Daily Digest Online

MONACO — A solitary goal from American-born striker Folarin Balogun was enough to secure a crucial 1-0 victory for AS Monaco over Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, leaving the Turkish side's coach, Okan Buruk, visibly frustrated after a second consecutive defeat in the competition. The match at the Stade Louis II proved to be a cagey affair, with the main storyline centering on the battle between two forwards of Nigerian heritage. Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray's star striker and former African Footballer of the Year, was largely nullified by a disciplined Monaco defense. He struggled to find space or create meaningful chances throughout his 90 minutes on the pitch. The decisive moment arrived in the second half. After Monaco's Takumi Minamino saw a first-half penalty saved, Folarin Balogun—who was born in New York to Nigerian parents—made no mistake, finding the net to give the home side a deserved lead. The former Arsenal for...

In the high-stakes world of elite football, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has offered a raw glimpse into the competitive furnace that drives him. Following a decisive two-goal performance for Galatasaray, Osimhen described how the prospect of defeat transforms him into a relentless force on the pitch. "I am turning into a monster," Osimhen told Turkish media after his brace secured a 3-2 victory over Samsunspor. "Losing is absolutely brutal. It makes no difference if it's on the street, at the World Cup, or in a league match... I can't rest after a loss. On the pitch, I morph into a completely different beast." This mindset, forged from his background and an unwavering work ethic, is central to his identity. "Every award and trophy I've earned was rightfully mine. No one handed them to me," he asserted. "My background has molded my mentality. Talent alone is insufficient. With relentless effort on the field, su...