Category: Sport News

Categories
Sport News

SPL: How Benzema’s Text Message Allegedly Provoked Cristiano Ronaldo

A text message from former Al-Hilal player Karim Benzema has reportedly upset Cristiano Ronaldo, causing tension and leading to the football icon going on strike at Al-Nassr.

This came to light after Benzema moved from Al-Ittihad in January, following his disagreement with Al-Hilal.

The French player moved from Jeddah to Riyadh on transfer deadline day, leaving the team that won the championship last season.

Ronaldo has been upset after the transfer deadline last week, refusing to play in either of Al-Nassr’s last two matches as a form of protest.

According to the Telegraph, Ronaldo’s strike action started after he received a text message from Benzema while his transfer to Al-Hilal was being finalised .

A source close to the situation told the Telegraph that Karim Benzema sent a message to his friend updating him on his move to Al-Hilal.

The Frenchman joked with Ronaldo, saying he would get a salary raise after moving to Al-Hilal and would also win the league title.

Even though the message seemed positive, Cristiano Ronaldo was not happy about Karim Benzema possibly joining Al-Hilal, so he tried to stop the transfer from happening.

He did not achieve that goal, and embarked on a strike to protest what he sees as unfair treatment from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, PIF.

Ronaldo noticed that his team only signed Hayder AbdulKareem and Abdullah Al-Hamdan, which were not as big of a deal compared to the players Al-Hilal brought in.

Al-Hilal signed French player Mohamed Kader Meite and experienced defender Pablo Mari, along with Benzema, as they aim to win the league championship.

Ronaldo has apparently sent a list of his requirements to the right people so he can end his strike. He is ready to leave the club during the middle of his two-year contract if his requests are not met.

Categories
Sport News

Super Eagles Head Coach Éric Chelle Reveals His Dream Ambition

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has shared his ambition to manage Spanish football giants Real Madrid at some stage in his coaching career.

Chelle boosted his profile across the continent after leading Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a feat that has reportedly attracted interest from several national teams.

The 48-year-old said he hopes to make history by becoming the first African to coach the multiple European champions.

“My dream is to become the first African coach to manage Real Madrid,” Chelle said.

The Malian began his coaching career in 2014 with French amateur side Groupe Sportif Consolat before going on to manage the Mali national team between 2022 and 2024.

His recent success with Nigeria has further strengthened his reputation as one of Africa’s leading home-grown coaches.

Categories
Sport News

AFCON: What Osimhen Told Me Before Super Eagles’ Penalty Shootout Against Morocco – Chelle

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has explained Victor Osimhen’s absence from the penalty shootout in Nigeria’s semifinal defeat to Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria lost 4–2 in a penalty shootout after extra time, and there have been questions on why Osimhen was taken off late in the game.

Osimhen was taken off near the end of extra time and substituted with Trabzonspor’s Paul Onuachu, which meant the Galatasaray striker would not be in the penalty shootout.

Onuachu then scored Nigeria’s first penalty kick, but missed chances from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyeamachi were expensive as Morocco moved on to the final.

Chelle explained that Osimhen came to him before the shootout to say he was not fit to play.

“We take penalty kicks during every training session. I have stats showing who shoots best and who shoots worst,” Eric Chelle said on RMC Sport’s After Foot.

 

 


“Before the penalty shootout, Victor came to me and said, ‘Coach, my ankle is really bad, it hurts, and I can’t take a penalty kick.’”

The Malian coach, however, did not explain why Alex Iwobi did not take a penalty, even though Alex is one of the main leaders in the Super Eagles team.

He added, “I have my own statistics. Ademola Lookman was the fifth taker. Iwobi, it’s something that I shouldn’t talk about. Whatever happens in the group stays within the group.”

The coach said that penalty decisions depend on how well the team is prepared and how ready the players are.

He also explained that he chose the players who took the penalties during the shootout against Egypt in the third-place playoff.

“Against Egypt, I picked the ones who take the blame, so they have to be responsible,” he said.

Although the Super Eagles did not make it to the final, they still won the bronze medal by beating Egypt in a penalty shootout during the third-place match.

Categories
Sport News

Turkey: Victor Osimhen Becomes Galatasaray’s All-Time Fourth Highest Scoring Foreign Player

Victor Osimhen, the Galatasaray striker, on Sunday became the club’s fourth-highest scoring foreign player of all time.

Osimhen achieved this feat after scoring a goal in Galatasaray’s  3-0 win against Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig.

Recall that Barış Alper Yılmaz opened the scoring for Galatasaray in the 19th minute,  before Yunus Akgün doubled the lead for the visitors.

Osimhen then extended Galatasaray’s lead in the 73rd minute as they claimed all three points against the hosts.

His goal for Galatasaray took him to 52 strikes already for the club, surpassing Bafetimbi Gomis’ 51 goals to become the club’s all-time fourth highest scoring foreign player.

The top three players on the list ahead of Osimhen are Mauro Icardi (73), Gheorghe Hagi (72), and Milan Baros (61).

Galatasaray’s all-time highest scoring foreign player:

73 goals – Mauro Icardi
72 goals – Gheorghe Hagi
61 goals – Milan Baros
52 goals – Victor Osimhen
51 goals – Bafétimbi Gomis

Categories
Sport News

La Liga: Lookman denied on debut as Antony stun Atletico Madrid

Ademola Lookman endured a frustrating La Ligadebut as Atletico Madrid slipped to a 1-0 home defeat against Real Betis at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday.

The Nigerian forward, handed his first league start following a January move from Atalanta, saw an early goal ruled out for offside as Atletico failed to capitalise on their chances in a match settled by a moment of quality from Betis winger Antony.

Antony’s decisive strike arrived in the 28th minute, when the Brazilian cut inside and fired a low shot beyond Jan Oblak to give the visitors a lead they would protect for the remainder of the contest.

Disallowed goal mars Lookman’s first start

Lookman was central to Atletico’s attacking play in the opening exchanges and appeared to have marked his full league debut with a goal midway through the first half.

La Liga: Lookman denied on debut as Antony stun Atletico Madrid
Lookman goal was ruled out for offside in the game – Getty image

The Super Eagles forward finished clinically inside the area, only for VAR to rule the effort out for offside, cutting short celebrations inside the stadium.

Despite the setback, Lookman continued to offer pace, movement and direct running, frequently occupying Betis centre-backs Natan and Diego Llorente.

His positioning created space for Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez, though Atletico struggled to convert territorial dominance into clear-cut chances.

Betis discipline blunts Atletico pressure

As the game progressed, Betis grew increasingly compact, limiting Lookman’s influence in advanced areas. The visitors defended in numbers and forced Atletico into wide areas, reducing the effectiveness of crosses into the box.

Goalkeeper Álvaro Vallés played a key role in preserving Betis’ lead, producing several saves in the second half as Atletico pushed for an equaliser.

Lookman, who was later substituted, was one of Simeone’s main attacking threats in the game.

The final whistle confirmed Lookman’s first league defeat in Spanish football, a sharp contrast to his positive cup showing earlier in the week.

Categories
Sport News

EPL: Haaland late penalty lifts Man City past Liverpool in chaotic finish

Erling Haaland struck a stoppage-time penalty as Manchester City came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield, breathing new life into the Premier League title race.

The dramatic win cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to six points with 13 matches remaining, while City moved to second place after a rare victory on Merseyside.

Liverpool had taken the lead in the 74th minute through Dominik Szoboszlai, who curled a superb free-kick beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma after a tight and largely cagey contest.

Late goals turn the game

City responded strongly and were level six minutes from time when Bernardo Silva finished from close range after sustained pressure in the Liverpool penalty area.

The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. Matheus Nunes went down under a challenge from goalkeeper Alisson inside the box, and referee Craig Pawson pointed straight to the spot.

EPL: Haaland late penalty lifts Man City past Liverpool in chaotic finish
Haaland scored late penalty to hand Manchester City the win – Getty image

Haaland stepped up and calmly converted in the 93rd minute, registering his 21st Premier League goal of the season.

 

Chaotic finale at Anfield

 

Liverpool almost snatched an equaliser moments later, but Donnarumma produced a fine save to deny Alexis Mac Allister.

City then thought they had scored a third when Rayan Cherki found the net from inside his own half with Alisson out of position.

However, VAR intervened and ruled the goal out after Szoboszlai was penalised and sent off for a foul on Haaland earlier in the move, with City instead awarded a free-kick.

Historic away win for City

Despite the late controversy, City held on to claim a landmark victory, their first league win at Anfield since 2021, and their first there in front of supporters since 2003.

The result keeps Guardiola’s side firmly in the title hunt, while Liverpool were left to rue a dramatic late collapse after appearing on course for a crucial home win.

Categories
Sport News

Osimhen takes season tally to 15 goals as Galatasaray sweep past Rizespor

Victor Osimhen continued his fine scoring run as Galatasaray record a 3-0 away win over Rizespor in Sunday’s Turkish Super Lig encounter.

The Nigeria international sealed the victory in the second half to register his 15th goal of the season in all competitions, as the defending champions strengthened their grip on top spot in the league.

Fast start sets the tone

Galatasaray made a bright start and were rewarded in the 19th minute when Barış Alper Yılmaz opened the scoring.

The winger rose above his marker to head home a well-weighted cross from Noa Lang, giving the visitors early control of the contest.

Rizespor struggled to cope with Galatasaray’s pressure, and the pressure eventually told again after the break.

Osimhen takes season tally to 15 goals as Galatasaray sweep past Rizespor
Osimhen scores his 15th goal for the season in Rizespor win – Getty image

Yılmaz turns provider, Osimhen finishes the job

Yılmaz turned provider in the 62nd minute, sending in a precise delivery that Yunus Akgün converted from close range to double the lead.

Osimhen put the result beyond doubt 11 minutes later. The striker collected the ball just outside the area, skipped past the goalkeeper with composure and finished into an empty net from a narrow angle to cap a dominant performance from Okan Buruk’s side.

Title push gathers momentum

The win keeps Galatasaray top of the Super Lig standings with 52 points from 21 matches. They sit six points clear of second-placed Fenerbahçe, who have a game in hand, and seven ahead of Trabzonspor in third.

Osimhen’s goal tally now stands at nine in the league this season, underlining his importance in Galatasaray’s push for a fourth consecutive Super Lig title.

The Super Eagles forward will look to add to that total when Galatasaray host Eyüpspor in their next league fixture on Friday.

Categories
Sport News

EPL: I’m Nigerian – Arsenal Midfielder, Nwaneri Opens Door To Super Eagles

Ethan Nwaneri, the Arsenal midfielder, has publicly embraced his Nigerian heritage.

This has sparked fresh speculation over a possible future with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Nwaneri left the Gunners to join Marseille on loan until the end of this season.

The teenager has begun to impress in Ligue 1, having netted a goal on his debut.

Nwaneri was asked about former Nigerian players Taye Taiwo and Wilson Oruma, who previously represented Marseille.

“Yes, I know. I’m Nigerian, and I am here to help the team as much as possible,” Nwaneri told R.org.

So far, the 19-year-old has represented England at age-group competitions, but is yet to be called up to the Three Lions.

Categories
Sport News

La Liga: Teenage stars deliver as Barcelona tighten title grip

Barcelona extended their strong run in La Liga with a 3-0 victory over Mallorca at the Spotify Camp Nou, tightening their grip at the top of the table.

Hansi Flick’s side were under pressure for long spells in the first half, struggling to cope with Mallorca’s direct attacking play.

Vedat Muriqi went closest for the visitors but failed to make clean contact with Jan Virgili’s cutback, a miss that would later prove decisive.

Lewandowski breaks the deadlock

Barcelona capitalised on Mallorca’s wastefulness when Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring.

Marcus Rashford’s blocked effort fell kindly to the Polish striker, who took a touch before finishing calmly to put the hosts ahead against the run of play.

The goal shifted the balance of the contest, with Barcelona growing in control and limiting Mallorca’s threat as the game progressed.

<img class="size-full wp-image-1248740 entered exited" src="data:;base64,” alt=”La Liga: Teenage stars deliver as Barcelona tighten title grip” width=”768″ height=”484″ data-lazy-srcset=”https://www.gistreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/fc-barcelona-v-rcd-mallorca-laliga-ea-sports-768×484.jpg.webp 768w, https://www.gistreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/fc-barcelona-v-rcd-mallorca-laliga-ea-sports-768×484.jpg-300×189.webp 300w, https://www.gistreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/fc-barcelona-v-rcd-mallorca-laliga-ea-sports-768×484.jpg-220×139.webp 220w, https://www.gistreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/fc-barcelona-v-rcd-mallorca-laliga-ea-sports-768×484.jpg-349×220.webp 349w” data-lazy-sizes=”(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px” data-lazy-src=”https://www.gistreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/fc-barcelona-v-rcd-mallorca-laliga-ea-sports-768×484.jpg.webp” />
Yamal scored and was also named the man of the match – Getty image

Yamal and Bernal seal the points

Barcelona doubled their lead shortly after the hour mark through Lamine Yamal. A short corner routine involving Dani Olmo allowed the teenager space on the edge of the area, and he responded with a fine finish to make it five La Liga goals in as many matches.

Yamal was later substituted ahead of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg away to Atletico Madrid, but the hosts continued to push forward.

The third goal arrived on 83 minutes when Fermín López threaded a pass through to Marc Bernal, who skipped past a challenge and slotted home at the near post for his first senior goal.

Barcelona closed out the match comfortably, overcoming a shaky start to secure another important win.

The result moves the defending champions four points clear of Real Madrid, who have the chance to reduce the gap when they face Valencia at Mestalla on Sunday.

Categories
Sport News

EPL: Gyokeres double sends Arsenal nine points clear

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points with a controlled 3-0 win over Sunderland, as substitute Viktor Gyokeres scored twice to cap a comfortable home performance.

The hosts broke down a stubborn Sunderland side through Martin Zubimendi’s opener before Gyokeres struck late to seal the result.

The victory increased pressure on title rivals after Aston Villa dropped points and Manchester City were yet to play.

Sunderland showed resilience early, with Brian Brobbey troubling Arsenal’s defence and seeing a shot cleared off the line by Kai Havertz after David Raya spilled a long ball.

Declan Rice and Havertz both tested Robin Roefs with curling efforts as Arsenal pushed for a breakthrough.

EPL: Gyokeres double sends Arsenal nine points clear
Viktor Gyokeres double boosts Arsenal title case against Sunderland – Getty image

Zubimendi sets the platform

Arsenal finally found a way through when Zubimendi struck from range, his effort beating Roefs after crashing off the post.

It was the midfielder’s fifth league goal of the season and a reward for his consistent presence, having played more minutes than any other Arsenal outfield player this campaign.

Mikel Arteta’s side maintained control despite missing Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard, limit Sunderland’s attacking threat.

Gyokeres impact off the bench

Gyokeres made the decisive impact after coming on, finishing clinically in the 66th minute after Havertz set him up inside the box.

The Swedish striker added his second in stoppage time, tapping into an empty net after Gabriel Martinelli squared the ball across goal.

Six of Gyokeres’ eight league goals this season have come against newly promoted sides, and his recent run – six goals in his last eight appearances in all competitions, suggests he is growing into Arteta’s system after a slow start.

Arsenal’s defensive record at home remains a cornerstone of their title push, with only eight goals conceded and 29 points collected at the Emirates.

The win marked their ninth home victory from 12 league matches.

About Us

626blaze is an entertainment and lifestyle website that brings you latest gist and scoops from the world of music, fashion, movies, sports and social commentary.

Categories

Subscribe to our Newsletters