Victor Osimhen celebrates after scoring for Galatasaray during their Turkish Super Lig title-winning victory over Antalyaspor.

Osimhen Fires Galatasaray to Turkish Super Lig Title with Winning Brace Nigerian international Victor Osimhen once again proved why he remains one of Europe’s most lethal forwards after scoring twice to help Galatasaray secure a dramatic 4-2 victory over Antalyaspor and clinch the Turkish Super Lig title. The highly anticipated encounter carried enormous significance for Galatasaray, who needed all three points to officially confirm their status as champions of Turkey. With the pressure mounting and expectations soaring among supporters inside a packed stadium, the visitors threatened to spoil the celebrations after taking the lead shortly before halftime. Antalyaspor capitalised on a defensive lapse in the closing moments of the first half, with Dikmen finishing calmly to stun the home crowd and hand his side a 1-0 advantage going into the break. READ ALSO: http://localhost:8009/turkish-embassy-strengthen-ties-with-nigeria-holds-cuisine-week/ Despite the setback, Galatasaray returned for the second half with renewed determination and attacking intent. Their persistence paid off in the 56th minute when Gabonese midfielder Mario Lemina produced a composed finish to bring the defending champions level at 1-1. The momentum of the game continued to swing dramatically as Antalyaspor restored their lead just six minutes later. Dikmen grabbed his second goal of the night in the 62nd minute, silencing the Galatasaray faithful once again and putting the title celebrations on hold. With the pressure intensifying, Osimhen stepped forward to inspire his side when they needed him most. PLEASE READ: http://localhost:8009/akpabio-assures-turkiye-of-sustained-bilateral-relations-with-nigeria/ The Super Eagles striker equalised in the 66th minute with a clinical finish that reignited belief throughout the stadium. His movement, composure, and instinct inside the penalty area once again highlighted why he has become a fan favourite since arriving in Turkey. As the match approached its closing stages, Galatasaray pushed aggressively for the winning goal while Antalyaspor struggled to contain the relentless attacking pressure. Osimhen eventually delivered the decisive moment in the 88th minute. The Nigerian forward found space inside the box before firing home his second goal of the match to complete the turnaround and send supporters into wild celebrations. The victory was sealed deep into stoppage time when defender Kaan Ayhan added a fourth goal, ensuring Galatasaray wrapped up the contest in emphatic fashion. RELATEDLY: http://localhost:8009/130m-rated-victor-osimhen-man-united-get-major-boost-as-bayern-back-down/ The triumph confirmed Galatasaray as Turkish Super Lig champions for a fourth consecutive season, further strengthening the club’s dominance in Turkish football. Osimhen’s contribution throughout the campaign has been immense. Since joining Galatasaray from Napoli, the prolific striker has established himself as one of the most important players in the squad. The Nigerian star has now scored an astonishing 61 goals in just 75 appearances for the Istanbul giants, underlining his consistency and importance to the club’s recent success. Beyond his goalscoring ability, Osimhen’s leadership, work rate, and influence in crucial matches have made him a central figure in Galatasaray’s continued dominance both domestically and in European competitions. His latest heroics will also come as encouraging news for Nigerian football fans ahead of upcoming international fixtures, with the striker continuing to demonstrate elite form at the highest level. With another league title secured and Osimhen continuing to shine, Galatasaray supporters will now be hoping the club can build on their domestic success and make a deeper impact in European football next season.

W’Cup Qualifier: S/Eagles walk the tight rope, hope for S/Africa slip

Coach Eric Chelle says the Super Eagles will give their all against Benin Republic in today’s final Group C clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria, currently third in the group, must win in Uyo and hope South Africa drop points against Rwanda in Nelspruit to secure qualification. Benin Republic top the group with 17 points and need only a draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to qualify ,for their first-ever FIFA World Cup. South Africa, second with 15 points, will advance with a win over Rwanda, unless Nigeria defeat Benin by two or more goals. Chelle expressed confidence in his team’s mindset ahead of the match. “We know the odds, but our focus is on winning,” Chelle told newsmen during a pre-match conference on Monday. “We owe it to ourselves, to the fans, and to the badge. “We can’t control what happens in Nelspruit, but we can control how we play here in Uyo,” he said. “We’re ready to fight for the result.” Nigeria have featured in six World Cup tournaments since debuting in 1994. They aim to avoid back-to-back absences after missing the Qatar 2022 edition. Despite sitting third, the Super Eagles have lost only once in the group. Benin and South Africa have lost two matches each. Benin, coached by former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr, are unbeaten in their last four qualifiers and have impressed throughout the campaign. “Benin are well organised and confident. They’ve earned their position,” Chelle said. “But we have experience and quality. We’re not stepping aside.” Nigeria’s squad includes key players with tournament experience. Captain William Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi played at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Ekong, the 2024 AFCON Player of the Tournament, will earn his 83rd cap. Iwobi is set for his 89th appearance. Top scorer Victor Osimhen, along with Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka and Samuel Chukwueze, are among those targeting a first World Cup appearance. Benin have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations only four times, reaching the quarter-finals in 2019. Nigeria have won the continental title three times. Injury and suspension have affected both squads. Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Benin miss Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida. “Injuries are part of football,” Chelle added. “But we have depth, and I believe in the players available. Everyone is ready to step up.” Benin’s population of 11.5 million will back Rohr’s team, while over 220 million Nigerians, including thousands in the stands, will rally behind the Super Eagles. A two-goal win for Nigeria, and failure by South Africa to beat Rwanda, will send the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

W’Cup Qualifier: Faulty aircraft delays Super Eagles’ arrival in Uyo

A cracked windscreen on a chartered aircraft has delayed the Super Eagles’ arrival in Uyo ahead of Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disclosed this in a statement through Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications on Saturday made available to Nigerian Anchor in Abuja. The ValueJet aircraft was transporting the team from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo, Akwa Ibom. The same aircraft had flown part of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving on Friday morning. The incident occurred after a refueling stop in Luanda, Angola. According to the NFF, the aircraft developed a cracked windscreen mid-air after take-off from Luanda. The pilot returned the plane safely to the airport in Luanda. The aircraft had also used Luanda for refueling during previous trips to and from Bloemfontein for the Matchday 8 tie against South Africa. The NFF said officials are working to resolve the situation. Authorities involved include the Minister of Aviation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff to the President. Efforts are ongoing to secure flight clearance for another aircraft to convey the team from Luanda to Uyo. 

W/Cup Qualifier: S/Eagles aims to beat Rwanda in Kigali

As the countdown draws close to Friday’s crucial World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have said picking the three points at stake was non-negotiable. The Super Eagles take on hosts Amavubis of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, on Friday at 6:00p.m. Rwanda time (5:00p.m. Nigeria time). Team captain, William Ekong, told newsmen on Wednesday that the players were focused and unfazed by talks of Nigeria never beating Rwanda on their home turf. “Actually, we read about that in some places, but we are not bothered. “I was part of the last game in Kigali, which ended scoreless, but we know that we cannot afford a draw this time. “Our objective is to pick the three points and bring some life back into our campaign. “We are certainly not concerned about history books and what has happened before now. Qualification for the FIFA World Cup is our priority,” he said. The three-time African champions are yet to achieve victory over Rwanda in that country, going back 20 years. A 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match ended 1-1 at the Amahoro Stadium. In 2011, a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo, in the outskirts of Kigali, ended scoreless. In September last year, another 0-0 was the outcome of a 2025 AFCON qualifying match at the Amahoro Stadium. All 23 invited players were at the Eagles’ Radisson Blu nest on Tuesday night. This means that everyone would be involved in the second training on Wednesday (today), andin the official training session at the Amahoro Stadium on Thursday evening. Nigeria’s goal-banger Victor Osimhen was among the early arrivals, and in high spirit after becoming the new leading scorer in the Turkish Superlig with 20 goals after a hat-trick on Saturday. The 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup top scorer now has 23 goals for Nigeria in 47 matches. Also in the team is reigning Africa Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar and new invitee Tolu Arokodare to make life difficult for the Amavubi rearguard. World football-governing body, FIFA has appointed Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed, who turns 38 two days after the match, to take charge of the game. Jayes officiated a friendly game between the Super Eagles and Ghana’s Black Stars in Marrakech on March 22, 2024, which Nigeria won 2-1. That match marked the first in 18 years that Nigeria would overcome Ghana in a game at senior level. On Friday, Franco-Malian tactician Éric Sékou Chelle will lead out the Super Eagles for the first time. This is as the FIFA World Cup qualifying series resume with Nigeria, yet to win in their previous four matches. The Eagles are desperate to start winning in order to brighten their chances of picking the only automatic ticket from group C to the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico next summer

AFCON 2025: Qualified Eagles falls to Rwanda 2-1

An already qualified Super Eagles fell to the superior play of the Rwandan national team as the traunced the Eagles 2-1. The Eagles defeat is however, not enough to qualify the Rwandans as they were earlier defeated by the Benonoise national team

CAF awards Super Eagles 3 points, 3 goals against Libya

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, on Saturday awarded three points and three goals to the Super Eagles following the botched 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya. The Super Eagles consolidated their top position in the group following the verdict. The Nigerian side now have 10 points from four matches, four points clear of nearest rivals Benin. Libya remain bottom of the group with one point. A draw with Benin in Abidjan next month will qualify the Super Eagles for the 2025 AFCON to be hosted by Morocco in December 2025. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also fined the Libya Football Federation $50,000. The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the decision.

Libyan FA President Steps Down Amid Super Eagles Drama

Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, head of the Libyan Football Federation, has stepped down from his position during a recent General Assembly meeting.  The announcement came as tensions rose over the treatment of Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Al-Shalmani’s departure follows criticism of the Libyan sports sector.  During the assembly, he expressed dissatisfaction with the state of affairs and opted to leave, marking an end to his tenure.  Despite the challenges, he highlighted his long-standing involvement in international and regional football organizations. Meanwhile, the Nigerian team’s experience has sparked controversy.  The Super Eagles, who arrived for their qualifying match, reported being held at an abandoned airport for over 15 hours.  They have since refused to participate, citing security risks.