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JESUS SAVES CITY!
Gabriel Jesus wheeled away in celebration, hand cupped to one ear, his little joke in an empty stadium. Yet while there was no roar, there was plenty of noise to celebrate the goal that finally dispatched mighty Real Madrid.
From Manchester City’s bench, from Manchester City’s substitutes, from Manchester City’s staff it came. And from the team, too. They knew what Jesus’s goal meant. Three wins from the biggest trophy in the club’s history. Three wins from the prize that vindicates the investment in Pep Guardiola and this side. It is a strange conclusion to the Champions League season, but City can do nothing about that. All they can do is beat what is in front of them – in this case the champions of Spain. And they have done that now, twice, home and away – yet without true home advantage in these sorry times.
And, yes, it took two horrendous defensive errors from Raphael Varane to win this match, but that shouldn’t count against City, either. Both times it was the tenacity of Jesus that forced him into the error. No, he isn’t Sergio Aguero; but he’s a damn hard worker and his finish for the winner last night was sublime.
Rodri played a long ball forward which Varane attempted to head back to his goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. It fell sloppily short and Jesus pounced. Could Courtois have been faster, braver off his line? Possibly. But Jesus got their first and his touch to send it wide of the giant in Madrid’s goal was placed and weighted to perfection.
So City will play a Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon next Saturday. The following weekend they could be European champions. There is a lot of football, and some very good teams to overcome, but the dream is alive. City’s dream that is. For UEFA, Javier Tebas of La Liga, the Premier League letter writers, this must feel like something of a nightmare.
It looked, at first, that it was going to be easy. Manchester City were very much on touch from the start and, after a defensive calamity sparked their first goal, looked to have found a team as random at the back as Pep Guardiola’s men can be. Of course, it didn’t quite work out like that. Just as defensive deficiencies at City are often outweighed by attacking impetus, so no team outwits Barcelona to win La Liga without being capable of holding their own in the highest company. That Madrid think they could well do without Gareth Bale is something of a clue, too.
So Madrid equalised and by half-time were hitting City’s weak spot with increasing regularity. He’s called Joao Cancelo, by the way, one of a number of left-backs developed during Guardiola’s tenure, none of whom look quite enough. Put together they wouldn’t amount to one Andy Robertson.
And once Madrid had drawn level it placed the game on a knife-edge, with one more taking the game level on aggregate. Had their been any fans in the Etihad it would have been tense indeed – instead the stress was distributed through the lower tier of the main stand where the players and staff from both clubs sat. Manchester City backroom figures bellowed oaths and encouragement in Catalan, depending on whether referee Felix Brych had denied their man a free-kick, or whether City were engaged in ferocious attack. Madrid the same – minus the Catalan, naturally – led by Sergio Ramos, who remains their very visible captain even in the plus cushioned seats usually reserved for high-paying members of The Tunnel Club. Ramos shouted, stood, debated furious with Marcelo when things weren’t going well but, most of all, he whistled. He’s a very good whistler. Sharp, well projected, occasionally tuneful when he wants to draw attention, like urgent birdsong. Early on, when City looked rampant, Ramos was desperately trying to martial and organise his team-mates, from distance. He’s not everybody’s cup of tea – but you can see why he wears the armband.
Madrid certainly missed him early on, once Kevin De Bruyne had signalled City’s intent with a shot deflected wide by Eder Militao. Just two minutes later came the horrid piece of defending that gifted City a 3-1 aggregate lead.
Thibaut Courtois gave the ball short to Eder Militao to his left, and had it returned swiftly. So he tried Raphael Varane to his right, who got into a terrible mess under pressure from Gabriel Jesus. The striker harried him back towards his goal, then nicked the ball from him and, from there, Madrid were rendered too vulnerable to resist. It was a matter of utmost simplicity for Jesus to square the ball to Rahee, Sterling who slotted it past a desperate Courtois, who must have greatly regretting not just booting it.
A moment’s pause, though, to pay tribute to Sterling. This was his 20th Champions League goal and only Wayne Rooney, among Englishmen, has reached that milestone sooner – and Sterling isn’t a striker, remember. More parochially, he is the first English player at Manchester City to score 100 goals for the club since Dennis Tueart in 1981. It was his 35th goal of the season for club and country: heaven knows how many he would get if he was a natural finisher. Wink.
Sterling had a shot from 20 yards dip just over the bar after 15 minutes and from the next attack a quite brilliant jinking run was foiled by an equally outstanding tackle from Casemiro.
And then it was Real Madrid’s turn. Rocked by the opening 20 minutes, they gradually came back into the game, first with a Karim Benzema shot that was tipped out by Ederson, then a low effort from Eden Hazard that pitched awkwardly but was repelled expertly.
The equaliser was coming, however, and in the 28th minute it arrived. Rodrygo absolutely skinned Cancelo on the right and hit a perfect cross for Benzema in the middle. He has been in sublime form this season and his technique was perfect. Surrounded by City defenders he got to the ball and steered a header into the corner past Ederson. And Madrid were back in the game.
Cancelo tried to make early amends with a curled shot that was parried by Courtois, and a poor kick by the goalkeeper allowed De Bruyne to tee up Phil Foden who shot just wide, but this was tight. Every time City advanced but failed to score it felt like a moment they could come back to haunt them. Another fine tackle, this time by Militao, kept De Bruyne out, and Courtois was similarly brave against Sterling. Every time De Bruyne took a corner he tried to score directly from it – maybe due to something he knew about his Belgian team-mate Courtois. Not that any of them came off, mind.
-DAILY MAIL
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has named a 23-man squad for this month’s international friendly matches against the Iran national football team and the Jordan national football team, with star striker Victor Osimhen notably absent from the list.
In Osimhen’s absence, Chelle has retained a strong core led by captain Wilfred Ndidi, alongside midfield playmaker Alex Iwobi and reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman.
Friendlies Moved to Turkey Amid Security Concerns
The Super Eagles will now face Iran on March 27 before taking on Jordan on March 31, with both matches scheduled to be played in Antalya, Turkey.
Originally billed for venues in Amman, including the Amman International Stadium and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the fixtures were relocated following the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East.
Kick-off times are set for 4 pm local time against Iran and 8 pm local time against Jordan.
Key Players Return, New Faces Earn First Call-Ups
Chelle has also recalled several established names, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and midfielder Frank Onyeka.
In attack, the coach has options in Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, and Paul Onuachu.
There are also first-time invitations for Scotland-based defender Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez, Germany-based forward Philip Otele, and Belgium-based attacker Collins Yira Sor, a former youth international.
Goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye also returns to the squad.
Focus on Squad Depth
The friendlies present Chelle with an opportunity to test squad depth and integrate new players ahead of future competitive fixtures.
With Osimhen missing, attention will be on how Nigeria’s attacking unit adapts, particularly with Lookman expected to play a leading role in the forward line.
The matches against Iran and Jordan will provide crucial preparation for the Super Eagles as they continue rebuilding following their disappointment in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
23 SUPER EAGLES FOR FRIENDLIES MATCHES AGAINST IRAN & JORDAN
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium)
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Morocco’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium Tops Global Vote for Stadium of the Year 2025
Rabat’s iconic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium has been named Stadium of the Year 2025, emerging as the global winner in the annual fan poll organised by StadiumDB, a platform dedicated to sports architecture and stadium design.
The Moroccan venue topped the international voting with 14,481 points, finishing ahead of Grand Stade de Tanger in second place and Claro Arena in third.
A total of 7,451 valid votes were cast by fans worldwide who evaluated 28 stadiums opened globally in 2025, judging them on architectural design, functionality and overall fan experience.
Morocco’s New National Stadium
Located in the Moroccan capital of Rabat, the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium has become the country’s new national football arena and one of the largest stadiums in North Africa.
The modern facility boasts a capacity of approximately 68,700 spectators and was designed to meet FIFA’s highest stadium standards, positioning it as a potential venue for major international matches, including possible semi-final fixtures of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The stadium represents a major investment in Morocco’s sports infrastructure as the country prepares to co-host the global tournament alongside Spain and Portugal.
From 1983 Landmark to Modern Arena
The site has long been associated with Moroccan football. The original stadium, built in 1983, served as the home ground of AS FAR Rabat and regularly hosted matches involving the Moroccan national team.
The old Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium before demolition in 2023
Over the decades, the venue staged several major tournaments and international fixtures, including the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, matches of the FIFA Club World Cup, and multiple African club and national team finals.
In preparation for future global competitions, Moroccan authorities decided to completely rebuild the facility. The original structure was demolished in 2023, paving the way for a new state-of-the-art arena constructed in less than two years.
Modern Facilities and Expanded Capacity
The redevelopment project, which cost approximately $75 million, significantly expanded the stadium’s capacity while transforming it into one of Africa’s most technologically advanced football venues.
Key features of the new stadium include High-definition LED video screens, advanced acoustics and sound systems, a hybrid natural-synthetic playing surface, modern hospitality and VIP areas, and enhanced spectator comfort and accessibility
The stadium is also the centrepiece of the wider Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, which includes a 21,000-seat Olympic athletics stadium, training pitches, an indoor sports arena and an Olympic-size swimming pool.
Shortly after reopening in 2025, the stadium played a central role during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where it hosted several high-profile matches, including the tournament final.
Packed crowds and vibrant atmospheres during the competition showcased Morocco’s rapidly modernising football infrastructure and reinforced the stadium’s reputation as one of the continent’s premier sporting venues.
Winning the Stadium of the Year 2025 award further highlights Morocco’s growing influence in global sports infrastructure as the country continues preparations for hosting major international competitions in the coming years.
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The Supreme Council of Sufi Orders has officially recognised the Akbariyya Hatimiyya Order, marking a significant step in the regulation of Sufi practices and reinforcing what the Council describes as its commitment to a moderate religious approach.
Sheikh Sayyid Ayman Hamdi al-Akbariyya, head of the Akbariyya Hatimiyya Order, met with Dr Abdel-Hadi al-Qasabi, Grand Sheikh of Sufi Orders and President of the Supreme Council, where he presented the official recognition decree.
With the issuance of the decree, the Akbariyya Hatimiyya Order becomes one of the officially recognised Sufi orders in the Arab Republic of Egypt, joining 80 other orders operating under the Council’s umbrella.
According to officials, the recognition follows a period of organisational and administrative work by the Order’s leadership, including compliance with legal requirements and regulatory standards approved by the Council. The move is expected to strengthen the Order’s institutional presence and enhance its religious and spiritual role within Egyptian society.
Rooted in the Legacy of Ibn Arabi
The Akbariyya Hatimiyya Order derives its methodology from the teachings of the renowned Sufi master Ibn Arabi, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Islamic mysticism. The Order has followers in Egypt and across several countries in the Islamic world, with a notable presence in parts of Europe and Asia.
Its teachings emphasise love, spiritual purification, tolerance and deepening the spiritual dimension of Muslim life.
During the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of adhering to the moderate Azharite approach and strengthening the role of Sufi orders in promoting sound religious awareness, ethical values, coexistence and social peace.
The Influence of “The Greatest Sheikh”
Born in 560 AH in Murcia, Andalusia, Ibn Arabi — whose full name was Muhyiddin Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Arabi al-Hatimi al-Ta’i al-Andalusi — grew up in a scholarly and spiritual environment. He later travelled extensively across North Africa and the Levant before settling in Damascus, where he died in 638 AH/1240 CE. His shrine in Damascus remains a well-known landmark.
Often referred to as “The Greatest Sheikh,” Ibn Arabi’s school of thought came to be known as the Akbariyya. Among his most celebrated works are Al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya (The Meccan Revelations), Fusus al-Hikam (The Bezels of Wisdom), and Tarjuman al-Ashwaq (The Interpreter of Desires).
His writings are characterised by philosophical depth and a mystical exploration of divine love, spiritual purification and the concept of the “perfect human being.” His influence has shaped Sufi thought across the Islamic world and extended into intellectual circles in Europe and Asia.
The formal recognition of the Akbariyya Hatimiyya Order reflects Egypt’s continued effort to regulate religious institutions while preserving the rich spiritual traditions rooted in centuries of Islamic scholarship and mysticism.
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