Sports
A Look Back At Last Year’s Champions League Final
With football finding itself within the vice-like grip of a global pandemic, it was enough to put last season’s Champions League at risk and with pan-continental competition being considered an absolute no, it would require a considerable amount of thinking outside the box to restart it.
Thinking that was required for this and the Europa League, to reach a rightful conclusion and with the usual format of home and away legs scrapped, it meant one nation would host each of the final phases of these respective competitions.
For the Europa League, it was the home of the Bundesliga which become rather welcome hosts and once again it would be Sevilla who became accustomed to the trophy, as they managed to get the better of Inter Milan in the final.
While for the pinnacle of European club football, it was Portugal which hosted eight of the biggest clubs in the land and although Porto will have to get ready to host this season’s edition of the final, it was Lisbon which was tasked with staging duties last summer.
Because with UEFA’s other crown jewel having been delayed by 12 months, the lack of European Championships meant a huge void in the usual summer football schedule and, therefore, a different looking Champions League for 2020 was a welcome replacement.
A replacement that saw a rather simple format installed, as eight teams would eventually be whittled down to a winner by virtue of a straight knockout competition and one that Barcelona would not play a substantial part in.
Although their part was still memorable and that was down to the eight goals that they conceded to Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals and such was the result, that it was nearly enough for Lionel Messi to leave the Camp Nou for good.
The Argentine is still calling Catalunya home for now and even if he does pen a new contract in the next few weeks, the sight of him and his teammates being mauled by the Munich based outfit is one that will be etched in his mind for near eternity.
Going into the game, a look at the sports betting stats would have suggested that there was not a great deal between the two sides and although it looked like being a rather close contest on paper, it was nothing of the sort come the final whistle.
Disaster for Quique Setien and his Barcelona men and with the former Real Betis manager falling on his sword soon after, it was a result that subsequently saw Ronald Koeman take the reins during the off-season.
While if it was a disaster for the club that won the 2015 edition of the competition, it was progress for the team that thrashed them and lying next in wait, was Ligue 1 outfit Olympique Lyonnais in the Semi-final.
Olympique Lyonnais or Lyon as they are perhaps better known had a considerable amount riding on this game and if they were the next outfit to be dumped out by the German giants, there would be no European football for them the following season.
That’s because with Ligue 1 being curtailed early after instruction from the French government, they found themselves lying outside the qualification places for any of the UEFA competitions and with no time to make up any necessary ground.
Unfortunately for them, they were no match for a once again brilliant Bayern side and although the level of defeat was not as high on the Barcelona scale, the German champions of 2020 still managed to put three unanswered goals past their opponents.
An outcome which meant they would find themselves in the final and the question was who would be joining them in the showpiece event. A question that was eventually answered by Thomas Tuchel’s star-studded PSG.
After scoring two late goals against Atalanta, the dominant force in French football managed to snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat and in doing so, booked a Semi-final meeting with RB Leipzig.
A meeting that was just as once sided as the other semi-final and although RB Leipzig are backed by a famous energy drink, they had certainly run out of fizz by the time they squared off against Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
Because if RB Leipzig have designs on being considered one of football’s elite, they were shown that there is still some way to go and with manager Thomas Tuchel overseeing a 3-0 win, it meant more German opposition for him in the final.
A final that pitted last season’s Bundesliga winners versus the outfit who were crowned the kings of Ligue 1 and with these two combustible elements, everybody was preparing for the sparks that were set to fly.
Only that was not really the case and although it would be unfair to label last season’s Champions League final as an anti-climax, it certainly did not live up to the hype. The hype that was generated by the prospect of Neymar and Mbappe going up against the fearsome Robert Lewandowski.
However, it would be neither of these three who would score the game’s only goal and in doing so, write themselves into football folklore. Because that honour was bestowed to Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman.
The former PSG youngster was on hand to finally break the deadlock after the interval and in doing so, he put himself and his teammates in pole position to see out the remaining half-hour of the game as winners.
Something that would be achieved come to the final whistle and although the players on the field will have taken the credit, their success would also cap a remarkable debut season in charge for manager Hans-Dieter Flick.
Only installed the previous November as an interim, he would transform the Bavarian outfit and after already winning a German trophy double before leading his side to battle in Portugal, success on August 23 would complete what at one point seemed like being a rather unlikely treble.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been drawn in Group C with Egypt, Zambia and Malawi for the defence of their Women’s’ Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in March, which will be hosted again in Morocco.
Last year, the Nigerian team won the record 10th tournament after defeating the host nation, Morocco, 3-2 in a spectacular final after going down 2-0.
The 2026 edition will be played in Morocco from March 17-April 3, eight months after the last tournament.
The last edition slated for 2024 was postponed by a year for logistical reasons as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) could not get interested hosts.
The next edition which will be the 14th edition and Nigeria will be hoping to win the women’s tournament for the 11th time.
Nigeria’s dominance is only rivalled by Equatorial Guinea which won as hosts of the 2008 and 2012 editions. South Africa won the 2022 edition to become the third African nation to ever win the tournament.
The next edition carries added importance because it serves as qualifying for next year’s Women’s World Cup, with the top four finishers taking up Africa’s slots in the global tournament to be hosted by Brazil.
GROUPS
Group A (Rabat Moulay Hassan Stadium): Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya,
Group B (Rabat Al Madina Stadium): South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C (Casablanca): Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D (Fes): Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Chairman of BUA Group, Mr Abdul Samad Rabiu, has reaffirmed his commitment to reward the Super Eagles with the promised $500,000 despite losing the semi-final match against Morocco in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday night.
The Nigerian senior national football team lost the tie against Morocco 4-2 on penalties after both sides failed to break the deadlock after 120 minutes.
In a post on his official Instagram on Thursday, the billionaire industrialist commended the football team for their determination and unity throughout the competition.
Mr Rabiu said the players displayed admirable grit and commitment on the field, adding that although the trophy eluded them, their performance inspired pride and admiration among Nigerians at home and abroad.
“To our brave Super Eagles, You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.
“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matter. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.
“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation.
“Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons, and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories!” the statement read.
Nigeria failed to advance to the final of the 2025 AFCON yesterday after losing to Morocco’s Atlas Lions in a tense penalty shootout, a result that sent the North African side through to the final.
Moroccan goalkeeper, Yacine Bounou saved kicks from both Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria will play Egypt in the bronze medal match on Sunday, January 18 while Morocco will face 2021 winners, Senegal for the chance to win the trophy for the first time in 50 years.
Midweek football delivers decisive moments across three competitions as the Carabao Cup reaches the semi-final in England, Serie A’s title contenders play their games in hand, and the Africa Cup of Nations narrows down to its final two. Fans can follow every fixture live on SuperSport across DStv and GOtv.
Carabao Cup: Semi-Final Second Legs Decide Wembley Places
The Carabao Cup semi-finals conclude with two heavyweight fixtures as clubs push for a place in the final at Wembley.
On Tuesday at 9:00 p.m., Newcastle host Man City at St James’ Park. Newcastle enter the second leg as defending Carabao Cup champions and come into the tie in strong domestic form, having recorded three straight league wins and progressed in the FA Cup after a penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth.
City arrive after a heavy FA Cup win against Exeter City but are still searching for consistency in the league following a run of draws. Both sides have navigated the competition efficiently so far, setting up a finely balanced contest.
Wednesday’s second semi-final sees Chelsea host Arsenal at 9:00 p.m. Chelsea begin the second leg under new manager Liam Rosenior after a convincing FA Cup victory over Charlton, though league form has been less consistent following a recent defeat to Fulham.
Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive as Premier League leaders and remain active in all major competitions this season. Their FA Cup win over Portsmouth maintained momentum as they look to secure a return to Wembley.
Both Carabao Cup semi-final matches air live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).
Serie A: Games in Hand Shape the Title Race
Serie A’s midweek programme features three fixtures involving clubs playing their game in hand, with implications at both ends of the table.
On Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Napoli host Parma. Napoli were held to a draw by Inter Milan in their previous outing and sit fourth, level on points with Juventus. With other contenders also in action, a win could lift them further up the standings. Parma arrive after a narrow victory over Lecce and continue to look upward from mid-table.
Later on Wednesday at 8:45 p.m., leaders Inter Milan face Lecce at the San Siro. Inter saw their winning run halted by Napoli but remain three points clear at the top. Lecce arrive having suffered consecutive defeats and will be aiming to secure a positive result in a difficult away fixture.
Thursday’s action concludes at 8:45 p.m. as AC Milan travel to face Como. Milan sit second but have been held to back-to-back draws and will be seeking a return to winning form. Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas, have impressed this season and sit sixth, boasting one of the league’s strongest defensive records.
All Serie A fixtures are broadcast live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208).
AFCON 2025: Semi-Finals Decide Finalists
The Africa Cup of Nations reaches its penultimate stage with two semi-final clashes scheduled for Wednesday.
Senegal face Egypt at 6:00 p.m. in Tangier in a renewal of a recent AFCON rivalry. Senegal, winners of the 2021 edition, have progressed with control and balance, while Egypt have relied on resilience and decisive moments in the knockout rounds. The matchup once again brings together key figures from both sides as a place in the final is at stake.
Later at 9:00 p.m., Nigeria meet hosts Morocco in Rabat. Nigeria advanced after a disciplined quarter-final performance, while Morocco continue to combine defensive organisation with efficiency in attack. With home support behind them, Morocco face a Nigerian side that has shown attacking consistency throughout the tournament.
Both AFCON semi-finals air live on SS AFCON (GOtv Ch. 59, DStv Ch. 202).
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