IN NIGERIA
=====================

Nigeria’s D’Tigress has defeated Mali 78–64 in thrilling final of the women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

It is now a record fifth straight AfroBasket title for D’Tigress and their seventh overall.

Mali started the game with intensity, playing aggressive basketball and outscoring Nigeria 26-21 in the first quarter.

Coach Rena Wakama’s side responded to Mali’s intensity, rallying to level the score at 41–41 by halftime, but a composed second-half performance sealed the historic win for the reigning champions.

Meanwhile, South Sudan’s Bright Starlets capped off a dream debut by clinching the bronze medal with a dramatic 66–65 win over 11-time champions Senegal in the third-place game.
=====================

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday night told the victorious D’Tigress National Women’s Basketball team that he looks forward to receiving them and the trophy in Abuja, and wished them a safe trip.

The President congratulated the team for lifting their seventh African championship at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.

The Coach Rena Makama-led female team won the Afrobasket finals by defeating the Malian side, 78-64, in a thrilling match Sunday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

President Tinubu commended the skill, resilience, determination, and teamwork that propelled the team to the fifth consecutive title, and the seventh overall.

He praised the team’s determination to bring glory to the country despite losing the first quarter of the match.
=====================

Also congratulating the team, first lady Oluremi Tinubu hailed D’Tigress for their discipline, team spirit, and inspiration to young Nigerian girls.

Tinubu said “To God be the Glory for yet another victory for Nigeria as you bring home the second trophy won by the nation in two weeks.

According to her, today, you have written another golden chapter in our dear Nation’s sporting history by defeating Mali to win your fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title.

“With this win, you have showcased once again, the unwavering commitment and determination of Nigerian women on the global stage. You have continued to inspire every young girl to dream.
=====================

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has urged the Federal Government to extend financial rewards to coaches of national teams on par with players, following the Super Falcons’ triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Adeboye in his Sunday sermon titled “The Winning Team” during the RCCG monthly Thanksgiving Service at the church’s national headquarters, Throne of Grace Parish, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, commended President Bola Tinubu for rewarding each of the 24 players with the naira equivalent of $100,000.

However, he stressed that coaching staff, including head coach Justin Madugu, deserved equal recognition.
=====================

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Henry Ani, has topped the list of eight high-profile players who parted ways with Enyimba following the conclusion of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

Ani, who is expected to be in goal as Nigeria aims to clinch their first-ever African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in Tanzania, was Enyimba’s first-choice goalkeeper.

The goalkeeper has now joined Rivers United, where he will link up with his former coach George Finidi, ahead of their 2025/2026 NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup campaigns.

The move also sees Ani team up with defender Divine Ukadike as part of Rivers United’s strengthening effort.
=======================

Super Eagles star, Ademola Lookman says he has handed in a transfer request at Atalanta after accusing the club of breaking promises to him.

The 27-year-old, a reported target for Serie A rivals Inter Milan, said he had reached an agreement with the club’s board that he could leave if a fair offer arrived this summer.

He said Atalanta has reneged on that promise after receiving an offer in alignment to what he believe had been discussed.

Lookman said Atalanta were blocking the opportunity of him leaving the club for reasons he does not understand.

The Nigeria international joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022.
=======================

Nigerian international Chuba Akpom is on the radar of Sky Bet Championship club Birmingham City.

Akpom is expected to leave Dutch giants Ajax this summer after falling down the pecking order at the club.

The 29-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at French club Lille.
=======================

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo has honoured seven Super Falcons players from the state with a plot of land and N30 million each.

This followed their role in winning the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 3-2 victory over the host country, Morocco.

Receiving them at the Banquet Hall of Government House Owerri, Uzodimma said the honour was part of efforts by the state to domesticate and celebrate the feat achieved by the Nigeria female players.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for setting the pace in celebrating excellent performance.

Meanwhile, Maureen Madu, a five time winner of the Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON), has called on President Tinubu to extend his kind gestures to veteran Falcons.
========================

The Nigerian duo of Abdulfatai Abdulbasit and Mathew Kuti won gold in the U19 boys’ doubles final at the ITTF 2025 Africa Youth Championship on Sunday.

The eight-day tournament is ongoing at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

They defeated Tunisia’s Essid Wassim and Khaloufi Mohamed 3-1 (12-10, 11-7, 12-10, 12-10) to clinch the gold medal.

Abdulfatai and Kuti showcased exceptional skill and teamwork, outplaying their Tunisian opponents in a closely contested and entertaining match.

Essid and Khaloufi put up a strong fight but ultimately could not match the Nigerians’ precision and strategic play.

This victory marks a significant achievement for Nigerian table tennis, highlighting the country’s growing strength in the sport.
=======================

Israel Okon won his maiden 100m national crown at the 2025 Nigerian Athletics Championships in Lagos when he stormed to victory in 10.04s to cap an electrifying final that saw four athletes dip under 10.10s.

The 18-year-old edged out Alaba Akintola, who clocked 10.05s to settle for silver, while Adekalu Fakorede placed third in 10.07s.

Former national champion Seye Ogunlewe narrowly missed the podium with a strong 10.09s finish.

Olaolu Olatunde (10.15s), James Emmanuel (10.16s), and Enoch Adegoke (10.20s) completed the final line-up in a race that underlined the growing depth of Nigerian sprinting talent.
=======================

UFC middleweight contender Renier de Ridder has declared his readiness to face former two-time champion Israel Adesanya, expressing his admiration for the Nigerian-born New Zealand fighter whilst calling for a bout between the pair.

The call-out comes as Adesanya continues to seek his path back to title contention following a difficult period in his career.

The Last Stylebender’ is currently enduring a three-fight losing spiral that began with his shock defeat to Sean Strickland at UFC 293, where he lost the middleweight title.

Adesanya has been targeting a rematch with Strickland as his preferred opponent for his planned UFC comeback in late 2025, with the former champion eyeing a return to the octagon between mid-September and October.
=======================

The Samuel Okwaraji Foundation has unveiled an annual U-16 football competition for secondary schools in memory of late Super Eagles midfielder, Samuel Okwaraji.

Secretary of the foundation, Chidozie Achonwa, revealed this on Sunday, saying the foundation’s president, Patrick Okwaraji eldest brother of the late footballer initiated the event to preserve Okwaraji’s legacy and support grassroots football.

He noted that the competition would also help reach families of former athletes neglected by stakeholders, including government.

According to him, the tournament will be held in partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation, National Sports Commission, Senate and House Committees on Sports, and SWAN.
======================

The remains of the late Nigerian football legend Peter Rufai (Dodo Mayana) will be laid to rest on Friday, 22nd August.

The family stated this on Sunday as they revealed that burial arrangements are being finalised for the iconic former Super Eagles goalkeeper.

Rufai who passed away on 3rd July, was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the golden era of the 1990s and a key figure in the Super Eagles’ victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

He also represented Nigeria at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup tournaments.
======================

IN ENGLAND
=======================

Chelsea has completed a thirty-seven million pounds deal to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.

The 19-year-old finalised a seven-year contract with the Blues after a medical in London over the weekend.

The Netherlands international has become the eighth signing of the summer transfer window for the Fifa Club World Cup champions.
======================

Manchester United boss, Ruben Amorim says he travelled to games last season fearful of what was going to happen to his team.

Amorim said he wants to be at the club for the next twenty years.

Speaking to reporters who are accompanying United on their pre-season tour of the United States, Amorim revealed for the first time the depth of his despair at presiding over United’s worst season since the 1973-74 relegation campaign.

United finished 15th in the Premier League last season – their lowest league finish since the 1989-90 campaign.

Amorim, who replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag as manager in November 2024, oversaw a run of seven wins from twenty-seven league games, and a shattering Europa League final defeat by Tottenham in Bilbao.
========================

Manchester United is prepared to sell striker Rasmus Hojlund for thirty million pounds.

The Denmark striker scored twice against Bournemouth in Chicago.
========================

Tottenham head coach, Thomas Frank says the injury suffered by midfielder James Maddison during Sunday’s pre-season draw against Newcastle looks bad.

The former Leicester City playmaker, pulled up off the ball seven minutes from time during Spurs’ one-all draw with the Magpies.

Frank said Maddison, who missed the Europa League final victory against Manchester United last season with a knee injury, has likely injured the same knee.

Tottenham’s only goal was scored by Brennan Johnson, while Harvey Barnes.
=====================

South Korea forward, Son Heung-min has made an emotional farewell as he played what is expected to be the final game of his Tottenham career in front of his adoring home supporters in Seoul.

Son was embraced by his Spurs team-mates and the opposing Newcastle players, and they performed a guard of honour when he was substituted in the 65th minute.

He said he had made the most difficult decision of his career in choosing to leave Spurs after ten years.
======================

Tottenham has signed Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha on a season-long loan deal.

The 30-year-old, who joined the German side from Fulham in 2024, was limited to just seventeen Bundesliga appearances last season.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank was keen to sign a defensive-minded midfielder following his appointment, with question marks over the futures of Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Tottenham also has the option of signing Palhinha on a permanent basis at the end of his loan.
=====================

West Ham manager, Graham Potter says midfielder Lucas Paqueta is committed to the club after he was cleared of spot-fixing charges but Michail Antonio will not be in his squad this season.

Meanwhile, Antonio looks to be surplus to Potter’s plans.
=====================

OTHER LEAGUES
======================
Celtic began their Scottish Premiership season with a victory, but were far from convincing as they struggled to break down a resilient St Mirren.

Luke McCowan’s deflected 87th-minute effort split the sides in what was a frustrating match for Celtic, their lack of intensity coupled with solid defending reducing them to few clear cut chances.
=====================

Hibernian has bounced back from their midweek Midtyjlland heartbreak to pick up three points on the opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership with a two-one controlled victory at Dundee.

Kieron Bowie scored a brace for Hibernian, while Dundee’s only goal was scored by Fin Robertson.
======================
Ghana international Thomas Partey has reached an agreement with Spanish La Liga outfit Villarreal after leaving Arsenal as a free agent.

Partey ended his five-year spell at the Emirates Stadium at the end of the 2024-25 season.

The 32-year-old was linked with several European clubs as the contract with Arsenal ran down and Villarreal has won the race to secure his signature.
======================

Inter Miami star, Rodrigo de Paul says Lionel Messi played a key role in convincing him to join the club.

Having arrived on loan until the end of the year, with the option of a four-year contract as Designated Player, De Paul revealed that Messi’s key role in the deal.

The move to Inter Miami gives De Paul and Messi a way to continue building their chemistry as they prepare for next summer’s World Cup.
=======================

Brazil women star Marta scored two late goals as the team defended their Copa America Femenina title with a penalty shootout victory over Colombia.

A pulsating final in Quito, Ecuador, saw Colombia take the lead three times only for Brazil to peg them back on each occasion.

The shootout went to sudden death with Brazil goalkeeper Lorena saving from Jorelyn Carabali to secure victory.
======================

OTHER SPORTS
=======================

In Basketball; Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has officially announced the contract extension of center Khem Birch.

The 32-year-old Canadian has signed a one-year extension with the EuroLeague champions.

Birch joined Fenerbahce ahead of the 2024–25 campaign and quickly established himself as a key defensive anchor in the paint.
========================
In Tennis, Teenager Victoria Mboko has produced the shock of the tournament as she defeated top seed Coco Gauff to reach the quarter-finals of the Canadian Open in Montreal.

The 18-year-old Canadian, who was handed a wildcard entry into the main draw, needed just 62 minutes to defeat the two-time Grand Slam champion 6-1 6-4 and continue her meteoric rise up the rankings.

Mboko converted four of five break points against Gauff and has now dropped just one set in four matches at the tournament.

She began the year ranked 333rd in the world, and proceeded to win 22 successive matches without dropping a set on her way to securing five titles on the second-tier ITF Tour.
========================

In Formula one, Lando Norris has admitted after his victory in the Hungarian Grand Prix that he was not making life very easy for himself in his title battle with team-mate Oscar Piastri.

Norris’ win closes the gap to his McLaren team-mate in the championship to nine points going into Formula 1’s summer break and was his third win in the last four races.

But it came after he dropped to fifth place on the first lap after compromising himself trying to pass Piastri at the first corner.

Hungary was the latest in a series of races in which Norris has had small issues that have cost him in the championship so far this season.

Norris qualified third at the Hungaroring, behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Piastri, and lost positions to Mercedes’ George Russell and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso after Piastri held him tight to the inside on the run to the first corner.
========================

In Cricket, England need thirty-five more runs with four wickets in hand to beat India in an astonishing final Test after a barely believable fourth day was halted by rain and bad light.

In scenes of incredible tension and in a raucous atmosphere at The Oval, England reached 339-6 in pursuit of a record-breaking 374 when the weather wiped out the final hour’s play.

Sublime centuries from Harry Brook and Joe Root looked to have England coasting to their target, only for India’s outstanding seamers to deliver a grandstand finale.

It means this epic series will be concluded on Monday morning. Either England will win 3-1 or India will level at 2-2.
======================

In Golf, Miyu Yamashita has produced an almost faultless final round to hold off England’s Charley Hull and win the Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl.

It is a first major victory for the 24-year-old from Japan, following top-10 finishes at each of the past two editions of the Women’s PGA Championship.

Yamashita’s two-under round of 70 left her two shots clear of 29-year-old Hull, who carded a three-under 69 to finish second in a major for the fourth time in her career.

Minami Katsu of Japan birdied the last to finish alongside Hull at nine under for the championship.
=======================

In Athletics, Dina Asher-Smith and Zharnel Hughes broke competition records in claiming two hundred metres victories at the UK Athletics Championships in Birmingham.

Former world champion Asher-Smith edged the women’s race in a dramatic photo finish, holding off one hundred metres winner Amy Hunt to triumph in 22.14 seconds.

Hughes completed the men’s sprint double as he clocked 19.90 to add to his one hundred metres victory.

Both secured their places in the two hundred metres for the World Championships in Tokyo in September, with the weekend doubling as the British trials.

Athletes needed to achieve a top-two finish, and have met the World Athletics entry standard, to be assured of a place in the squad, to be announced on 27th August.
=======================

In Cycling, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot became the first French winner of the Tour de France Femmes for thirty-six years as she triumphed on stage nine.

An emotional and exhausted Ferrand-Prevot lay on the floor after crossing the finish line in Chatel as the magnitude of her achievement began to sink in.

The Olympic mountain bike champion returned to road racing after seven seasons away with the goal of winning the yellow jersey.

Having moved top of the general classification by winning Saturday’s queen stage atop the Col de la Madeleine, Visma-Lease a Bike rider Ferrand-Prevot burst clear with six kilometres to go on Sunday to claim victory in style.
========================
FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best…. words from Tim Duncan, NBA MVP.