Lagos Gears Up for 2025 Festival of Table Tennis

The Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall at Teslim Balogun Stadium is getting a vibrant makeover as Lagos prepares to host the Festival of Table Tennis, a 20-day celebration of the sport running from July 16 to August 5, 2025. This exciting festival will feature a lineup of prestigious competitions, including the ITTF Africa West Regional Championships, WTT Contender Lagos, ITTF Africa Youth Championships, and the inaugural ITTF Africa Youth Cup. As one of the global hubs of table tennis, Lagos is set to welcome elite players from West Africa, across the continent, and around the world for what promises to be a truly unforgettable sporting experience. The action begins with the ITTF Africa West Regional Championships from July 16 to 19, where regional champions in team and singles events will be crowned. From July 22 to 26, the spotlight shifts to the WTT Contender Lagos, drawing international stars eager to compete for $100,000 in prize money across five events. The increased prize pool and valuable ranking points have attracted a stellar lineup for this five-day showdown. Next, the continent’s rising stars take centre stage at the 2025 ITTF Africa Youth Championships, held from July 27 to August 3. This 14-event tournament will determine Africa’s top young talents. The festival concludes with the ITTF Africa Youth Cup on August 4 and 5, offering another platform for emerging players to showcase their skills and compete for continental glory. Throughout the three weeks, fans can expect electrifying matches, passionate crowds, and the signature energy that defines Lagos. It’s set to be a spectacular 20-day celebration of table tennis—uniting athletes, fans, and officials in a festival of competition, culture, and camaraderie.

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Everything Except Easy: How Jannik Sinner Fought Back to Win Wimbledon 2025

Jannik Sinner stood victorious on Centre Court, arms raised, then dropped to his knees—overcome by the moment. Just five weeks after suffering a gut-wrenching loss at the French Open, the 23-year-old Italian bounced back in stunning fashion to win his first Wimbledon title, defeating archrival Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping final. “Only me and the people who are close to me know exactly what we have been through on and off the court,” Sinner said, fighting back emotion. “It has been everything except easy.” The victory makes Sinner the first Italian man to win Wimbledon, and it came just over a month after he had lost to Alcaraz in a five-set classic in Paris—after holding three championship points. Redemption After Roland Garros That French Open defeat had the potential to unravel a lesser athlete. But for Sinner, it became fuel. After just three days off to regroup with friends and family, he returned to training with a vengeance. “This match was important for many reasons,” said Darren Cahill, one of his coaches. “He knew the importance of closing this one out when he had the opportunity.” Grass-Court Struggles to Centre Court Glory Sinner’s Wimbledon campaign didn’t start smoothly. He exited early in Halle, his only grass-court warm-up. And during his fourth-round match at SW19, he found himself down two sets to Grigor Dimitrov before an injury to the Bulgarian shifted the match. Sinner also suffered an elbow knock during that match but powered through the pain to defeat Ben Shelton and Novak Djokovic in straight sets en route to the final. By dethroning Alcaraz—his first win in their last six meetings—Sinner added Wimbledon to his 2024 and 2025 Australian Open titles, taking a huge step toward a career Grand Slam. Setbacks Off the Court Sinner’s 2025 season has not been without controversy. Earlier this year, he served a three-month doping ban after testing positive for clostebol, a banned substance. Though the World Anti-Doping Agency found he had no intention to cheat, he accepted responsibility for his team’s error. He returned in time for the French Open and has since retained his world No. 1 ranking, highlighting his consistency and resilience. “He’s had a challenging year,” Cahill admitted. “The guy you see on court—so focused and precise—is also a fun, relaxed guy off court, always joking and messing around. We’re proud of the way he’s carried himself.” A Rivalry for the Ages Sinner and Alcaraz have now claimed eight of the last nine Grand Slam titles between them, with their rivalry shaping a new era in men’s tennis. And as Sinner hoisted the Wimbledon trophy aloft, he shared a knowing smile with Alcaraz, a silent nod to battles fought—and still to come. “It doesn’t matter how you win or lose,” Sinner said. “You just have to understand what you did wrong and work on that. That’s why I’m holding this trophy.” Source: By Harry Poole, BBC Sport

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Mission X: Super Falcons to Play Zambia in Quarter-Final

Algeria’s Lady Fennecs successfully stifled the Super Falcons to earn a scoreless draw in their final group B match of the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday and earn a spot in the tournament’s quarter-finals for the first time ever. Head Coach Justine Madugu made eight changes to the squad that started against Botswana in Thursday’s 1-0 defeat of Botswana, with defenders Shukurat Oladipo, Miracle Usani and Sikiratu Isah, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Francisca Ordega, Ifeaoma Onumonu and Chinwendu Ihezuo starting alongside goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Tosin Demehin and captain Rasheedat Ajibade. The intention was clear, which was to rest a lot of key players ahead of Friday’s potentially-explosive quarter-final encounter against Zambia’s Copper Queens. In Casablanca on Sunday, Algeria, like Botswana before them, threw women behind the ball in numbers, and stymied the play of the Super Falcons. However, Francisca Ordega was vibrant, as she was against Portugal in the friendly match in Lisbon last month. Her cross just before half time spilled to Ifeoma Onumonu, whose effort was blocked before it got to the brilliant goalkeeper Chloe N’gazi Boumrar. In the 52nd minute, a melee ensued in the Algerian box but the ball would not just not in, and three minutes later, Ordega, unselfishly, laid the ball in the path of Ajibade, who was double-teamed off the ball. Later on, Echegini, Ordega and substitute Esther Okoronkwo made efforts, but it ended scoreless and ensured the Lady Fennecs’ progress to the last eight.

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WAFU B U20 Boys Tourney: Flying Eagles Spank Junior Cheetahs, Reach Semi-Finals

The match began with a slow response from the Flying Eagles, as the Benin Republic team approached the game with intensity. This strategy paid off when Junior Olugbade scored a brilliantly executed free-kick into the bottom corner, giving the Junior Cheetahs the lead in the 24th minute. The scoreline was level going into recess, thanks to an equaliser from Mohammed Abdullahi. In the second half, the Flying Eagles quickly asserted dominance, demonstrating effective play within the box. A well-coordinated buildup led to a pass for Ezekiel Kpangu, who scored effortlessly, bringing the score to 2-1 in favour of the Flying Eagles. The team extended their lead to 3-1 when Imrana Mohammed skillfully navigated through the Junior Cheetahs’ defence and successfully placed the ball past the goalkeeper. As the match drew to a close, the Flying Eagles maintained their momentum with a strategic long ball for Imrana Mohammed, who then assisted Abdulahi Majid. Majid’s remarkable shot from outside the box resulted in the fourth goal of the match for the Flying Eagles. The game concluded with a score of 4-1 in favour of the Flying Eagles, and defender Odinaka Okoro was selected as the Man of the Match.

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Chelsea Stuns PSG to Win FIFA Club World Cup

Cole Palmer rang up two goals and one assist in a sensational first half and Chelsea toppled Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to win the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday. Palmer scored in the 22nd and 30th minutes and Joao Pedro tacked on the third goal right before halftime, capitalizing on Palmer’s fine touch into the box. Robert Sanchez, meanwhile, saved six shots in his best showing of the tournament. Chelsea, who won the 2021 Club World Cup that featured only eight teams, battled past Portugal’s Benfica and Brazilian sides Palmeiras and Fluminense in the knockouts to face Paris Saint-Germain — six weeks removed from their first UEFA Champions League trophy. PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma made two saves on five shots on goal. The European champions had allowed just one goal in their first six matches of the Cup. The frustrated Parisians went down to 10 men in the 85th minute when Joao Neves pulled Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella by the hair, was caught on video review and shown red. Altercations spilled past the final whistle, and PSG coach Luis Enrique appeared to grab at Pedro’s neck while he and Donnarumma confronted Chelsea players. Cucurella made a crucial stop to keep the game scoreless in the 16th minute. Fabian Ruiz made a great pass across the box to Desire Doue, who could have shot it but instead tried a centering pass to a teammate that Cucurella intercepted. Six minutes later, Palmer — whose first attempt barely missed wide left in the eighth — got the scoring started. Malo Gusto picked up a wayward header from PSG’s Nuno Mendes and ran into the box. After a fancy dribble to create space, his shot was blocked right back to his feet, so he fed Palmer for a left-footer to the bottom left corner. Levi Colwill earned the assist on the second goal for his long ball downfield to Palmer. From there, Palmer calmly dribbled toward the center of the 18-yard line and fired the same low, left-footer for an identical goal. In the 43rd, Palmer tapped a pass between two defenders for Pedro, who popped his shot over a sprawling Donnarumma’s right shoulder. Sanchez dove to meet Neves’ stoppage-time header just before the goal line. His heroics continued in the second half, as he swatted away a shot by Ousmane Dembele from close range.

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Tennis: Jannik Sinner Wins Wimbledon Title

Jannik Sinner has ended Carlos Alcaraz’s 20-match winning streak at Wimbledon to become the first Italian player to claim a singles title at the Grand Slam. He has become the first Italian to win the men’s singles title after coming from a set down against the Spaniard. The world No.1 withstood a barrage of winners from the two-time champion to prevail 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, and end his run of five consecutive losses to the Spaniard. Sinner now has four Grand Slam titles to his name, with the only major trophy missing from his collection being Roland Garros—the tournament where he suffered a heartbreaking loss to Alcaraz earlier this season. The triumph ended Alcaraz’s career-best run of 24 straight wins on the Tour. He was bidding to follow in the footsteps of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic by winning Wimbledon three times in a row.

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WTT Increases 2025 Contender Lagos Prize Money

The management of the WTT Series has announced a significant increase in the prize pool for the 2025 WTT Contender Lagos tournament, raising the total purse from $75,000 (₦115 million) to $100,000 (₦153 million). This 33% boost is aimed at enhancing player rewards and promoting global competitiveness. In addition to the increased financial incentives, players will also gain enhanced world ranking points for their performances. The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 22 to 26 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, located within the Teslim Balogun Stadium. This development aligns with WTT’s broader commitment to improving player welfare and ensuring that athletes are adequately compensated for their efforts. Winners of the singles events will receive $5,000 (₦7.6 million) and 400 ranking points. From the main draw onwards, all players in the singles category will be entitled to both financial rewards and ranking points. In the doubles and mixed doubles categories, winners will each receive $2,500 (₦3.8 million) and 400 ranking points. Participants who reach the round of 16 in these events will also earn prize money and ranking points. Tournament Director Kweku Tandoh emphasized the importance of prioritizing players: “We are fully aware of the sacrifices players make to participate in WTT events. This over-30% increase in prize money is a deliberate effort by WTT management to reward their dedication. At WTT, player welfare remains a top priority, and Lagos is committed to upholding that standard.” He added, “WTT Contender Lagos has become one of the most dynamic and widely publicized events in the WTT Series. Thanks to strong support from Lagos State and an enthusiastic fan base, it has earned a reputation as Nigeria’s best-organized and most well-attended international sporting event. The Local Organising Committee (LOC) is working tirelessly to raise the bar even higher and ensure this year’s edition rivals the best WTT tournaments globally.” The 2025 edition promises to deliver world-class table tennis action, with top-ranked players from around the globe competing in what has become a flagship event on the African sporting calendar.

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Brou, Okanlawon Set to Represent Nigeria at 2025 World Fencing Championships in Georgia

Nigeria’s rising fencing stars, Inkosi Brou and Wisdom Okanlawon, are set to compete at the prestigious 2025 World Fencing Championships, scheduled to take place in Tbilisi, Georgia, from July 22 to 30. In addition to competing against the world’s best, both athletes have been selected to participate in the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Training Camp, which will precede the championships. The camp, running from July 16 to 21 at the Tbilisi Olympic Palace, will feature elite coaching and international collaboration, offering a unique opportunity for skill development and global exposure. Brou and Okanlawon made their international debut earlier this year at the World Junior Championships in China. Now, they are set to make their senior world championship debut in Georgia. Inkosi Brou, who reached the knockout stage at the recently concluded 23rd African Fencing Championships in Lagos, will undergo a training tour in France before heading to Georgia. Ranked 75th in the world, the teenage sabreur will compete in the Men’s Individual Sabre event. Wisdom Okanlawon, widely regarded as Nigeria’s top homegrown fencer, will also make his first appearance at the global level. He is expected to depart Nigeria this week to join the training camp and will compete in the Men’s Individual Épée event. His participation is aimed at improving his international ranking and gaining valuable experience from top-tier fencers. The World Fencing Championships will feature individual and team events across all three weapons—foil, épée, and sabre—for both men and women. According to the FIE, the training camp will be led by world-renowned coaches including Zoran Tulum (sabre), Kuki Patru (foil), and Bela Kopetka (épée). Over 50 fencers from around the world are expected to attend, making it a dynamic environment for learning, competition preparation, and international camaraderie. In a statement, the FIE noted, “The camp will offer fencers the chance to train with peers from around the world, participate in group sessions, and elevate their game through video analysis, tactical workshops, and fun team-building activities.” This marks a significant milestone for Nigerian fencing, as the country continues to gain recognition on the global stage through the efforts of its young athletes and the support of international partnerships.

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