Galatasaray Coach, Okan Buruk has set a target for his players ahead of tonight’s clash with Liverpool in the Champions League Round of 16 first legs in Istanbul, with the second leg a week later. Victor Osimhen’s penalty was the difference when the two sides played against each other in the group stages.

Both teams were drawn against each other during the knockout stage draw, having previously met in the group stage after Galatasaray overcame Juventus during the playoff.

Galatasaray will play at home first because they qualified through the playoffs, while Liverpool finished in the top eight on the 36-team table.

But while speaking to the media ahead of the match, Coach Buruk set clear objectives for his players before the first leg in Istanbul. Buruk wants his players to take charge of their home advantage and secure a good result to make their progress to the next round easier in the second leg. “Our primary goal is, of course, to gain the upper hand in the first match. We know how good our opponent is. Despite their ups and downs this year, they have very important players. Right now, their chances of winning their league title are almost impossible, so their biggest goal is the Champions League.”

 Buruk reiterated that Galatasaray’s main goal is to secure a victory that gives them an advantage when they travel to England in the second leg. “The first match is the most important for us. This match is more important than anything else. Right now, our only focus is to gain an advantage at home against Liverpool. Because we will be playing against a very strong team,” he added. This strategy worked for Galatasaray against Juventus when they defeated the Italian Serie A giants 5-2 in Istanbul and progressed despite losing 3-2 in Turin

No fewer than 250 players from across the country are expected to participate in the 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Championship scheduled to hold in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun.

The tournament will take place at the Idera Multipurpose Hall from April 12 to April 17.

A statement issued on Sunday by Adesoji Tayo, President, Nigerian Table Tennis Federation, stated that they would partner the Osun Government and the Osun Table Tennis Association to ensure a successful championship.

“The tournament is a championship that has grown into one of the nation’s most prestigious sporting events,” he said.

Tayo said that the event founded in honour of the late Michael and Felicia Alabi, has transcended its memorial roots to become a powerful platform for nurturing future champions.

“Over the years, it has given rising talents the chance to shine on the national stage while offering seasoned athletes an arena to reaffirm their dominance.

“Today, it stands as a vital bridge between grassroots participation and elite competition, embodying resilience, inclusivity and excellence.

“The 2026 edition promises to be the grandest yet as more than 250 players from all 36 states of Nigeria will converge on Otan Ayegbaju, transforming the town into a vibrant hub of sporting brilliance.

“The young prospects, seasoned professionals, veterans, para-athletes and deaf athletes will compete side by side, underscoring the tournament’s unwavering commitment to unity and equal opportunity,” he said.

The table tennis president added that categories span from Under-15 singles to veteran, para and deaf divisions, to ensure that every athlete had a stage to showcase their skill and determination.

He said that the championship, organised in honour of the late Michael and Felicia Alabi, had grown over the years into one of Nigeria’s notable table tennis competitions.

Tayo noted that participants were expected from the 36 states of the federation, featuring young prospects, seasoned professionals, veterans, para-athletes and deaf athletes.

“The event is designed to provide a platform for emerging talents to compete at a higher level while also giving experienced players the opportunity to showcase their skills.

“The competition is also expected to attract coaches, scouts, administrators and table tennis enthusiasts from different parts of the country.

The week-long tournament is expected to boost economic activities in Otan Ayegbaju as visitors and participants arrive for the event.

It will also give young people in the host community the opportunity to witness top-level table tennis competition.

Tunde Popoola, President, Nigeria Basketball Referees Council, has said that the lingering crisis in the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has stalled the annual clinic for referees in the country.

Popoola said in an interview on Thursday that referees were expected to undergo annual training to keep abreast of developments in officiating.

“To ensure that referees are up to date with the latest officiating techniques, we are expected to have annual clinics for training and retraining, in line with recent rule changes.

“We are supposed to hold national clinics every year, but we have not organised any for some time now.

“We rely mainly on competitions and regional clinics to update our officials.

He added that Nigeria currently has six active certified referees under the FIBA.

“The six comprise five males and one female. From my assessment of their technical abilities, their performance is clearly above average.”

“I have observed that some referees struggle with game management, including game flow, understanding the feel of the game and controlling the team bench.

“Engaging game assessors during competitions should help to minimise issues related to game management and other challenges in our matches,” he said.