Sports

Chinwendu Ihezuo’s 88th-minute goal helped Nigeria's Super Falcons edge Botswana 1-0 in their second WAFCON 2025 group match. The win secured Nigeria a spot in the quarterfinals and continued their unbeaten run as they chase their 11th WAFCON title.

Portuguese football star Diogo Jota tragically died in a crash, leaving behind his wife and three children. The Liverpool forward’s estimated £35 million legacy includes football wages, endorsements, real estate, and a thriving Esports business—securing his family’s financial future.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons began their 2025 WAFCON campaign with a 3–0 win over Tunisia. Rinsola Babajide starred with a goal and assist, while Oshoala and Ihezuo also found the net. The Falcons now top their group ahead of their next match against Botswana.

Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund 3–2 in a thrilling FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal, with Kylian Mbappé’s sensational overhead kick sealing the win. The match had it all—early Madrid dominance, a late Dortmund fightback, a red card, and Courtois' heroics.

Paris Saint-Germain powered into the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semifinals after a dramatic 2-0 win over Bayern Munich. Goals from Desire Doué and Ousmane Dembélé, plus solid defending despite two red cards, sealed the victory in a heated encounter in Jeddah.

Chelsea edged Palmeiras 2‑1 in a thrilling FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final in Philadelphia. Cole Palmer opened the scoring, Palmeiras equalised through Estêvão, but a late own goal from Agustín Giay sealed the win. Chelsea now face Fluminense in the semi-final.

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.

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.