Category: Sports

BUDAPEST, Hungary (NPA) — Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) retained the UEFA Champions League title on Saturday after defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in a dramatic final at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.

Arsenal made a dream start to the contest, taking the lead in the fifth minute through Kai Havertz, whose clinical finish gave the Premier League side an early advantage.

PSG levelled in the 65th minute when Ousmane Dembélé converted from the penalty spot after Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera was adjudged to have fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inside the box.

Both sides created chances to win the match in regulation and extra time, with Kvaratskhelia striking the post for PSG and Bradley Barcola denied by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

However, neither side could find a decisive goal, forcing the final into a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Arsenal’s hopes suffered a major setback when Eberechi Eze missed his effort, while PSG converted four of their spot-kicks.

Morocco international Achraf Hakimi scored the winning penalty to seal a historic victory for the French champions.

“This team has shown resilience and belief throughout the competition. Winning back-to-back Champions League titles is a special achievement for the club,” Hakimi said after the match.

The triumph makes PSG only the second club in the modern Champions League era, after Real Madrid, to successfully defend the European crown.

For Arsenal, the defeat extended the club’s wait for a first UEFA Champions League title despite an impressive campaign that saw the Gunners reach their first final in two decades.

SPORTS (NPA) — Crystal Palace have written a new chapter in their long history by lifting the UEFA Conference League trophy after defeating Spanish side Rayo Vallecano 1–0 in Leipzig, Germany. The victory marks the club’s first European title in its 121‑year existence, a milestone celebrated passionately by fans both at the stadium and back in South London.

The breakthrough came in the 51st minute when Jean‑Philippe Mateta reacted quickest to a rebound from Adam Wharton’s strike, slotting home the decisive goal. Palace nearly doubled their lead minutes later when Yeremy Pino’s free‑kick rattled both posts, while Mateta forced another fine save from Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla. Despite late pressure from Vallecano, including a missed chance by Alemão, Palace’s defence held firm to secure the historic win.

UEFA named Adam Wharton Player of the Match for his commanding midfield performance and his role in creating the winning goal. Manager Oliver Glasner, who departs the club this summer, leaves behind a remarkable legacy — having delivered three trophies in two years, including the FA Cup and Community Shield.

This triumph not only crowns Palace’s European journey but also secures them a place in next season’s UEFA Europa League, boosting both prestige and financial rewards. For Rayo Vallecano, the defeat was bittersweet, as the Spanish side earned admiration for their fearless run to their first European final, eliminating Strasbourg and AEK Athens along the way.

Crystal Palace’s victory in Leipzig is more than just a trophy; it is a statement of ambition and resilience. After finishing 15th in the Premier League this season, the Eagles have shown they can soar on the continental stage, rewriting their history with a night that will never be forgotten in football’s history.

SPORTS (NPA) — Arsenal have been crowned Premier League Champions after defeating Crystal Palace 2–1 at Selhurst Park on Sunday, sealing their 26th win of the campaign. Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke secured the victory, while Jean‑Philippe Mateta’s strike for Palace was not enough to spoil the celebrations.

The Gunners were mathematically confirmed champions earlier in the week when Manchester City failed to beat Bournemouth, leaving Arsenal four points clear before the final round of fixtures. The triumph delivered Arsenal’s 14th English League title, ending a 22‑year wait since their last crown in the 2003/04 “Invincibles” season, when Arsène Wenger’s side went unbeaten throughout the league campaign.

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have undergone a remarkable transformation. Since taking charge in 2019, Arteta has rebuilt the squad with a blend of youth and experience, instilled tactical discipline, and fostered resilience in high‑pressure matches.

His emphasis on pressing, positional play, and squad depth proved decisive in overcoming rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. Arteta’s leadership has been widely credited with restoring Arsenal’s winning mentality and guiding them back to the summit of English football.

Arsenal now turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League Final on May 30 in Budapest, where they face defending champions Paris Saint‑Germain. With momentum from their Premier League triumph, Arteta’s men will be aiming to secure a historic first Champions League trophy.

Analysts note that Arsenal’s attacking depth, defensive solidity, and Arteta’s tactical acumen give them a strong chance, though PSG’s experience and star power present a formidable challenge.

For Arsenal fans, the double dream — Premier League and Champions League — is alive, and Budapest could mark the crowning moment of Arteta’s project.

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has congratulated Rangers International F.C. on winning the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title following a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City F.C. on the final day of the season at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo scored both goals to secure the victory and hand the Flying Antelopes their ninth league crown.

Mbah, in a statement, described the triumph as a product of hard work, sacrifice, discipline, and resilience, noting that Enugu State was proud of the club’s achievement.

“Champions are not built in a single match. They are built through hard work, sacrifice, discipline, and the courage to keep fighting until the very end,” the governor said.

He stated that Rangers International had always represented more than football for the people of Enugu, describing the club as a symbol of pride, identity, resilience, and hope.

According to him, the club’s historic ninth NPFL title reflected the dedication and commitment of the players, coaching crew, management, backroom staff, and everyone who contributed behind the scenes to the success.

“This victory also belongs to every supporter who never stopped believing, every former player who wore the badge with pride, and every young child in Enugu dreaming of one day stepping onto that pitch in Rangers colours,” he added.

Rangers International, one of Nigeria’s most successful football clubs, have now won nine NPFL titles, with their latest triumph coming after the decisive win against Ikorodu City in Lagos.

The Flying Antelopes previously won the league title in the 2023/24 season after defeating Bendel Insurance F.C. 2-0 to clinch the crown.

Before Rangers’ latest triumph, Rivers United F.C. won the NPFL title in the 2024/25 season, finishing ahead of Enyimba F.C. and Remo Stars F.C. in the final standings.

DAKAR, Senegal (NPA) — Senegal have announced their official squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw naming a balanced 26‑man list combining experience, youth, and attacking flair.

The list, released by the Senegalese Football Federation, features star names such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Édouard Mendy, alongside emerging talents like Lamine Camara, Habib Diarra, and Assane Diao.

Édouard Mendy, Mory Diaw, and Yehvann Diouf will handle goalkeeping duties, while the defence is anchored by Krépin Diatta, Antoine Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Mamadou Sarr, Moussa Niakhaté, Moustapha Mbow, Abdoulaye Seck, Ismaïl Jakobs, and Ilay Camara.

In midfield, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Habib Diarra, Pathé Ciss, Pape Matar Sarr, and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye provide depth and creativity.

The attack line boasts Sadio Mané, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Assane Diao, Ibrahim Mbaye, Nicolas Jackson, Bamba Dieng, and Chérif Ndiaye — a mix of pace, power, and precision.

Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw emphasized balance and versatility in his selection, blending seasoned internationals with promising newcomers. The squad reflects Senegal’s tactical evolution since their 2022 campaign, with a focus on dynamic midfield play and pace‑driven attack.

The inclusion of young prospects such as Bara Sapoko Ndiaye and Ilay Camara signals Thiaw’s intent to refresh the team while maintaining the core that delivered continental success.

Senegal, drawn in a competitive group for the tournament, will rely on its defensive solidity led by Koulibaly and Mendy, and the attacking brilliance of Mané and Jackson to push for another deep World Cup run.

The announcement has sparked excitement across Senegal, with fans eager to see the Lions of Teranga roar again on football’s biggest stage.

SPORTS (NPA) — Aston Villa have confirmed plans for a victory parade through Birmingham city centre tomorrow, Thursday, May 21, following their emphatic 3‑0 win over SC Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League final at Beşiktaş Park, Istanbul. The triumph marks Villa’s first European success in 44 years, since their famous night in Rotterdam, and cements manager Unai Emery’s record fifth Europa League title.

The claret and blue side swept past Feyenoord, Fenerbahçe, Bologna, Lille and Nottingham Forest en route to the final, scoring 31 goals and delivering unforgettable moments for supporters. With many unable to travel to Türkiye, the club said the parade will serve as a communal celebration, bringing fans and players together in Birmingham.

The parade will begin at Branston Street in the Jewellery Quarter at approximately 4.30 pm, covering a 4.5km route through Sand Pits, Broad Street and Centenary Square. It is expected to last between 60 and 90 minutes. Three open‑top buses will feature in the convoy: a lead blue bus carrying media, a claret bus carrying the players, and a final blue bus for staff. The centrepiece will be a trophy lift, promising a moment of pride for both the club and the city.

While the club explored recreating the iconic 1982 European Cup celebrations at Victoria Square and staging fan engagement at Centenary Square, both proposals were ruled out due to ongoing works and safety concerns. FAAN emphasised that public safety remains paramount.

Villa acknowledged that some supporters who travelled to Istanbul may not return in time for the parade, but assured them that the event will be broadcast live on VillaTV, YouTube, and the club’s social media channels. Screens will also be positioned at intervals along the route to ensure fans can enjoy the spectacle without overcrowding.

The timing of the parade was shaped by several factors: the squad’s training schedule ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City, Birmingham Pride celebrations on May 25, and players’ commitments to international squads for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The club said Thursday was the only viable option.

“A sea of claret and blue along the banks of the Bosphorus was a sight to behold, but we know it will be incomparable to the scenes in our home city of Birmingham,” the club said in its statement. “This will be an opportunity for those who missed out on being in Istanbul to be part of the team’s homecoming — and we cannot wait to bring the trophy home to you.”

Tomorrow’s celebrations are expected to draw thousands of fans, uniting Birmingham in a moment of history as Villa bring European silverware home once again.

WASHINGTON, United States (NPA) — The United States Department of State has URGED football fans planning to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 to begin their visa application processes immediately, warning that early preparation is essential ahead of the global tournament.

The US government said the tournament represents “a once in a lifetime opportunity” to showcase America to millions of visitors from across the world.

In a statement by the Department of State, President Donald Trump said the United States was eager to welcome football supporters from around the globe.

“This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase the beauty and the greatness of America. And we can’t wait to welcome soccer fans from all over the globe,” Trump stated.

The State Department noted that the US remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of national security and public safety throughout the visa issuance process for fans, teams, and visitors participating in World Cup activities.

According to the advisory, foreign visitors travelling to the United States for the tournament must possess passports valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, unless they are citizens of exempt countries.

The department clarified that citizens of Canada and Bermuda would not require additional travel authorisation to enter the United States as tourists.

It further explained that nationals from 42 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program may apply through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

However, fans from countries outside the visa waiver arrangement will be required to obtain valid B1/B2 visitor visas before travelling to the United States for the World Cup.

The US government also announced the introduction of the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS), designed to help supporters who purchase official World Cup tickets directly from FIFA secure visa interview appointments ahead of the tournament.

According to the State Department, only fans who opt into the FIFA PASS programme will qualify for the priority visa scheduling arrangement.