Galatasaray Beat Liverpool 1–0 in Champions League Last‑16 First Leg

Galatasaray secured a crucial 1–0 victory over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg at Rams Park Stadium, Istanbul, giving the Turkish side a slim advantage ahead of the return fixture at Anfield on March 18. The result came during Arne Slot’s 100th game in charge of Liverpool and highlighted persistent defensive issues for the Premier League side.

The decisive goal came in the seventh minute when midfielder Mario Lemina headed home from close range. The goal followed a well-executed corner routine, with Victor Osimhen flicking the ball back across the goal for Lemina to convert past Giorgi Mamardashvili, deputising for the injured first-choice keeper Alisson Becker. This marked Lemina’s first goal of the season, and a historic moment recalling his winning strike for Fulham against Liverpool five years ago.

READ ALSO:

• Omisore Sues APC Over Osun Governorship Primary Disqualification
• Tinubu Orders Nationwide CNG Initiative to Curb Transport Expenses
• Middle East Conflict: FG Begins Evacuation of Nigerians from Iran

Liverpool’s attempts to respond were hindered by both VAR decisions and Galatasaray’s resilience. Osimhen’s potential second goal was ruled out due to an offside in the buildup, and a late strike from Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner was disallowed after video review confirmed the ball struck Ibrahima Konaté’s arm, leaving the Reds unable to equalize.

Throughout a tense and frenzied match, Liverpool created several opportunities. Florian Wirtz narrowly missed a chance following a defensive lapse by Galatasaray’s Uğurcan Çakır, while Konaté and Van Dijk saw shots blocked or saved. Mamardashvili made crucial saves, including denying Davinson Sánchez and Hugo Ekitike, ensuring Galatasaray retained their slender lead.

The win mirrors Galatasaray’s earlier 1–0 group stage victory over Liverpool and underscores the challenge Slot’s side faces in overturning the deficit at Anfield. Analysts note that Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly on set pieces, remain a major concern as the Champions League knockout stage progresses.

The narrow result sets up an intense second leg, where Liverpool will need to overcome the deficit to advance, while Galatasaray aims to defend their advantage and continue their strong European campaign.

Galatasaray Beat Liverpool 1–0 in Champions League Last‑16 First Leg

Ex-Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Dies at 88

LAGOS — Former Super Eagles head coach, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, has died at the age of 88.

The veteran football tactician reportedly passed away on Monday, according to a statement released by his family.

In the announcement signed by family representative Bolade Adesuyi, the late coach was described as a respected football administrator, community leader and Modakeke High Chief, whose contributions to Nigerian football spanned several decades.

Onigbinde was widely regarded as one of the pioneers of indigenous football coaching in Nigeria and played a major role in the development of the country’s national team.

READ ALSO:

• Turaki‑Led PDP Rejects Court of Appeal Ruling, Heads to Supreme Court
• US to Designate Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Organisation
• NRC Investigates Assault Allegation Against UI Lecturer at Moniya Station

The late tactician first handled the Nigerian national team, then known as the Green Eagles, in the early 1980s. He guided Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team finished as runners-up.

Years later, he returned to manage the national team and led the Nigeria national football team to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, marking one of the most significant moments of his coaching career.

Beyond national team duties, Onigbinde served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and Fédération Internationale de Football Association, contributing to coaching education and football development across Africa.

Born on March 5, 1938, in Modakeke, Osun State, the late football icon was respected for his discipline, technical knowledge of the game and commitment to nurturing young talents.

Tributes have begun to pour in from players, football administrators and fans across the country following news of his death.

The family said details of his funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Ex-Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Dies at 88

Babayaro Salutes Lookman’s Parents for Raising Disciplined Super Eagles Star

Former Super Eagles defender and Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medalist, Emmanuel Babayaro, has paid glowing tribute to Ademola Lookman, praising not only the Nigerian forward’s talent but also the family values that shaped his character.

Speaking during an appearance on the ATHLST podcast, Babayaro said he admires Lookman for more than his performances on the pitch, highlighting the discipline, humility and professionalism the forward displays off it. According to the former Nigeria international, such qualities reflect strong upbringing and family guidance.

“Ademola Lookman is one young man I honestly admire. And it’s not just about his playing; it’s about his comportment. All these things sum up to one thing for me — they say charity begins at home,” Babayaro said.

He used the opportunity to thank the footballer’s parents, noting that they played a major role in shaping the player’s attitude and values. Babayaro added that respect and ethics, often associated with Yoruba culture, were clearly reflected in the way Lookman conducts himself both on and off the field.

READ ALSO:

• Appeal Court Dismisses Turaki-Led PDP Faction, Bars INEC from Recognising Ibadan Convention
• Osun Youths Storm IBEDC Office Over Prolonged Blackout, Issue 7‑Day Ultimatum
• Senate Committee Rejects NNPCL’s Explanation of ₦210 Trillion Financial Discrepancy

Lookman, who currently plays for Atlético Madrid, has grown into one of Nigeria’s most celebrated attacking players. The forward enjoyed a breakthrough period in Europe and was crowned CAF African Footballer of the Year in 2024, cementing his place among Africa’s elite footballers.

The 27-year-old attacker has also played a key role for the Nigeria national football team, contributing to the country’s campaigns in the Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles secured podium finishes in recent editions.

Despite his current success, Lookman’s journey to the top was not without challenges. During his time at Everton F.C. in the Premier League, he struggled to establish himself, scoring four goals in 48 appearances before moving on loan to RB Leipzig in Germany.

Babayaro believes the Nigerian star’s creative playing style may have been better suited to other European leagues than England’s fast-paced and physically demanding game.

According to him, Lookman thrives in environments where players have the freedom to express themselves with the ball. In contrast, the Premier League often demands quick decisions under intense pressure, leaving little room for the kind of flair and creativity that defines Lookman’s game.

The forward eventually rediscovered his form in continental Europe, particularly during spells with Fulham F.C., Leicester City F.C. and especially Atalanta BC in Italy, where he became one of the club’s most influential players before moving to Atlético Madrid.

Across a professional career spanning more than 300 senior appearances, Lookman has never been sent off — a record Babayaro says speaks volumes about the player’s character and discipline.

For the former Chelsea defender, Lookman’s success is proof that talent combined with strong family values can produce not only a great footballer but also a role model for young athletes.

Babayaro Salutes Lookman’s Parents for Raising Disciplined Super Eagles Star