Sports
Zelensky, Klitschko brothers salute Usyk on heavyweight glory
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.
Sports
Ronaldo To End Career In Football This Year Without World Cup Title
The 41-year-old Portugal captain is one of football’s most decorated players, having won major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current club Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo says this could be his final year in football as the Portugal captain prepares to leave a lasting legacy.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told lifestyle magazine Vogue in an interview published on Sunday.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain is one of football’s most decorated players, having won major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current club Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo made his senior debut for Sporting in 2002 and has enjoyed a career spanning more than two decades.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 976 goals for club and country and is now closing in on the 1,000-goal milestone.
However, Ronaldo was unable to add a World Cup title to his list of honours after Portugal fell short at this year’s tournament.
Sports
NFF Sacks Madugu over WAFCON crashed out
The decision was reached by its Executive Committee following the poor performance at the recently concluded 2026 women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has sacked the Super Falcons of Nigeria head coach, Justin Madugu, and his crew.
The decision was reached by its Executive Committee following the poor performance at the recently concluded 2026 women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
The nation’s football governing body announced that the sack of Madugu and his technical crew following their return from WAFCON where the Falcons crashed out at the quarter-final stage.
They also failed to achieve automatic qualification to the 2027 women’s World Cup, and lost to South Africa for a chance to reach the World Cup via the playoffs.
Sports
Cameroon Win First WAFCON Cup Title
In a dominant first-half display, they scored three times before the break to end Malawi’s remarkable run at the tournament.
The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon have won their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating Malawi 3-0 in Rabat on Sunday.
In a dominant first-half display, they scored three times before the break to end Malawi’s remarkable run at the tournament.
Marie Ngah Manga scored twice, while Naomi Eto added a spectacular scissors kick as Cameroon took a commanding lead before half-time.
Cameroon had reached the final after eliminating Nigeria and hosts Morocco, having previously lost three WAFCON finals.
Malawi, competing in their first WAFCON campaign, struggled to match Cameroon despite their impressive run to the final.
They had entered the tournament ranked 153rd in the world.
Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina made an early save at the feet of Temwa Chawinga as Malawi looked to threaten in the opening minutes.
Bihina also denied Chikondi Gondwe in the 14th minute before Cameroon began to take control.
Cameroon opened the scoring in the 20th minute after Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo failed to deal with Grace Mendoua’s cross.
Sikelo pushed the cross onto her own crossbar, allowing Ngah Manga to react quickly and head the ball into the net from close range.
Malawi tried to respond, but Cameroon remained in control.
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