Author: Thuli Malinga - Page 3

AEW Dynamite Delivers Triple Title Defenses and Shock Turns Ahead of WrestleDream 26 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 3 Comments

AEW Dynamite Delivers Triple Title Defenses and Shock Turns Ahead of WrestleDream

On September 24, 2025, AEW Dynamite in Pittsburgh showcased three world title defenses, all ending in victories for the champions. Hangman Adam Page retained the AEW World Championship against Lee Moriarty, while Brodido held onto the Tag Team belts and Kris Statlander defended the Women's title. A jaw‑dropping heel turn by Statlander and Darby Allin’s flamethrower assault on Jon Moxley set up fresh feuds for WrestleDream. Tony Khan’s surprise announcement hinted at big changes for the company.

Barcelona's Comeback Win Over Real Oviedo Highlights Flick’s Depth Test 26 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 8 Comments

Barcelona's Comeback Win Over Real Oviedo Highlights Flick’s Depth Test

In La Liga round six, Barcelona turned a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 victory against Real Oviedo despite a long injury list. Hansi Flick reshuffled his lineup, giving youngsters a chance and bringing on Robert Lewandowski as a game‑changer. Goals from Eric Garcia, Lewandowski and Ronald Araujo clinched the win, keeping the Catalans within two points of Real Madrid.

Nigeria interest rate cut: How the 50‑bp CBN move could reshape SME credit and household loans 26 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 18 Comments

Nigeria interest rate cut: How the 50‑bp CBN move could reshape SME credit and household loans

The Central Bank of Nigeria lowered its policy rate by 50 basis points, a bold step that analysts say reflects rising confidence in the economy. Faster GDP growth, a surge in foreign direct investment and a shift toward naira‑denominated assets set the stage. The cut promises cheaper credit for small firms and households, but its impact hinges on banks' response and exchange‑rate management.

Palmeiras Lock Up Quarter‑Final Spot in Copa Libertadores After Goalless Standoff 25 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 7 Comments

Palmeiras Lock Up Quarter‑Final Spot in Copa Libertadores After Goalless Standoff

Palmeiras moved into the Copa Libertadores quarter‑finals after a 0‑0 draw with Universitario at Allianz Parque, preserving a 4‑0 aggregate lead. The Peruvian side fought hard but couldn’t overturn the deficit. Palmeiras now await the winner of River Plate vs Libertad, while the tournament heads toward a climactic finish in Lima this November.

Lanús Edge Fluminense 1-0 in Copa Sudamericana Quarter‑final First Leg 24 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 16 Comments

Lanús Edge Fluminense 1-0 in Copa Sudamericana Quarter‑final First Leg

On September 16, 2025, Lanús clinched a 1-0 win over Fluminense at Estadio Ciudad de Lanús thanks to an 89th‑minute strike by Marcelino Moreno. The Argentine side held a slight possession edge and created more chances despite missing five starters. Fluminense’s unbeaten run in the tournament ended early, leaving them with a tough task at the Maracanã. Both teams grappled with injuries, but Lanús showed depth and resilience. The result sets up an intriguing second leg in Rio.

Ballon d'Or 2025 odds: Dembele emerges as clear favourite over Yamal 22 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 2 Comments

Ballon d'Or 2025 odds: Dembele emerges as clear favourite over Yamal

Betting markets have Ousmane Dembele at 1/3 to claim the 2025 Ballon d'Or, leaving Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal at 9/4. Dembele's PSG form, trophy haul and assist tally boost his standing. PSG players dominate the top rankings, while seasoned stars like Salah and Raphinha also feature. The award criteria weigh goals, assists, clean sheets, trophies and key moments from the 2024/25 season.

Tolu Arokodare Powers Genk’s Fight for the Belgian Title in Championship Playoffs 21 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 6 Comments

Tolu Arokodare Powers Genk’s Fight for the Belgian Title in Championship Playoffs

Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare has been a decisive force for KRC Genk in the Belgian Championship playoffs, netting four goals since the split and keeping the club in contention despite a dip in form. A recent winner against Gent broke a winless streak and lifted morale ahead of the final home game. Genk slipped from top spot after April defeats, now trailing Union SG and Club Brugge but still holding a slim chance. Arokodare’s season tally of 21 goals earned him the Ebony Shoe award, underscoring his impact.

Goztepe vs Besiktas Prediction: Black Eagles on a tightrope in European chase 20 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 18 Comments

Goztepe vs Besiktas Prediction: Black Eagles on a tightrope in European chase

Besiktas head to Goztepe needing points to stay in the European race, but the hosts have turned their stadium into a fortress and beat Besiktas 3-1 in the cup. History favors the Black Eagles, yet recent trends point to a tight, low‑scoring game. Expect a tense tactical battle shaped by discipline, set pieces, and who handles pressure better.

South Africa vs Pakistan Women ODI Series 2025: Schedule, squads, and what the first ODI told us 17 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 16 Comments

South Africa vs Pakistan Women ODI Series 2025: Schedule, squads, and what the first ODI told us

South Africa took a sharp 1-0 lead over Pakistan in Lahore, winning the first ODI by eight wickets in a day-night series built as a full World Cup tune-up. All three matches are at Gaddafi Stadium, with games on September 16, 19, and 22. Captains Laura Wolvaardt and Fatima Sana lead two evolving squads balancing experience and youth ahead of India 2025.

Luis Suárez gets three-game MLS suspension after Leagues Cup final flashpoint 10 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 7 Comments

Luis Suárez gets three-game MLS suspension after Leagues Cup final flashpoint

MLS banned Luis Suárez for three matches after the Leagues Cup final, where he argued with Seattle staff, spit on a staff member, and grabbed a player by the neck. He’ll miss games vs. Charlotte, Seattle, and D.C. United, and faces a six-game ban in future Leagues Cups. Suárez apologized, while Inter Miami condemned the behavior and backed the disciplinary action.

Novak Djokovic breaks hard-court Grand Slam record amid injury scare at US Open 3 Sep
by Thuli Malinga - 19 Comments

Novak Djokovic breaks hard-court Grand Slam record amid injury scare at US Open

At 38, Novak Djokovic fought through a back scare to beat Cameron Norrie in four sets at the US Open, moving past Roger Federer for the most hard-court Grand Slam wins with his 192nd victory. Despite a season of knocks—from a leg tear in Australia to a fall at Wimbledon—he advanced to face Taylor Fritz in the quarters. He joked on court, then admitted he’s more concerned about his body than ever.

Morocco vs Senegal: Mrabet’s penalty sends Atlas Lionesses into WAFCON quarter-finals 27 Aug
by Thuli Malinga - 5 Comments

Morocco vs Senegal: Mrabet’s penalty sends Atlas Lionesses into WAFCON quarter-finals

Morocco beat Senegal 1-0 in Rabat to clinch a WAFCON quarter-final place, topping their group with seven points. Yasmin Mrabet scored from the spot in first-half stoppage time after Ibtissam Jraïdi was fouled by keeper Adji Ndiaye, who was booked after VAR review. Senegal rallied after the break but Khadija Er-Rmichi and a disciplined back line kept them out.