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After claiming his fifth Grand Slam title in a row on Friday, reigning champion Jannik Sinner anticipates a “special” occasion when he takes on Carlos Alcaraz for the men’s US Open title.

After being the only men to reach all four Grand Slam finals in a season, Sinner defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, and is on the verge of a fifth career major.

“I believe it’s great to have won five Grand Slam championships straight. It’s amazing how consistently I’m there in the later stages of the biggest tournaments,” said Sinner.

“When I turned pro, I would never have imagined that I would create this, and I’m now here.”

When Alcaraz faces him for the third consecutive Grand Slam final, his world ranking will be in question on Sunday.

READ MORE: Morocco Overtakes Niger Republic To Win World Cup Qualification in 2026

Sinner, 24, won the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, but Alcaraz, 22, lost in a five-set epic fight at the French Open to Alcaraz.

We like to see each other on the court because it indicates that, given our standing, we are performing well in the tournament, Sinner said.

They will compete in a second US Open match. Their first encounter in the 2022 quarter-finals was a powerful conflict that has now shaped their rivalry.

“Sunday is a very special day and an amazing final again,” Sinner said. “It seems like our rivalry started here, when we played a fantastic match. We are now two different players with different levels of confidence.

Alcaraz won a 5h, 15-minute marathon in New York three years ago, winning his first Grand Slam there.

Sinner is collecting his fifth major on Sunday in an effort to catch Alcaraz. The success of 27 straight Grand Slam victories on hard courts contributed a large part to that success.

He wants to become the first man to successfully defend the US Open title since Federer won the final five of his previous five titles in 2008.

After making the final four for the first time since his run to the same stage in New York in 2021, Canada’s Auger-Aliassime was attempting to reach his first Grand Slam final.

FIFA has chosen Mercy Akide and Diridier Drogba to join the newly formed players’ voice panel.

Former World Cup winner George Weah leads the charge, while others like Brazilian Olympic stalwart Formiga are also included on the list, according to FIFA’s star-studded 16-member Players’ Voice Panel, which was set up on Friday to combat racism in the sport.

The group, which includes players from 14 different nations, will offer advice on anti-racism strategies, take part in educational initiatives, and support reforms in the sport of football.

In a statement posted on the group’s social media accounts, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that “these 16-panel members will support education at all levels of the game and encourage new ideas for lasting change.”

They will make sure measures to combat racism are both on and off the pitch, making sure there are conversations about it and taken.

Let’s be clear: racism and discrimination are crimes, not just wrong. Every racism incident, whether it occurs in a stadium or online, must be completely punished by both the football and society as a whole.

Infantino had promised to contact the Ghana international when he was racially abused on the opening day of the Premier League season against Liverpool last month.

Football promotes development and unity. Weah, the only African player to receive the Ballon d’Or and former leader of Liberia, added that it also strengthens humanity.

Because football is a way of life, I will always work hard, just like I’ve done in the past and still do. I consider myself honored to have this position.

READ MORE: Morocco Overtakes Niger Republic To Win World Cup Qualification in 2026

The maximum fine now set at 5, 000, 000 Swiss francs ($6.24 million) for racist abuse committed against players, match officials, or team staff was updated at the FIFA Congress last year.

The referee also adopted a three-step anti-discrimination strategy that involves suspending the game until it stops, and, in some cases, completely abandoning the game.

The world of sports is never sleepy. The past seven days have been a whirlwind of emotions all over the world! &nbsp,

This week featured heartbreaking moments and historical feats in many ways, from the US Open, Favour Ofili’s switch to Turkey, the closing of the summer transfer window, and the Super Eagles’ precarious World Cup situation. &nbsp,

The best sports headlines of the year will be recapped in The First 11 as they examine these pivotal moments that have shaped sports over the years. &nbsp, &nbsp,

World Cup Qualification: Super Eagles Walk Tight Rope

All eyes are on the Super Eagles as another weekend approaches. Nigeria are in danger of failing to qualify for the World Cup for the second time in a row since making their debut in 1994 with just seven points from six games in Group C of the qualification race for 2026.

South Africa leads the group by 16 points, but the West Africans have a chance to close that gap to six when they take on Rwanda on Saturday. This situation gets worse. The Super Eagles can safely bid them adieu to the US, Mexico, and Canada tournaments coming up next year if they don’t manage to win. Nigeria travels to South Africa on Tuesday following the game against Rwanda. The side that parades some of the continent’s top players has a lot to learn from the outcomes of both matches.

US Open Reaches Crescendo

Nigerians are holding their breath as the crucial World Cup qualifiers are underway, but international behavior has been similarly intense, particularly at the US Open. Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz defeated each other in straight sets on Friday to face defending champion Jannik Sinner in the US Open final. In the end, Sinner defeated rangy Auger-Aliassime.

Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning champion and world number one, will face Amanda Anisimova in the US Open final after Naomi Osaka’s run was ended on Thursday. Pegula defeated Sabalenka. &nbsp,

Higher stakes, higher spending,

The European summer transfer window reached its peak as tennis fans glued to the courts, particularly in England, where the Premier League once more flexed its financial slack. According to financial experts Deloitte, the Premier League is now the “most competitive in world football” thanks to a record-setting £3 billion ($4 billion) spent. &nbsp,

Late on Monday, the window abruptly closed. According to Deloitte, the total spend of more than £3 billion by English sides during the window is approximately £650 million higher than the previous record of £2.4 billion set in 2023. Gross spend exceeds $ 2 billion for the third straight summer, and it is the first to surpass $ 3 billion. Spending surpassed that in other top five leagues in Europe, accounting for 51% of total gross domestic product spent on the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1.

Eagles on the move: Premier League New Faces Welcome

This season, Nigerians were at the forefront of the action, sealing deals with Premier League clubs, unlike during other transfer windows. Tolu Arokodare signed for Wolves from Genk, while Uche Christantus, Samuel Chukwueze, and Samuel Chukwueze teamed up with Fulham on loan, while Uche Christantus joined Crystal Palace from Getafe. &nbsp,

Nigerian players also moved to other clubs, aside from the Premier League. Victor Boniface and Kelechi Iheanacho both signed deals with Scottish side Celtic and transferred to Werder Bremen from Bayer Leverkusen. On the other hand, Wilfred Ndidi and Beşiktaş from Turkey, along with Simon Moses, who remained in France but moved to Paris FC, just as Cyril Dessers and Panathinaikos, who are now Greek, both left Rangers.

Favor Ofili obverts allegiance to Turkey after losing to Nigeria.

One of Nigeria’s top athletes, Favour Ofili, made the decision to leave as some were proudly bringing the flag of the country into new homes! The Delta-born sprinter made a point of confirming her decision to join Turkey on Thursday, citing years of frustration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC). &nbsp,

The 22-year-old 100-meter, 150-meter, and 200-meter runner was denied entry to the 2020 Olympics because she was not informed that Nigerian authorities had required her to undergo a drug test. Due to the AFN’s failure to provide her name, she was also prohibited from flying the country’s flag at the Paris Games’ 100-meter event. However, Tonobok Okowa, president of AFN, claimed that the sprinter who ran for the LSU Tigers did it for financial reasons. &nbsp,

Nigeria’s World Athletics Championships Charge is led by Amusan and Brume.

Other stars are stepping up to their commitment to Nigeria on the biggest stages despite Ofili’s switch’s disappointment. The nation’s 15-person squad for the 2025 World Athletics Championships includes long jumper Ese Brume and head coach Tobi Amusan. &nbsp,

The team, which consists of eight men and seven women, includes shot-putter Chukwuemeka Enekwachi. The Tokyo Marathon event, scheduled for September 13 through September 21, 2025, will feature Nigeria in sprints, jumps, throws, and hurdles.

CAF Champions League misses out on Bayelsa Queens

Bayelsa Queens competed in the WAFU-B Cup final on Friday while the other team was there. The Prosperity Girls, however, fell 8-7 to ASEC Mimosas Ladies at the&nbsp, which was agonizingly close to glory.

After the game ended 1-1, Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire. &nbsp,

The victory denied the Nigerian champions a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League and gave the hosts the crown of the region. No Nigerian club has participated in the competition for the second time in five editions and since its inception. The other time was in 2023, when Delta Queens bowed to Ghanaian Ampem Darkoa. &nbsp,

Lagos Wins the National Youth Games, according to grassroots glory.

Despite losing in the WAFU-B cup final, Lagos emerged as the nation’s champion at the 2025 National Youth Games, which featured a disappointing defeat. However, the country’s sporting future looks promising.

The victory of Team Delta, who had won the entire Games, overthrows its dominance. According to the state’s final medal table, 51 gold, 31 silver, and 24 bronze medals were won. Edo State added 27 bronze, 16 silver, and 33 gold to the list. Third place went to the hosts, Delta, who won 32 gold, 36 silver, and 39 bronze medals.

FIFA to start selling tickets for the World Cup 2026?

FIFA will start a multi-phase ticket sales process for the 2026 World Cup this month, with starting starting single-seat prices starting at $ 60 for group-stage matches and $ 6 710 for the final.

The world football governing body announced on Wednesday the schedule for the first phase of sales, announcing that fans will be able to purchase single-game tickets, venue-specific tickets, and team-specific packages. These prices will change based on demand.

Tyson and Mayweather will meet in 2026, according to the Ring legends.

Although World Cup tickets may have been in the top news this week, two renowned boxing stars also made the headlines. Promoter CSI Sports announced on Thursday that Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather have agreed to a potential 2026 exhibition fight. &nbsp,

Although there was no release date or location for the fight, CSI reported that Mayweather and heavyweight champion Mayweather would meet in “Spring 2026.”

Football fans and visitors have been provided with adequate security by Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, during the World Cup qualifiers between Nigeria and Rwanda.

At a news conference on Thursday in Uyo, Azare reassured attendees.

At 5 p.m., the game will take place on September 6 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Azare claimed that the police were fully prepared to host the game and make sure it went without a hitch.

“On Saturday, by God’s grace, we have an international match between Rwanda and Nigeria in Akwa Ibom.”

Our men will use their full force to policing the game, he said, “I want to inform you.”

The CP made sure that all visitors entering and leaving the state would be safe both before and after the game, making sure it would be peaceful.

Read more about the police’s investigation into Kogi and the recovery of firearms.

However, Azare cautioned hoodlums who might be planning to foment trouble to steer clear of the state, stating that the command was prepared to stop violence in any form.

Morocco became the first African group to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after defeating 10-man Niger 5-0 in Rabat on Friday to win Group E.

After Abdul-Latif Goumey was sent off, Ismael Saibari scored twice in the opening half, and Azzedine Ounahi’s goals in the second half and Ayoub el Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi completed the comeback.

With two games to go, Morocco earned an unassailable lead with a sixth straight victory, scoring 18 points over Tanzania, and clinching its seventh world championship appearance with a win.

Morocco won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, beating a group that included Croatia and Belgium, and knocking Spain and Portugal out in the knockout stages.

With a 2-0 defeat to France in the semi-finals, their stunning run came to an end.

Only Ounahi of the scorers against Niger made the 2022 World Cup squad, along with Saibari from PSV Eindhoven and coach Walid Regragui who has since introduced new faces, such as Saibari from Dutch club PSV.

Egypt defeated Ethiopia 2-0 in Group A in Cairo thanks to late penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush from Premier League players.

If Egypt defeats second-placed Burkinabe on Tuesday, they will join Morocco at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

As South Sudan defeated South Sudan 4-1 in Juba to maintain its lead in Group B, Newcastle United signing Yoane Wissa scored one of the goals.

After Sweden international Alexander Isak left Newcastle for Liverpool in a record-setting British move, Wissa made a £50 million ($67 million) deal to move from Brentford.

The Congolese hope to win the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when Zaire was the nation’s name.

Paraguay Declares a Holiday to Celebrate 2026 World Cup Qualification

South Africa triumphs 

Before Keer Majak scored a consolation goal, Cedric Bakambu added a second and Wissa added a fourth to give the visitors a three-goal lead at half-time.

Following a 2-0 victory over Sudan in Diamniadio with goals from Kalidou Koulibaly and Pape Matar Sarr, Senegal now leads DR Congo by one point heading into a top-of-the-table showdown in Kinshasa on Tuesday.

South Africa won their third straight game 3-0 away victory over neighbor Lesotho in Bloemfontein, keeping them five points clear of Group C.

Because Lesotho’s home game was moved because the mountain kingdom lacks a FIFA-approved stadium, it was moved to the city in central South Africa, which is 145 kilometers away by road from the border.

Mohau Nkota, who left renowned Soweto club Orlando Pirates last month for Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, scored his first international goal for Bafana Bafana (the Boys) on 15 minutes.

Within four minutes of the second half, Oswin Appollis and Premier League returnee Lyle Foster scored.

However, South Africa’s victory came at a price, with defenders Thabo Moloisane and Nyiko Mobbie both retiring injured before Tuesday’s crucial game against Nigeria.

Benin, who defeated Zimbabwe 1-0 in Abidjan with a Steve Mounie goal, has 16 points, five more than South Africa. Rwanda will host Niger on Saturday, nine points clear of the leaders.

Gambia defeated Kenya 3-1 in a surprise 3-1 victory in Nairobi thanks to second-half clinical finishing, with Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh scoring the winning goal.

The outcome, however, did not have an impact on Group F, with the Ivory Coast’s current champions traveling to Gabon on Tuesday, likely to decide the winner.

Serhou Guirassy, a prolific scorer for Borussia Dortmund last year, scored 38 goals in all competitions for Guinea in their 3-0 victory over Somalia.

Guirassy will almost certainly miss the World Cup due to their disappointing campaign, which leaves them eight points behind Group G leaders Algeria.

After qualifying for its first Football World Cup in 16 years with a draw against Ecuador, Paraguay celebrated an impromptu national holiday on Friday.

As thousands of Albirroja fans gathered in the streets to celebrate a 0-0 draw with Ecuador, which gave Paraguay the final automatic spot in South America, President Santiago Pena decreed the holiday on late Thursday.

Even though some critics claimed a national holiday was over the top, Pena said in his announcement that Friday would be dedicated to paying “homage to the epic campaign that has inspired the entire nation.”

READ ALSO: Spain Cruises to its first World Cup Finals, Germany Loses It.

Paraguay last participated in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where they were eliminated by Spain in the quarter-finals.

Paraguay’s ninth World Cup campaign will be marked by their participation in the 2026 edition, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

“There are children who have never seen the Albirroja at a World Cup.” Paraguayans have waited for this to happen once more, Pena said.