Nigeria Sport (Soft click)
Anthony Joshua Fires Warning Shot at Prenga Ahead July 25 Saudi Showdown
Joshua vows to ‘dig deeper’ after tough year as Prenga promises a shock in Jeddah heavyweight clash
Joshua vows to ‘dig deeper’ after tough year as Prenga promises a shock in Jeddah heavyweight clash
Anthony Joshua has sent a clear warning to Albanian challenger Kristian Prenga ahead of their heavyweight bout set for July 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The British-Nigerian boxer, coming off a stoppage win over Jake Paul last December in Miami, made it clear he is mentally and physically stronger than ever after a difficult period that included the loss of two close friends in a car accident in Sagamu, Ogun State.
Tensions rose during the pre-fight press conference, where Prenga boldly promised to deliver something Joshua ‘has never felt’ in the ring. Joshua responded via DAZN: ‘I think these guys just dig their grave. Their grave’s already been dug, but they just keep digging deeper and deeper and deeper, and I’m just going to do what I need to do. I’ve got full belief. I just know exactly what I need to do.’
For Nigerian boxing fans, this fight is more than just another step on Joshua’s comeback trail—it is also a crucial test as he eyes an eventual showdown with Tyson Fury, potentially set for November. Joshua stressed he is not overlooking Prenga: ‘Give me the opportunity to fight Prenga, give me the opportunity to fight Fury, give me the opportunity to fight for the championship. It ain’t about looking past anyone.’
Prenga, who boasts a record of 20 wins (all by knockout) and one defeat, last fought in February when he stopped American Joe Jones in the first round in Atlantic City. At six feet five inches tall, Prenga insists Joshua has never faced his kind of punching power: ‘I think I’m going to shock the world,’ he declared at the press conference—a view echoed by his manager Keith Sullivan.
With Joshua focused on redemption and Prenga hungry for an upset, all eyes will be on Jeddah come July 25. The winner could be next in line for a blockbuster meeting with Tyson Fury later this year.
Source: https://punchng.com/joshua-warns-prenga-ahead-july-25-bout/
Nigeria Sport (Soft click)
Barcelona Star Drops El Clasico Rivalry, Tips Vinicius Junior to Lead Brazil’s World Cup Dreams
A Barcelona player puts club rivalry aside, backing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior as Brazil’s next World Cup hope.
A Barcelona player puts club rivalry aside, backing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior as Brazil’s next World Cup hope.
A Barcelona star has set aside the fierce El Clasico rivalry to show support for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, tipping him to be the key man for Brazil in their next FIFA World Cup campaign. The exact identity of the Barcelona player and his comments were not detailed in available reports.
With both Barcelona and Real Madrid known for their intense battles on the pitch, it is rare to see a player from either side openly back a rival. The gesture highlights the respect Vinicius Junior commands across Europe following his strong performances for both club and country. However, the specific achievements or statistics behind this endorsement were not provided at press time.
For Nigerian football fans, the story underlines how club rivalries can take a back seat when it comes to national pride on the global stage. As Brazil look ahead to their next World Cup journey, all eyes will be on whether Vinicius can carry the weight of expectation and lead his team to glory.
Neither the Barcelona camp nor Vinicius Junior had issued official statements regarding this show of support at press time.
Brazil’s next fixtures and details about how this endorsement might impact squad selection or team dynamics were not confirmed in available reports.
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Nigeria Sport (Soft click)
Jessica Bieni Leads Female Yellow Greens to 52-Run Victory as Nigeria Outclass Malawi in Kwibuka 2026 Opener
Shola Adekunle shines with three wickets, while captain Favour Eseigbe marks her return with a flawless bowling spell
Shola Adekunle shines with three wickets, while captain Favour Eseigbe marks her return with a flawless bowling spell
Nigeria’s Female Yellow Greens kicked off their 2026 Kwibuka T20 Tournament campaign with a convincing 52-run win over Malawi at the Gahanga 2 Cricket Oval in Kigali on Wednesday. The Nigerians set a target of 98/8 in their allotted 20 overs, anchored by an unbeaten 25-run knock from Jessica Bieni, before dismissing Malawi for just 46 runs in only 10.3 overs to secure a dominant opening victory.
After being sent in to bat, the Yellow Greens overcame early setbacks through key contributions from Sarah Etim (14), Favour Eseigbe (11), and Christabel Chukwuonye (11). Malawi’s Lucky Malino caused problems with four wickets, but Nigeria’s lower order held firm to post a competitive total.
Defending their score, coach Theophilus Ibodeme’s side delivered a ruthless bowling display. Player of the Match Shola Adekunle led the charge with three wickets for 15 runs, while Henrietta Mbam picked up two wickets for 16 runs. Captain Favour Eseigbe, returning after nearly a year out, wrapped up proceedings by claiming two wickets in three balls without conceding a run.
Eseigbe praised her team’s resilience after the match: “Our plan was to go out there and score above 120, but credit must go to the Malawi bowlers because they bowled really well and troubled our batters. However, we had a Plan B. We never give up until the game is over.” She added that patience and strike rotation were key in keeping the scoreboard moving despite challenging conditions. No statement was available from the Malawi camp at press time.
The victory gives Nigeria an early boost as they continue their tournament run. Next up for the Female Yellow Greens is a clash against Brazil at Gahanga A Oval on Thursday, where they will look to build on this impressive start.
Source: https://punchng.com/cricket-nigeria-beat-malawi-in-kwibuka-2026-opener/
Nigeria Sport (Soft click)
Alex Iwobi Joins Super Eagles Centurions as He Hits 100 Caps in Portugal Friendly
Fulham star honoured with special plaque before kick-off in Leiria; joins exclusive list with Yobo, Enyeama, Musa
Fulham star honoured with special plaque before kick-off in Leiria; joins exclusive list with Yobo, Enyeama, Musa
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi marked a major career milestone on Wednesday night in Leiria, Portugal, as he made his 100th appearance for Nigeria during an international friendly against the Portuguese national team. The final score and goalscorers from the match were not reported at press time, but the night belonged to Iwobi, who was recognised before kick-off with a commemorative plaque from National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko.
Iwobi’s landmark appearance sees him become only the fourth player to reach a century of caps for the Super Eagles, joining Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa in this rarefied group. Since making his debut against DR Congo in Belgium on October 8, 2015, after switching allegiance from England’s youth teams, Iwobi has been a regular fixture for Nigeria. The Fulham midfielder has scored ten goals for the national side so far.
For Nigerian fans, Iwobi’s achievement stands out at a time when the Super Eagles are seeking new momentum ahead of upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The playmaker himself highlighted his famous goal against Zambia in Uyo back in October 2017 — a strike that sealed Nigeria’s spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup — as his most memorable moment in green and white. “I loved the occasion because my dad and my mum were both at the stadium and saw it all, and we celebrated together afterwards,” Iwobi told NFF Media. He added that he has no regrets choosing Nigeria over England: “I am proud to be where I am today and proud to wear the green and white.”
Neither the Super Eagles coaching crew nor the Nigerian Football Federation had issued further statements regarding Iwobi’s centenary at press time.
The Super Eagles’ next fixture has not yet been confirmed in available reports. Fans will now look ahead to see if Iwobi can inspire another big moment as AFCON qualification resumes.
Source: https://punchng.com/iwobi-makes-100th-eagles-appearance-in-portugal-friendly/
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