Sports
Chelsea emphatic win against Southampton gives them hope of top four finish
Chelsea stormed back into Premier League top four with a commanding 4-0 victory over struggling Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
The emphatic win lifted Enzo Maresca’s side to fourth place, reigniting hopes of a Champions League return after three consecutive defeats had cast doubt over their campaign.
Amid growing frustration among supporters—who gathered pre-match to chant for former owner Roman Abramovich—Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring with a courageous header, marking his 14th goal of the season.
The French star celebrated in trademark style, blowing a blue balloon, signaling a return of belief at the Bridge.
Pedro Neto doubled Chelsea’s lead with a clinical strike before Levi Colwill powered home a header from a Neto free-kick just before halftime.
The Blues capped their largest Premier League victory since 2022 when Marc Cucurella slotted in the fourth late on, ensuring the dominant display didn’t go unrewarded.
Facing pointed questions after defeats to Aston Villa and Brighton, Maresca insisted Chelsea were “on the right track.”
His side answered emphatically, though critics might note Southampton’s woeful form—bottom of the table with just nine points from 27 matches.
For Southampton, the defeat further deepened their crisis.
With 11 goals conceded in their last three league games and manager Ivan Juric branding the season a “disaster,” the Saints look destined to replicate their 2022-23 relegation woes.
While Chelsea’s top-four hopes received a boost, their position remains precarious.
For now, though, Chelsea can take solace in a performance that suggests Maresca’s project may yet bear fruit.
Manchester City and Newcastle could reclaim fourth spot with wins in their midweek fixtures.
Nigeria will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2026 World Cup playoff final on Sunday.
The winner of this game will represent Africa at the intercontinental playoff in March 2026.
The Super Eagles on Thursday, thrashed Gabon 4-1 in their semi-final game, with Victor Osimhen scoring twice in extra time.
In the second half of the day, DR Congo pulled off a surprise result, as they beat Cameroon 1-0.
Captain Chancel Mbemba headed in a late winner in stoppage time, to give his country a chance of qualifying for next year’s tournament.
The game will be played at the newly built Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
After over 120 minutes, Nigeria qualify for 2026 World Cup after pummelling Gabon national team 4-1 in Rabat , Morocco on Thursday.
Gangling Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen silenced the Gabonese scoring the third and fourth goal in the fourth stanza game which finished at a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.
Akor Adams put Nigeria ahead in the 78th minute, but just as the Super Eagles seemed poised for a 1-0 win, Mario Lemina struck for Gabon in the 89th minute, sending the match into extra time.
In extra time, Nigeria regained the lead when substitute Chidera Ejuke scored his first goal for the Super Eagles after 97 minutes.
Osimhen, who squandered a great chance to win the match at the end of regular time, firing wide with only goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba to beat, atoned on 102 minutes, firing across goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba into the far corner after being set up by Benjamin Fredrick.
He struck again on 110 minutes, controlling a long pass before once again beating Mbaba with a shot into the far corner.
The winner will advance to the play-off final to face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
After over 120 minutes, Nigeria qualify for 2026 World Cup after pummelling Gabon national team 4-1 in Rabat , Morocco on Thursday.
Gangling Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen silenced the Gabonese scoring the third and fourth goal in the fourth stanza game which finished at a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.
In the 78th minute Adam scored the opener for Nigeria and the Gabonese equalised in the 89th minute.
Details shortly….
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