The league stage of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) wrapped up on May 25 after 74 pulsating T20 matches, setting the stage for a thrilling playoff series among the league’s top teams.

In the final league fixture, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) secured a six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), eliminating the latter from playoff contention.

SRH’s win was powered by a rapid 18-ball half-century and strong contributions from Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan, and Kamindu Mendis, ensuring a successful chase of LSG’s formidable 205-run target4. Despite the win, SRH did not advance to the playoffs, as the knockout spots had already been claimed by other contenders.

The four teams now set for the IPL 2025 playoffs are Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Gujarat Titans (GT), and Mumbai Indians (MI). Punjab Kings finished atop the league standings, followed by RCB, GT, and MI, with each team eager to make a deep run in the knockout rounds.

The playoffs kick off with Qualifier 1 between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 29 in Ahmedabad. The winner advances directly to the final, while the loser gets a second chance in Qualifier 2. The Eliminator, featuring Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians, will be played on May 30 in Mullanpur. The winner of that match will face the loser of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2 on May 31, with the victor securing the second spot in the final.

With just three matches separating the contenders from the trophy, the IPL 2025 playoffs promise high-stakes cricket and intense competition as the league crowns its next champion.

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Scott McTominay opened the scoring just three minutes before halftime with a spectacular bicycle kick, expertly assisted by Matteo Politano’s cross. The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy and underscored McTominay’s emergence as a key figure in Napoli’s success this season.

Romelu Lukaku extended the lead six minutes into the second half with a brilliant solo effort, weaving past defenders before calmly finishing past Cagliari’s goalkeeper Alen Sherri.

Napoli’s victory was essential as Inter Milan also won their final match 2-0 against 10-man Como but fell short by one point.

The title race had been fiercely contested throughout the season, with both teams exchanging leads in the standings. Napoli’s robust defense, conceding only 27 goals—the fewest in the league—proved decisive in securing the championship.

This triumph marks Napoli’s fourth Serie A title overall and their second in three years, following their 2022-23 success. The club celebrated with fireworks and jubilant fans flooding the streets of Naples, creating a festive atmosphere late into the night.

Manager Antonio Conte, who took charge last summer, made history by becoming the first coach to win Serie A titles with three different clubs, adding this achievement to his previous successes with Juventus and Inter Milan.

Conte praised his team’s resilience and the passionate support of the fans, stating, It’s wonderful. We arrived at the stadium knowing the importance of this moment, and the fans’ energy carried us through.

Scott McTominay capped off an outstanding debut Serie A season by being named Player of the Season. His 18 goal contributions were the highest for any midfielder in their first Serie A campaign, earning him the affectionate nickname McFratm from Napoli supporters.

With this title, Napoli has firmly re-established itself among Italy’s football elite, setting the stage for continued success under Conte’s leadership.

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The festival promises to be a grand sporting celebration, attracting over 15,000 athletes and officials from across the country.

The zonal eliminations for team sports were held earlier this year from February 23 to 28, setting the stage for the main event.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has expressed confidence in the state’s readiness, highlighting the extensive upgrades and new constructions of world-class sports facilities, including the MKO Abiola International Stadium and Olympic-sized swimming pool in Abeokuta. These venues are not only expected to serve the festival but also position Ogun as a future hub for national and international competitions.

The National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, has praised Ogun’s preparations following inspections of the facilities and logistics.

Olopade emphasized the importance of technical readiness, particularly for athletics events, with the throws competition set to take place at the MKO stadium due to its superior Astroturf.

Athletes from various states are already mobilizing. For instance, Oyo State is sending a contingent of 320 athletes, 65 coaches, and 36 officials to compete in 32 sports disciplines, supported by state government incentives including a minimum wage of N80,000 for contracted sports personnel and instant rewards for medalists.

The festival will feature competitions in 33 sporting events, showcasing Nigeria’s rich sports talent and fostering national unity. Media accreditation for coverage of the festival has been opened by the NSC, ensuring wide broadcast and reporting of the games.

Governor Abiodun has assured all participants of a seamless experience, urging cooperation and celebrating the festival as a platform to elevate Nigerian sports and cultural heritage.

The event also marks a legacy for Ogun State, which last hosted the festival in 2006, and aims to raise the bar with new initiatives and enhanced organization.

The Gateway Games are expected to be a vibrant and inclusive celebration of sportsmanship, with athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory competing for glory and national pride.

This report is based on official statements from Ogun State government, the National Sports Commission, and participating state

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the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England and the Women’s Cricket World Cup in India. These marquee events are expected to draw worldwide attention, showcasing the growing prominence and competitiveness of women’s athletics on the international stage.

The tenth edition of the Women’s Rugby World Cup will take place from August 22 to September 27, 2025, across multiple venues in England.

The tournament has expanded to include 16 teams, up from 12 in previous editions, reflecting the sport’s rapid growth and increased global participation.

England, the host nation, will open the competition against the United States at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. The final is scheduled for Twickenham Stadium, one of rugby’s most iconic venues. New Zealand enters as the defending champion, having won six of the nine previous tournaments, including the last two finals against England.

The competition pools feature a strong lineup of teams:

Pool A: England, Australia, USA, Samoa

Pool B: Canada, Scotland, Wales, Fiji

Pool C: New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Spain

Pool D: France, Italy, South Africa, Brazil

The tournament promises thrilling matchups and is designed to be a family-friendly event with accessible venues and ticket pricing. The BBC will provide extensive coverage in the UK, ensuring fans can follow the action live.

Following closely, the Women’s Cricket World Cup will be hosted by India later this year, continuing the momentum for women’s cricket globally.

The event will feature the world’s top cricketing nations competing for the prestigious title, further elevating the profile of women’s cricket and inspiring a new generation of players.

These tournaments represent a significant step toward gender parity in sports, with increased investment, media coverage, and fan engagement.

The rebranding of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2023 to emphasize equality and the growing popularity of women’s cricket underscore a broader movement to celebrate and support female athletes worldwide.

As the world prepares to witness these exciting competitions, 2025 stands out as a pivotal year that puts women’s sports firmly in the spotlight, promising unforgettable moments and historic achievements on the global stage.

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been suspended for at least one week by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) due to safety concerns and stakeholder apprehensions amid the ongoing hostilities.

Simultaneously, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has postponed the Pakistan Super League (PSL) indefinitely, scrapping earlier plans to relocate the remaining matches to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This decision follows a drone incident at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and heightened security risks for players and officials.

The IPL, which started on March 22 and was scheduled to conclude on May 25, has 12 group-stage matches remaining. The BCCI has stated that updates on the resumption and new scheduling will be announced after assessing the situation in consultation with relevant authorities.

The PSL’s remaining eight fixtures, originally planned in Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore, were initially moved to the UAE but have now been postponed indefinitely to ensure player safety amid the escalating conflict.

These suspensions reflect the deep impact of geopolitical tensions on sports, with both boards emphasizing the priority of national security and player welfare over the continuation of their lucrative tournaments.

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The selection of Shuaibu and Yakubu comes after Nigerian referees were excluded from officiating duties at the ongoing Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Their inclusion in the U-20 AFCON officiating team is seen as a respite and a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in African football officiating.

The 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations will be hosted by Egypt, following Cote d’Ivoire’s withdrawal as the original host. The tournament is scheduled to run from April 27 to May 18, 2025. Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are drawn in Group B alongside Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.

CAF has assembled a comprehensive team of officials for the tournament, including 14 center referees, 15 assistant referees, 10 video assistant referees (VAR), and three assessors.

Muhammad Yakubu is listed as an assistant referee, while Aminu Shuaibu serves as a match assessor, according to some reports.  However, other sources confirm both as center referees.

This appointment underscores Nigeria’s role in contributing to the integrity and fairness of African football competitions. It also reflects the country’s efforts to develop and promote its refereeing talent on the international stage.

The inclusion of Nigerian referees in the U-20 AFCON has been welcomed by football enthusiasts and officials alike, who view it as a positive step towards enhancing Nigeria’s reputation in African football.

As the tournament approaches, the focus will be on how these Nigerian officials perform, potentially paving the way for future opportunities in major international competitions.

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The clash, now part of the undercard for Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull, marks a pivotal moment in Ajagba’s bid to rise in the heavyweight rankings.

Training Regimen: Ajagba sparred with Fisher (nicknamed The Romford Bull) on March 22, leveraging the British fighter’s rugby-honed conditioning and boxing experience to simulate Bakole’s aggressive style

Fight Context: Originally slated for New York, the bout lost its IBF eliminator status after Bakole’s second-round knockout loss to Joseph Parker in February. Despite this, Bakole remains a top-five ranked heavyweight.

Ajagba’s Confidence: The Nigerian (20-1, 14 KOs) declared, It’s my time to shine. The Silent Roller can’t wait, on Instagram, taunting Bakole with “woop your as* the Naija way.

Bakole (21-2, 16 KOs), though defeated in his last outing, retains support from Anthony Joshua, who called him a serious fighter. 

The Congolese boxer seeks redemption after stepping in as a late replacement for Daniel Dubois against Parker.

Global Stage: The Riyadh event, part of the  FATAL FURY fight night, offers Ajagba his first professional bout outside the U.S. and a chance to impress a global audience.

Ajagba’s victory could propel him toward a world title shot, while Bakole aims to rebuild his reputation. The bout’s outcome will hinge on Ajagba’s precision against Bakole’s resilience.

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Formation Strategy: The diamond midfield—featuring a holding midfielder, two shuttlers, and an attacking midfielder—aims to dominate central zones and exploit Zimbabwe’s defensive gaps.

Osayi-Samuel’s Status:

The winger trained separately on March 24, with Chelle stating, We’ll assess him tomorrow. If unfit, Bruno Onyemaechi (who impressed in training) could replace him, offering pace and dribbling flair.

Zimbabwe’s Weaknesses: Zimbabwe’s leaky defense (5 goals conceded in qualifiers) and reliance on veterans  Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona may be targeted by Nigeria’s vertical play and overlapping fullbacks.

Holding Midfielder: Likely Wilfred Ndidi, tasked with breaking up opposition attacks and distributing passes

Shuttlers: Joe Aribo and Samuel Chukwueze will press high and support transitions.

Attacking Midfielder: Alex Iwobi will create chances with through balls to strikers Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi.

Fullback Roles: Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi will provide width, overlapping to stretch Zimbabwe’s defense.

Chelle’s diamond system mirrors Gernot Rohr’s earlier experiments but prioritizes verticality over possession football. Analysts praise its defensive stability but note risks against teams with strong wingers.

The final lineup will be confirmed after Osayi-Samuel’s fitness test. A win would solidify Nigeria’s lead in Group C ahead of tougher fixtures against South Africa and Morocco.

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Morgan Gibbs-White opened the scoring early, followed by Chris Wood doubling the lead just before halftime. Taiwo Awoniyi sealed the win with a late goal in stoppage time, marking Forest’s sixth consecutive Premier League victory.

This win keeps Nottingham Forest firmly in contention for a top-four finish, bolstering their unlikely title challenge. The team’s recent success has been marked by consistent performances, with Forest now sitting third in the Premier League table.

Meanwhile, West Ham United is deliberating on the future of manager Manuel Lopetegui.

The club’s inconsistent form has raised concerns, leading to speculation about potential managerial changes. Lopetegui’s tenure has been under scrutiny, with the team struggling to find stability in the league.

In European competition, Manchester United secured a resounding 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad. The highlight of the match was Bruno Fernandes’ impressive hat-trick, showcasing his skill and leadership on the pitch.

This win marks a significant boost for Manchester United’s European campaign, demonstrating the team’s ability to perform under pressure.

These developments highlight the dynamic nature of football, with teams constantly adapting to challenges and opportunities as the season unfolds.

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Arokodare’s previous best was 15 goals, achieved in the 2020 season while playing for Latvian side Valmiera.

He equalized his record against Standard Liege on February 14 and surpassed it with his goal against Charleroi.

The strike not only cemented his status as the top scorer in the Jupiler Pro League but also highlighted his impressive form this season.

In the match, Arokodare broke the deadlock with twenty minutes remaining, heading the ball into the net after a cross from Jarne Steuckers.

However, Racing Genk were denied all three points as Daan Heymans equalized from the spot in the 90th minute.

Arokodare’s performance has been pivotal for Genk, with the team now ten points behind league leaders. His overall tally for the season includes 18 goals and seven assists in all competitions, marking a career-high for the 24-year-old striker.

This achievement positions Arokodare as a strong contender for a spot in the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, as he continues to impress with his goal-scoring prowess.

A photo of Tolu Arokodare celebrating his goal against Sporting Charleroi would be fitting for this article.

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