2024 Olympic qualifier: Super Falcons draw in Cameroon

Published

1 year ago

February 24, 2024

Fierce rivals Cameroon and Nigeria battled to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their 2024 Olympic Games third-round qualifying fixture at the Stade de la Reunification, Douala, on Friday night.

Both teams had chances in the first half but failed to break the deadlock.

Sevilla winger, Toni Payne made a brilliant run into the opposition box in the 28th minute but couldn’t set up Asisat Oshoala.

Oshoala wasted a good chance three minutes later.

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made two brilliant saves to deny the hosts in the closing stages of the first half.

Nigeria’s head coach, Randy Waldrum, made two changes after the break in a bid to take control of the game.

Jennifer Echegini and Esther Okoronkwo came in for Halimat Ayinde and Toni Payne.

Substitute Echegini had the ball in the net in the 54th minute, but it was ruled out for offside.

The visitors came close again 10 minutes later, but Oshoala’s shot from the edge of the box was easily saved by the Cameroon goalkeeper.

Nigeria made another double substitution in the 71st minute.

Rofiat Imuran and Rinsola Babajide took the place of Michelle Alozie and Asisat Oshoala.

The scoreline remained the same despite a spirited effort by both teams to hit the target.

The two teams will clash again in the reverse fixture at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on Monday.

Osimhen nets hat-trick, tops Turkish Süper Lig scoring charts

Published

1 day ago

March 15, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen netted a hat-trick as Galatasaray secured a decisive 4-0 win against Antalyaspor on Friday night.

Álvaro Morata added a goal from the penalty spot to complete the dominant victory.

Osimhen opened the scoring at Rams Park, converting an assist from Morata in the 30th minute.

Morata doubled the lead with a penalty in the 45th minute and three minutes into the injury time of the first half, Osimhen struck again, assisted by B. Yılmaz.

The Nigerian striker completed his hat-trick, with Y. Akgün providing the assist in the 52nd minute.

This hat trick elevates Osimhen’s season tally to 20 league goals in 22 appearances, making him the top scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig.

Since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli after the fourth game of the season, Osimhen has amassed 26 goals and 5 assists across all competitions in 30 appearances.

Galatasaray’s dominant display reinforces their position at the summit of the Süper Lig.

Prior to this match, they led the standings with 68 points from 26 matches, maintaining an unbeaten record with 21 wins and 5 draws.

Their closest rivals, Fenerbahçe, have accumulated 61 points from 25 matches.

With this victory, Galatasaray extends their lead to 71 points, bolstering their pursuit of the league title.

He’s getting closer – Arteta updates on Saka’s return

Published

1 day ago

March 15, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided the latest update on Bukayo Saka ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with Chelsea this weekend.

Saka has been sidelined for over two months due to a hamstring injury.

The England winger has missed several matches for Arteta’s side, including their draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Speaking in his pre-match interview ahead of Sunday’s clash, Arteta said Saka is getting closer to returning to action for the Gunners.

“He [Saka] is getting closer,” Arteta said.

“He’s stepping up and making very good progress. Let’s see when we decide to throw him in, how he reacts, and how quickly he can regain full fitness.”

Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League table, behind leaders Liverpool.

UEFA adds two Arsenal, Barcelona players to Champions League team [Full list]

Published

1 week ago

March 7, 2025

Seyi Babalola

UEFA on Thursday revealed the Champions League Team of the Week following the conclusion of the Round of 16 first-leg fixtures on Wednesday.

In a post via their official website on Thursday, UEFA included the likes of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Arsenal’s Jurriën Timber, and Inter Milan’s Benjamin Pavard, among others, in the team.

All the aforementioned players were impressive for their respective clubs in the first-leg ties of the last 16 in midweek.

Meanwhile, the Champions League Round of 16 second-leg fixtures will take place next week.

Here is the list of players in the Team of the Week after the Champions League Round of 16 first-leg ties:

Alisson Becker (Liverpool)

Jurriën Timber (Arsenal)

Benjamin Pavard (Inter)

Emre Can (Borussia Dortmund)

Maxim De Cuyper (Club Brugge)

Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)

Pedri (Barcelona)

Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Rodrygo (Real Madrid)