The Champions League Round of 16 first-leg fixtures take centre stage midweek, following the conclusion of the play-offs. The remaining teams now turn their focus to securing early advantages in the two-legged ties. SuperSport will broadcast all the key matches live on DStv and GOtv.

Tuesday: Hostile Atmospheres and Early Statements

Tuesday’s action begins at 6:45 PM as Galatasaray host Liverpool in Istanbul. Galatasaray arrive with confidence after eliminating Juventus in a high-scoring play-off tie, while Liverpool will look to reassert itself after an inconsistent domestic run. The match airs on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202).

At 9:00 PM, Atalanta face Bayern Munich in Bergamo. Atalanta advanced after an impressive comeback against Borussia Dortmund and will rely on their aggressive pressing style, while Bayern arrive as one of the competition’s perennial favourites. Live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204).

Also at 9:00 PM, Atletico Madrid welcome Tottenham Hotspur. Atletico progressed comfortably through the play-off round and will rely on their defensive discipline, while Tottenham travel to Spain searching for form after a difficult start to the year. The match will be shown on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202).

At the same time, Newcastle United host Barcelona in another high-profile clash. Barcelona arrive as La Liga leaders and have already defeated Newcastle earlier in the competition, while the Magpies look to use their home support at St. James’ Park to challenge one of Europe’s strongest sides. Watch live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).

Wednesday: Revenge Missions and Modern Classics

Wednesday’s programme begins at 6:45 PM with Bayer Leverkusen taking on Arsenal. Both sides have impressed domestically this season, and the encounter promises a tactical contest between two technically strong teams. The fixture airs on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202).

At 9:00 PM, Bodo/Glimt host Sporting Lisbon in Norway. Bodo/Glimt advanced after a notable victory over Inter Milan in the previous round, while Sporting will aim to overcome the difficult conditions and secure a positive first-leg result. Live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204).

Also at 9:00 PM, Paris Saint-Germain face Chelsea in Paris. PSG continue to lead Ligue 1 but have encountered occasional inconsistency, while Chelsea will aim to replicate their previous success against the French champions in European competition. This match airs on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).

The night concludes with another major European rivalry as Real Madrid host Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu. The two clubs have developed a familiar Champions League rivalry in recent seasons, and both will aim to gain a crucial advantage heading into the second leg. Watch live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202).

Round of 16 – First Leg Fixtures

Tuesday, 10 March

• Galatasaray vs Liverpool — 6:45 PM (SS Football Plus HD)

• Atalanta vs Bayern Munich — 9:00 PM (SS La Liga)

• Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham Hotspur — 9:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)

• Newcastle United vs Barcelona — 9:00 PM (SS Premier League)

Wednesday, 11 March

• Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal — 6:45 PM (SS Football Plus HD)

• Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting Lisbon — 9:00 PM (SS La Liga)

• Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea — 9:00 PM (SS Premier League)

• Real Madrid vs Manchester City — 9:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)

Catch Every Game

Catch all the UEFA Champions League action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available to stream via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.

The 11th edition of Nigeria’s biggest road race reflected a familiar truth. In this country, big goals are rarely pursued alone. On race morning, runners were joined by families, volunteers and supporters who lined parts of the route at dawn. Water stations provided by Aquafina were staffed and ready, offering premium hydration for runners from start to finish. The event belonged to the athletes, but it also drew in the city around them.

Over the years, the marathon has grown into one of West Africa’s most recognisable road races, attracting elite athletes, recreational runners, corporate teams and fitness communities. Beyond official times and rankings, another feature stands out: participants often approach the race as a shared effort. For Aquafina, this culture of companionship presented a natural alignment.

Before sunrise on February 14, 2026, small groups gathered near the starting point. Some adjusted their laces. Others stretched or said brief prayers. Friends took photos. Teammates exchanged reassurances. Even before the horn sounded, the sense of togetherness was unmistakable, a spirit the Aquafina brand amplified through its 2026 campaign theme for the marathon, “Run am with your Padi.”

Created around a familiar Nigerian expression, the “Run am with your Padi” campaign draws from Pidgin, where “padi” represents a dependable friend; someone who shows up and stays the course. Nowhere was this more evident than in the 10-kilometre category. Colleagues who trained together arrived in matching shirts. Friends who set fitness goals at the start of the year ran side by side. Running clubs assembled in organised clusters at the starting grid, determined to finish together, embodying the very spirit Aquafina set out to celebrate.

On race day, Aquafina extended this notion beyond messaging and into visible action. Along the course, participants slowed down for struggling teammates and regrouped at checkpoints. Hydration stations became brief meeting points where runners paused, encouraged one another, and pushed forward again. In Lagos’s demanding climate, steady access to bottled water is not optional; it is essential. Consistent distribution across the route ensured runners could focus on endurance and pacing with confidence. Volunteers coordinated bottle handouts, marshals maintained flow, and runners approached each station knowing relief was within reach.

Nigeria’s urban fitness culture has expanded steadily over the last decade. Running clubs have multiplied. Weekend group runs have become social routines. Many corporate organisations now integrate wellness into team-building activities. As this culture grows, brands like Aquafina have increasingly positioned themselves within spaces that promote active living and shared achievement.

Recognising that the marathon’s energy is driven not only by elite athletes but by everyday participants, Aquafina introduced one of the most talked-about initiatives of the 2026 edition: a ₦1 million cash reward for each of the first 10 groups to complete the 10-kilometre race. This initiative intentionally shifted attention from individual speed to collective effort.

By rewarding groups rather than only podium finishers, Aquafina reinforced the value of teamwork and mutual accountability. For running clubs, corporate teams and groups of friends, the incentive validated months of shared preparation. It elevated the competitive spirit of the 10km category while remaining consistent with the brand’s “Padi of Life” positioning.

Aquafina’s leadership of the 2026 activation builds on Seven-Up Bottling Company’s 11-year presence at the marathon, where its brands have become woven into the marathon experience. As the “Padi of Life,” Aquafina’s focus on companionship mirrors the race itself, a shared journey rather than a solitary pursuit.

By the time the final waves crossed the finish line, groups gathered for photos, compared times and discussed plans for the next edition. Medals were received collectively. Celebrations were shared.

The race continues to test endurance, but it also reflects how Nigerians pursue ambition together. Through “Run am with your Padi,” steady support across every mile, and the ₦1 million group initiative, Aquafina positioned itself not just at the marathon, but within its culture.

From the starting line to the finish arch, companionship defined the day. And across every mile, no one truly ran alone.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has expressed sadness over the demise of its former coach, Mr Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, on Monday at the age of 88.

In a short message on X, the Super Eagles noted that “We commiserate with the family of our former coach, Festus Adegboyega Onigbinde, following his passing. A respected leader and a true servant of Nigerian football. Rest in peace, Coach.”

The family of the veteran football tactician confirmed his passing on Monday, describing him as a revered patriarch and respected figure in Nigerian football.

In a statement issued on behalf of the family, Mr Bolade Adesuyi announced the death of the coach, who is also a Modakeke High Chief.

“We announce the passing of this great man, a Modakeke High Chief, the 1st indigenous Nigerian Super Eagles football coach, father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed unto the great beyond a couple of minutes ago.”

The statement did not immediately disclose the cause of death.

Mr Onigbinde was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential football tacticians, with a career spanning several decades in coaching and administration.

He became one of the earliest Nigerian coaches to obtain elite coaching qualifications, earning a German Grade A coaching licence in 1976. He further expanded his technical knowledge by attending a coaching course in Brazil in 1981, at a time when few African coaches had such exposure.

In 1982, he was appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, becoming one of the earliest indigenous coaches to lead Nigeria’s senior national team.

His tenure saw Nigeria reach the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast. The team finished as runners-up after losing to Cameroon, but he was relieved of his duties shortly after the tournament despite the strong performance.

Beyond the national team, Onigbinde achieved notable success at the club level, particularly with Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan. In 1984, he led the Nigerian side to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, now known as the CAF Champions League, where they narrowly lost to Egyptian club Zamalek.

Nearly two decades later, he returned to the national team during a turbulent period and was appointed coach ahead of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan. Although Nigeria did not advance beyond the group stage, the tournament marked his appearance as a World Cup coach.

Mr Onigbinde also played important roles in football administration and technical development. He served in technical capacities within the Nigeria Football Federation, including as Technical Director, where he helped shape coaching education and youth development policies.

In later years, he remained an influential voice in Nigerian football, frequently commenting on coaching standards, grassroots development and the administration of the sport.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren and extended family. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.