Super Eagles seal AFCON 2025 spot, draw 1-1 against Benin
Victor Osimhen’s late header helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria secure a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan, clinching their qualification for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Benin, playing their matches in Côte d’Ivoire, took an early lead in the 16th minute when Mohammed Tijani headed in a short corner.
The goal followed a period of sustained pressure from the Beninoise side on the Nigerian defence.
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Benin nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a crucial save to keep Nigeria in the game.
Osimhen threatened as the first half progressed, with a powerful header that narrowly missed the target.
In the second half, Benin came close again, but a shot veered inches wide of the right post, sparing the Eagles further trouble.
With nine minutes remaining, Osimhen rose to the occasion, connecting with a precise cross from Moses Simon to level the score at 1-1.
With this result, the Super Eagles top Group D with 11 points from five matches, while Benin hold second place with seven points.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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Our children must be kept away from Obi’s mob
