Sports

Peter Rufai, affectionately known as "Dodo Mayana", has died at age 61. A trailblazer in Nigerian football, he was Nigeria’s first World Cup goalkeeper, a 1994 AFCON champion, and an inspiration to generations of players both at home and abroad.

Liverpool forward and Portuguese international Diogo Jota, 28, has died alongside his brother André in a car crash on Spain’s A‑52 highway near Palacios de Sanabria. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the tragedy, praising Jota’s talent and character while requesting a minute’s silence before Portugal’s upcoming match. Tributes from clubs, teammates, and fans are pouring in.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has vowed to prevent future Club World Cups, accusing FIFA of damaging domestic leagues. As the tournament enters the quarter-finals, tension between La Liga and FIFA shows no signs of easing.

Napoli have called back Victor Osimhen to begin pre-season training on July 15, under new manager Antonio Conte. His loan at Galatasaray ends, but questions remain over his future, with a €75 million release clause still active in his contract.

After a 30-year delay, the Federal Government has delivered on its promise to the 1994 Super Eagles squad by awarding a house to former striker Efan Ekoku. The letter of allocation was presented to his niece in Abuja.

Victor Osimhen thanked Christ Embassy and Pastor Chris for supporting him during his early struggles. With 26 goals for Galatasaray, he now draws interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, Juventus and PSG, having rejected a massive Saudi offer.

The Super Falcons held Portugal to a goalless draw in Lisbon before relocating to Casablanca for a final warm-up against Ghana on June 29. As nine-time WAFCON champions, they seek their 10th title starting July 6 against Tunisia.

Maduka Okoye, Nigeria’s Super Eagles goalkeeper, has returned to his Enugu roots. He announced plans for a charitable foundation and football academy. Governor Mbah named him State Ambassador, offered land for his academy, and pledged support for stadium upgrades and youth development initiatives.

Lagos Environment Commissioner’s post listing arrested miscreants stirred online concern after it included the name “Tunde Onakoya.” Nigerians speculated whether the famous chess promoter had been mistakenly picked up. The chess master later reacted, confirming he was not in detention.

Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili has reportedly switched her national allegiance to Turkey just months before the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, citing repeated failures by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria to support her career.

Nigeria's Super Falcons have named a 24-player squad for the 2024 WAFCON tournament in Morocco. Led by Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala, the team includes experienced stars and promising homegrown players, with preparations starting in Abuja.

A court in Italy has sentenced 16 ultra supporters of Inter Milan and AC Milan to 90 years in prison. The fans were found guilty of mafia-linked crimes, including murder, illegal ticket sales, and violent attacks. Club officials were not involved.

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in the longest-ever French Open final, saving three match points and winning in five dramatic sets. This marked his fifth Grand Slam title and cemented his place among the game’s youngest legends.

In a dramatic final at Munich’s Allianz Arena, Portugal overcame Spain 5–3 on penalties after a 2–2 draw to win their second UEFA Nations League. The match included Ronaldo’s 138th goal, Mendes’s heroics and intense shootout drama—this report dives into every key moment.

PSG’s Ousmane Dembele has been ruled out of the Club World Cup group stage due to a quadriceps strain sustained during international duty with France. The injury could hurt his Ballon d’Or chances as rival Lamine Yamal shines with season-long consistency.