Nigeria's national team captain, Ahmed Musa, has publicly responded to the surprising decision made by Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, to exclude him from the squad selected to compete in the forthcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Nigeria's World Cup qualifying campaign resumes with a crucial double-header, as they seek their maiden win in the series after four matches, starting with an away clash against Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, followed by a home encounter against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on March 25. Initially included in the 39-man provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Ahmed Musa was surprisingly omitted from the final 23-man roster. This decision came on the heels of a meeting with the coach in Kano, where Musa had recently featured for Kano Pillars in an NPFL match against Enugu Rangers. In an exclusive interview, Nigeria's all-time leading appearance maker, Ahmed Musa, pledged his unwavering support for the Super Eagles despite being overlooked for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Musa, who boasts an impressive record of 18 goals and 16 assists, emphasized the importance of unity and teamwork, stating: "The team is one, and any player called upon to represent the Super Eagles must give their all. I'm fully behind the team and will be cheering them on to victory in these crucial World Cup qualifier matches."

The Lagos State League is poised to revolutionize grassroots football, kicking off next Wednesday amidst great anticipation. Featuring 14 men's teams and 10 women's teams competing across five divisions, the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) has sent a strong message: a culture of discipline and unwavering commitment will be the hallmark of this competition. During the official draw ceremony at the LSFA headquarters, league officials issued a stern warning to participating clubs: any unexcused absence from scheduled matches will incur automatic relegation. Setting a new benchmark for Lagos football, Wale Joseph, CEO of the Lagos State League Management Committee, emphasized the league's unwavering dedication to upholding professionalism and discipline. "Missing a match without a legitimate excuse is absolutely intolerable. Any team that fails to fulfill its scheduled fixtures will be automatically relegated. We have zero tolerance for indiscipline and will enforce this rule strictly." Wale Joseph's stern warning resonated throughout the room, establishing a tone of competitiveness and professionalism for the forthcoming tournament. The Lagos State League has transcended its grassroots roots, evolving into a rigorous testing ground for ambitious teams and players seeking to elevate their game. LSFA Chairman Olawale Liameed Gafar reinforced Joseph's stance, outlining the league's ambitious long-term strategy: to create a premier platform that showcases talent, attracts scouts, secures sponsors, and fosters investment. "Any team that fails to show up will face severe consequences, including automatic relegation and potential additional disciplinary measures. We emphasize that this is a top-level competition that demands utmost commitment and professionalism from all participating teams." Raising the Bar: The Lagos State Football Association's Vision for Excellence The 2023 Lagos State League extends far beyond the thrill of competition, focusing on elevating the standards of professionalism and sportsmanship in Lagos football. By emphasizing discipline both on and off the pitch, the LSFA aims to create a well-structured league that unlocks new opportunities for players, coaches, and teams, ultimately propelling Lagos football to unprecedented heights. "By establishing a credible league, we're putting Lagos football on the map," Gafar emphasized. "It's imperative that players and coaches maintain the highest standards of professionalism, as they'll be under scrutiny from potential sponsors and investors who are eager to partner with a reputable and well-organized league." As the countdown to kickoff begins, one thing is unmistakable: a new chapter in Lagos football has dawned. This season promises to be an electrifying ride, fueled by passion, skill, and an unshakeable dedication to fair play. The Lagos State League has arrived, and the bar has been set high. The stage is set, the standards are clear – let the excitement begin!

Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has expressed his excitement and that of his teammates, as they eagerly anticipate the thrilling challenge of facing off against Spanish giants Real Madrid in the highly anticipated quarter-finals of the Champions League. Arsenal secured a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-2 draw against PSV, culminating in a commanding 9-3 aggregate victory. They will now face defending champions Real Madrid, who advanced by defeating city rivals Atletico Madrid in a penalty shootout. This highly anticipated matchup marks only the second time the two teams have met in the Champions League, with Arsenal emerging victorious in their previous encounter in 2006, winning 1-0 at the Bernabeu courtesy of a Thierry Henry goal, before a 0-0 draw at Highbury sealed Real's elimination in the last-16 stage. That 2006 season ultimately ended in heartbreak for Arsenal, as they fell 2-1 to Barcelona in the Champions League final. Reflecting on the upcoming clash with Real Madrid, Oleksandr Zinchenko expressed his excitement, saying: "It's going to be an incredible experience for everyone at the club. Facing one of the world's top teams, with their immense experience and array of world-class players, is always thrilling. We're all eagerly anticipating this matchup." Zinchenko also acknowledged the intense competition at this stage, noting: "In the Champions League, especially at this stage, you can't afford to relax for a single moment. The level of competition is extremely high, and teams can capitalize on any mistake instantly." Drawing on Arsenal's past experiences, Zinchenko concluded: "We've already gained valuable experience in this competition, so let's see how it unfolds." Scoring against his former club PSV held special significance for Oleksandr Zinchenko, who reflected on the strong emotional bond he shares with the team and the city. "Playing against PSV was a unique experience for me, as it's a place that truly felt like home," he said. "The love and affection I received during my time there was incredible, and even after I left to join Manchester City, I would often return to visit and spend time off, cherishing the fond memories I made there."

Aston Villa cruised into the Champions League quarter-finals with a convincing 3-0 win over Club Brugge at Villa Park, securing a 6-1 aggregate victory. Marco Asensio's double and Ian Maatsen's strike sealed the triumph, setting up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain. The Belgian side's hopes were dealt a significant blow when Kyriani Sabbe received a red card early in the first half. Club Brugge started strongly, seeking a miraculous comeback, but their hopes were quickly dashed when Emiliano Martinez's long pass found Marcus Rashford, who was pulled back by full-back Kyriani Sabbe, resulting in a red card. Despite being down to 10 men, Club Brugge maintained possession, while Aston Villa adopted a cautious approach. However, Unai Emery's halftime substitutions, introducing Marco Asensio and Leon Bailey, paid immediate dividends. Bailey set up Asensio, who powerfully struck the ball into the roof of the net, bringing a sense of relief to the Villa faithful. Asensio later hit the post, before Ian Maatsen doubled the lead, and Marcus Rashford selflessly assisted Asensio's second goal of the night. Player of the match: Marco Asensio Marco Asensio has been a game-changer for Aston Villa, and his impressive form continued with a two-goal performance. This marks the third consecutive home game where he's scored a brace, and his tally now stands at seven goals in his last five appearances. Asensio has quickly become a fan favorite at Villa Park, and his preferred No. 10 role has unlocked his full potential. With a quarter-final reunion against his parent club PSG looming, Asensio's presence gives Villa a legitimate chance of progressing, despite needing to elevate their overall performance. Aston Villa's exciting run continues, with a quarter-final berth in the Champions League marking their first appearance in 42 years. Domestically, they have a thrilling FA Cup tie against Preston North End, with a Wembley semi-final spot on the line for the winner. Although Villa currently sits ninth in the Premier League table and may drop further without a match this weekend, they remain within striking distance of a top-four finish, trailing Chelsea by just four points. This means they still have three potential paths to secure European football for next season. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery expressed his excitement and motivation about reaching the Champions League quarter-finals, but acknowledged the daunting task ahead against Paris Saint-Germain. Emery praised PSG's impressive display against Liverpool, noting their exceptional quality. He described the upcoming match as a "huge challenge" for the club, players, and himself, particularly since he has a personal connection to PSG, having managed the team in the past. When asked about PSG's stature, Emery humbly recognized their immense potential, but also emphasized that Villa belongs to the same elite level as other top European teams, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal. He concluded by saying, "We need to be proud, but we want more..." Club Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen credited Marco Asensio's exceptional quality, stating that the midfielder's ability to make intelligent runs from deep and capitalize on mistakes proved decisive. Hayen acknowledged that Asensio's impact was not limited to this match, referencing his impressive performance in the previous game as well. Ultimately, Hayen attributed Aston Villa's victory to their superior efficiency, highlighting the importance of clinical finishing at the highest level. Aston Villa captain John McGinn expressed his astonishment at the team's remarkable rise, stating, "It's mad... a lot of years of hard work" have culminated in their Champions League quarter-final berth. McGinn acknowledged a lackluster first-half performance but praised the team's second-half resurgence, crediting substitute Marco Asensio's impact. Looking ahead to their quarter-final tie against PSG, McGinn admitted, "It doesn't get much harder... PSG were frightening" in their recent matchup against Liverpool. However, he emphasized the excitement of competing at this level and the opportunity to create lasting memories for the fans. McGinn also highlighted the importance of their upcoming FA Cup tie, which could secure a Wembley appearance, and expressed his desire to make European nights a regular occurrence for Aston Villa. Here are the key statistics from Aston Villa's win: - Aston Villa became the ninth English team to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, the most from any single nation. - Villa have won seven of their 10 Champions League matches this season, a feat only surpassed by Lazio and Valencia (eight wins each) in their debut seasons. - Marco Asensio has scored seven goals in eight appearances for Villa, with only Ousmane Dembele (eight goals) scoring more in Europe's top-five leagues since Asensio's debut in February. - Asensio became the fourth substitute to score a brace for an English club in a Champions League knockout match, and the first since Georginio Wijnaldum's heroics for Liverpool against Barcelona in 2019.

Real Madrid triumphed over Atletico Madrid in a nail-biting Champions League showdown, emerging victorious 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the teams were deadlocked 2-2 on aggregate. The match was marked by a historic moment, as Conor Gallagher scored the fastest goal by an Englishman in Champions League history. With this win, Real Madrid advances to the quarter-finals, where they will face off against Premier League powerhouse Arsenal. Following Atletico's 1-0 victory in the second leg, which leveled the aggregate score at 2-2 after extra time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger sealed the win, scoring the decisive penalty kick in a 4-2 shootout victory, capitalizing on the misses of two Atletico players. Atletico Madrid's penalty woes continued as Marcos Llorente's shot hit the crossbar, while Julian Alvarez's attempt was disallowed after a VAR review detected a double touch by the Argentine forward. Coach Diego Simeone expressed skepticism about the VAR decision, stating he didn't see a double touch on the replays, but chose to trust the VAR's intervention, saying "if the VAR intervened, it's because it saw something." Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who had a previous stint at Atletico Madrid, revealed that he alerted the referee to Julian Alvarez's double touch on the penalty, saying: "I felt he touched the ball twice and I told the referee... it was a bit of bad luck for them." Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak expressed his disappointment, stating: "It hurts, of course. We played a great match, but unfortunately, we were a bit unlucky. It's a shame. It hurts a lot." Real Madrid emerged victorious from a thrilling derby against Atletico Madrid, which ended 2-2 on aggregate after extra time. Atletico had taken a 1-0 lead in the return leg at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, erasing Real's 2-1 advantage from the first leg, but ultimately lost in the penalty shootout. Atletico Madrid struck early, with Conor Gallagher scoring the fastest goal by an Englishman in Champions League history, netting just 27 seconds into the match. The England midfielder's opportunistic strike from close range not only gave Atletico the lead but also made him the first English player to score in a Madrid derby. Conor Gallagher's early goal remained the only score throughout the 120 minutes, despite Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr missing a penalty in the second half, blasting it high and wide. Vinicius Jr was later substituted out for teenager Endrick in extra time. Notably, this victory marked Real Madrid's second Champions League shootout win over Atletico Madrid, following their 2016 Champions League final triumph, and extending their streak of eliminating their city rivals to four consecutive years.

Samuel Eto'o, the legendary Cameroonian footballer, has been elected to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee by acclamation. This development comes after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned a CAF ban imposed on Eto'o last year for allegedly violating ethical standards. The 44-year-old, who serves as the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), was the sole candidate from the central Africa region. His election took place during the CAF extraordinary general assembly in Cairo, marking his entry into the continent's highest decision-making body. Eto'o's journey to this position wasn't without its challenges. He was previously found guilty by CAF of an ethics breach for becoming a brand ambassador for a betting organization. The ruling resulted in a suspension and a $200,000 fine, which was later quashed. As a member of the CAF executive committee, Eto'o will play a crucial role in shaping African football policies and development strategies. His experience and influence will be closely watched, particularly given his commitment to improving the sport on the continent. Samuel Eto'o, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), has been embroiled in several controversies since taking office in 2021. Notably, he was caught on video physically assaulting a football supporter outside a stadium after a 2022 World Cup match in Qatar. Eto'o later apologized for his actions, stating that he had lost his temper. In another incident, Eto'o was banned by FIFA for six months from attending Cameroon national team matches after an altercation at the Women's Under-20 World Cup in Colombia. FIFA found him guilty of "offensive behavior, violation of the principles of fair play, and misconduct of players and officials." Eto'o's tenure has also been marked by clashes with Belgian coach Marc Brys, who was appointed as the national coach of Cameroon's men's team last year. Despite these controversies, Eto'o's football legacy remains impressive. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers, having helped Cameroon win several international titles, including the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games football tournament and two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles. Eto'o has also featured in four World Cups and six AFCON tournaments, scoring a record 18 goals in the African tournament. Later on Wednesday, CAF president Patrice Motsepe from South Africa is expected to be re-elected unopposed for a second four-year term.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria are still the best women's football team in Africa, retaining their 36th spot globally in the latest FIFA rankings . Despite not playing any matches since December 13, 2024, the nine-time African champions held on to their top spot on the continent. Nigeria's Super Falcons maintained their top spot in Africa, ranking 36th globally, despite not playing any matches since December 13, 2024. Current African champions, South Africa, dropped four points to 54th globally but remain the continent's second-best team. Morocco secured the third spot in Africa, ranking 60th globally, while Zambia dropped two places to 64th but held on to the fourth spot. The latest FIFA rankings feature 196 teams, including newcomer Djibouti, who debuted at 195th place. Other African nations, such as Kenya and Tanzania, also made notable moves in the rankings. The USA retained their top spot globally, despite losing to Japan, who jumped three places to fifth. Spain, Germany, and England maintained their positions behind the USA. The latest FIFA rankings saw minimal changes at the top, with the USA maintaining their lead, followed closely by Spain, Germany, and England. Japan made a notable jump, rising three places to fifth. Sweden, Canada, and Brazil each dropped a spot, while Korea DPR and the Netherlands held steady in ninth and tenth place, respectively. Further down the rankings, several teams made significant gains. Puerto Rico, Montenegro, El Salvador, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates, Cabo Verde, and Cyprus all rose four or more places. Burkina Faso and Benin also made notable progress, each climbing five spots. However, Tanzania and Kenya took the top honors, soaring seven places each to become the biggest climbers in the rankings. The next rankings release in June may bring more celebrations for African teams, as Chad, Eritrea, Libya, and Sudan are just one official match away from making their debut in the standings.

Proclaiming his innocence, Paul Pogba vehemently declared, "I am not a cheater," as he reflected on the tumultuous period that led him to contemplate premature retirement from football, following an initial four-year ban that has since been significantly reduced to 18 months, thereby rekindling his aspirations of reclaiming his spot on the France national team. In a candid and exclusive interview with Sky Sports News' Chief Reporter Kaveh Solhekol, 31-year-old Paul Pogba reflected on the arduous journey he embarked upon after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone-boosting compound, which initially led to a four-year ban from professional football. Following a successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Pogba's punishment was significantly reduced to 18 months, paving the way for his highly anticipated return to Juventus in March next year. During the introspective conversation, Pogba recounted the moment he received the devastating news, shared his experiences and emotions throughout the challenging period, and outlined his ambitions and plans for the future as he prepares to make a triumphant comeback to the pitch. Paul Pogba acknowledges his role in the incident, stating, "I take full responsibility for consuming the supplement, even though it was prescribed by a professional doctor. I should have been more diligent and triple-checked its contents. While I accept punishment for my actions, I firmly believe that a four-year ban was excessive, and a 12-month suspension would have been a more suitable penalty." Will you encounter criticism from those who argue that, as a professional athlete, you are ultimately accountable for what you ingest, and therefore, should accept the full four-year ban without expectation of sympathy or leniency? Paul Pogba urged those seeking answers to refer to the Court of Arbitration for Sport document, which he believes provides a comprehensive account of the events surrounding his ban. When questioned about the supplement, Pogba clarified that it was not taken to aid in injury recovery or enhance performance, but rather as a general supplement, albeit one prescribed by a professional. He acknowledged the mistake and emphasized that the Court of Arbitration for Sport recognized his innocence, deeming the four-year ban undeserved. Pogba vehemently denied ever taking performance-enhancing drugs, affirming that his on-pitch performances are a genuine reflection of his abilities. He attributed his reputation as an honest and fair competitor to those who know him, stating, "I am not a cheater, I am someone who loves my sport and loves the game. I don't like to cheat, I like to win fairly." Paul Pogba recounted the distressing moment he learned of his positive test result, feeling bewildered and consumed by self-doubt as he struggled to comprehend the circumstances surrounding the incident. As he navigated the tumultuous period of his ban, Pogba drew immense comfort and strength from the unwavering support of his family, particularly his wife and children, with whom he shared precious moments and rediscovered the joys of fatherhood. This transformative experience not only helped him cope with the emotional turmoil but also fostered personal growth and a renewed appreciation for life. Although fleeting doubts about his career's future did surface, Pogba's unshakeable faith and the steadfast encouragement of his loved ones, especially his wife, helped him maintain a positive outlook and remain focused on his ultimate return to professional football. Paul Pogba outlined his immediate plans, expressing his eagerness to reintegrate with his Juventus teammates and regain full fitness after a prolonged period of solo training. While his current contract binds him to Juventus, Pogba's primary focus is on demonstrating his capabilities as a footballer, unveiling a "new Paul Pogba" with refined qualities. When questioned about a potential return to the Premier League, Pogba remained noncommittal, emphasizing his commitment to Juventus while leaving the door open for future opportunities. He acknowledged that regaining peak fitness would require time and dedication but expressed confidence in his ability to adapt and motivate himself. Pogba's ambition to compete at the highest level was evident, as he expressed his desire to play for a top Premier League side, including his former club Manchester United. However, he cautiously sidestepped direct questions about a potential return to Old Trafford, emphasizing his growth and newfound hunger for the game. On the topic of international football, Pogba conveyed his hope of rejoining the French national team, acknowledging the need to earn his place back and demonstrating his willingness to compete for a spot. When asked if he missed Manchester United during his tumultuous period, Paul Pogba admitted that his numerous problems consumed his thoughts, leaving little time to reminisce about his former club. Although he still keeps up with United's performances and maintains connections with former teammates, Pogba's focus was squarely on overcoming his personal challenges. Regarding the current state of Manchester United, Pogba expressed empathy for the struggling fans but refused to criticize the club or its players. Instead, he emphasized the need for patience, citing Arsenal's prolonged journey back to the top as an example. Pogba also addressed the intense scrutiny surrounding United, suggesting that the media's focus on individual players like Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford can be unfair. He stressed the importance of teamwork and acknowledged that criticism comes with the territory, especially when playing for a high-profile club like Manchester United. Finally, when questioned about Sir Alex Ferguson's departure as a paid United ambassador, Paul Pogba shared his thoughts on Sir Alex Ferguson's transition from a paid Manchester United ambassador to an unpaid role, emphasizing that it doesn't diminish the legendary manager's contributions to the club. Pogba acknowledged that Ferguson's legacy remains intact, and he will forever be revered as a Manchester United icon. Regarding Jesse Lingard's recent defense of him in a newspaper article, Pogba expressed gratitude for his friend's support, highlighting their strong bond and shared experiences at Manchester United. Pogba also addressed Wayne Rooney's past comments about him and Lingard dancing in the changing room after a loss, suggesting that Rooney's account may be inaccurate and seeking corroboration from a witness. Paul Pogba disputed Wayne Rooney's claim that he and Jesse Lingard danced in the changing room after a loss, suggesting that Rooney's account was inaccurate and lacked corroboration. Pogba emphasized his respect for the club and his reputation as a bad loser, implying that Rooney's story didn't add up. Regarding criticism of his dancing, Pogba shrugged it off, attributing it to social media scrutiny and people's differing opinions. He asserted that he's a positive person who enjoys life and doesn't let criticism dictate his behavior. Pogba emphasized the importance of moving on from losses and maintaining a positive attitude, citing his hairstyles as a reflection of his personality. He drew parallels with David Beckham's iconic hairstyles, suggesting that people's obsession with his hair was a way to criticize him without focusing on his football skills. Pogba concluded by stating that he's unapologetically himself, and people will have to get used to seeing him happy, except when he loses.

Paul Merson's astute analysis on Soccer Special highlights the daunting task ahead for Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, as he aims to lift the spirits of his players following their disheartening exit from the Champions League. The tie, which featured injuries to key players Alexander-Arnold and Konate, has undoubtedly left the team reeling. Merson aptly notes that playing at Anfield and suffering a loss will be a bitter pill to swallow, and the added physical and emotional toll of extra time will only exacerbate the disappointment. The team's distress is palpable, and Merson posits that had they emerged victorious, they would have gained invaluable momentum and energy. Instead, they now face the formidable challenge of confronting Newcastle United at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final, a team desperate to end their trophy drought. Merson unequivocally states that this grueling tie has handed Newcastle a significant advantage, setting the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable encounter .

As the Champions League round of 16 reaches its culmination this week, the quarter-final configuration is progressively taking form, with Aston Villa and Arsenal notably emerging as the sole remaining English club participants, subsequent to Liverpool's disheartening elimination at the hands of the formidable Paris Saint-Germain. Aston Villa's impending victory over Club Brugge in the Round of 16 would precipitate a highly anticipated and potentially pivotal quarter-final showdown against the illustrious Paris Saint-Germain, while Arsenal, bolstered by a commanding 7-1 aggregate lead over PSV, will subsequently face the triumphant winner of the fiercely contested Real Madrid versus Atletico Madrid tie in the quarter-finals, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling semi-final encounter between the two English clubs, should they both successfully navigate their respective quarter-final matchups. Beyond the intriguing prospects of English clubs Arsenal and Aston Villa potentially advancing, the Champions League quarter-finals are poised to deliver a plethora of captivating matchups, most notably the tantalizing encounter between Harry Kane's Bayern Munich and Serie A leaders Inter Milan, a clash that promises to be an exhilarating spectacle.