Sports

Nigeria confirmed its reputation as Africa’s Scrabble powerhouse with a total sweep at the Pan African Youth Scrabble Championships in Kenya. From U-15 sensation Sophia Ekeruche’s unbeaten run to Prestige Archibong’s U-19 triumph, the young Nigerians showed dominance. The NSC hailed the victory as proof of renewed grassroots sports growth under the current sports development drive.

Chelsea opened their Premier League title defence with a goalless draw against Crystal Palace. Despite 71% possession and 31 shots, the Blues couldn’t break through. Palace defended bravely, and VAR denied Eze a stunning free-kick goal.

Arsenal started their Premier League season with a narrow 1–0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Riccardo Calafiori scored his first goal for the club, capitalising on a goalkeeping error. United dominated possession but failed to convert chances.

Bayern Munich claimed the 2025 Franz Beckenbauer Supercup with a 2-1 win over Stuttgart. Harry Kane and Luis Díaz scored, while Manuel Neuer starred in goal. The match honored German legend Franz Beckenbauer and marked Bayern’s 11th Supercup title.

Tottenham Hotspur opened their Premier League season with a 3–0 win over Burnley. Richarlison scored twice, Kudus assisted both goals, and Brennan Johnson added a third. New manager Thomas Frank praised the team’s intensity and creativity in his first league match in charge.

Barcelona began their La Liga title defence with a 3–0 win over Mallorca. Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal scored, while Mallorca finished with nine men after two red cards. Debutant goalkeeper Joan García kept a clean sheet despite a head injury.

Manchester City opened their Premier League season with a 4-0 win over Wolves. Haaland scored twice, while debutants Reijnders and Cherki added goals. City dominated possession and shots, while goalkeeper James Trafford impressed in Ederson’s absence.

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have risen to 8th in the FIBA Women’s World Rankings, becoming the only African team in the top 10. The leap follows their fifth straight AfroBasket crown, seventh overall title, and an unbeaten streak stretching back to 2015.

Abia State will host over 200 global competitors this September for the Maiden Para Badminton International and All-Africa Para Badminton Championships in Umuahia. The event will highlight inclusion, sports growth, and Abia’s rising global profile.

Fenerbahce staged a stunning comeback to beat Feyenoord 5-2 in Istanbul, overturning a first-leg deficit and advancing to the Champions League playoff round. With standout performances from Archie Brown and Fred, Mourinho’s side now eyes a return to the group stage after 17 years.

Two Japanese boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, tragically died from brain injuries sustained during fights on the same night in Tokyo. The World Boxing Organization mourned their loss and expressed condolences. In response, the Japanese Boxing Commission announced a reduction...

American Ben Shelton staged a dramatic comeback to beat Karen Khachanov and win his first ATP Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open. The 22-year-old’s blistering serve and resilience won over Toronto, catapulting him to world No. 6 and etching his name in tennis history.