Sports
UCL: Osimhen helps Napoli snatch late draw against Barca as FC Porto defeat Arsenal
UCL: Osimhen helps Napoli snatch late draw against Barca as FC Porto defeat Arsenal
Victor Osimhen scored as Napoli drew 1-1 with Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) second-round match.
The 25-year-old equalized for the Serie A champions in the 75th minute, after Robert Lewandowski put Barcelona ahead at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday.
Osimhen spun away from Inigo Martinez inside the box after Zambo Anguissa’s pass reached him. The Lagos-born striker rolled the ball past Ter Stegen, who went the wrong way, and into the goal.
READ ALSO:
- Reps stop 60% fee increase for Law School
- 8 Facts about the new Comptroller-General of NIS, Kemi Nana Nandap
- Tragedy: Prophet drowns in Lagos beach during Church gathering for Valentine
The match marked Osimhen’s first start for Napoli since December 23, 2023, when he was sent off in a 2-0 loss to Roma.
He played an important role in the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s silver-winning effort at the just ended Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
In the other game of the night, Galeno’s late goal helped FC Porto defeat Arsenal 1-0 at the Estadio do Dragao.
Galeno picked up the ball 35 yards outside Arsenal’s goal area deep into stoppage time, proving that the best play was saved for last. The Brazilian carried the ball forward before finding his place and bending a shot past Raya’s stretched limbs into the net.
UCL: Osimhen helps Napoli snatch late draw against Barca as FC Porto defeat Arsenal
Sports
Paris 2024: Brazil beat the Super Falcons in opening game
Paris 2024: Brazil beat the Super Falcons in opening game
The Super Falcons began their campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games on a shaky footing, losing 0-1 to Brazil in their first match.
Nigeria came into the game on the back of an impressive showing at the 2023 FIFA World Cup and an eight-game unbeaten run.
They started the match well, missing a couple of chances to have taken the lead in the French city of Bordeaux.
Many thought the team would go into the tunnel with the lead or at least all square with the South Americans. But Gabi Nunez finished off finely with about eight minutes to the end of the first half to give Coach Randy Waldrum’s side a mountain to climb in the second half.
READ ALSO:
- National Assembly urged to create more councils for Lagos
- Kano bakers summoned over bread price hike
- FG warns LG chairs misusing FAAC funds will face jail term
Upon the resumption of the second half, the Nigerians rallied to get back into the game. But their final balls were rarely threatening the Brazilian defence.
Despite running some changes and bringing in fresh legs to push for an equaliser, the Brazilians defended gallantly to deny the Super Falcons the leveller.
Nigeria’s next game is against world champions Spain. That match is on the 28th of July before the team take on Japan on the 31st.
In the other Group C game, Spain saw off Japan 2-1 while the US defeated Zambia 3-0 in a Group B tie. France mauled Colombia 3-0 in a Group A encounter on the same day.
Paris 2024: Brazil beat the Super Falcons in opening game
Sports
PSG not giving up on Osimhen, seek further slash in price
PSG not giving up on Osimhen, seek further slash in price
Paris Saint-Germain is still negotiating a lower transfer fee for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as they pursue the Nigeria international this summer.
According to transfer market expert Gianluca Di Marzio, PSG are poised to retake the lead in their pursuit of the Napoli striker.
In contrast, Italian sports news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the French champions are still dissatisfied with Napoli’s reduced asking price of £100 million.
“The Parisian club would in fact have decided to take a step back. President Al-Khelaifi considers the 100 million euros excessive, believing that with De Laurentiis he is making the same mistake as last summer,” the report stated.
Napoli had initially demanded the full payment of Osimhen’s £130m release clause, a figure that has deterred many potential suitors. PSG, however, have refused to meet this valuation and are hoping for a further reduction in the price.
READ ALSO:
- Saudi duo to bid for Osimhen amid PSG stalled deal
- FG rolls out fresh plans to revive local manufacturing, create 4.4 million jobs
- I was a peaceful protester, Tinubu admits
The prolonged negotiations have reportedly left Osimhen frustrated, with Italian publication Tutto Napoli suggesting that the striker is now open to considering offers from Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal.
“Osimhen is fed up, a prisoner of his golden contract. De Laurentiis will probably grant discounts on the clause but not sales,” Tutto Napoli wrote.
As the transfer saga continues, PSG may need to offload either Goncalo Ramos or Randal Kolo-Muani to make room for Osimhen.
Interestingly, Chelsea have reportedly been offered the chance to sign these two PSG forwards, potentially holding the key to Osimhen’s move to the French capital.
Osimhen, who joined Napoli in 2020 for a club-record fee, has been in impressive form, scoring 41 league goals in the past two seasons and helping the club secure their first Scudetto in over three decades.
PSG not giving up on Osimhen, seek further slash in price
Sports
Two Saudi clubs eye Osimhen amid PSG stalled deal
Two Saudi clubs eye Osimhen amid PSG stalled deal
With options fast drying up for Victor Osimhen, it has now been reported that top Saudi Arabian clubs Al Ahli and Al Hilal are now pulling all the stops to sign the Napoli striker.
Osimhen continues the pre-season with Napoli and will join the team in Castel Di Sangro for the second part of preparation while waiting for a move to PSG.
READ ALSO:
- FG rolls out fresh plans to revive local manufacturing, create 4.4 million jobs
- I was a peaceful protester, Tinubu admits
- Netanyahu, Biden hold talks over tense Gaza ceasefire
Corriere dello Sport and Gazzetta claimed that a move to the French capital is now a priority for Osimhen. Tuttosport reported last week that the striker has already agreed personal terms with the club.
However, the French giants must sell Gonçalo Ramos or Randal Kolo Muani before sending an official offer to Napoli. PSG are unlikely to pay the entire €130m clause, but Napoli will look for at least €100m.
Two clubs who can surely match Napoli’s demands are Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. According to Il Corriere dello Sport, both sides are waiting for the developments of PSG talks with Osimhen before making a formal bid.
Two Saudi clubs eye Osimhen amid PSG stalled deal
-
News3 days ago
NLC can’t withdraw from protest it didn’t organise – Ajaero
-
News3 days ago
Northern group attacks Reps Minority Caucus for demanding Nnamdi Kanu release
-
News3 days ago
Minimum wage: Akpabio says domestic workers can’t earn less than N70,000
-
News3 days ago
FG unveils training programme for 1,000 Nigerians in AI, blockchain
-
International18 hours ago
Netanyahu, Biden hold talks over tense Gaza ceasefire
-
News3 days ago
Falana to FG: Threatening Nigerians won’t stop mass protest
-
metro3 days ago
Pastor remanded for allegedly defiling teenager, attempting abortion
-
metro3 days ago
Wanted Lagos drug baron, Temo, arrested