Sports
Dembele Set For Explosive PSG Comeback After Six Weeks On Sidelines
Paris Saint-Germain winger and reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele is poised for a sensational return to action after spending six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
The 28-year-old French star is expected to feature when PSG face Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, according to a source close to the club who confirmed the development to AFP on Monday.
Dembele sustained the injury while on international duty with France in early September and has since undergone rehabilitation at a specialist clinic in Qatar.
ALSO READ: Canada Humble Nigeria’s Flamingos 4–1 In U-17 Women’s World Cup Opener
His recovery appears to have gone smoothly, as he resumed full training with the PSG squad last week.
Although he missed PSG’s thrilling 3–3 draw against Strasbourg on Friday, club images released over the weekend showed Dembele participating fully in training, signaling his readiness to return to the pitch.
The winger’s comeback is a huge relief for head coach Luis Enrique, whose team has been hit by a series of injuries this season.
PSG, however, recently welcomed back forwards Desire Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, while midfielders Fabian Ruiz and João Neves remain unavailable.
Reports also suggest that team captain Marquinhos has traveled with the squad to Germany.
“I don’t know when the injured players will return,” Enrique said last Thursday, adding that the club would not “take risks with the players’ health.”
PSG have made a perfect start to their Champions League title defense, claiming victories over Atalanta and Barcelona in their first two group games.
A win against Leverkusen would further strengthen their position at the top of the group and continue their quest for back-to-back European glory.
With Dembele’s explosive pace and creativity back in the lineup, PSG fans have every reason to believe the French champions will light up Europe once again.
World football governing body FIFA is facing growing scrutiny after authorities in the United States opened an investigation into allegations of ticket pricing exploitation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The probe, announced by officials in New York and New Jersey, will examine whether FIFA engaged in unfair pricing strategies, including alleged “impossibly high” ticket costs, misleading seat allocations, and dynamic pricing models that push prices higher as demand increases.
According to prosecutors, the investigation aims to determine whether fans were unfairly treated during the ticket sales process or misled about what they were purchasing.
ALSO READ: Global Alarm: Amnesty Raises Red Flag Over 2026 World Cup Safety
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport described the ticketing system as confusing and exploitative, saying it has turned access to World Cup matches into what she called a “gauntlet of confusion and fake scarcity.”
Her New York counterpart, Letitia James, also expressed concern over rising ticket prices and accessibility, stressing that football supporters deserve transparency and fairness in the sales process.
The controversy has intensified ahead of the tournament kickoff on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the final scheduled to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
Beyond ticket prices, fans have also raised concerns about additional match-day costs, including expensive transportation and parking fees, further increasing the financial burden of attending games.
The investigation adds to mounting pressure on FIFA as global criticism grows over the commercialisation of major football tournaments and the affordability of attending matches for ordinary supporters.
Authorities in other US states have also reportedly raised concerns, suggesting the issue could be more widespread across the tournament’s hosting arrangements.
Strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, have joined millions of football fans across Nigeria and the diaspora in congratulating Rangers International FC of Enugu for emerging champions of the 2025/2026 NPFL season.
In a statement issued on Monday, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, praised the Flying Antelopes for securing their ninth league title, describing the achievement as a reflection of resilience, consistency, and the club’s rich football heritage.
He also commended the NPFL Board led by Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye for its sustained efforts in repositioning Nigerian football through the creation of a more competitive and commercially attractive league structure capable of restoring fans’ confidence and attracting wider national and international interest.
“The just concluded NPFL season will go down in history as one of the most competitive and exciting campaigns ever witnessed in Nigerian football, with the title race extending to the final day before a winner eventually emerged.
“For GTI, this is a landmark victory for Rangers International and a proud moment for Nigerian football. Winning the league title for the ninth time and equalling the record held by Enyimba FC is not only a testament to the club’s quality and tradition, but also a clear indication of the growing competitiveness of our elite league.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all 20 clubs that participated in the just concluded season, including those that secured continental tickets and those unfortunately relegated. Next season presents another opportunity for every team to improve and compete more strongly.
“GTI will continue to partner with the NPFL as Nigerian football steadily progresses toward greater continental and global relevance, judging by the quality and excitement witnessed throughout the 2025/2026 season,” Ekejiuba stated.
ALSO READ: S&P Credits Dangote Refinery, Key Reforms over Nigeria’s Economic Revival
Following the conclusion of Matchday 38 fixtures, Rangers International finished top of the table with 68 points after securing a 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City FC in Lagos. Rivers United FC finished second with 67 points despite defeating Katsina United FC 3-0, as Rangers only needed a win to guarantee the title.
Ikorodu City’s defeat ensured that Shooting Stars retained third position with 60 points despite their loss to Niger Tornadoes FC.
Statistics from the season showed that a total of 772 goals were scored, with 287 wins recorded, including 45 away victories and 93 matches drawn. Godwin Obaje of Rangers International emerged as the league’s top scorer with 14 goals.
Meanwhile, former champions Remo Stars FC and El-Kanemi Warriors joined Bayelsa United FC and Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi as the four clubs relegated at the end of the season.
PHOTO CAPTION: Rangers International Football Club of Enugu players celebrating after emerging champions of the NPFL 2025/2026 season in Lagos at the weekend.
The race to become Europe’s most prolific striker since 2020 has turned into one of the fiercest individual battles in modern football, with elite forwards pushing each other to record-breaking levels across the top five European leagues.
While the previous decade was dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, a new generation of attacking stars has taken over, reshaping the goal-scoring landscape in world football.
SEE ALSO: Harry Kane Hits Back At Critics With Historic Hat-Trick For Bayern Munich
According to compiled statistics from performances since the start of the 2020 decade, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane currently sits at the top of the chart with 175 goals, narrowly ahead of his closest rivals.
Hot on his heels are three of football’s biggest names tied on 174 goals each — Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland, France superstar Kylian Mbappé, and former Bayern Munich forward now at Barcelona Robert Lewandowski.
Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah follows behind with 128 goals, maintaining his reputation as one of the most consistent scorers in Europe.
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez has also impressed with 118 goals, leading the line for the Italian giants across multiple strong seasons.
Further down the list, Canadian striker Jonathan David (93 goals) and Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins (91 goals) have established themselves as reliable Premier League and Ligue 1 finishers respectively.
Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović and Osasuna forward Ante Budimir are level on 89 goals each, highlighting their consistency in Italy and Spain.
Completing the top scorers’ list is Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart forward Serhou Guirassy with 101 goals, reflecting his rise as one of Europe’s most efficient attackers in recent seasons.
See the list below:
1. Harry Kane – 175 goals
2. Erling Haaland – 174 goals
3. Kylian Mbappé – 174 goals
4. Robert Lewandowski – 174 goals
5. Mohamed Salah – 128 goals
6. Lautaro Martínez – 118 goals
7. Serhou Guirassy – 101 goals
8. Jonathan David – 93 goals
9. Ollie Watkins – 91 goals
10. Dušan Vlahović – 89 goals
The figures underline just how competitive modern football has become, with only a few goals separating some of the biggest names in the sport and every season capable of changing the rankings dramatically.
June 12 Emerges Deadline for 2025 Oil Block Bids
How a Woman Tried to Cash Out N50m by Faking Her Own Kidnapping
‘Not Off the Table’ — FG Threatens Retaliation Against South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians
Agip Retirees Lament over 17 Years Outstanding Pension after Oando Takeover
Loss of 5 Rigs Threaten Govt’s Revenue
Dangote Named Africa’s Most Admired Brand for 8th Consecutive Year
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
6pljja
There may be noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made certain nice factors in options also.
Thank you for another great post. Where else may anyone get that type of information in such a perfect method of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the search for such info.
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
I’m impressed, I need to say. Actually hardly ever do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you’ve got hit the nail on the head. Your concept is excellent; the problem is something that not enough individuals are speaking intelligently about. I am very blissful that I stumbled throughout this in my search for one thing relating to this.
Awesome blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your design. Kudos
Somebody essentially assist to make significantly articles I’d state. That is the first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular post amazing. Fantastic task!
Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was searching for! “We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.” by Johann von Goethe.
I really like your writing style, wonderful info, thanks for putting up :D. “Freedom is the emancipation from the arbitrary rule of other men.” by Mortimer Adler.
What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & help different users like its helped me. Good job.
This is a topic close to my heart cheers, where are your contact details though?
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. kudos
This actually answered my drawback, thank you!