Tottenham have signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham and are set to capture Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White in a double swoop worth over £100 million ($136 million).
Kudus became the first player since 2011 to make the move from the Hammers to rivals Spurs in a reported £55 million deal.
Gibbs-White is set to follow as Spurs have activated the £60 million buyout clause in his Forest contract.
The double signing marks the start of the Thomas Frank era at Tottenham after he replaced Ange Postecoglou last month, despite the Australian winning the Europa League to end a 17-year trophy drought for the club.
Victory over Manchester United in the Bilbao final also secured Spurs direct entry to the Champions League.
Kudus said the combination of playing in Europe’s elite competition and Frank’s track record of developing talent at Brentford were major factors in his decision to join.
READ ALSO: Tojemarine Academy, Imo Grasshoppers Secure Wins In Ardova Handball Premier League 2025
“I have always wanted to play at the highest level,” the Ghanaian international said on the Tottenham website.
“How big the club is, the history, and (in) the Champions League as well, so it is a big moment. I am finally here and am very happy. I can’t wait to start.
“The most important part of why I came here is the project and how the manager sees that I can develop under him.
“I have seen the amount of talent he has developed to become great players, and that is a big sign of why I wanted to work under him as well.”
Kudus scored 19 goals in 80 appearances for West Ham since joining from Ajax for £38 million two years ago.
Gibbs-White had previously been linked with Manchester City after playing a major role in Forest’s seventh-placed finish in the Premier League last season.
He scored seven goals and provided 10 assists in 34 Premier League appearances to earn senior England recognition under both Lee Carsley and Thomas Tuchel.
His departure is the second major loss for Forest in a matter of days with Anthony Elanga set to join Newcastle in a £55 million move.
Gibbs-White joined Forest from Wolves in 2022 for an initial £25 million that could rise to £42.5 million in add-ons.
Holders Tojemarine Academy pulled off a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat a spirited Adamawa Warriors side 29–27 on Day 3 of the ongoing Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 in Benin City, Edo State.
Tojemarine, who lost their first match on Wednesday to COAS Shooters, trailed 12–16 to Adamawa Warriors at halftime. Still, a rejuvenated second-half performance, marked by relentless pressing and accurate shooting, saw the Lagos-based outfit overturn the deficit and secure a hard-fought win, which is their second victory of the league.
In other matches in the men’s category, Sokoto Rima Strikers outclassed Lagos Seasiders 32–17 after going into the break trailing 14–16 while former champions Niger United maintained their solid start to the season with a 21–17 victory over Benue Buffaloes. An 11–8 halftime lead provided a foundation for their victory.
READ ALSO: Safety Babes, Omo Ogiefo Shine Bright As Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 Begins
Safety Shooters outgunned De Defenders 38–27 while COAS Shooters recorded a dominant 25–13 victory over Osun United.
Led by Adeshola Adelakun, who contributed 10 goals in the match, the Nigeria Army boys were in total control from start to finish, leading 14–4 at halftime to set a pace for the onslaught.
In the women’s category, Rima Queens defeated Rivers Queens 33–23, after a commanding 16–8 first-half performance, while Imo Grasshoppers also picked up a crucial win, edging Ekiti Queens 29–27 in a closely contested game.
The Grasshoppers rallied from a 10–15 first-half deficit, showing grit and determination to snatch victory late in the match.
Plateau Peacocks completed the day with a 26–21 comeback win over debutants Soof Omo Ogiefo Academy.
The Peacocks trailed 11–12 at halftime, but Goalkeeper Deborah Landan’s inspired saves helped the Jos-based team turn the tide in the second half with disciplined defending and efficient shooting.
Day 3 results (Men) Niger United 21–17 Benue Buffaloes Safety Shooters 38–27 De Defenders Osun United 13–25 COAS Shooters Tojemarine Academy 29–27 Adamawa Warriors Rima Strikers 32–17 Lagos Seasiders
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
