Sports Zone 05-07-2023

Enjoy the crew banter and discuss different news stories around the world

- Ahead of their ninth appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which kicks off July 20 in Australia and New Zealand, the Super Falcons are setting their sights on surpassing their previous achievements at the tournament after touching down at their base in Australia.

The Super Eagles have been drawn in Pot 1 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers, which draw will hold in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire on July 13, 2023.

- Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba of Aba, will, on Friday, take on Southwest zonal champions, Remo Stars of Ikenne, in the opening match of the Naija Super Eight finals, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

- Despite the downpour in Benin City on Tuesday, athletics lovers swarmed the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to catch a glimpse of world champion, Tobi Amusan, World Championships silver medalist, Ese Brume and other overseas-based athletes train ahead of the National Trials, which begins Wednesday (today).

- Jasper Philipsen of Belgium sealed back-to-back victories in the Tour de France, winning stage four from Dax to Nogaro. A soporific afternoon’s racing exploded into chaotic life in the closing kilometres. In a finish described by Mark Cavendish as “carnage”, a spate of crashes on the Paul Armagnac motor racing circuit involved riders hitting the road, including the sprinter Fabio Jakobsen of the Soudal Quickstep team.

Spain's world number one Carlos Alcaraz says he "does not feel the best player of his generation" after beginning his Wimbledon campaign with a victory.

- Carlo Ancelotti has been appointed the new head coach of Brazil's national team, but not for another year, the Brazilian Football Confederation announced Tuesday night. He will first finish his contract with Real Madrid and join the "seleção" in June 2024 for the Copa America.

Mason Mount has posted a video on social media to explain his decision to leave Chelsea ahead of a switch to Manchester United.

- Arsenal have finalised terms over their £105m deal for West Ham’s Declan Rice, with the guaranteed portion of the fee expected to be paid in three instalments over 24 months.

Roberto Firmino has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli on a three-year deal after leaving Liverpool.

- Leeds United have appointed former Norwich City boss Daniel Farke as their manager on a four-year deal.

- Roma are eyeing Wolves winger Adama Traore.

- The Brazilian municipality of Mangaratiba announced on Monday that it has fined footballer Neymar for work he has done on his beach house in Rio de Janeiro state.

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