Sports

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.

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.

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.