Former Beşiktaş midfielder and pundit Sinan Engin has hailed Victor Osimhen’s “superhuman” genetics following the striker’s dominant display in Galatasaray’s Champions League Round of 16 first-leg victory over Liverpool.

The Nigerian talisman was the focal point of the Turkish side’s attack on Tuesday night, relentlessly pressing the Liverpool backline and providing the crucial assist for Mario Lemina’s match-winning goal against the Premier League title-holders.

Speaking to Habersarikirmizi, Engin was left stunned by the 27-year-old’s physical output, suggesting the forward operates on a different biological level than his peers.

”You have to look at his genetics; he’s more than just a human,” Engin remarked. “What does this guy eat? He must be eating lions. Osimhen has become a lion himself—even Icardi has been forgotten.”

Beyond the individual brilliance of Osimhen, Engin praised manager Okan Buruk for a tactical setup that “suffocated” Arne Slot’s side. He noted that the Turkish giants treated the English giants like a “normal Anatolian team,” asserting that Galatasaray has reclaimed its historic reputation as a “conqueror of Europe.”

The victory leaves Liverpool with a significant mountain to climb in the second leg, while Osimhen’s stock continues to rise globally despite playing his club football in the Süper Lig.

• Lookman, Osimhen, Bassey listed

Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey have been included in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Best XI of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

The selection was announced by CAF’s Technical Study Group (TSG) after the tournament ended on Sunday. The trio played key roles in Nigeria’s campaign, which saw the Super Eagles finish third overall.

Tournament winners Senegal and finalists Morocco dominated the Best XI, with four players each making the final list.

According to CAF, the Team of the Tournament was selected through a comprehensive technical evaluation process. This involved both remote and on-site assessments, supported by live data platforms, multi-angle video footage and analysis by technical experts.

Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, led his country’s representation after conceding only two goals in seven matches. He was joined by teammates Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and Brahim Díaz, who emerged as the tournament’s highest goal scorer.

Senegal’s representatives include defender Moussa Niakhaté, midfielders Pape Gueye and Idrissa Gueye, as well as forward Sadio Mané. Mané was also named Player of the Tournament following his decisive contributions to Senegal’s title-winning campaign.

Nigeria’s inclusion in the Best XI through Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen reflects the Super Eagles’ strong solidarity and competitive performance at the continental tournament.

Osimhen, the Galatasaray striker, was Nigeria’s top scorer at the tournament with an impressive four goals in six matches while Lookman grabbed four goals with an impressive four assists in six matches.

Fulham defender, Bassey, stood like a rock of Gibraltar in the heart of the Super Eagles’ defence and was even rewarded with the man of the Match Award in the il-fated match against hosts, Morocco in the semi-finals.

AFCON 2025 TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (Morocco)

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco);Moussa Niakhaté (Senegal);Calvin Bassey (Nigeria);Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)

Midfielders: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria); Pape Gueye (Senegal);Idrissa Gueye (Senegal)

Forwards: Brahim Díaz (Morocco);Victor Osimhen (Nigeria); Sadio Mané (Senegal)

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary committee have imposed severe sanctions on Algeria following the chaotic scenes that unfolded after their quarter-final defeat to Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to the Algerian Football Federation (FAF).

The sanctions affect players, the federation, and supporters involved in the incidents at the end of the match, which saw Nigeria defeat Algeria 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals.

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, the son of France football legend Zinedine Zidane, has been handed a two-match suspension.

Defender Rafik Belghali has received a four-match ban, two of which are suspended. All suspensions will be served during the CAN 2027 qualifiers, meaning the players will still be eligible to play in this summer’s World Cup.

The (FAF) were also fined a total of $100,000 for the misconduct of the national team, as well as the inappropriate behaviour of certain players, officials, and fans following the final whistle.

In response, the FAF have confirmed it will appeal the sanctions, emphasizing their commitment to defending the interests of Algerian football through institutional channels.