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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

The Flying Eagles will set up camp in Katsina for the final phase of their preparations ahead of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

According to SCORENigeria, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has secured sponsorship from the Katsina State Government for the training camp.

The Flying Eagles are set to regroup this week after being granted a short break last week. Aliyu Zubairu’s side recently played two friendly matches against Cote d’Ivoire, winning the first 2-0 and losing the second by the same scoreline.

The seven-time African champions will compete in Group B at the U-20 AFCON, where they will face Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.

The biennial tournament will take place in Cote d’Ivoire from April 26 to May 18.

Aston Villa secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Club Brugge in their Round of 16 Champions League Knockout Play-off clash on Tuesday night.

The English side produced a clinical performance, capitalising on defensive errors from their Belgian opponents to take control of the tie.
Leon Bailey opened the scoring early for Aston Villa in the 3rd minute, finishing off an assist from Tyrone Mings to give the visitors a dream start.

However, Club Brugge responded quickly, with Maxim De Cuyper equalising in the 12th minute after a well-placed assist from Christos Tzolis.

The first half ended level at 1-1, but Villa stepped up their intensity after the break.

Tensions flared in the 70th minute when Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was shown a yellow card for dissent on the touchline.
Brugge’s hopes of securing a result were dented in the 82nd minute when Brandon Mechele inadvertently put the ball into his own net, handing Villa a 2-1 lead.

The Premier League side then sealed the win in the 88th minute, with Marco Asensio calmly converting a penalty to make it 3-1.

Aston Villa’s dominant display leaves them in a strong position ahead of the second leg, while Club Brugge will need a major turnaround to stay in the competition.

The management of Gombe United Football Club has announced the appointment of Abdullahi Umar as the team’s new technical adviser.

Umar’s appointment followed the departure of Bala Nkiyu by mutual agreement.

This is contained in a statement by Shuaibu Angazy, the club’s spokesman, on Tuesday in Gombe.

The statement said the new technical adviser was unveiled on Monday by the club chairman, Anas Bamusa.

Bamusa said the appointment was based on merit and a shared vision for the club’s future.

“The choice of Umar was based on his track record. He belongs to a school of thought that aligns with the football philosophy loved by Gombe United fans.

“Considering his relationship with our former Technical Adviser, Aliyu and the remarkable transformation he brought to the team in his time, we believe Umar has the ability to rebuild and elevate this squad just as Zubairu did.

“Somebody as young and visionary as Abdullahi Umar shares the same ambitions as I have for this club.

“I strongly believe that together, we can restore Gombe United to its rightful place of greatness,” he said.

The statement also quoted Umar as expressing his determination to help the club become a formidable team that delivers results.

Until his appointment, Umar was with Akwa United between 2016 and 2024, serving in different capacities throughout his tenure.

His notable achievements include rescuing Akwa United from relegation last season, a feat highlighted by a crucial away victory against Plateau United and a hard-fought draw against Gombe United on the road.

Fulham have condemned racist and homophobic abuse faced by their defender Calvin Bassey online after he scored in Sunday’s FA Cup win over Manchester United.

Nigerian international Bassey gave his side the lead before halftime in the match that ended 1-1 at Old Trafford before Fulham overcame the hosts on penalties to qualify for the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.

“Fulham Football Club is utterly appalled at the racist and homophobic abuse received and subsequently shared by Calvin Bassey on social media after Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Manchester United,” Fulham said in a statement on Monday.

“We strongly condemn this abhorrent behaviour, which has no place in football or society. Such actions are entirely unacceptable, and we stand in full support of Calvin Bassey, who will continue to receive our full backing.

“We will do everything in our power to work with the relevant authorities in identifying the perpetrators of these vile messages and taking the strongest form of action against them,” the club said.

Manchester City’s Kyle Walker also faced online racist abuse after their loss to Juventus in the Champions League in December.

In February, City forward Khadija Shaw missed a match for mental health reasons after facing racist abuse following a loss to Arsenal in the Women’s Super League.

“Fulham Football Club is committed to maintaining a firm stance against all forms of discrimination and remains dedicated to fostering an environment of respect and inclusion,” Fulham added.

Fulham host Crystal Palace in the FA Cup quarterfinals on March 29.

The delegation of Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, has landed in Abidjan ahead of two friendly matches against the Young Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire.

The contingent was led by Member of the NFF Executive, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi. Coach Aliyu Zubairu selected 21 players for the task, among whom are team captain Daniel Bameyi, first-choice goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt, defender Haruna Aliyu, midfielder Cletus Simon and forwards Clinton Japhet and Olalekan Sulaiman Alabi.

The seven-time African champions take on their Ivorian counterparts at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in the Ivorian capital starting from 3.30pm CIV time (4.30pm Nigeria time) today. Both teams will again clash on Friday at the same venue, with the same kick-off time.

FLYING EAGLES FOR FRIENDLY GAMES WITH CIV

Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Abubakar Rufai (Mavlon FC)

Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Emmanuel Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists); Babatunde Jimoh Faruq; Stephen Jolomi (Mavlon FC)

Midfielders: Kingsley Matthew (Kings FC); Gbolahan Ajisafe Wasiu (Smart City); Anthony Ezekiel; Mohammed Sabiu Ibrahim (Niger Tornadoes); Olalekan Sulaiman Alabi (El-Kanemi Warriors); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists); Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC); Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors)

Forwards: Bidemi Olalekan Amole (Real Sapphire Academy); Clinton Japhet (Enyimba FC); Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Adoration FC); Divine Oliseh (Fostar Academy); Ayomide Muftau Mubarak

Moise Kean has been discharged from hospital and is in no danger after collapsing on the pitch following a clash of heads during Fiorentina’s defeat at Verona, the Serie A club said on Monday.

The 24-year-old Italian international striker was stretchered off in the second half of Sunday’s 1-0 loss in a worrying repeat of what happened to Fiorentina teammate Edoardo Bove who had a heart attack earlier this season.

But in a statement, Fiorentina said Kean had been “discharged from hospital in Verona overnight and has returned to Florence.

“Medical and diagnostic tests all produced negative results,” added Fiorentina.

Kean has had an eventful season since moving to Fiorentina from Juventus, scoring 19 times in all competitions for the Tuscan club and playing his way back into the Italy team.

Kean netted the decisive goal in Italy’s Nations League match with Israel in September.

Earlier this month he was targeted with racist abuse on social media by Inter Milan supporters after Fiorentina’s defeat at the San Siro.

Scottish giants, Rangers, on Sunday said they had sacked under-fire coach, Philippe Clement, in the aftermath of Saturday’s embarrassing 2-0 defeat against St Mirren.

Clement, 50, had been facing mounting pressure throughout a dismal campaign and the Scottish Premiership club has now put the Belgian out of his misery after less than two years in charge at Ibrox.

“Rangers Football Club can confirm it has tonight parted company with men’s first-team manager, Philippe Clement,” a club statement said.

“The club would like to put on record their sincere thanks to Philippe for his hard work and dedication during his spell in charge. A further update from the club will follow in due course.”

Rangers’ humiliating Scottish Cup exit against second tier Queen’s Park two weeks ago left Clement in a desperate battle to avoid the axe.

But a first loss to St Mirren at Ibrox since 1991 proved to be the final straw for the Rangers board amid growing fan unrest.

Former Club Brugge and Monaco boss Clement described the display against St Mirren as “by far the worst I’ve seen in all the time I’ve been here”.

Clement succeeded Michael Beale in October 2023 and led Rangers to League Cup glory two months after his appointment.

He also briefly hauled them into title contention last season, but they eventually finished eight points adrift of Celtic and he was unable to recapture the promising form of his early months in the job.

Second-placed Rangers are currently 13 points adrift of top-flight leaders Celtic, who beat their Glasgow rivals in the Scottish League Cup final earlier this season.

Clement’s dismissal came after reports claimed Rangers are in advanced talks about a multi-million investment from a USA-led consortium which includes Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises and chairman of Championship leaders Leeds.

Jude Bellingham struck a 92nd-minute winner as Real Madrid fought back twice to defeat Manchester City 3-2 in a thrilling first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout round play-off.

The victory marked Madrid’s first-ever win within 90 minutes at the Etihad Stadium.

Before kick-off, City fans set the stage for the heated encounter with a “stop crying your heart out” message aimed at Vinícius Júnior and his club.

The Brazilian nearly made an early impact, playing a precise pass to Kylian Mbappé, whose shot was saved, before setting up Ferland Mendy, only for Nathan Aké to block his effort.

After surviving Madrid’s early pressure, City took the lead through a well-crafted move, with Joško Gvardiol chesting the ball into Erling Haaland’s path for the Norwegian’s first-ever goal against Los Blancos.

Madrid responded swiftly as Vinícius saw a deflected shot rattle the crossbar, but City suffered a setback when Jack Grealish limped off injured after an impressive start.

The hosts continued to press, with Phil Foden testing Thibaut Courtois and Manuel Akanji’s header grazing the crossbar, while Federico Valverde came close at the other end before Mbappé skied a chance before halftime.

Akanji was forced off at the break, but City maintained their intensity as Haaland’s shot was deflected onto the crossbar by Eduardo Camavinga. At the other end, Vinícius beat substitute Rico Lewis and crossed for Bellingham, who headed just wide. Mbappé was twice denied—first by Ederson, then by a brilliant Gvardiol tackle.

However, the Frenchman soon found his breakthrough, scuffing Dani Ceballos’ dinked pass past Ederson to level the score on the hour mark.

City quickly regained the lead when Ceballos conceded a penalty for fouling Foden, allowing Haaland to convert from the spot. However, Madrid hit back immediately—Ederson’s save from Vinícius’ shot fell perfectly for Brahim Díaz, who slotted home against his former club just two minutes after coming on.

With the match heading for a draw, Vinícius seized on City’s hesitation, surging forward and nudging the ball into Bellingham’s path, who coolly slotted home the stoppage-time winner.

The result secured Madrid’s fourth consecutive UCL victory and a crucial advantage heading into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Meanwhile, City’s European struggles continue, with just one win in their last six Champions League matches.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has fully recovered from his injury and has re-joined training with his Udinese teammates.

The Nigerian goalkeeper is reuniting with his teammates amid betting scandal he is currently facing.

The 25-year-old shot-stopper had been sidelined since December 2024 due to a torn Scapholunate ligament in his right wrist.

As reported by Italian outlet Tutto, Okoye returned to training on Wednesday alongside the rest of the squad.

“It was a day of returns at the Bruseschi sports centre, as several players who had been out of action for weeks due to injury were seen back on the field. In addition to Keinan Davis and Kingsley Ehizibue, Maduka Okoye also participated in the week’s training session, which prepares the team for their upcoming match against Napoli,” the outlet stated.

Former Brazil and Real Madrid defender Marcelo has announced his retirement from football, bringing the curtain down on a trophy-laden career that included five Champions League triumphs.

Marcelo, 36, played for Real from 2007-2022 and left the Spanish club with 25 trophies in 546 games, including six LaLiga titles.

The defender scored in the 2014 Champions League final which gave Real ‘La Decima’, their long-awaited 10th European crown, kick starting a decade of dominance where the club went on to win five more.

He was also part of the squad that won three Champions League titles in a row between the 2015-16 and 2017-18 seasons.

“My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give football,” he said in a video posted on social media platform Instagram. “Thank you for everything.”

Marcelo also won two Copa del Rey trophies, five Spanish Super Cups, four Club World Cups and three European Super Cups with Real, whom he also captained towards the end of his stint in Madrid.

“One of the greatest left backs in Real Madrid and world football history and we had the privilege of watching him for a long time,” Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said in a statement.

“He is one of our greatest legends and Real Madrid is and always will be his home.”

Marcelo last played for Brazilian Serie A side Fluminense, where he started his youth and professional career, winning the Copa Libertadores in 2023 before leaving by mutual consent in November.

He also made 58 appearances for Brazil, winning the Confederations Cup in 2013 plus a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics and bronze in 2008.

Nigerian duo, Raphael Onyedika and Tolu Arokodare have both been named in the Belgian League Golden X1 for 2024.

Onyedika is one of the eight Club Brugge players named in the selection.

The midfielder played a pivotal role in Club Brugge’s title success last season.

The 23-year-old has also featured regularly for Brugge this season.

Arokodare has scored 13 goals for KRC Genk this term.

He is the currently the leading scorer in the Belgian top-flight.

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, says his team is motivated to go all the way at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The three-time African champions are drawn in Group C with Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Chelle, who was appointed Super Eagles head coach earlier this month, acknowledged the challenge posed by the teams in the group but is upbeat his team can challenge for the title.

“Yes, it’s going to be difficult to win because there are 24 very good teams and some very good coaches,” the 47-year-old was quoted by CAF’s official website.

“I know I’ve got a team that’s out for revenge, and I’m out for revenge too, so we’re going to have a lot of fun.”

The Super Eagles will begin their campaign at the competition against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23.