Sports
Galatasaray’s Win Over Tottenham ‘Marks New Era for Turkish Football’ – Buruk
In an exhilarating UEFA Europa League clash, Galatasaray edged out Tottenham Hotspur with a 3-2 victory, a win that the Turkish club sees as more than just three points.
According to head coach Okan Buruk, the match was a statement for Turkish football as a whole.
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“Tonight, we didn’t just play for Galatasaray; we played for Turkish football,” Buruk said in a post-match statement on the club’s website. “We showed exactly what a Turkish team can do to a Premier League side. It’s time we do our talking on the field — not off it.”
Galatasaray deployed an aggressive 3-4-1-2 formation, meticulously designed to counter Tottenham’s play style.
The preparation and strategic boldness paid off as the team controlled possession and found opportunities to capitalize on Tottenham’s vulnerabilities.
“This was one of the most dominant performances Turkish football has seen against an English club,” Buruk added. “We forced Tottenham into mistakes they rarely make.”
The night’s hero was Victor Osimhen, whose two first-half goals in the 31st and 39th minutes demonstrated precision and power, giving Galatasaray a commanding lead.
Buruk praised Osimhen’s relentless effort, saying, “He gave everything despite being tired, and it paid off spectacularly. We could have scored 7 or 8 goals if we had converted all our chances.”
Galatasaray’s relentless attack began early, with Yunus Akgün scoring the opener just six minutes into the game. Although Tottenham’s Will Lankshear equalized soon after, Osimhen’s double strike reestablished the Lions’ lead, sending the Ali Sami Yen Stadium into an electrifying atmosphere.
Reflecting on the crowd’s support, Buruk credited the fans for creating an intense environment that spurred the team on. “The fans and the players worked together as one. We created chances, applied pressure, and showed the quality of the Turkish league. This wasn’t just a game; it was a reminder of what our teams are capable of.”
Tottenham fought back in the second half with a goal from Dominic Solanke in the 69th minute, but Galatasaray’s defense held firm.
Despite making late substitutions to manage fatigue, the Lions maintained their grip on the game, preventing a comeback.
Buruk sees the victory as part of a larger movement for Turkish football. “Our success goes beyond tonight,” he emphasized, referencing recent Turkish clubs’ achievements across Europe. “We’re building our reputation, contributing to our country’s ranking, and proving that Turkish football deserves respect.”
Galatasaray now turn their focus to an upcoming league match against Samsunspor, buoyed by a victory that echoes across Turkish football and bolsters their growing reputation in Europe.
Sports
Australian Tennis Champion, Max Purcell Faces Doping Suspension
Australian doubles champion, Max Purcell has been provisionally suspended after admitting to a violation of anti-doping regulations, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Monday.
The 26-year-old, ranked 12th in the world for doubles, confessed to using a “prohibited method” and voluntarily entered a provisional suspension beginning December 10.
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The ITIA confirmed the suspension took full effect on December 12, stating, “Time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction.”
As a result of the suspension, the 26-year-old is banned from competing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis events sanctioned by the sport’s governing bodies.
This suspension rules him out of January’s Australian Open, where he was expected to be a strong contender.
Purcell’s career highlights include winning the 2022 Wimbledon doubles title with fellow Australian Matt Ebden and this year’s US Open doubles crown alongside Jordan Thompson.
In a statement, Tennis Australia clarified that the violation concerned a prohibited method rather than a banned substance.
“The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the breach relates to the use of a prohibited method, rather than the presence of a prohibited substance.
“As the matter is currently under investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time,” it said.
The ITIA did not provide further details regarding the breach but noted that investigations are ongoing.
This case comes amid increased scrutiny over doping in tennis. Recent incidents include Polish world number two Iga Swiatek and Italian top-ranked player Jannik Sinner.
Swiatek received a one-month sanction earlier this year after testing positive for a banned heart medication, though the violation was deemed unintentional.
Meanwhile, Sinner was cleared after twice testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol, though the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed the decision.
Both Swiatek and Sinner are set to compete in the Australian Open, beginning January 12.
Sports
CAF Awards: GTI Congratulates NFF, Lookman, Others
Strategic partners to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), GTI Group has congratulated the football ruling body on the successful achievements of Nigerian footballers at the just concluded CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco where Super Eagles dare-devil striker Ademola Lookman was crowned the African Player of the Year.
Head of Media and Publicity, GTI, Andrew Ekejiuba, in a statement in Lagos, expressed great hope that the efforts of the NFF at restructuring and repositioning football development in the country has begun yielding the desired results.
Biztellers reports that CAF awards event also witnessed the back-to-back emergence of Super Falcons goaltender, Chiamaka Nnadozie as CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while the Super Falcons carted home the Women’s National Team of the Year award.
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Ekejiuba reiterated that the Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF is gradually returning the country to the glorious years when Nigeria dominated the award and was once ranked 5th best soccer-playing nation by the world football ruling body FIFA.
“The achievements of our Nigerian players at the just concluded CAF Award is a testament to the abundance of talents in the country and the clear vision of Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board to ensure that these players realise their ambition to become the best in the continent and beyond.
“Therefore, GTI congratulates the Awardees for bringing honour to Nigeria,” he said.
“As strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League, GTI’s relentless effort with the NPFL Board has helped to lay a solid foundation for a prosperous elite league that will eventually attract the best legs locally and internationally. Also, by focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive”.
Sports
NWFL Board In Talks With StarTimes For More Visibility
In a bid to ensure increased visibility for the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) this coming season, the Board has reaffirmed its commitment by engaging with StarTimes, a key broadcasting partner.
This filtered out of the NWFL Annual General Assembly held in Abuja on Tuesday, which saw Chairman of the NWFL Board, Nkechi Obi, lead a high-powered delegation to meet with StarTimes management on Wednesday.
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She said, “This partnership is a vital step in our mission to bring the excitement of the league to a wider audience and showcase the talent in women’s football.”
It was gathered that during the discussions, StarTimes’ Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Tunde Aina reiterated that, “StarTimes is committed to delivering top-quality coverage and ensuring that our viewers enjoy every moment of the women’s leagues.”
These initiatives aim to significantly boost audience engagement and elevate the NWFL’s profile both locally and internationally. The discussions covered the production and coverage of matches, highlight shows, and strategic marketing of league content across StarTimes’ diverse channels.
As a key outcome of the meeting, a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being finalized, with both parties expressing optimism about concluding arrangements in time for the Season Opener.
The anticipated partnership is expected to kick off with the high-stakes NWFL Premiership clash between defending champions Edo Queens and Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on January 15, 2025.
The meeting was attended by high-ranking NWFL officials, including Vice Chairperson Hajiya Hussina Suleiman and Board member, Madam Henrietta Ihiabor.