Newcastle United’s pursuit for a new right-winger took a bizarre turn at Madison Square Garden last night.

With the squad not on international duty on a warm-weather trip to Saudi Arabia, the club’s chairman, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, headed West. In charge of assets worth a reported $930billion for the Public Investment Fund, few are more powerful across the globe than the Toon supremo.

However, the PIF Governor was next to two titans last night as he enjoyed old-fashioned blood, guts and fury at UFC 309. Al-Rumayyan was seated next to US president-elect Trump – who won a landslide election over Kamala Harris a fortnight ago – and the world’s richest man Musk.

Trump’s relationship with the UFC stretches back to 2001 when an up-and-coming sport was acquired by Lorenzo Fertitta, Frank Fertitta and Dana White. Still lightyears away from selling the company for £4billion, few venues or states opened their doors to the “blood sport” quickly gaining popularity.

That was until the president-elect hosted the first two UFC events under new ownership at his Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He has remained close to White, the company’s president, and regularly attends big fights.

Flanked by a horde of Secret Service agents, Trump made his first public appearance since winning the election at MSG. New best buddy Musk – appointed co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency in Trump’s cabinet after donating a staggering $118million to the campaign – was closely by his side.

The less-recognisable Al-Rumayyan, at least in Western circles, also enjoyed ringside seats. Weary-eyed Newcastle fans who stayed up late to watch Jon Jones retain his UFC heavyweight crown did not miss a beat, however, as jokes about the need for a new right-winger soon flooded social media.

Newcastle World

Super Eagles and Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, has revealed his tough experiences while playing for Manchester City, SMI reports

The former Sheffield Wednesday player acknowledged the significant role his older brother, Tom Dele-Bashiru, played in helping him navigate challenges and develop his skills as a footballer.

Fisayo began his career in Manchester City’s U-18 team, where he made three domestic league appearances, scoring three goals. In the 2019-2020 season, the 23-year-old progressed to the U-23 side, contributing one goal and one assist in 14 league matches.

Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s clash against Rwanda, the Lazio star told Making of Champions that his brother’s success inspired him during his early career struggles.

“When I was growing up, he was my biggest motivation,” Fisayo said. “He was doing so well while I struggled, especially during my time at Manchester City. Seeing him thrive pushed me to improve myself.”

Now plying his trade with Serie A side Lazio, Fisayo has been an integral part of Marco Baroni’s squad, registering one goal and three assists in their Europa League campaign.

On the international stage, the midfielder has made five appearances for the Super Eagles, netting two goals.

As Nigeria prepares for their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda, Fisayo will be aiming to continue his impressive form under interim coach Augustine Eguavoen.

Ademola Lookman is the latest player to withdraw from the Super Eagles’ squad ahead of the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifier against Rwanda, scheduled for Monday in Uyo.

This withdrawal adds to the growing list of absences the team faces.

The Atalanta BC forward has returned to Italy after sustaining an injury during Thursday’s qualifier against Benin in Abidjan.

He is the third player to withdraw ahead of the match in Rwanda, following Ola Aina’s return to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who was given compassionate leave due to his father’s passing.