Sports
NPFL Fines Shooting Stars ₦5m, Bans Fans After Ikorodu City Attack
The board of the Nigeria Premier Football League has imposed a fine of N5 million on Shooting Stars Sports Club over fans’ attack on the Ikorodu City entourage at the Lekan Salami stadium.
On Sunday, players and officials of Ikorodu City needed the intervention of the Nigerian Army operatives before they could exit the stadium in Ibadan after a goalless draw against 3SC.
PUNCH Online reports that players and officials of Ikorodu City Football Club were held hostage by irate Shooting Stars fans on Sunday following their goalless draw in the Southwest derby at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
According to Ikorodu City’s director of media and communication, Samuel Bamisebi the away team were “locked inside the stadium to prevent the angry fans outside from coming inside”.
He added that some angry 3SC fans damaged one of the buses that conveyed Ikorodu City’s fans from Lagos to the stadium.
In a statement Wednesday, NPFL said 3SC “was found guilty of all three counts for failure to provide adequate security, failure to ensure proper conduct of their supporters resulting in attack on the opponents and throwing of objects to the field of play and the referees”.
The league body then fined 3SC N1 million for each charge and ordered an additional N2 million to be paid for the damage cost to the Ikorodu City bus.
NPFL then ordered the closure of the Lekan Salami stadium to fans for the rest of the season.
Sports
WrestleMania 42 Hits GOtv as Cena Hosts WWE’s Biggest Event this Weekend
WWE’s biggest annual event returns this weekend as WrestleMania 42 takes over Las Vegas in a blockbuster two-night spectacle, with GOtv subscribers set for every twist, title clash, and surprise moment live on Channel 68.Broadcast live from Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, this year’s edition comes with added intrigue as WWE legend John Cena serves as official host. Following his dramatic heel turn during his farewell run, fans will be watching closely to see whether Cena remains a neutral master of ceremonies or becomes a major factor in the chaos.
Cody Rhodes Faces Randy Orton in Night One Main Event
Night One is headlined by Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defending against former ally Randy Orton.Adding to the drama is a major stipulation: if Orton loses, broadcaster Pat McAfee must leave WWE. With pride, titles, and careers in play, the stakes could hardly be higher.
CM Punk vs Reigns Headlines Night Two
The biggest match of the weekend sees World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk defend his title against Roman Reigns in a clash loaded with pride, legacy, and unfinished business.After Punk’s recent verbal shots at the Anoa’i family dynasty, Reigns enters WrestleMania determined to reclaim his place at the top. It is a meeting of two eras, with championship gold and reputation on the line.
Women’s Division Brings Heavy Firepower
One of the most anticipated contests of the weekend sees Jade Cargill defend the WWE Women’s Championship against Rhea Ripley, a battle between two of the most dominant forces in modern wrestling.Night One also features Liv Morgan vs Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World Championship, while AJ Lee vs Becky Lynch adds star power to an already stacked card.
Other Must-Watch Matches
Fans can also look forward to:Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi in a special attraction clashSeth Rollins vs Gunther in what many expect to be a technical classicBron Breakker vs Trick Williams for the United States ChampionshipA six-man ladder match for the Intercontinental ChampionshipThe Bloodline vs Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Watch Live on GOtv
WrestleMania 42 airs live on GOtv Channel 68 from 11:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, with repeat broadcasts at 1:00 pm the following day.From championship drama to shocking returns and Vegas-sized spectacle, WrestleMania weekend promises two nights of unforgettable entertainment on GOtv.
Sports
European Giants Chase UEFA Semi-Final Places Live on SuperSport
A place in the semi-finals is at stake as the Champions League and Europa League quarter-finals conclude this week. With advantages to defend and deficits to overturn, the second legs carry significant weight across Europe. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport, available on DStv and GOtv.
Champions League: Barca, Liverpool & Madrid face elimination
At 8:00 PM on Tuesday, Atletico Madrid host Barcelona, live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Atletico carry a 2-0 advantage into the second leg after a disciplined first-leg performance. Barcelona, despite a morale-boosting domestic result, face a significant challenge against a side that has consistently disrupted them this season. Overturning the deficit against Diego Simeone’s defence will require a near-perfect display.
Also at 8:00 PM, Liverpool welcome Paris Saint-Germain to Anfield, live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). PSG hold a 2-0 lead and arrive with strong momentum, while Liverpool must respond after a difficult run of form. The hosts will look to their European pedigree at Anfield, but face a side capable of managing the tie with control and precision.
On Wednesday at 8:00 PM, Arsenal take on Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates, live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Arsenal hold a narrow 1-0 advantage but come into the match under pressure following recent domestic setbacks. Sporting remain firmly in contention, setting up a finely balanced encounter.
At the same time, Bayern Munich host Real Madrid, live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Bayern lead 2-1 heading into the second leg and will look to assert themselves at home. Real Madrid, however, have built a reputation on overturning deficits in this competition and will aim to deliver another comeback performance.
Europa League: Down to the Wire
Thursday’s action shifts to the UEFA Europa League, where both ties carry significant intrigue heading into the second legs.
At 8:00 PM, Aston Villa host Bologna, live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205). Villa take a 3-1 advantage into the return fixture and will look to manage the contest on home soil. Bologna, however, must take risks early to shift the momentum of the tie.
Also at 8:00 PM, Nottingham Forest face FC Porto, live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). The tie is level at 1-1 following the first leg, setting up an evenly poised encounter. Forest will rely on home support, while Porto’s European experience remains a key factor.
At the same time, Real Betis host Braga, live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208). With the tie balanced at 1-1, both sides enter the second leg with everything to play for. Betis will look to make home advantage count, while Braga’s counter-attacking threat ensures a closely contested match.
Quarter-Final Fixtures – Second Legs
UEFA Champions League
- Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
- Liverpool vs Paris Saint-Germain – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)
- Arsenal vs Sporting Lisbon – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)
- Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
UEFA Europa League
- Aston Villa vs Bologna – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Football)
- Nottingham Forest vs FC Porto – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
- Real Betis vs Braga – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Africa 2)
Follow the Action
Catch all the UEFA Champions League and Europa League action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available to stream via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.
Sports
UEFA Club Competitions Reach Quarter-Final Stage Live on SuperSport
European club football enters its decisive quarter-final phase in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. With semi-final places on the line, the first-leg fixtures promise high-intensity clashes. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport, available on DStv and GOtv.Champions League: Heavyweights Collide At 8:00 PM, Real Madrid host Bayern Munich in the standout tie of the round. Both sides were emphatic in the previous stage, with Madrid dismantling Manchester City and Bayern delivering a dominant performance against Atalanta. The match airs live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Madrid arrive off a disappointing domestic setback, while Bayern continue to show resilience and attacking firepower. The Bernabéu will be central to Madrid’s hopes against a side currently scoring with ease.Also at 8:00 PM, Sporting Lisbon face Arsenal in Lisbon, live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Arsenal come into the tie under pressure following consecutive cup losses in the Carabao and FA Cups, while Sporting are full of confidence after an impressive run of form. With momentum firmly on the Portuguese side, this fixture presents a significant test of Arsenal’s mentality.At 8:00 PM on Wednesday, Barcelona welcome Atletico Madrid in what promises to be a tightly contested tactical encounter. The game will be shown live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Barcelona claimed a recent league victory between the sides, but Atletico have already proven their ability to disrupt them this season. Expect a high-stakes contest between two teams who know each other well.Also at 8:00 PM, Paris Saint-Germain take on Liverpool in Paris, live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). PSG have emerged as one of the competition’s most dominant sides, carrying strong momentum into the tie. Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive under pressure following a heavy domestic defeat and will need a significant improvement to remain competitive heading into the second leg.Europa & Conference League: Thursday Night StakesWhile the Champions League dominates midweek headlines, Thursday brings its own high-stakes quarter-final action across the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.In the Europa League, Bologna host Aston Villa in a compelling first-leg encounter, live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204) at 8:00 PM, . Aston Villa have impressed throughout the competition and arrive well-rested, while Bologna’s path to this stage has been defined by resilience and high-intensity performances. The contrast in preparation could shape the outcome.Also at 8:00 PM, FC Porto face Nottingham Forest, with the match airing on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Porto will look to assert themselves at home after previous meetings between the sides, while Forest have already demonstrated their ability to navigate difficult knockout ties.For the Conference League, Crystal Palace take on Fiorentina at Selhurst Park, live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205) at 8:00 PM. Palace continue their pursuit of European silverware against a Fiorentina side balancing continental ambition with inconsistent domestic form. The hosts will aim to build a first-leg advantage before the return fixture in Italy.Quarter-Final Fixtures – First LegsUEFA Champions LeagueReal Madrid vs Bayern Munich – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)UEFA Europa LeagueBologna vs Aston Villa – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS La Liga)FC Porto vs Nottingham Forest – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)UEFA Conference LeagueCrystal Palace vs Fiorentina – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Football)Follow the ActionCatch all the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available to stream via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.
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