UEFA Champions League
TOTTENHAM’S POCHETTINO DREAMS UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GLORY
Mauricio Pochettino has told Tottenham to shrug off the absence of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min as they prepare to face Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal Tuesday evening.
Kane headlines a lengthy injury list also including Erik Lamela and Harry Winks, while Son is suspended.
But having upset the odds to end Manchester City’s quest for a quadruple of trophies in the quarterfinals, manager Pochettino insisted Spurs’ strength as a collective can overcome Ajax’s talented group of rising stars.
“To be in a Champions League semifinal is something I dreamed about. You need to settle your dreams, to infinity and beyond,” Pochettino said at his pre-match press conference on Monday ahead of Tottenham’s first European Cup semifinal since 1962.
“The chance to play a semifinal for Tottenham has not happened often. We are in a circumstance that is not going to change and we must be ready
“It is impossible to be tired, impossible to not be excited to play. I am sure there is no doubt we will have the energy for 90 minutes.”
However, while Pochettino’s stretched squad were slipping to a sixth defeat in their last 10 Premier League games to West Ham on Saturday, Ajax have had a full week to rest as the entire Dutch league calendar for the weekend was postponed to allow them extra time to prepare.
Without Kane, who is not expected to return this season unless Spurs make it to the Champions League final on June 1, Tottenham’s goals have dried up since a thrilling 4-3 defeat in the second leg of their quarterfinal at City was enough to progress on away goals.
Christian Eriksen’s late strike to secure a 1-0 victory over Brighton on Tuesday was Spurs’ only goal in their past three games.
Son’s absence means Pochettino is robbed of another goal threat, with Lucas Moura and Fernando Llorente his only striking options.
However, the Argentine said Spurs’ teamwork can compensate for that lack of firepower.
“I think the point is that we arrive where we are now because we were a team and we are going to be a team,” he said.
“I don’t care who is going to score. Always it’s an issue to not have all the players fit, but in front of any name was the team, the collective.”
Pochettino also played down any suggestion that Kane could return in time for the second leg if the tie is still alive heading to the Johan Cruyff Arena next week.
“He’s doing well. He’s working and starting to run a bit inside. His rehab is so good but we cannot create any idea that we maybe cannot achieve.
“The most important thing is that he is in a good place and we’ll see what happens.”
Meanwhile, Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, while reflecting on tonight’s match is of the view that the flamboyant European dreamers aren’t afraid of anyone as they prepare to continue their wild ride in the Champions League.
Four times European champions Ajax are hunting their first major continental triumph since Patrick Kluivert downed AC Milan in the 1995 final and have warmed hearts with a thrilling run to the last four that has recalled the glory days of Johan Cruyff and Total Football.
Next up are Spurs, who Ajax meet after dispatching reigning European champions Real Madrid and Juventus – tipped by many to win the whole thing after signing Cristiano Ronaldo – with thrilling displays that enchanted football fans across the continent.
“After beating Juventus and Real Madrid you’re not afraid of anyone,” Onana said in an interview with AFP.
“They (Spurs) are a very good team. They have very good players, especially on the counter where they can create problems for us. But it’s up to us to handle these situations.”
Cameroon international Onana has been a fixture between the sticks as the Dutch giants hunt a historic treble that Ajax have not completed since Cruyff’s 1972 heyday, when they won the second of three consecutive European Cups and combined that with the Dutch Cup and league title.
They are also top of the Eredivisie, although level on points with PSV Eindhoven, and take on Willem II in next month’s domestic cup final.
Asked by AFP if he expected Ajax to go so far in Europe, Onana said: “To be honest no! It’s my first season in the Champions League, and when we qualified for the group stage it was already like ‘wow’.”
Ajax’s continental campaign kicked off against Austrians Sturm Graz way back in July, the first of three qualifying rounds they had to negotiate before making the groups.
“We said to ourselves, there are six matches, let’s see if we can hang on to the Europa League!”
Instead Ajax finished comfortably second in Group E, unbeaten and only two points behind eventual group winner Bayern Munich, and now have a realistic chance of joining the Bavarians on five European Cups after turning on the style in the knockout rounds.
“It’s the philosophy of the club and it’s important for us to stay true to it: control the game, keep possession… it’s clear that fans have been enjoying watching it, and we have fun playing it,” says Onana.
Ajax have extra motivation going into their clash at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as they know that this is the last chance for this group of players to shock everyone and snatch the biggest prize in football.
Star midfielder Frenkie De Jong will leave for Barcelona in the summer for an initial 75 million euros ($89 million), while centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, who sent Juventus packing with a bullet header in the quarterfinals, could follow his teammate to Catalonia.
After knocking out Real, coach Franck De Boer admitted that forwards Hakim Ziyech and David Neres and Onana would also all be targeted by Europe’s biggest clubs come the end of the season, and the stopper wants to sign off this era with the perfect parting gift after missing out on the Europa League to Manchester United in 2017.
“It’s clear that this is our objective. Not just for the goal in and of itself, but for us, because after this season, there will be a lot of players who will leave,” says Onana.
“It is important for us to do something big. If that means winning the treble, well that will be simply beautiful.”
UEFA Champions League
Heineken Brings “Fans Have More Friends” Campaign to Nigeria for Champions League Round of 16
As the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League gets underway, Heineken is bringing fans together in Nigeria through its global “Fans Have More Friends” campaign.
The initiative will see premium match-viewing experiences hosted in Lagos at select venues, including GreenHouse on Olu Holloway Road, Ikoyi, and Hunger Games on Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, during match days on Tuesday and Wednesday.
According to organisers, the events are designed to offer more than just live football coverage. Fans attending the viewing parties will enjoy live music performances, interactive “predict and win” games, branded merchandise giveaways and a steady supply of Heineken throughout the night.
The programme aims to transform match nights into full entertainment experiences that blend football, music and social interaction among supporters.
Every goal comes with excitement!
Maria Shadeko, Portfolio Manager for Premium Beer at Nigerian Breweries Plc, said the campaign reflects the deep connection between football and social life in Nigeria.
“In Nigeria, Champions League nights are about connection,” Shadeko said. “Friends come together, strangers become friends, and everyone shares the same emotions from kick-off to the final whistle. Through Heineken’s ‘Fans Have More Friends’ platform, we are celebrating that spirit of togetherness.”
While the festivities unfold off the pitch, attention will also turn to the action across Europe as the knockout stage produces several high-profile encounters.
Among the headline ties is the clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea FC, while Newcastle United face FC Barcelona. Elsewhere, Galatasaray SK will meet Liverpool FC, and Atlético Madrid will battle Tottenham Hotspur.
Heineken rewards a loyal fan in ‘Predict and Win’ contest at one of the viewing experiences on a match night
Another standout fixture pits Real Madrid against Manchester City, a contest many fans consider worthy of a final. Bayern Munich will take on Atalanta BC, Bayer Leverkusen face Arsenal FC, while Sporting CP meet Bodø/Glimt.
Nigerian fans will also have a strong interest in the tournament through local stars playing key roles for their clubs. Victor Osimhen is expected to lead the attack for Galatasaray against Liverpool, while Ademola Lookman will aim to shine for Atlético Madrid in their tie against Tottenham.
Across Lagos and other Nigerian cities, Champions League match nights have become social gatherings where supporters of different clubs watch together, debate tactics and celebrate goals.
Shadeko said Heineken’s campaign is designed to capture and amplify that shared passion.
“Fandom has a unique way of bringing people closer,” she said. “When you watch a big match with others, the experience becomes bigger and more memorable. That is what we are creating with these match-day experiences.”
As the Champions League anthem echoes across Europe and the Round of 16 drama begins, fans in Nigeria will gather once again to share the excitement, with Heineken adding its own flavour to the match-night experience
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
UEFA Champions League
Thierry Henry, “Igwe,” Give Victor Osimhen Sweet Pidgin Salute After UCL Heroics
Veteran football legend Thierry Henry, affectionately known by many Nigerian fans as “Igwe”, had social media buzzing after he greeted Nigerian star Victor Osimhen in Nigerian Pidgin English during a post-match interview following Galatasaray’s dramatic passage into the UEFA Champions League last 16.
The Istanbul giants advanced 7–5 on aggregate over Juventus despite losing the second leg 3–2, thanks to Osimhen’s extra-time equaliser and a late winner from Barış Alper Yılmaz.
“Victor, how bodi?” Sparks Joy
In his CBS Sports interview, Henry deliberately used Nigerian Pidgin to greet Osimhen:
“Victor, how bodi?”
The question — loosely meaning “Victor, how are you?” — immediately lit up the stadium and viewers online.
Osimhen, clearly delighted, responded in kind:
“Bodi dey fine!”
(I’m fine!)
The exchange sent Nigerian fans and football supporters around the world into a frenzy on social media, with many praising Henry for embracing local culture and cheering the Super Eagles star in his own tongue.
Osimhen’s Big Night
The 25-year-old, who joined Galatasaray from SSC Napoli in a club-record €75 million move, has continued to shine in Turkey. With nine Super Lig goals so far this season, his knack for rising on big occasions was once again on display in European competition.
After his extra-time strike against Juventus — a goal that turned the tie on its head and ultimately sent Gala through — Osimhen cemented his status as one of African football’s brightest performers on the biggest stages.
Fans Celebrate the Cultural Nod
The playful Pidgin exchange wasn’t just a fun moment — it also highlighted how football continues to connect cultures and nations. Nigerian fans online applauded Henry’s effort to speak their language and celebrated Osimhen’s response as a sign of how far the Nigerian forward has come in his European career.
One fan wrote: “Igwe sabi! That ‘how bodi’ make my day!”
Another added: “Victor dey represent us well for Europe.”
As Galatasaray prepare for the next phase of their European campaign, Osimhen’s star quality remains a major talking point — both for what he does on the pitch and how he continues to light up moments off it.
Source: Post-match interview on CBS Sports and related commentary (https://x.com/i/status/2026812476667449591)
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Victor Osimhen once again rose to the grand European stage on Wednesday night, delivering a decisive extra-time strike that propelled Galatasaray into the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 despite a spirited comeback attempt from 10-man Juventus.
Although the Turkish champions fell 3-2 in the second leg in Turin, Osimhen’s crucial intervention ensured Galatasaray advanced 7-5 on aggregate after a dramatic knockout round playoff clash.
Juventus’ Brave Response
Trailing 5-2 from the first leg in Istanbul, Juventus needed something special. Against expectations — and recent form that had seen them winless in five matches — the Italian giants produced a stirring response.
Captain Manuel Locatelli gave the hosts hope from the penalty spot eight minutes before halftime after Lucas Torreira fouled Khephren Thuram. But their task grew tougher just three minutes into the second half when Lloyd Kelly was sent off, leaving Juve to once again finish a European contest with 10 men.
Yet, the Bianconeri refused to wilt. Federico Gatti tapped in from close range with 20 minutes remaining, and Weston McKennie’s late header levelled the tie on aggregate, sending the Allianz Stadium into delirium and forcing extra time.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Juventus looked the more dangerous side. Kenan Yildiz struck the post, while several half-chances went begging as belief surged through the home ranks.
Osimhen’s Moment of Authority
But when the tension peaked, and legs began to tire, Osimhen delivered.
Just before halftime in extra time, the Nigerian striker collected a precise pass from Baris Alper Yilmaz inside the area. With trademark composure and lethal instinct, he fired through the legs of goalkeeper Mattia Perin to silence the stadium and restore Galatasaray’s aggregate lead.
It was a goal of timing, intelligence, and clinical precision — the hallmark of a striker built for decisive nights.
As Juventus threw bodies forward in desperation, they ran out of steam. Yilmaz compounded their misery late on, finishing off a swift counterattack to seal the Turkish side’s progression.
Respect for Juventus, Reward for Galatasaray
Despite elimination, Juventus earned warm applause from their supporters after a valiant effort.
“I feel like crying. We gave our heart and soul,” Locatelli told Amazon Prime. “In the first leg, an episode was complicated today.”
Gatti echoed the sentiment, admitting fatigue proved costly in extra time.
For Galatasaray, however, the night belonged to Osimhen — a striker whose influence continues to define their European campaign. His extra-time heroics now set up a Round of 16 showdown against either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur, with Friday’s draw set to determine their next opponent.
On a night of drama, resilience, and shifting momentum, it was Osimhen who wrote the final chapter — proving once more that when the stakes are highest, he answers the call.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Nigeria’s Sports Community Mourns Adegboye Onigbinde, A Life Devoted to Football
Former NSC DG, Ekeji, Urges NFF to Restore Prestige of Nigeria’s National Cup
Breaking! Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Dies Four Days After Clocking 88
- WAFCON5 days ago
BREAKING: CAF Postpones WAFCON 2026
- World Cup1 day ago
Iraq coach calls for delay to World Cup playoff amid travel shutdown
- DIPLOMACY1 day ago
Morocco Backs Gulf Security, Condemns Iranian Attacks Against Brotherly Arab States
- OBITUARY6 days ago
Nigerian Sports Journalism Mourns Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Tonex Chukwu
- MLS1 week ago
Trump to Host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami at the White House
- World Cup6 days ago
‘I really don’t care’ if Iran plays in World Cup, Trump tells Politico
- DIPLOMACY12 hours ago
Trump calls on Australia to give asylum to Iranian women’s soccer players
- World Cup5 days ago
Iraq’s World Cup Playoff in Doubt as War Disrupts Travel and Visa Processing