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Zelensky, Klitschko brothers salute Usyk on heavyweight glory 

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky led the tributes to Oleksandr Usyk after his historic victory over British fighter Tyson Fury in Riyadh, making Usyk the first undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion in 25 years. The 37-year-old, who briefly served in the Ukrainian army following the Russian invasion in February 2022, described his points victory as a significant moment for himself, his family, and his country.

Zelensky praised Usyk on Telegram, emphasizing that Ukrainians fight hard and ultimately triumph over their opponents. He highlighted that Usyk’s achievement of holding four heavyweight belts simultaneously is a testament to Ukrainian endurance and strength, symbolizing victory for the war-torn nation.

Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kiev and a former world heavyweight champion, also lauded Usyk, noting that his victory demonstrated Ukrainians’ ability to overcome strong adversaries in challenging circumstances. Vitali’s brother, Wladimir Klitschko, another former heavyweight champion, was present ringside in Saudi Arabia and echoed his sibling’s sentiments. He acknowledged the immense pressure Usyk faced and commended his performance against Fury, declaring Usyk the best fighter in modern history and expressing pride in their shared Ukrainian heritage.

Usyk, born in Simferopol, Crimea, faced criticism from Ukrainians in 2014 for his neutral stance on Russia’s annexation of the peninsula and for stating that Russians and Ukrainians were the same people. However, following Russia’s 2022 invasion, Usyk’s support for Ukraine became unequivocal, earning him the backing of the Ukrainian armed forces. Mikola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, stated that Usyk’s victory highlighted Ukraine’s strength and determination in defending its identity, language, culture, and traditions. A fighting unit also expressed their support with a message celebrating Ukraine and its defenders.

Television presenter and actor Sergiy Prytula viewed Usyk’s triumph as a morale booster for the entire nation, equating his win to a victory for Ukraine. Eurovision Song Contest winner Jamala expressed pride in Usyk’s accomplishment with a heartfelt message of gratitude.

By securing the WBC title from Fury in addition to his WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, Usyk became the first boxer to be the undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in 1999.

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Edo Queens Win 2025/26 NWFL Title

They won the title after drawing goalless with Bayelsa Queens in the final round of NWFL Premiership Super Six fixtures at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday.

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Edo Queens have been crowned champions of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) for the 2025/26 season.

They won the title after drawing goalless with Bayelsa Queens in the final round of NWFL Premiership Super Six fixtures at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday.

This was s their second NWFL title in three years for coach Moses Aduku’s team.

Before the game, Adaaa Edo Queens were on nine points, needing only one point to be crowned champions.

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World Cup: Japan Holds Netherlands To 2-2 Draw

A draw gives each team one point, so neither gains an early advantage in the group. Their exact positions would depend on the result of the other group match.

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Japan came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their opening World Cup match, with Daichi Kamada’s 88th-minute header rescuing a point in Dallas.

The Netherlands took the lead in the 51st minute when Virgil van Dijk headed home to make it 1-0. Japan responded six minutes later through Keito Nakamura, who levelled the score at 1-1 in the 57th minute.

The Dutch regained the advantage in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville curled a superb strike into the net for a 2-1 lead.

However, Japan struck again with two minutes remaining as Kamada headed in the equaliser to make it 2-2.

The Netherlands controlled possession throughout the game and held a slight edge in expected goals.

Both teams registered 10 shots, but the Dutch were more accurate, recording six shots on target to Japan’s three.

Despite spending less time on the ball and producing fewer efforts on target, Japan capitalised on their key opportunities and left with a valuable point, while the Netherlands were unable to turn their possession advantage into victory.

A draw gives each team one point, so neither gains an early advantage in the group. Their exact positions would depend on the result of the other group match.

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World Cup: Sweden beats Tunisia 5-1

For Tunisia, the defeat leaves little margin for error heading into their next group fixture, while Sweden have immediately established themselves as serious contenders for a place in the knockout rounds.

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Sweden on Monday started their FIFA World Cup campaign on a good note , cruising to a commanding 5-1 victory over Tunisia in their Group F opener at Estadio Monterrey stadium.

The Scandinavian side took control early through Yasin Ayari, who opened the scoring with a stunning strike in the seventh minute before Alexander Isak doubled the advantage after half an hour.

Tunisia briefly threatened a comeback when Omar Rekik pulled a goal back just before half-time, but Sweden returned after the interval with renewed intensity.

Viktor Gyökeres extended Sweden’s lead in the 59th minute before substitute Mattias Svanberg and Ayari added late goals to seal an emphatic victory.

Ayari was the standout performer, scoring twice in an impressive World Cup debut, while Isak finished with a goal and two assists and Gyökeres contributed a goal and an assist.

Sweden’s clinical finishing ultimately made the difference. Although Tunisia enjoyed periods of possession and created opportunities, they lacked composure in the final third and paid heavily for defensive lapses.The result gives Sweden an early advantage in Group F after Netherlands and Japan shared the points in a 2-2 draw on Sunday.

For Tunisia, the defeat leaves little margin for error heading into their next group fixture, while Sweden have immediately established themselves as serious contenders for a place in the knockout rounds.

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