The week has been an eventful one in sports. From Chelsea’s Club World Cup victory to the Super Falcons’ triumph at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the last seven days have been thrilling.
First 11 — the recap of the most exciting sports gists — captures these and other top stories that shaped sports in the outgoing week.
Super Falcons Zoom Into WAFCON Semis In Style
Starting from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the Super Falcons of Nigeria made a statement of intent with their 5-0 thumping of Zambia in a quarter-final game on Friday.
That victory means Nigeria have kept their record of reaching at least the last four in every WAFCON, cementing their pre-tournament tag as favourites for the crown. Friday’s win came on the back of an uninspiring draw against Algeria in Nigeria’s last group game. But Justin Madugu’s side showed class and their title credentials early in Casablanca, scoring thrice in the first half before adding two more in the second half of the one-sided affair.
The Super Falcons will take on the winner of the match between Senegal and South Africa.
WAFCON: Nigeria Not Carried Away By Zambia Win — Madugu
Following the game, Madugu has hailed the team’s performance against the Copper Queens but said the Super Falcons are not carried away with the win. In his post-match briefing, the gaffer praised the ladies for showing class in that victory.
He, however, believes there is room for more and that the 2018 WAFCON champions are committed to achieving their goal — claiming a 10th continental crown which has been dubbed “Mission X”.
Spain Triumph Over Switzerland In Women’s Euro Championship
Spain secure their first Women’s EURO semi-final since 1997 #WEURO2025 pic.twitter.com/o6WGeGey7h
— UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 18, 2025
The WAFCON is one of the women’s continental competitions taking place this summer. In Europe, the Women’s Euro is also heating up as teams battle to book a semi-final ticket in the tournament. On Friday, World Cup defending champions Spain saw off a spirited Swiss side to reach the last four.
One goal each from Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Pina were enough to give the La Roja the win. Earlier, England needed penalties to beat Sweden on penalties to reach the semi-final, while Norway slumped to Italy in the first quarter-final of the tournament. Germany and France will play on Saturday to determine the last team to complete the semi-final quartet.
Chelsea Humiliate PSG To Become Club World Cup Winners
Before the quarter-final hostilities in the Women’s Euro and the WAFCON, Chelsea were on cloud nine on Sunday after defying the bookies to beat highly-rated Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the FIFA Club World Cup. The rampant Blues thrashed the European champions 3-0 in the US to become the first winners of the expanded quadrennial event.
English forward Cole Palmer was the hero of the day, scoring twice and setting up another one as Enzo Maresca claimed his second trophy as Chelsea manager. US President Donald Trump was a guest in the final and presented the converted trophy to the London side.
Jannik Sinner Romps, Secures Wimbledon Title
Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner made it a match to remember on Sunday, where he defeated Carlos Alcaraz to land his first Wimbledon title.
The Italian emerged victorious with a 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory at the All England Club, ultimately taking his pound of flesh against Alcaraz, whom he lost to in the French Open, just 35 days earlier.
Music Meets Football As Snoop Dogg Becomes Swansea Co-Owner
Back to football, it was a case of an unlikely alliance between rap and football when American singer Snoop Dogg became a co-owner of Championship side Swansea.
The 53-year-old American star joins former Real Madrid stalwart and Croatia World Cup finalist Luka Modric in the club’s ownership structure.
Man City Sign Mega Deal With Kitmaker Puma
Away from that, Manchester City have signed a blockbuster new kit deal with Puma worth a reported £1 billion ($1.34 billion) over the next 10 years.
City’s extension of their contract with Puma ranks as the largest kit manufacturing partnership in Premier League history. Having agreed a £65 million per year deal with the German company in 2019, City’s new arrangement is believed to be worth a £100 million per year until 2035
Arsenal Bolster Attack With Madueke’s Arrival, Longstaff Joins Leeds
North London’s latest recruit ✍️ pic.twitter.com/1b2weX9vf7
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 18, 2025
Manchester City’s Premier League rivals, Arsenal, are prepared for next season and have acquired the signature of England forward Noni Madueke in a deal believed to be in the region of £48 million ($65 million).
Madueke agreed to a five-year contract with the Gunners as he moved to the Emirates Stadium despite complaints from Arsenal fans. The 23-year-old will provide competition for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the flanks for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Similarly, newly-promoted Leeds have signed midfielder Sean Longstaff from Premier League rivals Newcastle. No fee was disclosed, but British media reports said the four-year deal was worth an initial £10 million ($13 million), rising to £12 million ($16 million).
Safety Shooters, Safety Babes Win First Phase Of Handball Premier Tourney
In the meantime, Safety Shooters and Safety Babes have won the first phase of the 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League.
The clubs, owned by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), have emerged as leaders in the men’s and women’s categories leagues respectively at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State.
Yamal Follows Messi’s Footsteps, Gets Iconic Barcelona Shirt
Earlier in the week, Young Barcelona star Lamine Yamal inherited the club’s number 10 shirt, previously worn by all-time great Lionel Messi. The 18-year-old winger, often compared to the Argentine superstar who also came through the club’s La Masia youth academy, helped the Catalan giants win a domestic treble last season.
He signed a new contract with Barcelona until 2031 in May, becoming one of the best-paid players at the club.
Yamal has scored 25 goals for the club in over 100 appearances, making his debut in 2023 at the age of 15, wearing the number 41 shirt.
NSC Promises Rewards For Nigerian Athletes At CAA
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The National Sports Commission has announced cash rewards for medalists at the ongoing #CAAU18U20 Championships in Abeokuta:
₦1,000,000 for Gold
₦750,000 for Silver
₦500,000 for BronzeNSC Chairman @ShehuDikko and DG Hon.… pic.twitter.com/vS6MjxIFLZ
— National Sports Commission (@NatSportsComm) July 19, 2025
Lastly, Nigerian athletes may have something to cheer about with the announcement of cash rewards for Team Nigeria at the ongoing CAA U18/U20 Athletics Championship in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
According to the National Sports Commission (NSC), athletes would get ₦1,000,000 for each gold medal, ₦750,000 for silver, and ₦500,000 for bronze medals.
It’s a wrap this week on First 11! Don’t forget to visit Channels Television’s sports page for updates across the globe!
