Former Super Eagles defender Godwin Okpara has backed one side to emerge victorious ahead of the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.
The climax of the 2025/26 European season will see the champions of France and England face off in Budapest for the biggest prize in club football after both teams overcame elite opposition to book their places in the showpiece.
PSG head into the final as defending champions after dismantling Inter Milan 5-0 in last year’s final, while Arsenal are preparing for their first Champions League final appearance since losing to Barcelona in 2006.
Former Super Eagles defender Godwin Okpara explains why he believes PSG has the edge ahead of the UEFA Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal.
Sharing his assessment of the blockbuster encounter, former PSG and Nigeria defender Okpara admitted the French champions appear better equipped to retain their European crown.
“Look at their tactical formation. Even Achraf Hakimi operates with the impact of an attacker, but he is fundamentally a defender,” Okpara told Footy-Africa.
“There is a lot of quality in this PSG squad, and they do not depend solely on Ousmane Dembele. It is an elite team because they no longer play through just one player.
“Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have a good understanding, and they play as a collective unit, and they win as a team. That is the only way to secure the biggest trophies.”
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Despite favoring the reigning European champions, Okpara acknowledged Arsenal’s qualities and warned that Mikel Arteta’s side would provide a much sterner test than Inter Milan did last season.
The former Super Eagles defender praised Arsenal’s defensive organization after conceding just six goals en route to the final but still expects an entertaining, open contest.
“It is going to be an incredibly tough match because both teams are exceptionally strong in their respective areas. I am expecting to see plenty of goals in this final,” he said.
“But when you look closely at the squads, ranking them position by position from the goalkeeper, through the defense, into midfield, and up to the attack, they simply possess more quality players.
“For that reason, I see them winning it.”
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The Champions League final in Budapest will be a fascinating tactical battle as Arsenal chase a first-ever European crown while PSG seek to cement their growing dominance on the continental stage with second title in a row.
