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De Bruyne inspires Man City 4-2 comeback at Crystal Palace

De Bruyne inspires Man City 4-2 comeback at Crystal Palace

Kevin De Bruyne brought up his century of goals for Manchester City by scoring twice in a 4-2 win at Crystal Palace that moved the champions level on points with Premier League leaders Liverpool.

City had fallen behind after just three minutes at Selhurst Park, but De Bruyne led the response by curling in a beauty to equalise.

Rico Lewis put the visitors in front early in the second half before De Bruyne teed up Erling Haaland to end his goal drought.

 

And the Belgian rounded off a stunning display by smashing in his 100th City goal.

Pep Guardiola’s decision to hand De Bruyne and Haaland the night off for Wednesday’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa paid dividends as his side remain on course to defend the treble they won last season.

Just three days ahead of City’s trip to Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, Guardiola took the chance to shuffle his pack again.

Phil Foden, the hat-trick hero against Villa, was dropped to the bench alongside Manuel Akanji, Bernardo Silva and Jeremy Doku.

On paper, City did not appear to be weakened as John Stones and Oscar Bobb came in with De Bruyne and Haaland.

But it was an error from the ring-rusty Stones that gave Palace the perfect start after just three minutes.

Stones was making his return after being injured on England duty last month, but an errant pass was pounced on by Adam Wharton, who released Jean-Philippe Mateta to fire in off the post.

The goal awoke City from their slumber with De Bruyne at the heart of most of their most threatening attacks.

Only a brilliant save by Dean Henderson denied Rodri a quick reply.

But the visitors were level within 10 minutes of falling behind as De Bruyne curled in a stunning strike into the top corner.

Haaland had failed to score in his previous five games for club and country and failed to take advantage of a brilliant De Bruyne through ball as Henderson saved a one-on-one.

Palace, though, could also have been back in front before the break when Jordan Ayew smashed off the bar after a rare Rodri error.

There was little doubt over the outcome once Lewis pounced on some slack Palace defending from Jack Grealish’s deflected cross to make it 2-1 on 47 minutes.

Grealish’s season has been repeatedly disrupted by injury but his return to fitness and form could be a vital component in City’s quest to retain the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

He was also involved in his side’s third goal as Grealish picked out De Bruyne’s, whose cross was touched in by Haaland for a much-needed goal for the Norwegian.

Haaland now has 30 for the season in all competitions but had failed to find the net in 12 of his previous 17 games on his return from a foot injury that kept him out for two months.

Having curled one in on his right foot, De Bruyne then blasted in a piledriver with his left to make it 100 goals in 372 games since joining City in 2015.

At that point City seemed set to win by the four-goal margin they needed to go above Liverpool on goal difference.

But it was Palace who got the sixth and final goal of the game when Odsonne Edouard turned in Jeffrey Schlupp’s cross.

City move two points ahead of Arsenal, who can go top later on Saturday when they visit Brighton.

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William Troost-Ekong Bows Out: An Emotional Farewell That Shakes Up The Super Eagles Camp

William Troost-Ekong Bows Out In Emotional Goodbye

Super Eagles fans woke up to unexpected news as captain William Troost-Ekong officially announced his retirement from international football. Despite being listed in Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025, the 2023 AFCON MVP revealed via a heartfelt video on X (formerly Twitter) that his journey with Nigeria had reached its final chapter.

The announcement came with a touching message:
“HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”

With 83 caps in 10 years, Ekong leaves behind a legacy of leadership, consistency, and unmatched patriotism. He was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final and became one of the most respected voices in the national team.

Why Now? A Transition Already In Motion

In recent months, Troost-Ekong’s role had gradually shifted. The impressive rise of 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick pushed him out of the starting XI, reducing the captain to a bench role. One of the most emotional revelations was his admission that he was supposed to take a penalty in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier shootout against DR Congo—but being benched meant he couldn’t step up.

Still, Ekong showed class:
“I wasn’t frustrated; I just wanted to win this game… My role is to support the team as much as possible, both on and off the pitch.”

He had also hinted earlier this year that AFCON 2025 might be his final tournament, showing that this transition wasn’t entirely sudden—it was coming.

Ndidi Tipped To Take The Captain’s Armband

The big question now is: who leads the Super Eagles?
Former coach Sunday Oliseh believes the answer is simple—Wilfred Ndidi.

Ndidi has captained the team in recent matches and commands full respect in the squad. According to Oliseh:
“Nobody doubts the respect the players have for Ndidi. And he’s a player that plays every game.”

With AFCON 2025 approaching quickly, stability is crucial—and Ndidi might be the perfect bridge into Nigeria’s next era.

A Legacy Forever Etched In Nigerian Football

Troost-Ekong leaves as a true patriot: admired, respected, and loved. His leadership transcended the pitch—he was the voice of calm, the anchor in tough moments, and the embodiment of commitment.

For the Super Eagles, a new chapter begins.
But for fans, William Troost-Ekong will always remain a Super Eagle—forever.

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Ademola Lookman’s Latest Goal Shows Why Atalanta Must Stop Underrating The Nigerian Star

Ademola Lookman is reminding Atalanta—and the entire Serie A—why he should never be underestimated again. The Super Eagles forward delivered another decisive performance, scoring in Atalanta’s crucial 2-0 win over Fiorentina to snap an eight-game winless run.

This latest strike marks his second goal in two matches, further proving that the recently dethroned African Player of the Year is hitting top form again under new coach Raffaele Palladino ahead of AFCON 2025.

Match Summary

Fiorentina started brightly, forcing Marco Carnesecchi into a dramatic double save inside the opening five minutes. David De Gea responded moments later with a superb fingertip stop to deny Charles De Ketelaere.

Atalanta eventually broke through late in the first half when Odilon Kossounou’s whipped effort found the net to make it 1-0.

Shortly after the restart, Lookman doubled the lead. A corner routine turned chaotic, but the Nigerian reacted fastest, smashing home the second goal and sealing the contest.

The win moved Atalanta up to 11th, easing relegation concerns, while Fiorentina slipped further into the danger zone under Paolo Vanoli.

Nigerian Fans Demand Respect

Back in Nigeria, social media exploded. Many fans believe Atalanta have not treated Lookman with the respect he deserves—especially after the winger openly expressed frustration during the summer while pushing for a move.

One fan wrote, “Release our boy by January transfer. We don’t care about Atalanta anymore.”
Another added, “Hopefully you idiots won’t disrespect him anymore.”

The criticism kept coming, with some calling the relationship “toxic,” while others demanded a public apology. Transfer chatter resurfaced too, with fans urging Galatasaray to make a move for him.

But Lookman has let his football do the talking. His recent form—including a Champions League goal and an assist against Eintracht Frankfurt—has silenced doubts around Bergamo.

AFCON 2025 Boost For Nigeria

Coach Palladino has publicly praised Lookman, calling him an “essential asset” for Atalanta’s attack. His pace, finishing, and consistency make him just as vital for Nigeria.

With Eric Chelle preparing his AFCON squad, Lookman’s resurgence—two goals in two games after the summer’s Inter Milan saga—sets him up as one of the Super Eagles’ key weapons heading into the tournament.

Once again, Ademola Lookman is proving exactly who he is: a star who demands respect.

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Guinness Match Day Regular Lifts Fans’ Energy Across Five Nigerian Cities

Fans enjoying Guinness Match Day with football viewing and activities across Nigerian cities

Guinness Brings Fans Together Across Nigeria

The Guinness Match Day experience delivered high energy and excitement across five Nigerian cities as football fans gathered to watch games, react live, and enjoy ice-cold Guinness. From kickoff to the final whistle, fans were treated to thrilling football action alongside interactive activities and prizes.

Fans’ Favorite Activities

Guests enjoyed:

  • One free Guinness for every two bottles purchased.

  • The Predict and Win game, with winners taking home branded jerseys and VIP Guinness cards.

  • Fast-paced commentary and reward drops from Match Day Hosts.

  • Online engagement via Instagram Stories, where digital fans had the chance to win six-packs of Guinness cans.

The atmosphere combined football, social connection, and rewards, making each city’s event unforgettable.

Energy Across The Cities

  • Lagos: Loud reactions and an electric vibe in the crowd.

  • Ibadan: Steady participation and football discussions.

  • Jos: Active engagement during Predict and Win activities.

  • Owerri: Strong community spirit and fan interaction.

  • Enugu: Lively viewing session to close the week of celebrations.

Each city reflected Guinness’s commitment to building football communities across Nigeria.

What’s Next for Guinness Match Day

Guinness is continuing to strengthen its bond with Nigerian football fans. The next Match Day viewing experience will take place on November 30 in:

  • Owerri: Landmark Events Center

  • Abuja: Papiee’s Meatro

Entry is free, but fans are required to register at www.GuinnessMatchDay.com to secure participation. Stay updated via @Guinness_Africa on Instagram for news and surprises.

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