Tag: StarTimes

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, unfolding across the United States, has delivered an electrifying Round of 16—filled with shock exits, breakout stars, and underdog triumphs.

For Nigerian viewers, StarTimes has been the window to every goal, upset, and celebration, bringing global football drama directly into homes and onto mobile screens.

Two major football powerhouses, Manchester City and Inter Milan, suffered stunning eliminations. Manchester City were ousted 4–3 in extra time by Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal in Orlando.

The Saudi team twice came from behind before sealing the win with a 112^th -minute strike by Marcos Leonardo, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou delivered a heroic performance to frustrate the European side.

In another upset, Brazilian club Fluminense beat Inter Milan 2–0, thanks to a tactically disciplined performance. Veteran defender Thiago Silva, at 40, led a compact backline, and 44-year-old goalkeeper Fábio kept a clean sheet, securing Fluminense’s place in the quarter-finals.

These results aren’t just surprising—they reflect a broader shift in football’s global landscape.

One key reason is the tournament’s expanded format, which now includes 32 teams, offering more clubs the chance to prove themselves on the world stage. This change has added depth and unpredictability to the competition.

Additionally, South American and Saudi Arabian clubs have entered the tournament in mid-season and a recent end-of-the-season form respectively, arriving sharper and fitter than many European sides who are just restarting after a break. This physical advantage has been telling.

Tactical innovation has also played a major role. Many so-called underdogs have executed smart, reactive game plans—particularly focusing on tight defense and swift counter-attacks.

But above all, it’s the resilience and mental toughness of these teams—adapting to new environments, playing with heart, and believing they belong—that has turned potential into results.

Elsewhere in the Round of 16, Bayern Munich beat Flamengo 4–2 with a brace from Harry Kane. Paris Saint-Germain dominated Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, winning 4–0. Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Palmeiras, and Real Madrid have also advanced, setting the stage for blockbuster quarter-final matchups. Throughout the tournament, StarTimes Nigeria has ensured fans don’t miss a moment, with live broadcasts on its decoders and seamless mobile streaming via the StarTimes ON app.

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Through its Chop Extra Promo, running until July 10, fans are enjoying more access without paying more.

According to a StarTimes official:  “Nova Bouquet subscribers are upgraded to Basic Bouquet, giving them access to selected matches on Sports Life. Basic Bouquet subscribers move up to Classic Bouquet, where they can watch most of the matches on World Football in both English and on Beta Sports for Pidgin commentary. Classic subscribers are bumped up to the Super Bouquet, unlocking full access to all matches on Sport Premium. For Super Bouquet customers, we’re adding an extra three days of viewing when they renew. It’s our way of ensuring more fans enjoy the FIFA Club World Cup without paying more.”

With exciting quarter-final clashes like Al Hilal vs. Fluminense and Bayern Munich vs. PSG, the stage is set for more surprises.

And with StarTimes leading the coverage, Nigerian fans remain fully plugged into football’s most unpredictable and unforgettable tournament yet.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has lived up to its billing as a thrilling football spectacle, full of surprises, breakout performances, and emotional moments.

As the group stage wraps up, the spotlight shifts to the Round of 16—and StarTimes is making sure Nigerian fans are right at the heart of the action.

The tournament has served up a mix of shock exits and remarkable underdog success stories.

European giants FC Porto and Atletico Madrid are among the biggest casualties, crashing out earlier than expected.

In contrast, teams like Palmeiras of Brazil and Mexico’s Monterrey—initially considered dark horses—earned hard-fought spots in the knockout phase with determined, tactically disciplined play.

A standout storyline has been the rise of Inter Miami, led by global football icon Lionel Messi.

Making their debut in the competition, the American side found themselves in a tough group with Palmeiras, Porto, and African champions Al Ahly of Egypt.

Inter Miami defied the odds, collecting five points from a win and two draws to finish second and book a historic place in the Round of 16.

Other clubs that have confirmed their places include Paris Saint-Germain, Botafogo, Benfica, Bayern Munich, Flamengo, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Monterrey, Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense, Juventus, and defending champions Manchester City.

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The final group, Group H, will provide two more teams for the knockout phase.

Despite high hopes, African clubs failed to progress. Mamelodi Sundowns came closest, finishing third in their group with four points and narrowly missing qualification.

Fans now eagerly await high-stakes clashes, including the much-anticipated matchup between Messi’s Inter Miami and his former club, PSG. With world-class talent on display, the stage is set for unforgettable football.

Throughout the tournament, StarTimes Nigeria has been a reliable companion for fans, broadcasting matches via Antenna and Dish decoders as well as on the StarTimes ON mobile app. The company’s ongoing Chop Extra Promo, which runs until July 10, has made the tournament more accessible to subscribers at all levels.

According to a StarTimes official: “Nova Bouquet subscribers are upgraded to Basic Bouquet, giving them access to selected matches on Sports Life. Basic Bouquet subscribers move up to Classic Bouquet, where they can watch most of the matches on World Football in both English and on Beta Sports for Pidgin commentary. Classic subscribers are bumped up to the Super Bouquet, unlocking full access to all matches on Sport Premium. For Super Bouquet customers, we’re adding an extra three days of viewing when they renew. It’s our way of ensuring more fans enjoy the FIFA Club World Cup without paying more.”

With the tournament heading into its decisive phase, StarTimes continues to connect millions of Nigerians to the world’s top clubs and football legends. Whether at home or on the move, fans are guaranteed front-row access to every thrilling moment.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off on June 15 with drama, surprises, and high-scoring games as top clubs from across the globe clashed on football’s international

Nigerian fans have been following the action live, thanks to StarTimes Nigeria, the official broadcaster of the tournament.

The opening fixture between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and African giants Al Ahly ended in a goalless draw, but the tournament quickly picked up pace with several headline-grabbing results.

Bayern Munich made a bold statement with a 10-0 demolition of Auckland City, while Paris Saint-Germain swept aside Atletico Madrid with a 4-0 win. Chelsea also made a solid start, defeating LAFC 2-0.

However, the biggest surprise so far came when Real Madrid, one of the tournament favourites, were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal.

African teams have experienced mixed fortunes. Al Ahly managed a draw against Inter Miami, Esperance Tunis lost 2-0 to Flamengo, and Wydad Casablanca fell by the same scoreline to Manchester City despite showing resilience.

The continent’s only victory came from Mamelodi Sundowns, who edged Ulsan HD FC of South Korea 1-0 to claim Africa’s first win of the tournament.

With the beginning of  Matchday 2 yesterday ( June 19), fans can expect more intense action as the competition heats up. StarTimes is making sure viewers don’t miss a moment, with all matches available live via its satellite and streaming platforms.

In a bid to expand access, StarTimes has introduced a special offer to reward subscribers during the tournament.

 “As part of our ongoing Chop Extra Promo, subscribers are enjoying free automatic upgrades across all bouquets,” a StarTimes official explained.

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upgraded to Basic, giving them access to selected matches on Sports Life. Basic Bouquet subscribers move up to Classic, where they can watch most of the matches on World Football in both English and Pidgin commentary.”

He added: “Classic subscribers are bumped up to the Super Bouquet, unlocking full access to all matches on Sport Premium. And for our Super Bouquet customers, we’re adding an extra three days of viewing when they renew. It’s our way of ensuring more fans enjoy the FIFA Club World Cup without paying more.”

The promo runs until July 10. StarTimes is encouraging all fans of the game to stay tuned as more surprises, standout performances, and thrilling matchups unfold in the weeks ahead.

More updates, match schedules, and behind-the-scenes coverage are available across StarTimes Nigeria’s social media channels.

After an electrifying football season that brought Nigerian fans  closer to the  elite leagues including German Bundesliga, Spanish LaLiga, and the Saudi Pro League, StarTimes is once again raising the bar.

The Pay TV provider has announced it will broadcast all matches of the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, holding in the United States between  June 15 and  July 14 .

The tournament marks a new era for the FIFA Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams from six confederations and a month-long competition that promises drama, intensity, and star-studded matchups.

From Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to freshly minted European champions Paris Saint-Germain, the resurgent Chelsea squad, and African powerhouses Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns, fans are guaranteed non-stop action.

StarTimes in a statement, confirmed that matches will be available across several of its sports channels, ensuring widespread access.

Viewers on Super Bouquet  will enjoy full access to all matches via the Sports Premium channel. Those on Classic Bouquet will catch most of the games on World Football. At the same time, subscribers to the Basic Bouquet  will also be treated to a selection of key fixtures on Sports Life.

While access will vary depending on the bouquet, StarTimes has assured that subscribers across the different bouquet tiers will be part of the global spectacle.

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“We are proud to bring the excitement of the FIFA Club World Cup to Nigerian homes,” said Joshua Wang, CEO of StarTimes Nigeria. “This tournament represents the best of world football—club legends, international icons, and emerging talents, all competing for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles. For our subscribers, it’s more than just watching matches—it’s about being part of history.”

Clubs are grouped into eight pools of four, playing in a round-robin format in the group stage. The top two teams from each group will advance to a straight knockout round starting with the round of 16 and culminating in the grand finale, to be held at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The Opening match will be between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and African Powerhouse – Al Ahly of Egypt on Sunday, June 15 at 1am on World Football Channel 254 Antenna/245 Dish decoder, on Classic Bouquet.

With a record $1 billion prize pool on offer, including up to $125 million for the eventual champions, the stakes have never been higher.

“Even if fans won’t be in the United States, StarTimes is giving them front-row access to all the action,” Eric Xiao, General Manager of StarTimes Nigeria, stated. “From world-class commentary to HD viewing and in-depth studio analysis, we’re committed to delivering a complete viewing experience that matches the magnitude of this tournament,”he added.

As the world prepares for kick-off, StarTimes subscribers in Nigeria and beyond can look forward to a football summer like no other—one filled with goals, glory, and unforgettable moments.

As the 2024-25 La Liga season kicks off tomorrow, football fans around the globe, including those in Nigeria, are eagerly awaiting the action.

The season opener features some thrilling matchups, Athletic Club open the season against Getafe on Thursday.

 Kelechi Iheanacho will make his La Liga debut on Friday when Sevilla meet Las Palmas in an away match.

All 380 La Liga games will air on StarTimes’ Sports Premium channel, with select matches airing on Sports Life channel.

Barcelona are poised to start their campaign on a high note when they meet Valencia on Saturday.

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The most anticipated match of matchday one is Mbappe’s debut on Sunday for Real Madrid. Kylian Mbappe’s high-profile transfer to Real Madrid is set to shake up La Liga. His arrival not only boosts Real Madrid’s attacking options but also enhances the league’s global appeal. Mbappe’s presence is expected to draw more international viewers, making La Liga a focal point for football fans worldwide.

Spanish players have been making waves in international tournaments in 2024, with many of them plying their trade in La Liga. This dominance underscores the league’s quality and depth. The success of these stars in global competitions enhances La Liga’s reputation as a premier destination for top talent and a powerhouse in European football.

With the influx of talent and the presence of global stars like Mbappe, La Liga teams are poised for strong performances in European competitions.

For Nigerian fans, La Liga offers a captivating blend of tactical football and star-studded lineups. Players like Kelechi Iheanacho making his La Liga debut for Sevilla, will be of particular interest.

The Nigeria Super Falcons face Brazil today in their opening match of the 2024 Olympics.

The clash will kick-off at 6pm and will be televised live on Sporty TV channel on StarTimes.

This match brings back memories of the 1996 Olympics, where Nigeria’s men’s team famously defeated Brazil 4-3 in a thrilling semi-final encounter. That match saw Nigeria come from behind to win in extra time, with Nwankwo Kanu scoring the decisive golden goal.

Even though Nigeria’s Dream Team didn’t qualify for the Mundial, Nigerians are throwing their weight behind the Super Falcons who are returning to the Olympics after a 16-year absence. They had a strong showing in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, reaching the knockout stages.

Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie will be in action.

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This will be the third encounter between these sides, and their second clash at the Olympics. Brazil defeated the Super Falcons 4-3 after extra time at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This was followed by a comfortable 3-1 victory in the group stage of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

This Olympic opener is a heavyweight battle, with a hungry Super Falcons squad, brimming with globally-recognised stars, aiming to leave their mark in gold.  At home, the fond memories of 1996 will be shared as the Super Falcons square-up with Brazil. Nigerian fans are buzzing with confidence, ready to erupt in excitement for their team! The match will be aired live on Sporty TV on StarTimes.

StarTimes is thrilled to announce that it has successfully secured the non-exclusive broadcast rights for the highly esteemed Spanish football league, LaLiga  EA Sports and LaLiga Hypermotion, for the next five seasons.

LaLiga EA Sports is the premier football league in Spain and is considered one of the top professional football leagues in Europe and the world, featuring 20 participating teams. Each season consists of 38 rounds with 10 matches per round, following a home and away format. LaLiga  also boasts the record for producing the most winners of both the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

With this acquisition, StarTimes holds the rights to broadcast  LaLiga  EA Sports and LaLiga  Hypermotion for the seasons spanning 2024/25, 2025/26, 2026/27, 2027/28, and 2028/29. The broadcast will be available in all languages including English, Portuguese, and local languages, reaching audiences across all countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Read Also:StarTimes double NPFL live matches to four

Melcior Soler, LaLiga ’s Audiovisual Director stated: “Reaching our audience is essential for us, and partnering with StarTimes is key to deliver our best-in-class content to all our fans in the Sub-Saharian region.”

“We are thrilled to share the news of our successful bid for the LALIGA broadcast rights, securing access to one of the most prestigious football competitions globally. Soccer is at the heart of StarTimes’ sports content strategy, and this latest acquisition underscores our dedication to delivering top-notch football entertainment to our subscribers,” said Tiffany Shao, Sports Acquisition and Operation Director of StarTimes.

StarTimes has increased its weekly live broadcast of NPFL matches to four from February 2024, instead of the usual two live matches per week.

So, fans can brace themselves for an electrifying weekend as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) serves scintillating fixtures on Beta Sports, channel 244 on StarTimes.

Today at 5:30pm, Remo Stars will take on Bayelsa United. Remo Stars, renowned for their attacking flair, aim to extend their winning streak. Meanwhile, Bayelsa United, hungry for points, will be out to play party spoilers.

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Doma United will square off against Sporting Lagos on Monday. The stakes are high as both teams jostle for mid-table supremacy. Expect tactical brilliance and unwavering determination in this must-watch encounter.

Midweek, two matches were already aired live. Some of the other matches scheduled for this weekend like the Gombe United vs Shooting Star match have been rescheduled to next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Boxing fans are in for a treat as the Battle of the Ages Six boxing event gets set to take place on Sunday at the Molade Okoya Thomas Sports Hall in Lagos.

The night will feature seven exciting bouts, including an international super featherweight contest between Sodiq Oyakojo (Nigeria) and Abdul Zongo (Burkina Faso). Several Nigerian boxers, including Jamiu Animashaun, Toheeb Hassan, and Segun Adeyemi, are also in action, promising explosive performances and fierce competition.