Next month, Derek Chisora takes on Deontay Wilder in what he promises to be the final outing of his professional boxing career. Ahead of the event, former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson has named who he believes will come out on top.
Loved by British fight fans, Chisora was advised to retire by the vast majority of his supporters when he came up short in a second challenge for world honours, decisively halted by Tyson Fury when they collided back in 2022.
However, Chisora chose to continue in the sport, as he revealed plans to hang up the gloves after reaching the landmark of 50 professional bouts.
In an interview with Boxing King Media, Nelson expects Chisora to trump the former WBC heavyweight world champion, believing that Wilder has looked ‘fragile’ in his recent performances.
“Both these fighters, I said a while ago, should jack in, they shouldn’t be boxing anymore. But because of the decline of Wilder and where Derek is now, it’s probably safer now for the fight to happen than it was two or three years ago.
“I’d actually lean towards Derek for this one. Wilder, in the last few fights I’ve seen him in, he’s not looked dangerous; he’s actually looked fragile.”
Sep 29, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic (15) takes questions during media day at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Golden State Warriors seem destined for a Western Conference play-in spot as they continue to play without Stephen Curry. The NBA’s best-ever 3-point marksman will again be a spectator when the Warriors host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.
The Warriors said Sunday that Curry will miss five more games before his achy right knee is re-evaluated. That declaration means Golden State won’t have Curry for at least 15 games in total, barring any further setbacks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return still hangs in the balance as the Milwaukee Bucks host the Boston Celtics. Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets visit the Utah Jazz in another match that we’ll study.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS AT GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Golden State is eighth in the West, five games behind the No. 6 Los Angeles Lakers for an automatic playoff spot. The Clippers are 2 ½ games behind the Warriors in ninth, making Monday’s game highly important for both teams, particularly Los Angeles.
Kawhi Leonard scored 23 points in Sunday’s 137-117 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans and he has scored 20 or more points in his last 37 appearances. Point guard Darius Garland, acquired from Cleveland at the trade deadline, is slated to make his Los Angeles debut and he knows his job is to get the ball to Leonard.
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Golden State is just 4-6 without Curry and was blasted 129-101 by the visiting Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. Depending on guys like Gui Santos, Will Richard, Pat Spencer and Nate Williams in place of Curry and Jimmy Butler (ACL, out for season) isn’t going to last long-term.
Clippers -1.5 points to cover spread, -110 (DraftKings)
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BOSTON CELTICS AT MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Antetokounmpo missed his 15th straight game Sunday due to his right calf injury and there is no guarantee the two-time MVP will suddenly be ready to go. Milwaukee got creamed by the Chicago Bulls – who had lost 11 straight – 120-97 and gave up 27 consecutive points during one stretch of the second half.
The teams split the first two meetings this season but what stands out is how Boston totally shut down the Milwaukee offense during a 107-79 home win on Feb. 1. Ryan Rollins scored 25 on 10-of-16 shooting and the rest of the Bucks had 54 points on 19-of-66 shooting (28.8%) as Milwaukee was held to a season low for points.
Jaylen Brown continues to carry the Celtics but he surely was happy to see Neemias Queta score a career-best 27 points and collect 17 rebounds in Sunday’s 114-98 victory over the visiting Philadelphia 76ers. Boston has won 11 of its last 13 games and looks primed to dispose of the Bucks again.
Under 215.5 total points, -110 (DraftKings)
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DENVER NUGGETS AT UTAH JAZZ
Nikola Jokic has scored 30 or more points in four of the last five games and he figures to be a triple-double threat against the woeful Jazz. Jokic also might pack extra motivation as he had just 14 points in the first meeting between the teams on Dec. 22. He took just seven shots (making five) and also had 13 rebounds and 13 assists.
The Nuggets haven’t been playing well and are struggling with eight losses in their past 12 games. Denver lost 117-108 at home to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday despite Jokic contributing 35 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists. Sidekick Jamal Murray had 39 and 25 points the past two games, both in losses.
The Jazz are focused on tanking and have dropped five straight games, including back-to-back home games against the New Orleans Pelicans. Utah will show for the game – league rules mandate it – but it would be stunning for it to muster a victory or slow Jokic down.
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Nikola Jokic to score 30-plus points, -119 (DraftKings)
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Former Nigeria international midfielder Sani Kaita has submitted his application for the position of head coach of the Golden Eaglets, declaring his readiness to guide the country’s next generation of young footballers.
The Nigeria Football Federation recently announced coaching vacancies for several national youth teams and invited qualified candidates to apply. Kaita has now confirmed his interest in leading the Under 17 side.
The 38 year old, who is based in the United Kingdom, believes his experience as a player and his growing coaching career have prepared him for the responsibility. During his playing days, he featured for clubs in Europe, including Sparta Rotterdam and AS Monaco, as well as teams in Russia and Greece. He also represented Nigeria at the highest level and was part of the squad at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
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Kaita holds a UEFA B Licence issued by the Football Association of Wales. In recent years, he has focused on youth development and is currently working with Hellenic FC, where he continues to build his coaching knowledge and philosophy.
Confirming his application, Kaita said he is eager to give back to Nigerian football.
“I can confirm that I have applied for the Under 17 coaching job. It is time for me to share my expertise and develop our youth players within a positive, high performance environment,” he said.
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A silver medallist at the 2005 FIFA Under 20 World Cup and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Kaita explained that his move into coaching has been carefully planned.
“I have spent the last few years working specifically with young players, focusing on player development and success,” he added. “I am confident in my ability and promise to assemble a team that Nigerians will be proud of.”
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reacts against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The Vikings want to add a strong linebacker and promising running back, at least in their ideal world. Benjamin Solak’s update from the NFL Combine may therefore hit as bad news.
The ESPN analyst passed along a short video of what he learned in the event that’s ostensibly about draft prospects but is often about free agency deals. Solak’s belief is that there are some NFL talents who are soon to earn beefy paydays, with LB Quay Walker alongside RB Kenneth Walker III getting looped into the mix.
Vikings Hit with 2 Scary Words: “Bidding War”
Part of the problem is there aren’t a ton of options, at least per Solak. The running back demand doesn’t meet a proportional supply.
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Lots of teams would welcome an improved ground game. Minnesota, to be sure, would benefit from at least pretending that the rushing attack matters. Consider, as well, that Aaron Jones is soon to be shown the door. Add it all up and there was some merit to the idea of adding the speedy, elusive Seattle running back.
Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) scores a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Pump the brakes a touch. Or, at least, take the foot off the gas.
Consider the insight from Solak: “Walker’s the best free agent running back available in terms of like juice and explosive play ability. And this draft class really does not have a lot of fans. So, I think there’s going to be a bidding war for Walker and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s like a top 5 paid running back by the time it’s all said and done.”
At the top of the RB market is Saquon Barkley. Very reasonable since he’s elite and will someday be in the Hall of Fame. He’s pulling down north of $20 million per season (OTC).
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Working down the list means seeing Christian McCaffrey ($19M), Derrick Henry ($15M), Jonathan Taylor ($14M), and then Alvin Kamara ($12.25M). All great runners but ones who are older (some by quite a wide margin). Does the 25-year-old Walker break the bank by getting into the mid-teens for a per-year average? If so, the Vikings likely need to rally around Jordan Mason while bringing in cheaper talent. Side note: does a rugged fullback make sense?
The 2025 regular season saw Kenneth Walker offer up 221 carries for 1,027 yards and 5 touchdowns. He then went nuclear in the playoffs, proving to be Seattle’s best weapon even through the dry spells for Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Shifting the conversation to the other Walker creates more uncertainty.
In an NFL where contracts are contextual, Solak establishes a link between Quay Walker and Devin Lloyd. Since Lloyd is going to gobble up huge money, Walker is going to see his deal raised, as well.
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“Quay Walker, who’s the second best three-down, still-young middle linebacker, sort of a prospect” Solak argues, “he’s just going to get pulled up by the Devin Lloyd’s gravity.” He then insists that “15 million dollars” is the baseline and that Walker is going to “be above that.” If so, the Vikings will be looking elsewhere.
LB1 Blake Cashman is a strong defender. He thinks the game at a high level, allowing him to wrangle Brian Flores’s play call before then communicating it to the defense. What’s needed is a young, physical running mate to gobble up runners and to get sent on blitzes aplenty.
Ivan Pace Jr. was supposed to be that player, but he’s coming off a demotion, largely due to missed tackles and struggles in coverage. Much likelier, it seems, that the Vikings scoop up someone else for that LB2 spot.
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) reacts after an interception against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Per Solak, the other free agents who are going to drain the ATM are guard Zion Johnson, DT John Franklin-Myers, and corner Cor’Dale Flott. In theory, the DT and CB could be nice Vikings fits, but the word about price does encourage caution.
On Monday, March 9th, the insider insight gets put to the test as NFL teams arrive at verbal agreements with free-agent talent. Pen can get put to paper on Wednesday, March 11th.
Two red cards, a VAR overturn and a decisive converted penalty with the last kick of the game. All of that happened in the final seconds of a Champions League thriller between Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday- and it ultimately ensured there will still be Italian representation in Europe’s top club competition.
Atalanta advanced to the round of 16 by capping an unlikely turnaround when Lazar Samardzic curled a penalty into the top corner in the eighth minute of stoppage time to clinch a 4-1 win on the night and a 4-3 victory on aggregate.
Dortmund, the runner-up in 2024, had arrived with a 2-0 lead from the first leg.
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“Everyone had written us off,” said Davide Zappacosta, one of Atalanta’s scorers, “but … we always believe and we never give up.”
Still, Atalanta needed a helping hand.
Extra time was looming when a mistake by Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel allowed Atalanta to launch one last attack, after the allotted three minutes of stoppage time had been played.
A cross into the area was about to reach Nikola Krstovic for a simple header into an empty net when Dortmund defender Remy Bensabaini flicked out his boot and caught the Atalanta substitute on the top of his head, drawing blood.
A corner was initially given but after a VAR check, a penalty was awarded, unused Dortmund substitute Nico Schlotterbeck was shown a red card on the bench for complaining, Bensabaini was shown a second yellow card for his foul, and Samardzic dispatched his spot kick, sparking joyous scenes inside the stadium in Bergamo.
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The referee blew for full time before Dortmund could restart the match.
“It’s an unforgettable night,” Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino said, “a dream come true.”
Italy’s record of having at least one team in the round of 16 since that stage was reintroduced to the Champions League in 2003-04 was under threat after Serie A champion Napoli didn’t even make the playoffs after finishing in 30th place in the 36-team league phase and Inter Milan was eliminated by tiny Norwegian team Bod/Glimt in the playoffs on Tuesday.
That left Atalanta and Juventus, which trailed Galatasaray 5-2 after the first leg.
Atalanta is back in the last 16 for the first time since the 2020-21 season and will play either Arsenal or Bayern Munich. The draw is on Friday.
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Dortmund gives up first-leg lead
Atalanta got the fast start it needed after losing the first leg, with Gianluca Scamacca netting in the fifth minute and Zappacosta also scoring before halftime. Mario Pasalic then headed in the third in the 57th minute to put the hosts ahead on aggregate.
Karim Adeyemi came off the bench for Dortmund to make it 3-3 on aggregate but there was time for late drama.
According to UEFA, it marked the first time Dortmund has failed to convert on a two-goal, first-leg lead in a two-legged European matchup. The team had done so successfully 10 times before.
Cristina Bucsa has capped the biggest week of her career by winning her first WTA title at the Mérida Open.
Bucsa defeated Magdalena Fręch 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 in the final to lift the trophy.
Just days after securing her first top 10 victory, she went a step further and claimed the title.
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The turnaround has been remarkable. Bucsa arrived in Mérida on a five-match losing streak. She leaves as a champion and is set to rise to a new career-high ranking of world No. 31.
After the match, Bucsa praised her opponent.
“Magdalena, congratulations for this incredible week. I don’t know if you remember, we played in Saint Malo… We give all our best. Here we demonstrated how tough we are. You’re also a great champion. I also want to congratulate your coach for the amazing job he’s doing with you. I wish you a very fast recovery for Indian Wells. Hope to see you in many more finals. Amazing.”
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From a difficult run of form to a career defining title, this was indeed a week that changed everything.
Ireland’s Shane Lowry finds water off the tee on both the 16th and 17th holes to blow his three-shot lead and finish runner-up at the Cognizant Classic.
KC Concepcion, a former Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver, fired back at criticism over the way he speaks after he was mocked while talking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Concepcion admitted in a post on his Instagram Stories on Sunday night that he has battled a stuttering issue for much of his life.
Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver KC Concepcion runs for a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 8, 2025.(Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)
“I just wanna say something. If you have a speech impediment, there is nothing wrong with us,” he said. “I have had this stutter since I can remember talking. This is a part of me. This is who I am. I cannot control this. I wanna be a role model for those who may be scared to speak up, who may be afraid and not confident in yourself. I stand with you.
“This weekend has taught me a lot about myself and people out there in this world. I appreciate everyone who supports me and has reached out to me after these interviews. Don’t let (an) outside person’s thoughts, opinions get in the way of you being great, of achieving something in life. I am blessed to be in this position that I am in, and I want to help give back to those who are scared to speak up, who aren’t as confident. I stand with you. I will always stand with you. We are different for a reason.
Texas A&M wideout KC Concepcion during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Feb. 28, 2026.(Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
“God had blessed my life in a way I couldn’t even imagine in this past year. I love y’all and support y’all as we climb this mountain together.”
More than 80 million people around the world, including about 3 million Americans, deal with stuttering, according to The Stuttering Foundation. Athletes like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and George Springer have been open about stuttering issues in the past.
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Concepcion hopes to hear his name called when the NFL Draft takes place in the spring. He was an All American for the first time after the 2025 season.
Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko hugs wide receiver KC Concepcion before the Miami Hurricanes game during the first round of the CFP National Playoff at Kyle Field on Dec. 20, 2025.(Maria Lysaker/Imagn Images)
Rangers centre-half John Souttar says fans are entitled to question the team’s mentality after ceding a two-goal lead to Celtic – but has asked to be judged at the end of the season.
Two Youssef Chermiti goals capped a dominant first-half performance from Rangers, but Celtic hit back through Kieran Tierney and Reo Hatate after the break.
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It means Rangers have drawn four of their last six games at a crucial point in the season, are six points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian and could drop to third place on Wednesday if Celtic defeat Aberdeen.
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“Of course that’s going to be the question,” Souttar replied when asked about Rangers’ mentality to get over the line.
“What I can say is that we need to be judged at the end of the season because there’s nine games left and, if I was a fan looking just now, I’d be asking the same questions. It’s natural.
“But, for me, we’ve got to be really clean in the next nine games. We’ve got to stand up and we’ve got to win and we can’t afford slip-ups.
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“Obviously Hearts are six points ahead, so it’s up to them and we’ve got to hope they drop points and we’ve got to win every game. But I’d say ask us at the end of the season and judge us then.”
Rangers were also accused of slacking off in the draw with Motherwell at Fir Park, when they conceded late on despite their hosts being reduced to 10 men.
Dropped points away to bottom side Livingston – who have won once all season – after the rousing win over Hearts at Ibrox also halted the momentum of Danny Rohl’s side.
Souttar says Rangers need to replicate the level they showed in the first half of the Old Firm derby across the final nine games of the league campaign.
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“The crowd was up, we were playing in their half, fast, aggressive football and we were the same against Hearts at home,” the 29-year-old Scotland and former Hearts defender said.
“But we’ve got to do it for the full game. There’s no point doing it for 45 to 50 minutes.
“We’ve got to keep that going for the full game and, yes, there’ll be periods where we can’t do that the full game.”
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Celtic are also Rangers’ next opponents, in Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final, again at Ibrox.
“Celtic are a good side, there’ll be moments when they have possession, when they play their game and it’s important then that we’re a bit more experienced and we get into a shape and we’re difficult to play through,” Souttar added.
Manchester United and Manchester City have had some iconic battles in the transfer window
With Manchester United narrowing the gap on Manchester City in recent months, United may once more be able to compete with their local rivals for elite talent.
More than a decade of underachievement and multiple seasons without Champions League football has somewhat restricted United’s options in the transfer market in recent years.
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This has only enabled ‘noisy neighbours’ City to establish themselves as the more appealing Manchester destination for rising stars, as they maintained their dominance over English football. However, considering United’s stature and with the resolution of City’s 115 alleged charges still pending, the momentum may now be shifting, particularly given Michael Carrick’s remarkable start as interim manager.
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Both clubs are expected to compete for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson at the end of this season. The 23-year-old, valued at around £75million, wishes to have his future resolved before the World Cup kicks off this summer, aware that Forest face potential relegation and that a number of elite clubs are pursuing his services.
United securing Champions League qualification would significantly improve their prospects of signing the England star, although Anderson is yet to decide which club he prefers. The Manchester Evening News now takes a look at the players City and United have competed to sign in recent years and who has come out on top in each instance.
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Alexis Sanchez (2018)
Both City and United were keen to sign a frustrated Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in January 2018. Pep Guardiola sought to recruit the former Barcelona winger but City later said they were unable to match the financial terms presented by their local rivals, ultimately withdrawing from the pursuit.
Sanchez moved to United in a swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan head in the opposite direction. Yet the Chilean’s spell at Old Trafford proved largely unsuccessful, managing just five goals in 45 outings before departing for Inter Milan.
Fred (2018)
In the summer of 2018, Brazilian midfielder Fred turned down City and sealed a £47m switch from Shakhtar Donetsk to United. He later disclosed that the opportunity to work under Jose Mourinho proved decisive, having received a personal phone call from the iconic Portuguese boss which persuaded him to pledge his future to the club.
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Harry Maguire (2019)
In another setback for City, who had secured back-to-back league titles by the summer of 2019, United pipped them to the signing of Harry Maguire. The Leicester City centre-back’s £80m transfer was and remains the world record fee paid for a defender.
Guardiola admitted City could not splurge such a sum on Maguire, saying: “He’s an excellent, top-class player. We were interested but could not afford it.”
Maguire has endured a difficult seven years at United, having had his performances regularly scrutinised and been stripped of the captaincy. Yet, the Englishman has proven more valuable in recent seasons, despite £80m still being considered a poor use of resources.
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Cristiano Ronaldo (2021)
United once again got one over their rivals on transfer deadline day of the 2021 summer window. Reports had indicated Cristiano Ronaldo was close to a switch from Juventus to the Etihad Stadium before executing a dramatic U-turn to rejoin his beloved United after the club submitted an offer.
Ronaldo claimed he followed his heart, with reports saying Sir Alex Ferguson and Rio Ferdinand directly phoned him to persuade him to join United. However, it emerged that City’s interest was only mild, with some reports claiming Guardiola was not interested in the ageing star after Ronaldo was offered to the club by his agent.
Despite a strong first season, the Portuguese legend’s second spell in Manchester ended acrimoniously following a breakdown in relations with Erik ten Hag and club chiefs, suggesting City dodged a bullet.
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Jack Grealish (2021)
United were also interested in buying Jack Grealish in 2021 before ultimately signing Jadon Sancho. Grealish was among the Premier League’s most sought-after players at that point and attracted significant attention from several English clubs.
Following a drawn-out transfer saga, City eventually signed the Aston Villa captain that summer for a then-British record fee of £100m. United’s own signings disappointed that season, while Grealish found it difficult to adjust to Guardiola’s requirements in his debut campaign.
He did contribute to City winning an elusive Champions League trophy and the Treble, however, but is currently on loan at Everton.
Akwa United FC head coach Paul Offor has sent a heartfelt message to the club’s supporters following their 2-0 victory over First Bank FC in the NNL Week 12 fixture.
Akwa United secured the important win on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the Uyo Township Stadium to extend their lead at the top of the NNL Conference B table. The Promise Keepers also completed a season double over First Bank after their earlier 3-1 win in Lagos.
After a goalless first half, Paulinus Okon broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute with a diving header from a cross by Yannick Menegbe. Paulinus Okon added the second goal in the 75th minute to seal the club’s eighth win of the season and move them four points clear at the top of the table.
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Coach Paul Offor and Akwa United’s Two Goal Hero against First Bank, Paulinus Okon
Speaking after the match, Coach Offor praised the fans for their strong backing. He said:
“We love them. We put in our best to perform well for them, that’s why we are here. We encourage them to always come out to push us so we can achieve this target together.”
On Monday, March 2, 2026, the UEFA B Licence holder took to his social media page to further appreciate the supporters. He wrote:
“To our valued fans, your presence elevates ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences. We appreciate your unwavering support and look forward to sharing the finale with you. Akwa United Football Club, Uyo.”
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Akwa United will next travel to face Osun United on Matchday 13 as they continue their push for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
