SPORTS
Celtic Rescue Dramatic Draw as Rangers Spill Points in Hearts Chase
Resurgent Celtic came from two goals down to salvage a dramatic point in the 91st minute against Rangers to leave Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts with a commanding lead over both Old Firm sides.
A sensational early double from Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti was kick-started by a world-class opener – a wonderful overhead kick reminiscent of Scott McTominay for Scotland against Denmark late last year.
After claiming a double at Celtic Park at the turn of the year, the Portuguese forward repeated the feat on home soil as a rejigged Celtic defence completely wilted under the pressure.
Dane Murray’s botched clearance allowed Chermiti to pounce once again, with the former Everton man slipping past first Julian Araujo then a stunned goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, deputising for the ill Kasper Schmeichel.
It was a blow from which Celtic looked unlikely to recover at the break, but manager Martin O’Neill changed the dynamic by throwing on Reo Hatate and Sebastian Tounekti at half-time.
Both were involved in the goal which gave Celtic hope, a move finished when Kieran Tierney headed powerfully in from Benjamin Nygren’s cross.
Celtic dominated the second period with Jack Butland denying Daizen Maeda and Luke McCowan, but late drama was to come.
Maeda was denied by an incredible Butland save from point-blank range, but after a video assistant referee review, Dujon Sterling was punished for a handball before his keeper’s intervention.
Hatate’s penalty and rebound were both saved brilliantly by the Rangers keeper, but the Japanese midfielder bundled the ball in with just a couple of minutes to go – changing not just the scoreline but the complexion of the title race.
The main beneficiaries may well be Hearts whose lead at the top is now six points. Rangers stay second but will be overtaken by their city rivals if Celtic can win their game in hand in midweek at Aberdeen.
This result keeps things nicely at boiling point at the top of the table and increases the likelihood of a four-way tussle for the title, with Motherwell just a couple of points off third-placed Celtic.
Rangers simply blew Celtic away in the opening half hour and were considerably better in every aspect of the game.
The blue half of Glasgow showed better quality, more desire and played by far the better football. Nico Raskin bossed the midfield, while teenage Spurs loanee Mikey Moore was a bundle of tricks and energy.
Plenty of gold-dust was sprinkled on the display, too, from the right boot of Chermiti.
Rangers could easily have been more than two goals ahead at the interval and will now be regretting the fact they could not fashion a bigger cushion.
This would have been a huge win in the context of Rangers’ season, a big statement in the race for the title and further evidence of their improvement under Danny Rohl, who has still only lost once in the league since his arrival in October.
A point is far from fatal but it could have been so much better for Rangers.
As for Celtic, the defence of their Premiership crown looked to have completely crumbled in as poor a 45 minutes at Ibrox as they have endured in recent years.
It took Celtic until the second half to turn up for this one, which will not really do with a big derby and a title both on the line.
Manager O’Neill, on his 74th birthday, started Junior Adamu and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but rectified those decisions at half-time, from which point he saw a much improved display from his side.
Luckily for the defending champions, the situation was just about recoverable despite the early damage done.
Prior to the break, Celtic looked a shadow of the side that has largely dominated the domestic game for well over a decade.
With Hearts setting a formidable pace at the top of the table, this was either a must-win or a must-not-lose for the men in green and white.
In the end, their determination ensured it was the latter and they are still in an increasingly fascinating title race.
Rangers head coach Danny Rohl said: “At the moment, the feeling is more disappointment because you dropped two points after a 2-0 lead.
“It’s not about 50 minutes, it’s about longer. We had high intensity, we played really nice football, we found our space. It was great.
“In the second half, we were not clinical in possession. We made some wrong decisions then we lost the ball, we gave them a little bit of momentum then they scored early in the second half and then you know it’s 2-1 and they have nothing to lose.
“Finally, it’s a draw. It’s always a little bit lucky for a team to get a late pen. This is normal, I would say it’s the same when we get a pen late in the game. It’s about the next game and we have to move on.
Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill tells BBC Scotland: “It was obviously a great game. We were well and truly second best in the first half, for almost all of it. They got off to a great start.
“The second goal wasn’t a great play by us, however. It was a long way back at half-time, but this side showed great determination, got the ball down and played.
“The second half belonged to us and we got an equaliser which we thoroughly deserved.
“If you’re 2-0 down at half-time, you have to question yourself. I spend my life questioning myself, to tell you the truth. But anyway, we pulled it around in the second half. Great effort by the players, they’ve shown great spirit.”
The late Chief Gabriel Gbayan was a distinguished sports administrator who served as a Two times Chairman of the FCT Badminton Association and also a two-time board member of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria. Throughout his tenure and involvement in the sport, he made significant contributions to the growth, promotion, and development of badminton in the North Central region and Nigeria as a whole.
His commitment to badminton extended beyond administration. He demonstrated a genuine passion for the development of players, the organization of competitions, and the advancement of the sport at grassroots and national levels.
During his tenure, Chief Gabriel Gbayan organized a National Junior Badminton Championship and the North Central Badminton Championships, providing valuable opportunities for players to showcase their talents, gain competitive experience, and develop their sporting careers.
In addition to his administrative and organizational contributions, he personally sponsored badminton players and supported their participation and development. His generosity and commitment helped create opportunities for players who needed encouragement and financial assistance to pursue their sporting ambitions.
His contributions to the badminton community were therefore not limited to holding positions of responsibility; they were reflected in the practical support he provided to players, the competitions he helped organize, and his commitment to strengthening badminton in Nigeria.
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE MEMORIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
In recognition of these remarkable contributions, Vanz Badminton Foundation, in collaboration with Mambila Barracks Badminton Club and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, considers it both appropriate and necessary to honour the memory of the late Chief Gabriel Gbayan through the organization of the Late Chief Gabriel Gbayan FCT Memorial Badminton Championship 2026.
This championship is intended to be more than a sporting competition. It will serve as a lasting tribute to a man whose dedication, generosity, leadership, and personal commitment contributed to the development of badminton and the advancement of its players.
We believe that honouring individuals who have made meaningful contributions to sports development is an important way of preserving their legacies and inspiring others to follow their examples.
By establishing this memorial championship, we hope to encourage current and future sports administrators, philanthropists, corporate organizations, and badminton enthusiasts to continue investing their time, resources, and expertise in the growth of badminton in Nigeria.
The championship will also bring together players from different age groups, including junior players, active competitors, and veterans, thereby promoting unity, mentorship, and continuity within the badminton community.
We therefore appeal to corporate organizations, government institutions, philanthropists, and well-meaning individuals to support this initiative. Their contributions will help us celebrate the legacy of the late Chief Gabriel Gbayan while creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of badminton players.
Our conviction is that those who dedicate themselves to the growth of a sport should be remembered and honoured, and their examples should inspire others to contribute to the development of future generations.
Through this championship, we seek to preserve Chief Gabriel Gbayan’s memory, celebrate his service, and strengthen the spirit of generosity and commitment that he demonstrated throughout his involvement in badminton
May his legacy continue to inspire the growth and development of badminton in the North Central region and Nigeria as a whole.
Harry Kane has become the first English player in 25 years to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or after emerging victorious at Monday’s ceremony in London.
The Bayern Munich striker clinched the 2026 award after scoring 73 goals for club and country last season, surpassing Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
Kane’s triumph makes him the latest Englishman to win the award after Michael Owen, who received the honour in 2001.
The England captain joins an illustrious list of English winners, including Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan.
An emotional Kane expressed gratitude to France Football, organisers of the award, and everyone who voted for him.
“Wow, I’m almost speechless. First of all, thanks again to France Football and the Ballon d’Or for this amazing event.
“Being in London makes it extra special; it felt like a good omen,” he said.
Kane also thanked England, Bayern Munich and his former club, Tottenham Hotspur, for their contributions to his remarkable career.
Reflecting on his journey, he said aspiring footballers could achieve their dreams through perseverance, in spite of setbacks and challenges.
He added that his journey had not been straightforward, citing several loan spells and the determination required to reach the highest level.
The ceremony was preceded by confusion after the Ballon d’Or website published three separate articles naming Kane, Yamal and Mbappe as winners of the men’s award.
The event also started 45 minutes behind schedule, with organisers attributing the delay to traffic congestion in London.
In the final rankings, Kane finished first, followed by Mbappe in second place and Yamal in third.
Manchester City’s Rodri finished fourth, while Lionel Messi of Inter Miami placed fifth in the rankings.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) came sixth, ahead of teammate Ousmane Dembele in seventh place.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland finished eighth, while Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and PSG’s Fabian Ruiz completed the top 10.
In the women’s category, Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or, representing London City Lionesses and Barcelona, alongside Spain.
Spain’s Luis de la Fuente won the Men’s Coach of the Year award, while Barcelona’s Pere Romeu received the Women’s Coach of the Year honour.
Yamal won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while Barcelona teammate Vicky Lopez claimed the women’s equivalent.
Kane also won the Men’s Striker of the Year award, while Mexico’s Charlyn Corral received the Women’s Striker of the Year prize.
Spain’s Unai Simon won the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, while Barcelona’s Cata Coll claimed the women’s category.
PSG was named Men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona won the Women’s Club of the Year award.
Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian work.
Litten, Knowles in for England as O’Neill Drops Out
Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles have been brought into the starting line-up for England’s must-win Men’s Rugby League World Cup match against Papua New Guinea – with Brad O’Neill dropping out of the squad.
Hull KR’s Litten comes in at hooker as head coach Brian McDermott chases a big victory in their final Group B-C match in Wollongong on Friday (09:05 GMT) to keep alive hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
O’Neill, named the best player in Super League in 2026, is not in the 19-player matchday squad, having worn the number nine for last Saturday’s victory over France.
Dolphins lock Knowles comes in after missing the opening two matches with a calf injury, replacing Victor Radley, who drops to the bench.
Warrington’s Matty Ashton, brought in for the France match, retains his place on the wing, with Wigan’s Zach Eckersley again not in the matchday 19.
McDermott, however, has made late changes to his initial matchday squad for both of England’s two matches so far, and may do so again before Friday.
On the backfoot after being beaten 30-12 by Tonga in their opening game, England responded with a crushing 82-0 victory over France to keep their dreams alive.
England need to beat co-hosts PNG then hope Tonga beat Samoa, two days later in Sydney.
If Samoa win, England will be eliminated because of their inferior head-to-head record against Tonga.
But if Tonga win, it comes down to points difference between England and Samoa with England’s currently 68 points worse than the Samoans.
The match is part of a triple header in Wollongong, with England’s wheelchair team starting the defence of their World Cup title against Wales (04:30 GMT) before the women’s side face Samoa (06:45 GMT).
Georgia Roche replaced Jenna Foubister at half-back for England women, with Hope Millard stepping up to the bench for their must-win final group game.
England have to beat Samoa to finish second in Group A and qualify for the semi-finals.
They beat Wales 70-6 in their opener, but were thrashed 78-0 by reigning champions Australia in Perth last weekend.
Foubister, 19, started against Australia after a superb domestic season where she was named Super League Woman of Steel.
But she struggled against the strength of Australia, so Coach Stu Barrow has opted for the experience of Roche instead.
The loss of key player Eva Hunter to a leg injury suffered against the Jillaroos has prompted a pack reshuffle, with Hollie-Mae Dodd moving from prop to the back row.
Mary Coleman comes in at prop as a result, while England are boosted by captain Jodie Cunningham overcoming an ear injury suffered last week to be named on the bench.
Georgia Wilson is in for Molly Jones in the centres, while Millard, the only heritage player left in the England set-up following Jasmin Strange’s tournament ending knee injury is back in the squad.
A win would earn England a semi-final spot, where they would most likely face New Zealand, who beat them in the last four of the previous World Cup in 2022.
Dual code international Ffion Lewis returns to the Wales side for their final Group A match, against world champions Australia in Sydney on Sunday (04:40 GMT). Carys Marsh steps up from the bench and will start at hooker.
Australia, already assured of a semi-final place, have made several changes. Stand-off Jocelyn Kelleher, who was outstanding against England last Saturday, is rested with Jesse Southwell taking her place.
Australia coach Kevin Walters has recalled Reece Walsh at full-back for their final Group A game against the Cook Islands on Saturday (09:05 GMT).
Walsh, whose 2026 domestic season was disrupted by injury troubles, started Australia’s thrilling World Cup opener against New Zealand.
He scored a try but kicked just two of five conversions as the Kangaroos squeezed to a 24-22 win. He was then rested against Fiji in their second group match, which Australia won 36-22.
Walsh returns in place of James Tedesco at full-back, with Cameron Munster returning at stand-off as Sam Walker drops out of the 19, and Harry Grant regaining the number nine hooker’s jersey.
Ethan Strange brother of injured England women’s star Jasmin is in line for a Test debut after being named on the bench.
Veteran Sports Journalist and Commissioner for Sports Development in Akwa Ibom State, Paul Bassey, has hailed the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno over what he described as the prevailing peace in the state.
“ If naysayers pretend they cannot see anything Governor Umo Eno has done, can they deny the peace we are witnessing in Akwa Ibom today, Unprecedented peace?” Bassey in a goodwill message delivered at the 25th Annual Convention of the Apostolic Church, Atabong Area in Eket Local Govt.
“ It is a coincidence that the Theme of this Convention is “ The Peace of God” and it reminds me of the peace God has used our Governor to bear on our state.
“ Before now, you cannot even worship in peace as bandits raided churches on Sunday mornings, shot and killed, abducted worshippers, threatened oppositions.
“ Please let us tell our Children and family members that in the past, at times like this, houses and cars were burnt, terror everywhere and you can hardly sleep with your two eyes closed “ the Eket ward 2 Urban leader said.
The Elder of the Apostolic Church reminded the congregation that “this governor is not only a son of Eket, he is a spiritual son of The Apostolic Church and must be embraced and supported for a second term “ and this drew a thunderous “Amen” from the mammoth crowd.
Elder Bassey said without peace there would be no development and as a member of His the Governor’s “First Eleven” he was better placed to talk about “this grass roots Governor, whose programs are tailored towards the welfare of the less privileged in society especially in the areas of health, education and in my case, the empowerment of youth through sports .“
In his sermon, the Eket Field Superintendent of The Apostolic church Pastor(Dr) B. E. Okon enjoined Christians to embrace the peace of God that eliminates fear and life’s challenges.
Drawing his text from Mathew 5:9 the Deputy Territorial Chairman of The Apostolic Church insisted that “blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called children of God”
Elder Bassey in company of other dignitaries including Pastor Etangkanga, vice chairman Esit Eket Local government, village head of Atabong Dr Ikwang later joined the Field Superintendent and the host Area Superintendent Pastor O. D James to cut the 25th anniversary Convention cake.
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