Sports

The Benin City-based side finished top of the playoff standings with 10 points from five matches, earning their second NWFL title.

The hosts opened the scoring through PEDRO NETO, who capitalised on space inside the penalty area before firing a clinical finish past the Nigerian goalkeeper to give Portugal the advantage.

ALVAREZ has emerged as one of the most sought-after forwards in European football following a prolific campaign with Atletico Madrid. 

Arsenal goalkeeper DAVID RAYA was named between the posts after an impressive campaign for the Premier League side, while the defensive line features MARCOS LLORENTE of ATLÉTICO MADRID, PSG CAPTAIN MARQUINHOS, Arsenal defender GABRIELMagalhães, and PSG full-back NUNO MENDES.

The appearance will continue UEFA’s tradition of selecting former players connected to both finalist clubs to present the prestigious trophy before kickoff.

The Italian giants also confirmed a major restructuring of their sporting department as part of efforts to rebuild after missing out on qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Rangers lifted the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, trophy yesterday after defeating hosts, Ikorodu City Football Club, 2-1 at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos, to finish the season with 68 points, ahead of Rivers United, which recorded 67 points after defeating Katsina United 3-0 in Port Harcourt on the same day.

UNAI EMERY’s side headed into the break with a two-goal advantage following superb strikes from YOURI TIELEMANS and EMI BUENDIA.