Fijian Warriors squad named for Australia match – FBC News
The Shop N Save Supermarket Fijian Warriors have confirmed a powerful 27-member squad to take on the Australia Country team, featuring a mix of experienced provincial players and promising new talents from unions across the country. Leading the forward pack are Nedly Grant of Nadroga, who can cover loose head and hooker, and Mataiasi Tuisireli from Suva. They are joined by Breyton Legge of Naitasiri, Josh Uluibau from Nadi, Joeli Nainoca of Suva, and Osea Dasalusaluu from Naitasiri. Article continues after advertisement Also named are Sam Soqoqata from Lautoka, John Muller of Naitasiri, Inoke Ravuliwasa from Suva, and Michael Ferei of Naitasiri. The locks and loose forwards include Marika Natau from Ba, Ebenezer Navula of Nadi, Sakiusa Vosayaco from Nadroga, Sosi Waqa of Suva, Isaia Lotawa from Ba, Allen Osbourne of Ba, Ratu Peni Dekedeke from Ba, and Mavua of Navosa. In the backs, Napolioni Batimala of Naitasiri, Netava Saukuru from Nadi, Meli Buinimasi of Nadroga, and Ponipate Tuberi from Suva have been selected as key playmakers. They will be supported by Anare Tabakaucoro of Tailevu and Sefanaia Tokaduaudua from Nadroga. Also earning a call-up are Paul Dolokoto of Suva, Apilemeki Nasalo from Lautoka, Sivanilo Lumelume of Suva, Emosi Nuku from Naitasiri, Judah Draiva who covers fullback and wing, Savenaca Durusolo from Kadavu, William Ryland of Ba, and Amani Tunaka from Taveuni. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Ellie Scotney pulls out of undisputed Mayelli Flores fight
Britain’s Ellie Scotney has pulled out of her undisputed super-bantamweight title fight against Mayelli Flores because of injury. The undefeated Briton was set to take on WBA champion Flores on the undercard of Jake Paul’s exhibition with Gevonta Davis on 14 November. The unified WBC, WBO and IBF super-bantamweight champion is attempting to become the youngest British boxer to become undisputed world champion in the modern era. A new date for the 27-year-old’s fight against the Mexican, 33, will be confirmed shortly. Britain’s Josh Taylor was 31 while Savannah Marshall and Chantelle Cameron were both 32 when they claimed all four belts.
Is Nigeria v Benin on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch World Cup 2026 qualifier
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Nigeria take on Group C leaders Benin in a crunch World Cup 2026 qualifier, with South Africa also battling for progression to next summer’s tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The Super Eagles are on the outside for now, in third behind second-place South Africa, with the runners-up in CAF’s World Cup qualifying still holding a chance of progression through the play-offs. Only the four best group runners-up will progress, with a play-off round to then determine who features in the inter-confederation play-offs. Eric Chelle’s side beat Lesotho last time out, with William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams scoring to secure the points and retaining hope entering the final game. Here’s everything you need to know: When is Nigeria v Benin? Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifying clash against Benin kicks off at 5pm BST on Tuesday 14 October at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live via the Fifa+ streaming service. How can Nigeria qualify? South Africa were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player, when Teboho Mokoena played during their win over Lesotho in March, which keeps alive Nigeria’s hopes. If Nigeria win 2-1, then the Super Eagles and Benin will have identical records and force Fifa’s regulations over disciplinary records (accumulation of yellow and red cards) to separate them in the group. South Africa can take top spot if they beat Rwanda and Benin lose, while a Benin draw and a South Africa win by two or more goals will also see Hugo Broos’ side advance. Nigeria need to win either 1-0, or by a two-goal margin, and then wait for a favour from Rwanda to avoid defeat to South Africa. The runners-up standings, to determine who enters the play-offs, will be calculated without results against sides who finish bottom in each group, after the withdrawal of Eritrea from Group E. open image in gallery (AFP via Getty Images) Team news Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman is suspended and will miss the game, while Ola Aina remains out injured. Victor Osimhen will lead the line for the Super Eagles, while Benin will look to Steve Mounie and Jodel Dossou in attack. Predicted line-ups Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen, Arokodare Benin XI: Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; D’Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Dokou, Hountondji; Mounie
F1 Q&A: Russell, FIA presidency, F1 TV coverage and Singapore’s 2026 sprint race
With all the talk of Max Verstappen’s highly impressive season, is the job George Russell is doing in the Mercedes being overlooked? Given the correct equipment, does he look a world champion in the making? – Matt George Russell has driven an outstanding season, including dominant wins in Canada and Singapore. There has never been any doubt about Russell’s speed – his qualifying lap at the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, when he put a Williams on the front row in the wet, should arguably be considered one of the greatest of all time. But a couple of years ago there were questions as to whether he was a little error-prone in high-stress situations. Last year’s Canadian Grand Prix, when everyone felt the Mercedes was the fastest car, but Russell made a couple of mistakes that allowed Max Verstappen to sneak in for the win, was a case in point. In fact, there was an episode of the Netflix Drive to Survive series covering 2024 dedicated to the question of whether Russell was demonstrating team leadership qualities. It was, it has to be said, highly dramatised, not least because there was at the time no question about Russell’s future at the team, as he was under contract for 2025, and the episode made it feel as if there was. This year, Russell has answered those questions emphatically, as team principal Toto Wolff said after Singapore. “That’s the step-up he has made also this year,” Wolff said. “That these things don’t happen again. He’s been formidable this year. I haven’t seen mistakes. “There were weekends that he himself said he could have done more and that it wasn’t a good race. But this happens with any driver. “You can see when it merges the car being in a perfect space and the driver being on top of things. That becomes the dominant formula and that is what we’ve seen here.” Russell would be close to the top of anyone’s list of best drivers of 2025. Earlier this year, when there was some question about Verstappen’s future at Red Bull, Russell looked like he might be under threat at the team. But an announcement confirming a new contract is believed to be imminent.
Fiji Warriors squad named for Australia match – FBC News
The Fiji Warriors have confirmed a powerful 27-member squad to take on the Australia Country team, featuring a mix of experienced provincial players and promising new talents from unions across the country. Leading the forward pack are Nedly Grant of Nadroga, who can cover loose head and hooker, and Mataiasi Tuisireli from Suva. They are joined by Breyton Legge of Naitasiri, Josh Uluibau from Nadi, Joeli Nainoca of Suva, and Osea Dasalusaluu from Naitasiri. Article continues after advertisement Also named are Sam Soqoqata from Lautoka, John Muller of Naitasiri, Inoke Ravuliwasa from Suva, and Michael Ferei of Naitasiri. The locks and loose forwards include Marika Natau from Ba, Ebenezer Navula of Nadi, Sakiusa Vosayaco from Nadroga, Sosi Waqa of Suva, Isaia Lotawa from Ba, Allen Osbourne of Ba, Ratu Peni Dekedeke from Ba, and Mavua of Navosa. In the backs, Napolioni Batimala of Naitasiri, Netava Saukuru from Nadi, Meli Buinimasi of Nadroga, and Ponipate Tuberi from Suva have been selected as key playmakers. They will be supported by Anare Tabakaucoro of Tailevu and Sefanaia Tokaduaudua from Nadroga. Also earning a call-up are Paul Dolokoto of Suva, Apilemeki Nasalo from Lautoka, Sivanilo Lumelume of Suva, Emosi Nuku from Naitasiri, Judah Draiva who covers fullback and wing, Savenaca Durusolo from Kadavu, William Ryland of Ba, and Amani Tunaka from Taveuni. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Ranking Britain’s top 10 heavyweight boxers after Dave Allen’s heartbreaking loss
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more The final months of 2025 will see plenty of British heavyweight action, with boxing’s most glamorous division throwing up some mouthwatering clashes. WBA interim heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley takes on his WBO equivalent Joseph Parker live on DAZN PPV on Saturday October 25, the same day Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie TKV for the British heavyweight title. Derek Chisora and Moses Itauma are set to star on a Queensberry show in December, whilst Matchroom heavyweight Johnny Fisher also looks likely to fight in the final month of 2025. Even former world champion Anthony Joshua is now rumoured to potentially fight before the end of the year. Taking into account inactivity, recent form, achievements, records, and standing in the world of boxing, here are the best 10 British heavyweights currently fighting. Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year Honourable mentions As one of the most fertile breeding grounds for boxing in the world, Britain has consistently produced top heavyweights. There are three former world champion Brits still active in the division, highlighting the strength of heavyweights from these shores. That means some fighters have had to miss out. Dave Allen’s resurgence was curtailed by defeat to Arslanbek Makhmudov on Saturday, making it difficult to include the “White Rhino”. Richard Riakporhe missed out on a world title at cruiserweight and has fought just once since moving to heavyweight, meaning his credentials are currently untested above 200lb. Joe Joyce has four defeats in his last five fights, and at 40, his big wins and achievements are starting to count for very little in comparison to his contemporaries. 10. David Adeleye open image in gallery (Getty Images) The most recent holder of the British heavyweight title, David Adeleye tried to make the step up to world contention but was soundly beaten by top contender Filip Hrgovic. It should be said that Adeleye’s performance was commendable, but highlighted the gulf in quality between British-level fighters and those in the conversation for world title shots. The fact that Adeleye did not look too convincing during his win over Jeamie TKV in the fight preceding the Hrgovic bout also works against the 28-year-old. A loss to Fabio Wardley in 2023 further demonstrates that Adeleye is some way off the higher reaches of this list, but wins over TKV and Solomon Dacres prove that he is a cut above most domestic-level fighters. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. 9. Frazer Clarke open image in gallery (Getty Images) Another fighter vanquished by Wardley, Frazer Clarke is still rebuilding from his loss to the now-WBA interim champion. A split-decision draw between Clarke and Wardley at the start of 2024 led to a rematch in October of that same year, with the latter breaking the former’s jaw in a first-round win. At 34 and with a record of just 9-1-1 (7 KOs) Clarke needs to crack on if he is to live up to the potential suggested by his bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. That amateur pedigree, and one fewer loss on his record, has him just above Adeleye – but failure to defeat TKV in a convincing manner for the British title on October 25 would lead many to question Clarke’s continued growth in boxing’s biggest division. 8. Dillian Whyte open image in gallery Whyte struggling to get back to his feet (Getty Images) ‘The Bodysnatcher’ is another fighter with questions hanging over him. A surprise opponent for Moses Itauma in August, no one was more shocked than Dillian Whyte by the manner of the wonderkid’s win. The 20-year-old blitzed the veteran 17 years his elder in the first round out in Saudi Arabia, completely negating the argument that Whyte’s experience would ask questions of Itauma. Whyte, 31-4 (21 KOs), looked past his best, but his previous wins still means he should be held in higher regard than both Clarke and Adeleye. However, a sub-standard performance in his next fight would lead to strong calls for Whyte to call it a day. At 37, he has already dismissed retirement talk after the Itauma loss, but we are surely looking at the final bouts of Whyte’s career. 7. Lawrence Okolie open image in gallery Lawrence Okolie after winning the WBC Silver heavyweight title (Getty Images) A two-division world champion thanks to the newly-formed bridgerweight class, Lawrence Okolie has snuck into the heavyweight division and fared well. Not a fan favourite due to his clinch-heavy style, Okolie has filled out his 6ft 5in frame to good effect. Still
Woltemade scores as Germany beat Northern Ireland
Watch the best of the action as Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade scores the only goal as Germany beat Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifying.
Nick Woltemade scores first Germany goal in win over Northern Ireland
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Nick Woltemade’s first international goal condemned Northern Ireland to a 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Germany at Windsor Park. Newcastle’s £69m forward turned in David Raum’s 31st-minute corner with the back of his shoulder – unorthodox perhaps but enough to settle a hard-fought contest in which Michael O’Neill’s young side showed no fear against their illustrious opponents on the night of his 100th game in charge. Julian Nagelsmann spent Sunday insisting he had meant no disrespect to Northern Ireland when discussing their “long ball” tactics last month, but the hosts went toe-to-toe with Germany and saw a Daniel Ballard strike chalked off for offside. All the same, a seven-game unbeaten run at Windsor Park ended as an 11th straight loss to the Germans left them three points behind both Germany and Slovakia going into the final qualifiers next month. Their safety net of a potential qualifying play-off via the Nations League may yet be needed. open image in gallery Germany’s Nick Woltemade, second left, celebrates his goal against Northern Ireland (Liam McBurney/PA) But O’Neill is likely to take heart from another valiant display from a side whose average age at kick-off was under 25. Brodie Spencer replaced the suspended Conor Bradley in the only change from Friday’s 2-0 win over Slovakia. Northern Ireland were struggling to get out of their half in the early exchanges but out of nowhere had the ball in the net in the 14th minute before an offside flag curtailed celebrations. Ballard lashed home a loose ball after both Paddy McNair and Jamie Reid failed to connect properly on Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s long free-kick into the box, but McNair was offside when Ballard got the initial flick-on. Germany slowly regained the upper hand, then gained the lead with their 50th ever goal against Northern Ireland. Woltemade leapt to meet Raum’s corner, and the ball struck him on the back of his shoulder to beat Peacock-Farrell, the goal standing after a VAR check for handball. Reid should have done better late in the half after Ethan Galbraith cut into the box from the left but, stretching, the Stevenage man shot over, while Ali McCann sent a late strike narrowly wide. In between, Galbraith was booked for fouling Aleksandar Pavlovic, ruling him out of next month’s trip to Slovakia. Karim Adeyemi should have doubled Germany’s lead less than two minutes into the second half but, clean through on goal, bent his shot the wrong side of Peacock-Farrell’s right-hand post. Northern Ireland, refreshed up top as Josh Magennis replaced Reid at the break, kept battling, with Shea Charles testing Oliver Baumann from a tight angle before Galbraith rippled the side-netting with a low strike. At the other end, Peacock-Farrell did well to keep out a deflected strike from Serge Gnabry. Last month in Cologne, Northern Ireland battled well for 70 minutes but then conceded two late goals as they could not cope with the strength of Germany’s bench in a 3-1 defeat. This time, they kept up the fight to the end. Galbraith shot narrowly over in the 85th minute and substitute Callum Marshall stung the palms of Baumann three minutes later, but there was no way back. PA
Mervyn pays tribute to the late Patrick Gock – FBC News
Patrick Gock. (centre) [Photo Credit: NADI RUGBY Referees Association] Pacific youth and community practitioner Broderick Mervyn has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Patrick Gock, describing him as a man who embodied humility, service, and the true Pacific spirit. In a statement, Mervyn said Gock would be remembered not only for his decades of service to rugby, but for his humour, passion for the sport, and unwavering devotion to the people of Fiji. “Patrick was more than a rugby man; he was a man of the people. His life reflected the true Pacific spirit — service above self, unity through action, and love for community. He carried himself with quiet strength, a joyful wit, and an unshakeable desire to see others rise.” Article continues after advertisement The late Gock dedicated much of his life to developing referees, players, and young leaders, mentoring countless individuals with integrity, discipline, and compassion. His laughter, guidance, and leadership inspired many within the rugby fraternity and beyond. “Patrick believed in developing not only skilled referees, but good human beings. He instilled values of respect, perseverance, and teamwork, teaching that true leadership begins with humility and heart.” Mervyn said the rugby community and the wider nation have lost a true servant leader and friend. He added that Gock’s spirit would continue to echo across rugby fields and within the hearts of those he mentored and served so faithfully. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Shane Ryan: Irish Olympian joins Enhanced Games
Irish Olympic swimmer Shane Ryan has joined the Enhanced Games, a multi-sport competition that will allow athletes to use performance-enhancing substances without being subject to drug tests. Ryan, who was born in the USA, competed in three successive Olympics Games for Ireland before announcing his retirement from the sport earlier this month. “After a decade dedicated to traditional competition on the world’s highest stage, I’m excited to dive into this next chapter with the Enhanced Games,” the 31-year-old said on his decision. Ryan joins Team GB Olympic swimmer Ben Proud, four-time Greece Olympian Kristian Gkolomeev and US sprinter Fred Kerley in announcing his intentions to compete at the Games. The move has been criticised by Sport Ireland, which says it is “deeply disappointed” with the decision. The first Enhanced Games are due to take place in Las Vegas in 2026 with each event awarded a total prize purse of $500,000 and a $1m on offer for competitors who break world records. Swim Ireland has also condemned the move, confirming his disassociation with the organisation and that he will no longer be provided with any funding or services. Ryan competed at the Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, becoming the first Irish swimmer to participate at three Olympics. The Olympic Federation of Ireland said that Ryan’s move to the Enhanced Games “stands in direct opposition to our core clean sport values”.