By Ayomide Otitoju
Though the football season has ended, the global sports scene remained vibrant over the past week, dominated by transfer rumours, Club World Cup drama, and international preparations for upcoming tournaments.
The enduring rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo resurfaced after Messi told DSsport that the two legends, while respectful, are not friends. “We are not friends. We don’t spend time together. But we’ve always treated each other with respect,” the Argentine star said, reigniting debates over who is the greatest footballer of all time.
In African football, Nigeria’s Super Falcons unveiled their 24-player squad for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), to be held in Morocco next month. The list includes stars like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Francisca Ordega.
Meanwhile, the FIFA Club World Cup saw shock results. Paris Saint-Germain lost 1–0 to Brazil’s Botafogo, courtesy of a goal from Igor Jesus, while Bayern Munich demolished Auckland City 10–0. Chelsea, Palmeiras, and Manchester City also began their campaigns with wins.
As attention turns to the new season, the Premier League released its 2025/26 fixtures, with Manchester United and Arsenal set to clash on opening weekend.
In Turkey, Victor Osimhen was voted Super Lig Goal of the Season for his overhead kick in Galatasaray’s 3–0 victory over Antalyaspor. Despite speculation about a Premier League move, concerns over salary and team fit may delay a deal.
Elsewhere, the U.S. rejected visas for Senegal’s women’s basketball team amid stricter border policies, raising concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
In tennis, Aryna Sabalenka issued a public apology for dismissive remarks made after her French Open loss to Coco Gauff, calling them “unprofessional.”
Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh criticized the hiring of a foreign coach for the national team, insisting qualified Nigerians could fill the role.
On the tracks, Tobi Amusan clocked a season-best 12.24 seconds in the 100m hurdles at the Paris Diamond League, while in table tennis, Quadri Aruna crashed out in the round of 32 at the WTT Star Contender in Slovenia.
