This week has indeed been dramatic in the sporting world on both the local and international scene. Sporting Tribune brings thee biggest stories in sports this week.
Chelle’s list for Rwanda, Zimbabwe clash
Super Eagles’ head coach, Éric Chelle named his final list of 23 players for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Sporting Tribune reports that defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Raphael Onyedika and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Sadiq Umar also made the list.
Czech Republic-based defender, Igoh Ogbu, makes the final cut, alongside home-based midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha and red-hot Belgium-based forward, Tolu Arokodare.
The three-time African champions, will confront group C leaders, Rwanda, in Kigali on Friday, 21st March before taking on Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo four days later.
Alvarez’s controversial penalty
Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez had a penalty dramatically ruled out in the shootout as Real Madrid edged out their city rivals to reach the quarter-finals.
Alvarez thought he had scored to level things for Atleti in the penalty shootout, but a VAR review suggested the Argentine international committed a double kick that marked his kick missed, leading to debates among fans, coaches, and pundits.
That prompted UEFA to consider reviewing the rules for penalties.
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PSG’s ‘outstanding’ display at Anfield
Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions ended after they lost on penalties to an outstanding Paris St-Germain side after a night of drama at Anfield.
PSG, needing to claw back a 1-0 deficit from the first leg at home, demonstrated how they have matured under coach Luis Enrique as they knocked out a Liverpool side touted as favourites to win the tournament.
Liverpool mounted sustained pressure during the game but struggled to break down PSG’s resilient rearguard, although it took a fine clawing save from Donnarumma to keep out Luis Diaz’s header, while substitute Jarell Quansah struck the post and Dominik Szoboszlai had an effort ruled out for offside.
PSG were by far the better side in extra time, with Alisson making a magnificent save from Dembele before Liverpool’s fate was sealed on penalties.
‘Perfect captain’ Fernandes leads United
Manchester United head coach, Ruben Amorim described Bruno Fernandes as the ‘perfect captain’ after his hat-trick in United’s 4-1 Europa League victory against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.
Fernandes’ goals (15) and assists (13) total of 28 in all competitions this season is the third highest among Premier League players. Only Erling Haaland (32) and Mohamed Salah (54) have more.
Amorim said, “When we need it, he is always there. He can bring the ball forward. He can score goals.
“He is a perfect captain for our team and we need to help him win titles.”
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