Victor Osimhen has opened up on a difficult period in his early career, revealing that two Belgian clubs turned him down due to health issues.

The Super Eagles striker explained that he was rejected after suffering from malaria and typhoid shortly after arriving in Europe.

He said he first travelled to Belgium for a possible move, but the deal failed because of his illness. After returning to Germany to continue training, another Belgian club showed interest in signing him.

Osimhen completed his medical tests successfully, but the move still did not go through. According to him, the club’s president decided against the transfer because another Belgian side had earlier refused to sign him.

Despite the disappointment, the Nigerian forward said he remained focused and chose to move on from the setback.

At the time, Osimhen was trying to settle at Wolfsburg, where injuries and limited playing time made things more difficult for him.

His breakthrough eventually came when he joined Sporting Charleroi on loan in 2018. The move proved to be a turning point in his career.

He made his debut from the bench in a league match and quickly found his form. Osimhen went on to score 12 league goals, helping to revive his career and putting himself back on track for success in Europe.

A No. 1 versus No. 2 matchup is set for the 2026 NCAA championship game on Monday as the Michigan Wolverines will face the UConn Huskies. The top-seeded Wolverines (36-3) are coming off a Final Four win over Arizona, 91-73, while No. 2 UConn knocked off Illinois, 71-62, in Saturday’s March Madness semifinal. Michigan is aiming for its second NCAA Tournament championship, while UConn is seeking its seventh title and third in the last four years. 

Tipoff is at 8:49 p.m. ET from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Wolverines are 6.5-point favorites in the latest UConn vs. Michigan odds, while the over/under for total points scored is 146.5. Michigan is the -300 favorite on the money line. Before making any Michigan vs. UConn picks, check out the NCAA championship game predictions from SportsLine’s Bob Konarski.

Konarski specializes in college basketball, displaying in-depth knowledge of hundreds of Division I teams. He is a regular presence in the SportsLine Discord, co-hosts a weekly X Spaces with fellow CBB expert Tom Casale and can be seen on the “Early Edge” breaking down his college hoops plays. He enters the NCAA Tournament Final Four on a 44-28 run on college basketball picks, returning more than 13 units during that span.

Now, Konarski has his sights set on UConn vs. Michigan, and just revealed his NCAA championship game picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see Konarski’s picks. Here are several men’s college basketball odds and men’s college basketball lines for Michigan vs. UConn:

Top Michigan vs. UConn predictions

Konarski has analyzed UConn vs. Michigan and is going Under on the point total (146.5).  The Under has prevailed more often than not for both teams this year. Michigan has seen the Under go 22-17, while UConn has seen it go 21-18. These records came with both teams full healthy, which won’t be the case on Monday. Lots of offensive firepower is banged up, including Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg, as well as UConn’s Solo Ball and Silas Demary, and their respective offenses could suffer as a result, even though they are all cleared to play.

The Huskies have seen the Under go 5-2 over their last seven games, and dating back to 2017, Unders sport a 6-2 record in National Championship Games. Given the injuries affecting both teams, as well as the team and title game trends, Konarski is siding with under 145.5 points. “Lean to the under with possessions coming at a premium in a slower-paced game in the second half,” Konarski told SportsLine. You can see his Michigan vs. Connecticut spread picks at SportsLine.

How to make UConn vs. Michigan picks

Konarski has also found a critical X-factor that has him jumping all over one side of the spread. You can only see that pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Michigan vs. UConn in the 2026 NCAA championship game, and what critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the UConn vs. Michigan spread to jump on, all from the expert on a 44-28 roll on his college basketball picks, and find out.    

Turkish football analyst Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı has warned that Galatasaray may take a big decision over manager Okan Buruk as pressure continues to grow.

The warning comes at a difficult time for the club, following a 2-1 defeat to Trabzonspor which has made the title race much tighter. Galatasaray are still top of the league with 64 points after 27 matches, but both Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor are just one point behind.

Recent results have raised concerns despite a few wins. The team have struggled away from home, losing four straight matches in all competitions. The absence of Victor Osimhen has also affected their attack, with the team losing several games without the striker.

Kütahyalı believes the situation could get worse for the coach if results do not improve quickly.

“If Galatasaray fails to win the Göztepe and Kocaelispor matches, Okan Buruk will be sacked,” he said. “This is Galatasaray. He must also find a way to play without Osimhen.”

Galatasaray now face important matches against Göztepe and Kocaelispor, before a crucial derby against Fenerbahçe later this month.

Any decision on Buruk could also affect Osimhen, who shares a close relationship with the coach. The Nigerian striker has previously spoken about how Buruk convinced him to join the club and supported him like a father.

On the pitch, their partnership has brought success. Osimhen helped the team win both the league and cup last season, and has scored important goals again this term.

However, the striker is currently out injured after suffering a fractured forearm. He has started light training and could return soon, possibly in time for the big derby.

With the title race getting tighter and key matches ahead, Galatasaray face a crucial period that could decide both their season and the future of their coach.

Queensland’s holiday racing centres on Ipswich, and trainer Bryan Dais is optimistic Cool Music will progress and exhibit the talent he sees in her for the campaigns ahead.

She shoulders 60 kilograms in benchmark 58 but Cool Music is geared to take advantage of the shift from midweek to provincial in the Barrier Reef Pools Fillies and Mares Handicap (1350m) at Ipswich this Monday.

The mare, aged five, opened her prep with a win at Warwick and followed with second place at Ipswich at 1350m on March 14.

Her fourth at Eagle Farm over 1600m on March 25, missing by less than a length, has Dais convinced of her prospects from draw 11.

“I saw the original barrier and didn’t worry too much about the rest of the field,” Dais said.

“She jumped from the outside barrier here two starts ago and ran enormously.

“I think we ran the fastest 1000, 800 and 400 sectionals of the race.”I took her to Warwick and that was mainly because of where her rating was at, and the perfect race to kick off her preparation.”

Post her April 2025 placing at Ipswich, Cool Music suffered a stable accident requiring over six months away.

“She came back and was going ok but not where I thought she should be,” Dais added.

“She then pulled a muscle and needed an extended spell but this time being back in work, I think she has come back to where she was as a three-year-old.

“At her fifth start at that age, she was already racing against open company at Eagle Farm.”

Following eight withdrawals, Cool Music is $6.50 in betting as David Vandyke’s Our Jewel holds favouritism at $3.40.

Discover betting markets for the race among sports betting options at racing betting markets.

The Masters Tournament is all about tradition, and that includes everything down to what the golfers wear during the four days at Augusta National Golf Club.

That was on display last year when Australian star Jason Day was asked to keep his Malbon Golf outfits a bit more reserved. But it seems that he’s already starting to push the boundary before teeing off for his first round on Thursday.

Day, a former world No. 1 golfer, was spotted on Monday for his practice round in Malbon’s “Birds of Georgia” collection, wearing a top that featured a bunch of different birds, from orioles to cardinals to woodpeckers and more. The outfit was supposed to have matching pants, but it was reported by Sports Illustrated that Day was told by Augusta National to wear normal, solid-colored pants instead.

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Jason Day of Australia plays a shot from the 12th hole tee box during a practice round before the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., on April 6, 2026. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

This came after Malbon dropped Day’s fits for the week on social media.

“If you are on the course and you are tuned in with nature and know the sounds of birds, you’ll make more birdies,” Malbon Golf founder Stephen Malbon told the outlet about Day’s lineup for the week. “It’s inspired by Native American beliefs. Each one of these birds has a different meaning. I’ve been sending the noises of the birds to Jason for the last six months. Hopefully, he’s trying to stay in touch with nature.”

Throughout the week, Day’s birdwatcher-themed outfits will even feature a vest, set for Wednesday’s practice round.

TIGER WOODS STEPPING BACK INTO COMPETITIVE GOLF AS MASTERS LOOM

Day isn’t the only Malbon athlete in the field either. Sungjae Im will be rocking Malbon’s bird-themed clothing.

In 2024, Day made national headlines with his first Masters collaboration with Malbon. He was spotted wearing a vest that had “No. 313. Malbon Golf Championship” written across it in bold lettering with accompanying blue, baggy pants.

Jason Day of Australia wears a detailed vest during a practice round before the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., on April 6, 2026. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

But, when Day showed up to the course for his next round, which came on the same day due to a rainout on Thursday, the vest was no longer being worn.

Day revealed that Augusta National told him to remove the sweater, and as he didn’t want to ruffle any feathers during the first major of the year, he did what he was told.

“My agent got a call from high above and said, ‘Hey, we need Jason to take that vest off.’”

Day said last year’s original Masters plans were “a lot crazier” than the 2024 lineup, and the Masters requested an early look at what he was expected to wear. Plans had to be changed.

Jason Day of Australia practices at the tournament practice area before the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., on April 6, 2026. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

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But, while Day admitted he was “not here to step on anyone’s toes because I know that when we play at the Masters, it’s all about the Masters,” his outfits this week already seem to be pushing the limit.

This will be Day’s 15th Masters Tournament appearance at Augusta National, with his best finish coming in 2011 when he finished tied for second.

Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.

Vitor Matos has said players like Liam Cullen are the “soul and heart” of Swansea City as he insisted the club cannot be dragged down by the weight of history.

Swansea are 15th in the Championship following their entertaining 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough on Monday.

After the game, Matos was asked about Cullen’s unfamiliar starting role on the right flank against Boro – and responded by launching a passionate defence of the versatile Wales international.

Swansea academy product Cullen has been consistently praised by managers for his attitude and contribution for club and country.

However, that has not stopped the 26-year-old from facing social media criticism on a regular basis.

The latest example of that came following Wales’ World Cup play-off semi-final defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina last month, when Cullen featured as a substitute.

Matos has drawn comparisons between Cullen and Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, who was sent off in Italy’s play-off final loss to the Bosnians four days later.

“I really don’t know what is, how do I say, how everyone feels so much in doubt when it’s Liam or someone similar, because I just give this example,” the Swansea head coach said.

A Melbourne Cup exemption is already locked in for Whisky On The Hill, leading some to ponder skipping the Sydney Cup to limit exposure to the handicapper.

This was debated by trainer Glen Thompson and the owners, though the strategic move outweighed sidestepping, confirming the durable stayer’s participation in Saturday’s Group 1 3200-metre spectacle at Randwick.

“There is always the concern about another win giving him more weight in the Melbourne Cup but that race is a long way away,” Thompson said.

“While he’s racing well, and I’ve seen it too many times that if you sit around and wait, you can kick yourself later on.

“He’s fit and well and you have to have a crack. The golden ticket guarantees that you can be there but it doesn’t guarantee that you will.”

Thompson experienced profound emotion when Whisky On The Hill claimed the Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) at Flemington back on March 28.

The triumph secured the gelding’s entry into the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 3.

Right now, preparations centre on Randwick, with rain anticipated to adjust the track by the weekend.

“He had his main gallop on Monday morning and pulled up really well,” Thompson said.

“As long as he trots up well on Tuesday, he’ll head to Sydney on Tuesday night.”

Thompson, a veteran in the industry, recognises the variables over extended periods, and events of the Sydney Cup’s calibre are rare in Australian racing.

Damian Lane rode the six-year-old to victory in his latest major successes, such as the Roy Higgins and the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) at Flemington last November.

“With 53.5-kilos, Damian Lane was keen to ride again and his feedback was a main factor,” Thompson said.

“If he was willing to get down to that weight, that is a very good push.”

For Saturday, Whisky On The Hill is quoted at $15, behind Ciaron Maher’s Mr Monaco as the $4.50 elect.

Visit betting sites to find the best racing betting markets for the Sydney Cup.

Shah Rukh Khan, Kolkata Knight Riders’ co-owner, was present at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday for his side’s match against Punjab Kings. KKR opted to bat against PBKS. The start to the innings was not good for KKR, as they lost Finn Allen (6 off 7 balls) and Cameron Green (4 off 2 balls) in the second over bowled by Xavier Bartlett. Soon after, rain stopped play. It was at this time that the camera showed Khan talking with KKR CEO Venky Mysore. “The Badshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, the owner of KKR having an intense chat with KKR CEO Venky Mysore,” said the Star Sports host on commentary, as the visuals showed Khan and Mysore.

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Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won the toss and decided to bat against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 12th match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament. The high-voltage encounter is being played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday.

After winning the toss, Rahane revealed that Varun Chakravarthy suffered an injury while taking a catch during the last game.

“We are going to bat first. It looks like a good wicket, a little bit on the drier side, but it’s a very good wicket with slightly less grass covering as well. It’s all about having that belief and confidence. It’s about winning those small moments. We are confident. Two changes, forced. Varun Chakravarthy got injured while taking a catch in the last game, and Narine isn’t playing. Powell and Saini are in,” Rahane said.

Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer confirmed that they were fielding the same XI.

“Not at all. I was supposed to bowl as well, so I’m kind of happy with the decision he took. Our (Shreyas and Ponting) chemistry blossomed during our Delhi Capitals days. He gives freedom to all the youngsters, and he is an inspiration himself. Same team for us,” Iyer said.

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Kolkata Knight Riders have scored their first points in the IPL 2026 after the IPL match against Punjab Kings was abandoned after a combination of heavy rains and wet outfield made the play impossible to resume on Monday. When the initial round of rain fell on Eden Gardens, the KKR were struggling at 25 for 2 in 3.4 overs. The proceedings never restarted from the point despite the cut-off time getting moved up to 11.14pm. The PBKS too received a point and moved atop the table for the time being with five points from three games. The Kolkatans now have one point from three matches, ahead of Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings who are yet to open their account.

Incidentally, the fixture between KKR and PBKS during IPL 2025 was also called off because of rain. KKR have a third home match in a row, facing Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday but rain is predicted on that day too.

Cutting back to the day’s match, rain and winds lashed the venue from 9 pm, gradually turning into a thunderstorm.

The wind was so heavy that the unique ‘hanging’ Eden press box supported by iron beams shook under the gale force, resembling an ‘earthquake’.

The drizzle finally subsided around 10.30pm, prompting the ground staff to spring into action and remove the covers.

The pitch and outfield appeared largely intact with no significant seepage, although a few puddles had formed near the boundary lines due to water runoff from the covers after they were peeled off.

An inspection followed with on-field umpires Abhijeet Bengeri and J Madanagopal assessing conditions.

The Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly too checked the firmness of the ground and after a lengthy discussion with KKR skipper Rahane and his Punjab counterpart Shreyas Iyer the match was called off at 11pm.

On a day when KKR were without both their frontline spinners — an well Sunil Narine and an injured Varun Chakravarthy — their decision to bat first seemed to have backfired spectacularly.

Punjab Kings’ Aussie speedster Xavier Bartlett struck twice in three balls in a fiery second over, removing both their star overseas batters — Finn Allen (6) and Cameron Green (4).

Pacer Arshdeep Singh set the tone in the opening over. Allen looked tentative against the left-armer, edging and missing more than once, before Bartlett finished the job in the next over in a fine display of swing and seam.

Allen had a couple of close shaves — beaten on the edge and nearly undone by a yorker that he somehow dug out for four — but his luck ran out soon.

Attempting an inside-out drive to a length ball outside off, he could only manage a faint nick.

Promoted to No. 3 ahead of Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Green, the highest-paid overseas player at Rs 25.20 crore, continued his miserable outing having earlier managed scores of 18 (against Mumbai Indians) and 2 (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Bartlett struck again with a similar back of a length delivery in the channel, swinging away inducing another loose poke.

With Bartlett breathing fire and KKR firmly on the back foot, Rahane and Raghuvanshi began to rebuild before steady drizzle halted the proceedings at 7.45pm.

With Eden Gardens equipped with full ground covers, the ground staff swiftly covered the entire field.

There was a brief relent when the covers began to come off, but rain returned, leaving the spectators frustrated as many started leaving.

All this unfolded in front of Bollywood superstar and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, who made his first appearance of the season at the venue, only to witness a rain-hit evening.

The match also witnessed a relatively sparse turnout, with 29,358 spectators in attendance.

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