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Sport News

Osimhen Turns Down Galatasaray Captain Armband During Friendly

Victor Osimhen, a striker for the Super Eagles, refused to don the captain’s armband during Galatasaray’s 3-3 tie with Rennes in a preseason friendly at the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park.

Osimhen was able to leap highest and forcefully head the ball into the net after Gabriel Sara’s well-placed cross into the box gave Galatasaray the lead.

A minor moment involving the captain’s armband unfolded during the second half of the match.

Abdülkerim Bardakcı, the team’s primary captain, was substituted in the 74th minute.

As he left the pitch, he handed the captain’s armband to Victor Osimhen, signalling his wish for the Nigerian international to take over the captaincy for the rest of the game.

Osimhen, however, declined to wear the armband and instead passed it on to Yunus Akgün, suggesting that the attacking midfielder should lead the team in his place.

Akgün appeared surprised by the gesture and tried to persuade Osimhen to accept the role, but the former African Footballer of the Year remained firm in turning it down.

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk had previously indicated his intention to make Osimhen one of the club’s captains for the upcoming season, following Mauro Icardi’s departure from the club.

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Argentina Stars Hire Security After World Cup Win Over England

Following Argentina’s triumph over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, two Argentine players engaged private security companies to protect their residences in the UK.

The Sun claims that Alexis Mac Allister, a midfielder for Liverpool, and Lisandro Martinez, a defender for Manchester United, are the two players.

Following Argentina’s thrilling World Cup victory over England, the couple had security on patrol at their homes for two days.

The report added that no attempts were made to vandalise the properties of Martinez or Mac Allister.

It will be recalled that Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

With goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez securing victory for the Albiceleste after Anthony Gordon had earlier given the Three Lions the lead.

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Sport News

Zidane Reveals Why He Rejected Club Offers Before France Job

The legendary French football player Zinedine Zidane has revealed that he declined several offers to become the coach of the national team, stating that it was the only role he wanted and that he waited patiently for an opportunity to take it.

Following his appointment as France’s new head coach, Zidane stated at a news conference that managing the national team has always been his dream.

According to Sky Sports, he stated, “Over the past four or five years, I received offers from clubs, but I declined them all in favor of the national team.”

He claimed that a number of clubs had approached him for management posts.

The only position I wanted to pursue after leaving Real Madrid was this one.

In addition to being a fan, I have always thought of the French national team as a possible manager.

This is the reason I decided against playing a club team.

Zidane said he was prepared for the challenge and thanked Didier Deschamps for his help.

“There is nothing more significant than the France national team,” he continued. “I have stated this many times.

As a result, I am incredibly happy and proud to be managing this team. There is also a lot of responsibility involved. I’m emotional and ready for the task.

This is my motivation. I have the opportunity to lead this team today, and I will put my all into making sure it succeeds.

Additionally, I would like to congratulate DD [Deschamps] for his exceptional years of service.

Deschamps, who finished coaching the national team following the FIFA World Cup, was replaced by Zidane.

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Tolu Arokodare Breaks Silence After Wolves Training Protest

In the midst of an ongoing transfer dispute with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Super Eagles attacker Tolu Arokodare has explained why he organized a protest that resulted in the cancellation of a preseason training session.

The 25-year-old allegedly sat on the training field and would not move, which prevented the squad from holding its planned session on Monday.

New head coach Cesar Peixoto called off training as a result of the protest, and additional security was put in place at the team’s Compton Park training facility to prevent the Nigerian forward from going back.

Reports indicate that Arokodare had been instructed not to train with Wolves’ first team despite remaining under contract, a decision that reportedly came amid disagreements over his proposed transfer away from the club.

Wolves are said to have accepted an offer from Turkish side Trabzonspor, while Arokodare is believed to favour a move to Italian Serie A outfit Fiorentina.

Breaking his silence in a statement shared on social media on Tuesday, the striker insisted that his actions were driven solely by his desire to keep training and honour his contractual obligations, stating that throughout his career he has always taken pride in conducting himself professionally and maintaining high training standards.

He added that his focus has always been on staying match-fit so he can contribute whenever called upon, stressing that he remains under contract with Wolves and that his only intention is to fulfil his responsibilities professionally by training, doing his job, and contributing to the team in line with that contract.

The standoff comes as Wolves prepare for life in the English Championship following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

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Sport News

Barcelona Sign Karim Adeyemi in Major Attacking Boost

Karim Adeyemi, a forward from Borussia Dortmund, joined Barcelona on Thursday for a reported 29 million euros ($33 million), including possible add-ons.

In a statement, Barcelona announced, “Adeyemi becomes a new Barca player for the next five seasons, until June 30, 2031.”

After spending a lot of money on England international Anthony Gordon from Newcastle, the versatile 24-year-old is Barca’s second acquisition.

After experienced striker Robert Lewandowski left, Barca’s offensive options were strengthened by lightning-fast Adeyemi, who can play up front or on either flank.

Barcelona also parted ways with Marcus Rashford after his loan spell from Manchester United came to an end, leaving the club with reduced attacking options.

The Spanish champions have equally submitted an offer for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, who remains their top target this transfer window.

Notably, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was the one who handed Adeyemi his first cap for the German national team back in 2021.

The forward moved to Borussia Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in 2022, scoring 36 goals in 146 appearances across all competitions over four seasons before completing his switch to Barcelona.

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Super Falcons star reveals why many female footballers fear getting married

Super Falcons midfielder Ngozi Okobi has spoken about the challenges female footballers face, disclosing that many players are afraid of getting married because they fear it could cost them their place in the national team.

Speaking in an interview with a broadcast media platform, Okobi explained that societal perceptions often make married women and mothers appear “too old” to continue competing at the highest level.

She noted that most female players are scared of marriage because they believe once married, they may no longer be invited to represent the national team.

According to her, many fans wrongly assume that marriage and motherhood reduce a woman’s ability to perform, often viewing married women or new mothers as old or lacking the strength to continue their careers.

She, however, insisted that being an athlete does not prevent a woman from building a family or pursuing a successful career, stressing that her profession as a footballer does not stop her from being a wife or a career woman.

Reflecting on her own experience after childbirth, Okobi described motherhood as one of the most difficult phases of her life, revealing that she resumed training just five months after giving birth and struggled to regain her fitness after gaining weight during that period.

Despite the challenges, she credited her husband, family and teammates for supporting her return to professional football, noting that although her career does not outweigh her role as a mother, it remains deeply important to her.

She maintained that motherhood did not diminish her talent or ability, only her fitness level, adding that she draws daily motivation from her son as she continues to push herself further in her career.

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Sport News

Arsenal unveil Christos Tzolis jersey number after completing transfer

The jersey number of Christos Tzolis, a recent addition to Arsenal, has been made public.

On Thursday, Arsenal revealed that the 24-year-old attacker from Club Brugge has joined the team.

Tzolis scored 43 goals and provided 45 assists in 108 games for Club Brugge across all competitions.

This upcoming season, he will play for Arsenal as the number 17.

The forward has already linked up with his new teammates at the Sobha Realty Training Centre ahead of the new season.

Speaking on the signing, Arsenal’s Sporting Director, Andrea Berta, expressed delight at completing the deal for Christos Tzolis.

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Turn the Champions League final into a real celebration with 1xBet!

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The Gunners aiming for a golden double

Arsenal are back in the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years – in 2006, Arsène Wenger’s side lost 2-1 to Barcelona. Two decades of waiting, rebuilding, and disappointment, and now the Londoners return to the main stage of European football. The team won the Champions League league phase, confidently made it through the knockout rounds, and looked solid in defense.

But there’s something that makes this campaign special. Last week, the club won the English Premier League for the first time in 22 years. For Mikel Arteta’s side, this isn’t just a line on a record – it’s a psychological foundation. A team that knows how to see things through to the end in the home league heads into the final not with worry, but with a winner’s appetite. A double would make this team great.

PSG could replicate Real Madrid’s achievement

Paris Saint-Germain, an official partner of the betting company 1xBet, is aiming to become only the second team in Champions League history to successfully defend the title, following in the footsteps of Real Madrid, who won three consecutive titles between 2016 and 2018. PSG have come a tough way, knocking out Monaco, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich, scoring 23 goals in 8 games.

At the same time, Luis Enrique skilfully managed his squad, setting clear priorities. For example, captain and defensive leader Marquinhos didn’t miss a single minute of this year’s knockout phase, but made only six Ligue 1 appearances in 2026, regularly being left on the bench. Other stars, including Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia, were also given a rest. As a result, the Parisians head into the final with their key players fresh.

The match to be remembered

Last season, PSG knocked Arsenal out in the semi-finals (3-1 on aggregate). Now the Londoners are back, having gained more experience. Revenge, ambition, history – all of this will come together on the banks of the Danube. On May 30, Budapest will become the capital of world football.

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World Cup Fear as Messi Suffers Fresh Injury Scare Before Argentina Campaign

Lionel Messi is at the center of injury worries just weeks before the FIFA World Cup, after Inter Miami confirmed on Monday that medical evaluations revealed muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.

The MLS club gave no specific timeframe for the Argentine star’s recovery, following his sudden withdrawal during Miami’s 6-4 win against Philadelphia on Sunday, where he came off in the 73rd minute.

The 38-year-old was seen grabbing the back of his left leg before requesting a substitution, though he appeared to walk without difficulty as he headed to the dressing room.

In an official statement, Inter Miami said that further tests pointed to an overload linked to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, and that his return to physical activity would depend on how well he progresses both clinically and functionally.

The update leaves much uncertainty surrounding the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s availability as Argentina gears up to defend their World Cup title at the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which begins on June 11.

The defending champions are scheduled to open their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi’s playing time has been carefully managed, with the club often resting him during busy fixture stretches. MLS has since entered its World Cup break.

While Messi has yet to officially confirm his participation in the tournament, he is broadly expected to feature in what would be a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance.

Argentina’s squad announcement is expected next week, with the team set to play pre-tournament friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9 on American soil.

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Messi Speaks on 1,000 Goal Milestone While Ronaldo Edges Closer to Football History

Lionel Messi has admitted that while he personally pays little attention to his pursuit of 1,000 career goals, his children make sure the milestone is never far from his mind.

The Argentina and Inter Miami captain delivered an impressive performance on Wednesday, scoring twice and providing an assist as his side came from behind to beat Cincinnati 5-3, extending their away winning run to seven matches.

The result took Messi’s career goal tally to 909, leaving him 91 goals short of the historic 1,000-goal mark.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who turns 39 in June, said he is not personally fixated on reaching the milestone, but according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, his kids frequently bring it up and keep the conversation alive at home.

Meanwhile, his long-standing rival Cristiano Ronaldo sits considerably closer to the landmark, having already amassed 965 career goals at the age of 41.

The Portugal captain, who currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, is widely regarded as the favourite to become the first player in football history to reach 1,000 career goals and potentially do so before Messi gets anywhere near the figure.

The contrasting timelines of the two footballing legends continue to fuel debate among fans, with Ronaldo’s superior current tally suggesting he will claim the historic milestone first.

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