Sports
UCL: Dortmund Shows Concern Over PSG’s Stars
Borussia Dortmund have more to worry about than just fit-again Paris St-Germain forward Neymar, says the German team’s boss Lucien Favre.
Brazil forward Neymar has been named in the PSG squad for the Champions League last-16 tie, today having missed the last four games with a rib injury.
“They have so many players with great qualities. They beat Real Madrid even without Neymar,” said Favre.
“Neymar is a great player but so are (Kylian) Mbappe and (Angel) Di Maria.”
PSG have exited at the first knockout round of the Champions League in the last three seasons.
This season they progressed by topping a group containing 13-time European champions Real Madrid with five wins from six games.
“I can name at least 10 players on that team with huge potential,” Favre added.
“They are a dangerous team. When you lose the ball, they move very fast up front. The key will be how we defend.
“It’s important we’re very strong on winning the ball and then, when in possession, that we stay calm.”
Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel agrees with his manager that PSG are far from a one-man team.
“If Neymar plays, and I am pretty sure he is going to play, then we have to take care of him,” said the Belgium player.
“But they have so many good players we have to be compact and we have to defend as a team and really be strong.”
The tie between Ligue 1 leaders PSG and Dortmund, who are third in the Bundesliga, could be a thriller – PSG’s last five game have contained 29 goals, while Dortmund’s have witnessed 27.
Tonight’s game sees the return of PSG boss Thomas Tuchel to Dortmund, whom he managed from 2015 to 2017, before being sacked shortly after winning the German Cup.
Sports
European Giants Circle For Osimhen
Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race
Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.
Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.
According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.
“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.
“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”
Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.
The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”
It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”
The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.
Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.
His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.
Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.
The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor
Sports
Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.
The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.
On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.
In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.
Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.
Sports
W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.
The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.
Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.
Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.
The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.
-
Sports18 hours agoNFF mourns ex-Eagles striker Eneramo
-
Maritime20 hours agoCILT Nigeria Seeks Anti- graft Agency Collaboration
-
Sports18 hours agoW/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
-
Sports18 hours agoEuropean Giants Circle For Osimhen
-
Sports18 hours agoTennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
-
Sports18 hours ago
Four Private Clubs Gain Promotion To NPFL
-
Sports18 hours agoFinancial Issues Stall Chelle’s Eagles Contract Talks
-
Sports19 hours agoNigerian Player Closes In On Historic UEFA Honour
