Category: Entertainment

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has dismissed criticism surrounding his team’s chaotic 5-4 triumph over Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinal first leg.

Speaking ahead of a Ligue 1 clash against FC Lorient, Enrique made it clear that not every critique deserves attention. He argued that when the majority enjoys a spectacle, negative opinions hold little weight.

“You don’t have to respect all viewpoints. If an opinion is flawed, it doesn’t merit respect. Many people loved the way we played football, and I’m among them. Those who prefer a different style can say what they want. I don’t care about those opinions,” Enrique stated, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano.

The French side’s high-scoring win has drawn sharp reactions, with former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney questioning how a team could be satisfied after shipping four goals. Rooney insisted that defenders and goalkeepers would be frustrated, adding that serious questions need answering.

PSG now prepare for the return leg in Munich, carrying a slender one-goal advantage into the decisive fixture.

Former Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has disclosed the reasons behind Michael Olise’s decision to represent France instead of Nigeria on the international stage.

The Bayern Munich winger, now 24, was born in England to a Nigerian father and a Franco-Algerian mother, making him eligible for four national teams: Nigeria, Algeria, France, and England. However, he ultimately pledged his allegiance to France.

Speaking in an interview with Brila FM, Rohr revealed that Olise had made up his mind years earlier. He recalled a meeting with the player and his assistant Tunde Adelakun back in 2019. ‘We tried to invite him, but he did not want to join us at the time,’ Rohr said. ‘He was already playing well. When we saw him six to seven years ago, he was so strong, and unfortunately, he refused to play for Nigeria.’

Rohr’s comments shed light on how long the decision had been in the making, confirming that the talented attacker’s choice was not a recent one.

Tensions are running high in the Real Madrid dressing room as several first-team players have voiced their anger towards manager Alvaro Arbeloa. According to reports, the discontent stems from Arbeloa’s perceived favoritism towards the club’s marquee names, at the expense of Spanish talent within the squad.

Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso as head coach just six months ago, has overseen a disappointing campaign. Los Blancos face a trophy-less season after crashing out of the Copa del Rey in the Round of 16 and suffering a quarter-final exit in the UEFA Champions League. In LaLiga, they trail leaders Barcelona by eleven points with only five matches remaining, making a title comeback highly unlikely.

Insider sources, including Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, reveal that numerous Real Madrid players are frustrated with Arbeloa’s rotation policy. The coach is accused of neglecting Spanish players in favor of the team’s star performers, regardless of their form on the pitch. This has created a rift within the squad, with many feeling that the manager treats certain individuals as untouchable.

With the season winding down, some players believe this is an ideal opportunity to give fringe and Spanish players more minutes rather than sticking with the usual starters. However, Arbeloa has continued to field his preferred lineup, further straining his relationship with the team.

Speculation is rife that Arbeloa will be dismissed at the end of the season, with Real Madrid already on the lookout for a new manager. Among the names linked is Jose Mourinho, currently at Benfica, who previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013. However, Mourinho has stated that he has not received any contact from the club, affirming that he still has a year left on his Benfica contract.

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team head coach Moses Aduku has expressed strong confidence that his side will achieve a significant victory when they face Malawi in the first leg of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier. The match is scheduled for Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, kicking off at 4 PM local time.

The Falconets advanced to this round after eliminating Senegal with a 3-1 aggregate scoreline. Malawi, on the other hand, secured their place by defeating Guinea Bissau 6-2 over two legs. The winner of this two-legged tie will earn a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which Poland will host in September.

During a press conference in Ikenne, Aduku stated that his team is fully prepared to counter Malawi’s strengths while exploiting their weaknesses. He emphasized that his players are determined to make the second leg a mere formality by establishing a commanding lead at home. Aduku remarked, “Every game is different. Yes, they scored six in their last match, but we have studied them and know how to neutralize their threat. We are aiming for a big win.”

The Falcons have been training intensively in Ikenne ahead of this crucial encounter, with the coaching staff focusing on tactical discipline and offensive efficiency. Aduku called on fans to rally behind the team as they pursue a World Cup berth.

Kun Khalifat FC’s head coach, Obinna Uzoho, has expressed his team’s determination to secure a positive outcome against Kano Pillars this weekend. The encounter is scheduled for matchday 36 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Sunday.

Uzoho acknowledged the pedigree of their opponents, calling them the ‘veterans’ of the Nigerian Premier Football League. However, he emphasized that his side is not intimidated, despite the history and reputation of Kano Pillars. ‘They are a club with a rich past, but this is our home turf,’ he stated.

The coach highlighted the hunger within his squad, noting that while Kano Pillars possess a storied name, Kun Khalifat’s players are driven by a greater need for points. ‘We respect them, but we fear nobody. We have more to fight for, and that gives us an edge,’ Uzoho added.

Currently, Kano Pillars sit in 12th place with 45 points, while Kun Khalifat are in 18th position with 40 points. Both teams are battling to avoid relegation, making this fixture crucial for their survival hopes.

Uzoho’s comments come amid preparations for a match that could define their season. He urged his players to channel their energy into a disciplined performance, aiming to capitalize on home advantage. The clash promises to be intense as both sides vie for maximum points to boost their league standings.

Kwara United will be without midfielder Johnmark Aule for their NPFL matchday 36 encounter against Niger Tornadoes. The club has confirmed that his absence is a precautionary step to prevent any potential injury, with the player expected to return for subsequent fixtures.

Aule has been a key contributor this season, netting six goals in 26 appearances for the Harmony Boys. His absence is a blow ahead of the Sunday clash at Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna.

On a positive note, midfielder Hafeez Musa has recovered from injury and is available for selection. The team will be hoping to improve on last season’s result, when they lost 2-1 to the same opponents.

Currently, Kwara United sits 15th in the NPFL standings with 43 points, level on points with 14th-placed Niger Tornadoes. The match promises to be tightly contested as both teams seek to climb the table.

In a highly anticipated celebrity boxing match held at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, popular Nigerian streamer Carter Efe emerged victorious over controversial singer Portable. The fight, which took place on Friday, saw Efe secure a win after the third round, earning him a staggering N50 million prize.

The event, hosted at the Balmoral Hall, drew significant attention from fans and media alike. Following his triumph, Carter Efe has been crowned Nigeria’s ‘Celebrity Boxing King’, a title that adds to his growing influence in the entertainment scene.

Notably, Portable had previously defeated singer Speed Darlington in April 2025 and actor Charles Okocha in December 2023, making this loss a significant upset. The match highlighted the intense rivalry and entertainment value that celebrity boxing brings to Nigerian audiences.

Video footage of the bout has since circulated online, showing the decisive moments that led to Efe’s victory. The win cements Carter Efe’s status as a formidable figure in the world of celebrity sports.

The Niger State government has unveiled a substantial financial incentive for Niger Tornadoes players ahead of their crucial Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) showdown with Kwara United. A total bonus of N2 million has been set aside to spur the team to victory in the match scheduled for Sunday.

Speaking in Minna on Thursday, Danjuma Abdul Masu, Chairman of the State Sports Commission, outlined the reward structure. Each player will receive N100,000 for every goal scored or assist made, the technical crew will earn N500,000, and support staff members will be rewarded with N100,000 each.

Abdul Masu emphasized that this generous bonus is designed to elevate the players’ morale and drive them to secure a win at the Bako Kontagora Stadium. Currently, Niger Tornadoes occupy 14th place on the league table with 43 points, just three points above the relegation danger zone, making this fixture critical for their survival hopes.

The match against Kwara United is seen as a must-win for the Tornadoes, and the cash incentive is expected to ignite a determined performance from the home side.

Premier League icon Alan Shearer has unveiled his forecasts for the upcoming GameWeek 35 matches, with the marquee clash being Manchester United hosting Liverpool. Both sides are vying for Champions League berths, making this fixture crucial.

Shearer, speaking exclusively to BetFair, tipped Arsenal to secure a victory against Fulham, a result that could propel Mikel Arteta’s men six points clear at the summit if Manchester City stumble against Everton two days later.

The former Newcastle striker predicted a stalemate at Old Trafford, saying the Red Devils and Reds will share the spoils. In other encounters, he foresaw a draw between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, while backing Manchester City to triumph over Everton at Goodison Park.

These predictions come as the title race and European qualification battles intensify, with Shearer’s insights offering a glimpse into potential outcomes.

During a recent conversation with Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo made a bold declaration regarding the influx of elite footballers to the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese star asserted that his own move to the league was the catalyst that encouraged other high-profile players to follow.

Ronaldo stated, “I will speak at the end of the season about many genuine matters. I was the pioneer who came to this league, and the others arrived because of me. They need to show respect for the referees; even when they err, they are only human and mistakes happen.”

Since Ronaldo’s arrival, the Saudi Pro League has attracted a host of renowned names, including Neymar, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez, and Ivan Toney. The Portuguese star’s comments came in the aftermath of Al-Nassr’s 2–0 victory over Al-Ahli on Wednesday.

Ronaldo’s claim underscores his belief in his influence on the global football landscape, positioning himself as the driving force behind the league’s rising profile and its ability to draw top talent from around the world.