Sports

Senegal Beat Nigeria 6-1 to Win Fifth Beach Soccer AFCON Title

Published

7 years ago

December 15, 2018

Eric

Senegal on Friday beat Nigeria 6-1 to claim their fifth Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations title.

It is their fourth title in five years and it was the second time the Lions have beaten Nigeria to claim the title in two years – following an 8-2 win in the 2016 final in Lagos. Senegal also defeated Nigeria on penalties in the first match of the tournament, which held in Egypt.

Hosts Egypt beat Morocco 3-2 to win the third place match. Both Nigeria and Senegal will represent Africa in the 2019 Beach Soccer World Cup in Paraguay.

According to Beach Soccer Worldwide, Nigeria started on the front foot with record goalscorer Abu Azeez scoring his 104th goal in the colours of the country. But Senegal came back into the game as Mamour Diagne found the space to strike in the equaliser.

Then Lansana Diassy, who had been in good form throughout the tournament, got his name on the score sheet too. He grabbed the lead for Senegal. However, the two sides ended the second period at each other’s throats.

The Supersand Eagles capitulated in the third period – scoring no goal and conceding four to lose their bid for a third continental title.

The Senegalese threw everything they had at the Nigerians and got the desired goals. The boosted offensive began with Babacar Fall, who increased the advantage to two goals with a fierce shot after goalkeeper Paul Dami came off his line.

Then Raoul Mendy held off a defender and swivel to shoot – to make it four to Senegal. Mendy scored again moments later, twisting and turning away from two defenders to drive a low shot past Paul.

AndDiagne ran onto a lay-off to power a first-time shot home to make it six with just a minute to go, the match was out of reach for Nigeria.

Azeez ended the tournament with eight goals but lost the highest goalscorer’s award to Ivory Coast’s Assouan Eric, who finished with nine goals.

Meanwhile, former captain of the team Isiaka Olawale has called for early preparations for the team ahead of the Paraguay 2019 World Cup.

Olawale, who praised the team for their efforts at getting the ticket for the World Cup, said the team could spring a surprise if they prepare adequately for the tournament.

“It is really good to see that the boys gave their all in Egypt and got to the final. They played against teams who have grown very strong in beach soccer and are becoming very difficult for Nigeria to beat,” he said.

“I believe that the set of boys in the team now, have the passion and hunger to succeed and will give a good account of themselves at the World Cup next year. But they need to prepare well for the tournament.

“Beach Soccer is different from normal football and it takes a lot of practice to become very good in it. I believe the team will have learnt from tournament and they will get better before the World Cup begins.”

Sports

Barcelona Moves: Galatasaray Place €80m Price Tag on Osimhen

Published

3 weeks ago

February 12, 2026

Eric

Turkish Super Lig club, Galatasaray, have slapped an €80 million release clause on Victor Osimhen amid interest from Spanish giants Barcelona, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen has been one of the most prolific strikers in the world over the last four years. In fact, he only recently scored his 200th career goal.

Since his permanent move to Galatasaray, he has been the club’s poster boy due to his impressive performances. This season, he has contributed 15 goals and one assist in 21 appearances across all competitions for the Cimbom.

The Nigerian international has been particularly vital in the UEFA Champions League, where he has already netted six goals.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, however, as several top clubs continue to keep tabs on him.

The 27-year-old only joined Galatasaray last summer for a Turkish transfer record fee of €75 million, but many clubs in Europe’s top five leagues would fancy having him as their leading man.

Now, according to a report by Turkish outlet Haberlisin, Spanish giants Barcelona are plotting a move for Osimhen.

Why Barcelona want Osimhen

Barcelona’s current top striker is Robert Lewandowski, and the club is looking to move on from the veteran, who will turn 38 in August.

With second-choice striker Ferran Torres not considered a reliable long-term option, the Catalans are searching for a proper talisman to lead their line.

According to Haberlisin, Barcelona have made Osimhen a major target and are willing to go all out for him in the summer.

However, Galatasaray won’t let him leave for cheap. Having paid €75 million for his services just seven months ago, they will want to maximize their return on the transfer. Consequently, they have slapped a hefty €80 million price tag on the Super Eagles star.

Although they are one of the biggest clubs in the world, Barcelona might struggle to meet this valuation due to their ongoing financial troubles. However, over the last three years, they have managed to pull off several big-money deals.

For Osimhen, even though he loves life at Galatasaray and earns a Turkish-record salary, he likely still has eyes on playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

It remains to be seen how hard the Spanish giants will push to get this transfer over the line and whether Osimhen will be willing to go.

Sports

Benfica Tackle Real Madrid Again in Champions League R16 Playoffs (Full List)

Published

1 month ago

January 30, 2026

Eric

The draw for the Champions League last 16 and knockout play-offs has been completed.

One of the most interesting fixtures, will see Benfica play Real Madrid.

The two teams clashed on the last day of the league phase with Jose Mourinho’s men winning 4-2 in Portugal.

That result saw Benfica sneak into the play-offs and denied Madrid an automatic spot.

Clubs have been paired together based on where they finished at the end of the league phase to form seeded and unseeded pairs.

The teams that finished ninth to 16th were in the seeded pairs, while 17th to 24th were in unseeded pairs.

PLAY-OFF DRAWS:

Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta

Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen

Galatasaray vs Juventus

Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid

Monaco vs PSG

Qarabag vs Newcastle

Benfica vs Real Madrid

Bodo/Glimt vs Inter

Knockout play-off round: February 17-18, February 24-25

Sports

Super Eagles Defeat Egypt, Bags Bronze Medal As AFCON 2025 Grounds to a Halt

Published

1 month ago

January 19, 2026

Eric

The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 third-place playoff on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali proved the hero of the night with two crucial saves during the shootout, including one from Egyptian star Mohamed Salah.

Ademola Lookman then calmly converted the decisive penalty to secure the bronze medal —Nigeria’s ninth third-place finish in AFCON history.

The match itself was a tight, physical affair, high on running but low on clear chances.

Nigeria thought they had taken the lead just before halftime when Paul Onuachu turned in an effort from Akor Adams, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review.

With neither side able to break the deadlock in a cagey second half, the game ended 0-0, sending the contest directly to penalties.

Despite Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missing Nigeria’s first kick, Nwabali’s immediate saved from Egypt’s first two attempts shifted the momentum.

Nigeria’s subsequent takers were flawless, allowing Lookman to seal the victory and preserve Nigeria’s perfect record in AFCON third-place matches.

Senegal on Sunday, defeated host Morocco by a lone goal after a pulsating, tension and crisis-ridden game, to emerge 2025 AFCON Champions.