Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior appeared before a judge in Valencia on Thursday as part of an investigation into racist attacks directed at him during a league match held in the city on May 21. The Brazilian player expressed feeling “offended” by the insults he received, emphasizing that they were targeted at his skin color. The Valencia club expressed surprise and demanded a public rectification from Vinicius, denying that the entire Valencian public should be stigmatized.

During the hearing, Vinicius, dressed in a white shirt and dark suit, provided his testimony via video-conference from a court in Madrid. Afterward, he left without speaking to the press. The player has been a frequent target of racist attacks throughout his career.

The incident occurred around the 70th minute of the match when Vinicius pointed out a fan who had allegedly called him a “monkey.” The players reported the incident to the referee, leading to a temporary interruption of the game and the activation of the racism protocol.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed hearing the racist slur, prompting the referee’s intervention. Following the match, Vinicius took to Instagram, expressing that racism had become the norm in La Liga and vowing to fight against it relentlessly.

In response to Vinicius’s statements, the Valencia club expressed “surprise” and “indignation,” urging the player to rectify his remarks publicly, as they believe he unfairly targeted the entire Mestalla stadium.

A day after the match, a court in Valencia initiated an investigation into a “hate crime” based on complaints filed by the Liga public prosecutor’s office. Three young men were subsequently arrested, with one of them directly named by the player and the other two identified through CCTV footage. While the suspects admitted to the offenses, they denied any hateful or racist intent towards Vinicius.

The investigation continues, and Vinicius’s testimony will play a crucial role in shedding light on the incident and determining the appropriate legal actions to be taken. The case serves as a stark reminder that racism has no place in football or society, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to combat discrimination in all its forms.

In a groundbreaking announcement, FIFA revealed that the 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Europe, Africa, and South America, with an added surprise—the tournament will commence with a commemorative celebration of its 100th anniversary in Uruguay.

The agreement, reached among the continental football leaders, stipulates that only one candidate will be accepted to host the 2030 tournament, as confirmed by FIFA. Initially comprising Spain and Portugal, the bid expanded this year to include Morocco, and it has now welcomed long-standing bid rivals Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. All six national teams will be granted automatic entry into the 48-team tournament, according to FIFA.

This historic decision marks the first time the World Cup will be played across multiple continents. The inclusion of South America, with the opening match scheduled to take place in Montevideo, Uruguay, at the Centenario Stadium—the very venue where the inaugural 1930 World Cup final was hosted—is a significant draw. Alejandro Domínguez, President of the South American soccer governing body CONMEBOL, expressed the sentiment that “the centennial World Cup could not be far from South America, where everything began.” He further emphasized that the 2030 tournament would be held across three continents.

This consensus among once-rival soccer continents has also expedited the opening of the bidding process for the 2034 World Cup. The contest will be limited to member federations from Asia and Oceania, with Saudi Arabia having already expressed its interest, and Australia showing keenness after the successful co-hosting of this year’s Women’s World Cup alongside New Zealand. It is highly likely that the 2034 tournament will be held in November and December, similar to the schedule of the previous World Cup in Qatar.

The decision to accelerate the selection of the 2034 host, to be made by the end of next year, is seen as a triumph for Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has cultivated close ties with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Yasser Al Misehal, President of the Saudi soccer federation and a member of the FIFA Council, stated the country’s intention to bid, highlighting the desire to showcase their football culture and share their nation with the world.

While the FIFA Council’s acceptance of the unified 2030 candidacy still requires formal approval at a meeting of the 211 member federations next year, it is expected to be a mere formality. The selection for the 2034 host will be made at a separate congress.

Infantino expressed enthusiasm for the unique global footprint that the 2030 World Cup will offer, spanning three continents and involving six countries. He stated, “In 2030, we will have a unique global footprint, three continents—Africa, Europe, and South America—six countries—Argentina, Morocco, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain, and Uruguay—welcoming and uniting the world while celebrating together the beautiful game, the centenary, and the FIFA World Cup.”

The 2030 tournament, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, is planned to commence with matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay before transitioning to the core host nations of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

The ambitious travel requirements and time zone differences outlined in the plan have not been well-received by Football Supporters Europe (FSE), the officially recognized fan group of UEFA. In their statement, FSE criticized FIFA for perpetuating a cycle of destruction that they believe will adversely impact supporters and disregard environmental concerns. Additionally, they expressed concern about the decision to potentially award the 2034 hosting rights to a nation with a contentious human rights record.

While Chile’s inclusion in the South American co-host bid has been promoted since the 2018 World Cup, it was not mentioned in the recent announcement. Ukraine, which was added to the European bid last year, was also conspicuous by its absence from official comments about the UEFA-backed bid this year.

The United States, Canada, and Mexico are set to host the first 48-team men’s World Cup in 2026.

The selection of the 2030 host represents a significant triumph for Morocco, which has made substantial infrastructure investments in its major cities and was recently chosen to host the 2025 African Cup of Nations. The success of the Moroccan men’s national team, which reached the World Cup semifinals in Qatar and eliminated Spain and Portugal in previous rounds, further bolstered the country’s bid. Morocco will become the second African nation, after South Africa in 2010, to host the prestigious tournament.

In a statement, the Royal Cabinet of Moroccan King Mohammed VI hailed the selection as a recognition of Morocco’s esteemed position among great nations.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, expressing concerns about the bid’s potential derailment if Luis Rubiales remained in office, emphasized Spain’s commitment to showcasing their country’s strength as champions of both the men’s and women’s World Cup titles. He further underlined the importanceTitle: Unprecedented Unity: Europe, Africa, and South America Join Forces for a Landmark 2030 World Cup

In an extraordinary move, FIFA has announced a groundbreaking decision for the 2030 World Cup, which will see Europe, Africa, and South America come together to host the tournament. The surprise addition of South America was made to commemorate the event’s 100th anniversary in Uruguay, where the inaugural World Cup final took place in 1930.

FIFA has reached an agreement among the continental leaders of football to accept only one candidate for hosting the 2030 tournament. The bid, initially led by Spain and Portugal, expanded this year to include Morocco and has now welcomed Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay as long-standing rivals. Notably, all six national teams will receive automatic entry into the 48-team tournament.

This historic decision marks the first time the World Cup will span multiple continents. The opening match will take place in Montevideo, Uruguay, at the iconic Centenario Stadium, paying homage to the tournament’s origins. Alejandro Domínguez, President of the South American soccer governing body CONMEBOL, emphasized the significance of hosting the centennial World Cup in South America, where it all began. He declared that the 2030 tournament will truly be a global event played across three continents.

The unity achieved by the once-rival soccer continents has also accelerated the bidding contest for the 2034 World Cup, which will be limited to member federations from Asia and Oceania. Saudi Arabia has wasted no time in entering this contest, with Australia expressing interest as well, following their successful co-hosting of the Women’s World Cup this year alongside New Zealand. It is highly likely that the 2034 tournament will be scheduled for November and December, similar to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The decision to expedite the selection of the 2034 host by the end of next year is viewed as a victory for Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has established close ties with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Yasser Al Misehal, President of the Saudi soccer federation and a member of the FIFA Council, expressed their country’s intention to bid and emphasized the desire to showcase their football culture and open their nation to the world.

While the FIFA Council’s acceptance of the unified 2030 candidacy still awaits formal approval at a meeting of the 211 member federations next year, it is expected to be a mere formality. The selection for the 2034 host will be made at a separate congress.

Infantino expressed his excitement about the unique global footprint that the 2030 World Cup will create, spanning three continents and involving six countries. He highlighted the significance of welcoming and uniting the world to celebrate the beautiful game, the centenary, and the FIFA World Cup. The tournament, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, is scheduled to commence with matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay before transitioning to the core host nations of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

The ambitious travel requirements and time zone challenges outlined in the plan have faced criticism from Football Supporters Europe (FSE), the officially recognized fan group of UEFA. FSE expressed their concerns, stating that FIFA’s decisions disregard the fans, the environment, and potentially award the hosting rights to a nation with questionable human rights records.

Chile’s inclusion in the South American co-host bid, promoted since the 2018 World Cup, was not mentioned in the recent announcement. Similarly, Ukraine, which joined the European bid last year, has not been mentioned in official comments regarding the UEFA-backed bid this year.

The United States, Canada, and Mexico are set to host the first 48-team men’s World Cup in 2026.

The selection of the 2030 host represents a significant victory for Morocco, which has made substantial infrastructure investments in its major cities and was recently chosen to host the 2025 African Cup of Nations. The success of the Moroccan men’s national team in the previous World Cup, where they reached the semifinals and eliminated Spain and Portugal, further bolstered the country’s bid. Morocco will become the second African nation, after South Africa in 2010, to host the prestigious tournament.

In a statement, the Royal Cabinet of Moroccan King Mohammed VI expressed their pride in the selection, stating that it recognizes Morocco’s esteemed position among great nations.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, expressing concerns about potential bid derailment, highlighted Spain’s commitment to showcasing their country’s strength as champions of both the men’s and women’s World Cup titles. He further emphasized the importance of upholding values such as equality, solidarity, and fair play in sports.

Peres Jepchirchir, the Olympic champion, displayed the spirit of a true champion as she sprinted to victory in the women’s half marathon, leading a Kenyan podium sweep at the World Road Running Championships held in Latvia’s capital, Riga.

Jepchirchir set a new course record of 1:07:25, narrowly edging out her compatriot Margaret Chelimo, who secured the silver medal with a time of 1:07:26. Catherine Reline completed the Kenyan dominance by clinching the bronze medal, finishing in 1:07:34.

“I wanted to win three times and make history, and thank God I have made it,” said Jepchirchir. “It was my birthday this week, and I told my husband I would work extra hard to get the win.”

Jepchirchir’s outstanding performance also led Kenya to a resounding victory in the team competition, marking their first team title since 2016 when they last swept the medal positions. The combined efforts of Jepchirchir, Chelimo, and Reline resulted in a cumulative time of 3:22:25. Ethiopia secured second place with a total time of 3:27:55, while Great Britain and Northern Ireland claimed the bronze with a combined time of 3:29:15.

“I am so happy for team Kenya,” Jepchirchir expressed. “I knew we would sweep this as a team because I trust my colleagues so much.”

The race took place on a cool and sunny afternoon in Riga, where Jepchirchir once again demonstrated her patient strategy. As the Olympic marathon champion and women-only half marathon world record holder, she maintained a steady pace throughout the majority of the race, confident in her ability to outperform her competitors when it mattered most.

The initial pace was relatively slow, with a group of 22 athletes closely packed together as they reached the 5km mark. Samantha Harrison of Britain led the group with a time of 16:25. However, the pack began to thin out shortly after, with a group of eight runners passing the 10km mark in 32:19.

Jepchirchir, Chelimo Kipkemboi, and Reline Amanang’ole took turns leading the race, while the British duo of Harrison and Calli Thackery also contributed in the breezy conditions. By the third quarter of the race, Harrison and Thackery fell behind, unable to keep up with the Kenyan athletes who started to apply pressure at the front. Amanang’ole passed the 15km mark in 48:33, leaving only six athletes in contention for the podium.

The group was soon reduced to five, as Ftaw Zeray from Ethiopia dropped off the pace. Jepchirchir positioned herself at the back of the pack as they approached the 20km mark, closely observing her opponents’ moves. As they ran through the old town and along the River Daugava towards the finish line, Jepchirchir began to close the gap, with only one Ethiopian, Tsigie Gebreselama, sandwiched among the four Kenyans.

When they reached the 20km mark in 1:04:20, Jepchirchir seized the opportunity to make her move, surging to the front and assessing the impact on her rivals. Only her compatriot Irine Jepchumba Kimais fell behind at this stage. With Kipkemboi taking the lead shortly after, the Kenyan athletes quickly secured the desired positions, leaving Gebreselama behind.

Leading the final kilometer against the wind, Kipkemboi veered around the road, hoping for support from those behind. However, it became a battle for each woman individually, and Jepchirchir strategically positioned herself behind her teammate, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash her renowned burst of speed. Within the final 400 meters, she surged forward, capturing the gold medal.

“When I saw the tape, I started celebrating,” Jepchirchir shared, admitting she had trouble sleeping the night before due to race-day worries. With another global title to her name, she now has ambitious plans for the upcoming year.

“Next month, I’m going to run the New York City Marathon,” Jepchirchir revealed. “That’s my prayer; I pray to God for good health to get that chance. I will try my best.”

Silver medalist Chelimo Kipkemboi expressed her joy in running alongside Jepchirchir, saying, “It was great to run with Peres today. I am always proud to run for Kenya. I was fourth atthe World Championships on the track, so to win a medal today is very special. I’m excited to continue my progress, and next, I will compete in the Valencia Half Marathon.”

Bronze medalist Reline Amanang’ole was pleased with her performance, stating, “It was a very tough race, but I’m super excited because it was my first time running in this event.”

The World Road Running Championships in Riga showcased the exceptional talent and dominance of Kenyan athletes, with Peres Jepchirchir leading the charge and etching her name in history once again. As she sets her sights on future competitions, the world will be eagerly watching to see her continued success on the roads and tracks.

England continued their dominance over Scotland with a comfortable 3-1 victory at Hampden Park in a friendly match to commemorate the 150th anniversary of their first meeting.

Despite Scotland’s impressive form in their last five matches, they failed to hit the same heights as England took control of the game. Phil Foden opened the scoring for England, diverting Kyle Walker’s cross into the net before Jude Bellingham fired in a second before half-time after Andrew Robertson’s error.

Harry Maguire’s own goal gave Scotland some hope in the second half, but Harry Kane’s lovely finish from a sublime Bellingham assist wrapped up the win for Gareth Southgate’s side.

Scotland last won this fixture in 1999, and hopes of another win looked faint from kick-off as they struggled to cope with their rivals’ dominance. England, on the other hand, were looking to recover from their frustrating draw with Ukraine and will be pleased with their performance.

The victory marks England’s continued dominance over Scotland, who have failed to beat their rivals since 1999. However, both teams will now turn their attention to Euro 2024 qualification, with Scotland hoping to continue their impressive form and England looking to build on their recent performances.

In a declaration of commitment to nurturing young sporting talents, Rwanda’s Director General in charge of Sports Development at the Ministry of Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, has affirmed that the ‘Isonga Project’ is here to stay. Describing it as a platform where Rwanda’s future sporting stars are being groomed, Ngarambe’s remarks came during the closing ceremony of the ‘Isonga Training Camp’ in Nyanza district on Friday, September 8.

The ‘Isonga Project’ is a sports talent development initiative initiated by the Ministry of Sports, in collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD). Its primary objective is to unearth, develop, and promote young talents, both male and female, in various sporting disciplines, including Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Handball, Cycling, and Athletics.

Despite facing challenges, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was relaunched in June 2022 when the Ministry of Sports and its partners provided equipment to the selected schools participating in the program.

The inaugural ‘Isonga Training Camp’ saw the participation of 502 children from 17 schools across Rwanda. These budding talents were trained by a team of 12 coaches and 37 trained teachers during the week-long camp at College du Christ Roi Nyanza.

Beyond honing their sporting skills, the program also emphasized civic education, encouraging the youngsters to embrace Rwandan values in their careers. Ngarambe expressed satisfaction with the camp’s outcome, praising the talented children and their promising futures.

The success of this inaugural edition has inspired plans for more training camps and expanded program implementation in additional schools. The Ministry of Sports, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is actively exploring ways to support children who may transition to new schools not initially part of the ‘Isonga Project.’

During the closing ceremony, young students aged under 13 years showcased their talents in a demonstration football game. Elie Ariel Impano, a 13-year-old beneficiary of the Isonga-AFD program, shared his appreciation for the camp, highlighting the importance of more extensive training camps and regular competitions.

The ‘Isonga Project’ initially began in 2009 as a talent pool approach for male footballers. In 2019, it underwent revision to encompass a broader scope of sporting disciplines and include both genders. To support program implementation, the Ministry of Sports secured financing worth Euros 1.5 million from AFD. This funding will primarily be utilized for repairing and upgrading sports infrastructure in schools and training sports education teachers directly involved in the program.

The government’s vision through this initiative is to identify, nurture, and promote young talents, ensuring inclusivity and equality for boys and girls. It aims to prepare them for participation in major sporting events in the near future.

Director General Ngarambe emphasized the importance of this developmental phase, stating, “The future belongs here, and you can’t expect it when you skip the development phase.” The ‘Isonga Project’ serves as a beacon of hope for Rwanda’s aspiring young athletes, offering them the support and opportunities they need to shine on the global stage.

A devastating earthquake in Marrakech, Morocco, has had far-reaching consequences, including the postponement of a highly anticipated African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match between Liberia and Morocco. The match was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 9th, in the Moroccan city of Agadir, but the earthquake’s impact on the region forced a reconsideration.

The earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, struck near Marrakech late on Friday night, leaving a tragic toll in its wake. Reports indicate that over 1,000 lives have been lost, with more than 1,400 individuals sustaining serious injuries. The catastrophe prompted swift action and decisions from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

In a joint announcement, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and CAF stated, “Following the earthquake that affected some regions in Morocco, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces the postponement of the match that was to take place on Saturday evening, September 9, 2023, between the national team and its Liberian counterpart, in the final round of the qualifiers for the 2024 African Cup of Nations – Côte d’Ivoire; until a later time, in agreement with the Confederation of African Football.”

The statement further conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the Moroccan football family to the bereaved families and expressed hope for the swift recovery of the injured. It is a somber moment for Morocco, and the nation’s football authorities have taken the compassionate decision to prioritize the well-being of their citizens.

While the match has been postponed, the Liberia Football Association (LFA) confirmed that all members of its delegation in Morocco were safe. The LFA issued a statement extending its deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the people of Morocco in light of the devastating earthquake. The earthquake’s destructive force has left a lasting impact on the nation, and Liberia stands in solidarity with its African counterpart during this challenging period.

The LFA also reassured the families and loved ones of its delegation in Agadir, Morocco, that each member of the delegation was safe following the disaster.

Nigerian weightlifter Ruth Ayodele etched her name in the annals of the sport by clinching three medals at the prestigious IWF World Championship held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 23-year-old athlete’s remarkable feat brought glory to Nigeria and showcased her prowess on the international stage.

Competing in the women’s 64kg category, Ayodele’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. She secured two silver medals and one bronze, demonstrating her extraordinary abilities. In the Snatch event, she lifted an impressive 100kg, setting the tone for her remarkable campaign. Her Clean and Jerk performance saw her hoisting a formidable 122kg, further solidifying her position as a top contender. With a total lift of 222kg, Ayodele’s consistency and determination earned her another medal, securing her place in weightlifting history.

While Ayodele’s achievements were monumental, she faced formidable competition. Mosquera Llamosa of Colombia emerged as a formidable adversary, clinching three gold medals by lifting 101kg in the Snatch, 122kg in the Clean and Jerk, and 223kg in the Total category. Korea’s Minkyung Park also showcased her prowess, securing one silver and two bronze medals in the women’s 64kg.

In the women’s 59kg category, Nigeria’s Rafiatu Lawal, a 2022 Commonwealth gold medallist, displayed her dedication, finishing in the sixth position. Her lifts included 100kg in the Snatch, 125kg in the Clean and Jerk, and 225kg in the Total. Adijat Olarinoye, another talented Nigerian weightlifter, secured the 15th position with lifts of 95kg in the Snatch, 120kg in the Clean and Jerk, and 215kg in the Total.

In the men’s 73kg category, Edidiong Umoafia represented Nigeria with a strong performance. His lifts included 140kg in the Snatch, 170kg in the Clean and Jerk, and 310kg in the Total, earning him the 18th position.

Ruth Ayodele’s remarkable achievements at the IWF World Championship serve as an inspiration to aspiring sportswomen in Nigeria and around the world. Her discipline, and relentless pursuit have earned her a place among the sport’s elite.

The Springboks secured a statement-making win against Scotland at the Rugby World Cup. The match, which took place at Stade Vélodrome in France with temperatures soaring to 28C and high humidity, witnessed the Springboks’ dominance from the very first kick-off.

Manie Libbok, with his strategic kicks, kept the Scots under pressure right from the start. While the high up-and-unders to the wings posed a challenge for Scotland, they managed to hold their ground initially. South Africa earned a crucial scrum penalty, but Libbok missed the penalty, leaving the score at 0-0. However, he redeemed himself with a penalty conversion, giving the Springboks a 3-0 lead.

Scotland, struggling in the set pieces, narrowly avoided conceding points due to their own lineout errors. The Springboks, applying consistent pressure, earned another penalty, which Libbok converted, extending their lead to 6-0.

The game saw a temporary setback for the Springboks as Eben Etzebeth left the field due to injury. Scotland’s Finn Russell escaped with a marginal shoulder charge on Kurt-Lee Arendse.

Despite neither team making significant gains over the advantage line, the Springboks appeared more organised. On the half-hour mark, Darcy Graham’s clever dummy put Scotland in a promising position, but a try-saving tackle from Libbok prevented Scotland from scoring. Scotland started finding their footing and competing effectively in all phases.

As halftime approached, a rare sight unfolded as the Springbok scrum conceded a penalty, allowing Russell to convert and reducing the deficit to three points.

The second half began with a clear scrum penalty in South Africa’s favor, but Libbok’s range fell short. The Springboks regrouped and launched a determined attack, finally breaking through with a dominant try from Pieter-Steph du Toit.

Libbok, who had struggled with kicking accuracy, found his rhythm with a sublime kick pass to Kurt-Lee Arendse, who scored in the corner. Adding to the spectacle, Faf de Klerk nailed the conversion from the edge of the field, extending South Africa’s lead to 18-3.

Scotland displayed determination but struggled to gain ground as the Springbok forwards asserted their dominance. Despite a brief period of Scottish control, Cheslin Kolbe’s electrifying run shifted the momentum back in South Africa’s favour.

A thrilling moment came when Grant Williams embarked on a remarkable break, sprinting the full length of the field before being halted by a desperate ankle tap from Finn Russell.

In the end, the Springboks not only secured a convincing victory but also delivered a powerful statement to their competitors. Scotland, known for their bravery and resilience, found themselves facing an uphill battle as South Africa’s dominance shone through.

With two tries to their name, the Springboks emerged victorious with a final score of 18-3 against Scotland. This impressive performance sets the stage for an exciting Rugby World Cup journey, with South Africa making a resounding statement of their tournament-winning ambitions.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria closed their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series with a resounding 6-0 triumph over São Tomé and Príncipe. The match, held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, was a testament to the team’s unwavering spirit and exceptional talent. With this victory, Nigeria secured their place at the top of Group A, amassing an impressive 15 points and a staggering 22 goals throughout the campaign.

From the very first whistle, it was clear that the Super Eagles meant business. The game was marked by relentless attacks and precision passing that left their opponents struggling to keep up. Leading the charge was Victor Osimhen, whose stellar performance earned him a well-deserved hat-trick.

The first half of the game showcased the Super Eagles’ dominance as they swiftly took control of the field. Victor Osimhen, a prolific striker currently plying his trade with Napoli in Italy, demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess. His clinical finishing and impeccable positioning resulted in two well-taken goals that set the tone for the match.

Adding to the spectacle was Ademola Lookman, an Italy-based talent whose contribution was pivotal in the first 45 minutes. Lookman’s finesse and creativity added an extra dimension to Nigeria’s attacking play, leaving the opposing defence bewildered and unable to contain the relentless onslaught.

If the first half was impressive, the second half was nothing short of sensational. The Super Eagles continued their relentless pursuit of goals, and Victor Osimhen was far from finished. The Napoli star struck twice more, bringing his tally for the game to an astounding three goals.

But Osimhen wasn’t the only hero of the day. Taiwo Awoniyi and Samuel Chukwueze joined the scoring spree, each finding the back of the net to further solidify Nigeria’s dominance. The synergy among the players was evident, with seamless passes and coordinated attacks that São Tomé and Príncipe simply couldn’t withstand.

With this resounding victory, Nigeria not only secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations but also claimed the top spot in Group A. The Super Eagles accumulated 15 points, leaving no doubt about their supremacy in the group. What’s even more astonishing is their goal-scoring record, with a staggering 22 goals over the course of the campaign.

As Nigeria prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations, this sends a clear message to the competition. The Super Eagles are ready to take flight and soar to new heights. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents, the future looks promising for the Nigerian football team.

The stage is set, the stakes are high, and Tunisia’s national boxing team is gearing up for an intense battle at the Boxing Africa Qualifier, a critical stepping stone on the path to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Hosted by Dakar, Senegal, from September 9-13, this tournament is where dreams are forged and futures determined.

Heading the Tunisian delegation is Zied Barbouche, President of the Tunisian Boxing Federation, whose dedicated support for the team reflects the nation’s collective aspiration. Alongside him are key figures like Montassar Guennouni, the national technical director, and Khemais Arfaoui, the national coach, all working tirelessly to guide their talented boxers towards Olympic glory.

Ten determined pugilists have journeyed to Dakar, each carrying the hopes of a nation on their shoulders. The roster includes Hamza Ghazouani (71 kg), Youssef Rafrafi (80 kg), Mehdi Dridi (63.5 kg), Amor Khelifa (57 kg), Alaeddine Zidi (51 kg), Khouloud Hlimi (57 kg), Wafa Hafsaoui (50 kg), Chedha Jelassi (54 kg), Islam Ferchichi (60 kg), and Molka Ben Mabrouk (75 kg).

The competition in Dakar is fierce, as boxers from across Africa vie for coveted spots at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This is a trial by fire, where resilience, skill, and determination will determine who secures those precious quota seats.

For the athletes who miss out on qualification in Dakar, all hope is not lost. They will have another opportunity to clinch their Olympic dreams at the two world qualification competitions set to unfold in Busto Arzizio, Italy.

The journey to the Olympics is a relentless pursuit of excellence, and these Tunisian boxers are prepared to go the distance. Every punch, every jab, every round is a testament to their dedication and the unwavering support of their nation.

As they step into the ring in Dakar, Tunisia rallies behind its boxing heroes, wishing them the strength, courage, and skill needed to secure those golden tickets to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Whatever the outcome, these athletes are already champions, embodying the spirit of determination and representing Tunisia on the world stage.