Chinwendu Ihezuo’s late strike sealed a second consecutive win for the Super Falcons at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Thursday.
With the win, the Falcons now have six points which guarantees the team a place in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Coach Justin Madugu stuck with the same starting eleven against Tunisia. But after a difficult first half with no breakthrough, he introduced Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo to inject fresh energy.
Nigeria Vs Botswana. X/@CAFWomen
The substitutions eventually paid off as The Mares resistance was broken late in the game.
READ ALSO: Super Falcons Outclass Tunisia To Kickstart WAFCON Campaign
Ihezuo ensured that her introduction into the game counted in the 88th minute, latching unto a loose ball in the opponent’s box to give Nigeria the maximum points.
Super Falcons celebrate victory against Botswana. X/@CAFWomen
The late strike against Botswana is Ihezuo’s second goal in the tournament, following her strike in the 3-0 win against Tunisia in Nigeria’s first match.
Both Okoronkwo and Ashleigh Plumptre also had a chance in the second half, but were denied the Botswana keeper.
Iga Swiatek breezed into her first Wimbledon final on Thursday but hopes of a dream match-up with Aryna Sabalenka were dashed when the top seed was stunned by Amanda Anisimova.
Five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek, not previously known for her prowess on grass, demolished former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-0 in just 71 minutes on Centre Court.
“Honestly, I never even dreamed that it’s going to be possible for me to play in the final,” said the 24-year-old eighth seed.
“So I’m just super-excited and proud of myself and, I don’t know, tennis keeps surprising me.
“I thought I had experienced everything on the court but I didn’t experience playing well on grass, so that’s the first time. I’m super excited and just enjoying it.”
(COMBO) This combination of pictures created on July 10, 2025 shows (FILES) Poland’s Iga Swiatek on July 10, 2025 and US player Amanda Anisimova on July 10, 2025, during their respective women’s singles tennis matches of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)
In baking conditions, Swiatek caught her Swiss opponent cold, racing into a 3-0 lead, and never relinquished her grip against her 35th-ranked opponent.
Bencic, who won gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, at least got on the board in the first set, but in the second set the rampant Swiatek went up another gear and her opponent had no answers.
“Today was just a different level from Iga. She played amazing and I didn’t feel like she let me in the match for one second,” Bencic said.
“There’s nothing I really regret. In the end, she was just too good, and I was a step too short.”
READ ALSO: History-Chasing Djokovic Sets Up Wimbledon Showdown With Sinner
Poland’s Iga Swiatek celebrates after victory over Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic at the end of their women’s singles semi-final tennis match on the eleventh day of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 10, 2025. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
Swiatek has largely gone under the radar at this year’s Wimbledon, dropping just one set while every seed above her has been eliminated.
Four of her five major wins have come on the clay of the French Open, with her previous best performance at Wimbledon a run to the quarter-finals in 2023.
She made her first grass-court final at Bad Homburg just two weeks ago and is now into her second final on the surface.
Swiatek has won all five of her Grand Slam finals, but standing in the way of a sixth major title is Anisimova in their first professional meeting.
Anisimova ousts Sabalenka
Anisimova, the American 13th seed, shattered Sabalenka’s Wimbledon title bid with a tense 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory.
World number one Sabalenka had reached the previous three Grand Slam finals but came up short against Anisimova, who matched her blow for blow in a bruising encounter lasting just over two hour and a half hours.
“This doesn’t feel real right now, honestly,” said Anisimova. “Aryna is such a tough competitor and I was absolutely dying out there. I don’t know how I pulled it out.
“We’ve had so many tough battles and to come out on top and be in the final of Wimbledon is incredible.”
The 23-year-old, who now has an impressive 6-3 winning record against Sabalenka, won the first set but the Belarusian hit back to level.
Anisimova was hailed as a teenage sensation after reaching the 2019 French Open semi-finals aged just 17.
But in 2023 she took an eight-month break from the court for mental health reasons, tumbling out the top 400.
This time last year, she was on the comeback trail but was ranked too low to get into the Wimbledon main draw and fell in qualifying.
On Thursday she became only the second player in the Open era to reach a women’s final at a Grand Slam after losing in qualifying at the previous year’s event.
“If you told me I would be in the final of Wimbledon, I would not believe you. It’s indescribable to be honest,” she said.
She is guaranteed to make her top-10 debut on Monday.
Defeat was a bitter blow for Sabalenka, who has still never been beyond the semi-finals at Wimbledon.
The 27-year-old won last year’s US Open to collect her third major, but suffered agonising defeats in the finals of this year’s Australian and French Opens.
“Losing sucks,” she said. “You feel like you are getting close to your dream and then this is the end. You always feel like you want to die and not exist any more.”
“But then you sit there a little bit and think about what you could have done differently.”
Christian Norgaard said a childhood dream of appearing in the Champions League had come true after signing for Arsenal from Brentford on Thursday.
The 31-year-old Danish midfielder has joined for a reported initial £10 million ($14 million) fee plus a further £2 million in add-ons, according to The Athletic.
Norgaard scored 13 times in 196 appearances for the Bees and was crucial to establishing Brentford as a Premier League club over the past four seasons.
“You can get almost emotional because maybe it was a dream that I’ve given a little bit up on coming towards the later stage in my career,” said Norgaard.
“I’ve just turned 31 and had signed a new deal with Brentford. Of course, there’s always a little chance that a miracle could happen with Brentford, but it was probably unrealistic to play Champions League with them.
“Now, I get to hear the anthem and be a part of a Champions League campaign. It’s a childhood dream and something I didn’t think would be possible.”
READ ALSO: Ex-Arsenal Footballer Thomas Partey Charged With Rape In UK
Norgaard is Arsenal’s third signing of the transfer window after Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and boosts their midfield options after the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
“He is an international player with a wealth of experience of the Premier League. He has proven leadership skills and a strong character which will be invaluable to our squad,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
“He is a strong midfielder with excellent tactical awareness and versatility. He also has physical presence and intelligence which will give us added depth and balance.”
Arsenal are also reportedly closing in on the signing of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon for a deal worth around £70 millon.
After a commanding victory in their first match of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Nigeria’s Super Falcons can book an early quarter-final ticket in the competition if they get all three points against Botswana on Thursday.
Nigeria, record-WAFCON winners, beat Tunisia 3-0 on Monday to begin their quest for a 10th continental crown in Morocco. A win in their second Group B game, however, will be a giant step towards that goal, reaching the last eight of the competition first.
Nigeria Deliver in Opening Game
First game ✅ Three goals Shut out
When we say Mission X, we mean it! #WAFCON2024 #SoarSuperFalcons #MissionX pic.twitter.com/ycQ6fyWnjx
Goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo ensured Justin Madugu’s team got to a winning start in the women’s championship.
The Super Falcons, parading a team of experienced and youthful players, will expect to extend their sterling form at the WAFCON when they file out against the Mares at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
READ ALSO: Super Falcons Outclass Tunisia To Kickstart WAFCON Campaign
Injury-Free Super Falcons Focused on Botswana
“Victory over Botswana is Possible”
️ Justin Madugu speaks ahead of our second #WAFCON2024 match tomorrow against Botswana .#MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons pic.twitter.com/Pp8iOnZmGx
Nigeria have no injury worries going into the game and are focused on doing the job against Botswana.
Ahead of the match, Madugu, whose side defeated the East Africans in the last edition in 2022, says the team is taking the competition one game at a time.
Group B’s matchday 2 is on tonight.
Which side are your rooting for? #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/3RoCh96wlG
“As I said before the commencement of the tournament, we remain focused on our Mission X, and we believe that victory over Botswana is a huge possibility,” the coach said in a press conference.
“We are taking it one match at a time without taking any team for granted,” Madugu told journalists ahead of the clash.
History Favours Nigeria vs Botswana
Throwback to #WAFCON2022 in Rabat.
Goals from Ifeoma Onumonu and Christy Ucheibe sealed a 2-0 win over Botswana.
Same fixture loading tomorrow… #WAFCON2024 #MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons pic.twitter.com/cJ3Io2x0iy
Three years ago, the Mares were beaten by Nigeria, thanks to goals from Ifeoma Onumonu (21’) and Christy Ucheibe (48’).
Botswana, though, lost two games in that competition. They finished as one of the two best third-place teams, earning them a place in the quarter-final, where they were defeated by eventual finalist Morocco.
However, the dream of another quarter-final place is now looking like a tall order for the Mares. Having 1-0 against Algeria in their first game, the match vs the Super Falcons is an uphill task for Alex Malete’s side.
Botswana Unshaken by Super Falcons’ Pedigree
Going into Thursday’s game, Botswana remain unfazed by the pedigree of their opponent.
Malete respects the nine-time African champions but believes his team will give Nigeria a run for their money on the pitch.
“We’re confident and positive that we can qualify for the quarterfinals. Everyone in the group has a strong belief that we can pull through and make it to the next round,” the 35-year-old gaffer said ahead of Thursday’s clash.
“Most importantly, we believe in each other and believe in our system and structure. The belief is stronger than the pressure and the doubt.
“So we are confident that should we execute the game plan tomorrow, should we play with heart, desire, commitment, and patience tomorrow, we should be able to get a good result and make the game competitive,” he added.
Nigeria vs Botswana WAFCON Head-To-Head
Thursday’s match is the second time the Super Falcons will play Botswana. The first time was when the Mares made their debut in 2022. Nigeria won 2-0 in the Group C clash then. In that game in Rabat, Botswana were taught a harsh lesson, getting only 26% in possession.
Nigeria vs Botswana WAFCON 2024 Match Details
Set to soar over the Mares
Botswana ⏰ 8:00pm (NGA) ️ Stade Larbi Zaouli Live via CAF Broadcast Partners#MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons #WAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/p4i58kpknb
Xabi Alonso is looking forward to “starting from scratch” with Real Madrid next season after being thrown in at the deep end as coach of the Spanish giants in the Club World Cup.
Alonso was given a reality check on Wednesday as Madrid were eliminated 4-0 by European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final at the MetLife Stadium.
“PSG are a team who have been built over time, whereas we are practically just beginning,” Alonso said after seeing Real Madrid go two goals behind inside nine minutes.
It was 3-0 before half-time and PSG added a late fourth as they advanced to Sunday’s final against Chelsea.
“We have lots of room for improvement. There are many things that we want to do better,” Alonso added.
“We have to be self-critical. This will tell us things for the future that will help us to compete at a much better level than we did today.”
Alonso was appointed at the end of May, taking over from Carlo Ancelotti after a successful two-and-a-half years at Bayer Leverkusen.
Real finished as runners-up to Barcelona in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, and went out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals against Arsenal.
The Basque technician, a former Madrid player, would have preferred a full pre-season with his squad before being thrust into competitive action, and it was always going to be a big ask for them to beat PSG’s well-oiled machine.
“They are at a very high level and have been since the start of the knockout phase of the Champions League,” Alonso said.
“They have shown it again here and we have to accept it — we are just beginning, learning things about where we want to go and how we are going to get there.”
Real eased into the knockout phase of the Club World Cup despite being held by Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia in their opening game.
They then recorded narrow wins over Juventus and Borussia Dortmund prior to Wednesday’s defeat.
Modric bows out
Alonso demonstrated his tactical flexibility during the tournament by changing between a back-four and a three-man central defence.
Kylian Mbappe was used sparingly and sat out the group stage after being hospitalised with a stomach bug, but there were positives elsewhere.
New signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen got their first taste of action for the club, and young striker Gonzalo Garcia made a big impression with four goals in the first five matches.
Luka Modric, 39, made his farewell appearance against PSG, bringing down the curtain on a glorious 13-year spell at the club. He is now set to join AC Milan.
“This game is the last match of this season, not the start of the next one,” Alonso insisted.
“We will take positives away from this. We come away from here a better team and I am convinced this will help us start next season better.”
Like all the European teams who have gone deep into the Club World Cup, the turnaround into next season will be a quick one.
Alonso’s La Liga debut as Real coach is scheduled to be on Tuesday, August 19, at home to Osasuna.
Attempts to have the fixture postponed have so far been unsuccessful, meaning there are less than six weeks for the players to have a break and then embark on a full pre-season with their new coach.
Argentine starlet Franco Mastantuono, a 17-year-old attacking midfielder, will arrive from River Plate in time for the new campaign after a transfer fee of around 63 million euros ($74m) was agreed last month.
“In August the 2025/26 season begins,” said Alonso.
“Things are going to be different. We are starting from scratch.”
Novak Djokovic set up a mouthwatering Wimbledon semi-final against world number one Jannik Sinner as he moved a step closer to claiming a historic 25th Grand Slam title.
The Serb won 6-7 (6/8), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 against Flavio Cobolli in front of Britain’s Queen Camilla on Wednesday to reach the Wimbledon last four for a record 14th time in the men’s game.
Earlier, three-time major champion Sinner eased pre-match injury fears to sweep past US 10th seed Ben Shelton 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 6-4 in an impressive display.
READ ALSO: Sinner Powers Into Wimbledon Semi-Finals To Ease Injury Fears
In the women’s draw, five-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek and former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic both reached the semi-finals for the first time and will clash for a place in the final.
Seven-time champion Djokovic was pushed hard by Italian 22nd seed Cobolli but ultimately had too much nous and craft for the 23-year-old.
“It means the world to me that I’m still able at 38 to play the final stages of Wimbledon,” he said on court.
“Thank you for cheering for my age. I really appreciate it. It’s beautiful. Makes me feel very young.
“And I guess another thing that makes me feel very young is competing with youngsters like Cobolli today.”
The sixth seed prepared for the contest by meeting Camilla, the wife of King Charles III, who said she was keeping her “fingers crossed” for his match.
She watched Djokovic from the Royal Box, along with British actor Hugh Grant.
There was a collective gasp when the Serbian slipped fell awkwardly while serving for victory but he played down injury fears.
“I had a nasty slip, but that’s what happens when you play on the grass,” he said. “I’m going to visit this subject now with my physio and hopefully I’ll be well in two days.”
The Serb now owns the all-time record for most Wimbledon men’s singles semi-final appearances, moving one clear of eight-time champion Roger Federer, who reached the last four 13 times.
He has also reached a 52nd Grand Slam semi-final, extending his all-time record in the men’s game.
Djokovic is now within two wins of breaking his tie with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles titles for any player, man or woman.
But Sinner will offer a different level of challenge.
The top seed has won his past four matches against Djokovic, beating him in straight sets in the semi-finals of the recent French Open.
Sinner had sparked fears he may have to pull out of the tournament after falling early in his fourth-round tie against Grigor Dimitrov on Monday.
He was trailing by two sets and on the brink of a shock exit when the Bulgarian pulled a pectoral muscle while serving and had to retire.
Sinner wore a protective sleeve on his right arm against Shelton and said his injury had “improved a lot” after his practice was curtailed on Tuesday.
Carlos Alcaraz, who has beaten Djokovic in the past two finals at Wimbledon, takes on US fifth seed Taylor Fritz in Friday’s other semi-final.
‘Dream come true’
Attention will switch Thursday to the women’s semi-finals.
Eighth seed Swiatek said she had “goosebumps” after her 6-2, 7-5 win against Russian 19th seed Liudmila Samsonova.
The Polish former world number one has won four titles on the clay at the French Open, as well as the US Open in 2022, but her previous best result at Wimbledon was a run to the quarter-finals in 2023.
“It feels great. Even though I’m in the middle of the tournament I’ve already got goosebumps after this win. I’m super happy and super proud of myself and I’ll keep going,” she said.
She faces Switzerland’s Bencic, who shocked Russian seventh seed Mirra Andreeva 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/2).
The 28-year-old had a daughter, Bella, in April 2024, but has already risen back up to 35 in the world since returning from maternity leave.
“It’s crazy, it’s unbelievable. It’s a dream come true. I tried not to think about it at the match point. I’m just speechless,” Bencic said.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka plays American 13th seed Amanda Anisimova in the other women’s semi-final on Thursday.
