Author: Gabby

Gbenga Ogunbote, the technical adviser of Plateau United, expressed satisfaction after his team secured a 2-1 victory over Basira FC in the President Federation Cup Round of 16. The match took place at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja on Saturday, with the Peace Boys advancing to the next stage.

Ogunbote acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents, who compete in the Nigeria National League (NNL). He noted that facing an NNL side is always difficult, and Basira FC put up a strong fight. Despite the pressure, Plateau United managed to come out on top.

The coach emphasized the team’s ambition to win the trophy, stating that everyone is focused on that goal. He added that they will continue to push forward and see how far their strength can take them in the competition.

Ogunbote also praised his players for their determination and effort throughout the game. He highlighted their commitment as a key factor in securing the win.

Galatasaray have set their sights on two strikers to bolster their attacking lineup alongside Nigerian star Victor Osimhen. The club’s management is actively pursuing a new forward to partner the prolific scorer, according to recent reports.

Reliable Galatasaray insider Burhan Can Terzi has revealed the club’s summer transfer priorities. He named Fenerbahce’s Jhon Duran and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kolo Muani as the primary options being considered.

“The two names that Galatasaray are most keenly considering as strikers to partner and support Osimhen are Jhon Duran and Kolo Muani,” Terzi stated. He added that the board is particularly drawn to Duran due to his relatively lower transfer fee, making him a financially viable target.

Meanwhile, Osimhen has been the subject of exit rumors, but the Nigerian international has firmly dismissed any speculation about leaving the Turkish Super Lig champions this summer, committing his immediate future to the club.

Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, has confessed that he fully expected to be crowned the Ballon d’Or winner in 2025. However, the prestigious award ultimately went to Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele, with Yamal securing the second-place finish.

In a recent interview, the Spanish winger revealed that while he believed he had done enough to claim the prize, looking back, he realizes that finishing as runner-up was actually beneficial for his development. “I thought the trophy would be mine that day, given everything that had unfolded throughout the year,” Yamal shared. “But now, I see that Dembele’s victory was the best outcome for me.”

The 18-year-old elaborated on why not winning was a positive turning point. “Beyond helping me mature as a person, I don’t believe I was ready to fully grasp the significance of a Ballon d’Or at that stage. I was still a kid, and winning might have made me take it for granted. It wouldn’t have meant the same to me as it should. This year, though, I’m aiming to change that. Let’s see if I can make it mine!”

Yamal’s reflection highlights a level of self-awareness rare for such a young athlete. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, he is channeling his disappointment into motivation for the upcoming season.

In a developing story from Turkey, football analyst Ertem Şener has announced that Mauro Icardi, who shares the forward line with Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray, is expected to leave the Süper Lig champions when the summer transfer window opens.

Speaking on his personal YouTube channel, Şener offered insights into the club’s upcoming transfer strategy. According to him, conversations with Galatasaray officials have made it clear that the Argentine striker will not continue with the team.

“After my discussion with the Galatasaray management today, it is evident that they are preparing to let Icardi go,” Şener said, as reported by Habersarikirmizi.

He went on to explain that there is tension between Icardi and the coaching staff. “Icardi holds some resentment toward the coach—or perhaps it’s more accurate to say he has adopted a certain attitude. He is showing a disruptive behavior within the squad.”

Şener believes the separation is the right move for both parties. “It is in the best interest of Galatasaray for Icardi to leave. The club should thank him for his contributions and move on.”

Since Osimhen joined from Napoli, Icardi has been relegated to a backup role, losing his spot as the team’s primary striker. This shift in hierarchy is believed to be a key factor behind the growing discord.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has expressed disbelief over reports suggesting the club is considering offloading captain Martin Odegaard. The former midfielder described the move as sheer madness, predicting a long queue of suitors eager to sign the Norwegian playmaker.

Speaking on The Sports Agents, Merson acknowledged that the Gunners might be weighing a transfer for their skipper, but he firmly believes Odegaard would have no shortage of options. “When you operate in that role, you desperately need pace up front,” Merson noted, emphasizing the mismatch in Arsenal’s attack.

Odegaard, who joined the north London side permanently from Real Madrid in 2021, etched his name in history last season by becoming the first Arsenal captain since Patrick Vieira to lift the Premier League trophy.

Former Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen experienced another health scare during Denmark’s friendly match against Ukraine on Sunday, which ended 2-1 in favor of the Danes. In the 65th minute, the 33-year-old was seen grabbing his chest before collapsing on the pitch, causing immediate concern among players and fans.

The match was promptly halted, and Eriksen was rushed to the hospital. Fortunately, the Danish Football Association (DBU) issued a reassuring update on social media, stating that the midfielder is conscious and in good condition given the circumstances.

Denmark’s national team doctor, Morten Boesen, who previously played a key role in saving Eriksen’s life during his cardiac arrest at Euro 2021, provided further details. Boesen noted that Eriksen regained consciousness quickly after briefly fainting and was able to walk off the pitch under his own power. He credited the pacemaker implanted after the 2021 incident for functioning correctly and likely preventing a more severe outcome.

Boesen added that additional medical tests would be conducted at the hospital to determine the exact cause of the episode. This incident marks the second time Eriksen has collapsed during a match, with the first occurring in Copenhagen against Finland during the European Championship, where he received life-saving CPR after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Frank Leboeuf, the former Chelsea defender, has expressed strong support for Manchester United’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery. He believes the 20-year-old French talent could be a transformative addition for the Red Devils under manager Michael Carrick.

Speaking to Tribal Football, Leboeuf highlighted Zaire-Emery’s warrior mentality and his willingness to sacrifice for the team’s cause. He noted that Carrick, a former midfielder himself, would be the ideal mentor for the young star, given their shared position on the pitch.

Leboeuf stated, “This would be an excellent acquisition for Manchester United, though he will require the right teammates to realize his full potential. I hold Michael Carrick in high regard for his contributions to the club, and he played in the same role as Zaire-Emery. He can offer invaluable guidance to help the player improve.”

He added, “Zaire-Emery is a true competitor. He will give everything for the team he represents. That is beyond doubt.”

Zaire-Emery’s current deal with PSG runs until 2029, but speculation is growing about a potential summer move to Old Trafford. Whether Manchester United will make a concrete offer remains to be seen.

Emmanuel Osahon, the head coach of Robo Queens, has expressed no concern over his side’s opening loss at the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Super Six playoff tournament. He attributes the setback to the inexperience of his squad.

Osahon noted that most of his players are making their first appearance in such a high-stakes competition, contrasting sharply with their opponents, Rivers Angels, who are seasoned campaigners in the playoffs.

The Lagos-based outfit fell to a 3-2 defeat against Rivers Angels in Port Harcourt on Saturday. Despite the narrow loss, Osahon sees the tournament as a crucial learning opportunity for his young team’s growth.

Speaking after the match, the veteran tactician said, “The result does not bother me greatly because my players are quite young and this is their first time participating in the competition. Many of them are playing at this level for the first time, unlike Rivers Angels, who are frequent competitors here.”

Barau FC’s defender, Orji Kalu, praised the Sunshine Stars U-19 team, describing them as a formidable opponent following their President Federation Cup Round of 16 clash.

In a tightly contested match held in Abuja on Saturday, the Maliya Boys emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline against the younger side.

Kalu emphasized that his squad put forth their maximum effort to secure the win. “Sunshine Stars U-19 are undoubtedly a very strong side,” Kalu stated in an interview with Totori News.

“In football, there’s no distinction between senior and junior teams; you must give your all, and that approach helped us claim the victory,” he added.

Looking ahead, Kalu confirmed that the team is already focusing on their upcoming fixture in the competition.

Feyenoord has officially dismissed Robin van Persie from his role as head coach, confirming that the 2026-2027 season will commence under new leadership. The club communicated their decision through a concise statement on X, expressing gratitude for van Persie’s contributions during his tenure.

Van Persie, who rejoined his boyhood club in February 2025, oversaw a second-place finish in the Eredivisie and secured qualification for the upcoming UEFA Champions League. Despite these achievements, the club opted for a change.

Newly appointed technical director Devy Rigaux explained that a comprehensive internal review highlighted concerns regarding the evolution of playing style and a downward trajectory in points accumulation, both domestically and in European competitions. Rigaux stated, “Our analysis led us to believe that beginning the next season with a fresh approach is the best course of action.”