The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Galatasaray record  first Champions League loss without Osimhen

    Galatasaray record  first Champions League loss without Osimhen

    Galatasaray’s three-match winning streak in the Champions League came to an end in a 1-0 defeat in Istanbul to Union Saint-Gilloise, with Promise David netting the winning goal for the Belgian side.

    The loss was the Turkish side’s first home defeat since August 2024, and they remain ninth in the standings on nine points while Union bounced back from three successive Champions League losses and are on six points in 18th  place.

    Galatasaray and Union are top of their respective domestic league standings, but came into Tuesday’s clash with contrasting Champions League form. The visitors, however, came away with a deserved win against a Turkish side missing their main goal threats.

    Read Also: UEFA Champions League: Union Saint-Gilloise earn shock win at Galatasaray

    All eight Galatasaray goals in the Champions League had come from two players, Victor Osimhen with six and Yunus Akgun with two, and with both out injured the hosts struggled to break down the visitors’ disciplined defence.

    Both sides hit the woodwork in a scoreless opening half, Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara had a fierce effort from distance cannon back off the upright and Union defender Ross Sykes hit the crossbar with a header from a corner.

    The only goal came in the 57th minute when Raul Florucz’s clever reverse pass found the run of Adem Zorgane and his pullback from the byline was side-footed into the net from the edge of the six-yard area by David.

    Galatasaray piled on the pressure and Union cleared a Abdulkerim Bardakci header off the line before the hosts had Arda Unyay sent off late on for a second booking and the Belgian side held on to get their campaign back on track.

    Galatasaray’s three-match winning streak in the Champions League came to an end in a 1-0 defeat in Istanbul to Union Saint-Gilloise on Tuesday, with Promise David netting the winning goal for the Belgian side.

  • UCL: Arsenal bank on returnee Odegaard for  Bayern showdown

    UCL: Arsenal bank on returnee Odegaard for  Bayern showdown

    Mikel Arteta said Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is in contention to return from injury for  today’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

    Odegaard has been out of action since October with a knee injury, but he is back in training ahead of Bayern’s visit to the Emirates Stadium.

    The Norway midfielder’s presence in the starting line-up would be a significant boost for Arsenal as they look to make it five successive wins in the Champions League this season.

     “He was very close for the previous game so we are hopeful that tomorrow he can be in the squad,” Arteta told reporters.

    Arsenal and Bayern began this week as the top two in the Champions League table, with the Gunners hoping to step up their bid to reach the last 16 by defeating the German champions.

    Arteta’s side head into the eagerly-anticipated match basking in Sunday’s 4-1 demolition of their north London rivals Tottenham in the Premier League.

    Read Also: UEFA Champions League: Ajax remain pointless as Benfica claim first win

     “We have to make sure that we carry that energy tomorrow again to the stadium, to each individual and play with the same dominance, aggression, and efficiency against a top side,” Arteta said. “This is the kind of game in the competition that we want to face and we’ve been very consistent.”

    Chasing a first English title since 2004, Arsenal are six points clear of second-placed Chelsea, who host the leaders on Sunday.

    But before that summit meeting, Arteta knows Bayern pose a major threat to his team’s 15-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

     “Tomorrow is a great test for us to see where we are,” he said. “Every opponent brings different challenges. Obviously they are in a great moment.

     “The level of consistency they show in results, performances, in every metric that they have is very, very impressive. We know that. But as well it’s a massive opportunity for us to show what we are capable of.”

    Arsenal are yet to concede a goal in the Champions League this season, but full-back Jurrien Timber is well aware they face a huge task in stopping Bayern striker Harry Kane.

    The England captain has scored 15 goals in 21 appearances against the Gunners, including one for Bayern at the Emirates in the first leg of their quarter-final in 2024.

    Timber is relishing the challenge of shackling Kane on the former Tottenham star’s return to north London.

     “I think he’s an amazing striker. Everyone knows that,” the Dutchman said.

     “He has so many qualities. He’s been doing it for such a long time already and now at Bayern Munich, he’s one of the best players in the world.

     “So it’s going to be a nice challenge for us as a team, and as defenders, to stop him tomorrow.”

    UCL: TODAY’S MATCHES

    Copenhagen vs. Kairat

    Pafos vs. Monaco

    Arsenal vs.  Bayern

    Atletico vs. Inter Milan

    Frankfurt vs. Atalanta

    Liverpool vs. PSV

    Olympiakos vs. Real Madrid

    PSG vs. Tottenham

    Sporting CP vs. Club Brugge

  • UCL: Marseille beat Newcastle United 2-1

    UCL: Marseille beat Newcastle United 2-1

    Newcastle United’s three-match Champions League winning streak was halted on Tuesday as they lost 1-2 at Olympique de Marseille after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice for the home side.

    Harvey Barnes gave the visiting side a dream start at the Stade Velodrome when he broke the deadlock from close range after five minutes with his fourth goal in his last three matches in all competitions.

    Aubameyang turned the scoreline around, though, with two goals in four minutes shortly after the interval to give the French side its second win of the campaign.

    READ ALSO; Shettima returns after G20, AU–EU summits

    Newcastle, which is eighth with nine points, travels to Bayer Leverkusen next, while Marseille, 19th on six points, visits Union Saint-Gilloise.

  • UCL: Chelsea thump 10-man Barcelona

    UCL: Chelsea thump 10-man Barcelona

    Chelsea have routed 10-man Barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.

    The hosts broke through in the 27th minute with a Jules Kounde own goal from a Pedro Neto shot. Things went from bad to worse for the visitors when Ronald Araujo was sent off for a second booking right before half-time.

    Chelsea continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded 10 minutes after the break when Estevao scored a magnificent goal from a very tight angle. Liam Delap then made it 3-0 with a free shot after beating Barcelona’s offside trap.

    READ ALSO; Shettima returns after G20, AU–EU summits

    The result gives Chelsea 10 points through five matchdays and moves them into fifth place in the league phase, albeit with more games to be played tomorrow. Barcelona remain on seven points and are in danger of missing out on automatic qualification to the knockout phase.

    NY TIMES

  • Bayer Leverkusen beat Manchester City 2 – 0 in UCL first-round game at home after seven years

    Bayer Leverkusen beat Manchester City 2 – 0 in UCL first-round game at home after seven years

    Manchester City suffered a rare Champions League defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, losing 0-2 to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen and ending its 23-game unbeaten home run in the competition’s group or league stage.

    The loss spoiled Pep Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match as City manager and left the Premier League side provisionally sixth on 10 points after five games. Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick scored for Leverkusen, which is 13th.

    Guardiola rested most of his regular starters for the first half, with 10 changes to his team, and the risky move backfired.

    Leverkusen struck in the 23rd minute on the counter-attack when Malik Tillman sent in a cross that Christian Kofane held up in the penalty area for Grimaldo to fire home.

    READ ALSO; Shettima returns after G20, AU–EU summits

    Guardiola sent on reinforcements to start the second half in Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku and Nico O’Reilly, but it did not stop the visiting side from doubling its lead in the 54th minute with a glancing Schick header over a lunging Nathan Ake and past the outstretched hands of goalkeeper James Trafford.

    City’s scoring machine, Erling Haaland, entered the game in the 65th minute to a standing ovation.

    Though he was in the thick of the action, there were no late-game heroics, with Mark Flekken making a brave stop from the big Norwegian’s best chance, a one-on-one with the ‘keeper after running onto a through ball from Foden.

  • UEFA Champions League: Ajax remain pointless as Benfica claim first win

    UEFA Champions League: Ajax remain pointless as Benfica claim first win

    Ajax’s Champions League misery continued as they were beaten by fellow strugglers Benfica to leave them bottom of the standings.

    The Dutch side have been in torrid form in Europe, with this their fifth straight loss in this season’s competition, following three straight in the Europa League last term.

    After six defeats on the trot themselves, Benfica claimed a much-needed first Champions League win under Jose Mourinho.

    The Portuguese side took a sixth-minute lead courtesy of Samuel Dahl’s unstoppable drive.

    READ ALSO; Wike vows timely completion of Kuje road project June

    Ajax did have chances to level, but goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin kept out efforts from Davy Klaassen and Rayane Bounida.

    Oscar Gloukh also had a powerful effort kept out by Trubin at his near post as the Dutch side continued to push for a goal.

    But Benfica got a second in stoppage time to wrap up the success, with Leandro Barreiro racing clear to power home a fierce finish.

    While they revived their hopes of reaching the knockout stage, Ajax face an early exit with no points and having scored just one goal.

    BBC SPORTS

  • UEFA Champions League: Union Saint-Gilloise earn shock win at Galatasaray

    UEFA Champions League: Union Saint-Gilloise earn shock win at Galatasaray

    Promise David scored the only goal as Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise beat Galatasaray in Istanbul to end their three-game losing run in the Champions League.

    Canada striker David was on hand in the 57th minute to sweep home Adem Zorgane’s cutback, one of the few clear chances created by either side in Turkey.

    Both sides hit the woodwork in the first half – Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara crashed a 25-yard strike against the foot of the post, before Union captain Christian Burgess saw his header cannon off the crossbar.

    READ ALSO; Wike vows timely completion of Kuje road project June

    Galatasaray lacked cutting edge in the absence of the injured Victor Osimhen, who with six goals is the top scorer in the Champions League this season.

    Former Manchester City players Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane had quiet evenings, as did former Inter Milan and Paris St-Germain striker Mauro Icardi.

    Sara went close late on when Union goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen parried away his header, before former Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez blazed over from close range when it looked easier to score.

    Galatasaray’s frustrations were compounded late on when Arda Unyay was shown a second yellow card for a reckless tackle.

    The Turkish giants were looking to record a fourth successive Champions League victory for the first time in their history, but remain on nine points after five games -while Union increase their total to six.

    BBC SPORTS

  • UCL: Things to know as Chelsea host Barcelona

    UCL: Things to know as Chelsea host Barcelona

    Chelsea and Barcelona – two former Champions League winners enter Tuesday night’s showdown level on seven points from their first four league-phase fixtures, making the clash at Stamford Bridge pivotal in the race for automatic top-eight qualification.

    Both sides sit just outside the cut-off and know that victory could significantly strengthen their push toward the last 16.

    Chelsea arrive in impressive domestic form, riding a wave of three consecutive Premier League wins against Tottenham, Wolves, and Burnley, all without conceding. Enzo Maresca’s young squad has surged to second place behind leaders Arsenal, with the Blues remarkably going 50 straight Premier League matches without starting a player aged 30 or above. Barcelona, meanwhile, remain locked in their usual battle with Real Madrid for La Liga supremacy.

    Hansi Flick’s men enjoyed a triumphant return to the refurbished Camp Nou on Saturday, dispatching Athletic Bilbao 4–0 in front of their home fans for the first time in 909 days. Ferran Torres struck twice, Lamine Yamal delivered two assists, Robert Lewandowski got his trademark goal, and Fermin Lopez added another as Barça reclaimed top spot in Spain.

    The history between the two giants has swung dramatically across eras. Chelsea famously stunned Barcelona in 2012 under Roberto Di Matteo on their way to their maiden Champions League title, while the Catalans returned the favour in 2017–18 with a commanding 3–0 round-of-16 aggregate win.

    Tuesday’s meeting may not carry knockout stakes, but both teams urgently need points after inconsistent European starts. Barcelona were held to a chaotic 3–3 draw by Club Brugge last time out, while Chelsea managed only a point away to Qarabag.

    Barça’s defensive fragility remains a theme, having conceded in every Champions League match this season, though Saturday’s clean sheet ended an 11-game run without one. Chelsea, by contrast, looks steadier at the back and continues to rely on a blossoming young core mixed with emerging leadership.

    Team News

    Chelsea captain Reece James was substituted at half-time against Burnley, but Maresca clarified the decision was precautionary and pre-planned. Wesley Fofana, rested for “protection,” should return to contention, while Tosin Adarabioyo is pushing for a start after starring at the weekend. However, the Blues remain without Romeo Lavia (thigh), Cole Palmer (groin/toe), Dario Essugo (thigh), Levi Colwill (knee), and the still-suspended Mykhaylo Mudryk.

    For Barcelona, Alejandro Balde was withdrawn after a head knock but is expected to be available. Marcus Rashford is doubtful due to illness, though Raphinha made his comeback from a hamstring injury, and Ferran Torres’s brace makes him difficult to drop. Frenkie de Jong returns after a domestic suspension, but Pedri (hamstring), Gavi (knee), and Marc-André ter Stegen (back) remain sidelined.

    Chelsea’s possible XI:

    Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Pedro, Garnacho; Delap

    Barcelona’s possible XI:

    J. Garcia; Kounde, E. Garcia, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, De Jong; Yamal, Lopez, Torres; Lewandowski

    Match Details

    Location: London, England

    Stadium: Stamford Bridge

    Date: Tuesday, Nov. 25

    Kick-off: 9 p.m

    Referee: Slavko Vinčić (SVN)

    VAR: Christian Dingert (GER)

    Betting Tips / Prediction:

    Over 1.5 goals

    Both teams to score

    Chelsea 2–4 Barcelona

  • W’Cup Mishap: Green passes vote of no confidence in administrators

    W’Cup Mishap: Green passes vote of no confidence in administrators

    stakeholders call for reforms at Big Sports Dialogue :

    Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Barr. Chris Green,  has delivered  a damning verdict  on the state of Nigerian football , saying incompetence at the heart of Nigerian football administration.

    Green, a former chieftain of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) , said as much in Lagos yesterday at The Big Sports Dialogue-a high-level forum that examined the nation’s declining sports systems and proposed strategic reforms- where majority of the stakeholders  have called for total reforms.

    In  attendance  at the event  are some of the bigwigs  in  the society and sports  including former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), the Chairman of the  National Sports Commission (NSC) Shehu Dikko  and the commission’s  Director General , Bukola Olopade, as well as the Chairman of  National Institute Sports , Comrade Philip Shaibu, NFF board member, Aisa Falode , immediate past NFF President  Amaju Pinnick, Sports marketing expert, Mike Itemuagbor, top basketball promoter,  Igoche Mark , Dr. Reuben Abati of Arise TV and a host of other personalities.

    Convened by  broadcast journalist , Aron Akerejola of Arise TV , the dialogue was described as a bold response to the painful realities exposed by the Super Eagles’ recent World Cup Playoff collapse — a moment that laid bare deep cracks in governance, structure, leadership and athlete welfare.

    Dwelling on the  shoddy state of Nigerian football, Green argued that the current leadership lacked  the technical depth required to drive progress, saying many administrators “do not have the capacity, that cannot perform, that cannot hold their own.”

    He noted  that  football development has been restricted to a small circle of individuals, preventing qualified professionals from contributing.

     “The space is not open, if you open the space, people that are competent, people that have capacity can come in and help salvage what we have remaining in our football,” he noted.

    Read Also: W’Cup 2026: Toro hails NFF, stakeholders for Super Eagles’   playoff spot

     He also condemned the continuous recycling of the same personnel in key technical roles, noting: “If you are doing the same thing the same way, you still get the same result.”

    Meanwhile, former Lagos State Governor, Mr, Fashola  urged sports administrators to return to intentional planning and structural coherence.

    He referenced a previous Lagos policy that linked sports participation to school enrolment, noting it helped monitor talent and curbed age-cheating.

    “If you are not in school, you don’t  do sports,” Fashola said, even as he  emphasised the need for upgraded infrastructure, integration of sports science and nutrition and a functional connection between physical education teachers, state sports commissions and national programmes.

    Over all, participants agreed that Nigerian sports require urgent restructuring guided by professionalism, competence and long-term planning. They emphasised that only deliberate reforms—free of political interference—can restore Nigeria’s competitive edge on the continental and global stage.

  • UCL: Osimhen to miss Gala’s UCL tie against Saint-Gilloise

    UCL: Osimhen to miss Gala’s UCL tie against Saint-Gilloise

    Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will miss Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League game on Tuesday due to a hamstring injury, but his fitness level will be re-evaluated on Friday, according to  Soccernet.ng .

    ​Osimhen was substituted off at halftime in Nigeria’s CAF World Cup qualifier against DR Congo last Sunday due to the injury and had to return immediately to Galatasaray to undergo treatment.

    Upon his return, the injury was confirmed to be a minor hamstring tear, which was expected to side-line him for only a few days.

    However, he was sighted in the stands showing support for his teammates. Osimhen was even sighted walking out from the stadium with compatriot Henry Onyekuru.

    ​After missing Galatasaray’s first UEFA Champions League game against Eintracht Frankfurt, Victor Osimhen had been available for their last three games in the competition, and he was exceptional.

    He currently leads the Champions League goalscoring charts with six goals. However, he is now set to miss his second match in the competition, which is against Royale Union SG tonight.

    With Osimhen sidelined, rivals like Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé, who are currently one goal behind him, will be looking to overtake him in the goal scorers’ charts.

    ​According to NTV Spor, Victor Osimhen is expected to be re-evaluated on Friday to ascertain his fitness for a return to action.

    Read Also: Super Eagles: NFF  Scrap U.S. friendlies to prioritize World Cup Play-Offs

    The primary goal is for the Super Eagles star to be fit and ready when Galatasaray plays their fierce rivals, Fenerbahce, on Monday.

    This fixture is one of the biggest games in the Turkish football calendar, and Galatasaray will undoubtedly need all the firepower they can muster.

    As Osimhen is arguably the best player at the club, they desperately need him to be as fit as possible.

    Nevertheless, Galatasaray will still employ a cautious approach to managing the Super Eagles star’s injury to prevent any further complications.

    UCL: Today’s Matches

    Ajax vs. Benfica

    Galatasaray vs. Saint-Gilloise

    Bodø / Glimt vs.  Juventus

    Dortmund vs.  Villarreal

    Chelsea vs. Barcelona

    Man. City vs. Leverkusen

    Marseille vs. Newcastle

    Napoli vs. Qarabağ kick

    Slavia Prague vs. Athletic