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FIRST 11: Ofili’s Rumoured Nationality Switch+ Other Stories That Shaped Sports This Week

In a week that also saw Cristiano Ronaldo commit to staying in Saudi Arabia, the Super Falcons equally ramped up preparations for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).


 

It was yet another eventful week in sports! Football took centre stage with the Club World Cup gathering momentum. Reactions have also continued to trail Favour Ofili’s reported nationality switch. 

In a week that also saw Cristiano Ronaldo commit to staying in Saudi Arabia, the Super Falcons equally ramped up preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

First 11 ‐ the recap of the most talked-about sports stories for the week ‐ captures Ronaldo’s contract extension and other highlights!

 

Ronaldo Pens New Contract

Beginning with football, this week, one of the sport’s greatest players, Cristiano Ronaldo, extended his contract with the Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr for two years. 

The new deal was sealed following months of speculation about the 40-year-old’s future. 

Last month, Ronaldo posted, “This chapter is over,” hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again. The Portuguese superstar arrived in 2023 in the kingdom to play with the club, heralding a rush of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country.

 

Super Falcons Land In Morocco, Gear Up for WAFCON

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Falcons continued their preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). During the week, the African giants played a friendly game with Portugal in Lisbon — playing a goalless draw with the Europeans. 

The team arrived in Morocco on Wednesday and will take on fierce rivals, Ghana, in a friendly game ahead of the WAFCON. The competition begins on July 5, 2025, and runs until July 26, 2025.

 

Ofili Switches Nationality?  

On the tracks, reports about Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili switching allegiance to Turkey dominated headlines this week. 

News of her nationality switch filtered in over the last couple of days, as she cited frustration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) in competitions as the reason for her move. 

In response to the news, AFN President Tonobok Okowa described the development as disheartening.  The US-based sprinter was denied a 100m spot at the Paris Olympics and in a series of tweets, cited administrative failures by the AFN as well as the trustworthiness of both organisations for the development. 

 

FIFA Club World Cup Reaches Last 16

Back in the US, where Ofili resides, action at the Club World Cup has continued over the week, with teams securing their places in the last 16 of the competition. Following the last round of games, everything is now in place for the next phase of the tournament. 

Manchester City and Real Madrid were among the last set of teams to book a spot in the last 16 after resounding victories. The last 16 matches will start on Saturday and run until Tuesday.

Four teams from South America will be among the sides battling it out for a place in the quarter-finals of the money-spinning competition. 

 

Brazilian Teams Excel at Club World Cup

When the tournament began earlier in the month, only a few could have given them a chance. But a glance at the sides vying for places in the quarter-final of the Club World Cup shows Brazil dominates — with four teams. 

The South American teams have proven a handful for the European big boys, sparking debates about the quality of the sides on that continent.  Botafogo defeated European champions Paris Saint-Germain; Flamengo thrashed Chelsea; the lone loss for any Brazilian club was Botafogo’s defeat to Atlético Madrid. In 12 matches, the Brazilians have only lost one game, conceding nine times.

 

Nigerian Stars Get New Clubs

As clubs slug it out at the Club World Cup in the US, others are also putting their teams in shape ahead of the next season. This week, two Nigerian players — Simon Moses and Paul Onuachu — have found new homes. 

Onuachu teamed up with Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor from relegated Southampton, while Moses joined Paris FC from Nantes. Both players were part of Nigeria’s squad, which finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). His compatriot, Chiamaka Nnadozie, also signed for Brighton, moving away from the football club Paris FC. 

 

FG Fulfils Promise After 31 Years

After 31 years, a member of the 1994 AFCON-winning Super Eagles team, Efan Ekoku, can now smile as the Federal Government’s housing promise to him is now a reality. 

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development handed Ekoku, a striker in the team, the allocation letter for his house in Abuja.

In 2022, former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the allocation of the houses to the team to fulfil the pledge made by the then administration in 1994.

 

Okoye Bags Ambassadorial Role

Ekoku’s compatriot, Maduka Okoye, is meanwhile at home and has bagged an ambassadorial role with the Enugu State government. 

Governor Peter Mbah appointed the Super Eagles and Udinese of Italy goalkeeper to the role when Okoye visited him at the Government House in Enugu. 

Okoye expressed excitement at returning to his roots and announced plans to launch a charitable foundation and establish a football academy in the state.

 

D’Tigress Unveil Provisional Squad for Afrobasket

 

Heading to the basketball courts, Nigerian authorities have released the D’Tigress provisional squad for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF)’s 20-member squad is headlined by the core of the side that clinched the competition in Rwanda two years ago. 

Nigeria, coached by Rena Wakama, is the holder of the tournament. They will be expected to mount a challenge for a fifth title on the bounce in Côte d’Ivoire.

 

Rio Flight Ticket: Show Receipt, Siasia Tells Mikel

In football, a former coach of the Olympic Eagles has dispelled Mikel Obi’s claim of paying for the team’s flight to the Rio 2016 Olympics. 

Mikel, who was part of the team that clinched bronze in Brazil, alleged he funded the men’s U-23 football side’s journey from their camp in Atlanta, US, to Manaus in Brazil for the Olympics. 

However, Siasia has asked Mikel to provide evidence to support his claim. 

 

Mbappé Files Complaint Against PSG

Lastly, Kylian Mbappé has accused his former club Paris Saint-Germain of moral harassment in a legal filing, the Paris prosecutor’s office said on Thursday as it confirmed an investigation had been opened.

France captain Mbappe is also embroiled in a court battle with PSG to obtain the 55 million euros ($64.4 million) in unpaid wages and bonuses he says the club owes him.

It’s a wrap this week on First 11! Don’t forget to visit Channels Television’s sports page for updates across the globe!