Sports

PSG keen on Osimhen as Mbappe replacement

Published

2 years ago

February 16, 2024

Naijablitz

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According to reports from the paper, Paris Saint Germane have reportedly found Kylian Mbappe’s replacement who is set depart the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

This was made known in a latest post by BBC Sport X Platform

Osimhen, a 24-year-old Nigerian international, is being considered by PSG as the ideal candidate to step into Mbappe’s shoes. The French club is weighing up a move for Osimhen in the upcoming transfer window.

Having joined Napoli from Lille in 2020, Osimhen has become a key player for the Italian side, scoring an impressive 67 goals in 119 matches. He played a pivotal role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph last season, netting 26 goals in 32 league appearances.

Osimhen kickstarted his professional career at Wolfsburg in Germany before going on loan to Charleroi in Belgium. He later made a permanent switch to Lille, where he scored 18 goals in a single season before securing a high-profile move to Napoli for a club-record fee of €70 million, potentially rising to €80 million with add-ons.

Luis Campos, currently working as a football advisor at PSG, was instrumental in bringing Osimhen to Lille in the past. Napoli’s president, Aurelio de Laurentiis, has a track record of approving striker transfers to PSG, with Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi being notable examples. In 2022, midfielder Fabian Ruiz also made the move from Napoli to PSG.

PSG have been strengthening their attacking options with significant signings, including Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani last summer, as well as wide forwards Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona and Marco Asensio from Real Madrid. The addition of Bradley Barcola from Lyon further enhances their attacking depth.

Earlier reports indicated that Nigeria, despite losing the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, has climbed 14 places in the new FIFA global rankings, now sitting in 28th place globally and ranking third in Africa after Morocco and Senegal.

Sports

Arsenal secure 2-3 victory against hard fighting Chelsea

Published

4 minutes ago

January 15, 2026

Admin

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Arsenal delivered a 3–2 victory away at Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi‑final first leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

The London rivals produced an exciting contest, with Arsenal taking the lead early when Ben White scored after a corner miscue by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.

Viktor Gyökeres then doubled Arsenal’s advantage shortly after the break with a composed finish.

Chelsea fought back in the second half through Alejandro Garnacho, who scored twice — including a late strike following a chaotic corner — but Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi restored a two‑goal cushion with a well‑taken solo effort in between.

The result gives Arsenal a strong away lead heading into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

The semi‑final tie, part of the Carabao Cup competition, saw both teams missing key players due to injuries or suspensions, while fans and pundits noted the high intensity throughout the 90 minutes.

Meanwhile, the second leg is set to take place at Emirates Stadium in early February, with Arsenal holding the advantage after this thrilling first leg.

Man City also won 2-0 at the Saint James Park in the other semi-final clash against Newcastle on Tuesday night.

According to Arsenal on its website, “Following our Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, we’re back in Premier League action on Saturday, January 17, at 5.30pm, taking on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

“We then round off our run of four straight away games with a trip to Milan to face Inter at San Siro in the Champions League on Tuesday, January 20.”

Sports

Update: Nigeria v Morocco in barren first half at AFCON

Published

7 hours ago

January 14, 2026

ADMIN

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By Emmanuel Agaji

The Super Eagles of Nigeria played a barren first half with Morocco at the ongoing AFCON football tournament in Morocco.

Naijablitznews.com reports the first half was tough as both teams size up each other.

Sports

AFCON: Senegal sails into final, thrash Egypt 1-0 as Mane scores lone goal

Published

7 hours ago

January 14, 2026

ADMIN

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Sadio Mane powered Senegal into the final of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over seven-time winners Egypt.

The two-time African Footballer of the Year broke the deadlock in the 78th minute on Wednesday when he let fly from just outside the penalty area inside the bottom left corner after Lamine Camara’s initial effort was blocked.

It sparked joy and relief among the Teranga Lions’ fans in Tangier, where the 2021 champions – after beating Egypt in the final – had taken the initiative but struggled to create clear chances against the Pharaohs’ stubborn defence.

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly will miss the title match – against either host Morocco or Nigeria, who are playing in Rabat later on Wednesday – after picking up a yellow card that meant a suspension and then going off injured in the 23rd minute.

Koulibaly was booked in the 17th for a tactical foul on Omar Marmoush. The captain was also sent off in the group-stage win over Benin and consequently missed the win over Sudan. His tournament was effectively ended when he had to be replaced by Mamadou Sarr because of injury.

Nicolas Jackson had fired over just before Senegal displayed more attacking intent. Habib Diarra and Pape Gueye also had efforts saved.

Tensions boiled over when Mohamed Salah fouled his former Liverpool teammate Mane, but Senegal coach Pape Thiaw and Egypt counterpart Hossam Hassan managed to cool tempers.

Senegal’s Habib Diarra was booked for arguing, however, meaning he will miss the final, too.