₦airaland Forum

Kano Pillars technical adviser Mohammed Babaganaru is optimistic the club will maintain their top-flight status at the end of the season, Completesports.com reports.

The four-time Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, champions boosted their survival hopes with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Warri Wolves on Sunday.

Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot on the dot of 45 minutes.

The Sai Masu moved to 10th position on the table with 48 points.

Kano Pillars will travel to Jos for their final game of the season against Plateau United.

Babaganaru Focuses On Survival Battle
Babaganaru’s side must avoid defeat in the matchday 38 encounter to avoid relegation.

“We thank God for getting the maximum three points, and clean sheet as well. It was a good win for us,” Babaganaru said after the game against Warri Wolves.

“Our next match is against Plateau United, and anything can. If you look at the table, Plateau United are also struggling. I think they have 47 points, while we have 48. Anything can happen like I said earlier until the end of the season.

“We are focused, determined, and optimistic of surviving relegation by the last match of the season.

“Our fans must also remain calm, prayerful, and continue believing in us. God will definitely do it for us.”

Galatasaray midfielder Mario Lemina has described Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen as the most complete striker he has ever seen in his life.

Lemina highlighted Osimhen’s relentless pressing, physicality, and incredible work rate, noting he contributes heavily beyond just scoring goals, often even helping in midfield.

Having played with attackers like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Gonzalo Higuaín, Lemina, in a chat with Forza Cimbom, stated that there is no one like Osimhen.

“Victor Osimhen is the world’s best striker,” Lemina said via Forza Cimbom.

“He is the most complete striker I’ve seen in my life. I think he’s the best I’ve seen in my life. He’s a special one.

“We love each other with Osimhen. We always want to win. When someone shouts, it’s a positive thing for the team. I love that.

“Osimhen is a warrior. His best quality is his competitiveness. He always wants to win.”

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has disclosed that the massive support the team received from the fans played a vital role in their victory against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final.

Recall that the Gunners supporters created an incredible atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium, including welcoming the team bus with banners to propel the team to victory.

With the semi-final clash delicately poised at one goal each from last week’s opening leg in Spain, Saka delivered the killer blow on the stroke of half-time to secure Arsenal’s place in the showpiece in Budapest on May 30.

In a chat with Amazon Prime. the England international praised the atmosphere at the Emirates, calling it one of the best he has ever experience.

“It’s so beautiful. We’re all so happy. This was a high-pressure game, we managed it well to get to the final,” Saka said.

“It started before the game, I’ve never seen anything like it. They pushed us during the game. Let’s celebrate it together.

“There’s no way you’ll come to this situation and not have pressure. It’s a semi-final and we’re fighting for the Premier League. We block it out and focus on getting the job done,” he said.

Anthony Nwakaeme hopes to bid Trabzonspor farewell by winning the Turkish Cup with the club, Completesports.com reports.

Trabzonspor will face Gençlerbirliği in the semi-final of the Turkish Cup semi-final next week Wednesday.

Nwakaeme has made one appearance for the Black Sea Storm in the competition this sseason

The 37-year-old’s contract will expire at the end of the season, and will not be renewed.

The experienced striker lifted the Turkish Cup during his first stint with Trabzonspor in the 2019/20 season.

Nwakaeme returned to the Claret and Blues for a second spell in 2024.

He has struggled for regular playing time this season following the arrival of his fellow countryman, Paul Onuachu.

Senegal’s president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has revealed that he asked King Mohammed VI of Morocco to grant a royal pardon to Senegalese supporters jailed after violent incidents during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final but it was turned down, Morocco World News reports.

In a press conference, Faye said he wrote to the Moroccan king both to congratulate him on hosting AFCON and to request clemency for the detained fans. “I asked the King of Morocco for forgiveness for our supporters,” he explained.

“We tried every possible way, through courts, diplomacy, even religious channels like the Tijaniyya order, but nothing worked.”

Faye added, “If all of this changes nothing, what else can be done? If there is another way, let us be told.”

The appeal comes after the Rabat Court of Appeal confirmed convictions against 18 Senegalese supporters arrested during the chaotic final in January.

Judges upheld prison terms ranging from three months to one year, along with fines, rejecting defense requests to review video evidence.

Lawyers argued the footage was needed to verify identities and challenge the prosecution’s case.

The court disagreed, ruling that the facts were already clear and widely documented. Prosecutors stressed that the violence, including rioting, pitch invasion, and attacks on security forces, was visible to all and supported by sufficient proof.

Nine fans received one‑year sentences and fines of MAD 5,000 ($500). Six others were given six‑month terms with smaller fines, while three supporters were sentenced to three months.

A French national of Algerian origin was also jailed for three months after throwing a bottle.

The arrests followed clashes in Rabat during the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal. In March, CAF’s Appeals Board awarded the title to Morocco, ruling that Senegal’s walk‑off breached tournament regulations.

The legal fallout extended to the supporters, who were accused of vandalism, violence, and disorder inside the stadium.

Defense lawyer Patrick Kabo insisted the wrong people were punished. “Mistakes were made, and those truly responsible are in Senegal, not here,” he told reporters. Many of the accused denied involvement, claiming they entered the pitch under pressure or to escape projectiles.