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
Sports
Adeniyi Urges Customs Officers to Stay Fit, Commissions Sports Arena at Western Marine Command
Adeniyi Urges Customs Officers to Stay Fit, Commissions Sports Arena at Western Marine Command
By Ifeoma Ikem
Sports
Fans Mock Pinnick’s ‘Morocco-Level’ Pitch Claim as Credibility Debate Returns to Nigerian Football
Fans Mock Pinnick’s ‘Morocco-Level’ Pitch Claim as Credibility Debate Returns to Nigerian Football
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Former NFF boss promises five world-class surfaces in 18 months, but supporters question record and reality.”
A fresh controversy has erupted in Nigerian football after former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president and FIFA Council member Amaju Melvin Pinnick declared that Nigeria would soon have football pitches comparable to those used at major tournaments in Morocco. The statement, intended to signal a new phase of infrastructure upgrades, instead triggered widespread skepticism among fans.
The backlash followed Pinnick’s remarks in early February 2026, when he said Nigeria would have at least five pitches matching Moroccan standards within 18 months. According to him, the team responsible for Morocco’s acclaimed stadium surfaces had already arrived in Nigeria to begin the upgrades. He identified the targeted venues as Warri City Stadium, two stadiums in Bayelsa State, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Rather than inspiring confidence, the announcement was met with sarcasm and disbelief across social media. Many supporters dismissed the claim as unrealistic, pointing to the current state of numerous Nigerian pitches, several of which have failed to meet international standards in recent years. Some fans described the promise as something to “believe at your own risk,” reflecting deep mistrust toward football administrators.
The reaction comes against the backdrop of long-standing infrastructure problems in Nigerian football. For years, the country has struggled to maintain stadiums to the standards required by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). On multiple occasions, national-team matches have been moved or played in alternative venues because approved facilities were unavailable.
Pinnick himself has previously acknowledged the depth of the problem. In earlier interviews, he admitted that many Nigerian stadiums lack basic amenities and cannot meet international requirements, noting that the country is currently unable to host major FIFA competitions because of substandard facilities. He also contrasted Nigeria’s situation with Morocco’s, describing the North African country as having a “plug-and-play” football infrastructure capable of hosting major tournaments at short notice.
Morocco’s progress has been widely praised by football authorities. The country has invested heavily in modern stadiums, training facilities, and pitch technology, positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading hosts for international competitions. Its infrastructure upgrades have played a major role in securing hosting rights for major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria’s situation has followed a different trajectory. Many stadiums built or renovated at significant cost have deteriorated within a few years, often due to poor maintenance, irregular funding, and administrative disputes. Sports policy experts argue that the core problem is not simply the construction of facilities but the absence of sustainable management structures.
Global sports business scholar Professor Simon Chadwick has argued that infrastructure projects must be backed by sound governance. “Facilities are only as effective as the systems that sustain them,” he notes. “Without management discipline, even the best stadiums deteriorate quickly.”
Economist Andrew Zimbalist, a leading authority on sports infrastructure, has also warned that stadium promises often fail without transparent planning and long-term operational strategies. His research shows that politically driven projects frequently fall short of expectations when maintenance and funding models are unclear.
These broader concerns help explain the intensity of the reaction to Pinnick’s latest claim. Many supporters remember his eight-year tenure as NFF president from 2014 to 2022, a period that produced mixed results. While the national team qualified for major tournaments and maintained administrative stability, the infrastructure question remained largely unresolved.
Beyond public debate, the issue carries practical consequences. Stadium quality directly affects Nigeria’s ability to host international matches. When facilities fail to meet required standards, national teams are forced to play “home” fixtures in foreign countries, increasing costs and weakening home advantage.
The impact is also felt at the grassroots level. Without quality pitches, young players are forced to train in poor conditions that do not match international standards, creating long-term developmental disadvantages.
Supporters of Pinnick argue that the new plan could mark a genuine effort to address these long-standing problems. They note that the proposal involves collaboration with international pitch experts and focuses on specific stadiums rather than vague nationwide promises.
Critics, however, insist that credibility will depend entirely on execution. They argue that Nigerian football has heard similar assurances for decades, with little to show in terms of sustained improvement.
For now, the 18-month timeline has set a clear benchmark. If the promised upgrades materialize and the selected stadiums meet international standards, the initiative could help restore public confidence. Though if the deadline passes without visible results, the skepticism surrounding the announcement is likely to deepen.
In a football-obsessed nation, infrastructure promises are no longer judged by speeches or press statements. They are judged by results and by the condition of the pitch on match day.
Sports
Super Eagles Soar: Nigeria Storms AFCON 2025 Semifinals in a Showcase of Resilience and Continental Football Supremacy
Super Eagles Soar: Nigeria Storms AFCON 2025 Semifinals in a Showcase of Resilience and Continental Football Supremacy.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
saharaweeklyng.com
“After a commanding 2-0 win over Algeria and quarter-final upsets across the board, Nigeria sets up a blockbuster semi-final against hosts Morocco as Egypt and Senegal also advance in the Africa Cup of Nations.”
When the whistle blew in Marrakech’s Grand Stade on January 10, 2026, history was reaffirmed: Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Africa’s perennial powerhouse, soared into the AFCON 2025 semifinals with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Algeria in the quarter-finals. Driven by tactical intelligence, physical dominance and individual brilliance, the Nigerian side not only dispatched a formidable North African foe but did so with the authority and poise expected of a team with genuine title ambitions.
It was a performance that combined discipline and flair, a perfect example of why Nigeria has become regular visitors to football’s final four. Led by stars like Victor Osimhen (the 2023 African Player of the Year) and Akor Adams, the Super Eagles delivered a masterclass under pressure.
Nigeria vs. Algeria: Tactical Supremacy and Clinical Execution.
From the first whistle, Nigeria wrested control of the tempo. Dominant possession, coordinated pressing, and superior fitness allowed them to dictate play against an Algeria side that had previously relied on experience and technical skill. Despite a bright early threat from Algeria (who came into the game after a taxing extra-time victory in the round of 16) the Super Eagles held the balance of play throughout.
The breakthrough came immediately after halftime and a moment that in elite football often decides destiny. In the 47th minute, Nigeria’s attacking interplay culminated in a Victor Osimhen header from a precise Bruno Onyemaechi delivery, piercing Algeria’s resistance and igniting Nigerian belief.
Ten minutes later, Osimhen turned provider with an unselfishly feeding Akor Adams, who calmly rounded Algeria’s goalkeeper Luka Zidane and slotted home Nigeria’s second goal.
Both goals were TEXTBOOK EXAMPLES of Nigeria’s attacking versatility. Where the first came from intelligent aerial play, the second was built on patient build-up and incisive final third creativity.
For renowned football analyst Dr. Abdulazeez Hassan, such performances reflect the psychological maturity of current Nigerian squads:
“Modern African football demands not only technical ability but mental resilience. Nigeria’s ability to control both possession and tempo against Algeria demonstrated an evolution in tactical discipline seldom seen in earlier Super Eagles sides.” says Dr. Abdulazeez Hassan, African Football Analyst.
The Broader AFCON 2025 Landscape.
Nigeria’s victory unfolded amidst waves of dramatic results across the tournament’s other quarterfinal matches, each with far-reaching implications for the continent’s football hierarchy.
Morocco’s Historic Progress.
Co-hosts Morocco continued their impressive campaign by defeating Cameroon 2-0 to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2004. With a brilliant display in Rabat, the Atlas Lions⚽ confirmed their intent to secure the first AFCON title in half a century. Morocco’s progress carries weight beyond sport. Football historian Khalid El Idrissi explains:
“Football in Morocco has become a symbol of national unity and ambition. This run speaks to more than talent—it is a reflection of strategic development, investment, and a generation determined to leave its mark.” says Khalid El Idrissi, Football Historian.
Worth noting is the tournament’s structural significance: Morocco also plays co-host to the 2030 FIFA World Cup and a testament to Africa’s rising stature in global football.
Egypt and Senegal Forge Onward.
The quarterfinal stage delivered drama in North Africa too. Egypt, led by talisman Mohamed Salah, edged past Ivory Coast 3-2 in a clash that will live long in the memories of African football fans. Salah’s performance, featuring a record-equalling scoring tally, embodied Egypt’s blend of veteran skill and domestic league grit.
Meanwhile, Senegal (arguably one of the tournament’s most complete sides) secured a semifinal berth with a win over Mali, setting up an electrifying encounter with Egypt. Their journey has showcased tactical adaptability and unyielding defensive shape, attributes lauded by coaches and pundits alike.
For sports strategist Dr. Farouk Conteh, Senegal’s rise is emblematic:
“Senegal is not just winning games; they are defining a new model of African success—balance between defense and attack, and a psychological fortitude earned through continental competitions.” says Dr. Farouk Conteh, Sports Strategist.
Setting the Semifinal Stage: What’s at Stake.
With the stage now set for two electrifying semifinals (Morocco vs. Nigeria and Senegal vs. Egypt) the drama of AFCON 2025 has never been richer.
Morocco vs. Nigeria: A Clash of Titans.
The Nigeria-Morocco matchup epitomizes the essence of African football: flair versus experience, speed versus structure and underdog resolve against home-support fervor.
For Nigeria, this game is more than tactical; it is symbolic. After missing out on the FIFA World Cup qualification, the Super Eagles have channeled national disappointment into continental determination. Their performance against Algeria was evidence not of mere resilience but of a collective hunger to restore Nigerian excellence on Africa’s grandest stage.
Veteran coach Emmanuel Okoye captures the sentiment succinctly:
“Nigeria’s football identity must always reflect passion, pace and boldness. In Morocco, they have found themselves again in an assertive, cohesive and lethal when the moment demands.” says Emmanuel Okoye, Veteran Football Coach.
For Morocco, buoyed by home support and a fervent quest for victory, the semifinal in Rabat will be no less than a national festival. Their defensive solidity and midfield creativity will test Nigeria’s counterattacking dynamism.
Egypt vs. Senegal: Tradition vs. Tenacity.
The other semifinal pits history against speed. Egypt, the record seven-time AFCON champions, carry a legacy of brilliance. But Senegal’s physicality and depth (fast becoming one of Africa’s most feared teams) promise a tactical chess match that could redefine continental power structures.
Football journalist Sophie Adesina notes:
“Egypt’s experience versus Senegal’s modern athleticism is a narrative rich with contrast. Either side could change the storyline of African football for years to come.” says Sophie Adesina, Football Journalist.
Final Thoughts: The Contest for Continental Supremacy.
As AFCON 2025 edges toward its climax, the narrative is clear: this tournament has reintroduced Africa to its footballing soul (passionate, unpredictable, and unbounded by stereotype. Nigeria’s journey to the semifinals is not merely a statistical achievement; it is a reaffirmation of African football’s dynamism) where talent, strategy and heart converge in spectacular fashion.
The Super Eagles’ triumph over Algeria was not only a win, bit it was also a message.
A message that says Nigeria remains a continent marked not by past struggles but by future potential; that in football (as in life) resilience and unity can subdue adversity.
And in Morocco’s Rabat, when these two clubs of African myth meet, the beautiful game will once again affirm why it is Africa’s greatest shared passion.
Published by saharaweeklyng.com – Your trusted source for African sports journalism.
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