Sports
UCL: I’m ready to lead Galatasaray to victory, says Osimhen
After starring for Lille and Napoli, the 26-year-old forward returns to Europe’s elite competition wearing Galatasaray’s yellow-and-red, where he has quickly become a fan favourite. He made his move permanent this summer following a standout season-long loan in 2024/25.
The Super Eagles forward, in an interview with UEFA cited by PUNCH Online on Tuesday, said, “I spoke with the president when I arrived here, and we agreed that we want to make a statement in the Champions League.
Osimhen: “We’ve dominated the Turkish league for years, but now we want to show that we can compete among the best in Europe.”
The Nigerian’s ambition reflects his relentless spirit, a hallmark of his rise from humble beginnings in Olusosun, Lagos, to the top of world football.
“I came from a very poor background. Olusosun shaped me. It taught me resilience,” Osimhen recalled. “Whenever I go home, I visit to show gratitude and remind young kids that if I could make it out of there, they can too.”
His story has inspired millions across Africa, blending raw talent with determination. That same drive, he says, fuels his commitment to Galatasaray.
“When I arrived in Istanbul, I had never seen anything like that before — thousands of fans at the airport at 3 am,” he said. “It gives you that fire to give everything for the badge. I absolutely love this club and I’m ready to go through everything with them-the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
Osimhen’s journey continues to mirror that of his idol, Didier Drogba, who also made his mark at Galatasaray before bowing out as a Champions League great.
“In football, my hero was Drogba. I watched him and learned from how he played and lived. I tried to add his qualities to my own game,” he said. “In life, my biggest inspiration was my brother; he taught me how to hustle and never give up.”
Now, with Galatasaray chasing European recognition, Osimhen believes the team’s resurgence can restore Turkish football’s pride on the continental stage.
“We are the biggest club in Turkey, and one of the biggest in the world. “Now, we want to prove it in the Champions League,” he added.
Coventry City have made a first signing for their Premier League campaign next season.
Coventry saw their promotion confirmed with Friday’s draw at Blackburn Rovers.
And with that achievement, a permanant option in Brentford loanee Frank Onyeka’s loan deal was triggered.
The Nigeria international joined Coventry in January on-loan to the end of the season with a permanent option included should the Sky Blues be promoted.
Onyeka has made 12 appearances for Coventry – starting on 11 occasions – with his one goal coming in the 3-2 win over Derby earlier this month.
Morocco on Saturday released three Senegalese fans from jail after they completed a three-month prison sentence for participating in the violence that broke out during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, an AFP journalist saw.
The trio left Al Arjat 2 prison, northeast of Rabat, in a police vehicle to go to a police station before being released.
Upon leaving the police station, the three smiling Senegalese fans were greeted by members of the Senegalese embassy.
One said to AFP, “dima Maroc, dima Maghrib” (“long live Morocco”).
Senegalese defence lawyer Patrick Kabou thanked “diplomatic and consular representation for their efforts” in a post on X.
On the eve of the trio’s release, he asked that the public “support them and, above all, help them come to terms with the initial shock of leaving prison”.
In connection with the same case, 15 other Senegalese fans remain incarcerated after receiving sentences ranging from six months to one year, and which were upheld on appeal on Monday.
Detained since the January 18 final, won by Senegal but later awarded on appeal to hosts Morocco, they were charged with “hooliganism,” an offence including acts of violence, notably against law enforcement, as well as damage to sports facilities, invading the pitch and throwing projectiles.
A Frenchman of Algerian origin was also released on Saturday after serving three months in prison for throwing a water bottle during the final.
AFP
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick admits it’s important keeping Casemiro close to the opposition area.
Ahead of today’s trip to Chelsea, Carrick admits he’s appreciated the Brazilian’s influence since taking charge in January.
“He’s certainly got the knack and the feeling, and that sense in and around the box,” he told MUTV.
“He’s got that sixth sense, in some ways that you can’t necessarily coach or you can’t necessarily always give the perfect moment or the action or the run to fit the cross.
“You’ve got to put yourself in positions and sense the space and then, obviously, on top of that, to finish it and show the composure.
“I think he’s certainly done that this season.”
Carrick added: “He’s always scored important goals. He’s always found himself there at certain times.
“He’s scored good goals for us, important goals and not just this season.”
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