Sports
Results, Recap, Showdown At WWE Royal Rumble 2021
Interestingly, after starting as the No. 1 entrant at WWE, Edge won the Royal Rumble 2021 by tossing out Randy Orton
Edge is going to WrestleMania. After being out with an injury since last year’s Backlash event in May, Edge returned at the Royal Rumble, won the eponymous match and punched his ticket to ‘Mania. This probably means Orton will win a world title in between now and then, as their feud is poised to continue following the events of the Rumble (see below).
The Rumble also saw the returns of Seth Rollins and, more surprisingly, Christian.
The women’s Rumble was won by Bianca Belair, who could be WWE’s next breakout star. Both world champions retained their gold, with Roman Reigns defeating Kevin Owens and Drew McIntyre pinning Goldberg.
Overall, it was a fairly good show. More than other PPV events, it was hurt by the lack of a crowd. Neither world championship match was a showstealer, either. But the main event was fun, and it’s a genuine feel-good story to see Edge back.
Edge wins Royal Rumble
Edge has become the third person in history to win the Royal Rumble after entering at No. 1. He outlasted all 29, including a sneaky Randy Orton and a returning Christian, to win the bout. The Rumble also saw Seth Rollins return, for the first time since November.
The match opened with Edge and Orton as entrants 1 and 2. They brawled, and eventually Edge hit a DDT on the announcer’s table. He then struck Orton in the leg with a chair. Orton was ostensibly out from this point, being assisted to the back by trainers who said Orton can’t compete on the grounds of not being able to walk.
The finish came after Edge dumped Rollins over the top rope, thinking he’d won. Orton appeared out of nowhere and gave him an RKO. He picked Edge up and tried to throw him over, but Edge countered and it was Orton who ended up eliminated.
Daniel Bryan, called the “sentimental favorite”, lasted a long time, yet was eliminated by Rollins. (Not before an awesome exchange between Bryan and Matt Riddle). It will (hopefully) lead to a feud, as Rollins, hiding on the outside, struck Bryan from behind when Bryan was on a roll, Curbstomped him and threw him out.
Other Rumble longshots Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura were both eliminated rather unceremoniously. A bit of a bummer in Nakamura’s case in particular, since his Gauntlet Match performance on SmackDown seemed to indicate bigger things for him.
Beyond Edge’s win, the biggest news is the return of Christian. Christian hasn’t wrestled since 2014, when he was taken off the roster for concussion issues. He looked in great shape, and made it to the final four.
Rating: 4 stars. Christian was a great surprise return, as was Rollins. As with the women’s match, this really did suffer from lack of a live crowd. But everyone worked hard, and though it wasn’t as spectacular as a regular Rumble, it was solid and consistently entertaining. The injury angle with Orton couldn’t be more unconvincing, but the last-minute counter from Edge, snatching victory away from Orton, was excellent.
Surprise entrants so far: Carlito, Kane, Christian, Seth Rollins.
Roman Reigns retains Universal Championship
After a long, occassionally preposterous match, Roman Reigns defeated Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match to retain his Universal Championship. Reigns choked Owens out with a Guillotine lock to keep him down for the 10 count.
The match began hot, with a Superman Punch, Pop-up Powerbomb and Spear all coming within the first few minutes. The brawling quickly went from the ring to the Thunderdome, as the two fought by the LCD screens that show fans’ faces. Eventually they ended up in the back, which is where things got a bit silly.
As Owens crawled into the back of the stadium, he was literally run over by Reigns, who was driving a golf cart-esque vehicle. That couldn’t keep Owens down though, and the two continued to duke it out. The high spot came when Owens hit a senton off the top of a fork lift platform, through a table.
They returned to the entrance ramp, where Reigns speared Owens through the LED boards. Reigns then produced a pair of handcuffs, but Owens took them off him and handcuffed Reigns to nearby lights, such that Reigns couldn’t get to his feet. When the ref count was at 9, Reigns grabbed the ref by his belt and pulled him into the lights, knocking him out. He then low blowed Owens. Paul Heyman came out to make the save, uncuffing Reigns. Reigns then locked on the Guillotine, retaining his title.
Rating: 3 stars. This was easily the weakest of the Reigns/Owens trilogy, following their very good cage match on SmackDown in January and their fantastic TLC match at last month’s PPV. I understand that, after those two strong matches, they may want to do something different. But once people are getting run over in the middle of a match and that’s not even a key false finish, things have gone too far. It was hard to suspend your disbelief for this one, and the long 9 counts didn’t help pacing either.
Bianca Belair wins women’s Royal Rumble
After entering at No. 3, Bianca Belair won the women’s Royal Rumble. The final three were Charlotte Flair, Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair. Ripley and Belair teamed up to eliminate Charlotte. Then they battled back and forth for the final few minutes, which were excellent. No major surprises — no Ronda Rousey, no Becky Lynch — but overall a fairly good Rumble, in spite of some facepalm moments.
The first stretch of the match has revolved around Billie Kay, of all people. When her number was called she entered the arena but not the ring, hanging out at the announcer’s desk and handing out her 8×10 to Jerry Lawler. As the ring stacked up with entrants, like Shayna Baszler and Toni Storm, Kay tried to convince them to team with her, to no avail. Finally, surprise entrant Jillian Hall agreed to be her partner and the two cleared out the ring.
Their partnership came to an end around 7 minutes later, when Kay eliminated Hall. That was only the second elimination of the match, with 13 entrants thus far. Kay was then eliminated while gloating. Things picked up with entrants 14 and 15, Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair. Lacey Evans then entered wearing Charlotte Flair’s robe — though she’d later be eliminated by Baszler, somewhat defeating the point of this heat.
The Rumble then saw a title change. Alicia Fox entered at No. 21, and was followed to the ring by 24/7 Champion R-Truth. The 24/7 Title guys rushed the ring, and Truth and Fox fought them off. With his back turned, Fox then rolled up Truth for the title win. After she was eliminated by Mandy Rose moments later, Truth rolled up Fox to win his championship back.
The Rumble also nearly got derailed with whacky Fiend stuff, as Alexa Bliss entered and, after being beat down by everyone, began to transform into her evil, invincible alter ego. But, as she was transforming, which looked as dumb as it sounds, she was eliminated by Ripley. Phew.
After the Rumble, Belair was interviewed in the ring. Overcome with actual joy, she gave a great promo about how she’s going to WrestleMania.
Rating: 3.25 stars. Decent, fairly good considering there was no live crowd to work with. There were clumsy, sloppy spots, and the Alexa Bliss segment was so hokey. But the final few minutes between Ripley and Belair were fantastic, bumping it up a notch.
Surprise entrants so far: Jillian Hall, Victoria, Torrie Wilson.
Sasha Banks taps out Carmella
Carmella had the best match of her career at December’s TLC pay-per-view with Sasha Banks, but this follow up wasn’t quite as good. After an average match, Sasha Banks submitted Carmella with the Banks Statement.
These women were put in a tough spot, following the WWE Championship match which, while light in action, was heavy in star power. The first half saw Carmella beating down on Banks, but her offense wasn’t particularly convincing. It picked up as the bout transitioned into more back-and-forth, but even then little was remarkable.
Maybe the most fun was how Reginald, Carmella’s manager, got involved, with Carmella using him as a launching pad at one point. He also accidentally caught Sasha as she fell out of the ring, inadvertently saving her from a fall, only for Sasha to work in a hurricanrana on him. Carmella then did a gnarly suicide dive, landing face first and thankfully not killing herself.
Banks also won the match with a nice omoplata transition into her Banks Statement, if you’re into MMA being integrated into your WWE.
Rating: 2.5 stars.
Drew McIntyre beats Goldberg
This went exactly as you’d expect. The match was short, and consisted of three moves: Several Spears, several Claymore Kicks, and one Jackhammer.
It began with McIntyre hitting Goldberg with a headbutt and then a spear, copying Goldberg’s move. Goldberg then rolled to the outside and speared McIntyre through a baricade. Once they were inside the ring, the referee rang the bell. From there it was simply an exchange of spears and Claymore Kicks, and Goldberg at one point hit a Jackhammer for a two.
After a series of near falls, Goldberg missed a spear, McIntyre’s Claymore connected and victory came with it. They embraced after the match.
Rating: 1 star. Might have been fun if there was a live crowd that was into the exchanges, but as it was this was sterile and boring. Goldberg’s limitations — the fact that he can basically only do one thing, a spear — are so naked, it’s hard to really get into the action
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TY BURATAI emerges as the Champions of Seventh edition of ZAMAN LAFIYA COMPETITION in Maiduguri.
Lagos crowd left stunned as Oyakojo floors Williams in round two to claim national glory
LAGOS, NIGERIA — JULY 30, 2025: Boxing fans at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, were treated to a stunning spectacle on Wednesday as Muyideen Oyakojo knocked out Yinka Williams in just 35 seconds to claim the National Bantamweight Title.
The 10-round, 3-minute per round contest was expected to be a long battle between the two evenly matched fighters—Oyakojo weighing in at 53.5kg and Williams at 53.0kg. However, the bout took a dramatic turn when Oyakojo delivered a crushing blow that led to a technical knockout before the first minute of the second round.
Oyakojo who hails from Itaepo, Ile Ago Compound in Iseyin Local Government Area, said he dedicated the belt to the Oyo State Government.
“I give all praise and gratitude to Allah for His constant mercy over me,” Oyakojo said during a post-fight interview. “This victory is not mine alone—it’s the result of the unrelenting support from Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, and the top-notch training and belief from my coaches, Coach Jumbo Michael and Coach Ajisafe Wahab.”
“This is just the beginning,” Oyakojo added. “I’m focused, I’m ready, and with Allah’s help, I’m going to take this title even further.”
The electrifying atmosphere drew boxing lovers from Lagos, Ogun, and other states across the Southwest, reaffirming the sport’s growing popularity in the region.
The panel of judges for the match included Tayo Olaifa, Constance Chinagorom, and Seyi Ajao, while Referee Seyi George officiated the bout.
The fight was supervised under the auspices of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), with Dr. Rafiu Oladipo, President of the NBBofC, acting as the official supervisor. Other stewards for the event included Gloves Master Oladipo Babalola, Ring Marshal Adewale Abe, and Time Keepers Titilope Ogunkunle and Prince Ade Olofin.
The medical team comprised Dr. Tajudeen Sule and Dr. Chike Ilukwe, while the Board’s General Secretary, Remi Aboderin, served as event coordinator.
With this emphatic victory, Oyakojo not only secures his place as Nigeria’s National Bantamweight Champion but also sends a powerful message to rivals on the national and continental boxing scene.
WAFCON 2025: Nigerians in South Africa Hail Super Falcons.
RABAT, MOROCCO ~ In what will be remembered as one of the most thrilling finals in the history of women’s football on the African continent, Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses 3-2 and lift their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
Trailing by two goals in the first half and facing a roaring home crowd in Rabat, the Falcons embodied resilience, spirit and determination; qualities that have long defined Nigerian excellence in sport. Their triumphant feat, dubbed “Mission X” by fans and commentators, has sparked jubilation across Nigeria and among diaspora communities worldwide.
In South Africa, members of the Nigerian community under the auspices of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), joined the global celebration by issuing a congratulatory message to the team, commending their strength of character and the unyielding Nigerian spirit they displayed.
“The Super Falcons were composed, focused and determined to win the game. It’s not easy for a team to come from two goals down and win, especially against a host nation,” said Smart Nwobi, a lawyer and President of NUSA, in an official statement issued in Johannesburg on Sunday 27th of July.
The July 25 final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was a clash of titans. Morocco, as host nation and finalists from the previous edition, were seen as favorites on home turf. They struck early with two goals that put the Falcons on the back foot and raised questions about whether Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football had finally met its match; As always, the Super Falcons responded not with fear, but with fury.
Led by star forward Asisat Oshoala, midfield dynamo Christy Ucheibe and the ever-reliable Onome Ebi, the Nigerian side gradually clawed their way back into the game. Uchenna Kanu’s volley opened the comeback before Rasheedat Ajibade netted the equalizer. Substitute Ifeoma Onumonu later buried the winner, sending the entire stadium into stunned silence, except for a pocket of proud Nigerian supporters.
This was more than a football match. It was a demonstration of tenacity, national pride and the never-say-die attitude that has become synonymous with the Nigerian identity.
In cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town, members of the Nigerian community gathered in pubs, viewing centers and homes to watch the final. Celebrations erupted after the final whistle, with fans waving green-white-green flags, singing old football chants and even performing traditional dances in open spaces.
For many, this wasn’t just a football victory, it was a unifying moment that rekindled national pride in a time of widespread economic and political challenges back home.
“We join Nigerians across the world to congratulate the Super Falcons for this historic feat,” NUSA President Smart Nwobi added. “Winning the 10th title proves that Nigeria remains the gold standard in African women’s football.”
Nwobi urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) not to rest on its laurels, emphasizing that preparation for title defense should begin immediately.
“The standard of women’s football in Africa has improved significantly. Countries like Morocco, Zambia and South Africa are investing heavily. This implies that opposition will be stronger in future tournaments,” he warned.
Interestingly, the NUSA President also extended congratulations to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, who finished fourth in the tournament and were awarded the Fair Play Trophy.
“We salute Banyana Banyana for their discipline and sportsmanship. Despite not reaching the final, they played quality football and upheld the spirit of the game,” Nwobi noted.
Banyana Banyana have consistently proven themselves as Nigeria’s fiercest rivals in recent years, winning the 2022 edition of WAFCON and challenging Nigeria’s supremacy in women’s football.
Nigeria’s 2025 WAFCON victory has come at a crucial time. Amid soaring inflation, insecurity, youth unemployment and social unrest, this moment of national triumph offered a rare occasion for collective joy. The Super Falcons reminded Nigerians that even when the odds seem impossible, victory is always within reach. This tournament was also a showcase of Nigeria’s depth of talent. The Falcons fielded a younger team, integrating new talents such as Esther Okoronkwo, Rofiat Imran and Deborah Abiodun, who brought pace and freshness to the squad. Their performance demonstrated that the next generation is ready to carry the legacy forward. Nigeria’s performance shows what can be achieved with unity and purpose.
“This victory is symbolic. It tells us that when we fight together as a team and believe in our strength, we can overcome any odds. That’s a lesson the whole nation must learn, not just in football but in governance, industry, and civic life,” Nwobi added.
While fans celebrate, football stakeholders must begin the work of consolidating this achievement. There is a clear need for improved investment in women’s football development both at grassroots and professional levels. The Falcons’ consistent success masks the systemic neglect they face. From poor training facilities and inadequate pay to travel and accommodation issues, the players have continually pushed forward in spite of these challenges. Nigeria owes them more. The diaspora community, particularly influential groups like NUSA, has a key role to play. Through partnerships, sponsorships and advocacy, they can support female athletes and influence policy change back home.
“Let this victory be a wake-up call. Let it motivate us to demand better treatment and support for our athletes. If they can bring us pride and unity, the least we can do is empower them,” Nwobi concluded.
With this 10th title, the Super Falcons have once again asserted Nigeria’s position as Africa’s football powerhouse. But beyond the medals and trophies, they have given a nation (and its scattered sons and daughters) a reason to believe again. They have reminded us of who we are: a people that rise from adversity, defy the odds, and shine when it matters most.
From Rabat to Lagos, from Abuja to Johannesburg, one message rings clear: Nigeria is still the giant of Africa and our women just proved it again.
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