Sports
Tottenham Drops Osimhen Interest After Match Day Brawl With Playmate
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly cooled their interest in Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and opened talks with AS Monaco for Nigerian-born forward Folarin Balogun.
The development comes as Spurs reassess their attacking options, with Osimhen’s reported price tag and recent on-field controversy adding further uncertainty to a potential move.
Tottenham had identified Osimhen as a potential statement signing as they look to rebuild following a difficult 2025/26 campaign. The North London club finished 17th in the Premier League and only secured their top-flight status on the final day, prompting a major recruitment drive.
Spurs have already invested heavily, signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, Mateus Fernandes from West Ham and Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, while Andrew Robertson and Marcos Senesi have arrived as free agents.
Osimhen was reportedly among the attacking targets, but Galatasaray’s determination to retain their star striker and the substantial fee required to prise him away from Turkey have made the deal increasingly difficult.
The Nigerian’s recent behaviour during pre-season may also have added another talking point.
During Galatasaray’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Villarreal, Osimhen became involved in an altercation with Santiago Mourino after the defender blocked his run inside the box. The striker shoved Mourino to the ground before teammates intervened.
Although Osimhen had scored in the match, the incident drew criticism and added to scrutiny surrounding the Nigerian.
Tottenham have now reportedly turned their attention to Balogun, with L’Équipe reporting that discussions with Monaco have already begun.
The 25-year-old joined Monaco from Arsenal in 2023 and has become an established Ligue 1 striker. He scored 19 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions last season and is reportedly valued at around €60 million.
Born in New York to Nigerian parents, Balogun represents the United States internationally and featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His tournament included controversy after a red-card suspension was overturned ahead of the United States’ Round of 16 defeat to Belgium.
For Tottenham, Balogun could provide a more financially manageable alternative to Osimhen while still offering significant Premier League experience and attacking potential.
With Monaco open to discussions, Spurs may now be preparing to move on from their pursuit of Osimhen and make Balogun their preferred striker target.
Barcelona forward, Lamine Yamal, has admitted that Victor Osimhen’s disallowed goal could have made their Champions League clash with Galatasaray more difficult.
Osimhen thought he had made it 2-0 to the Turkish champions in the first half.
However, his powerful header was chalked off following a VAR review.
Barca then fought back and overpowered Galatasaray, scoring four goals to take all three points.
But Yamal has claimed that if Yellow and Red had gone two goals up, their job would have been harder than it became.
“If Galatasaray’s second goal hadn’t been disallowed, our job in Istanbul would have been very tough,” Yamal said per Le Marca Sports.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Al-Nassr won an AFC Champions League match which was delayed by an hour because of a missile alert.
Ronaldo scored Al-Nassr’s second goal as the Saudi Pro League champions beat Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana 3-1 on Monday.
Kick-off was delayed after Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued a safety warning just 15 minutes before the scheduled start time in Riyadh, the capital city which has been the target of missiles fired from Yemen-based Houthis.
Following attacks on Riyadh’s airport, explosions were heard in the capital on Monday night. The Saudi-led military coalition said a ballistic missile had been intercepted and destroyed.
Future sporting events could be affected by the regional conflict, including Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Once Al-Nassr were able to get under way, Ange Postecoglou’s team went ahead through Angelo in the 33rd minute and Ronaldo doubled their lead before half-time.
Uzbekistan champions Neftchi pulled a goal back, but they were reduced to 10 men after 65 minutes and an own goal 13 minutes later sealed a first Group B victory for the hosts.
Nigeria international Frank Onyeka made a good account of himself as Coventry City defeated Newcastle United 4-1 in Monday night’s Premier League fixture.
Despite seeing just 12 minutes of action, Onyeka came in and impressed as Coventry made it back-to-back win in the English topflight this season.
It was Onyeka’s fifth appearance in the Premier League this season for newly promoted Coventry.
His Nigerian teammate Taiwo Awoniyi was not in action for Frank Lampard’s side due to suspension.
Early goals at the start of each half from Jack Rudoni and Sidiki Cherif put Coventry City in course for their first brilliant Premier League win at the CBS Arena.
Although the Magpies pulled one back 20 minutes from time, super subs Ellis Simms and Stephen Mfuni scored in the 81st and 86th minutes to secure a huge three points for the Sky Blues.
The win took Coventry up to 14th place on six points while Newcastle, on eight points, are in 11th in the league table.
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