Osimhen and Lookman helps the Super Eagles defeat Benin Republic.
Ademola Lookman scored twice as Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Benin Republic 3-0 in their AFCON 2025 qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday. The Atalanta winger capitalized on a lapse in Benin’s defense, scoring in both halves. Victor Osimhen, coming on as a second-half substitute, added to the score line. This win avenged Nigeria’s earlier 2-1 loss to Benin in Abidjan, marking a positive start for interim coach Austin Eguavoen toward Morocco 2025 qualification. Despite dominating the chances, Nigeria’s wasteful finishing and Benin’s solid goalkeeping kept the score in check until Lookman sealed his brace in the 85th minute. Goalkeeper Nwabali made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. Nigeria now leads Group D with three points, while Benin sits at the bottom after the first match of the series.
Victory To Us. 🦅 🇳🇬
NGN 3 – 0 BEN
What do you have to say to @Alookman_ @victorosimhen9 ? #Soarsupereagles #LetsDoItAgain pic.twitter.com/GKoByFDTjE
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 7, 2024
England starts the Nations League with a 2-0 win over Ireland.
Goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish secured England a 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in Lee Carsley’s debut as interim manager. Both Rice and Grealish, who had previously played for Ireland at youth level before switching to England, were booed throughout the game but responded with first-half goals. In their first match since Gareth Southgate’s resignation after Euro 2024, England started confidently and quickly went ahead with strikes from the two controversial figures at the Aviva Stadium. Grealish’s second goal, set up by Rice, showcased a well-executed team move that highlighted England’s strong first-half under Carsley. Although England’s momentum dipped in the second half as Ireland improved, the visitors remained largely unthreatened. The match also saw late debuts for Morgan Gibbs-White and Angel Gomes.
Job done in Dublin.
The perfect start to our #NationsLeague campaign in Lee Carsley's first game as interim head coach 💪 pic.twitter.com/eklMp8SsVJ
— England (@England) September 7, 2024
Zirkzee scores debut goal as the Netherlands dismantle Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Netherlands started their Nations League campaign with a 5-2 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at Philips Stadion. Joshua Zirkzee, making his first international start, scored his debut goal in the 13th minute, but Bosnia equalized through Ermedin Demirovic 14 minutes later. Tijjani Reijnders restored the Dutch lead just before halftime, and Cody Gakpo added a third in the 56th minute. Veteran Edin Dzeko pulled one back for Bosnia in the 73rd minute, briefly threatening a comeback. However, late goals from Wout Weghorst and Xavi Simons secured the win for the Netherlands. This was the Dutch team’s first game since reaching the Euro 2024 semifinals, with coach Ronald Koeman fielding a refreshed lineup. Zirkzee, replacing Memphis Depay, impressed with his performance, as the Dutch eye a strong path to the 2026 World Cup.
The Netherlands 🇳🇱 get a big win over Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lIVdMqSwW4
— 433 (@433) September 7, 2024
Barcelona’s Dani Olmo leaves Spain’s team despite unserious injury.
Spain’s Dani Olmo will miss Sunday’s UEFA Nations League match against Switzerland and return to Barcelona due to a minor knee injury. Olmo, 26, was substituted in the 82nd minute during Spain’s goalless draw against Serbia on Thursday. Although the injury is not considered serious, it’s been decided he will skip the Switzerland game to focus on recovery. Barcelona, who are unbeaten in LaLiga this season, will hope to have him fit for their game against Girona next Sunday. Olmo joined Barça from RB Leipzig this summer for €55 million but missed the season’s first two games due to registration issues tied to financial fair play rules. He made a strong impact on his debut, scoring in a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano and netting again in a 7-0 victory against Real Valladolid.
🔵🔴 Dani Olmo returns to Barcelona, as he’s not included in the squad for today’s game against Switzerland.
No serious injury but Spain staff decided not to take any risk. pic.twitter.com/OYM88iLFwT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 8, 2024
Luis Enrique is being offered a new contract to remain at PSG.
Paris Saint-Germain is working on a new contract for head coach Luis Enrique, highlighting his vital role in the club’s future. Enrique, who took over as PSG coach in the summer of 2023, has been instrumental in the club’s transfer planning and is highly valued by the management. Although his current contract extends until June 2025, PSG is eager to secure an extension due to his successful adaptation and influence in building the squad. Under Enrique’s leadership, PSG has achieved notable success, clinching the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France in his debut season. His tactical acumen and ability to manage star players have been crucial to the team’s improved performances, prompting the club to ensure his long-term commitment to their ongoing ambitions.
🚨🔴🔵 Paris Saint-Germain have new contract proposal ready for Luis Enrique as key part of the project.
Spanish manager was fully involved in transfer plan this summer and he’s highly rated at the club.
Current deal expires in June 2025, PSG are working to extend it. pic.twitter.com/POguvflPm1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 8, 2024