Cristiano Ronaldo spearheaded Al-Nassr's dominant 3-1 triumph over Al Kholood in Friday night's Saudi Pro League clash, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess early in the match. The Portuguese superstar wasted no time making an impact, finding the net in the 4th minute with a clinical right-footed strike from the center of the box. His early goal set the tone for Al-Nassr’s commanding performance. Building on their momentum, Al-Nassr extended their lead in the 26th minute, courtesy of Sadio Mané. The Senegalese forward capitalized on a precise cross from Salem Al Najdi, calmly placing his shot into the bottom right corner, leaving the opposition goalkeeper with no chance. With a two-goal cushion, Al-Nassr continued to control the game, dictating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Their fluid attacking play and defensive discipline ensured they maintained the upper hand throughout the contest. Jhon Duran extended Al-Nassr’s lead to 3-0 in the 41st minute with a brilliant left-footed strike from outside the box, capping off a dominant first-half display for the visitors. His goal showcased both precision and power, leaving the opposing goalkeeper with no chance. Despite their struggles, Al Kholood showed glimpses of attacking intent, with Jackson Muleka and Alex Collado attempting ambitious shots from distance. However, Al-Nassr’s goalkeeper, Bento Krepski, was in fine form, making crucial saves to keep his team’s commanding lead intact. The home side pushed for a response, but Al-Nassr’s disciplined defense ensured they remained firmly in control of the game.

Osimhen Lauds Teammates After Hat-Trick in Galatasaray’s Dominant Win Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has expressed his appreciation for his teammates following their emphatic 4-0 victory over Atalyanspor on Friday night. The Nigerian forward was the star of the match, netting a brilliant hat-trick to take his season's league tally to 20 goals. His outstanding performance played a crucial role in securing the win for Okan Buruk’s side, who have now extended their lead at the top of the table to 10 points. Osimhen's clinical finishing once again highlighted his importance to the team, and he credited his teammates for their support in creating the chances that led to his goals. With Galatasaray in a commanding position in the league, the Super Eagles striker remains focused on maintaining his top form and helping his team push for the title. Osimhen began by acknowledging the collective effort of the team and the unwavering support of the fans. "First and foremost, credit goes to the entire team and our incredible supporters," he told the club’s official website. He emphasized the squad’s strong performance from start to finish, adding, "We put in a fantastic effort right from the kickoff until the final whistle. Everyone gave their best on the pitch." The Nigerian forward also took a moment to highlight the contributions of certain teammates, offering them special recognition for their roles in the victory. Osimhen praised his teammates for their recent contributions, highlighting the impact of key players in the squad’s success. "Baris has been instrumental in our last few matches, making us all feel valued with his performances. Yunus is also back in action, and his presence is crucial for the team," he said. Looking ahead, the Nigerian forward emphasized the importance of maintaining their momentum. "We will aim to carry this winning mentality into our upcoming matches and continue delivering strong performances," he added. Osimhen also spoke about the strong bond within the squad, describing the team’s unity both on and off the pitch. "Our team is built on love and mutual respect. We are more than just teammates—we are like brothers, supporting each other every step of the way," he concluded.

Super Eagles Kick Off World Cup Qualifier Camp in Kigali as Osimhen, Onyemaechi Lead Early Arrivals The Super Eagles have officially opened their training camp in Kigali ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with star striker Victor Osimhen among the first arrivals. Osimhen touched down in the Rwandan capital on Sunday night, accompanied by Olympiacos defender Bruno Onyemaechi. They were joined in camp by Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Genk forward Tolu Arokodare, Niger Tornadoes winger Papa Daniel, and Amad Obasogie. Head coach Eric Chelle also arrived on Sunday night alongside his assistants, as well as Remo Stars' Daniel Ogunmodede and Enugu Rangers' Fidelis Ilechukwu, who are part of the coaching setup. The remaining 18 players are expected to report to camp later today as the team begins preparations for the pivotal qualifying matches. Nigeria will face Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on March 21 before returning home to play Zimbabwe in Uyo four days later. These matches are critical as the Super Eagles seek to secure their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Spurs Struggle to Reignite League Form After European Success After the euphoria of securing a Europa League quarter-final spot with a victory over AZ Alkmaar, Tottenham looked sluggish and uninspired in their return to Premier League action. Manager Ange Postecoglou may be prioritizing European success in a bid to deliver Spurs' first trophy since 2008, but fans will expect more urgency and fight than what was displayed at Craven Cottage. His squad selection continues to draw scrutiny, with key playmakers Son Heung-min and James Maddison left on the bench once again. Without them, Spurs lacked creativity and struggled to impose themselves on the game. Postecoglou attempted to repeat his approach from their previous league match against Bournemouth—where Son and Lucas Bergvall were introduced at halftime, leading to a late equalizer from the South Korean captain. This time, however, the tactical switch failed to spark a revival, as Tottenham ended the match empty-handed. Dominic Solanke, making his second consecutive league start after returning from injury, struggled to make an impact, missing crucial chances and lacking the sharpness expected from a focal point in attack. This defeat leaves Spurs drifting further down the table, with the real possibility of finishing outside the top 10 for the first time in 17 years. Their worst-ever Premier League finish remains 15th under Ossie Ardiles in 1994, and unless they can turn things around quickly, a disappointing campaign could get even worse.

Muniz and Sessegnon Seal Fulham’s Win Over Spurs Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon struck late to inject excitement into an otherwise uneventful London derby, securing Fulham’s victory over Tottenham. The first half saw little action, with Fulham’s Timothy Castagne producing the only shot on target. The next effort came in the 65th minute from Spurs’ Ben Davies. Tottenham appeared poised to take control in the second half, but Dominic Solanke squandered three chances, including a glaring miss from five yards with the goal wide open. Muniz, who netted twice in Fulham’s 3-0 win over Spurs last season, broke the deadlock in the 75th minute with a composed side-footed finish. Spurs pushed for an equalizer but left themselves exposed at the back, allowing former Tottenham defender Sessegnon to curl in Fulham’s second goal. The win lifts Fulham to eighth in the table, just four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, while Tottenham remain in 13th after another disappointing result for Ange Postecoglou’s side. Silva Marks Milestone as Fulham Keep European Hopes Alive In his 200th game as a Premier League manager, Marco Silva wouldn't have been pleased with Fulham’s sluggish display for the first 75 minutes. Lacking creativity and urgency, the hosts struggled to make an impact—until one decisive moment shifted the game. A well-executed high press won possession, leading to Rodrigo Muniz’s composed finish to break the deadlock. The goal injected confidence into Fulham, who held firm as Spurs searched for an equalizer. Ryan Sessegnon sealed the victory against his former club, showing determination to latch onto a long ball, hold off Ben Davies, and find the bottom corner. This win marks Fulham’s first back-to-back home league victories over Tottenham since the Chris Coleman era in 2004-05 and 2005-06. Having never finished higher than seventh—achieved in 2008-09—the Cottagers are firmly in the race to surpass that mark. With nine games left, the dream of European football in 2025-26 remains within reach.

New Zealand Crush Pakistan in T20 Series Opener First T20, Hagley Oval, Christchurch -Pakistan 91 all out (18.4 overs): Khushdil 32 (30); Duffy 4-14, Jamieson 3-8 - New Zealand 92-1 (10.1 overs): Seifert 44 (29) - New Zealand won by nine wickets New Zealand cruised to a dominant nine-wicket victory over Pakistan in the opening T20 of the series at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Pakistan struggled with the bat, managing only 91 runs their lowest-ever T20 total in New Zealand. The visitors lost both openers, Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz, for ducks and found themselves in deep trouble at 3-3 within three overs. By the end of the powerplay, they were reeling at 14-4, with only three batters reaching double figures. Kyle Jamieson set the tone early, taking three of the first four wickets to finish with outstanding figures of 3-8, while Jacob Duffy was equally destructive, claiming 4-14. Khushdil Shah top-scored with 32 off 30 balls, the only batter to cross 18 runs. Chasing a modest target, New Zealand made light work of the run chase, reaching 92-1 in just 10.1 overs. Tim Seifert led the charge with a brisk 44 off 29 balls before Finn Allen and Tim Robinson sealed the win with an unbroken 39-run partnership. The second match of the five-game series will be played in Dunedin on Tuesday. Notably, Pakistan's previous lowest T20 total in New Zealand was 92, recorded in their last encounter in January 2024 while chasing 135 in Christchurch.

Michail Antonio has no memory of how he crashed his car into a tree only that it happened. "The police arrived and found me wedged between the two seats. I wasn’t even in the driver’s seat," he recalls. "They said it looked like I was trying to climb out of the window, but my leg was so badly broken that the pain likely stopped me." Images of his mangled Ferrari, which had collided with a tree in Epping Forest during a stormy December night, quickly spread on social media, leaving many questioning whether Antonio had survived. The crash left West Ham’s all-time top Premier League scorer in the hospital for over three weeks with a broken leg, forcing him to embark on a grueling road to recovery. Now, Antonio is determined to return to top-level football and sees this as a "second chance at life" after coming "close to dying." The 34-year-old sat down for an exclusive interview with BBC One's *Morning Live* host Helen Skelton to reflect on his "horrendous accident." The Day of the Crash Saturday, December 7, began like any other for Michail Antonio, with a routine West Ham training session ahead of their upcoming televised match against Wolves. The weather that day was brutal strong winds, relentless rain, and an overall sense of chaos in the air. The Met Office had issued warnings for Storm Darragh, and Antonio recalls how miserable the conditions were. Before leaving, his partner asked him to grab some bags from their other car. Feeling sluggish, he opted to take his Ferrari instead—despite already having concerns about it. “The back kept sliding out on me, and I never felt fully in control,” he admits. “I’d only had it for three weeks, but I was already thinking about returning it.” That fateful choice altered everything. Yet, when asked about the crash itself what exactly happened in those moments—Antonio has no recollection. “It’s strange because, throughout this whole ordeal, people have told me I was awake and talking—to the police, to bystanders, even to the person who found me,” he says. With his leg shattered, emergency responders carefully extracted him from the wreckage, securing a splint beside the crumpled car. Many assumed he had been airlifted to the hospital, but the storm made that impossible—the helicopter couldn’t take off, so he was transported by ambulance instead. Three weeks ago, Antonio visited the scrapyard where his Ferrari had been taken. “Seeing it in person made my stomach turn. The photos were bad enough, but standing there, looking at what was left, was overwhelming. The car was completely destroyed. That’s when it truly hit me just how close I came to losing my life.” The Severity of Antonio’s Injury Antonio’s first hazy memory after the crash was on Sunday, when he briefly heard the anxious voice of his longtime agent, Mike Appiason. By Monday, he had regained enough awareness to send a message of encouragement to his West Ham teammates ahead of their victory over Wolves. “My femur was shattered in four places,” he explains. “I underwent a single keyhole surgery where doctors inserted a metal rod into my thigh, secured by four bolts to hold everything together.” Initially, his surgeon advised him to avoid putting any pressure on the injured leg for three months—a milestone he has now reached. “But we consulted another specialist who recommended a gradual increase in weight-bearing, starting at 10% and working up to full pressure within three weeks,” Antonio shares. Despite this, he held onto his crutches for an additional two weeks. “The full recovery process is expected to take anywhere from six months to a year,” he adds. Antonio also took the opportunity to shut down speculation circulating online that drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. “I was coming back from training, and for the record, I’ve never used drugs in my life,” he states firmly. “I enjoy a drink now and then, but that wasn’t a factor here. No drugs, no alcohol—this was all confirmed by the police.” Reflecting on his mental health, Antonio acknowledges that therapy has played a crucial role in his ability to process difficult moments. He had previously sought professional help to cope with the loss of his father and the end of his marriage, struggles that left him emotionally detached even during West Ham’s Conference League triumph in 2023. When asked how he might have handled the crash without therapy, he says, “I probably wouldn’t have processed it at all. I would have buried it and reacted with anger or frustration instead.” Instead, the experience has opened him up emotionally in ways he never expected. “Since the accident, I’ve been more in touch with my emotions than ever before. But honestly, I think that’s a good thing. Therapy is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” Will Antonio Return to Football? The big question remains—can he be the same player he was before? "Absolutely, 100%," Antonio says without hesitation. "I will be back." However, there was a moment of doubt. Just two weeks ago, his physiotherapists asked whether he had insurance for career-ending injuries. That question lingered in his mind. "I didn’t sleep at all that night," he admits, shaking his head with a wry smile. His recovery demands an intense rehabilitation process, with endless hours in the gym. His next major milestone? Getting back to running. "That’s my focus. That’s why I’m training six days a week. I’ve approached this with nothing but a positive mindset," he explains. "It was a terrible accident, and the injury is significant, but I refuse to let it define me." It’s the most serious injury he’s ever faced, yet Antonio is already far ahead of schedule in his recovery. "I should be months behind where I am now, but I’m not. That’s why I have no doubt—I will play again," he says with confidence. "And once I’m back on the pitch, the sharpness will return." Before the accident, Antonio was one of the fastest players at West Ham. "My body didn’t move like a typical 34-year-old’s, and it won’t now either," he adds. "I can still be quick. I can still make an impact." Throughout his career, he has faced skeptics time and time again. "People have always doubted me," he says. "But my mental strength has carried me through every challenge. This is just another obstacle, and like every other, it won’t stop me." "I Almost Wasn't There for My Children" Visiting the scrapyard where his Ferrari lay in ruins was a gut-wrenching experience for Antonio. The thought of missing out on his children’s lives hit him hard, leaving a deep sense of unease. “The hardest part of all this is knowing I came so close to not being there for my kids,” he reflects. “But it’s also made me more grateful this whole experience has given me a new outlook on life.” Throughout his recovery, Antonio and his family shielded his younger children from the full reality of the situation. “My eldest, who’s 13, found out about it, though. People were sharing pictures of the wreck, and it really affected him,” he says. “He came to see me in the hospital, but for the little ones, we did our best to keep them away from all of it, even limiting their internet access.” One major change Antonio has made? Staying away from high-performance cars—for now. “I’ve always loved sports cars and vintage classics, but honestly, I have to admit—they don’t love me back,” he jokes. At the moment, he’s opted for something much safer. “I’m driving a Mercedes people carrier, and my brother’s behind the wheel most of the time,” he says. “At least for now, I’m keeping my distance from fast cars.” Despite this, he recently took the wheel for the first time since the accident. “I don’t remember the crash itself, so I don’t have any fear or flashbacks,” he explains. “The only thing that gets to me is this nagging thought if anything at all happens while I’m driving, even something minor, people will immediately start saying, ‘Oh, Michail’s been in another accident.’ That kind of negativity plays on my mind a bit.” A New Manager and Uncertain Future At the time of Antonio’s crash, Julen Lopetegui was in charge at West Ham. However, the Spaniard was later dismissed, with Graham Potter stepping in as his replacement. For Antonio, recovering from a serious injury while a new manager was appointed added another layer of stress. “That was a really tough pill to swallow,” he admits. “I won’t lie it was one of the most challenging aspects of this whole situation. A fresh manager came in, and I wasn’t even there to prove myself, especially with my contract running out at the end of the season.” Initially, this uncertainty weighed heavily on him, but he soon realized that his focus had to remain on his own recovery. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I can’t force my way back too soon. If I push myself before I’m fully fit, I’ll only make things worse,” he explains. “If I rush it and that leads to another setback, then that would be the real reason I don’t get a contract. But as long as I take my time and do things right, I’ll know I gave it everything.” West Ham has been fully committed to Antonio’s rehabilitation, covering his treatment and even funding a trip to Dubai, where he focused on physiotherapy, rest, and mental recovery through meditation. The club also took steps to honor the emergency responders who helped save him, raising funds through various initiatives. Before one match, the entire squad warmed up in Antonio jerseys, later auctioning them off to support the cause. His teammates also showed their support in meaningful ways. After scoring against Wolves, Jarrod Bowen held up Antonio’s shirt in tribute. When Antonio recently stepped onto the pitch at the London Stadium—finally off crutches he was met with an outpouring of appreciation from the fans. “The love and support mean everything to me,” he says. “When I first got into football, it was just a hobby I didn’t even support a club. But now? I’m a West Ham fan through and through. What this club has done for me, the backing they’ve given me both on and off the pitch, the medical care, the specialists—it’s been incredible. I can’t thank the club, the fans, the emergency services, and everyone around me enough.” And when fans stop him in the street to ask if he’ll return to action, Antonio welcomes the attention. “I appreciate that people care enough to ask,” he says with a smile. “I don’t mind answering it a thousand times. My goal is simple to be back out there scoring goals.”

Newcastle United End 56-Year Trophy Drought with Historic Carabao Cup Victory. Newcastle United’s 56-year wait for a major trophy finally came to an end as they triumphed 2-1 over Liverpool in a thrilling Carabao Cup final at Wembley, bringing immense joy and relief to their long-suffering fanbase. The victory marked the first time the club had lifted a major piece of silverware since winning the 1955 FA Cup, and it shattered decades of heartache and disappointment, particularly on the Wembley stage where they had suffered nine consecutive defeats. From the moment referee John Brooks blew the final whistle, a wave of jubilation swept through the stadium, as fans—many of whom had waited their entire lives to see this moment—celebrated wildly. Emotions ran high as supporters sang the iconic “Blaydon Races,” their voices reverberating across the stadium, a soundtrack to a long-awaited triumph. Tears of joy flowed, and the overwhelming sense of relief was palpable as the club had, at long last, exorcised the ghosts of years of failure. The foundation of this victory was built on a solid, composed performance from Eddie Howe’s transformed side, who have flourished under the stewardship of the manager and the backing of the club's new Saudi Arabian owners. Howe’s tactical acumen, combined with the skill and resilience of his players, led to a thoroughly deserved win. Dan Burn gave the Magpies the lead early in the second half, before Alexander Isak doubled their advantage. The two goals were the product of an energetic, confident display from Newcastle, who thoroughly dominated Liverpool for much of the match. However, in a moment that threatened to undo all their hard work, Liverpool pulled a goal back through Federico Chiesa in the dying seconds of added time, rekindling painful memories of past near-misses and setbacks. For a brief moment, the tension at the Newcastle end of the stadium became unbearable, with fans on the edge of their seats, hoping that the victory would not slip through their fingers at the last. But Howe’s side showed remarkable maturity, managing the final moments with the same poise that had defined their entire performance. Liverpool, despite their late goal, could not find an equalizer, and the final whistle confirmed that Newcastle had finally broken their 56-year trophy drought. This victory, while not the most prestigious cup in world football, holds monumental significance for Newcastle United and their passionate fanbase. The Carabao Cup triumph marks the end of an era of frustration and failure for the club, and with Howe at the helm, it signals the beginning of a new chapter for the team. The players and manager have written their names into the history books, securing their place in Tyneside folklore for generations to come. The victory is a testament to Howe's vision and leadership, as well as the ambition of the club’s new ownership. For Newcastle, this triumph is more than just a cup win; it is the culmination of years of suffering, a beacon of hope for the future, and the beginning of a new era of success.

The African forward, Serhou Guirassy, has been in outstanding form for his club, contributing significantly to their successful campaign, which has culminated in securing a coveted spot in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, thereby equalling the impressive record set by Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah in the prestigious competition. Serhou Guirassy, the prolific Guinea international and Borussia Dortmund striker, has etched his name in the record books by achieving a historic milestone, matching the impressive feat of Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah for the most goal involvements by an African player in a single UEFA Champions League season. Serhou Guirassy played a pivotal role in Borussia Dortmund's triumph over LOSC Lille, providing a crucial assist that contributed to his team's 2-1 victory. This win, combined with their previous result, secured a 3-2 aggregate win for Dortmund, thereby booking their spot in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Guirassy's impressive performance was instrumental in his team's success, and it also marked a significant personal milestone, as he equalled Mohamed Salah's record for the most goal involvements by an African player in a single UEFA Champions League season. During the thrilling match, Serhou Guirassy's exceptional playmaking abilities were prominently showcased as he expertly delivered the decisive pass that led to Maximillian Beier's winning goal. This crucial assist not only highlighted Guirassy's vision and precision on the pitch but also demonstrated his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. In fact, Guirassy was responsible for creating two key chances throughout the intense encounter, further underscoring his importance to Borussia Dortmund's attacking efforts. His impressive performance was marked by his ability to dictate the pace of the game and find openings in the opposition's defense. Moreover, Guirassy's impact on the match was not limited to his attacking contributions. He also showed his resilience and determination, as evidenced by the fact that he ended the game as the most fouled player on the pitch. This statistic is a testament to Guirassy's willingness to put himself in harm's way and battle for every ball, making him a formidable opponent for any defense. Overall, Guirassy's outstanding display against LOSC Lille was a key factor in Borussia Dortmund's victory, and it capped off an impressive Champions League campaign for the Guinea international. With this assist, Guirassy's season tally rose to four, supplementing his impressive 10-goal count, and bringing his total goal involvements to 14. This milestone accomplishment places him alongside Mohamed Salah as the African player with the highest number of goal contributions in a single UEFA Champions League campaign. Guirassy's scintillating performances have been instrumental in propelling Dortmund to new heights this season, with his dual threat of finding the net and crafting scoring opportunities making him an indispensable asset to the team. By matching Salah's benchmark, Guirassy cements his status as one of the continent's most feared and respected African players in the Champions League, underscoring his profound influence on the European football landscape. This milestone underscores Guirassy's exceptional prowess as a player and highlights his escalating prominence within the European football hierarchy. Having played a pivotal role in Borussia Dortmund's successful passage to the quarterfinals, Guirassy's contributions will be paramount as the team strives to make a deeper impact in the competition and pursue a coveted spot in the semifinals. In the quarterfinals, Borussia Dortmund will face a familiar foe in the form of Spanish powerhouses FC Barcelona, who are under the guidance of German tactician Hansi Flick, setting the stage for an intriguing clash of styles and cultures.

Controversy Surrounds Atletico Madrid's Champions League Exit. Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid were left reeling after a dramatic and contentious Champions League round of 16 exit at the hands of arch-rivals Real Madrid. The tie was decided by a penalty shootout, with Real Madrid emerging victorious after the match had ended 1-1 on aggregate. The controversy centered around a crucial penalty call in the shootout, which saw Atletico Madrid's Alexis Alvarez denied a spot-kick despite appearing to be fouled by a Real Madrid player. The incident sparked outrage among the Atletico Madrid players and coaching staff, with Diego Simeone visibly frustrated on the sidelines. Simeone Slams VAR In the post-match press conference, Simeone did not mince his words, criticizing the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system for its role in the controversy. The Argentine coach felt that the VAR officials had made a critical error in not awarding the penalty, which he believed would have given his team a crucial advantage in the shootout. "The VAR is there to help, but sometimes it creates more problems than it solves," Simeone said. "Today, it was a decisive factor in the outcome of the match. We're not looking for excuses, but it's clear that the penalty should have been given." Alvarez Penalty Call Sparks Debate The incident has sparked a heated debate among football fans and pundits, with some arguing that the referee made the correct decision, while others believe that the penalty should have been awarded. Replays of the incident appear to show that Alvarez was indeed fouled by the Real Madrid player, but the referee and VAR officials ultimately decided against awarding the penalty. Atletico Madrid's European Dreams Shattered Despite the controversy, Atletico Madrid's European dreams are now shattered, and the team will have to regroup and focus on their domestic campaign. The defeat is a bitter pill to swallow for Simeone and his players, who had been hoping to make a deep run in the Champions League. As for Real Madrid, they will now progress to the quarterfinals, where they will face a new challenge in their bid to win the Champions League title.