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2026 WCQ: Super Eagles ready for Benin Republic test – Finidi

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Super Eagles

Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George has said it is important for his side to secure maximum points against Benin Republic in Monday.

The Super Eagles have endured a stuttering start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

The former African champions battled to a 1-1 against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Friday.

It was their third consecutive draw in the qualifiers.

The result also leaves the Super Eagles in fifth position in Group C with three points from three games.

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Finidi said they will give their all against Gernot Rohr’s men.

“We’re very much aware of why we are here and what we have to do. The players want to go to the World Cup and they have resolved to give their all in every game going forward. We had our opportunities against South Africa on Friday and should have won, but that is gone and we face another challenge now,” Finidi told thenff.com.

“We have resolved not to look too far ahead in this race. The essence is to take it one match at a time. Benin Republic is in our front now, and we must deal with that squarely.”

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

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Osimhen

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.

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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.

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

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

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Bukayo Saka

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.

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“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.

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

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Champions League

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:

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Alisson Becker (Liverpool)

Jurriën Timber (Arsenal)

Benjamin Pavard (Inter)

Emre Can (Borussia Dortmund)

Maxim De Cuyper (Club Brugge)

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Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)

Pedri (Barcelona)

Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

Harry Kane (Bayern München)

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Raphinha (Barcelona)

Following the Round of 16 second-leg matches next week, only eight teams will advance to the Champions League quarter-final stage.

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