Sports
Moses in cloud nine after two goals in games
…Dessers also on target, Odey fires blank
With two weeks before action return to full swing in the European Top Five leagues, fans in Russia, Belgium, China and Finland are already being treated to some spectacular performances leaving EPL, La Liga and Serie A fans anxious about what to expect for the next seven months.
While some of the big names are yet to start making the headlines, Nigerians are already making their impact felt with Victor Moses, Cyriel Dessers on the scorers’ charts, while some of the country’s lesser-known stars have also impressed.
Victor Moses (Spartak Moscow)
The former Nigeria international continued with his fine run of form in the Russian Premier League helping Spartak Moscow defeat Krasnodar 4-1 in the Russian Premier League on Saturday.
The 31-year-old played a huge role to help Spartak pick their first victory of the season, scoring the fourth goal after goals from Roman Zobnin in the 35th minute, Quincy Promes in the 46th minute, and an own goal by defender Sergei Borodin in the 53rd minute had set them on course.
The goal was the Nigerian’s second of the season, after coming to his side’s rescue in their opening fixture of the season with an equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw against Akhmat Grozny at Akhmat-Arena last weekend.
With just two games played in 38 matches, the former Chelsea player, while expressing his delight in scoring in two consecutive matches, is already thinking of winning the league title.
READ ALSO:
- Hypertensive man dies as bribe-chasing LASTMAmen seize vehicle
- Kaduna Train: How Ransom Blockade Triggered Hostage Beating Video
“It is always good to get on the score sheet. I’m not that player that everyone knows to get on the score sheet every week, but I will do my best to help the team because the team comes first,” Moses said on the club’s official YouTube page after their first victory of the season.
“The only thing I can do is to add my quality to what we already had here. We will keep working hard and I’m pleased with the way I started, hopefully, I will keep the momentum going.
“When I was a kid, this is where I started before everyone started knowing Victor Moses as a right wing-back and to be honest with you, I can play in any position and I will feel comfortable there because it is all about the knowledge of the game.”
On his new position in the team, Moses, who won the 2013 AFCON with Nigeria, added, “I can read the game and this position is good for me and the manager understands that as well. The most important thing is to do what I can to help the team; it’s all about the team and how hard we are going to work from now till the end of the season because it’s not just one, two or three games.
“I want to play football at the highest level, but we just have to concentrate on the league and I don’t know if it is a big ambition for me to say we want to win the league this year. It is about the team and if we can get together as a team, and work hard, I think anything is possible.”
Onuachu, Dessers (Genk)
In a keenly contested encounter between Club Brugge and Genk at the Jan Breydel Stadium on Sunday, Dessers was on target for the Blue-White as they suffered a 3-2 defeat.
Andreas Skov Olsen’s strike gave hosts Brugge the lead after 22 minutes, but the Nigeria international restored parity just eight minutes later to open his Belgian First Division A goals account for the season, before he was substituted for Andras Nemeth in the 78th minute.
Having impressed during his loan spell at Feyenoord last term – where he emerged top scorer of the UEFA Europa Conference League – Dessers will hope to convince his parent club that he can get the job done, as he continues his career in Belgium.
His compatriot Paul Onuachu was not listed for action by Genk.
Odey, Egho, Kehinde (Randers)
In the Superliga in Denmark, Austrian forward of Nigerian descent Marvin Egho was also on target in the 75th minute as Randers came from behind to snatch a point against OB.
Bashkim Kadrii’s 25th-minute goal and a goal deep into the end of the first 45 minutes from Charly Horneman had given OB a two-goal lead before the hosts restored parity with Egho leading the charge and grabbing his first goal of the 2022/23 campaign in the 2-2 stalemate.
Meanwhile, former MFM striker and Egho’s teammate Stephen Odey was in action for 63 minutes for the Danish club but was unable to get on the score sheet before being replaced with Filip Kristensen, while another Nigerian Tosin Kehinde put up a decent display in midfield for Randers, and saw 82 minutes of action with Tobias Klysner coming on for him.
Ebuka Samson (SJK)
The 22-year-old forward helped break the deadlock in the 26th minute as SJK claimed a comfortable 3-1 win away from home over FC Lahti in the Veikkausliiga in Finland.
The Nigerian played the entire 90 minutes on Sunday, helping his side move away from the relegation zone as they now sit seventh on the log.
Kingsley Onuegbu (Qingdao Hainiu)
Onuegbu was the hero as Qingdao Hainiu moved to third on the log, beating Zibo Sunday 4-2 in China League One on Sunday.
The 36-year-old got his first goal just 10 minutes into the game, before grabbing his second in the 66th minute. He would then complete his hat-trick one minute into additional time to take his goals tally this season to five.
PUNCH
Sports
La Liga: Lamine Yamal Hat-Trick Leads Barcelona to 4‑1 Victory Over Villarreal
La Liga: Lamine Yamal Hat-Trick Leads Barcelona to 4‑1 Victory Over Villarreal
Villarreal / March 1, 2026
Teen sensation Lamine Yamal produced a historic performance as FC Barcelona cruised to a 4‑1 win over Villarreal CF, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to four points ahead of Real Madrid CF. The 18-year-old’s first career hat-trick not only secured the points but also established him as the youngest player this century to score a La Liga hat-trick at 18 years and 230 days, according to Opta statistics.
Barcelona fell behind early when Pape Gueye scored for Villarreal following a corner in the first half, but Yamal responded with a spectacular brace before halftime, both goals assisted by Fermín López. In the 28th minute, Yamal tapped home after a midfield turnover from Fermín, and nine minutes later he scored from a wide angle, beating two defenders and finishing beyond goalkeeper Luiz Júnior to put the hosts in front.
The second half saw Villarreal briefly restore hope, but Barcelona’s dominance soon reasserted itself. Yamal completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, finishing a precise through ball from Pedri. In stoppage time, substitute Robert Lewandowski added a fourth after a brilliant team move involving Jules Koundé, sealing the emphatic victory and underscoring Barcelona’s attacking depth.
READ ALSO:
- Harry Kane Scores Twice as Bayern Munich Come From Behind to Beat Borussia Dortmund 3‑2
- Kamala Harris Slams Trump for Dragging U.S. Into ‘Unwanted War’ in Iran Conflict
- ADC South‑South Leaders Clash on Alleged Amaechi Consensus Support
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised Yamal’s maturity and finishing, noting that the youngster’s performance demonstrates his growing importance to the team. Yamal now has 13 La Liga goals this season and a combined total of 101 goals and assists for club and country, further underlining his status as one of Europe’s most promising young talents.
Despite Villarreal’s spirited effort and opportunities, including a missed chance by Ayoze Pérez, Barcelona’s composure and tactical control prevailed. The win ensures Barcelona remain top of La Liga, four points ahead of Real Madrid, as the league approaches its crucial final stages.
Fermín López, promoted to the starting XI after scoring a key goal against Levante, orchestrated much of Barcelona’s attacking play and provided the decisive assists for Yamal’s first two goals. Contributions from Pedri, Koundé, and Lewandowski ensured Barcelona’s dominance across the pitch, highlighting the club’s blend of youth talent and experienced stars.
The result gives Barcelona momentum ahead of their upcoming Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, with Yamal’s form providing optimism for silverware ambitions in addition to La Liga glory.
La Liga: Lamine Yamal Hat-Trick Leads Barcelona to 4‑1 Victory Over Villarreal
Sports
Harry Kane Scores Twice as Bayern Munich Come From Behind to Beat Borussia Dortmund 3‑2
Harry Kane Scores Twice as Bayern Munich Come From Behind to Beat Borussia Dortmund 3‑2
Dortmund, Germany — March 1, 2026
Harry Kane delivered a spectacular performance as Bayern Munich staged a dramatic comeback to beat Borussia Dortmund 3‑2 in a thrilling Der Klassiker at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday. The victory extended Bayern’s lead at the top of the Bundesliga to 11 points, leaving Dortmund’s hopes of a first title since 2012 in serious jeopardy.
Dortmund took an early lead in the 26th minute when defender Nico Schlotterbeck rose highest to head home a Daniel Svensson free kick, sending the home crowd into raptures. Despite dominating possession with a front three of Luis Díaz, Michael Olise, and Kane, Bayern struggled to break through Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel before halftime.
The champions responded in spectacular fashion in the second half. Kane equalized in the 54th minute after a deft build-up involving Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry, slotting a close-range finish past Kobel. Just 16 minutes later, Kane converted a penalty after Schlotterbeck fouled Josip Stanisic, scoring his tenth Bundesliga penalty of the season and completing his brace, marking another milestone in his remarkable season, which now totals 45 goals across all competitions. Kane also celebrated reaching 500 career goals earlier this month, adding extra significance to his performance.
READ ALSO:
- Kamala Harris Slams Trump for Dragging U.S. Into ‘Unwanted War’ in Iran Conflict
- ADC South‑South Leaders Clash on Alleged Amaechi Consensus Support
- Umahi Rejects Viral Allegations by Ohiri, Says Claims Only Make Him Stronger
Dortmund refused to back down, with Daniel Svensson producing a thunderous volley in the 83rd minute, restoring parity and giving the hosts renewed hope. However, Bayern sealed the win with a stunning late strike from Joshua Kimmich in the 87th minute, volleying the ball into the top corner and securing all three points.
The win makes Bayern the first team this season to overcome Dortmund at home in the league, highlighting their resilience and championship-winning mentality. Kane’s clinical finishing, combined with Kimmich’s late heroics, underscores Bayern’s dominance and their readiness to secure another Bundesliga title — their 14th in 15 years.
Bayern’s victory not only boosts their league position but also demonstrates the importance of experience and composure in high-pressure games, as they successfully navigated the intensity of one of Germany’s fiercest rivalries. Meanwhile, Dortmund, despite a strong performance, will need extraordinary results in the remaining fixtures to challenge Bayern’s supremacy.
Harry Kane Scores Twice as Bayern Munich Come From Behind to Beat Borussia Dortmund 3‑2
Sports
Super Eagles Goalkeeper Suspended Over Match-Fixing Allegation
Super Eagles Goalkeeper Suspended Over Match-Fixing Allegation
Super Eagles reserve goalkeeper Amas Obasogie has been suspended for three months by his Tanzanian club, Singida Black Stars, following allegations of match-fixing, the club has confirmed.
The suspension was announced on Friday in a statement issued by Singida Black Stars’ Disciplinary Committee, which said the action was taken to allow for a thorough internal investigation into the claims. The club clarified that the suspension is precautionary, stressing that no formal charges or concrete evidence have so far been presented against the goalkeeper.
The controversy stems from a Tanzanian Premier League encounter between Singida Black Stars and Namungo FC on Thursday. Singida were leading 1–0 in stoppage time when Obasogie failed to cleanly handle what appeared to be a routine free-kick, allowing Fabrice Ngoy to score a dramatic late equaliser for Namungo.
READ ALSO:
- History and psychoanalysis of El-Rufai’s troubles with Ribadu – Farooq Kperogi
- Troops Crush ESN/IPOB Hideout in Imo’s Mother Valley, Arrest Suspects
- Mikano, Autochek Target Financing Gap in New Push for Vehicle Ownership, launch virtual showroom
The incident triggered widespread speculation on social media, prompting the club’s management to move swiftly by suspending the goalkeeper pending the outcome of investigations. Football authorities in Tanzania are yet to issue an official position on the matter.
In the same statement, Singida Black Stars also handed a three-month suspension to Ugandan midfielder Khalid Aucho, citing indiscipline and absenteeism. The club warned that it would no longer tolerate actions that undermine discipline, professionalism and accountability.
Obasogie joined Singida Black Stars in 2025 from Ethiopian side Fasil Kenema and has remained a regular invitee to the Super Eagles camp.
He was included in Nigeria’s squad to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles won the bronze medal. At the tournament, he served as third-choice goalkeeper behind Stanley Nwabali and Francis Uzoho.
The development makes Obasogie the second Nigerian goalkeeper in recent years to be linked to a match-fixing or betting-related controversy. In 2025, Maduka Okoye was suspended from football activities in Italy following a betting scandal.
As of the time of filing this report, Obasogie has not publicly reacted to the suspension, while Nigerian football authorities are also yet to comment on the situation.
Super Eagles Goalkeeper Suspended Over Match-Fixing Allegation
-
International3 days agoAyatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Dies After U.S.–Israeli Strikes
-
International3 days agoIran: US, Israel launch another strikes, Commander, Defence leader, five other top officials killed
-
International3 days agoKamala Harris Slams Trump for Dragging U.S. Into ‘Unwanted War’ in Iran Conflict
-
metro3 days agoHajj, Umrah Are for Muslims Only – Scholar Urges NAHCON to Tighten Screening
-
International2 days agoIran Retaliates: Gulf States Allied With US Hit by Missiles, Drones
-
International2 days agoSaudi Arabia Denies Lobbying US to Strike Iran as Gulf States Respond to Escalation
-
International3 days agoBREAKING: Iran Forms Three-Member Leadership Council to Steer Country After Khamenei’s Death
-
International2 days agoSeveral U.S. Warplanes Crash in Kuwait Amid Ongoing Iranian Strikes


