Sports
U-20 AFCON: South Africa defeat Flying Eagles 1-0 to reach final

Nigeria’s hopes of winning the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations have come to an end following a narrow 1-0 defeat to South Africa’s Amajita in Thursday’s semifinal clash, held on May 15, 2025.
Led by coach Aliyu Zubairu, the Flying Eagles entered the contest on the back of a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Senegal in the quarterfinals—a win that also secured their qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. However, their AFCON journey fell short of the final hurdle.
The semifinal was a tense, tactical encounter, with both sides relying heavily on counter-attacking football. Despite dominating possession, the Flying Eagles struggled to convert their control into clear-cut chances, and the first half ended goalless.
The second half brought a major setback for Nigeria when 15-year-old goalkeeper Ebenezer Ifeanyi-Harcourt was forced off due to injury. He was replaced in the 51st minute by Ajia Soliu Yakub.
Yakub, however, was unable to prevent South Africa from breaking the deadlock. In the 66th minute, Tylon Christopher Smith rose to meet a cross and headed home what would prove to be the match-winner.
Despite late substitutions and a push for an equalizer, Nigeria couldn’t find a way back into the game, allowing South Africa to advance to the final while the Flying Eagles were left to reflect on what might have been.
Sports
Transfer: Chelsea, Man Utd, six others battle for Osimhen

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is in contact with up to eight teams about a possible summer transfer.
These clubs include Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Manchester United, Juventus, and Galatasaray.
Osimhen is now on holiday in Nigeria and will take his time deciding on his future club.
This was revealed by Goal’s transfer insider, Valentin Furlan.
Furlan wrote on X on Saturday: “Eight teams have contacted Victor Osimhen, per me and
@RudyGaletti, in the last few days: “Galatasaray, Juventus, PSG, Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal, AC Milan, and Real Madrid.
“Osimhen in no rush to decide his future.”
Sports
Reinvented Olympic Balloon Makes Paris Comeback

The 2024 Summer Olympics might be over, but French authorities are hoping Parisians and tourists can “relive” last year’s magic when the iconic symbol of the Games returns next week.
During the Paris Games, the Olympic cauldron tethered to a balloon flew into the Parisian sky at sunset every day, with thousands flocking to see the seven-metre (23 feet) wide ring of environmentally friendly fire.
On Thursday evening, President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo visited the Tuileries Garden near the Louvre, where workers were installing the redesigned balloon and ring.
“We are going to relive this!” a beaming Macron said in a video posted on X.
The balloon, which will no longer carry the Olympic branding, will take to the skies on June 21 during France’s annual Fete de la Musique festival of street music.
It will be accessible to visitors every summer evening from June 21 to September 14 for the next three years, until the next edition of the Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
Its flame made up of clouds of mist lit by LED rays will remain the same.
The flame is still “100 percent electric”, according to Pierre Viriot, communications director at state-owned power utility EDF.
But unlike last year, it will be turned off at night.
The reconstruction of the balloon and the ring has been financed by the Olympic Organising Committee and EDF.
Sports
Manchester City Endorse AC Milan Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders for £46.5m

Manchester City have completed the signing of AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders for an initial fee of £46.5 million, the club confirmed on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old Netherlands international joins the Premier League champions on a five-year contract, becoming Pep Guardiola’s fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli, and Rayan Cherki.
Reijnders joins City in time to be eligible for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States later this month, with a potential debut lined up for June 18 against Wydad FC.
“I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City,” said Reijnders. “City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players and outstanding facilities. Under Pep Guardiola, City have won so many titles and I want to help keep that going with a lot more success in the coming years.”
Capped 23 times by the Netherlands, Reijnders was an unused substitute in his country’s 8-0 win over Malta on Tuesday night. He enjoyed a standout season with Milan, scoring 15 goals in 54 appearances and earning the Serie A Midfielder of the Season award.
His arrival comes amid the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, with Guardiola looking to bolster City’s midfield options after finishing third in the Premier League last season.
See also Information minister congratulates Super Eagles
Reijnders is expected to play a key role in City’s domestic and international campaigns as they aim to reclaim the league title and secure more silverware under Guardiola’s leadership.
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