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 Henry Ovie
A one-day golf training and tournament specifically for girls has been fixed for Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Koko, in the Warri North of Delta State.
A statement from the organisers of the event, Canaan Land Golf Training and Tournament, disclosed that about 50 girls would be accommodated.
Tagged The Biggest Giving Day of the Year, the programme, according to the chief executive of Akogate Group, Mr Felix Aganbi, will entrench the attitude of excellence and develop young, highly quality golfers in terms of their golf quality and personal character.
He urged parents in Nigeria and abroad to allow their daughters to attend the event, saying it will build their confidence.
“The golf training and tournament will introduce girls to golf in a social and engaging environment. It will also help them build confidence, learn vital skills, and connect with others in a friendly community,” he was quoted as saying in the statement on Thursday.
The programme, which will take place at the Canaanland Golf and Country Club, celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political accomplishments of women as well as raises awareness for accelerated gender parity
“Open to girls in years 8-16, the training and tournament provide high-quality coaching to assist the girl child in pursuing excellence in the sport of golf,” Mr Aganbi noted, listing technical skill development, comprehensive fitness and mental conditioning as key features of the training.
“The girls will learn the basics of golf grip, stance, posture alignment, golf rules and etiquette. They will also be taken for an 18-hole playing lesson.
“The training and tournament will broaden opportunities for girls in Nigeria to realise their potential through education.
“Canaanland Country Club shall continue to encourage the education of females, improve the economic position of women and enhance their participation in matters relating to both the family and the society.
“It is also to join hands with the government in making our state a better place to live, campaign for the dismantling of systemic barriers and push for the power of reciprocity and abundant giving,” he disclosed.
Driven by Sir Alfred and Mrs Warami Temile, Mr Aganbi said the “club would continue to provide necessary assistance for the general development of people, especially those who live in the rural areas.”
In a related development, Mr Aganbi said the Oluremi Tinubu Golf Classic would take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Canaanland Golf and Country Club, Koko.
“The tournament will attract international talent, create opportunities for emerging players and motivate the next generation to see what is possible in the women’s game,” he stated, adding that over 75 women are expected to participate.
The event is another important step in strengthening the women’s game in Nigeria, delivering significant benefits to the Niger Delta, drawing women, officials and fans to Warri North and boosting tourism and hospitality industries in Delta State.
Aquafina took centre stage at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on 14 February 2026, rewarding the first ten groups to complete the 10-kilometre race with N1 million each. The initiative highlights the brand’s continued investment in fitness, wellness, and the spirit of collective achievement within Nigeria’s growing running community.
Under its campaign theme, “Run am with your Padi of Life,” Aquafina encouraged runners to participate alongside friends, teammates, and running crews, celebrating the role of support systems in pushing limits and sustaining performance.
Throughout the race, Aquafina ensured strong on-course visibility while providing hydration support to help participants maintain energy levels. Its on-ground activations added excitement for both runners and spectators, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
By rewarding groups rather than individual runners, Aquafina spotlighted the value of shared goals and mutual accountability. The N1 million prize elevated the competitive energy of the 10km race while reinforcing the importance of collaboration within Nigeria’s evolving fitness culture.
Widely regarded as one of West Africa’s most prestigious road races, the marathon once again attracted elite athletes, recreational runners, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Within this high-energy environment, Aquafina positioned itself as a trusted hydration partner supporting endurance and peak performance.
Speaking after the race, Funso Elubeku, Assistant General Manager at Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC), said:
“The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon represents resilience, discipline, and the power of community. Through Aquafina, we ensured participants remained hydrated while celebrating the teamwork and support that helped runners push beyond their limits. Rewarding the first ten finishers underscores our commitment to recognising dedication, performance, and personal achievement.”
Aquafina’s presence at the marathon underscores its broader mission to promote active lifestyles and support platforms that inspire healthier living, strengthening its connection with Nigeria’s fitness community through meaningful engagement.
Sports
Mourinho’s Return to Madrid, a Battle Between Ligue 1 Giants and more: Bet on the Key Champions League Matches!
On February 24 and 25, the knockout phase return legs of Europe’s most prestigious club tournament will take place. The best sports betting site 1xBet offers a wide selection of markets and the highest odds for these games. Place your bets responsibly via this link and win big!
Inter Milan vs Bodø/Glimt, February 24
The runners-up of last season’s Champions League are in danger of being knocked out of the competition in the knockout phase play-offs. In Bodø, Cristian Chivu’s team lost 1-3 on artificial turf, which Inter aren’t used to playing on. According to the Nerazzurri coach, the poor condition of the pitch was to blame.
Inter are in a difficult situation. However, the team has scored 11 goals in their last 3 home games and is quite capable of making a comeback. The bad news is that Lautaro Martínez will miss the match due to an injury sustained in Norway.
Bodø/Glimt are certainly not in a state of euphoria. After the match, head coach Kjetil Knutsen said that his team had delivered an average performance. If the Norwegians manage to maintain their lead in the return leg, this story will one day be made into a TV series.
W1 – 1.302, X – 6.96, W2 – 9.65
Paris Saint-Germain vs AS Monaco, February 25
0-2, a missed penalty and an injury to the team’s leader by the middle of the first half – it’s difficult to get back into the game after such a start, but not for Paris Saint-Germain, an official partner of 1xBet. In the first match against Monaco, the Parisians equalized before the half-time break and snatched victory in the second half.
Monaco showed that they can surprise any opponent, but in the 2nd leg, the home side will take to the pitch with maximum concentration from the very first minutes. The statistics don’t favor the Monégasques: they’ve only managed to win at PSG’s home ground once in the last 9 years.
Luis Enrique’s team is the clear favorite in the 2nd leg and will try to take another step towards defending its title.
W1 – 1.29, X – 6.55, W2 – 11.4
Real Madrid vs Benfica, February 25
José Mourinho returns to Madrid, but we won’t see him in the technical area. The Portuguese manager got a red card in the emotional match in Lisbon, but even that didn’t make him the star of the show. The glory went to Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian scored a spectacular goal in the second half, danced provocatively around the corner flag with the Benfica crest, got insulted, and in the end, these events were discussed more than the game itself.
Despite the victory, Real Madrid didn’t look significantly stronger than their opponents. Every now and then, the Eagles took control of the ball and forced Thibaut Courtois to make some incredible saves.
Before the 1st leg, José Mourinho said he wanted the score in the first match to allow his team to fight for a spot in the next stage in Madrid. He got what he wanted, but there’s a feeling that most of his football magic went into Anatoliy Trubin’s goal in the league phase.
W1 – 1.494, X – 5.08, W2 – 6.7
Juventus vs Galatasaray, February 25
Luciano Spalletti had said that his team was going to Istanbul to win, but the final score of 2-5 leaves them with almost no chance of advancing to the round of 16. Barış Yılmaz utterly destroyed the opposition’s left wing, which is where most of the threats to Juventus’s goal came from.
Galatasaray won’t have a fiery support of the stands in Turin. However, the team is in excellent form: in their first 5 matches in February, the Lions have scored 20 goals.
Many believe that Juventus advancing to the next stage would be a miracle. However, in this Champions League campaign, Galatasaray have already lost 1-5 to Eintracht Frankfurt, who are far from being the strongest team, and the Bianconeri must have faith in their abilities.
W1 – 1.564, X – 4.925, W2 – 5.78
We hope that our preview will help you make successful predictions. Follow the principles of responsible gambling, place your bets on the best sports betting site 1xBet via this link and share the victory with your favorites!
SMM
🏆⚽ Bet on the Champions League knockout phase 2nd legs!
📅 The fate of the tickets to the round of 16 will be decided on February 24 and 25. We’ve compiled a list of the most interesting matches for you:
❓ Inter vs Bodø/Glimt: can last season’s runners-up come back from a 1-3 defeat in the 1st leg?
W1 – 1.302, X – 6.96, W2 – 9.65
🚀 Paris Saint-Germain vs Monaco: in the 1st leg, the Parisians came back from 0-2 down and are looking to take another step towards defending their title.
W1 – 1.29, X – 6.55, W2 – 11.4
🧤 Real Madrid vs Benfica: the Meringues won by a narrow margin in Lisbon, but their opponents cannot be underestimated – even the goalkeeper can score for José Mourinho’s team.
W1 – 1.494, X – 5.08, W2 – 6.7
🔮 Juventus vs Galatasaray: can Luciano Spalletti’s team pull off a miracle after a 2-5 defeat in Istanbul?
W1 – 1.564, X – 4.925, W2 – 5.78
💰 Bet and win with 1xBet!
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