According to reports from Catalunya Radio, obtained via Tribuna.com, Barcelona have prioritised strengthening the centre-forward position but face major obstacles in pursuing elite names such as Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane due to ongoing financial and structural constraints.

As a result, the club’s sporting department, led by Deco, has shifted focus toward more attainable options, with Osimhen emerging as a leading candidate.

Currently on the books of Galatasaray S.K., the 27-year-old striker is no stranger to Barcelona, having faced Spanish opposition during his time in European competitions. He is highly regarded for his pace, physical presence and consistent goal-scoring record, qualities seen as fitting Barcelona’s evolving tactical needs.

However, a potential move remains far from straightforward. Osimhen’s salary demands could pose a significant hurdle for Barcelona, who continue to operate under strict financial limitations.

Despite the challenges, the Nigerian international is considered a viable option as Barcelona adopt a more pragmatic approach in the transfer market, balancing ambition with economic realities while seeking to rebuild their attacking line for the future.

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In a condolence message issued on behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, Dr Motsepe extended heartfelt sympathies to the Nigeria Football Federation, its current president Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the Galadima family, and the people of Nigeria.

Motsepe described Galadima’s death as a significant loss to Nigerian and African football, acknowledging his contributions to the development of the game during his tenure.

Galadima served as President of the NFF from 2002 to 2006, a period marked by key administrative and footballing developments in the country.

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 More than a century after football first took root on Nigerian soil, the game is, in many ways, returning to its spiritual home.

Legend holds that Nigeria’s earliest recorded football match took place in Calabar on June 15, 1904, when students of Hope Waddell Training Institution faced British sailors from HMS Thistle.

While historians continue to debate the accuracy of that account, there is far less dispute about where the sport truly found its structure, identity and national relevance. This is Lagos!

From its colonial beginnings to the modern professional era, Lagos has remained the nerve centre of Nigerian football.

It was here that the game’s organisation first took shape with the establishment in 1932 of the Lagos & District Amateur Football Association (LDAFA), now known as the Lagos State Football Association — the oldest football body in the country.

It was also in Lagos that football evolved into a national movement. In 1933, the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), today’s Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), was founded in the city, laying the administrative foundation for the sport across the country, despite lingering misconceptions that place its origin in 1945.

The city’s football heritage is equally tied to infrastructure. In 1936, Lagos witnessed the construction of Nigeria’s first major football arena, the Association Ground.

Over the decades, the facility has undergone several transformations — from King George V (KGV) Stadium to Lagos City Stadium, Onikan Stadium, and now the Mobolaji Johnson Arena — remaining a symbolic heartbeat of the game. The structures may have changed, but the ground at the waterfront remains the same.

Nigeria’s oldest football ground, the waterfront Mobolaji Johnson Arena, is set to host more Nigeria Premier Football League matches than any other venue in the 2026/27 season.

Today, that heartbeat is growing stronger.

With the promotion of Sporting Lagos and Inter Lagos to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), alongside Ikorodu City, Lagos now boasts three clubs in the country’s top flight — a development that signals a return to an era when the city dominated the domestic game.

The Lagos trio of Inter Lagos, Ikorodu City and Sporting Lagos will make Lagos the hub of the NPFL

The resurgence echoes the early 1990s, particularly 1993, when Lagos was home to four of the 16 clubs in the professional league — including the iconic Stationery Stores, Julius Berger, ACB, and VIP. During that period, the city was widely regarded as the epicentre of Nigerian football culture, talent and competition.

Three decades later, history appears to be repeating itself — albeit with a modern twist.

Unlike the largely corporate-backed teams of the past, the current Lagos trio is privately owned, reflecting a shift in the structure of Nigerian football. Analysts see this as a positive development, suggesting that private investment could bring improved management, financial stability and long-term vision to the domestic league.

Beyond symbolism, the practical benefits are significant. With three Lagos-based teams in the NPFL, each club is expected to play at least 12 of its 36 league matches within the city, reducing travel costs and logistical strain.

The proximity of neighbouring clubs such as Shooting Stars in Ibadan and Remo Stars in Ikenne further strengthens the regional football ecosystem, offering opportunities for local rivalries and increased fan engagement.

For Lagos, the implications go beyond numbers. The return of multiple top-flight clubs reinforces its status not just as a historical cradle of Nigerian football, but as a present-day engine for its growth.

As the new NPFL season approaches, one narrative stands out: football, in many ways, is coming back home — to Lagos, where its story in Nigeria was first truly written.

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The death of Ibrahim Galadima on Saturday has not only drawn tributes from across the Nigerian football community, but it has also quietly marked the further thinning of a generation that once steered the country’s football fortunes.

Galadima, who presided over the Nigeria Football Association (NFA)—now known as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)—between 2002 and 2006, joins a growing list of former helmsmen whose voices have faded into history.

Since its founding in August 1933, Nigeria’s football governing body has had 34 presidents and chairmen, each leaving their imprint, whether through reform, controversy, or moments of national glory.

Today, however, only seven of those former leaders remain alive. This is a stark reminder of the passage of time and the changing face of football administration in Nigeria.

The surviving former heads are:

• Amaju Pinnick
• Aminu Maigari
• Sani Lulu Abdullahi
• Anthony Kojo Williams
• Amos Adamu
• Abdulmumini Aminu
• Yusuf Ali

A Roll Call of Departed Administrators

In recent years, the Nigerian football family has witnessed the steady departure of several of its former leaders:

• Dominic Oneya (d. August 2021)
• John Obakpolor (d. February 1, 2021)
• Emeka Omeruah (d. December 4, 2006)
• Earlier, the nation had bid farewell to notable figures such as:
• Efiom Edem Okon, who passed away on January 1, 2013, in Chelmsford, Essex, at the age of 88
• Chuba Ikpeazu, who died on December 27, 2004, aged 92

Remembering Okwechime and Dankaro’s Era

One of the defining administrators of the early 1980s, Mike Okwechime, died on February 23, 2018, in Benin City at the age of 87.

Col. Mike Okwechime, NFA Chairman, 1981-1982

Okwechime’s tenure was brief but significant. He took over the leadership of the NFA in 1981 from Sunday Dankaro, who had presided over Nigerian football from 1974 to 1980—a period remembered for structural consolidation within the game.

Before his appointment, Okwechime had served as a colonel heading the then National Sports Council, underscoring the long-standing intersection between military administration and sports governance in Nigeria.

The passing of Galadima is more than the loss of a former football administrator; it is part of a broader transition. These were men who governed Nigerian football in eras defined by limited resources, political interference, and evolving international expectations.

Their tenures spanned military regimes, democratic transitions, and the globalisation of football administration.

As their numbers dwindle, so too does a direct link to the institutional memory of Nigerian football—from its colonial roots in 1933 to its modern-day complexities.

A Moment for Reflection

With only seven former heads of the federation still alive, Nigerian football stands at a reflective crossroads.

The question now is not just about remembering these administrators, but about preserving their experiences, both the triumphs and the missteps, as guiding lessons for future leadership.

For in their stories lies the unfinished narrative of Nigerian football itself.

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Originally scheduled for 8:00 p.m., the decisive encounter eventually began at 9:20 p.m., following a 1-hour and 20-minute disruption caused by crowd trouble attributed to sections of the Algerian supporters.

Disorder Before Kick-off

Tensions escalated just minutes before kick-off when a large number of fans surged onto the pitch, overwhelming security personnel and creating scenes of confusion inside the stadium.

A sea of red as Algerian supporters invade the pitch

Eyewitnesses reported that the disorder began in the section occupied by visiting supporters, with acts of hooliganism including the throwing of chairs and attacks directed at local fans and members of the press.

The situation quickly deteriorated, forcing match officials and players from both teams to abandon the field as safety concerns took precedence.

Teams React as Calm Is Restored

While Olympique de Safi players maintained their warm-up routines amid the uncertainty, their Algerian counterparts retreated to the dressing room and were slow to return to the pitch even after order was gradually restored.

Officials from the Confederation of African Football intervened, with the match security commissioner ultimately confirming the revised kick-off time.

USM Alger players only re-emerged close to 9:00 p.m., raising questions among observers about the visitors’ approach in the aftermath of the disturbances.

A Night Meant for History Disrupted

For Olympique de Safi, the fixture represented one of the most significant matches in the club’s history, marking a remarkable run in their debut continental campaign.

However, the focus shifted from football to security management, as organisers battled to regain control of the stadium and ensure conditions were safe for play.

Witnesses described the incident as unprecedented at the venue, with the scale of the pitch invasion disrupting pre-match preparations and creating an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty.

CAF Set to Act

The Confederation of African Football is expected to open a formal review into the incidents, with disciplinary measures likely to follow.

Sunday’s events have reignited concerns about crowd control and supporter behaviour in high-stakes continental fixtures, echoing previous disturbances seen in major African competitions.

For Moroccan football authorities and fans alike, the hope is that firm action will be taken to prevent a recurrence of such scenes and to protect the integrity of the game.

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 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race took another dramatic turn on Matchday 35 as leaders Enugu Rangers strengthened their grip at the summit, while challengers Rivers United stumbled to keep the contest wide open with three matches to go.

Rangers moved to 59 points after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Enyimba in Enugu on Sunday, extending their lead at the top. The Flying Antelopes showed resilience against their Oriental rivals, reinforcing their title credentials at a crucial stage of the season.

However, the biggest twist of the weekend came in Kano, where Kano Pillars defeated Rivers United 2-1, halting the Port Harcourt side’s momentum. The result leaves Rivers United just one point behind the leaders on 58 points, setting up a tense run-in.

Top Four Battle Intensifies

The race for continental spots is equally fierce, with Ikorodu City and Abia Warriors locked on 55 points.

Abia Warriors boosted their chances with a 2-1 win over Ikorodu City, a result that not only tightened the top four race but also dealt a blow to Ikorodu’s ambitions of closing the gap on the top two.

Shooting Stars, sitting fifth on 54 points, also kept pace with a valuable 2-1 away win against El Kanemi, staying firmly in contention for a continental ticket.

Mid-Table Shuffle

Further down the table, Nasarawa United delivered one of the most emphatic performances of the round, thrashing Warri Wolves 3-0 to climb to sixth with 53 points.

Bendel Insurance, who edged Wikki Tourists 2-1 on Saturday, remain seventh with 52 points, continuing their quiet push toward the top tier.

Elsewhere:

• Katsina United edged Bayelsa United 3-2 in a five-goal thriller
• Kwara United defeated Barau FC 2-1
• Remo Stars boosted survival hopes with a commanding 3-0 win over Niger Tornadoes
• Plateau United and Kun Khalifat settled for a 1-1 draw

Relegation Fight Goes Down to the Wire

At the bottom, the battle to avoid relegation remains intense. Wikki Tourists, Bayelsa United, and Kun Khalifat are all tied on 40 points, with only goal difference separating them.

Despite their defeat, Wikki Tourists remain within reach of safety, while Bayelsa United’s narrow loss in Katsina further complicates their survival hopes.

A Nervy Finish Beckons

With just three rounds left, the NPFL season is heading for a thrilling conclusion.

Rangers hold a slender advantage, but Rivers United remain firmly in pursuit, while the chasing pack continues to apply pressure from behind.

At both ends of the table, nothing is settled—ensuring that the final weeks of the season will be defined by tension, drama, and possibly, late twists in Nigeria’s top-flight story.

Week 35 Results

Saturday April 18

• Wikki Tourists 1-2 Bendel Insurance

Sunday April 19

• Plateau United 1-1 Kun Khalifat
• Enugu Rangers 2-1 Enyimba
• Katsina United 3-2 Bayelsa United
• Kano Pillars 2-1 Rivers United
• Kwara United 2-1 Barau
• Abia Warriors 2-1 Ikorodu City
• El Kanemi 1-2 Shooting Stars
• Nasarawa United 3-0 Warri Wolves
• Remo Stars 3-0 Niger Tornadoes

                                   The Table

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An AFP journalist reported that the trio were freed on Saturday from Al Arjat 2 prison, located northeast of Rabat. They were transported in a gendarmerie vehicle to a police station near Salé, where formalities for their release were completed.

The supporters were later received by officials of the Senegalese embassy, with one of them expressing gratitude in Moroccan dialect, saying, “Dima Maroc, dima Maghrib” (long live Morocco), as they emerged smiling from custody.

However, the case is far from over for other fans involved in the incident. Fifteen additional Senegalese supporters remain in detention, serving sentences ranging from six months to one year. Their convictions were upheld on appeal earlier this week.

The group had been prosecuted on charges of hooliganism, including acts of violence—particularly against law enforcement—damage to stadium property, pitch invasion, and throwing of projectiles during the ill-tempered final held on January 18.

A French national of Algerian origin, also implicated in the disturbances for throwing a water bottle, was similarly released after completing a three-month sentence.

The chaos stemmed from a controversial climax to the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco in Rabat. The referee awarded a late penalty to Morocco shortly after disallowing a Senegalese goal, triggering protests from Senegal’s players and outrage among their supporters.

The situation escalated when some Senegalese fans attempted to invade the pitch and hurled objects, forcing a temporary halt to proceedings. Order was eventually restored, and the match resumed, with Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missing the decisive penalty.

Senegal went on to secure a 1-0 victory in extra time through Pape Gueye, seemingly clinching the continental title on the pitch.

However, the controversy extended beyond the final whistle. On March 17, the Confederation of African Football awarded the 2025 AFCON title to Morocco by forfeit, citing the disturbances and subsequent disciplinary considerations.

Senegal has since challenged the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle over the tournament’s outcome.

The release of the three supporters marks a significant development in the aftermath of one of the most contentious finals in recent African football history, even as tensions over the disputed title continue to reverberate across the continent.

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After 34 matchweeks and 340 matches played, a total of 663 goals have been scored, pointing to a league that has combined competitiveness with moments of attacking brilliance, even if the average goals per game stands at a modest 1.9.

At the heart of the campaign is the growing influence of emerging clubs like Ikorodu City, whose impressive second appearance at the top-flight league has been backed by remarkable statistics.

They remain one of only three sides yet to lose at home — alongside Enugu Rangers and El-Kanemi Warriors.

Ikorodu City’s impact goes beyond results. Their striker Joseph Arumala currently leads the goal charts with 12 goals, while goalkeeper Michael Atata has recorded a league-high 16 clean sheets, providing the defensive backbone for their campaign.

Yet, their season has not been without flaws. They are the only side to have conceded four or more second-half goals in a match.

Across the league, attacking contributions have come from unlikely sources. Rangers’ defender Chidozie Iwundu has netted eight times to emerge as the highest-scoring defender, while Shooting Stars midfielder Ayobami Abiodun Junior leads the assist chart with 11.

Late drama has also been a defining feature. Enyimba have built a reputation for strong finishes, scoring 10 goals in the final 10 minutes of matches — more than any other side.

On the road, Abia Warriors have proven the most effective travellers, amassing 16 away points. At the same time, the league overall has seen 39 away victories, suggesting a gradual shift from the traditional dominance of home teams.

The season has also produced moments of high drama, none more so than the eight-goal thriller between Wikki Tourists and Katsina United, which ended 4-4 — the highest-scoring match so far.

Early intensity has been another hallmark, with Nasarawa United leading the way in fast starts, scoring seven goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches — the most in the league.

Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance and Rangers have set the pace in first-half dominance, each scoring 24 goals before the break — a statistic that reflects tactical sharpness and early control in matches.

As the campaign heads toward its climax, these numbers offer more than just statistical insight — they frame a season defined by emerging contenders, tactical battles, and shifting dynamics.

With four matchweeks remaining, the race for glory and survival is poised for a thrilling conclusion, where consistency, discipline and perhaps a touch of late drama will ultimately determine who lifts the trophy and who falls by the wayside.

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The row intensified on Friday after New Jersey Transit confirmed it would charge $150 for a round-trip journey from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium for World Cup ticket holders — more than 11 times the usual fare.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi criticised the pricing model, describing it as a potential barrier to fan attendance.

“The current pricing model will have a chilling effect,” Schirgi said. “Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options, increasing congestion and the risk of late arrivals, while diminishing the broader economic benefits the region hopes to gain.”

In addition to rail costs, organisers revealed that an alternative bus service to matches would cost $80 per passenger, with no concessions for children, seniors or persons with disabilities.

However, New Jersey officials have defended the pricing, pointing to the financial burden of hosting the tournament. Governor Mikie Sherrill insisted taxpayers should not subsidise transportation for fans, noting that the agreement inherited by her administration placed no financial responsibility on FIFA for transit costs.

“This will cost NJ Transit at least $48 million, while FIFA is positioned to make $11 billion during the World Cup,” Sherrill said. “If FIFA will not cover the cost of transporting its fans, we will not shift that burden onto New Jersey residents.”

NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri added that the agency, which faces a $200 million structural deficit, is simply attempting to recover operational costs rather than profit from the event.

The dispute highlights broader tensions between FIFA and host cities over the financial demands of staging the expanded 48-team tournament. While FIFA is expected to generate billions from broadcasting, sponsorships and ticket sales, host cities are responsible for infrastructure, security and transportation expenses.

FIFA, in response, described New Jersey’s pricing stance as “unprecedented,” arguing that no other major sporting event organiser has been asked to absorb such costs.

The governing body also pointed to more affordable transport plans in other host cities. Kansas City is offering $15 matchday bus services, while Philadelphia’s subway fares will remain at $2.90. Houston and Los Angeles are also maintaining low-cost public transport options.

However, similar controversies have surfaced elsewhere. In Boston, rail fares to Gillette Stadium have reportedly increased to $80, with bus alternatives priced at $95, drawing criticism from fans and stakeholders.

The escalating war of words underscores the challenges facing organisers as they prepare for what is expected to be the largest World Cup in history. With MetLife Stadium set to host eight matches, including the final, concerns are mounting that high transport costs could affect attendance, fan experience and the tournament’s economic legacy.

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• * Round-trip transit fares rise over 10-fold for World Cup events
• * NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri cites security and parking closures for fare hike
• * Limited rideshare, closed parking lots, and shuttle options to ​manage congestion

Round-trip public transit tickets to World Cup ‌games in New Jersey will cost $150, up from less than $15 for the same route on a typical day, FIFA and NJ Transit officials said on Friday.

The more than 10-fold increase in transit fares adds to the cost of World ​Cup match tickets, which can run into the thousands of dollars.

“We’re expecting public transportation across ​the shuttle and New Jersey transit to sell out, because those are going ⁠to be the fastest and most efficient ways to get to the stadium,” the CEO of ​the World Cup’s New York/New Jersey host committee said on Friday.

The service will include round-trip tickets from ​New York City to the MetLife Stadium on trains and shuttles. About 40,000 non-refundable tickets will be available for World Cup ticket holders and go on sale on May 13.

The stadium has a capacity of around 80,000 people.

FIFA will ​run a shuttle bus service to the stadium from several locations, including Manhattan, which will cost $80 for ​a round trip, several times higher than the price for the same journey on a regular day, and will ‌have ⁠a capacity to transport 10,000 people. Tickets are expected to go on sale on Friday.

Asked to justify the price hikes, which typically do not occur during other events at the same stadium, New Jersey Transit CEO Kris Kolluri linked it to the higher number of passengers, driven by the closure of ​public parking around the stadium ​and increased costs ⁠due to World Cup security requirements.

“All consumer protection triggers that usually trigger a violation don’t apply to us, because, one, we’re seeking reimbursement for what we’re ​spending, and two, we’re not a for-profit company,” Kolluri said.

Other transportation options, ​including rideshare, will ⁠be limited because public parking lots around the stadium that normally accommodate more than 20,000 cars will be closed on game days.

The host committee said it will manage traffic to reduce congestion near the stadium. It ⁠gave ​a drop-off location for cars that is about a 20-minute walk ​from the stadium.

Penn Station in Manhattan will be closed to other passengers for four hours before and after the games.

MetLife ​Stadium will host eight World Cup games, including the final.

-Reuters

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