Sports

Arsenal Silence Madrid to Reach Historic Semifinal

Published

1 month ago

April 17, 2025

By Adenike Lawal

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal sent shockwaves through Europe on Wednesday night with a stunning 2–1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, sealing a 5–1 aggregate triumph and booking their first Champions League semifinal berth in sixteen years.

Backed by a dominant 3–0 first-leg win at the Emirates—powered by two sublime free kicks from Declan Rice—the Gunners completed the job in Madrid with composure and class.

The win is more than just progression; it is a thunderous statement that Arsenal are no longer rebuilding—they are contenders.

Bukayo Saka set the tone early with a calm finish, bouncing back from a missed penalty with typical resilience. Although Vinícius Jr. pulled one back for Madrid, Arsenal’s belief never wavered.

William Saliba anchored the defense with poise, while Gabriel Martinelli added the final touch deep in stoppage time.

But once again, it was Declan Rice who bossed the midfield. Outplaying Jude Bellingham across both legs, Rice earned his second Man of the Match award, dictating the tempo and lifting Arsenal when it mattered most.

“This is a historic night for the club,” Rice said. “We believed we could come here and win—and we did.”

For Arteta, whose tenure began with doubts and growing pains, this marks a turning point. With a semifinal clash against Paris Saint-Germain ahead, Arsenal’s long wait for European glory now feels within reach.

“We are not done,” Arteta said. “This is a hungry young team. And nights like this are what make legends.”

News

Napoli Blocks Turkish Move for Osimhen

Published

6 hours ago

May 21, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Njoku Chijioke

Napoli has rejected a move by Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce to land Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, signaling the club’s firm stance on the forward’s future.

Though figures behind the offer remain under wraps, sources close to the deal suggest the Italian side is not ready to part with their star man unless a compelling package is presented.

Osimhen has drawn attention from several European heavyweights this transfer window, with his name topping many wish lists.

Napoli’s refusal to engage with the Turkish bid sends a strong message – the Nigerian forward is not going anywhere cheaply.

The club is believed to be holding out for a much larger deal or eyeing a strategic replacement before entertaining any sale talks.

As speculation swirls, all eyes remain on Osimhen and what could become one of the summer’s most-watched transfer sagas.

Sports

Chelle Shakes Up Eagles Squad, Drops Osimhen, Lookmam

Published

6 hours ago

May 21, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

In a move that has stunned fans and analysts alike, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has left out top strikers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Unity Cup friendlies against Ghana and Russia.

The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the surprise exclusions on Wednesday, with no official reason given for the absence of the high-flying forwards despite their strong performances at club level.

Chelle’s selection signals a major shift in attacking strategy as the team prepares for two high-profile clashes.

However, there is good news for some as goalkeeper Maduka Okoye returns to the lineup, joined by Frank Onyeka, Kelechi Iheanacho, and veteran skipper Ahmed Musa, who is expected to anchor the squad with his experience.

The omissions have sparked intense debate, with many questioning the timing and tactical reasoning behind sidelining two of Nigeria’s most potent attacking threats.

News

Falcons Set for Showdown with Cameroon

Published

10 hours ago

May 21, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Njoku Chijioke

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are primed for two high-profile friendly clashes against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon as part of their buildup to the 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations.

Coach Justine Madugu has named a strong 23-player squad featuring top stars like Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Toni Payne, and Rinsola Babajide.

The matches will hold on May 31 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne and on June 3 at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.

With Nigeria drawn in a challenging AFCON Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana, the double-header against Cameroon offers a vital chance for tactical fine-tuning and team chemistry.

Players are expected to report to camp at the Am2pm Hotel in Ijebu-Ode on May 26 ahead of the fixtures.