I’ll prefer to be a substitute for Kane at Bayern – Arokodare

Nigerian professional footballer, Tolu Arokodare, is on the shop window across Europe following his post on his most prolific season ever with Belgian club Genk.

The 24-year-old striker scored 20 goals and provided six assists in the Jupiler Pro League this season.

Also, after his call-up to the national team, he made his debut for the Super Eagles in March in Rwanda.

Since then, he has been linked with some of the top European clubs, including newly-crowned Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

The striker himself confessed it is a transfer he will accept even if he was only to substitute for England captain and striker Harry Kane.

“If the opportunity comes, I have to make sure I’m ready. You don’t know how many times a train will pass, so I don’t want to miss any opportunities,” he told Het Laatste Nieuws.

“That I would be the stand-in for Harry Kane? Yes. That would be nice, wouldn’t it. It’s still rumours, I haven’t had any contact.”

Chinese Embassy indicts AFN for submitting documents late

The Chinese Embassy has exonerated itself for Nigeria’s relay team’s failure to attend the 2025 World Athletics Relays in China.

The Chinese authorities in Abuja said visa was issued at an expedite time following the submission of documents of the athletes.

According to the embassy’s statement on Saturday, it received the documents on the 6th of May, and the visas were ready on the 8th of May.

The Embassy, in a statement, said AFN, citing a delay in the issuance of visa for Nigeria’s withdrawal, does not represent the facts.

The statement reads: “The Embassy of China in Nigeria has noted that, according to Nigerian media reports, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) issued a statement announcing its withdrawal from the Guangzhou World Athletics Relays scheduled to be held in China from May 10 to 11, 2025, following visa delays by the Chinese authorities.

“The Embassy of China in Nigeria would like to state the following facts and position: On April 24, the Embassy received a letter from the National Sports Commission of Nigeria (dated April 22) requesting assistance in processing visas for Nigerian athletes to participate in the event in China. The Embassy immediately communicated with the Commission and guided it to prepare the relevant materials to expedite the visa application. On May 6, the China Visa Application Centre received the relevant application materials submitted by the Nigerian athletes. The Embassy immediately activated the expedited procedure, provided the utmost assistance to the Nigerian applicants, and completed the visa issuance on May 8.

“The Embassy of China in Nigeria has always actively supported people-to-people and sports cooperation between the two countries, repeatedly expressed its welcome for Nigerian athletes to participate in events in China, and consistently assisted Nigerian citizens in visa applications in an efficient and professional manner. It should be noted as well that visa issuance is a matter of national sovereignty, and all foreign embassies require applicants to provide the corresponding documents and materials, as well as allow sufficient time for the application process.

“We regret that the Nigerian athletes were unable to participate in the event in China this time, but the statement issued by the AFN is inconsistent with the facts. The Embassy of China in Nigeria remains committed to promoting friendly exchanges between the Chinese and Nigerian peoples and stands ready to continue providing support and assistance for exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including sports.”

Australian football chief quits after five years

Football Australia chief executive James Johnson has resigned after five and a half years in the job, the national governing body said Thursday, having played a key part in bringing the Women’s World Cup to the country.

Johnson’s surprise decision to stand down comes less than a year before Australia hosts the Women’s Asian Cup.

Heather Garriock played 130 times for Australia’s Matildas between 1999 and 2011 and was named interim chief executive.

“As someone immensely passionate about Australian football, this decision has not come easily, but I believe the time is right to step down,” Johnson said in a Football Australia statement.

The governing body praised Johnson’s achievements in guiding the sport through the COVID pandemic and leading Australia’s successful bid to co-host the 2023 Women’s World Cup with New Zealand.

The tournament, which was won by Spain, was widely viewed as a great success on and off the pitch.

“James has guided Football Australia through extraordinary challenges and leaves a great legacy,” Football Australia chair Anter Isaac said.

Ikpeba backs Flying Eagles to beat Kenya

Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has called on the Flying Eagles to secure victory against Kenya in their final Group B match of the ongoing 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria sits on four points after two games, level with Morocco, who top the group based on goal difference. Tunisia, following a 3-1 win over Kenya, trail by just a point.

Speaking on Monday Night Football on SuperSport, the Atlanta Olympic gold medalist expressed confidence in Nigeria’s chances of qualification.

“I think they should go out there and get the job done,” Ikpeba said.

“They should be able to beat Kenya and qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

“I wish the team all the best against Kenya.”

Messi scores 859th career goal in Inter Miami win

Inter Miami CF returned to winning ways on Saturday night, capturing a 4–1 win over the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium, snapping a three-match losing streak in all competitions.

According to a post on Fabrizio Romano’s X handle on Sunday, Argentine legend Lionel Messi’s 67th-minute strike in the goal rout was his 859th career goal.

Romano posted, “Leo Messi scores for Inter Miami now reaching 63 G/A in 53 games for the MLS side. 859 career goals so far.”

Winger Fafa Picault, who did not play in the midweek Concacaf Champions Cup defeat against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, scored for his second straight game, netting the opening goal on a volley in the 9th minute.

Defender Marcelo Weigandt added a second in the 33rd minute after a lengthy VAR review, before Luis Suárez bagged his third goal of the 2025 season in the 39th. Lionel Messi added a second-half cushion, finishing a volley in the 67th minute to make it 4-1.

The Red Bulls pushed back before the end of the opening half, with a 43rd-minute goal from Mohammed Sofo, who nodded in a deep corner kick to keep the 2024 Eastern Conference champions within comeback distance.

The win brings Miami’s total to 21 points in 10 games and keeps them at only one loss in the MLS season.

Speaking in the post-match press conference at Chase Stadium, the Miami FC, Javier Mascherano acknowledged the physical demands of the match and the much-needed lift it gave the squad.

“It was a very physically demanding game – we needed it,” Mascherano said. “It was important to get back to a good feeling. In the first half, we were clinical in front of the goal, something we lacked in previous matches. In the second half, we tried to control possession more, and be less direct. At the end of the first half, we lost control of the ball and didn’t want to give them momentum.”

Atletico Madrid join Lookman chase

LaLiga giants, Atletico Madrid have joined the number of clubs interested in Atalanta winger, Ademola Lookman.Lookman is expected to depart the Bergamo club at the end of the season despite having two years left on his contract.

Atalanta are willing to sell the Nigeria international for €60m.According to Spanish outlet, Marca, Atlético Madrid have already opened discussions with Lookman’s representatives.

Diego Simeone’s side would however seek a reduction in the transfer fee.

The 27-year-old has racked up 18 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances across all competitions for La Dea this season.Naija Premium gist recalls that Lookman joined Atalanta from Bundesliga outfit, RB Leipzig in 2022.

UEL: Man United trash Athletic Bilbao 3–0, Tottenham take down Bodo/Glimt

Manchester United destroyed Athletic Bilbao 3–0 in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals.

The Red Devils were back at it again, continuing their unbeaten run in this season’s tournament, defeating Athletic Bilbao three-nil away from home.

United opened the scoring with a close-range header from Casemiro, assisted by Ugarte through a well-guided cross from Maguire.

Athletic were reduced to ten men after Daniel Vivian denied Højlund a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The Reds’ captain, Bruno Fernandes, stepped up from the penalty spot and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to double the lead.

The Portuguese magnifico was not done yet. He scored again before the break with a calm finish from around 10 yards into the bottom corner.

Bruno’s brace means he’s now directly involved in 37 goals this season, with nine more goal contributions than any other midfielder across Europe’s top five leagues.

Amad Diallo and De Ligt also returned to the field after being sidelined with injury.

Tottenham won their game against Bodo/Glimt, putting one foot in the final with a 3–1 victory. Brennan Johnson opened the scoring in the first minute, James Maddison doubled the lead, and Solanke added a third from the penalty spot in the 69th minute.

The visitors pulled one back in the 83rd minute, but it was too late to mount a comeback. Spurs controlled the majority of the game and now have a great chance to return to a European final for the first time since the team clashed with Liverpool at the Champions League final in 2019.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have endured a poor season, arguably their worst in years, but winning the tournament would also secure them a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Before the second leg, both teams have league games to play. Amorim’s men face Brentford, while Spurs take on West Ham on Sunday before looking to finish the job next week.

Barcelona Battle Back To Secure Draw In Six-Goal Champions League Thriller Against Inter Milan

Barcelona fought from behind to earn a dramatic draw in a six-goal Champions League showdown with Inter Milan.
Barcelona twice came from behind to earn a thrilling 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at Montjuic Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.

Inter’s Denzel Dumfries scored twice, helping the Italian side lead 2-0 and later 3-2, but Barcelona’s 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal inspired the hosts’ comeback with a superb solo goal.

The pulsating encounter highlighted Inter’s precision in front of goal and danger from set-pieces, while also exposing Barcelona’s defensive weaknesses alongside their attacking flair. With the result finely poised, both sides head into next Tuesday’s second leg at the San Siro in search of a place in the final in Munich, where either Arsenal or Paris St-Germain await.

Inter made a lightning-fast start, with Marcus Thuram scoring just 30 seconds in — the fastest goal ever recorded in a Champions League semi-final — via an audacious back-heel. Dumfries doubled the lead in the 21st minute, finishing acrobatically from a corner.Barcelona quickly responded through Yamal, who fired home from inside the box following a skilful run down the right flank. In doing so, he became the youngest player ever to score in a Champions League semi-final at 17 years and 291 days, surpassing Kylian Mbappé’s previous record.

Yamal nearly struck again, hitting the post shortly before Ferran Torres equalised in the 38th minute with a composed first-time finish after meeting a Raphinha knock-down.Despite Barcelona’s growing momentum, Dumfries headed in his second from another corner in the 64th minute to restore Inter’s lead. The Catalans struck back once more, as Raphinha’s powerful long-range shot cannoned off the post, rebounding off Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer and into the net for the final equaliser.

Liverpool clinch 20th English League title with emphatic win over Tottenham

Liverpool have secured their 20th English top-flight league title after a commanding 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday.

Arne Slot’s side now have 82 points, an unassailable lead that puts them beyond the reach of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, with four matches remaining. The triumph means Liverpool have now matched Manchester United’s historic tally of 20 top-flight titles.

The achievement marks Slot’s first piece of silverware since succeeding Jürgen Klopp, who famously ended Liverpool’s 30-year wait for a league title in 2020. Slot has added his name to the club’s illustrious list of title-winning managers.

Liverpool established a firm grip on the Premier League race before the turn of the year, opening a six-point gap over Arsenal with a game in hand. Although both teams experienced rocky patches in the second half of the campaign, it was the Reds who maintained their composure to cross the finish line.

Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, were also in contention but saw their hopes dashed after a pivotal 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Christmas Eve, a result that shifted the momentum firmly in Liverpool’s favour.

It’s been a memorable period for Liverpool both on and off the pitch. Club captain Virgil van Dijk and star forward Mohamed Salah have both signed new contracts to remain at Anfield, solidifying the team’s core for the future.

Salah, in particular, has enjoyed a sensational season, amassing 28 goals and 18 assists in the Premier League. He is the frontrunner for the Player of the Season award and a major contender for the Ballon d’Or.

Liverpool’s latest triumph marks their second Premier League title in six years and extends their record haul to 70 major trophies—further cementing their place as one of English football’s most decorated clubs.

Flamingos qualify for World Cup after goalless draw with Algeria

Nigeria’s Under-17 female football team, Flamingos, on Friday played a goalless draw with Algeria to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The 2022 bronze medalist, who were determined to win their last match of the qualifying series, absorbed the pressure of the Algerian girls in the return leg played at Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida.

The Flamingos battled for supremacy to be one of the countries to represent the continent in the World Cup in October

Despite the wintry conditions in Blida on the outskirts of the Algerian capital, Algiers, the Nigerian girls dug their feet into the ground and achieved a scoreless draw that qualified them for this year’s Women’s World Cup finals.

Holding on to a 4-0 first-leg advantage, the 2002 bronze medalists adopted a calm and collected pattern that soaked up the pressure from the host.

They then relied on fast breaks to try and pull the trigger on their opponents

Although they created better chances, the Flamingos failed to take advantage of their dominance in possession.

They, however, collected the ticket to Morocco on a 4-0 aggregate win.

The difference over two legs of the final round was a remarkable display in the opening leg by the Flamingos.

The Flamingos will now be one of Africa’s five representatives (including host Morocco) at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals holding from October 17 to November 5.

The final competition will feature 24 teams for the first time.

Since the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup competition was launched in New Zealand in 2008, Nigeria didn’t make the finals only once.

This was at the 2018 tournament hosted by Uruguay.

Neymar suffers injury setback 34 minutes into comeback encounter

Neymar Jr. sustained an injury 34 minutes into his comeback match for Santos in the Brasileirão, as revealed by transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano.

The development is another huge blow for the club as the Brazilian football star’s career has been marred by a series of injuries in recent years.

Reporting on Neymar’s latest injury, Romano shared on Wednesday, “Neymar Jr leaves the pitch with a new injury as Santos started him tonight in the Brasileirão. After 34 minutes, Neymar has been subbed off.”

The 33-year-old wore a special number 200 jersey to commemorate his 100th appearance at Vila Belmiro, but he started to show signs of discomfort in his left thigh, the same area where he had suffered an injury in a Campeonato Paulista match that had him sidelined for six weeks.

Neymar had to request a substitution, gesturing towards the bench shortly after Santos extended their lead by scoring a second goal. He was assisted as he exited the field.

He was given treatment with an ice pack applied to his injured thigh while his teammates and opposition players consoled him.

Football mourns as Gabon striker Boupendza dies in tragic fall

Gabon international striker Aaron Boupendza died on Wednesday at the age of 28 when he fell from the 11th floor of a building in China, according to the national football federation (Fegafoot).

“The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China, where he was playing for Zhejiang FC,” the federation said in a statement on X.

“Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the CAN (Africa Cup of Nations) in Cameroon.”

In 2022, the Panthers were eliminated in the last 16 of the AFCON by Burkina Faso.

“Fegafoot and the entire Gabonese football family offer their sincere condolences to his biological family,” the federation added.

Gabonese president-elect Brice Oligui Nguema also took to X to add his condolences.

“It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football,” he posted.

Broadcaster Gabon 24 said that while “the exact circumstances of this tragedy are still unclear,” an investigation is underway to establish the facts.

Born in Moanda, Boupendza joined French side Bordeaux in 2016, spending most of his time on loan at other French clubs.

In 2020 he signed for Turkish side Hatayspor, and was top scorer in the Super Lig in 2020–21 before moving on to Al Arabi, with whom he won the Qatar FA Cup, and Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.

Spells in the USA with FC Cincinnati and Romania’s Rapid Bucharest followed ahead of his move to China in January.

Gabon international striker Aaron Boupendza died on Wednesday at the age of 28 when he fell from the 11th floor of a building in China, according to the national football federation (Fegafoot).

“The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China, where he was playing for Zhejiang FC,” the federation said in a statement on X.

“Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the CAN (Africa Cup of Nations) in Cameroon.”

In 2022, the Panthers were eliminated in the last 16 of the AFCON by Burkina Faso.

“Fegafoot and the entire Gabonese football family offer their sincere condolences to his biological family,” the federation added.

Gabonese president-elect Brice Oligui Nguema also took to X to add his condolences.

“It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football,” he posted.

Broadcaster Gabon 24 said that while “the exact circumstances of this tragedy are still unclear,” an investigation is underway to establish the facts.

Born in Moanda, Boupendza joined French side Bordeaux in 2016, spending most of his time on loan at other French clubs.

In 2020 he signed for Turkish side Hatayspor, and was top scorer in the Super Lig in 2020–21 before moving on to Al Arabi, with whom he won the Qatar FA Cup, and Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.

Spells in the USA with FC Cincinnati and Romania’s Rapid Bucharest followed ahead of his move to China in January.

Atalanta beat Bologna 2-0 to relaunch Champions League bid

Atalanta held on to third place in Serie A on Sunday after beating high-flying Bologna 2-0 to recharge their bid for Champions League football next season.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are four points above Bologna, who are fifth, thanks to a third-minute tap-in from Mateo Retegui and Mario Pasalic’s first league goal since November not long afterwards.

Retegui’s early strike was his 26th of the season in all competitions for Atalanta, and the Italy forward also set up Pasalic to guide home a delicate volley with his brilliant cross in the 21st minute.

Those goals ended a three-match losing run without scoring for Atalanta and were their first in a home league fixture since the start of February.

“I’m happy because it had been a few months that we’d not won here, we need to make our home matches count in the final weeks of the season,” said Pasalic.

“Scoring straight away really helped us because it gives you more freedom to play.”

Atalanta came into Sunday’s key clash with a top-four rival without a Serie A win in Bergamo since before Christmas but they stopped the home rot with a mature performance at the Gewiss Stadium.

Bologna looked to have the initiative in a tight fight for two Champions League spots, with Inter and Napoli contesting the league title and almost guarantee of qualification.

Vincenzo Italiano’s team had won five of their previous six matches and were unlucky to only draw with second-placed Napoli last weekend.

The only negative note for Gasperini was seeing defender Sead Kolasinac being stretchered off with a knee injury just before half-time, the latest in a long line of physical problems for both the Bosnian and Atalanta this term.

Later, Claudio Ranieri will manage his last Rome derby when Roma take on Lazio with both capital clubs also gunning for the Champions League.

Roma are seventh and six points behind fourth-placed Juventus, with Lazio two points and one place ahead of their local rivals.

Real Madrid may trade Vinicius Junior for Osimhen

Chelsea, Juventus step up chase for Nigerian ace
Real Madrid are reportedly considering making a move for Napoli forward Victor Osimhen during this summer’s transfer window.

The Nigeria international has been in excellent form on loan at Galatasaray during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 28 times and registering five assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.

Osimhen, as it stands, will return to Napoli this summer, but he is widely expected to leave the Italian giants on a permanent basis, with a number of clubs believed to be interested in his signature.

Manchester United continue to be heavily linked with the 26-year-old, who has scored 76 goals and registered 12 assists in 133 appearances for Napoli in all competitions since his arrival from Lille in 2020.

However, according to Fichajes, there is also interest from Real Madrid, with Los Blancos considering making a move for the Nigerian during this summer’s transfer window.

The report claimed that Real Madrid view Osimhen as a possible replacement for Vinicius Junior, as the Brazilian continues to be linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Juventus are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Napoli forward Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to TEAMtalk, the 26-year-old has also emerged as a priority target for the struggling Serie A giants.

It’s understood Juventus will face serious competition from several Premier League clubs, along with those in the Saudi Pro League.

The Nigeria international has been in electric form in Turkey, scoring 28 goals and providing five assists in his 32 games across all competitions

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has been in London this past.

It’s been suggested that Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has been England to meet with Chelsea and Manchester United about the future of Osimhen, according to Il Mattino.

Osimhen’s contract with Napoli carries a €75m buyout clause, which can be triggered this summer.

Juventus are also interested, though Napoli would prefer to see Osimhen not return to Serie A.

Chelsea failed in an attempt for Osimhen in January and will try again as they seek a new centre-forward signing. United are also interested, though must sell before buying this summer.

PSG claim 13th Ligue 1 title, beat Angers 1-0

Paris Saint-Germain secured a record-extending 13th Ligue 1 title and fourth consecutive championship with a 1-0 win over Angers on Saturday, clinching the title with six games still remaining in the season.

A dominant campaign it was for the three-time defending champions, who wrapped up their success early in April.

PSG’s victory over Angers also kept their hopes of an unbeaten season alive, with 23 wins and five draws from 28 matches.

Ex-Barcelona star Dani Alves wins appeal as court overturns rape conviction

Former Brazil and Barcelona Dani Alves defender has won his appeal against a sexual assault conviction as a Spanish court overturned the ruling on Friday.

The 40-year-old former right-back was found guilty in February 2024 of assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub on New Year’s Eve in 2022 and was sentenced to four years, six months in prison. He denied wrongdoing during the three-day trial.

He was released from prison in March 2024 while waiting for his appeal to be heard by a higher court.

That court ruled on Friday that there was “insufficient evidence” to rule out Alves’ presumption of innocence.

Alves won dozens of titles with elite clubs including Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.

He also helped Brazil win two Copa Americas and an Olympic gold medal at the age of 38. He played at his third World Cup, the only major title he has not won, in 2022.

He was with Mexican club Pumas when he was arrested. Pumas terminated his contract immediately.

The Alves case was the first high-profile sex crime since Spain overhauled its legislation in 2022 to make consent, or the lack thereof, central to defining a sex crime in response to an upswell of protests after a gang-rape case during the San Fermin bull-running festival in Pamplona in 2016.

Mikel Obi Nigeria’s greatest footballer, says Odumodublvck

Rapper Odumodublvck has stirred up controversy with claim that Mikel Obi is the greatest Nigerian footballer of all time.

The statement, made on X, has drawn a mix of reactions from fans and critics.

“Mikel Obi is the greatest Nigerian footballer of all time,” he wrote.

While some agreed with Odumodublvck’s assessment, others argued that legendary players like Rashidi Yekini, Kanu Nwankwo, and Austin Jay-Jay Okocha deserve the title.

@GideonGeorge, countered: “Mikel is not the greatest but the most successful, the greatest is Okocha.”

@mmakachi, added: “You know wetin be greatest? Him no even near Stephen Keshi or Chairman Christian Chukwu.”

@OddFeature__ argued: “On paper with stats perhaps, but on the pitch it can only be one answer and ‘he was so good they named him twice’.. Thank you sir for your time

@Akinscoat added: “Where do you want to leave the likes of Stephen Kechi, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Peter Rufai, Ikesoromu, etc?”

@FemiBloomberg wrote: “Kanu Nwankwo is Nigeria’s greatest and most decorated footballer”.

Mikel Obi’s impressive career achievements, including multiple titles with Chelsea and international successes, have added fuel to the debate.

Japan beat Bahrain 2-0, emerge first to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo gave them a 2-0 win over Bahrain on Thursday.

The runaway Asian Group C leaders failed to sparkle on a chilly night in Saitama until Crystal Palace forward Kamada pounced for the opener in the 66th minute.

Kubo added another in the 87th minute as Japan punched their ticket to next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

It will be their eighth straight World Cup appearance.

Australia’s 5-1 home win over Indonesia earlier in the evening meant Japan would have clinched their place even with a draw.

But Kamada made sure they did it in style in front of an expectant crowd of just under 60,000.

He latched onto Kubo’s reverse pass and dispatched the ball past Bahrain goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla just three minutes after coming on as a substitute.

Real Sociedad’s Kubo added some extra gloss to the night with a left-footed shot from a tight angle.

Japan’s players sprinted onto the pitch at the final whistle and celebrated with the home supporters.

Japan have been in unstoppable form in the Asian third round of qualifiers and went into the game having won five and drawn one of their games so far.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu started with an experienced line-up featuring Premier League talent in Liverpool’s Wataru Endo and Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma.

Captain Endo thought he had given his team the lead in the ninth minute when he rammed home a loose ball in the box, only for the goal to be disallowed by VAR.

Japan continued to press for the opener but Bahrain had several dangerous raids on the counterattack and Komail Al Aswad should have done better just after the half-hour mark.

Japan were also wasteful and Mitoma blazed over the bar with the goal at his mercy in first-half injury time.

Moriyasu shuffled his pack midway through the second half, bringing on Kamada and Junya Ito for Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan.

The impact was immediate as Kamada gave Japan the lead with his ninth goal for his country.

Kubo went close to adding another with a curling shot that Lutfalla clawed away with five minutes remaining.

But the attacker got his goal with time running out as Japan made sure of the win, and with it a place in North America.

Manchester United, Tottenham advance into Europa League quarter-finals

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick and Wilson Odobert was on target twice for Tottenham Hotspur as the two Premier League strugglers reached the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday.

Fernandes converted two penalties and got the other from open play as United came from behind to beat 10-man Real Sociedad 4-1 on the night and 5-2 on aggregate.

The Spanish visitors had led early from the first penalty at Old Trafford, converted by Mikel Oyarzabal.

But their comeback hopes ended in a red card for substitute Jon Aramburu, and Diogo Dalot got the final United goal.

Spurs overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit against AZ Alkmaar with a 3-1 win over their Dutch opponents from Odobert’s brace and James Maddison.

They next face 2022 champions Eintracht Frankfurt, who completed a 6-2 aggregate success over Ajax with a 4-1 home win, which included a brace from German 2014 World Cup hero Mario Götze.

United’s quarter-final opponents are Olympique Lyon, whose Georges Mikautadze and Ernest Nuamah also got two goals each in a 4-0 demolition of Romania’s FCSB for a 7-1 aggregate success.

Spurs and United are far off the European berths in the Premier League, and their only realistic chance of European football lies in winning the Europa League which earns a Champions League berth.

Elsewhere, Spain international Nico Williams scored twice as Athletic Bilbao remained on course towards the May 21 final in their home stadium with a 3-1 success over 10-man Roma, overturning a 2-1 defeat in Rome.

The Italians had Mats Hummels sent off early.

Bilbao now take on Rangers, which prevailed 3-2 on penalties over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce which had locked the aggregate score at 3-3 with a 2-0 in Glasgow.

The other quarter-final tie set for April 10 and 17 is between Lazio and Norway’s Bodø/Glimt, who ousted Conference League champions Olympiacos.

Pinnick loses FIFA council seat re-election by one vote

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has failed in his bid for re-election to the FIFA Council. He narrowly missed out by a single vote at the General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Djibouti’s Souleiman Waberi claimed the final available seat with 29 votes, edging out Pinnick, who secured 28. Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa topped the election with 49 votes, while Egypt’s Hani Rida and Niger’s Djibrilla Hamidou both earned 35 votes. Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya and Waberi also secured seats with 29 votes each.

The result marked a setback for Mr Pinnick, who had served on FIFA’s highest decision-making body since 2021 and was aiming to extend his tenure.

In the women’s category, Kanizat Ibrahim of Comoros emerged victorious with 30 votes, comfortably defeating Lydia Nsekera (13 votes) and Isha Johansen (7 votes) to secure her place on the FIFA Council.

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