In their opening Group B game of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Nigeria’s forward Rinsola Babajide celebrated her goal by scoring a 3-0 victory over Tunisia on Sunday in Casablanca, Morocco.
After the game, Babajide claimed that her goal celebration was in honor of Liverpool’s Diogo Jota, who passed away in a car accident on Thursday.
“It was just Diogo Jota’s, the one who passed away, and his brother, as well.” I only wanted to contribute and help him because it was his signature celebration. When I was there, he was also one of my favorite players, she said.
On July 10, Nigeria will face Botswana in their next group match.
Luka Modric, the Croatian captain, will leave Real Madrid after the Club World Cup, according to AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri on Monday.
Modric, who turns 40 in September, signed for Madrid from Tottenham in 2012 and has been linked with a move to Italy since early June, when he announced his intention to leave the Spanish giants at the end of his contract.
On Wednesday, Madrid will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semifinals. On July 13th, the final will be held.
Read more about Super Falcons’ efforts to launch the WAFCON campaign.
At his first press conference since becoming Milan manager, Allegri stated, “He’ll arrive in August.”
It would be useless to discuss him more because he is an extraordinary and significant player.
Allegri returned to Milan after leading them to the Serie A title in 2011 during his first two years in charge, 2010-2014.
On August 17, they play their first game of the new year in the Italian Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s trophies and jerseys were in the front of a photo exhibition billed as the first of its kind outside of the superstar’s native Portugal, which fans waited for hours in.
Visitors to the “CR7 LIFE Museum Hong Kong”‘s grand opening, which featured two life-size statues of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid players, including two in traditional Saudi attire and one in midair, posed next to them.
Alvin Lai, 14, who was standing first in a crowd of more than 100, declared, “Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol… he’s special.”
During the opening of the CR7 LIFE Museum in Hong Kong on July 7, 2025, two fans pose with the footballer’s brother Hugo dos Santos Aveiro (C) and receive autographed Cristiano Ronaldo jerseys. (Photo by Vinci AO/AFPTV/AFP)
Henry Singh, a student at the university, described him as the “most hardworking person out there.”
He is 40 years old and still exerts great strength.
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo, “We’ll All Miss You,” and “We’ll All Miss You” on Diogo Jota’s death.
During the CR7 LIFE Museum’s opening in Hong Kong on July 7, 2025, the footballer’s Golden Boot trophy is displayed next to a portrait of the player. (Photo by Holmes CHAN/AFP)
Ronaldo called it a “new chapter” in an Instagram post last month after agreeing to a new two-year contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr .
Next month, Al Nassr are scheduled to compete in a pre-season competition in Hong Kong.
Ronaldo, a five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, will be greeted fans at the museum “very soon,” according to Tomas Froes, a family office representative.
During the CR7 LIFE Museum’s opening on July 7, 2025, a visitor (L) stands in front of a sizable footballer’s mural. (Photo by Holmes CHAN/AFP)
According to Froes, the 12, 000 square feet (1, 110 square meters) exhibition sends a “strong message to everyone who wants to realize their dreams.”
Super Falcons of Nigeria on Sunday beat Tunisia 3-0 in their opening match of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.
The Super Falcons would opened the scoring in the 3rd minute as a well-delivered free kick from Rinsola Babajide found Asisat Oshoala, who headed in the ball to give Nigeria the lead.
Justine Madugu’s charges kept up the pressure and were duly rewarded in the 45th minute of the first half, as Babajide, who provided the assist for the first goal, turned goal scorer as she beat the Tunisian goalkeeper for the second.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Super Falcons Begin 10th WAFCON Quest Against Tunisia
She pulled out a Diogo Jota’s trademark celebration, paying tribute to the Liverpool star, who sadly passed away last Thursday alongside his brother, Andre Silva.
The Babajide Rinsola Show
1 assist. 1 goal. Just 45 minutes. The Super Falcons winger lit up the first half in Casablanca ⚡.
She sealed it with Diogo Jota’s trademark celebration, a touching tribute to the Liverpool star, who sadly passed away last Thursday ️… pic. twitter. com/vb6PnimNQ9
Super Falcons had chances to put the game to bed, but couldn’t convert, and returnee Ashleigh Plumptre tried her luck with a floating strike from distance, but the Tunisian goalkeeper managed to tip the ball over the bar.
The continued pressure paid off for the Falcons as in the 80th minute, with Chinwendu Ihezuo finding the bottom corner with a composed left-footed finish to complete the routing.
With nine titles to their name, Nigeria’s Super Falcons kick off their search for a record-extending 10th continental crown as they face Tunisia in their opening match of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Group B encounter, set for Sunday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, marks Nigeria’s first step in the tournament. Algeria and Botswana complete the group alongside the Carthage Eagles.
A win in their opener would set the tone for the Super Falcons — long regarded as the dominant force in African women’s football and perennial favourites at every WAFCON.
Experience Meets Emerging Talents
Coach Justin Madugu’s team boasts a blend of youthful flair and experience, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala providing vital support. Versatile defender Ashley Plumptre is also in the squad, which includes fan favourite Michelle Alozie, PSG star Jennifer Echegini, and midfield maestro Christy Ucheibe, among others.
Nigeria are nine-time African champions. X@NGSuper_Falcons
With reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, Chiamaka Nnadozie, in goal, and the hardworking Osinachi Ohale anchoring the defence, the Super Falcons look like a team that will be difficult to beat in Morocco.
Nigeria won two of their last three games heading into the tournament — securing victories against Cameroon and Ghana, and earning a draw against Portugal.
Tunisia’s Journey: From 2008 Debutants to Quarter-Finalists
Tunisia, playing in only their second WAFCON, made their debut in 2008 but failed to advance beyond the group stage. In the last edition, however, the North Africans reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by the eventual champions, South Africa.
The Tunisians
Houij and Ellouz Lead Tunisia’s Charge
While they may not boast the star power of the Super Falcons, Tunisia’s Mariem Houij is a player the Nigerians must keep an eye on. The Galatasaray forward’s goal scoring ability sets her apart. Her contributions — along with those of Sabrine Ellouz — will be crucial to the Carthage Eagles against Nigeria.
Coach Kamel Saada’s side are growing in confidence and ambition. They scored 18 goals during the qualifiers — against Niger Republic and Congo — but have struggled in recent friendlies, suffering defeats to Kenya and Morocco.
Coaches’ Insights: Respect for All, Confidence Within
Saada knows Tunisia are in a tough group and will need to go the extra mile to make a statement in Morocco.
“It’s a tough group. Everyone knows the quality of Nigeria. Algeria is improving fast. Botswana too. We’re not underestimating anyone. We’ll need to be disciplined, focused, and play our best football,” she told CAF Online.
A good result on Sunday would boost Tunisia’s chances of equalling or surpassing their performance at the last tournament.
Despite Tunisia’s pedigree in comparison to the Super Falcons, Nigeria coach Madugu is taking nothing for granted. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, he stressed that no team should be underestimated.
“There are no minnows as far as football is concerned in Africa. Looking at the results from the qualifiers, we wouldn’t consider anyone to be a weak team,” Madugu said.
Still, he remains confident of getting the job done against Tunisia.
“We are very focused on our realisable and achievable target of Mission X,” he told thenff. com. “The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory, and team spirit is high. We are looking forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia. ”
Familiar Foes: A Rare But Memorable Clash
When the game kicks off, Nigeria won’t be facing an unfamiliar opponent. The Super Falcons have met the Tunisians once before in the tournament — back in 2008. That match ended goalless, one of the rare occasions Nigeria have failed to score at the WAFCON.
Three Points, ‘Mission X’ at Stake
A victory over Tunisia will ease the pressure on Nigeria as they push for their 10th title. For the Maghreb nation, a win would be historic. Even a point would represent a strong start.
Arsenal on Sunday announced the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal reportedly worth around £55 million ($75 million).
Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid.
“This is a huge moment in my career,” said the defensive midfielder, who is understood to have put pen to paper on a five-year deal.
“It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.
“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come. ”
READ ALSO: Man City Defender Walker Joins Burnley
The Athletic reported that Arsenal paid above Zubimendi’s 60 million euro ($71 million, £51 million) buyout clause in order to spread the cost of the fee over a number of installments.
Zubimendi, 26, made 236 appearances in all competitions for Sociedad after graduating from the club’s academy and has played 19 times for Spain.
He will reinforce manager Mikel Arteta’s midfield options after the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
Zubimendi’s arrival paves the way for Arsenal’s record signing Declan Rice to play a more attacking midfield role alongside captain Martin Odegaard.
“Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” said Arteta.
“He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us. ”
Zubimendi is Arsenal’s second signing of the summer transfer window after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga joined from Chelsea.
The Gunners are also expected to complete the signing of midfielder Christian Norgaard from Brentford.
Arsenal finished second in the Premier League last season for a third straight year and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League but ultimately ended up without a trophy for a fifth consecutive season.
Attention will now turn to the forward line as the Gunners try to see off champions Liverpool and Manchester City and claim a first league title since 2003/04.
Arteta’s men had to cope without a natural striker for much of last season due to long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Reports on Sunday suggest a deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres is on the verge of being sealed to fill the need for a new number nine.
Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Chelsea’s Noni Madueke.
