Tariff fears are hurting World Cup merchandise orders at Shang Yabing’s Chinese knitwear factory, where racks of scarves bear the logos of national teams from Ireland to Tanzania.
Photo: Jade GAO / AFP Source: AFP
Tariff fears are hurting World Cup merchandise orders at Shang Yabing’s Chinese knitwear factory, where racks of scarves bear the logos of national teams from Ireland to Tanzania.
Manufacturers in China’s export hub Yiwu would normally already be inundated with World Cup orders ahead of next summer’s football tournament, this time hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
But a rollercoaster ride of a trade war between Washington and Beijing is making international buyers think twice before placing orders with companies like Shang’s Yiwu Wells Knitting Product.
An employee walks past a pile of knitwear products at a factory that produces hats and scarves in Yiwu, in eastern China’s Zhejiang province on September 18, 2025.
Photo: Jade GAO / AFP Source: AFP
When AFP visited his bustling workrooms, Shang was overseeing rows of colleagues adding the finishing touches to a plethora of sports-themed accessories.
“We’ve been in this industry for over 10 years, and we’ve produced World Cup-related merchandise for nearly every tournament in that time,” Shang said.
“This year, we’ve secured some smaller orders, but the larger ones that were on hold before haven’t materialised yet… this is likely because of the US tariffs,” he added.
At the factory on Thursday, crates overflowing with colourful wares surrounded employees’ workstations.
An employee irons scarves at a factory that produces hats and scarves in Yiwu, in eastern China’s Zhejiang province on September 18, 2025.
Photo: Jade GAO / AFP Source: AFP
Some workers used sewing machines to attach fringe trims to the ends of scarves, while another ironed green and yellow lengths of fabric emblazoned with the word “Australian”.
China and the United States have extended a temporary truce, staving off triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods until November, but the two sides continue to spar over semiconductors and TikTok.
With a little under nine months to go before the World Cup, Shang said the company was still waiting for clients to approve substantial orders amounting to around a million pieces.
‘Lack of clarity’
Along the fluorescent-lit hallways of Yiwu’s sprawling International Trade City, one of the world’s largest wholesale markets, stores offering soccer balls and flags were relatively quiet compared to the rush of foreign buyers the sales hub sees during peak periods.
A man walks past a sporting goods store selling balls at the Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu, in eastern China’s Zhejiang province on September 17, 2025.
Photo: Jade GAO / AFP Source: AFP
Vendors displayed everything from flag-printed sunglasses to miniature football cleats hanging on keychains.
“By this point before the last World Cup, we saw a huge influx of orders,” Daisy Dai, a seller of printed soccer balls, told AFP.
This year, she said, “customers are holding back”.
American buyers previously made up a large part of Dai’s clientele but “since the start of the trade war a number of large brands stopped ordering, because of a lack of clarity on tariffs”.
Zhou Yanjuan, a seller of flags and World Cup-themed souvenirs, told AFP that shipments abroad had slowed for her.
“We’re not selling necessities after all,” Zhou said.
Still, she was optimistic that “things will gradually improve going forward”.
“Everyone’s probably waiting for (tariffs) to be adjusted downward,” Zhou said.
There are two battles between undefeated teams, with the Rams visiting the Eagles and the Cardinals facing the 49ers. Injuries have affected a few top QBs. The Bengals’ Joe Burrow (toe), the Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy (ankle) and the Jets’ Justin Fields (concussion) are ruled out, and the 49ers’ Brock Purdy (toe, shoulder) and the Commanders’ Jayden Daniels (knee) are listed as questionable. With that, their notable backups are looking to make their mark. On Sunday night, the Chiefs look to dig themselves out of their first 0-2 start with Patrick Mahomes against the Giants.
We have you covered with everything you need to know. Our NFL Nation reporters take you inside the locker room with the best thing they heard this week, and ESPN Research provides a key stat to know and a betting nugget for each contest. Plus, analytics writer Seth Walder makes a bold prediction for each matchup, and fantasy analyst Eric Moody shares fantasy football intel. We also have Football Power Index (FPI) matchup quality ratings (out of 100) and game projections, and three analysts — Pamela Maldonado, Moody and Walder — give us final score picks for every game.
Let’s get into the full Week 3 slate, which culminates with a “Monday Night Football” matchup between the Lions and Ravens on ESPN. (Game times are Sunday unless otherwise noted.)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 77.7/100 ESPN BET: PHI -3.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Rams: The Eagles are the first team since 2010 to start a season 2-0 without a passing touchdown. Through two games, the Rams’ defense has allowed only one total touchdown. But despite the lack of passing touchdowns for QB Jalen Hurts and the Eagles, Rams coach Sean McVay called Hurts “a winner.” “He can beat you with his arm, legs or his mind,” McVay said. — Sarah Barshop
What we’re hearing on the Eagles: The Rams had a very difficult time against RB Saquon Barkley in their two matchups last season, as he racked up a whopping 460 yards on the ground against them in the regular season and in the playoffs. Even on the eight occasions they went with an eight-plus man box in the divisional matchup, Barkley had 92 yards and a touchdown, per NFL Next Gen Stats. “We do see opportunity when they load the box like that,” left tackle Jordan Mailata said. “It’s not a cockiness thing, it’s just based on the scheme that we have and also the guys up front, knowing that if we can get to these calls and execute them, huge gains.” — Tim McManus
Stat to know: Hurts has rushed for a touchdown in five straight games, including playoffs, which is tied for the longest streak of his career (five straight games from 2024 Weeks 7-11). — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Barkley will record at least 25 rushing attempts. Not only are the Eagles a run-heavy team with a minus-9% pass rate over expectation (per NFL Next Gen Stats), but the Rams encourage runs against their defense. Teams facing the Rams have recorded a minus-11% pass rate over expectation, the third lowest of any defense. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: Rams QB Matthew Stafford has shown excellent rapport with WRs Puka Nacua and Davante Adams so far this season. And he has completed 15 passes that traveled 15 or more yards downfield. Facing an Eagles defensive front that’s ranked sixth with a 33.6% run stop win rate, the Rams would be wise to attack Philadelphia through the air. See Week 3 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Rams are 6-0 ATS (against the spread) in their past six road games. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Rams 24, Eagles 20 Moody’s pick: Eagles 23, Rams 20 Walder’s pick: Eagles 28, Rams 24 FPI prediction: PHI, 57.1% (by an average of 3 points)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 54.9/100 ESPN BET: GB -7.5 (41.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Packers: Green Bay hasn’t gotten its running game going yet, and now it faces the No. 1 rushing defense in the league. The Browns have allowed only 92 rushing yards in their first two games. While RB Josh Jacobs has rushing touchdowns in each of the first two games (and has scored in a franchise record 10 straight dating to 2024), he averages only 3.6 yards per carry. “Obviously we all know what Josh did last year, so I think [for] teams, that’s kind of the game plan coming into it,” QB Jordan Love said. — Rob Demovsky
What we’re hearing on the Browns: This week, the Browns have said that they are “hyperaware” of Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons, who can rush from all over the defensive front. But limiting Parsons’ impact also means finding an effective run game that keeps Cleveland out of obvious passing situations. After playing 20 snaps and recording a game-high 61 rushing yards in his debut, rookie RB Quinshon Judkins is expected to get a greater workload in his second game. “He has the ability to kind of be a game breaker,” QB Joe Flacco said. — Daniel Oyefusi
Stat to know: On snaps that Parsons has played this season, the average opponent QBR is 14. When he’s off the field, the QBR jumps to 60. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Packers DT Karl Brooks will record a sack. Brooks typically lines up opposite the offense’s right side, and Browns G Wyatt Teller has the worst pass block win rate among guards (81.1%) in the league. Plus, having Parsons rushing the passer tends to generate sack opportunities for those around him. — Walder
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Yates: Josh Jacobs a fantasy asset for the rest of the season
Field Yates breaks down the upside to Josh Jacobs and the Packers in fantasy this season.
Fantasy nugget: Running back Jerome Ford led the Browns in snaps and targets in Week 2, but Judkins handled 10 rushing attempts despite missing all of camp and preseason. As mentioned, his early usage suggests he could lead the Browns’ backfield in touches in Week 3. See Week 3 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Browns are 7-15 ATS as underdogs over the past three seasons. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Packers 35, Browns 10 Moody’s pick: Packers 27, Browns 13 Walder’s pick: Packers 26, Browns 6 FPI prediction: GB, 71% (by an average of 8.4 points)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 49.8/100 ESPN BET: MIN -2.5 (41.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Bengals: This could be the week the Bengals finally get their run game rolling, as they have the league’s worst rushing attack through two games. The Vikings are 26th in the league with 5.2 yards allowed per carry. If Cincinnati can be effective on the ground, that could help QB Jake Browning in his first start of the season. “[It] needs to be better,” offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said. “No question. There are certainly things that we will investigate that we think can help that.” — Ben Baby
What we’re hearing on the Vikings: The Vikings have run a league-low 95 offensive plays this season, a fact coach Kevin O’Connell has repeatedly bemoaned as he has tried to find ways to use an array of talented skill players. One of the key reasons has been a 30.4% conversion rate on third down, the fourth lowest in the NFL. They might find more daylight against a Bengals defense that has been on the field for 151 plays this season, fourth most in the league. Cincinnati has also allowed the NFL’s third-highest third-down conversion rate (51.7%). — Kevin Seifert
Stat to know: Browning has a 71.5% career completion rate as a starter, which is the third-highest mark by any signal-caller in his first seven starts since QB starts were first tracked in 1950 (minimum 200 attempts), behind Jayden Daniels (75.6%) and Chad Pennington (73.7%). — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Browning andCarson Wentz will each record a 60 QBR or higher. In both cases, the drop-off might not be as steep as expected. For Browning, it’s because of his track record (career 62 QBR and plus-3% completion percentage over expectation). For Wentz, it’s because of O’Connell, who gets the most out of his quarterbacks. (Remember Joshua Dobbs‘ run in Minnesota in 2023?) — Walder
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Why Stephen A. is worried for Jake Browning, Bengals
Stephen A. Smith says the Bengals’ offensive line is a major cause of concern.
Fantasy nugget: Vikings RB Jordan Mason is set to handle most of the backfield work since Aaron Jones Sr. is sidelined by a hamstring injury. Mason is averaging 4.1 yards per carry behind an offensive line that ranks ninth in run block win rate (73.6%). The matchup is favorable, too, as the Bengals have given up the second-most fantasy points to running backs this season. See Week 3 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Wentz is 27-38 ATS as a starter since 2018 (his third season). He is 3-6 ATS since 2022. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Vikings 21, Bengals 17 Moody’s pick: Bengals 31, Vikings 27 Walder’s pick: Bengals 27, Vikings 20 FPI prediction: MIN, 55.6% (by an average of 2.2 points)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 49.7/100 ESPN BET: WSH -3.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Raiders: Defensive tackle Jonah Laulu has been a pleasant surprise. Laulu, a 2024 seventh-rounder, has already totaled three sacks and four pressures through two games. Last season, he had only one sack in 17 games (seven starts). “He’s just blossomed,” coach Pete Carroll said. “He had enough plays on film coming off of last year that caught my eye. … He’s done a nice job. He’s been very active, been really consistent with his play.” — Ryan McFadden
What we’re hearing on the Commanders: Washington allowed Green Bay TE Tucker Kraft to catch six passes for 124 yards in Week 2 — and now it must face arguably the top player at that position in Brock Bowers. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said eye discipline was a key issue versus the Packers; too often, the Commanders lost sight of Kraft because of late motion or play-actions that fooled them. Washington will have to handle that much better versus Bowers, who lines up all over the field. “He’s a dynamic young tight end,” Whitt said. “You have to treat him like a receiver.” — John Keim
Stat to know: The Raiders’ defense has allowed 3.2 yards per rush this season — fourth fewest in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Commanders are averaging 5.3 yards per rush — third most. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Raiders QB Geno Smith will connect on multiple 30-plus air yard passes. Through two weeks, the Raiders have fun vertical routes 35% of the time — the second-highest rate in the league. And Smith has never been shy about taking some chances with his arm. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt appears to be the front-runner for the most touches in Washington’s backfield after Austin Ekeler tore his right Achilles in Week 2. The preseason standout has averaged 7.1 yards per carry on 14 attempts, and he’s firmly on the flex radar. The Commanders could lean on the run heavily since QB Jayden Daniels is dealing with a knee injury. See Week 3 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Raiders have covered six straight games on short rest. The Commanders are 11-29-1 ATS on short rest since 2013. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Commanders 28, Raiders 20 Moody’s pick: Commanders 37, Raiders 31 Walder’s pick: Raiders 34, Commanders 31 FPI prediction: WSH, 60.6% (by an average of 4.7 points)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 48.1/100 ESPN BET: JAX -1.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Texans: Texans QB C.J. Stroud said “we’re really close” to turning the season around after starting 0-2, pinpointing that Houston was “one or two plays away” from being 2-0. While that’s true, the offense has to score more than the 14 points per game it’s averaging. Watch to see how effective the offense is this week, because falling to 0-3 for the first time since 2020 could create a hole the Texans can’t get out of. — DJ Bien-Aime
What we’re hearing on the Jaguars: There isn’t a high level of concern about WR Brian Thomas Jr.’s slow start (five catches for 60 yards), but the Jaguars admit they have to get him going. Coach Liam Coen said he had a productive conversation with Thomas this week, and he has support from QB Trevor Lawrence, too. “Obviously we would’ve loved to start off hot these first two games and have our connection be ripping and me finding him everywhere and him having a great year and all those things,” Lawrence said. “But we’re in Week [3] everybody, so I think we can all just take a deep breath, give B.T. a little space. He’s going to be just fine.” — Michael DiRocco
Stat to know: Among 51 instances of a QB making at least five starts against a division opponent since 2021, Lawrence’s 39 Total QBR against the Texans (in eight starts) is the second lowest by any signal-caller versus a single division opponent (behind Zach Wilson‘s 20 vs. the Patriots). — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter will run more routes than WR Dyami Brown. This hasn’t been true in a game yet, but it would be a pretty awful sign for Hunter if he can’t surpass Brown on the depth chart quickly, considering the latter’s very unremarkable career to date. Brown has probably been a little better than expected (1.9 yards per route run, though his two drops sting), but Hunter should become the No. 2 guy in Jacksonville very soon. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: The Texans’ defensive front might lead the league with a 56.8% pass rush win rate, but Houston ranks 24th with a 27.5% run stop win rate. That could push the Jaguars to lean on RBs Travis Etienne Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten. Jacksonville leads the league with 169.5 rushing yards per game behind an offensive line that ranks fifth with a 75.7% run block win rate. See Week 3 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Unders are 13-6 in Texans games since the start of last season, the highest under rate in the NFL. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Jaguars 27, Texans 20 Moody’s pick: Texans 20, Jaguars 14 Walder’s pick: Jaguars 24, Texans 20 FPI prediction: JAX, 52.9% (by an average of 1.5 points)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 43.1/100 ESPN BET: TB -6.5 (43.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Jets: The Jets have an enormous amount of confidence in veteran QB Tyrod Taylor, whom guard John Simpson described as “super swaggy.” Taylor, who replaces Justin Fields (concussion), has four touchdown passes and zero interceptions in three Jets appearances since 2024 — all mop-up duty. This will be his first start in 624 days (2023, Week 18). Taylor can be more effective from the pocket than Fields, but New York loses a lot without the threat of Fields’ running abilities. — Rich Cimini
What we’re hearing on the Buccaneers: The Bucs have now lost DT Calijah Kancey (pectoral) and G Cody Mauch (knee) for the season, while LT Tristan Wirfs is recovering from knee surgery and RT Luke Goedeke is expected to miss time with a foot injury. They’ve had to take the phrase “next man up” to a whole new level. G/C Ben Bredeson said of QB Baker Mayfield keeping the Bucs in games: “I think his leadership is incredible. There’s no one I’d rather follow in a two-minute drill. He goes in there with the utmost confidence and on fourth-and-10 is able to get out of something like that, scramble, get us a first down, pop up, lead the troops right down the field.” — Jenna Laine
Stat to know: WR Garrett Wilson has a 37% target share on the Jets offense this season. Only two players have had a target share that high in a full season: Brandon Marshall (Bears) in 2012 and Steve Smith Sr. (Panthers) in 2005. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Bucs LB SirVocea Dennis will lead the NFL in tackles this week. Among linebackers with at least 80 snaps played this season, Dennis ranks second in run stop win rate (53%) and is tied for eighth in tackle rate versus the run. There should be plenty of tackle opportunities against the run-heavy Jets. — Walder
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Why Mark Schlereth loves Baker Mayfield’s journey in the NFL
Mark Schlereth joins the “The Rich Eisen Show” to express how impressed he is with Baker Mayfield’s career progression.
Fantasy nugget: Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka has had at least six targets and 13 fantasy points in both games this season. He reached 23.6 points in Week 1, but there’s a development in Week 2 that should excite fantasy managers. Egbuka played more snaps than Mike Evans and ran a similar number of routes. The Bucs are making an effort to use Egbuka both out wide and in the slot during two- or three-receiver sets. So the rookie is effectively a 1B to Evans’ 1A. See Week 3 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Jets are 19-39-1 ATS as road underdogs over the past decade (since 2016). Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Buccaneers 24, Jets 20 Moody’s pick: Buccaneers 34, Jets 19 Walder’s pick: Jets 20, Buccaneers 17 FPI prediction: TB, 70.1% (by an average of 8.4 points)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 41.4/100 ESPN BET: PIT -1.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Steelers: Improving in the run game is an emphasis for the Steelers — on both sides of the ball. Through two games, the offense ranks 30th in yards per game (62.5) and yards per carry (3.0), while the defense is 28th in rushing yards per game allowed (149.5) and 22nd in yards per carry allowed (4.4). “We were getting knocked around a little bit last year,” said defensive coordinator Teryl Austin when asked if the run defense’s issues are similar to last year’s. “This year, we are not getting knocked around.” — Brooke Pryor
What we’re hearing on the Patriots: Starting CB Christian Gonzalez, who missed the first two games with a hamstring injury, was a limited participant in the first two practices of the week and thus has a chance to make his 2025 debut. If he does, a matchup against WR DK Metcalf (who experienced success against him in 2024) would loom large. “He’s a great receiver. He can change the game in a lot of ways — stretch the field, doing screens, doing a lot of things with him,” Gonzalez said. “I learned a lot from him last year and 1758284752 we’re focused on this year.” — Mike Reiss
Stat to know: The Steelers have allowed 31.5 points per game through the first two games of 2025, tied with 2018 for the most allowed through the opening two games under coach Mike Tomlin. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Patriots CB Carlton Davis III will record an interception. He has a strong 0.6 yards per coverage snap so far this season (average for an outside corner is 1.1). And if Gonzalez returns to action, he would push even more targets Davis’ way. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: Patriots QB Drake Maye finished with 26.3 fantasy points in Week 2, showcasing his dual-threat ability and spreading the ball efficiently. He is well-positioned for success against a Steelers defense that has already allowed strong games to the Jets’ Justin Fields (29.5) and the Seahawks’ Sam Darnold (15.8). Like Fields, Maye should be able to exploit Pittsburgh on the ground. See Week 3 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Steelers are 0-2 ATS for the first time since 2019. They have not started 0-3 ATS since 2013. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Steelers 27, Patriots 24 Moody’s pick: Patriots 23, Steelers 17 Walder’s pick: Steelers 22, Patriots 19 FPI prediction: PIT, 49.8% (by an average of 0.1 points)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 30.9/100 ESPN BET: IND -4.5 (43.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Colts: The Colts might be 2-0, but they ranked 30th in defensive pressures (12) and 25th in sacks (3.0). This game might provide an opportunity to get the pass rush going. Tennessee has allowed a league-high 11 sacks and yielded 29 pressures (tied for sixth). The Colts are hoping to get defensive end Laiatu Latu, their 2024 first-round pick, back after he missed last Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. — Stephen Holder
What we’re hearing on the Titans: RB Jonathan Taylor rushed for 218 yards the last time he saw the Titans, so they will need to be better this time around. A huge part of that will depend on DT T’Vondre Sweat‘s status, as he is dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out last week. With Sweat in the lineup, the Titans’ run defense held opponents to 4.2 yards per carry (which would have been eighth fewest), but without him, those numbers bumped to 5.3 yards per carry (worst in the NFL). — Turron Davenport
Stat to know: Indianapolis is the first team in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) with zero punts through the first two games of the season. No team has gone three straight games without a punt since at least 1940. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Titans RB Tony Pollard will score his first touchdown of the season. Through two weeks, no running back is playing a higher percentage of their team’s offensive snaps than Pollard (89%). If the Titans have a scoring opportunity, there’s a good chance it will be with Pollard getting the ball. — Walder
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0:51
Jonathan Taylor impressed with Daniel Jones as Colts QB
Jonathan Taylor joins “The Rich Eisen Show” to discuss what it is like having Daniel Jones as his quarterback.
Fantasy nugget: Colts QB Daniel Jones scored 29.4 fantasy points in Week 1, then followed it up with 22.8 against a tough Broncos defense. His career renaissance could continue with a favorable matchup against a Titans defense that allowed Rams QB Matthew Stafford to finish with 298 passing yards and two touchdowns last week. Tennessee’s defensive front ranks 23rd in pass rush win rate (32.7%), so Jones should have plenty of time to throw. He’s a high-end QB2 this week. See Week 3 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Titans are 0-3 ATS as road favorites since the start of last season. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Colts 33, Titans 13 Moody’s pick: Colts 24, Titans 13 Walder’s pick: Titans 20, Colts 16 FPI prediction: IND, 66% (by an average of 6.1 points)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 29.9/100 ESPN BET: ATL -5.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Falcons: The Falcons had a goal to be the top offense in the league this season, but their defense has actually carried them thus far (outside of the terrific play of RB Bijan Robinson). Atlanta is 29th in the league in success rate in the red zone (26.1%), and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson acknowledged that “it’s definitely something we’ve gotta get fixed.” QB Michael Penix Jr. said he’s looking forward to the pass and run game clicking at the same time to “see how electric we can be.” — Marc Raimondi
What we’re hearing on the Panthers: QB Bryce Young had arguably the best performance of his career in the 2024 season finale against the Falcons, throwing for 252 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for two more. The key was that Atlanta never seriously pressured him, but things are different this week. Young is facing an Atlanta defense that found its groove last week with six sacks in a win over Minnesota. — David Newton
Stat to know: Young threw for career highs in completions (35), attempts (55) and passing yards (328) in Week 2. Young has never passed for 300-plus yards in consecutive games. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Robinson will record at least 50 rushing yards after contact. Not only is Robinson elusive, but the Panthers are allowing 2.5 yards after contact per carry, third most in the NFL. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: The Falcons’ defense could be a smart pickup since it just put on a master class, forcing four turnovers and allowing just six points to Minnesota. Atlanta ranks eighth in run stop win rate (33.3%), which could force Young to throw more. Young has already been sacked four times and thrown three interceptions this season. See Week 3 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Panthers have covered five straight games as home underdogs. They are 8-2 ATS. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Falcons 21, Panthers 14 Moody’s pick: Falcons 24, Panthers 17 Walder’s pick: Falcons 23, Panthers 21 FPI prediction: ATL, 56.4% (by an average of 2.6 points)
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 70.6/100 ESPN BET: LAC -2.5 (45.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Broncos: It will bear watching how effective the Broncos are in their attempts to make Chargers QB Justin Herbert uncomfortable in the pocket. After a six-sack performance against Titans rookie Cam Ward, the Broncos sent five or more rushers on 58% of Daniel Jones’ dropbacks last Sunday in Indianapolis. Denver sacked him only once and Jones finished with 316 passing yards. Herbert has faced the fifth-highest blitz rate in the league so far (37%), but he has a 72% completion rate with five touchdowns and zero interceptions behind plenty of heavy formations. The Broncos have to find a way to unsettle him. — Jeff Legwold
What we’re hearing on the Chargers: The Chargers swept Denver in two matchups last season, but this time they will have to be without edge rusher Khalil Mack, their team leader in QB pressures (five, tied with Tuli Tuipulotu). He was placed on injured reserve with an elbow injury after the win on Monday night but is not expected to be out for the season. “He’s like the Wolverine,” coach Jim Harbaugh said. “Toughest thing I’ve ever seen.” — Kris Rhim
Stat to know: According to ESPN Analytics/NFL Next Gen Stats, Broncos QB Bo Nix‘s three interceptions this season have been versus zone coverage, tied with the Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa for the most. The Chargers have played zone coverage on 66% of opponent dropbacks, the sixth-highest mark this season. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Herbert will throw at least 37 pass attempts — yes, even against Pat Surtain II and the Broncos. The Chargers have the highest pass rate over expectation (plus-12%) so far this season, per NFL Next Gen Stats. — Walder
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0:27
Justin Herbert: “All I gotta do is get him the ball”
Justin Herbert’s impressed with Keenan Allen’s offensive performance.
Fantasy nugget: Herbert is spreading targets among Ladd McConkey (14), Quentin Johnston (14) and Keenan Allen (16) — all three are running a similar number of routes. Though that spread of wealth is not ideal for fantasy, each receiver remains a good start in most leagues. See Week 3 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Broncos are 5-1 ATS in their past six games following a loss. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Chargers 16, Broncos 10 Moody’s pick: Chargers 27, Broncos 23 Walder’s pick: Chargers 30, Broncos 20 FPI prediction: LAC, 56% (by an average of 2.5 points)
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 31.7/100 ESPN BET: SEA -7.5 (41.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Saints: Saints QB Spencer Rattler is coming off the best game of his career, in which he threw three touchdown passes. However, Rattler is still searching for his first win and is 0-8 as a starter. This will be his fourth career road start, and he said the theme this week is “be poised in the noise,” with the team acknowledging that playing in Seattle will be a challenge. To prepare, coach Kellen Moore had officials at practice again and said he planned to have speakers simulate the noise from the stadium. The Saints will also travel to Seattle early to practice there Friday. — Katherine Terrell
What we’re hearing on the Seahawks: The Seahawks are home favorites, but they don’t need any reminders about the dangers of a letdown game. Last October, they lost 29-20 to a Giants team that also came to Lumen Field as 7.5-point underdogs. “I think that ‘Any given Sunday’ quote is something that’s just so real and believable in this league,” veteran DT Leonard Williams said. “Literally any week, any team can win. So you never want to overlook a team.” — Brady Henderson
Stat to know: Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba is seeking to become the first player in franchise history with three straight games of 100-plus receiving yards to begin a season. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Seahawks will sack Rattler six or more times in a win. Through two games, Seattle’s pass rush has been a bright spot, ranking third in pass rush win rate (49.1%). — Walder
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1:04
Could the Seahawks win the NFC West?
Dan Orlovsky joins “Get Up” to break down why the Seattle Seahawks have a legitimate shot at winning the NFC West this season.
Fantasy nugget: Saints TE Juwan Johnson has stockpiled 20 targets this season, scoring at least 15 fantasy points in both games. He has played 97.8% of the Saints’ offensive snaps and run 74 routes, the most of any tight end in the league. This season, no defense has given up more fantasy points to tight ends than the Seahawks. See Week 3 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Saints are 1-5 ATS in their past six road games. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Seahawks 34, Saints 10 Moody’s pick: Seahawks 31, Saints 20 Walder’s pick: Seahawks 27, Saints 13 FPI prediction: SEA, 65.5% (by an average of 5.9 points)
4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 60.6/100 ESPN BET: SF -2.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Cardinals: Though the Cardinals are off to a 2-0 start for the third time in the past six seasons, second-year WR Marvin Harrison Jr. isn’t off to the start he was hoping for. Through two games, he has seven catches on 11 targets for 98 yards and a touchdown. Harrison isn’t happy he’s not having more of an impact on the offense — and he’s not the only one. Coach Jonathan Gannon said Arizona needs more production from Harrison. “It’s always frustrating when you may not get the impact that you kind of want in the game, especially when you put in so much work,” Harrison said. — Josh Weinfuss
What we’re hearing on the 49ers: Corralling Cardinals QB Kyler Murray has always been a battle for the 49ers. Murray is 4-4 in his eight starts against San Francisco, and his ability to make plays with his legs has been an issue in most of those games. “The ability to make the off-schedule plays, that’s always kind of given us fits,” LB Fred Warner said. “We’re going to try to do our best to try to contain him, but at the end of the day, he’s going to make his plays. We’ve got to just limit the damage.” Murray has averaged 52.8 rushing yards per game against the Niners in his career, his second-highest mark against any team he has played more than twice. — Nick Wagoner
Stat to know: The Cardinals are 2-0 this season despite being outgained by at least 25 yards in each game. The 2020 Seahawks are the only team this century to start a season 3-0 while being outgained by at least 25 yards in each game. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: 49ers WR Kendrick Bourne will record six or more receptions. Bourne played 49% of San Francisco’s offensive snaps in his first game back with the team last week. I have to imagine that number will steadily rise. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: Niners QB Mac Jones is in a good spot this week, especially for managers in desperate need of a streamer because of injuries. Arizona has allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game (255.5) this season. See Week 3 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Cardinals have covered five straight games as underdogs. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: 49ers 27, Cardinals 22 Moody’s pick: 49ers 24, Cardinals 21 Walder’s pick: Cardinals 27, 49ers 19 FPI prediction: ARI, 51.5% (by an average of 0.7 points)
4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 46.9/100 ESPN BET: DAL -1.5 (50.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Cowboys: QB Dak Prescott‘s start to the season has been impressive. It’s not just the raw numbers — 549 yards, which would be more without five drops — either. He is also completing 75% of his passes on third down and 64% of his passes when pressured. “I think he’s playing how we would expect him to play. We have a high standard for Dak and the way he’s supposed to perform,” coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “I think there’s a confidence about him right now, which is great.” — Todd Archer
What we’re hearing on the Bears: Former Bears coach Matt Eberflus is returning to Soldier Field as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. There’s probably no other coach who knows as much about QB Caleb Williams‘ tendencies and ways to attack them than Eberflus, but Williams views this chess match the way he would with any other defensive coordinator. Coach Ben Johnson, on the other hand, picked the brains of people inside Halas Hall to get information on Eberflus’ schematic tendencies and how he approached Johnson’s offenses in Detroit. “I feel like we know what he knows, and we’ll be just fine there,” Johnson said. — Courtney Cronin
Stat to know: Prescott is seeking his 18th game (and second straight) with 350 passing yards and two touchdown throws. If he achieves this feat, Prescott would pass Tom Brady for second most in the NFL since 2016 (behind Patrick Mahomes‘ 21). — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Bears will score 30-plus points. Here’s a number that stands out to me: Chicago ranks fifth in expected completed air yards per attempt (5.9). That’s a mouthful, I know. But that number indicates the play designs are working. Against Dallas, I could see it coming together for some offensive fireworks. — Walder
play
1:32
Stephen A. confused by Ben Johnson’s comments on Bears’ habits
Stephen A. Smith reacts to Bears coach Ben Johnson’s comments about their practice habits not being good enough.
Fantasy nugget: Williams finished with just 17 fantasy points against Detroit, but he connected with seven different receivers throughout the afternoon. He showed excellent chemistry with WR Rome Odunze, who finished with 31.8 fantasy points on seven receptions. Now, Williams faces a Cowboys defense that gave up 30.2 fantasy points to the Giants’ Russell Wilson last week. See Week 3 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Cowboys are 4-1 ATS in their past five games as underdogs. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Bears 27, Cowboys 24 Moody’s pick: Cowboys 38, Bears 28 Walder’s pick: Bears 34, Cowboys 24 FPI prediction: DAL, 53.3% (by an average of 1.5 points)
What we’re hearing on the Chiefs: One key factor for the Chiefs’ defense will be taking the ball away, as they haven’t done that all season. “Turnovers affect the game,” DT Chris Jones said. “It can completely change the game. As a defense, we have to find ways to create more turnovers and give the ball back to [QB Patrick Mahomes] and coach [Andy] Reid. If we give the ball back to them, points will be generated.” Since the Chiefs’ offense has struggled, a pivotal highlight from the defense could be what sparks Mahomes and the offense to score enough points for the first victory of the season. — Nate Taylor
What we’re hearing on the Giants: Just because the Chiefs are 0-2 doesn’t mean the Giants look at them any differently than a Super Bowl contender. DL Dexter Lawrence II chuckled at the idea that they have slipped, noting Kansas City still has most of its core players and the “best of the best” in Mahomes. The Chiefs are still among the league’s best teams despite their record, according to Lawrence. “That just don’t disappear,” he said. — Jordan Raanan
Stat to know: With a passing and rushing touchdown in both games, Mahomes is looking to become the third quarterback in NFL history to record a TD run and pass in the first three games of a season. He’d join Jack Kemp (1965) and Kyler Murray (2020). — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Chiefs will record positive EPA (expected points added) per designed carry. That would be a huge step for them, considering they are averaging minus-0.1 EPA per carry. But the Giants’ defense ranks second worst in EPA allowed per designed carry (0.17), so that could quell the ills of the Kansas City ground attack. — Walder
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How concerning are the Chiefs’ early offensive struggles?
Dan Orlovsky breaks down why he is “not confident” the Chiefs can get their offense back on track this season.
Fantasy nugget: In Week 2, the Giants’ Russell Wilson became just the sixth QB to throw for 400 yards with three different teams. Wide receiver Malik Nabers‘ 238 receiving yards through two games were the most by a Giants player since 1984. Nabers is a must-start this week, while Wilson is a viable streamer. But don’t sleep on WR Wan’Dale Robinson, who finished with 10 targets and 28.2 points in Week 2. See Week 3 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Wilson is 18-8 ATS in his career as an underdog of at least four points. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Chiefs 20, Giants 10 Moody’s pick: Chiefs 27, Giants 20 Walder’s pick: Chiefs 23, Giants 20 FPI prediction: KC, 65.2% (by an average of 6.3 points)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN | Matchup rating: 90.1/100 ESPN BET: BAL -4.5 (53.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Lions: Although it was two seasons ago, the Lions haven’t forgotten about their last meeting in Baltimore — an embarrassing 38-6 loss in 2023. “You don’t forget those because we didn’t even give ourselves a chance,” coach Dan Campbell said. Coming off a dominant win, Detroit is preparing to match that physical nature against the Ravens, but feels more prepared this time around. “The physicality of this game is gonna be high. We know that,” said receivers coach Scottie Montgomery. “And that’s what we have to accept, and we have to do a lot better than we did last time.” — Eric Woodyard
What we’re hearing on the Ravens: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson doesn’t like to talk about his remarkable record against the NFC because it could jinx it. Jackson is 24-2 against the conference, which is the best mark by any starting quarterback in interconference games since the AFC and NFC were created in 1970. He is 2-0 against the Lions, totaling five touchdowns and one interception. His dominance over the NFC shows that it’s difficult to beat Jackson and his unpredictable playing style when you don’t face him regularly. — Jamison Hensley
Stat to know: Over the first two games of the season, Jackson and Lions QB Jared Goff are tied for the most passing TDs in the NFL, at six each. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Lions CB Terrion Arnold will allow at least 80 yards and a touchdown to WRs Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, combined. Arnold has allowed 3.2 yards per coverage snap as the nearest defender — highest in the league among outside corners with at least 50 coverage snaps — per NFL Next Gen Stats. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: Flowers has a 42.6% team target share this season. The only other receiver with a share over 40% is the Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Flowers recorded nine or more targets and 15-plus fantasy points in both games this season. He’ll be busy again, as this matchup has one of the highest totals on the slate. See Week 3 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: This is the third game this season with an over/under that’s higher than 50 points (Ravens-Bills: 51.5, Jaguars-Bengals: 50.5). The previous two both went over the total. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Ravens 30, Lions 23 Moody’s pick: Ravens 31, Lions 28 Walder’s pick: Ravens 34, Lions 20 FPI prediction: BAL, 57.3% (by an average of 2.7 points)
Mumbai Police`s Crime Branch on Friday said that it has arrested two men from Powai area of western suburbs for allegedly altering mobile phone IMEI numbers.
The accused, arrested by Unit 6 of the Mumbai Crime Branch, have been identified as Ramprasad Sargun Rajbhar (37) and Gulam Rasool Rashid Khan, a mobile shop owner and mobile technician from Powai, said an official.
According to sources, acting on a tip-off, police raided the shop and discovered that the accused were using an “App Unlock Tool” via Google Chrome to tamper with mobile IMEI numbers.
During interrogation, it was confirmed that the accused were engaged in the illegal tamper of IMEI numbers of phones, an official said.
The duo were booked under the relevant sections of the BNS. After medical examination, they were produced before a Mumbai court.
“We have seized property including forged and suspicious second-hand mobile phones,” said an officer from the crime branch.
A raid was carried out under the supervision of Police Inspector Bharat Ghone of Unit 6 of Crime Branch in Chembur area of Mumbai.
PoliceInspector Sushant Sawant`s team is further conducting further investigation.
Kano traditional ruler, Hakimin Kabo and Sarkin Gabas, Alhaji Idris Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo, has died
The 48-year-old monarch reportedly died in a road accident and has been scheduled to be buried on Friday morning, September 19
Alhaji Idris was the son of the respected elder statesman and founder of Kabo Air, the late Jarman Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo
The Hakimin Kabo and Sarkin Gabas of Kano State, Alhaji Idris Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo, has reportedly died at the age of 48. The traditional ruler was said to have died in a road accident in Kano city.
The late Alhaji Idris was the son of the respected elder statesman and founder of Kabo Air, the late Jarman Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo.
Alhaji Idris Muhammad Adamu Dankabo is dead
Photo Credit: Sanusi II Dynasty Source: Facebook
According to The Nation, Idris has carried on with the legacy of the family in service and leadership across the Kano Emirate. He was survived by his wife and two children.
The Jana’iza (Funeral Prayer) has been scheduled to be held at 10:00 am at the Emir’s Palace. His funeral is expected to be led by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Kano monarch dies week after Maulud celebration
His death came barely a week after Maulud Nabiyy, a period meant to commemorate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was celebrated in the state. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano declared Friday, September 12, a public holiday to celebrate the day.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the state commissioner for information and internal affairs, where the government urged the people to remain peaceful in their celebration and in line with the teachings of the Prophet.
A week earlier, the federal government declared Friday, September 5, as a public holiday in Nigeria in honour of the celebration of the Eid-ul-Mawlid, the birthday of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW).
The Ministry of Interior announced this in a statement signed by its permanent secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, in Abuja on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. The statement was signed on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and by extension, the federal government.
The Kano government declared a public holiday
Photo Credit: @Kyusufabba Source: Twitter
What is the Islamic holiday Eid-ul-Maulud?
Eid-ul-Maulud is an Islamic holiday celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, observed yearly on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Muslims commemorate this day by reflecting on the Prophet’s life and teachings, engaging in spiritual observances like special prayers, and participating in community events and processions.
The celebration encourages Muslims to emulate the Prophet’s exemplary character, fostering love, patience, and tolerance, while also promoting acts of charity and unity within the community.
Kano governor announces employment opportunity
Legit.ng earlier reported that Kano state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has appointed 4,315 teachers as permanent and pensionable civil servants.
Ebenezer Akarah, the CEO/Founder, Bricks to Crib Group of Companies, disclosed the several opportunities Nigeria is missing by ignoring its potential in the charcoal industry.
Charcoal may seem like a small player in Nigeria’s economy, but it holds the potential to become a billion-dollar revenue stream if only the system worked. The recent clarification by the National Charcoal Producers, Dealers, and Exporters Association of Nigeria (NACPDEAN) shows that charcoal exports are not banned.
Ebenezer Akarah unveils the opportunity Nigeria is missing in the Charcoal industry.
Credit: Ebenerzer Akarah Source: Facebook
They are legal, provided exporters follow the rules. Yet confusion persists, exposing Nigeria’s broader governance weakness: policies that exist on paper but are poorly communicated and weakly enforced.
This regulatory fog keeps the sector disorganised, discourages investment, and leaks value that should be flowing into Nigeria’s economy. Instead of fueling growth, unclear rules stifle opportunity.
Namibia’s example vs Nigeria’s reality
Namibia, with a much smaller economy than Nigeria, has built a structured, profitable charcoal industry.
Through transparent licensing, strong monitoring, and sustainability certification, producers there can plan long-term, investors trust the system, and government revenues are steady.
In contrast, Nigeria remains stuck in confusion. Although regulations exist, weak communication and inconsistent enforcement mean producers and exporters operate in the shadows.
The result? Missed opportunities for jobs, foreign exchange, and sustainable forest management.
The cost of confusion
If the law allows exports, why is Nigeria not seeing growth, confidence, or foreign inflows? The answer is simple: unclear communication. Without clarity, Nigeria risks losing a valuable non-oil revenue stream at the very time diversification has become a survival strategy.
To illustrate, think of a small Lagos bakery owner whose Instagram sales collapsed when her account was restricted.
She later discovered she had unknowingly violated an obscure copyright rule. By then, she had lost 40% of her revenue. That is Nigeria’s forest economy in miniature—crippled not by lack of demand, but by silent, unclear rules.
Nigeria’s situation looks worse when compared with its peers. Namibia exported 270,000 tonnes of certified charcoal worth N$1.3 billion in 2023. Kenya sells at $770 per tonne through community forestry and certification. Meanwhile, Nigeria managed just 443 tonnes valued at $119,470—with no standard pricing, oversight, or certification.
The UAE still accepts Nigerian charcoal, offering a rare diplomatic opening. But unlike Namibia and Kenya, which send clean, certified consignments, Nigeria’s exports are often uncertified and undervalued, leaving foreign distributors to profit while Nigeria loses.
Fixing the broken chain
NACPDEAN has been clear: since January 2023, charcoal exports require approvals from the Ministries of Environment and Finance, duty payments, and afforestation commitments.
The problem is not the absence of rules, but poor communication and weak enforcement.
To unlock the sector’s potential, Nigeria needs a three-pronged reform strategy:
Clear and collaborative regulation was developed with producers, community leaders, and environmental experts.
Technological enforcement through digital permits, traceability, and community forest management.
Export certification aligned with international sustainability standards to secure premium markets.
With global benchmarks, sustainable practices, and youth and women trained in low-emission production, Nigeria could unlock $2–3 billion annually from its forest economy.
What’s the way forward?
The lesson is clear: regulated supply earns higher prices and credibility. Nigeria already has the production scale; what it lacks is enforcement and vision.
The forest is paying. It’s time for Nigeria to collect. With clarity, transparency, and fair management, charcoal can shift from a smouldering potential to a vibrant, sustainable revenue source for the nation.
Why charcoal is not on Nigeria’s economic map, CEO explains
Legit.ng previously reported that when the federal government announced at the 2025 Forest Economy Summit its plan to unlock $2 billion from Nigeria’s forest economy, it sounded like real progress.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, stressed urgency, warning that over 90% of our original forest cover is already gone.
Yet, there’s a contradiction at the heart of this initiative: while advocating a sustainable forest economy, the government is quietly restricting charcoal exports, a forest product with huge export potential.
Bill Connelly is a writer for ESPN. He covers college football, soccer and tennis. He has been at ESPN since 2019.
One of the lessons we learned in last season’s Champions League league phase was that there’s little sense in playing for draws. Twenty-six teams won at least three of their eight matches, and 24 advanced. Feyenoord lost by scores of 4-0 and 6-1, but advanced with three wins. Club Brugge lost by scores of 3-0, 3-1 and 3-1 and advanced. Hell, three wins for Dinamo Zagreb damn near overcame a 9-2 first-matchday loss to Bayern Munich.
If Matchday 1 of this year’s competition is any indication, teams figured this out, too, because teams were going for it. Sixteen of 18 matches featured at least two goals, and 11 featured at least four. We saw 18 goals after the 80th minute, and it only felt like all those were in the epic 4-4 between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
We know that one matchday won’t teach us everything we need to know about a given competition; in last year’s Champions League, after all, eventual champion Paris Saint-Germain barely salvaged a meek 1-0 win over a bad Girona team, and eventual semifinalist Barcelona lost to Monaco. Reserved reactions are smart, but they’re also no fun whatsoever. So as we do at the start of the club season, we’re going to take the regulator off a bit and overreact.
Here are five things I’m far more confident in than I was when matches began Tuesday.
The only surprise about Arsenal‘s 2-0 win at Athletic Club on Tuesday was that they didn’t score from a set piece. Otherwise, it was just about as Arsenal as an Arsenal match could be in that a) very little happened over a long period of time and b) Arsenal won. They have long been happy to default to “war of attrition” mode (total goals in their first four Champions League league phase matches last season: 4), and following a summer of ambitious spending — eight new acquisitions, nearly €300 million in transfer fees — they now have the depth to really lean on opponents.
That depth earned them three points in Bilbao. Through 70 minutes, the two teams had combined for just 0.9 xG from 17 shots. But in the 72nd minute, substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored on a breakaway assisted by substitute Leandro Trossard, and then Trossard put the match away with a goal (assisted by Martinelli) at the end of another vertical attack in the 87th minute.
Arsenal’s subs were difference-makers. Meanwhile, in a combined 82 minutes, Athletic’s five subs combined for two shots (combined xG: 0.05) and no chances created. In fact, after a decent run of attacking to start the second half, Athletic managed only those two shot attempts in the final 33 minutes.
Arsenal already have the best defensive setup in Europe at a time when many top clubs, including Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, are struggling at times with transition defense and tactical balance. Now coach Mikel Arteta knows he can eventually find attacking answers, too, even if he has to wait for opponents to wear down first. That means he has even less reason to take major tactical risks. Athletic had kept wingers Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke mostly quiet on the night, and they’d gotten away with allowing a couple of decent opportunities to Viktor Gyökeres. But even without injured stars Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz, Arsenal still landed a knockout blow.
You can make an easy case that the Gunners overpaid for both Eze and Gyökeres — both are 27 years old, neither are heavily involved in link-up play or intricate passing sequences, and both could become albatrosses by the end of their respective contracts. But Arsenal can afford them, they’re clearly in win-now mode, and it’s hard not to like their chances of making a run even deeper than last year’s semifinal trip. (I said something similar about their chances in their other primary competition recently.)
Arsenal threw body blows, bided their time and then put the match away. Thrilling? No. Effective in a way that could remain effective through May? Yes.
No other Premier League team will make a major run
Arsenal obviously weren’t the only English club to spend absurd amounts to build roster war chests this summer. In fact, among the Premier League’s Champions League teams alone, their outlay of transfer fees (€293.5 million) was dwarfed by that of Liverpool (€484.7 million) and Chelsea (€339.2 million) and nearly matched by Newcastle’s (€278.9 million). The league threw its financial weight around in an almost unprecedented way.
However, spending power has not bought loads of Champions League runs in recent seasons. After producing all-Premier League finals in 2019 and 2021, the league has averaged only one semifinalist per year since. And aside from Arsenal, the other English teams in this competition are in odd places at the moment.
Liverpool is less a team and more a collection of adrenaline junkies at the moment. They’ve already blown five leads in six matches, including three two-goal leads. Now, they’ve still won five of those six, including all four Premier League matches and Tuesday’s raucous affair against Atlético Madrid. They’ve scored five game-winners after the 82nd minute, too, three in stoppage time. This is an absolute thrill-ride, and with their suddenly epic spending, they’re almost developing a Real Madrid-like inevitability. But Real Madrid’s most clutch squads weren’t blowing leads at this rate, and relying on late heroics is a good way to eventually fall in a knockout competition.
That said, from a stats perspective, their match against Atletico was probably their best of the season. They attempted 20 shots to Atleti’s 10 despite leading most of the way, and their plus-2.1 xG advantage was far greater than in early Premier League wins over Bournemouth, Newcastle and Arsenal (combined: plus-0.3). Yes, it was another blown lead, but it required a couple of miraculous Marcos Llorente goals — the kind he particularly enjoys delivering at Anfield (and Anfield only) — and it was otherwise a one-sided affair. Maybe that’s a good sign.
Manchester City also handled its business just fine this week, eventually easing to a 2-0 win over 10-man Napoli. Napoli were enjoying their only particularly threatening spell at the time of Giovanni Di Lorenzo‘s red card in the 21st minute, and it was one-way traffic from there. It looked for a while that Napoli might be able to will themselves to a 0-0 draw, but Erling Haaland put an end to that in the 56th minute.
Napoli finished with one shot attempt and 26% possession, but that one shot was a close-range effort on a set piece and required a pretty good save from Gianluigi Donnarumma. It was worth 0.17, which just about mirrored the average xG per shot City are allowing in Premier League play. Going back to the 4-3 Club World Cup loss against Al-Hilal, there’s a level of defensive fragility here that makes it hard to trust this team just yet.
Tottenham Hotspur also won their opener, but they did the bare minimum against Villarreal, scoring on a dreadful error from keeper Luiz Júnior in the fourth minute and closing up shop. They attempted just nine shots (0.5 xG) and allowed 10 (0.5). They got the job done, but did nothing to assuage my concerns about their ability to create quality shots — they’re currently 17th in the Premier League in xG per shot — and I’m guessing this is a round-of-16 or quarterfinal team this year.
On paper, Chelsea certainly have the pieces to make a run, but their dramatic Champions League inexperience was laid bare in Munich on Wednesday. Against a sharp Bayern Munich, they were outshot and outrun 3-1. Cole Palmer scored on a counterattack and had a second goal disallowed, but Chelsea ceded control to their hosts in a way that a genuine contender rarely does. They looked like an inexperienced underdog. Not a great start.
Newcastle United probably deserved a better outcome Thursday against Barcelona; they generated more xG in 10 shots (1.4) than Barça did in 19 (1.3), but they were bested by Barça’s high defensive line, possession-hungry play and two goals — one good, one unbelievable — from Marcus Rashford.
The concerns I have for Newcastle in the Premier League — depth and scoring capabilities, basically — certainly apply in the Champions League, and their chances of securing a top-eight finish in the league phase took a hit here.
A Belgian team is making the quarterfinals
Don’t ask me which one, though, because two have a shot.
Since a Super Cup loss to Club Brugge, Belgian champion Union St.-Gilloise — one of the most enjoyable teams to follow in recent years as they leapt from the second division to immediate top-division contention and landed exciting young player after exciting young player — has laid down a path of destruction. They’ve outscored seven Belgian opponents by a combined 15-3 margin this season, and in their first-ever Champions League match on Tuesday, they traded haymakers with PSV for most of an hour, then shut things down and won easily, 3-1.
PSV finally scored in the 90th minute, and they perhaps deserved more after creating shots worth 2.2 xG, but USG generated 3.4 xG from 18 shots. They out-PSV’d PSV.
Club Brugge, meanwhile, out-everythinged Monaco in a 4-1 home win Thursday. They’ve dropped some points in domestic play, but they could be forgiven since, including qualification ties, they’ve outscored five Champions League opponents by a combined 17-3 thus far. Veteran Hans Vanaken and the left-sided duo of Christos Tzolis and Joaquin Seys have combined for seven goals and eight assists; Vanaken had one of each as four different FCB players scored.
Going back to last year’s round-of-16 run, Club Brugge have now won nine of their last 14 UEFA matches. Via the Opta Supercomputer, they now have the 12th-highest projected point total for the league phase now; USG is 11th. Both are ahead of Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Newcastle, Juventus and Atlético Madrid, among many others.
Dutch teams have the far greater history in this competition, but their neighbors to the south are looking great, and they’ve positioned themselves well.
The price tag for Eintracht’s Can Uzun keeps going up
One of the most ruthless aspects of European competitions is that even if an upstart emerges and threatens to upend the status quo, the sport’s powers can pluck that upstart apart in the transfer window before the competition is even over.
Benfica had one of the most impressive teams in the group stage of the Champions League in 2022-23, winning a group with both PSG and Juventus while going unbeaten against both. But Chelsea offered eleventy million Euros (OK, €121 million) for star midfielder Enzo Fernández — who had himself only arrived from River Plate that previous summer — in the January transfer window, and that was that. Benfica still walloped Club Brugge in the round of 16 in February, but they fell with little resistance against Inter Milan in the next round. (Chelsea grabbed another breakout star, Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhailo Mudryk for €70 million in that same window. That one hasn’t worked out quite as well.)
For players on teams that aren’t mega-clubs, European competitions are almost like auditions. Eintracht Frankfurt know this as well as anyone. Omar Marmoush‘s four goals and two assists in 406 Europa League minutes last season helped to provide proof of concept for a €75m January transfer to Manchester City.
For good measure, Hugo Ekitike (four goals and three assists in 809 minutes) then left for Liverpool for €95 million over the summer and even though they aimed for more of a veteran presence with their own summer acquisitions, another young star has quickly emerged. Nineteen-year-old Can Uzun has three goals and two assists in three Bundesliga matches this season, and he made an immediate Champions League impact with a go-ahead goal against Galatasaray on Thursday.
Eintracht have made a lot of money due to their recent run of great talent identification and development, and it seems they’ll probably be rewarded for Uzun’s star turn, too. But it would be awesome to see what they might be capable of if they could keep some of this talent in-house for a bit longer at some point. They scored five goals against Galatasaray even without Marmoush and Ekitike, after all.
If we’re doing some proper scouting for future big moves, here are eight other players who probably saw their respective stock prices rise quite a bit this week under the floodlights.
Ismael Saibari, PSV Eindhoven (24). He’s a central midfielder who plays so advanced that he was second in the Eredivisie in assists last season (11) and ninth in goals (11), and for all the nice words I paid to Union Saint-Gilloise above, Saibari created a couple of spectacular chances to redefine the game, missing opportunities in the sixth (0.54 xG) and 55th (0.80 xG) minutes.
Camilo Durán, Qarabag (23). Qarabag have come to rule Azerbaijan’s Premier League with a veteran-heavy squad, but Durán, acquired this summer from Portugal‘s Portimonense, took full advantage of a shot at Portuguese giants Benfica. He assisted Qarabag’s first goal, then scored its second as the Atlilar (the Horsemen, a pretty fantastic nickname) came back to secure their first-ever group stage victory in the Champions League.
Lamine Camara, Monaco (21). Monaco got absolutely wrecked by Club Brugge, but Camara still filled the box score. He had 20 combined progressive passes and carries and 10 ball recoveries, most of anyone in Matchday 1. He also suffered two fouls and won seven ground duels. He enjoyed a breakout season last year, with seven league assists, and if Monaco did anything right on Thursday, Camara was probably behind it.
Daniel Bassi, Bodo/Glimt (20). He has only just begun to work his way into the rotation for the Arctic Circle club, but in just 45 minutes on Wednesday, he won a penalty, scored to cut Bodo/Glimt’s deficit to 2-1, then played a key role in the sequence that made it 2-2.
Youssoupha Mbodji, Slavia Prague (21). Why was Bodo/Glimt down two goals to begin with? Because Mbodji scored twice, appearing out of nowhere from his left back position to finish two great opportunities.
Georgiy Sudakov, Benfica (23). A Benfica player recently acquired from Shakhtar? He was destined to become a Champions League star! And while his team played poorly enough against Qarabag to get its manager fired, Sudakov was fantastic, creating one assist from two chances and completing 12 progressive passes.
Nicolo Tresoldi, Club Brugge (21). After a couple of solid seasons in the 2. Bundesliga, the 6’0 Tresoldi joined a Champions League team, and including qualification he has two goals and an assist in 226 minutes. He scored Brugge’s first against Monaco, and I’m guessing that’s not his last in the league phase.
Marcus Rashford, Barcelona (27). Have you heard of this up-and-comer? OK, no, this list was neither meant for known onetime stars or Barcelona players, but I had to squeeze him in here somewhere. I mean, did you see this strike?
This is what life looks like when you escape Manchester United, I guess.
My off-the-cuff 1-to-36 rankings after one matchday
• 1. Arsenal • 2. PSG • 3. Liverpool • 4. Real Madrid • 5. Bayern Munich • 6. Barcelona • 7. Manchester City • 8. Inter Milan
Real Madrid are a perfect 5-for-5 since the Xabi Alonso era began in earnest last month, and while they needed a pair of penalties to survive Marseille at home, 2-1, the score was misleading — Real Madrid generated far more quality chances (even while playing down a man for about 20 minutes because of Dani Carvajal‘s foolish red card) and got away with both the red card and an early-game injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
• 9. Chelsea • 10. Tottenham • 11. Napoli • 12. Newcastle • 13. Borussia Dortmund • 14. Juventus • 15. Eintracht Frankfurt • 16. Sporting CP
BVB-Juventus set the early bar for Match of the Tournament with eight second-half goals, a brilliant surge from Borussia Dortmund, and an equally brilliant stoppage time comeback from the home team.
• 17. Atlético Madrid • 18. Bayer Leverkusen • 19. Villarreal • 20. Union Saint-Gilloise • 21. Club Brugge • 22. Atalanta • 23. Athletic Club • 24. Bodo/Glimt
The fightin’ Glimts of Bodo, semifinalists in last year’s Europa League, erased a 2-0 deficit at Slavia Prague to salvage a point, and now they’ll get a shot at revenge with a semifinal rematch at home against Tottenham Hotspur in two weeks. (Monaco, Juventus and Manchester City must also visit the Arctic circle. Love it.)
I got to know this Qarabag team watching them nearly take down Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League two years ago, and with the dose of energy Durán has given them, they look awfully fun. Their comeback win over Benfica was a stunner, and they might need to spring only one more surprise to advance to the knockout rounds.
Mumbai Police on Tuesday said it had raided a fake call centre operating out of the Goregaon area, allegedly involved in cheating American citizens.
Officials reported that 13 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, and multiple pieces of equipment used to defraud US nationals were seized during the operation.
According to police, Unit 12 of the Mumbai Crime Branch busted an unauthorised call centre in Goregaon East, that was involved in defrauding US citizens by impersonating representatives of antivirus companies.
Acting on a tip-off, police raided the operation, which was being run from the seventh floor of a commercial complex in Goregaon East.
“The call centre sent emails to US citizens, claiming that their antivirus software such as `Greeksquad` and McAfee needed renewal. These emails included toll-free numbers. When US citizens called, they were told they must buy gift cards worth 250–500 US dollars. Those working at the call centre then converted the gift cards into cryptocurrency, thus cheating the callers,” said an official.
An official said that when the Mumbai Crime Branch team raided the premises on September 15 following a tip-off, the call centre was found to be operational. During the search, officials examined phones and computers on-site and confirmed the alleged fraudulent activity.
“The police seized 15 computers, 10 laptops and 20 mobile phones. Among those arrested were two owners or operators, one manager, and 10 telecaller agents,” said an another official.
A case has been registered under several sections along with sections of the Information Technology Act and the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and 13 accused have been arrested in the matter, the police said.
It said that the entire operation was led under the guidance of senior police officials, including Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Additional Commissioner (Crime) Lakhmi Gautam, and Deputy Commissioners, Crime Branch, Mumbai. The team that conducted the entire operation was headed by Inspector Sachin Gawas and other officials including Balasaheb Raut, Vijay Raskar, Ajay Sawant, Altaf Khan, Sunil Chavan, Bal̤akrishna Limhaṇa, and others crime branch officials.
“The accused will be produced before a court for police custody and further investigations in the matter will follow,” said an official.
“I mean, I kind of knew. I had a slow start last year,” he told ESPN last week. “There are so many great players in Canada. Even if I went out and played great and didn’t make the team, it’s not like I was going to be butt-hurt.”
Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres took it a little more personally when Team USA passed him over for the 4 Nations Face-Off.
“Going into the second half of the season, it was extra motivation to show them that I could play,” he said. “That maybe I did belong out there. I used it to fuel my game and push it in the right direction.”
Apparently, trying to earn the chance to represent one’s country in a best-on-best tournament is a heck of a motivator. Thompson had 24 points in 27 games for the Sabres following the 4 Nations break, with 18 goals.
Dozens of NHL players enter the 2025-26 season with Olympic aspirations. The NHL is returning to the Winter Games for the first time since 2014, taking a break in its season so players can chase gold in Italy next February.
While many players from the 4 Nations Face-Off rosters for Canada, the U.S., Sweden and Finland will carry over to their respective Olympic rosters, executives such as Team USA GM Bill Guerin have said that the 4 Nations group was “probably not gonna be the exact lineup that we take to the Olympics.”
That’s good news for players such as Clayton Keller, the Utah Mammoth forward who was left off the 4 Nations roster and, like Thompson, wasn’t exactly thrilled about it.
“Obviously I was upset, but I used it as motivation,” Keller said. “I think I played my best hockey of the year after that. We really came out strong and made a push for the playoffs”
THOMPSON WAS PERHAPS the most significant snub from the Team USA 4 Nations roster. That he was added as an injury replacement reserve for the championship game against Canada underscored how close he was to making the cut.
Thompson watched that game in Boston. Watched as the U.S. lost in overtime, 3-2, unable to break through against goalie Jordan Binnington before Connor McDavid ended the game and secured the gold medal for Canada.
“Obviously, I would’ve loved to be out there and be a guy to help them win,” he said. “But I don’t pick the team. I’m just playing and doing my job on the ice.”
When Team USA was constructed for the 4 Nations Face-Off, Guerin and his management team opted for veteran depth forwards with potential as two-way players — such as Vincent Trocheck, Chris Kreider and Brock Nelson — rather than bringing on younger players better known for their offense.
One reason was their versatility, as players such as Nelson and Trocheck have thrived in different roles in the NHL. Guerin said it’s an adjustment for star players when they join a best-on-best team and are no longer getting their usual ice time and offensive looks.
“You have to check your ego at the door. That happens on any championship team. I feel like we had that in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey team,” Guerin told ESPN. “You just have to do things that you’re not used to doing. Play roles that you’re not used to playing or the minutes that you’re not used to playing. You have to accept that.”
Another reason players such as Keller and Thompson were overlooked was a lack of championship tournament experience. Thompson has never appeared in a Stanley Cup playoff game after eight seasons — seven of them with Buffalo. Keller has appeared only once in the NHL postseason, playing nine games with Arizona during the empty-arena COVID bubble playoffs in 2020.
Both players sought to boost their résumés by playing on the U.S. team in the 2025 IIHF world championships last spring, when the Americans captured their first title since 1960. Guerin put a premium on having players who might be on the Olympic bubble play in worlds.
Not only were Thompson and Keller there, but so were hopefuls such as defensemen Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins, both of whom were on the 4 Nations roster. Younger players such as Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe and Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic parlayed their world championship experience into Team USA Olympic orientation camp invites in August.
While Thompson and Keller both said their focus is on their respective NHL seasons, they can’t ignore the Olympic carrot dangling in front of them.
“I think it’s something super cool and exciting and something to play for, and I’m just going to play my game and let the rest take care of itself,” said Keller, who led Utah with 90 points in 81 games last season. “I’m not stressing about it.”
“You don’t want to think about it too much. I feel like my priority is helping our team win in Buffalo. If I do that, then everything just falls into place,” said Thompson, who was Buffalo’s leading scorer with 44 goals in 76 games. “The Olympics is a big goal of mine. It’s something I’ve wanted to be able to do for a long time. So to make the team would be something pretty special. But you don’t want to put too much thought into it.”
Bedard, entering his third season in the NHL after being drafted first overall by Chicago in 2023, opted not to play for Team Canada at IIHF worlds this year. His focus was on his skating and other developmental work in the offseason. Despite Canada’s considerable depth at forward, Bedard is keeping his Olympic hopes alive, having attended orientation camp in August.
“It’d be incredible. It’s not something I think about now too much. I just want to go into camp and have a good start, personally and as a team, and then you see what happens,” said Bedard, who had 67 points in 82 games to led Chicago last season.
Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson‘s name was circulated among fans after the Americans — and specifically the Tkachuk brothers — mucked things up at 4 Nations. In fact, Wilson fought Brady Tkachuk in a game against the Ottawa Senators a few weeks after the tournament.
While Olympic rules likely mean there won’t be another punch-up between Canada and the U.S., Wilson did earn a Team Canada Olympic orientation camp invite this summer after being left off the 4 Nations roster.
“It was cool. It’s an impressive group of guys, to say the least. It really makes you want to put your head down and just work as hard as you can to put yourself in the conversation for making the Olympic team,” Wilson said. “When you’re a kid, it’s the Stanley Cup and an Olympic gold medal. That’s everything. That’s your biggest, wildest dreams. But you look around that [camp] room, every guy beside you wants it just as much as you do — and it’s the best players in the league.”
Wilson believes that the first few months of the 2025-26 season will see players with Winter Games dreams working extra hard to make a final impression.
“For all those Olympic hopefuls, you don’t have a lot of opportunity to gracefully dip your toes in the water to start the year. It’s a small runway before they started announcing rosters and stuff like that,” he said. “You better believe every guy that was in the conversation this summer was working really hard to start well.”
MAKING AN OLYMPIC ROSTER means taking a roster spot from someone who played in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim played three games for Team Canada at 4 Nations, and competed for the Canadians at IIHF worlds, where they were stunned in the quarterfinals by Denmark.
“Obviously, 4 Nations was something that was a privilege to be on. I probably wasn’t thinking about it a couple years ago, and just the last couple seasons I put myself in that situation,” Sanheim said.
The work doesn’t stop just because he made that roster. Sanheim was one of 14 defensemen who attended Team Canada’s Olympic orientation camp. He’s considered on the bubble for the 2026 Winter Games.
“I think Canada’s such a deep team and the guys that are competing for those roster spots — you could take about 20 guys to fill, what is it, eight spots? So it’s going to be a challenge,” Sanheim said. “The Olympics are something that I’m striving towards and want to be a part of. It’s exciting to have that opportunity.”
Patrick Kane has had that opportunity twice, winning silver in 2010 and losing bronze in 2014 for the Americans. The 36-year-old winger’s absence from Team USA’s 4 Nations roster wasn’t a surprise, as Kane himself admitted his play last season didn’t warrant a selection. However, his presence at the U.S. Olympic orientation camp in August was a surprise to some, although not to Kane.
“They told my agent there’s the potential of maybe making the team. That I was under consideration. So when you hear that, it’s not really that big of a surprise that you’re there,” he said.
Kane said the real surprise was that his Detroit Red Wings teammate Alex DeBrincat wasn’t invited to camp after not making the 4 Nations cut either.
“I think both of us have some motivation to get off to good starts this year,” he said.
Kane remembers back in 2010 when he was a 21-year-old star on the U.S. Olympic team, surrounded by veteran national team members such as Chris Drury, Jamie Langenbrunner and Brian Rafalski. Now, he would be that elder statesman should he make the cut for 2026. But like every other NHL player that hasn’t formally been named to an Olympic roster, Kane knows he must earn it.
“I want to get to a point where obviously you put yourself in consideration for the team just on your play, right? Not for your name or what you’ve done in the past,” Kane said. “That’s the goal going into this year.”
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday said it was “not an open gate for everyone” to file an appeal against acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, and sought details if family members of the victims were examined as witnesses in the trial, reported news agency PTI.
A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad was hearing an appeal filed by the family members of the six persons who lost their lives in the blast against the acquittal judgment, reported PTI.
The appeal challenged a special court judgment acquitting the seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit.
The HC bench on Tuesday sought to know if the family members were examined as witnesses in the trial.
The family members` advocate told the bench that the first appellant, Nisar Ahmed, whose son died in the blast, was not a witness in the trial, but said he would submit the details on Wednesday.
The bench then said if the appellant`s son died in the blast, then he (Nisar Ahmed) should have been a witness.
“You (appellants) have to indicate whether they were witnesses or not. Give us details. This is not an open gate for everyone,” HC said, reported PTI.
The court posted the matter for further hearing on Wednesday.
The appeal filed last week claimed a faulty investigation or some defects in the probe cannot be the ground for acquitting the accused. It also contended that the conspiracy (of the blast) was hatched in secrecy and hence, there cannot be direct evidence of it.
The petitioners claimed the order passed by the special NIA court on July 31, acquitting the seven accused, was wrong and bad in law and hence deserved to be quashed.
On September 29, 2008, an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon town, located about 200 km from Mumbai in Maharashtra`s Nashik district, killing six persons and injuring 101 others.
The appeal said the trial court judge should not act as a “postman or mute spectator” in a criminal trial. When the prosecution failed to elicit facts, the trial court can ask questions and/or summon witnesses, it added, reported PTI.
“The trial court has unfortunately acted as a mere post office and allowed a deficient prosecution to benefit the accused,” the appeal said, reported PTI.
It also raised concerns over the manner in which the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted the probe and trial in the 2008 Malegaon blast case and sought for the accused to be convicted.
The state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), by arresting the seven persons, unearthed a large conspiracy and since then, there has been no blast in areas populated by the minority community, the appeal said.
It claimed the NIA, after taking over the 2008 Malegaon blast case, diluted the allegations against the accused persons.
The special court had, in its judgment, said mere suspicion cannot replace real proof and there was no cogent or reliable evidence to warrant a conviction.
Special judge A K Lahoti, presiding over the NIA court, had said there was no “reliable and cogent evidence” against the accused that proved the 2008 Malegaon blast case beyond a reasonable doubt, reported PTI.
The prosecution`s case was that the blast was carried out by right-wing extremists with the intention to terrorise the Muslim community in the communally sensitive Malegaon town.
The NIA court, in its judgment, had flagged several loopholes in the prosecution`s case and the investigation carried out, and said the accused persons deserved the benefit of doubt, reported PTI.
Besides Thakur and Purohit, the accused included Major Ramesh Upadhyay (retired), Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Sudhakar Chaturvedi and Sameer Kulkarni.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has explained that there is no law that compelled Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resume immediately
Wike made the comment while reacting to the controversies surrounding why the governor did not resume after President Bola Tinubu lifted the suspension on him
President Tinubu on Wednesday suspended the state of emergency earlier declared in Rivers and ordered the governor to return to power
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has posited that no law compelled Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resume immediately after the six-month suspension was lifted by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, September 17.
The state House of Assembly members, who were suspended along with Fubara and his deputy, resumed plenary on Thursday, September 18, but neither the governor nor his deputy was seen in public.
Speaking on the development in Rivers, the former governor of the state, in an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, dismissed the concerns about the whereabouts of his successor.
He stressed that governance is not about being physically present at the office, and that Fubara has the right to determine how and when he will resume his official duties.
When did Tinubu declare state of emergency
President Bola Tinubu earlier lifted the state of emergency he declared in Rivers state on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The president said his decision was due to the breakdown of law and order in the state.
Before the suspension of democratic rule in the state, there was a power tussle between the suspended Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now the Minister of the FCT, Wike, over the control of the political structure in the state.
Tinubu noted that the rift between the two political gladiators in the state has started leading to the vandalisation of national assets and, by extension, leading to economic sabotage in the state, which is the background reason for the emergency.
President Tinubu reiterated that there was a total paralysis of governance in the state, adding that the executive and the legislature were not working together, and Fubara could not present the appropriation bill to allow him to have access to funds to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
He cited one of the judgments of the Supreme Court, which noted that there was no government in Rivers State. He added that his move and that of other well-meaning Nigerians were aborted by the key players in the crisis.
President Bola Tinubu ends Rivers’ state of emergency
Photo Credit: @SimFubaraKSC Source: Twitter
The president, in his address, noted that his action was in line with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which empowered him to declare a state of emergency.
This is a subtle response to his critics who have claimed that the president only has the power to declare a state of emergency but does not have the power to suspend an elected officer, particularly a governor. However, no state of emergency would be effective when the elected officers are still in office.
