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Chippa United Announce Departure of Super Eagles Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali

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South African Premiership side Chippa United have confirmed the departure of Nigerian international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali following his impressive performances for the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Nwabali was one of Nigeria’s standout players at the biennial tournament and played a key role in the Super Eagles’ campaign. His performances drew wide praise and increased attention on his future.

The goalkeeper produced one of the moments of the tournament during the third-place playoff against Egypt, where he saved two penalties to help Nigeria secure the bronze medal.

  • Eagles in camp - Stanley NwabaliEagles in camp - Stanley Nwabali

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His strong showing at AFCON, combined with his contract situation, had already sparked speculation about a possible move away from the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Nwabali’s contract with Chippa United is set to expire this summer, which allows him to negotiate and sign with another club as a free agent.

The 28-year-old joined Chippa United in 2022 from Nigerian club Katsina United and quickly established himself as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.

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2 ex-PGA Tour pros make world ranking leaps after LIV event

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Vikings Sign Undercover Hot Shot from Steelers

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Steelers CB James Pierre in 2025 against the Bengals
Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown after recovering a fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are no longer “required” to select a cornerback in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. The club used its very first free-agent signing this week on a man named James Pierre from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Gerald Alexander and Brian Flores Know the Player Well

Pierre brings an undercover stellar 2025 resume to Minnesota, so much so that fans can pencil him in as the CB3 as early as today.

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Gerald Alexander and Brian Flores Know Pierre Well

Alas, the Vikings’ CB depth fears have vanished.

James Pierre reacts after intercepting a pass during Steelers vs. Browns game at Acrisure Stadium. James Pierre Vikings
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) celebrates after securing an interception against the Cleveland Browns during fourth-quarter action at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, with the play unfolding on Dec. 8, 2024 as the Steelers defense sealed momentum late in the AFC North matchup. Pierre reacts while teammates gather around the turnover. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images.

Pierre to MIN

Pierre to the purple team is basically official, barring a bizarre last-second change of heart.

NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper wrote Monday, “The Vikings have landed a new cornerback in the early stages of the free agent negotiating window. Cameron Wolfe of NFL Media reports that they have agreed to terms with James Pierre on a two-year deal. The contract is worth $8.5 million with $3.7 million in guaranteed money.”

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“Pierre signed with the Steelers after going undrafted in 2020 and returned to the team after failing to make the Commanders in 2024. Pierre appeared in 95 games over his six seasons in Pittsburgh.”

Minnesota was in the market for a budget cornerback — one with upside — and absolutely nailed that mission with Pierre for $3.7 million guaranteed. It’s a steal of a deal.

The Stats for Pierre

Looking for the statistical skinny on Pierre? We’ve got it. Here’s his work since 2020:

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2025: 86.2 (408 snaps)
2024: 56.2 (207 snaps)
2023: 40.4 (28 snaps)
2022: 69.9 (260 snaps)
2021: 58.1 (415 snaps)
2020: 80.5 (38 snaps)

And the passer-rating-against in the same timeframe:

2025: 41.4 (408 snaps)
2024: 81.5 (207 snaps)
2023: 143.7 (28 snaps)
2022: 58.7 (260 snaps)
2021: 105.7 (415 snaps)
2020: 79.2 (38 snaps)

Pierre is 6’2″ and 190 pounds, instantly making him the Vikings’ tallest cornerback who projects to receive playing time in 2026. He’s also Lamar Jackson’s cousin.

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SI.com‘s Jack Markowski on Pierre: “Pierre made a career-high five starts for Pittsburgh after re-signing with the organization on a one-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum last offseason. He did not allow a touchdown in coverage, per Pro Football Reference, while holding opposing quarterbacks to a completion percentage of just 42.9 on 35 targets across 376 coverage snaps.”

“Spotrac has Pierre’s market value currently set at a one-year contract for $1.873 million, which would mark a marginal raise from the $1.170 million salary he earned in 2025. Cornerback sticks out as one of Pittsburgh’s biggest needs, and the potential departure of Pierre is a main reason why.”

It’s also worth noting that Brian Flores stopped by the 2022 Steelers as a linebackers coach; he knows Pierre, too, as Pierre has worked for Pittsburgh his entire career.

James Pierre warms up on the field before Steelers vs. Broncos game at Heinz Field. James Pierre Vikings
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) warms up on the field before kickoff against the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, with the pregame scene captured on Sep. 20, 2020 as players prepared for the early-season matchup. The Steelers later earned a narrow 26–21 victory over Denver in the contest. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports.

Markowski continued, “The team is in good shape with Joey Porter Jr. as its No. 1 option at the position following a stellar campaign that could very well earn him a top-of-the-market extension as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, but the depth is lacking.”

“Pierre blossomed into a true impact player for the Steelers in his fifth season with the organization last year, and while there are other enticing veterans in free agency, bringing him back is the easiest path forward. The issue, though, is that his market appears to be booming, complicating matters in the process.”

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The Revised CB Room

With the Pierre addition, here’s a look at Minnesota’s updated CB room:

  • Byron Murphy Jr.
  • Isaiah Rodgers
  • James Pierre
  • Dwight McGlothern
  • Zemaiah Vaughn

One would think the group needs at least one more credible defender — perhaps Fabian Moreau, the club’s veteran CB3 for most of 2025 — but during the most recent offseason, the Vikings were content with minimal depth. We shall see if that changes in 2026.

The Gerald Alexander Connection

Minnesota employed a man named Daronte Jones as the defensive passing game coordinator from 2022 to 2025, and he left this offseason to take the Washington Commanders’ defensive coordinator job, a sweet promotion. To backfill Jones’s job, Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores hired Gerald Alexander from the Steelers’ staff.

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Gerald Alexander smiles on the sideline during Dolphins preseason game against the Chicago Bears. James Pierre Vikings
Miami Dolphins defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander smiles along the sideline during second-half action against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, with the moment captured on Aug. 14, 2021 as Miami’s staff monitored preseason play. Alexander watches from the sideline while the Dolphins evaluate defensive personnel during the exhibition matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports.

His first order of business? Bringing Pierre with him in free agency.

If the pattern holds, the Vikings could, in theory, also sign Asante Samuel Jr., who also patrolled Alexander’s secondary in 2025.

Pierre will turn 30 in September, so he does not have youth on his side. He ran a 4.59 forty at the 2020 NFL Combine — not a speedster.


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Maxx Crosby’s wife Rachel has 4-word reaction on moving to Baltimore after blockbuster Ravens trade

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NFL star defensive end Maxx Crosby has posted for the first time about his trade to Baltimore Ravens ever since the news broke on Friday.

On Sunday, Crosby posted an AI-generate picture of himself wearing the Baltimore Ravens home jersey and a black Ravens helmet with number 98 stitched infront, his signature number.

“RAVENS FLOCK…. ITS TIME. 🐦‍⬛💎,” he wrote in the caption.

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Crosby’s wife, Rachel commented under the post.

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“Crosby crew is coming 🖤💜🔥,” she wrote.

Source: (Via Instagram/ @maxxcrosby)Source: (Via Instagram/ @maxxcrosby)
Source: (Via Instagram/ @maxxcrosby)

Before this post, Maxx Crosby reflected on a seven-year journey with the Raiders in his podcast, “The Rush” and shared the clip on Instagram on Sunday.

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“Raider Nation has given me everything,” he said. “I had the chance to get married, have the most beautiful daughter in the world, and grow as a man, a player, a leader and a human being.”

Rachel Crosby was overwhelmed.

“Love you so much baby! So proud of you 🖤,” she commented under the post.

Source: (Via Instagram/ @maxxcrosby)Source: (Via Instagram/ @maxxcrosby)
Source: (Via Instagram/ @maxxcrosby)

The trade agreement is set to become official on March 11, at the start of the new league year.

Crosby’s trade is historic, marking the first time in the Ravens’ 31-year history that they have traded a first-round pick for a veteran player.

By trading Crosby, the Raiders now hold the No. 1 and No. 14 overall picks in the 2026 Draft. They are widely expected to use the top pick on Heisman winner former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza to lead their new era.

Also Read: Maxx Crosby’s sister Milla changes NFL loyalty as 5× Pro Bowler gets traded to Ravens

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Maxx Crosby celebrated six years of sobriety following his trade

After Maxx Crosby was traded from the Raiders to the Ravens, he celebrated sixth year of his sobriety anniversary on Sunday.

He and his wife, Rachel, hosted a “Drake-themed” bash in Las Vegas.

The party also had a live performance by country-rapper Shaboozey, who is a close friend of Crosby.

NFL insider Brian Wacker reposted Crosby’s Instagram stories on X.

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For Maxx Crosby, March 11 is an important date.

On March 11, 2020, he checked himself into a 30-day rehab facility for alcohol addiction.

Two years later, on the same date, he signed a $98.98 million contract extension with the Raiders.

Cut to 2026, on March 11, he officially will become a Baltimore Raven.

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Also Read: “Demolish his statue”: Dave Portnoy doesn’t mince words on Tom Brady reportedly not wanting to trade Maxx to Patriots