Osimhen Fires Galatasaray to Historic Turkish Super Lig Triumph

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen delivered a decisive second-half performance on Saturday as he scored twice to inspire Galatasaray to a dramatic 4–2 comeback victory over Antalyaspor, sealing the club’s fourth consecutive Turkish Super Lig title.

The win in Istanbul confirmed Galatasaray as champions with a game to spare, extending their domestic dominance and moving them further clear in Turkish football history with a record-extending league triumph.

The visitors shocked the home crowd by taking an early lead, but Galatasaray responded strongly after the break with Osimhen at the centre of the comeback.

The Nigerian forward equalised from the penalty spot shortly after the hour mark to make it 2–2, before producing a decisive late contribution in the 88th minute when his flicked effort deflected into the net to put Galatasaray ahead for the first time.

Kaan Ayhan sealed the victory moments later with a fourth goal in the 90th minute, triggering celebrations among fans at Rams Park as the club clinched yet another league crown.

READ ALSO:

• NDC Adopts Southern Presidency for 2027, Kwankwaso Reacts
• How Gunmen Attack TCN Substation in Kwara, Force Power Shutdown
• RCCG Pastor Faces Rape, Oral Sex Allegation as Church Refuses Suspension

The result also ensured Galatasaray finished ahead of fierce rivals Fenerbahçe in the title race, completing a season-long battle for supremacy in the Turkish top flight.

Osimhen, who recently returned from injury, played a crucial role in the final stretch of the campaign, providing the goals and attacking presence that pushed Galatasaray over the line in a tight title race.

The Nigerian striker has now scored 15 league goals this season, despite injury setbacks, further strengthening his reputation as a big-game performer.

The former Lille and Napoli forward has also attracted attention from top European clubs, with reports suggesting scouts, including representatives linked to Arsenal, have been monitoring his performances closely.

The title marks Galatasaray’s 26th Turkish league championship, while Osimhen adds another major honour to his career, securing what is believed to be his second league title in Turkey and third overall in professional football.

His impact has further elevated his status among Galatasaray supporters, who now regard him as a key figure in the club’s continued domestic dominance.

Osimhen Fires Galatasaray to Historic Turkish Super Lig Triumph

Ronaldo Hits Historic 100-Goal Mark in Saudi Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo has reached another historic milestone after scoring his 100th Saudi Pro League goal in Al Nassr’s 4–2 victory over Al Shabab on Thursday night, further cementing his impact on football in Saudi Arabia.

The Portuguese forward struck in the 75th minute, finishing a precise cross from Sadio Mané to put Al Nassr 3–1 ahead in a crucial league encounter that strengthened their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.

The goal also marked Ronaldo’s 26th league goal of the current season, maintaining his impressive scoring form as Al Nassr continue their push for the league title.

His teammate, João Félix, delivered a standout performance, scoring a hat-trick to inspire the team’s victory and help them extend their lead at the top of the standings to five points.

READ ALSO:

• NDLEA, DEA Bust Billionaire Drug Cartel in Global Sting Operation
• Mambilla Scandal Resurfaces After Ex-Minister Mamman’s Conviction
• Senate Reverses Controversial Standing Rules Amendment

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in 2022, has now reached the 100-goal milestone in less than four seasons, highlighting his remarkable consistency despite being in the later stages of his career.

The 41-year-old forward continues to play a central role in Al Nassr’s attacking system, combining experience and finishing ability to remain one of the most influential players in the league.

Since moving to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has become a global figurehead for the Saudi Pro League, significantly boosting its international visibility while continuing to break individual scoring records.

With this latest achievement, he moves even closer to another career landmark as he continues to chase the 1,000 career goals target, further extending his legacy as one of football’s greatest goalscorers.

Al Nassr’s victory over Al Shabab also reinforces their title ambitions, with Ronaldo’s milestone goal adding momentum to their ongoing championship campaign.

Ronaldo Hits Historic 100-Goal Mark in Saudi Pro League

FIFA President Defends High 2026 World Cup Ticket Prices

The president of the FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has defended the rising cost of tickets for the 2026 World Cup, insisting that pricing reflects market demand and existing resale regulations, particularly in the United States.

Infantino made the comments during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, responding to widespread criticism from fan organisations and supporters’ groups who argue that ticket prices for the tournament have become unaffordable for ordinary football fans.

He explained that FIFA operates within US laws that permit ticket resales at significantly higher prices than face value, arguing that this structure naturally drives up secondary market listings. His comments came after reports that the official FIFA resale platform listed World Cup final tickets in New York at prices exceeding $2 million per seat.

Supporter organisations, including Football Supporters Europe (FSE), have strongly criticised the pricing system, describing it as excessive and unfair. The group has also filed a complaint with the European Commission, challenging FIFA’s ticket pricing structure ahead of the 2026 tournament.

READ ALSO:

• Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Urges Tinubu to Revoke MTN, DStv Licences
• Enugu Islamic Centre Crisis: Muslim Leaders Clear Air on Ani Arrest
• Babachir Lawal: Peter Obi Was Never Fully Committed to ADC

Infantino, however, maintained that high resale prices do not represent official ticket values and do not necessarily reflect actual transactions. He said the demand for World Cup matches remains exceptionally high, making such listings more a reflection of market behaviour than FIFA’s pricing policy.

He also pointed to a significant rise in ticket costs compared to previous tournaments. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the most expensive final tickets cost around $1,600, while the 2026 edition is expected to see top-tier tickets priced at approximately $11,000 at face value.

Despite the controversy, Infantino noted that around 25% of group-stage tickets have been priced under $300, which he said ensures some level of affordability for a wider range of fans.

He further revealed that FIFA received more than 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup, far exceeding previous tournaments. According to him, this unprecedented demand justifies a tiered pricing system designed to balance accessibility with revenue generation.

Infantino also compared World Cup pricing to major sporting events in the United States, arguing that even college sports tickets can exceed $300, reinforcing his view that the tournament is priced within the global entertainment market.

Despite FIFA’s defence, critics continue to warn that rising costs could exclude ordinary supporters from attending football’s biggest event, as debates over affordability and accessibility intensify ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA President Defends High 2026 World Cup Ticket Prices