It was one of those episodes where football gave joy, pain, anger, and comedy all at once.

The pod opens with New Year vibes before quickly descending into AFCON heartbreak, as Nigeria crash out on penalties against Morocco. The guys break down a performance that wasn’t terrible — but wasn’t good enough — diving into Eric Chelle’s late substitutions, questionable penalty takers, and the growing frustration over why Nigeria’s attackers keep “ducking the smoke” in big moments. The referee comes under heavy fire, with long debates over inconsistent fouls, missing yellow cards, and momentum being repeatedly killed whenever Nigeria tried to counter.

From there, the conversation shifts into legacy talk — Osimhen’s role in pressure moments, Iwobi’s evolution, the impact of missing Ndidi, and what this squad actually looks like going forward with no World Cup in sight. There’s praise for Nigeria’s defense and honesty about the midfield needing a serious rebuild.

The second half of the episode explodes into club football chaos. Chelsea’s season gets eviscerated as the panel tears into board interference, player power, and the sacking of Maresca, arguing the club has set itself back years. Real Madrid aren’t spared either, with Xabi Alonso’s exit opening a heated debate about Mbappé, Vinícius, and dressing-room power.

The episode closes with EFL Cup reactions, Manchester City’s depth, Semenyo’s impact, Haaland barely touching the ball, and Manchester United’s latest reset with Carrick stepping in, leaving one big question hanging: do these clubs ever actually learn?

Raw, emotional, funny, and brutally honest — classic Five Aside.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps (≈ 1:24:00)

00:00 – 03:00

New Year vibes, “garri life,” and bad footballing days

03:00 – 12:30

AFCON fallout: Nigeria vs Morocco reaction & overperformance debate

12:30 – 21:30

Penalty shootout rage: attackers ducking smoke & Chelle’s subs

21:30 – 30:30

Osimhen legacy talk, Iwobi’s role, missing Ndidi & midfield issues

30:30 – 38:30

Nigeria’s future: squad rebuild, wingers, midfield, keeper talk

38:30 – 44:30

Senegal praise, AFCON standards & tournament reflections

44:30 – 56:30

Chelsea meltdown: Maresca sacking, board interference & player power

56:30 – 1:08:30

Real Madrid chaos: Xabi Alonso exit, Mbappé, Vinícius & control issues

1:08:30 – 1:20:30

EFL Cup: City vs Newcastle, Semenyo impact, Haaland quiet

1:20:30 – 1:24:00

United hiring Carrick, final thoughts & sign-off