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Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has backed Victor Osimhen to break Rashidi Yekini’s all-time Super Eagles goal-scoring record, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Osimhen took his Eagles goal tally to 25 after his brace in Rwanda to become the most prolific Nigeria international after Yekini, who scored 37 goals.
“By the way he is going, Osimhen will soon eclipse the record of Yekini,” Ikpeba said.
“He’s a fantastic lad and a committed player, who gives everything for the country. We will soon see when he breaks this record.”
The 26-year-old striker moved to second place on Nigeria’s all-time scorers list after scoring twice in Friday’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup qualifier in Kigali.
This achievement surpassed Segun Odegbami’s long-standing record of 23 goals, which had stood for 44 years since the legendary winger retired from international football in 1981.
“Osimhen has finally overtaken me and I think that is good because the record has been hanging on for a very long time. I am very happy for him and I want to say good luck to him,” Odegbami told PUNCH Sports Extra.
“He is still young and he has a long way to go.”
Osimhen, who is currently enjoying remarkable form with Galatasaray where he has scored 20 goals and provided four assists in 20 Super Lig games, now needs 12 more goals to equal Yekini’s record of 37 goals, which has stood since the striker’s last game for Nigeria in 1998.
The Nigerian talisman made his Super Eagles debut in June 2017 in a 2-0 defeat against South Africa and has since established himself as the team’s main attacking threat, including notable performances in AFCON qualifiers where he scored two hat-tricks in 2023.
Following the victory against Rwanda, Osimhen has issued a warning to Zimbabwe ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier scheduled for Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
“We are ready. The remaining matches are wars and we must fight them with all that we have to win,” he told reporters at the Victor Attah Airport as the team arrived on Saturday.
A victory against Zimbabwe on Tuesday (today) will take Nigeria to nine points in their World Cup qualification campaign, putting them in firm contention for the ticket, especially if Benin Republic and South Africa cancel each other out in their fixture inside Abidjan’s Stade Félix Houphouet-Boigny.
Cristiano Ronaldo had an eventful game as he scored a goal, and missed a penalty to help Portugal to a 5-2 win over Denmark in a Nations League quarter-final clash, while he was also handed a Guinness World record award.
The encounter ended 3-3 on aggregate after 90 minutes as Portugal avenged their 1-0 loss in the first leg with a 3-2 win.
Ronaldo missed an opportunity to give the hosts the lead in the sixth minute after he was fouled in the box by Manchester United’s Patrick Dorgu but Kasper Schmeichel saved his effort.
Denmark’s Joachim Andersen headed Bruno Fernandes’ corner into his own net just before halftime.
Ronaldo had a goal ruled out for offside on the stroke of halftime before Rasmus Kristensen made it 1-1 for Denmark after the restart.
The Al Nassr forward finally found joy in the 72nd minute with a close range finish after Schmeichel saved Fernandes’ effort.
Christian Eriksen converted Dorgu’s low cross to make it 2-2 before the game burst into life when Francisco Trincao made it 3-2 in the 90th minute to send the tie into extra time.
He added his second goal of the game in extra time to make it 4-2 before substitute Goncalo Ramos put the icing on the cake for 5-2.
After the game, Cristiano Ronaldo was presented with the Guinness World Record award for the most international wins in history with 132.
Portugal will now take on Germany in the semi-finals of the competition.
In the other Nations League quarter-final fixtures, Germany recorded a 3-3 draw against Italy to advance to the semi-finals despite surrendering a 3-0 lead.
Julien Nagelsmann’s team won the first leg 2-1 to go through on a 5-4 aggregate win, they will battle with Portugal for a place in the final.
Spain defeated Netherlands 5-4 on penalties to seal a place in the last four after the regulation time ended 3-3.
The European Champions earned a 2-2 draw in the first leg and kept their nerves to advance in the shootout to set up a place with France.
Les Bleus overturned a 2-0 loss in the first leg defeat to Croatia in the first leg to qualify for the semi-finals.
Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele scored in regulation time to give France a 2-0 lead to make the aggregate 2-2 after which Dayot Upamecano scored the winning penalty to send them through.
Germany will take on Portugal on June 4, while France will slug it out with Spain the following day for a place in the final.
…Zimbabwe Vow To Defeat Eagles
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has banned visitors, and Sports Journalists from the team’s camp ahead of the clash against Zimbabwe on Tuesday.
The team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe confirmed that the coach demanded full concentration from the players as the team round up preparations for the encounter.
Efoghe said: “Coach Eric Chelle is not carried away by the win over Rwanda and he is demanding maximum concentration from the players prior to the next game (vs Zimbabwe).
“To this end, he has imposed restrictions in and around the team’s camp, no visitors, no journalists.
“Monday’s session will be open for the mandatory 15 minutes and this will be shortly after the official press conference. Provisions will be made for mixed zone interaction with the players on match day.”
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe coach, Michael Nees has urged his players to work hard to earn the maximum points against the Super Eagles in Uyo on Tuesday.
Both sides will meet at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in the second leg of their World Cup qualifiers clash.
The visitors are in search of their first win in the series as they aim to climb out of the bottom position.
Nees admitted that the Super Eagles parade world class players but he is confident that his players can get a positive result if they can fight hard in the encounter.
He said: ”Benin Republic was really strong but with Nigeria and the names they parade is top class and they messed their campaign at the beginning really up, it’s the third coach now involved in this campaign, they won away in Rwanda which was always a difficult opponent so they will come against us with confidence and all their power to turn this campaign around so do we.
“It would be an exciting game, we have to perform to our maximum, but we should expect a really tough opponent who would give everything and must also give everything and we will.”
“We must accept the challenge, the climate, the pace, the conditions, they must accept the challenge and enjoy it, we mustn’t be afraid of anything, we can play football, we will analyze opponents, we would analyze our game, the players don’t need to be nervous. They’ve shown it many times that they are very good players, I’m really looking forward to this match.”
Similarly, Zimbabwe winger Tawanda Chirewa has revealed that the team has no reason to fear the Super Eagles.
He said: “I am just looking at recovery and going again on Tuesday against Nigeria, which is a very good team.
“A lot of players play in England and Europe. Obviously I want to go out there and show what I can do. Our team has got so many good players as well so we can’t fear Nigeria.”
This will be the fourth World Cup qualifier meeting between the two sides, with the Super Eagles emerging victorious in two of the previous three encounters.
![[Full fixtures] UEFA Nations League: 4 teams qualify for semi-finals](/media/k2/items/cache/87d6fe5f2c39b3e30a72c9354c5105e4_M.jpg)
Germany qualified for the semi-final of the UEFA Nations League on Sunday night, despite drawing 3-3 with Italy.
A Joshua Kimmich masterclass in the first half saw him score a penalty and provide two assists for Jamal Musiala and Tim Kleindienst, as they took a 3-0 lead at the break.
Moise Kean grabbed a double to rattle the hosts, before Giacomo Raspadori converted a stoppage time penalty to give Italy a glimmer of hope.
But Germany survived a spirited second-half fightback to reach the last four with a 5-4 aggregate.
Portugal are also through, thanks to a 5-2 win over Denmark on the night, after losing 1-0 earlier in the week.
France won 2-0 against Croatia in the second leg to draw the tie 2-2 on aggregate, before winning 5-4 on penalties.
Spain were also held to a 3-3 draw by the Netherlands and won the shoot-out 5-4.
Semi-final ties:
Germany vs Portugal
Spain vs France
[DailyPost]
Anthony Joshua has sustained a mysterious injury to the ‘top half of his body’ ahead of his return to action this summer.
Eddie Hearn told talkSPORT.com last month that the long-awaited all-British showdown with Tyson Fury and a rematch against Dubois are the two top options for his client while Joseph Parker, Deontay Wilder and Martin Bakole remain outsiders.
However, Joshua is unable to resume full training after picking up an injury that has left him ‘unable to punch properly’.
Hearn insists the issue will keep AJ out of camp for eight weeks, but wouldn’t reveal the exact injury he suffered.
“Top-half of his body, there you go,” he said when asked for further details.
“Nothing major but it means that he’s been returning to training and it’s not quite ready to turn back to camp.
“He needs about another eight weeks until he can punch properly, you’re looking at what, April-May till he can start camp properly so it leads us to the back end of the summer.”
A rematch with Dubois was initially planned for February but ‘niggles’ ruled Joshua out of the fight.
“AJ desperately wants revenge but the only issue is timing,” Hearn told the BBC earlier this year.
“There are always niggles and he had a few so physically it’s just a case of whether AJ is ready to do that.”
Before losing to Dubois, Joshua was riding a four-fight winning streak.
He bounced back from consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 and August 2022 to beat Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius in a pair of low-output affairs.
His tentative performances left a lot to be desired but he showed the AJ of old in spiteful stoppage wins over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou thereafter.
He entered the Dubois fight in his best form in years and was made the favourite by the bookies.
However, his dream of becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion came crashing down when he was flattened by a dynamite right hand from Dubois in the fifth
The Confederation of African Football has announced the details of the dates, kick-off times and venues for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 fixtures.
The 15th edition of the continental showpiece will be contested by 16 nations between March 30 and April 19, 2025.
A total of four stadiums will play host to matches during the tournament, namely the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, the Larbi Zaouli Stadium and the Berrechid Stadium, which are both Casablanca, as well as the El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida.
Proceedings get underway at the El Bachir Stadium on Saturday, March 30 when tournament hosts Morocco play East African champions Uganda.
The following day will see Tanzania taking on Southern African champions Zambia to close off the opening round of Group A fixtures.
Later in the afternoon, Casablanca’s Larbi Zaouli Stadium hosts an exciting Group B clash between the last edition’s bronze medallists, Burkina Faso and two-time champions Cameroon.
The last fixture of the day, which takes place at the same venue, sees 2015 runners-up South Africa facing off against champions of the 1997 edition Egypt in an exciting north versus south duel.
Group C and D fixtures will take place on Tuesday, April 1 with the reigning champions Senegal headlining the matches.
The defending champions take on The Gambia at the El Abdi Stadium at 14h00, while Somalia, who are making their second appearance at the finals, face off against Tunisia.
In Group D, Mali, who finished fourth in the last edition, take on tournament debutants Angola, while former champions Cote d’Ivoire eye an opening victory against Central African Republic.
The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2025 also serves as a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Africa will be represented by 10 teams at the newly expanded showpiece set to take place in Qatar later this year.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a crucial victory over Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, defeating the Amavubi 2-0 in Kigali on Friday night.
A firs half brace from Victor Osimhen sealed the win for Nigeria, strengthening their position in Group C of the African qualifiers.
Osimhen opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a powerful shot from a Ademola Lookman free kick,silencing the home crowd.
Osimhen doubled the lead just before the end of the first half capitalizing on a defensive error to slot the ball past the Rwandan goalkeeper.
Despite Rwanda’s spirited performance, the Nigerian defence held firm to secure a clean sheet.
Nigeria’s next qualifier will be against Zimbawe on Monday 24th March at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo
The Barcelona game against Osasuna postponed after a club doctor died unexpectedly before kick-off on March 8 has been rescheduled for March 27, the Spanish Football Association said on Monday, although the Catalan club is reportedly unhappy with the decision.
The club said at the time that Carles Minarro, the first-team doctor, “unexpectedly passed away” shortly before the home game against Osasuna.
According to local media, Barcelona are considering an appeal against the Thursday date which immediately follows the international break.
They are reportedly arguing that some of their players, such as Brazilian Raphinha and Uruguayan Ronald Araujo, are due to play with their national teams in South America two days earlier and will not have time to return to Barcelona.
Osasuna have a game at Athletic Bilbao scheduled for the next night.
Barcelona are top of La Liga, ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference and with a game in hand.
AFP
Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak helped Newcastle United win the 2025 Carabao Cup ahead of Liverpool at Wembley Stadium.
A stunning header from the newly selected England left-back, Burn put Eddie Howe’s team ahead just before half-time. This goal was well-earned, as Newcastle effectively restricted Liverpool to a mere single shot throughout the first half.
Shortly after Isak had a goal ruled out for offside, the talented Swede extended the lead to 2-0 with a precise finish following an assist from Jacob Murphy.
Naija News reports that Newcastle successfully executed their strategy in the first half of their Carabao Cup Final against Liverpool on Sunday evening.
Kieran Trippier delivered a corner kick that soared high and was directed deep away from the goal.
The intended recipient was none other than Dan Burn, the towering 6ft 7ins defender from Blyth, who stands nearly two meters tall.
Burn has consistently been the focal point for Newcastle’s corner kicks, successfully connecting with nearly everyone using his head, often against the significantly shorter Alexis Mac Allister. Meanwhile, Konate and Van Dijk occupied zonal positions within the six-yard box.
This arrangement effectively ensures that Burn is almost certain to win the aerial duels.
He did so, executing a perfectly placed stooping header into the bottom-left corner, eluding a diving Caoimhin Kelleher, who may have had an obstructed view.
A 94-minute goal from Federico Chiesa could not help Liverpool win the Carabao Cup trophy this season.
The Reds, however, are still favourites to win their first trophy under manager, Arne Slot with the club sitting top of the English Premier League.
As the Premier League season reaches its climax, all eyes will be on the highly anticipated showdown between Arsenal and Chelsea — a match that would have major implications for the title race.
Both teams have been in impressive form this season, and with only a handful of fixtures left, every point matters in the battle for Premier League supremacy. Here’s a detailed look at the key factors surrounding this high-stakes encounter:
Title race implications
Arsenal and Chelsea are both firmly in the mix for the Premier League title, with Manchester City also lurking close behind. Arsenal, seeking their first league title since the “Invincibles” season in 2003–04, have shown remarkable consistency under Mikel Arteta.
Chelsea, rejuvenated under new management, have mounted an unexpected challenge after a rocky start to the campaign. A win for either side could tilt the balance of the title race, while a draw would open the door for Manchester City to close the gap.
Head-to-head record
Recent meetings between Arsenal and Chelsea have produced mixed results. Arsenal have enjoyed an edge in recent years, winning four of their last five Premier League meetings against Chelsea, including a convincing 3–1 victory earlier in the season at Stamford Bridge.
However, Chelsea’s form has improved dramatically since then, with a more balanced squad and tactical stability under their new manager.
Key players to watch
Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) : Ethan Nwaneri has impressed for Arsenal this season, scoring five Premier League goals and shining in the Champions League with a key goal against PSV. Troy Deeney has backed him for an England senior call-up, while Martin Keown has advised managing his workload carefully due to his young age.
Declan Rice (Arsenal): The summer signing has added steel to Arsenal’s midfield, combining defensive solidity with forward thrust. His ability to control the tempo of the game could be pivotal.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea): Palmer has been a revelation for Chelsea this season, delivering key goals and assists. His movement and ability to find space between the lines make him a difficult player to mark.
Enzo Fernández (Chelsea): The Argentine playmaker has grown in influence, dictating Chelsea’s play with his vision and passing range. His duel with Rice in midfield could determine the flow of the game.
Tactical battle
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have built their success on a well-organized defense and a fluid attacking system. Their high press and quick transitions have troubled many teams this season.
Chelsea, under their new manager, have adopted a more compact defensive shape while relying on quick counterattacks and creative play from the midfield.
The tactical battle between Arteta and his Chelsea counterpart will be fascinating, with both managers expected to adjust their approach based on the flow of the game.
Injury concerns and squad depth
Both teams have managed injuries throughout the season, but Arsenal’s squad depth has been a key strength. Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have recently returned to fitness, giving Arteta more options. Chelsea have also welcomed back key players, though concerns remain over the fitness of Reece James and Christopher Nkunku. Squad rotation and the ability to call upon game-changers from the bench could play a crucial role in deciding the outcome.
Mental strength and pressure
Arsenal’s young squad showed signs of nerves in last season’s title race, ultimately falling short to Manchester City. This season, they appear more mature and composed, but the pressure of a title run-in is always intense.
Chelsea, despite being relative outsiders in the title race, have the experience of winning major trophies — a factor that could work in their favor in the closing stages of the season.
What’s at stake
A win for Arsenal would keep them on course for their first league title in two decades, reinforcing Arteta’s project and marking a return to the top of English football. For Chelsea, a win would not only keep their title hopes alive but also serve as a statement of intent under their new leadership. A draw, meanwhile, would likely benefit Manchester City, who remain in striking distance of both teams.
Conclusion
With so much on the line, the Arsenal vs. Chelsea clash promises to be a tense and thrilling encounter. Both teams have the quality to win, and the outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the Premier League title race. Fans can expect a high-intensity battle, with moments of brilliance and drama likely to define the contest.
Kick Off
2:00pm
Predicted Arsenal XI to face Chelsea
Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Nwaneri, Merino, Martinelli
Predicted Chelsea XI to face Arsenal
Jorgensen, James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Fernandez, Caicedo, Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku, Neto
Bet Predictions
Over 1.5goals
[TheNation]
More...
Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign highly rated Portuguese youngster Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP, with the winger set to join the Blues in 2026.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Friday via X, the deal, finalised after a swift negotiation process, will see Quenda sign a seven-year contract with an option to extend for an additional year.
His medical has already been completed, paving the way for his future move to Stamford Bridge.
Quenda has reportedly given his approval to Chelsea’s project and the plans of new manager Enzo Maresca.
Romano stated: “Chelsea agree deal for Portuguese top talent Geovany
Quenda—here we go. Medical done for Quenda after secret blitz, he will join Chelsea in 2026. Club-to-club agreement completed with Sporting, and Quenda said yes to Chelsea’s project and Enzo Maresca’s plans.
“Geovany Quenda’s contract at Chelsea will be valid for the next seven years, all agreed last night. There will be also an option to extend the agreement for +1 year.”
[Punch]
Amaju Pinnick, former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has failed in his bid for re-election into the FIFA Council.
He did not secure enough votes to retain his seat among the six electable African representatives on the council.
At the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly held on Wednesday in Cairo, Egypt, Pinnick garnered 28 votes—just one vote short of Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya and Djibouti’s Souleiman Waberi, who secured the final two available slots.
The six elected African members for the FIFA Council are:
- Faouzi Lekjaa (Morocco)
- Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania)
- Kanizat Ibrahim (Comoros)
- Souleiman Waberi (Djibouti)
- Hamidou Djibrilla (Niger)
- Hani Abo Rida (Egypt)
Pinnick’s History in FIFA and Nigerian Football
Pinnick made history as the third Nigerian to be elected into the FIFA Council, following Oyo Orok Oyo and Amos Adamu. He first secured his seat in March 2021 during the 43rd CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Rabat, Morocco.
Prior to his FIFA role, Pinnick served as the president of the NFF for two consecutive terms, from 2014 to 2022, before being succeeded by Ibrahim Gusau.
About the FIFA Council
The FIFA Council is the governing body responsible for making key decisions in the intervals between FIFA Congress meetings. It consists of 37 members elected for renewable four-year terms.
CAF Leadership
In a related development, Patrice Motsepe was re-elected as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for a second term.
South African businessman Patrice Motsepe has secured a second term as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after being re-elected unopposed.
Motsepe, 63, who first assumed office in 2021, had announced his intention to seek re-election in October 2024.
His second four-year term was officially confirmed during CAF’s extraordinary general assembly held in Cairo on Wednesday, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino in attendance.
A renowned mining magnate and owner of South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, Motsepe expressed his commitment to building on the progress achieved during his tenure.
Under his leadership, CAF has undertaken various reforms aimed at strengthening African football.
While his re-election was a mere formality, elections were conducted for CAF’s executive committee, where Cameroonian football icon Samuel Eto’o secured a seat.
The continent’s representatives for the FIFA Council were also elected during the assembly.
Technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Augustine Eguavoen has debunked reports of interference in Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle squad selection for the upcoming fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Eric pruned his large provisional squad for both games to 23 on Tuesday.
Notable omissions include Ahmed Musa, Frank Onyeka, Kelechi Iheanacho and Zaidu Sanusi.
Eguavoen said that Chelle is in total control of the team and have the responsibility of picking his players.
The former defender further declared that the Malian took his time before coming up with the list.
“I want Nigerians to get clarity on something, I’ve been technical director for a few years and I have attended FIFA workshops where I ask questions a lot and they made it clear to me that a senior national team coach anywhere in the world has a final say on who he wants on his list.
“We can interact, we cannot interfere. If he says no, it’s no. That is why they can fire a senior national team coach at any time. So I will say Eric Chelle took his time to prepare this list and he has the final say,” Eguavoen told SuperSport.
The Super Eagles will open camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Amavubi of Rwanda on Sunday.
The three-time African champions will face Adel Amrouche’s side at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali next week Friday.
They will host Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Tuesday, March 25.
[DailyPost]