Sports
Usyk beats Fury by split decision to become undisputed heavyweight champion
Usyk beats Fury by split decision to become undisputed heavyweight champion
Tyson Fury suffered a split-decision points defeat on a dramatic night in Saudi Arabia as Oleksandr Usyk became boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.
On a grand stage and on a legacy-defining night, Briton Fury began well but was given a standing 10 count and saved by the bell after an Usyk onslaught in the ninth round.
In a tense wait for the scorecards to be read out, Fury appeared convinced of victory before a stony-faced Usyk broke down in tears when he was confirmed as the winner.
The scorecards read 115-112 and 114-113 for the Ukrainian, with a third judge scoring it 114-113 to Fury.
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It meant Fury, 35, lost for the first time in a 16-year professional career. He will get an immediate opportunity for revenge with a rematch planned for later this year.
“I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority,” a defiant Fury said in the ring.
“It was one of the daftest decisions in boxing. I’ll be back.”
Usyk takes the WBC belt from Fury, to add to his WBA, WBO and IBF collection.
The 37-year-old remains unbeaten and is the first boxer in almost 25 years to stand tall as the sport’s sole heavyweight world champion.
“Thank you so much to my team. It’s a big opportunity for my family, for me, for my country. It’s a great time, it’s a great day,” Usyk said.
“I am ready for a rematch.”
Usyk beats Fury by split decision to become undisputed heavyweight champion
Sports
AFCON 2025: Super Eagles to know opponents today
AFCON 2025: Super Eagles to know opponents today
Three-time winners and five-time runners-up. Nigeria’s opponents for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals qualification race will be revealed today when the draw occurs in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The draw ceremony, held inside the SuperSport studio in South Africa’s commercial and economic capital, will divide the 48 countries into 12 groups of four teams each, with the top two teams in eleven of the groups qualifying directly to the finals, which are already scheduled for December 21st, 2025 – January 18th, 2026, while Morocco will qualify (regardless of where they finish) alongside one other team in the 12th group.
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The 48 qualified teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two automatically advancing to the tournament proper, which begins December 21, 2025.
The qualifying matches will occur during the FIFA windows of September, October, and November this year.
Today’s draw includes Nigeria’s opponents in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying race: Benin Republic, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
The AFCON 2025 finals will occur between December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026.
AFCON 2025: Super Eagles to know opponents today
Sports
Lightning strike kills 2 footballers in Delta
Lightning strike kills 2 footballers in Delta
A heavy downpour in Issele-Azagba, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, turned tragic on Tuesday as lightning struck 12 footballers and their referee, resulting in the instant death of two players.
The incident occurred in the evening at the Osemeke Primary School field, where 13 youths were engaged in a six-a-side football match. The lightning struck during the rain, creating a sudden and devastating situation for those involved.
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The community is now in mourning over the loss of these young lives. Details about the condition of the other players and the referee are still emerging as the community comes to grips with the tragedy.
Authorities are likely to investigate further to understand the full extent of the incident and provide support to the affected families.
Lightning strike kills 2 footballers in Delta
Sports
Finidi George emerges Rivers United head coach
Finidi George emerges Rivers United head coach
Former Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, has been unveiled as the Rivers United coach.
He signed a two-year contract.
The unveiling took place at the Rivers United’s secretariat in Port Harcourt.
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The 54-year-old will now take over the reign at the former Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions following Stanley Eguma’s sack towards the end of last season.
Rivers United who finished eighth position in the NPFL last season will hope to get the best out of the former Ajax winger who led nine-time NPFL champions, Enyimba to the 2022/2023 NPFL glory
Finidi George emerges Rivers United head coach
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