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Women W’Cup: History as African trio hit last 16

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With the group stage matches of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup concluded on Thursday, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, Banyana Banyana of South Africa, and the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco gave Africa a historic three-placement in the next stage of the tournament.

This is the first time in history that three African countries have made it to the last 16 of any FIFA World Cup competition at the same time.

It was reported on Monday that the Super Falcons played a nail-biting goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland to advance to the knockout stage. Nigeria prior to that, defeated co-hosts Australia 3-2 in a thrilling encounter after playing out a goalless draw against the much fancied Olympic champions, Canada, to qualify for the round of 16, finishing second in the Group B table, ending the group stage undefeated.

After losing 6-0 to Germany on July 24, Morocco fought back on Sunday with a 1-0 win against South Korea. In a thrilling game on Thursday, the Atlas Lionesses defeated Colombia 1-0 to book a slot in the round of 16, finishing second in Group H.

African champions, the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, started their campaign with a 2-1 loss against their more illustrious opponents Sweden but bounced back holding Argentina in a 2-2 draw. The relentless team fought hard to secure a 3-2 win over Italy on Wednesday. South Africa finished second in Group G.

Subsequently, after England beat China 6-1 on Tuesday, it was confirmed that Nigeria would face the Lionesses in what promises to be an exciting encounter in the round of 16 on Monday.

Women’s W’Cup last 16 fixtures (PC: World Cup)

Here are the fixtures of the teams that will be playing in the last 16;

Switzerland vs Spain (Saturday, August 5)

Netherlands vs South Africa (Sunday, August 6)

Japan vs Norway (Saturday, August 5)

Sweden vs USA (Sunday, August 6)

Australia vs Denmark (Monday, August 7)

France vs Morocco (Tuesday, August 8)

England vs Nigeria (Monday, August 7)

Columbia vs Jamaica (Tuesday, August 8)

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BREAKING: Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan is dead

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Hulk Hogan, the iconic face of professional wrestling in the 1980s who parlayed his prowess in the ring into an acting career, has died at the age of 71, US media reported today.

Hogan — known for his towering 6’7″ (two-meter) physique, bandana and distinctive blond handlebar mustache — died at his home in Florida, NBC News reported, citing his manager Chris Volo.

TMZ also reported the news, citing unnamed sources.

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African junior champs: Nigeria Wins Gold Medals across Sprints

Her compatriots Chigozie Nwankwo and Perezide Sigah finished second and third, respectively, recording 24.01s and 24.26s, to complete an emphatic Nigerian 1-2-3.

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• Ezechukwu -middle ( first) Nwankwo (second) Sigah (third)

At the packed MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Sunday, Miracle Ezechukwu stormed to victory in the CAA African U-18/U-20m girls’ final having won three gold medals of the championship with a personal best of 23.87s.

Her compatriots Chigozie Nwankwo and Perezide Sigah finished second and third, respectively, recording 24.01s and 24.26s, to complete an emphatic Nigerian 1-2-3.

Ezechukwu, who also clinched gold in the 100m earlier in the event, described the championships as a dream come true and expressed her gratitude to her coach and the organisers.

Moments after the U-18 triumph, Nigeria repeated the feat in the U-20 women’s 200m final as Success Oyibu led another clean sweep for the host nation when she blazed to a new personal best of 23.56s.

She was closely followed by U-20 100m champion Chioma Cynthia Nweke (23.95s) and Lucy Nwankwo (24.24s) to ensure Nigeria captured all six medals available across both female sprint categories.

Oyibu credited her performance to divine guidance and her camp’s preparation.

Earlier in the day, Nigeria won a protest regarding its U-20 men’s 4x100m relay team.

After initial claims of an exchange outside the zone, the Confederation of African Athletics ruled in Nigeria’s favour, awarding the quartet of Saliu Toyeeb, Joachim Uyovwiyoma, John Caleb and Malik Oluwatobi the gold medal, which earned Nigeria’s third consecutive title in the event.

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Athletes from 31 countries arrive Nigeria for African Karate Championship

The championship will feature competitions in multiple categories, including Cadet (14–15 years), Junior (18 years), Senior, Para-karate, and Wheelchair divisions.

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Athletes from 31 African countries, on Sunday, arrived in Nigeria for the 2025 African Karate Championship, scheduled to be held from July 21 to 28.

The championship will feature competitions in multiple categories, including Cadet (14–15 years), Junior (18 years), Senior, Para-karate, and Wheelchair divisions.

The President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), Hon. Silas Agara, disclosed this in Abuja during a press briefing. He commended the Nigeria Immigration Service for facilitating a smooth visa process for the international delegations.

He noted that the participating countries have completed their registration, which closed on Wednesday night.

Agara said: “We have most of the countries on ground now. As of the closing date, 31 countries had confirmed participation.”

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