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Mbappe silence as Barca edge PSG in UCL quarter-final

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Andreas Christensen headed the winner as Barcelona beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 at the Parc des Princes in Wednesday’s first leg

Barcelona came from behind to claim a dramatic 3-2 first-leg win at Paris Saint-Germain in another thrilling night of Champions League quarter-final action.

After a bright PSG start, Barcelona took control of the tie and Raphinha scored his first Champions League goal when Gianluigi Donnarumma spilled Lamine Yamal’s cross.

PSG were booed off the pitch as the half-time whistle blew at the Parc des Princes but Luis Enrique switched his team’s shape and it led to a stunning turnaround immediately after the restart.

Ousmane Dembele struck a thunderous finish to equalise against his former club and with the momentum now with the hosts, Vitinha cut through Barcelona just two minutes later to give PSG the lead.

But there would be another dramatic comeback, as Raphinha connected with an exquisite volley to drag Barcelona level. Andreas Christensen then came off the bench to head the winner from a corner, giving Barcelona a narrow advantage ahead of the return leg next week.

Here’s what we learned from another thrilling night of Champions League action

Another thrilling night in the Champions League, but where was Kylian Mbappe? After the drama at the Emirates and Bernabeu last night, the Parc des Princes staged another stunning quarter-final first leg as Barcelona came from behind to beat PSG and take a lead back to Spain.

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There were brilliant attacking performances all over the pitch, particularly from Barcelona forward Raphinha – as the former Leeds attacker scored his first Champions League goals, including an exquisite volley from Pedri’s chipped through ball. At the other end, Ousmane Dembele took charge to lead the fightback after half-time, scoring a rocket of an equaliser against his former club.

Mbappe, though, was largely anonymous, barely having a touch let alone an electric dribble or chance apart from a late, late shot that deflected wide. A burst of pace rescued the ball from the byline, just before Dembele lashed into the roof of the net, but that was it and Jules Kounde, Mbappe’s international teammate, did an outstanding job in marking him.

Mbappe is expected to leave PSG at the end of the season, and if this was his last Champions League appearance in Paris, it was a flat way to go out.

Another hugely disappointing night for Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, with defensive frailty at the heart of the problem once again in a big knockout tie.

At the centre of it was goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who never looked comfortable dealing with crosses as Barcelona targeted the Italy international with a series of inswinging deliveries early on. Donnarumma did not cover himself in glory when he spilled Yamal’s cross, leading to Raphinha’s opener, and he then failed to command his box late on as Christensen headed Barcelona into the lead. It had been coming.

There were problems in front of Donnarumma, too, caused by a terrific all-round centre-forward display from Robert Lewandowski. The 35-year-old was excellent with his back to goal, winning his duels with Marquinhos and Lucas Beraldo, turning brilliantly to take three PSG players out of the game in the move that led to Raphinha’s opener.

As for PSG, where was the defensive resilience and solidity? It has cost the Parisians in the Champions League once again.

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This was a night for the impact substitute. Both Xavi and Luis Enrique were able to change the rhythm and momentum of the game with their substitutions, leading to an absorbing contest between the managers on the touchline, as well as the players on the pitch.

Barcelona manager Xavi more than held his own against his former Barca boss Enrique, and his choice of starting line-up allowed the visitors to take control of their quarter-final. Xavi also switched up his tactics, going direct to Robert Lewandowski, who PSG could not deal with in the opening stages.

But Enrique took action at half-time, seizing control back from Barcelona as he took off the ineffective false nine Marco Asensio and brought on Bradley Barcola. The move freed up Dembele to lash in his stunning equaliser, before Vitinha gave PSG the lead just two minutes later.

Xavi then replied with his own adjustment, taking off Lamine Yamal and bringing on Pedri to help steady Barcelona in midfield. The change produced an instant impact – as the former Kopa Trophy winner set up Raphinha’s equaliser with a wonderful chip over the PSG defence.

Then came yet another twist. Barcelona had been causing PSG problems all night with their inswinging corners, so the introduction of a tall centre-back in Andreas Christensen was Xavi’s next move, and the defender soon headed Barcelona back into the lead.

What a night this was for Barcelona’s legendary academy, La Masia, as history was made at the Parc des Princes. Lamine Yamal, at 16, became the youngest player to start a Champions League quarter-final. Pau Cubarsi, at 17, became the second youngest, as he lined up at the heart of the defence.

Yamal has been a breakout star this season, already playing a starring role for the Spanish national team, so it was Cubarsi who arguably made the biggest impression with a remarkably assured and confident display at centre-back. Cubarsi was composed on the ball and rarely put a foot wrong. Barcelona have another gem on their hands.

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Pedri also deserves a mention. The 21-year-old has had a terrible time with injuries since he broke through to the first team as a teenager two years ago, so his assist for Raphinha’s equaliser was a wonderful reminder of his own talent.

 

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FULL LIST: What Will Happen If Jonathan Wins In 2027

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As ex-President Goodluck Jonathan enters the race for the 2027 election, the political atmosphere is increasingly charged with speculation regarding the possibility of Jonathan winning the race.

Should Jonathan eventually win the election, Nigerian citizens could experience another change of government in many sectors. Click link to continue reading.

'No more N1,700/$ as naira appreciates three consecutive days

 

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EXPOSED: Osimhen fakes injury for Nigeria – Asamoah Gyan

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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is facing fresh controversy after a Ghanaian player accused him of faking an injury to minimize his playing time with the Nigerian national team.

Asamoah Gyan, a former Ghanaian striker, made this accusation after Osimhen missed Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa on Tuesday. Click link to continue reading.

Victor Osimhen, a Nigerian international, is pressured by football fans to apologize to Finidi George as he is determined to secure a

 

Osimhen had previously returned to Galatasaray following a leg injury sustained during the Super Eagles’ 1-0 victory over Rwanda in a World Cup qualifier last weekend.

Consequently, the 26-year-old did not participate in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana on Tuesday evening at the Free State Stadium.

Galatasaray later issued a statement asserting that Osimhen had suffered an ankle ligament injury.

However, Gyan is skeptical about the legitimacy of the injury.

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He said, “I know these tricks. Someone might have said to Osimhen, ‘Look, we invested a lot of money in you. The Champions League is coming up. We’re not keen on you going to Africa, but go there, play a little, then get injured and act like it’s serious. The next day, you’ll be back in Türkiye.’” Gyan was quoted by habersarikirmizias saying.

 

 

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Oborevwori urges NSC to curb age cheating as 9th NYG ends in Asaba

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Oborevwori urges NSC to curb age cheating as 9th NYG ends in Asaba

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to urgently address the growing problem of age cheating at editions of the National Youth Games (NYG) to safeguard its credibility and ensure fairness.

Oborevwori made the call on Saturday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, during the closing ceremony of the 9th edition of the Games, which he described as a festival of unity, discipline and excellence.

“What began days ago with great excitement has now come to a glorious conclusion. Today, we celebrate not only the medal winners but also the triumph of sportsmanship and national pride that this festival of youth has demonstrated,” the governor said.

He commended the athletes for their resilience, stressing that whether they won medals or not, they had inspired the nation through their courage and determination.

While praising Team Delta for sustaining its tradition of sporting excellence, he said the Games also provided a platform for discovering new talents from across the country.

The governor, however, lamented that the continued practice of states fielding over-aged athletes undermined the vision of the games.

He urged the NSC to urgently introduce stricter measures to restore integrity and ensure the event remains a true nursery of young talents.

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Oborevwori expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the NSC, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), coaches, officials, and volunteers for their roles in ensuring a smooth and successful outing.

He also thanked the visitors for making Asaba their home during the period the Games lasted, assuring them of Delta’s readiness to host the 10th edition of the Games in 2026, in line with the agreement that gave the state hosting rights for four consecutive editions.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I congratulate every participant and wish you safe travels back to your various destinations,” he concluded.

In his remarks, Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, represented by Chief Amaka Asiofu, Director of Grassroots Sports and General Coordinator of the Games, described the Asaba edition as “an incredible experience, marked by fair competition, determination, exciting adventures, and inspirational sportsmanship.”

He praised the Delta State Government for its robust sports development system, noting that the Games had once again provided Nigeria with a fresh pool of athletes who would eventually replace aging national players across various sports.

He assured that the Commission would continue to implement policies to nurture the talents while promoting a sports economic ecosystem that will add value to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Dikko also expressed profound gratitude to Governor Oborevwori, the Federal Government, participating states, sponsors, and stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the Games, while lauding President Tinubu for his unwavering support for sports development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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In his own remarks, Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr Onoriode Oborevwori, said the Games had showcased not only the competitive spirit of Nigerian athletes, but also the values of friendship, resilience, and cooperation.

He thanked the NSC, organizers, and stakeholders for their commitment and called for continued collaboration to drive development and excellence in sports.

Meanwhile, in the final medal table, Lagos State emerged overall winners for the first time, with a total of 110 medals comprising 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze. Delta State finished second with 114 medals (37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze), while Edo State came third with 79 medals (33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze).

Overall, 33 states won medals at the Games, with a combined total of 802 medals, comprising 246 gold, 236 silver, and 320 bronze.

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Why I dumped Nigeria for Turkey – Favour Ofili breaks silence, mentions AFN, NOC in hard decision

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Why I dumped Nigeria for Turkey - Favour Ofili breaks silence, mentions AFN, NOC in hard decision

 

Favour Ofili, a talented track and field athlete known for her impressive performances in the 100m, 150m, and 200m sprints, announced on Monday that she has officially changed her nationality from Nigeria to Turkey.

The 22-year-old athlete made her announcement through a thoughtful post on her X handle, expressing the significance of this pivotal moment in her career.

Speculation about Ofili’s switch had been circulating since July when it became clear that she was considering a move to the European country, a decision driven by her ongoing struggles with the Nigerian athletics authorities.

A particularly distressing episode occurred during her attempt to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she was unable to participate due to Nigerian Olympic authorities failing to inform her about the essential drug-testing requirements needed for eligibility.

Compounding her frustrations, another administrative error from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria thwarted her aspirations of representing her country in the 100m event at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics; they failed to submit her name by the required deadline.

In her heartfelt series of tweets, Ofili revealed that her journey had been marred by a pattern of negligence and miscommunication, leading her to make the difficult but decisive choice to switch her allegiance in hopes of a brighter and more supportive athletic future in Turkey.

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“Wrapping up my 2025 season has been a whirlwind of new experiences and big decisions. Racing back-to-back across amazing cities and learning from the best has been incredible,” she wrote.

“As some of you have heard, I’m also starting a new chapter representing Turkey.

“I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful way! Having won SIX gold medals, TWO silver medals and TWO bronze medals in championship meets and a 200 meter Olympic finalist while experiencing the biggest disappointment from AFN and NOC towards me. Negligence towards me in Olympic (Tokyo/Paris). I have made this decision.”

The 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medalist also said financial incentive was not behind her decision to switch allegiance to Turkey.

“While that means sitting out this year’s championship in Tokyo, this change comes from the heart, not from financial motives. I’m truly grateful to have discovered a new home in Turkey,” she added.

Ofili joins the list of high-profile former Nigerian athletes Gloria Alozie and Francis Obikwelu who abandoned Nigerian colours for Spain and Portugal respectively in the 2000s.

 

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‘He Needs Spiritual War’ – Fresh Prophecy On Victor Boniface Revealed

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In a significant turn of events, Victor Boniface, the talented 24-year-old striker for the Super Eagles, has been left in limbo after his highly anticipated transfer to the esteemed Italian club AC Milan fell through at the last moment.

The aspiring forward had returned to training with high hopes, only to face disappointment when the Serie A giants officially withdrew their interest due to unexpected complications that arose during his medical examinations.

The failed deal has left Boniface visibly upset, as many had regarded this transfer as a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career....Click link for details 

Victor Boniface

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Donel Deal: Liverpool sign Alexander Isak for £130m British-record transfer

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Liverpool have reached agreement on a British-record deal to sign striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, according to ESPN.

Premier League champions say they have had a £125 million ($170m) bid accepted to sign the Sweden international, though Newcastle sources state the deal is worth £130m. Click to continue reading

 

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