Manchester United Announce Departure of Head Coach Rúben Amorim

Manchester United Football Club can confirm that Rúben Amorim has left his role as head coach with immediate effect.

The decision, made reluctantly by the club's leadership, follows a period of assessment and comes after the team's 1-1 draw against Leeds United on Sunday, 4 January. With Manchester United currently positioned sixth in the Premier League table, the club believes this is the right time to make a change to provide the team with the best opportunity to achieve the highest possible finish this season.

Amorim, who joined United in November 2024 from Sporting CP, oversaw 63 matches during his 14-month tenure, recording 25 wins, 15 draws, and 23 defeats. His time at the club included a challenging first season that saw the team finish 15th in the Premier League – the club's lowest position in the modern era – and reach the Europa League final, where they were defeated by Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite flashes of promise, including notable victories such as the Manchester derby win over Manchester City and a strong run in October 2025 that earned him Premier League Manager of the Month, consistent performance proved elusive. Recent weeks saw growing tensions, particularly regarding tactical approach, recruitment decisions, and the balance of responsibilities within the club's football operations structure.

Manchester United would like to thank Rúben for his dedication, professionalism, and contribution during his time with the club. We wish him every success in his future endeavours.

Darren Fletcher, the club's Under-18s head coach and former first-team player, will take interim charge of the team, starting with Wednesday's Premier League fixture away at Burnley. The club intends to appoint a caretaker manager to lead the side until the end of the current campaign, with a permanent appointment planned for the summer.

Manchester United remains fully committed to building a sustainable and successful future under the ownership and strategic direction of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS, and the club's executive leadership team, including Chief Executive Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox.

Super Eagles Target Quarter-Final Berth as AFCON 2025 Knockout Stage Ignites

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Super Eagles camp are fully focused on securing a place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies **CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025** as the tournament's knockout phase begins in earnest.

Following a dominant group stage campaign, where the three-time champions **Nigeria** topped Group C with a perfect record of three wins from three matches, scoring eight goals — the highest tally of any team in the group phase — the Super Eagles now face Mozambique in the Round of 16 today at the Stade de Fès (kick-off 20:00 local time / 19:00 GMT).

Under the leadership of head coach **Eric Chelle**, the team has demonstrated resilience, attacking flair, and tactical discipline, quickly moving past the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. Stars such as **Victor Osimhen**, **Ademola Lookman**, **Alex Iwobi**, **Raphael Onyedika** (who netted twice against Uganda), and **Wilfred Ndidi** have led an exciting and potent attack, while the defensive unit remains determined to tighten up in the decisive stages.

This encounter marks Mozambique's historic first appearance in the AFCON knockout rounds, having advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after securing their maiden continental finals victory against Gabon. The Mambas, led by key player **Geny Catamo**, will face a stern test against a Nigeria side that holds an unbeaten record in five previous meetings (four wins, one draw), including a commanding 3-0 victory in their only prior AFCON clash in 2010.

**NFF President Ibrahim Gusau** commented:  

"The Super Eagles have arrived in the knockouts with momentum and confidence. Our players have shown character, skill, and unity throughout the group stage. We respect Mozambique as every opponent in this competition deserves respect, but our clear target is to progress to the quarter-finals and continue our pursuit of a fourth AFCON title. The entire nation stands behind the team — we expect nothing less than full commitment and excellence on the pitch tonight."

The winner of today's tie will advance to face the victor of Algeria vs DR Congo in the quarter-finals on January 10 in Marrakesh, setting up a potential blockbuster showdown in the last eight.

The Super Eagles remain one of the tournament favorites, with their blend of Premier League-proven talent and collective spirit positioning them strongly to go deep in Morocco. The NFF calls on all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to rally behind the team as they chase continental glory.

Egypt Edge Benin 3-1 After Extra Time to Secure Quarter-Final Spot in AFCON 2025

The **Egyptian Football Association** is delighted to announce that the Pharaohs have advanced to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 following a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Benin in the Round of 16, played at the Grand Stade d'Agadir.

In a thrilling encounter that required extra time to produce a winner, Egypt demonstrated resilience, quality, and character to overcome a determined and well-organized Benin side. The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes before the Pharaohs pulled away in the additional 30 minutes.

**Marwan Attia** broke the deadlock in the 70th minute with a stunning curled strike from the edge of the box, capping off an excellent team move involving captain **Mohamed Salah** and right-back **Mohamed Hany**. Benin's spirited response came in the 83rd minute when substitute **Jodel Dossou** tapped in after a deflection and spill by goalkeeper **Mohamed El Shenawy**, forcing extra time.

The breakthrough in the additional period arrived in the 97th minute, as defender **Yasser Ibrahim** rose superbly to head home from a well-worked corner routine, restoring Egypt's lead. With Benin pushing forward in search of an equalizer in the dying moments, the Pharaohs sealed the victory in dramatic fashion. In the 120+3rd minute, **Mohamed Salah** latched onto a precise pass from **Ahmed Sayed Zizo** on a swift counter-attack, calmly slotting the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper with the outside of his boot to make it 3-1 and confirm progression.

This result marks Egypt's place in the last eight, where they will face the winner of the tie between holders Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso. The seven-time champions, under the guidance of their coaching staff, continue their pursuit of an unprecedented eighth AFCON title — their first since 2010.

**Egyptian Football Association President** commented:  

"This was a true test of character against a brave Benin team that never stopped fighting. Our players showed tremendous spirit, quality, and belief to secure the victory. Mohamed Salah, Marwan Attia, Yasser Ibrahim, and the entire squad delivered when it mattered most. We now look ahead to the quarter-finals with confidence and determination."

The Pharaohs extend their gratitude to the passionate Egyptian fans in Agadir and back home, whose unwavering support fueled the team throughout this intense battle.

Lagos State Police Command Launches Investigation into Allegations Against Pastor Chris Okafor

The Lagos State Police Command has officially commenced a thorough investigation into multiple serious allegations leveled against Pastor Chris Okafor, Senior Pastor of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries (also known as Liberation City).

In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, the command confirmed that Pastor Okafor has been invited to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for questioning. The pastor is expected to appear before the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

The invitation follows widespread public allegations of **multiple rape**, **other sexual offences**, manipulation, infidelity, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace and breakdown of law and order in the state. These claims first gained prominence in mid-December 2025 when Nollywood actress Doris Ogala released emotional videos on social media, accusing the pastor of a long-term sexual relationship beginning in 2017, broken promises of marriage, sharing of explicit content, and contributing to personal distress.

As the controversy escalated, additional women — including the pastor's former wife, Bessem Okafor — came forward with accusations of sexual misconduct, deception, physical abuse, and related issues. Some reports have also referenced more severe claims circulating online, including references to murder allegations, though the primary focus of the current probe centers on sexual offences.

Initially, the Lagos State Police Command had stated that no action could be taken without a formal complaint from alleged victims. However, following renewed public interest, media enquiries, and direct communication with the Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh directed the SCID to proceed with the investigation — even in the absence of formal petitions — by inviting the pastor for questioning and summoning alleged victims, witnesses, and potential complainants to provide statements.

The police have assured full protection and confidentiality for anyone coming forward with information or as victims. "The Commissioner of Police has directed immediate full security coverage and protection for victims and hereby encourages them to feel free to come out and report at the Criminal Investigation Department, Panti," the statement emphasized. "The identity of the victims will be kept absolutely confidential and will be protected."

The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to a professional, transparent, and unbiased process, stressing that no individual is above the law.

Pastor Okafor, who recently married a new wife, Pearl, on December 16, 2025, and publicly apologized during a church service for past "mistakes" (kneeling on the altar to seek forgiveness), has also announced a temporary step-back from pulpit duties for rest and spiritual retreat.

This development marks a significant step in addressing the allegations that have sparked widespread discussion across social media and Nigerian society. The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided as the process unfolds.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LagosLately (@lagoslately_)

Apostle Harrison Ayintete Addresses Controversy Surrounding Singer Skales' Church Testimony

Apostle Harrison Ayintete, founder and lead pastor of **The Goodness Nation Ministries**, has issued a statement clarifying his position following widespread media attention on his comments regarding Nigerian music artist Skales' recent testimony shared at Harvesters International Christian Centre.

The discussion arose after Skales publicly testified about the remarkable revival of his 2014 hit song *Shake Body*, which gained renewed global popularity in 2025 following a viral dance video featuring Barcelona football sensation Lamine Yamal. The singer described the moment as a divine answer to his intense prayers and fasting, noting that multiple prayer points were fulfilled in a single day.

In a detailed response shared via social media on January 4, 2026, Apostle Ayintete emphasized that his remarks stem from a concern for biblical standards in church testimonies, rather than any personal animosity toward Skales.

> “I don’t have any issues with you dear brother,” Apostle Ayintete stated. “If you gave that testimony on your own platform, it is really not my business. I believe you have the right to enjoy the fruit of your labour.”

He clarified that the core issue lies with the decision of Skales' local church to project the testimony during a service.

> “I honestly think they shouldn’t project your testimony on SHAKE BODY,” he continued. “**You testimony doesn’t enable spiritual growth, devotion or maturity**. Your testimony does not inspire Godliness.”

Apostle Ayintete argued that testimonies in church should serve as examples that encourage believers toward deeper spiritual growth, character development, devotion to Christ, and godliness. He expressed concern that celebrating a resurgence tied to a song some view as promoting immorality could inadvertently set a wrong precedent for younger Christians.

> “It will only make more younger people do immoral music… while seeking God’s blessings on it,” he noted, underscoring the need to distinguish between worldly success and testimonies that genuinely edify the body of Christ.

The Apostle reiterated his commitment to upholding the integrity of Christian witness and protecting the sanctity of church gatherings as spaces for spiritual nourishment.

This statement has sparked diverse reactions across social media, with opinions ranging from support for the pastor's call for discernment to defense of Skales' right to share his personal experience of gratitude to God.

Apostle Harrison Ayintete remains focused on his ministry's mission to teach God's goodness, sound doctrine, and Christ-centered living.