Ronaldo sent off as Ireland stun Portugal in World cup qualifier

Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card as the Republic of Ireland secured a shock 2–0 victory over Portugal, delaying Roberto Martinez’s side from sealing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Portugal, the reigning Nations League champions, had gone into Thursday’s fixture believing a win would be enough to book their ticket to next summer’s tournament. However, a brilliant brace from Troy Parrott ensured the visitors left empty-handed.

Parrott, who plays for AZ Alkmaar and previously featured for Tottenham Hotspur, put Ireland ahead in the 16th minute with a close-range header. He struck again just before halftime, doubling the lead and sending the Aviva Stadium into celebration.

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Portugal’s chances of mounting a second-half comeback collapsed when Ronaldo was sent off for elbowing Irish defender Dara O’Shea off the ball. The Portuguese captain initially received a yellow card, but VAR intervention upgraded the decision to a straight red.

The defeat means Portugal must now beat Armenia on Sunday to confirm their World Cup place. Ireland, meanwhile, travel to face Hungary, knowing victory will secure at least second position in the group.

Ronaldo sent off as Ireland stun Portugal in World cup qualifier

Super Eagles Crush Gabon 4–1 After Extra Time To Reach World Cup Playoff Final

The Super Eagles of Nigeria stormed into the final of the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating the Panthers of Gabon 4–1 in an extra-time thriller on Thursday night at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco.

Nigeria took the lead in the 78th minute through Akor Adams, who capitalised on a defensive blunder to put the Eagles ahead. However, Gabon fought back and levelled the score in the 89th minute when Mario Lemina slotted home from close range, forcing the match into extra time.

The added period belonged entirely to the Super Eagles. Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead early in extra time before Victor Osimhen struck twice to seal a dominant 4–1 victory and send Nigeria through to the final round of qualifiers.

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The result capped a dramatic night for the three-time African champions, who had earlier resolved a bonus dispute before the game. Head coach Éric Sékou Chelle praised his players’ resilience and focus, noting that “the team showed character and hunger when it mattered most.”

The win moves Nigeria one step closer to the World Cup, with the Eagles set to face the winner of the Cameroon–DR Congo clash in the final play-off round scheduled for March 2026.

Despite the heavy defeat, Gabon’s late fightback in regulation time drew praise from neutrals, though their defence crumbled under Nigeria’s relentless pressure in extra time.

For Nigeria, Osimhen’s brace and Ejuke’s creative spark provided a reminder of the team’s attacking depth — and their determination to reclaim a place among the world’s football elite.

Super Eagles crush Gabon 4–1 after extra time to reach World Cup playoff final

Galatasaray place €150m tag on Osimhen amid Chelsea interest

Transfer speculation surrounding Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has intensified just months after his record-breaking switch to Galatasaray, prompting club president Dursun Özbek to finally address the rumours.

Reports in Turkey suggest that Chelsea and several top European clubs are circling, with Galatasaray valuing Osimhen at a staggering €150 million — double the €75 million fee that made him Turkey’s most expensive signing when he joined from Napoli earlier this year.

Speaking at an awards event in Istanbul, Özbek was quizzed about the eye-watering price tag placed on the Nigerian striker.

“Osimhen is one of the most valuable footballers in Türkiye,” Özbek said. “I don’t want to talk about numbers, but everyone agrees he is the league’s most valuable player.”

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Osimhen’s explosive form has only fuelled the transfer buzz. The 26-year-old has scored nine goals in 12 appearances across all competitions this season, including six goals in three Champions League matches — a blistering run that has powered Galatasaray to their best European start in 13 years.

His standout moment came with a Champions League hat-trick in a 3–0 win over Ajax, a performance that cemented his place among Europe’s elite forwards.

UEFA is reportedly preparing a documentary on the Nigerian star, who recently became the highest-scoring Nigerian player in European competitions.

With Chelsea, PSG, Manchester United, and Barcelona all said to be monitoring developments, the Turkish champions could soon face a major test of their resolve when the January transfer window opens.

For Galatasaray, the debate is no longer whether Osimhen is world-class — it’s how high they can set the new global benchmark for football’s most coveted striker.

Galatasaray place €150m tag on Osimhen amid Chelsea interest