Sports Archives | Page 45 of 111

Victor Osimhen Breaks Personal Goal Record with Brace in Galatasaray’s 4–1 Victory

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen etched his name into Galatasaray history on Saturday, scoring twice in their emphatic 4–1 win over Sivasspor in the Turkish Süper Lig. The brace not only powered the league leaders to another commanding victory, but also marked a career milestone for the 26-year-old forward. Osimhen’s goals in the 15th and 31st minutes lifted his season total to 33 goals across all competitions, surpassing his previous best of 31 set during his breakout 2022/23 campaign with Napoli. His relentless form has been key in Galatasaray’s pursuit of a third consecutive league title, with 24 of those goals coming in the league alone. Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk lauded Osimhen’s all-round contribution, calling him “a rare talent” and praising his work ethic and leadership. “We are fortunate to have him,” he said, underlining the Nigerian’s impact since arriving on loan from Napoli. After the match, Osimhen emphasized team success over individual glory. “Breaking my own record is special, but I’m more focused on helping the team win trophies,” he told NTV Spor. His performance, combined with goals from Lucas Torreira and B.A Yilmaz, saw Galatasaray stay eight points clear of rivals Fenerbahce, coached by Jose Mourinho, with a game in hand. The Nigerian Football Federation also celebrated his achievement on X, adding to the accolades for the former CAF African Footballer of the Year, who now stands as one of Europe’s most feared finishers.

Barca Considers Ademola Lookman Move

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

Barcelona are reportedly considering making a move for Atalanta BC attacker Ademola Lookman during this summer’s transfer window. The 27-year-old has been in excellent form for Atalanta during the 2024-25 campaign, making 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring 18 goals and registering seven assists in the process. Lookman has 13 goals and five assists in 28 Serie A matches this term, while he also impressed in the Champions League, scoring five goals and registering two assists, before the Italian team were eliminated by Club Brugge in the knockout round playoffs. The forward’s future is currently the subject of much speculation, with Arsenal and Manchester United both believed to be considering making a move for him during this summer’s transfer window. According to Fichajes, Barcelona are also in the hunt, with the Catalan outfit giving serious consideration to making an offer. The report claimed that Lookman may be available for as little as €35m (£30m), which would represent a bargain considering his quality, and his arrival would give Barcelona a different option in the final third of the field. Lookman was born in London, coming through the youth system at Charlton Athletic before representing their first team on 49 occasions, scoring 12 times, and his form earned him a switch to Everton. The Nigeria international found it difficult to make his mark for the Toffees, scoring just four times in 48 appearances, before having an unsuccessful spell at RB Leipzig, spending time out on loan with Fulham and Leicester City. Lookman has finally realised his potential at Atalanta, though, representing the Italian side on 115 occasions, scoring 50 goals and registering 24 assists in the process. The attacker is capable of playing in a number of different positions, but he has mainly operated as a second striker, scoring 12 times and registering four assists in 25 outings while starting in the position behind the main forward. As well as Arsenal and Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool are believed to be keen on Lookman, with his bargain price making him a very attractive proposition during the summer market. Lookman is entering his prime, and his previous experience of English football should stand him in good stead. The forward is a different player to the one who left Everton in 2019 and then spent time on loan at Fulham and Leicester. Much will come down to which club shows the strongest interest, as Lookman will want to be an important player at this stage of his career, and it is difficult to imagine him becoming a starter at Barcelona, especially not next season.

Anthony Joshua to Undergo Surgery Later This Month

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

Anthony Joshua has revealed he is set to undergo surgery in a bit to solve an ongoing issue that has delayed his return to the ring. The Brit has been out of action since he lost against Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024, with his future up in the air on the back of the devastating knockout defeat. Fans have been curious as to what his next move is, with no announcements made despite reports he could face long-time rival Tyson Fury as soon as this year. In March, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, revealed his man was ‘not ready to start camp’ and needed eight more weeks to build up his fitness on the back of a setback on an injury. Joshua had, though, been in training at the time, but it appears he has now suffered yet another setback as he now prepares to go under the knife to finally solve the issue that has been bothering him for a number of months. It remains possible that the former world champion will fight this year, but, speaking to DAZN on Saturday night, he explained why he won’t be in the ring any time soon. ‘When do you want me back, people?’ Joshua asked in the interview. ‘I’m trying to get my body right. I have got to actually have a little surgery on my elbow. ‘A small surgery sometime in May. I’m finalising the details. ‘That will see me out of the gym for maybe six to eight weeks, and then when I’m healed, I will be back.’ Reports of a bout against Fury continue to gather pace, with Fury’s former promoter Frank Warren telling Mail Sport this week: ‘It’ll be about whether Tyson wants to do it, and whether AJ wants to do it. AJ is still active and wants the fight—it’s the one that never happened. Everybody wants to see it.’ Warren had previously suggested a return for a ‘generational ‘Battle of Britain’ fight against Joshua could be on the cards. The two heavyweight stars have regularly traded verbals and been in discussions before, but nothing serious has ever materialised. Joshua, meanwhile, was keen to stay away from the subject when speaking to Mail Sport this week. ‘We’ll save that conversation for another time,’ he joked. ‘I think what we’ll do for the viewers at home is go back over the years and find the same answer for the same question. Same same, nothing changed.’

‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu Can Never be Forgotten – Gusau

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has declared that late former Green Eagles’ captain ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu is a man that can never be forgotten. Gusau spoke Friday afternoon in Enugu when a delegation from the NFF and FA Chairmen from the South East zone paid a condolence visit to Chukwu’s family. Gusau, who spoke through the NFF 1st Vice President, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, described Chukwu as a diligent and patriotic on-field leader who served the country with all his heart and mind, and every ounce of his energy. “The late Chukwu gave his all for the country. He served Nigeria with all his heart and he is a hero even in death. One thing is clear: Chukwu can never be forgotten given how well he served the country and his achievements both as a player and as a coach,” Gusau stated. The NFF President noted that the visit was not just a condolence visit but one the football-ruling body made in order to be intimated, first-hand, plans being put in place by the family ahead of Chukwu’s burial, and for the family and the soccer house to be on the same page. “We want to be on the same page with the family and know what plans they are putting in place. Chukwu is a hero and the NFF will participate fully in his burial,” Gusau assured. Chukwu’s son, Emeka, while responding on behalf of the family commended the NFF leadership for the visit even as he disclosed that the family will soon make public the programme of the final burial rites for the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team captain and Most Valuable Player. Also on the delegation were Member of the NFF Executive Committee and Chairman of the Nigeria National League Mr. George Aluo; Chairman of Enugu State Football Association Barrister Tony Ugwu; Imo State FA Chairman, Barrister Ifeanyi Dike and; Anambra State FA Chairman Mr. Chikelue Iloenyosi.

Uyo Gears Up for MTN CHAMPS Grand Finale, Top 40 MVP Athletes Announced

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago07 mins

The Grand finale of the third season of MTN CHAMPS is set to hold in Uyo, from May 6–9, 2025, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Ahead of the much-anticipated event, a list of the Top 40 standout athletes, dubbed Team MVP, has been unveiled, spotlighting some of the brightest young talents from secondary schools across Nigeria. MTN CHAMPS, an initiative launched by MTN Nigeria in partnership with Making of Champions, provides a nationwide platform for discovering, nurturing, and celebrating the next generation of Olympic hopefuls. Through regional legs in cities like Benin and Lagos, MTN CHAMPS has attracted thousands of young athletes, unearthing future stars and giving them access to elite training, visibility, and community support. The Grand Final in Uyo will bring together 2,186 athletes from 136 secondary schools and 93 club teams to compete in more than 5,800 entries across multiple events. However, all eyes will be on the 40 elite athletes selected for Team MVP, selected based on their exceptional performances in previous MTN CHAMPS meets in Lagos and Benin. See the full list of athletes below: Cadet Girls – Team MVP (5) Cadet Boys – Team MVP (4) Youth Girls – Team MVP A (7) Youth Girls – Team MVP B (6) Youth Boys – Team MVP A (6) Youth Boys – Team MVP B (5) Junior – Team MVP (7 girls) Speaking ahead of the final, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka has emphasised the company’s commitment to youth empowerment through sports. “MTN Champs is a platform that continues to grow, transform and inspire the future of athletes and athletics in Nigeria. At MTN, we remain committed to supporting the dreams and aspirations of Nigeria, not only through innovative products, but involvement in socially impactful initiatives especially in football and athletics,” she said. The MVPs will be unveiled in their new kits at the official press conference in Uyo on Monday, May 5. From cadets to juniors, these athletes will compete across categories, testing their talent against the nation’s best in a thrilling four-day contest that promises to celebrate speed, skill, and sportsmanship. With Uyo set to welcome some of Nigeria’s most promising young stars, MTN CHAMPS continues to redefine the landscape of school sports, changing lives, realising dreams and building Nigeria’s new generation of champions.

Egypt 2025: Nigeria to Go Hard on Morocco For Early Ticket into Quarter Finals

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

Another North African delicacy is served to the Flying Eagles as they confront Morocco in Group B’s top-of-the-table clash at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo on Sunday evening. Auwal Ibrahim’s 37th minute strike snatched the maximum points against the Tunisians on Thursday, but Morocco then upstaged a very good Kenyan side 3-2 in the day’s second match to crawl to the top of the table on goals’ difference. For the second time in consecutive games, the Lion Cubs also face the daunting challenge of a sub-Saharan squad weaned on power, pace and clinical delivery, and the night encounter in downtown Cairo promises fireworks and cutting-edge entertainment. Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, who plays his club football for exciting Lagos ensemble, Sporting Lagos, came up with a big save three minutes to the end against Tunisia, and will surely be called on for more interventions against the Lion Cubs who are not shy to shoot from any distance. Captain Daniel Bameyi, Adamu Maigari, Caleb Ochedikwu and Odinaka Okoro built a tight rearguard on Thursday, and must be even more alert on Sunday to protect Harcourt, and also feed midfielders Divine Oliseh and Clinton Jephta as the Flying Eagles push forward. CAF’s brandishing of forward Kparobo Arierhi (who scored three goals at the WAFU B U20 Championship and netted one of the goals in the 2-1 defeat of hosts Egypt in a friendly last week) as one of the players to watch out for in Egypt, has cast the Norway-based as a goldfish, and the tight marking by Tunisian defenders was surely as a result of the searchlight. Nonetheless, Arierhi must endeavour to prove himself going forward, and Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s desire for an early ticket to the quarter finals means the forward must diligently seek to extricate himself from any contrived mesh. Auwal Ibrahim, hero against Tunisia, showed he is capable of a quick-slip-and-delivery, and will also be relied on to carve the Moroccan defence open and hurt them on the break. Victory will take the Flying Eagles to the top of the pool, and a confirmed spot in the quarter finals, ahead of their last group phase feud with Kenya on Wednesday.

Bruno Fernandes Leads Manchester United to Commanding Europa League Victory

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

Manchester United secured a dominant 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final, with captain Bruno Fernandes delivering a standout performance. Fernandes opened the scoring with a composed penalty in the 37th minute and added a second goal just before halftime, giving United a comfortable lead heading into the break. The match saw Athletic Bilbao reduced to ten men, which Manchester United capitalized on to assert their dominance. Fernandes’ leadership and clinical finishing were pivotal in exploiting the numerical advantage and setting the tone for the match. This victory places Manchester United in a strong position ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford. The team’s performance, highlighted by Fernandes’ brace, showcases their determination to progress to the Europa League final. Fernandes’ contributions in this match underscore his importance to the team and his ability to perform in crucial moments. His brace not only secured the win but also boosted the team’s morale as they aim for European glory. The second leg promises to be an exciting encounter, with Manchester United looking to maintain their advantage and secure a spot in the final. Fans will be eager to see if Fernandes can continue his impressive form and lead the team to success. As the Europa League progresses, Manchester United’s performance in this match serves as a statement of intent. With Fernandes at the helm, the team appears poised to make a deep run in the competition. The upcoming fixtures will test the team’s resilience and consistency, but with leaders like Fernandes, Manchester United fans have reason to be optimistic about their European campaign.

Egypt 2025: Flying Eagles Pick Three Points Off Carthage Eagles, Set for Atlas Lions

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

A first-half strike by Auwal Ibrahim off an inch-perfect pass from Odinaka Okoro was the difference as Nigeria maintained their dominance over Tunisia in youth football at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Thursday. The Flying Eagles played with confidence against the aggressive North Africans, and Ibrahim’s goal was well-deserved after Nigeria dominated in the first period. The seven-time champions thought they had secured a penalty kick in the 72nd minute to increase their lead, after Mendos Richson was shoved to the floor, but the Video Assistant Referee ruled otherwise. Goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt came up with a big save three minutes to the end, denying Tunisian forward Ben Ali from close range, and the game ended with the Nigerians on the high and looking forward to their clash with Morocco’s Lion Cubs at the same venue on Sunday evening. Victory meant a fourth victory for Nigeria in six clashes with the Tunisians at U20 level, going back to 1981 when the Flying Eagles defeated their visitors 4-0 in a qualifying fixture for the FIFA World Youth Championship in Australia. They lost the return leg 1-4 in Tunis but qualified for the final round. In 1985, both teams played a 1-1 draw in Tunis in the title fixture of the African U20 competition, but the Flying Eagles won the return 2-1 in Lagos to collect their second continental title. Two years ago, in the third-place match of the Africa U20 Cup of Nations also held in Egypt, Nigeria mauled Tunisia 4-0 to pick up the bronze medals.