday, November 27, 2025, and will close on Tuesday, April 30, 2026.

Cost of Application

The application form is available at a non-refundable fee of Fifteen Thousand Naira (₦15,000.00) only, payable online through the REMITA platform.

Admission Process

Candidates are to purchase the application form online using their debit cards or through any commercial bank using the REMITA Retrieval Reference (RRR) code generated on the portal.

Complete the online application form and upload scanned copies of credentials (including JAMB 2026 result slip when released).

Only candidates who score a minimum of 210 (for Faculties of Arts & Social Sciences, Science, and Military Science & Interdisciplinary Studies) or 220 (for Faculty of Engineering) in the 2026 JAMB UTME will be considered for the NDA Screening Test.

The NDA Screening Test (computer-based) is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, 2026, at designated centres across the country.

Shortlisted candidates will proceed to the Armed Scare Selection Board (AFSB) interview phase.

Important Notes

The Academy will not accept any application submitted after the deadline.

Candidates awaiting results are not eligible.

Multiple applications by the same candidate will lead to automatic disqualification.

The NDA reserves the right to screen out any candidate who provides false information.

The Commandant, Major General J.O. Ochai, urged all eligible and interested Nigerians to take advantage of this opportunity to serve the nation through a prestigious military and academic career. He assured applicants of a transparent and merit-based selection process.