Sports
Sam Okwaraji U-16 School Football Championship Begins in Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State preliminary stage of the Sam Okwaraji U-16 School Football Championship kicked off on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with four exciting matches played at the Community Secondary Commercial School, Ikot Okubo Offot.
The competition, organised by the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation in collaboration with the Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC), is aimed at honouring the late Nigerian football hero, Sam Okwaraji.
In the opening matches, Secondary School Etoi played out a goalless draw against Offot Ukwa Secondary School before emerging 4-3 winners in the penalty shootout.
Uyo High School recorded an impressive 3-1 victory over Itam Secondary School to book their place in the next round.
Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Four Towns, secured a comfortable 2-0 win over ACSS, Ikot Oku Nsit, while Community Secondary School, Aka Offot, defeated Community Secondary Commercial School, Ikot Okubo, 4-3 on penalties after both sides played out a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The competition will continue on Thursday, July 2, at the Community Secondary Commercial School, Ikot Okubo.
In the first-round fixtures, Ibiono Ibom South Community Secondary School, Ikpedip, will face Etinan Institute at 10am, while Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Ekpene Udo, will take on Methodist Boys High School, Oron, at 12 noon.
The second-round matches scheduled for the same day will see Secondary School Etoi face Uyo High School at 2pm, while Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Four Towns, will battle Community Secondary School, Aka Offot by 4pm, for a place in the next stage.
The championship is designed to celebrate the enduring legacy of the late Sam Okwaraji, who died while representing Nigeria on August 12, 1989. The organisers said the competition aims to preserve his values of patriotism, discipline, courage, academic excellence and selfless service, while helping to develop young football talents from the grassroots.
Okwaraji, remembered as a lawyer, scholar and footballer, remains a symbol of dedication and sacrifice in Nigerian football history.
While the preliminary matches for the southern states began on July 1, the northern states commenced their qualifying rounds on June 26.
Sports
Mystics, Dream refreshed after much-needed break
Jun 6, 2026; College Park, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Te-Hina Paopao (2) dribbles against Washington Mystics guard Georgia Amoore (8) at Gateway Center at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images It’s probably a good thing the Atlanta Dream and Washington Mystics had a few days off. They both needed the recovery time.
They’ll be back in action when they meet Thursday night in Washington.
The Dream (12-7) are looking for a turnaround. They hadn’t lost back-to-back games this season until dropping three straight on their West Coast — with Saturday’s 105-90 loss at Seattle the most recent setback.
“It’s still early in the season, so these are the types of things you want to experience early so you can learn from them so when it gets to playoff time, it’s not too late,” said Dream guard Allisha Gray.
The Mystics (9-9) lost two in a row before Sunday’s 124-123 four-overtime survival against visiting Portland, which tied the WNBA record for most overtimes in a game.
“I’ve never experienced this,” Mystics coach Sydney Johnson said. “Love the resiliency. … I thought our Mystics were outstanding just in terms of never quitting. It’s easy to get discouraged. They didn’t.”
Four Washington players logged 47 or more minutes in the Portland game.
Despite the grueling nature of the Mystics’ most recent game, Johnson believes there will be long-term benefits for his players. “You can put a lot in the memory bank and add to the experience that they’re having,” Johnson said. “That’s going to add to the film work and court sessions.”
Part of the growth for the Mystics might have been seen in Michaela Onyenwere, who has played 14 games in her first season with Washington. She scored 30 points in 49 minutes against Portland.
The Mystics might be short-handed after starting guard Georgia Amoore left Sunday’s game with a right knee ailment. She played only 12 minutes and is listed as questionable for Thursday’s game. Top scorer Sonia Citron (18.6 ppg), who poured in 32 points in 53 minutes against the Fire, also is questionable with a sore right knee.
Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard is coming off a 27-point outburst versus Seattle. Gray eclipsed the 4,500-point mark for her career in that game. The Dream defeated visiting Washington 109-77 on June 6 with five players — led by Howard’s 19 points — scoring in double figures. The visit from the Dream marks the second game in a four-game homestand for Washington.
–Field Level Media
Sports
World Cup 2026: Belgium stun Senegal with dramatic comeback and penalty heartbreak

Belgium staged an extraordinary second-half comeback to eliminate Senegal 3-2 in an epic Round of 32 encounter in Seattle, advancing to the last 16 after Youri Tielemans’ coolly converted penalty in extra time. The Diables Rouges erased a two-goal deficit in a remarkable turnaround that sends them through despite Senegal’s dominant first-half display.
Sports
Steve Nelson promoted to MD of Serco Leisure
Steve Nelson takes up the role of managing director of Serco Leisure today (1 July 2026), following 18 years with the company where he has progressed through many roles, most recently director of leisure.
Serco Leisure operates more than 55 facilities in the UK, including the national sports centres at Lilleshall, Bisham Abbey, Stoke Mandeville Stadium – the birthplace of the Paralympic movement – and Alexander Stadium, a venue which will stage the European Athletics Championships in August this year.
Speaking on his appointment, Nelson says: “It is a privilege to lead an organisation I know so well and care deeply about. I believe that my appointment also reflects our commitment to developing and supporting internal talent, creating opportunities for our people to grow, thrive and reach their full potential within Serco.
“Serco Leisure has achieved significant success in recent years, and I look forward to building on that momentum. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Simon Lane for the support he has given me personally and also the wider leisure business over the past five years.
“My focus will be on continuing to deliver outstanding health and wellbeing services for our clients and communities, while driving sustainable growth and supporting our talented teams to achieve their full potential.”
Simon Bailey, managing director of Serco’s parent division says: “Steve’s appointment is a well-earned progression, reflecting both his depth of experience in the sector and his long- standing commitment to Serco.
“Having progressed from managing leisure facilities into senior leadership roles, Steve brings a strong understanding of our operations, our people, and the values that underpin our delivery of public services.”
Outgoing managing director, Simon Lane, has joined UK holiday park operator, Verdant Leisure as CEO.
Sports
Rays’ Junior Caminero homers in sixth straight game
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero has become the youngest player since at least 1900 to homer in six straight games.
Caminero hit a 425-foot shot to left off Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo in the first inning on Wednesday night for his 24th homer of the season. The Rays star will celebrate his 23rd birthday on Sunday.
The youngest player before Caminero to homer in six straight games was Seattle’s Ken Griffey Jr., who did it at the age of 23 in 1993.
The only other players since 1900 to homer in as many as five consecutive games before their 23rd birthday were San Francisco’s Jack Clark in 1978, Atlanta’s Brian McCann in 2006 and Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2018.
Caminero becomes the first player to homer in six straight games since Rafael Devers did it for Boston in May 2024. Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber, Detroit’s Spencer Torkelson and the Chicago White Sox’s Munetaka Murakami had all homered in five straight games this season.
The only other Tampa Bay player ever to go deep in six straight games was Carlos Pena in June 2010, according to Sportradar.
Caminero has eight homers over his last six games. He began this stretch by going deep three times in a 13-2 victory over Kansas City on Thursday.
Sports
Belgium come back from the brink with most dramatic win of World Cup 2026
Youri Tielemans struck a 125th-minute penalty as Belgium remarkably rallied from two goals down and ultimately defeated Senegal 3-2 after extra time to keep alive their World Cup title hopes that had looked dead and buried.
Senegal’s Lamine Camara slid in on Tielemans as the ball flashed across the face of goal and conceded the spot-kick after a VAR review, with the Belgian picking out the top corner to complete an extraordinary comeback.
Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had given Senegal a deserved 2-0 lead and they looked to be cruising through to the last 16 before Belgium netted twice in the final four minutes through Romelu Lukaku and Tielemans to force extra time.
Belgium now face the winner of the last-32 clash between co-hosts United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle on Monday.
It was cruel on Senegal, who controlled much of the 90 minutes and also struck the woodwork twice, but could not see out the game.
They became the fourth African side to bow out in a narrow defeat in the last 32 after South Africa, Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and will wonder how they managed to let this one slip away.
They were inches away from the lead early on when Ismail Jakobs’ cross from the left was only parried by Thibaut Courtois, but a stretching Sarr could only steer the loose ball onto the post.
When the African side did break the deadlock in the 25th minute it was no surprise. Sadio Mane’s cross was headed goalwards by Sarr, but his effort came off the post again. This time the loose ball fell kindly for Diarra, and he side-footed home from seven yards.
Maxim De Cuyper forced an excellent save from Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw with a shot that looked to be heading into the top corner as Belgium trailed at the break.
Belgium brought on Lukaku for the ineffective Charles De Ketelaere at half-time, but were soon 2-0 down. A stunning long pass from Moussa Niakhate was brilliantly controlled on the chest of Sarr, who held off two defenders before thundering the ball into the net.
Belgium struggled to create clear-cut chances until the final five minutes, and almost out of nowhere turned the game on its head by netting twice in three minutes.
First Lukaku turned the ball in at the near post from Thomas Meunier’s low cross and Leandro Trossard’s ball into the box from deep was headed into the net by Tielemans after a terrible decision from Diaw to come off his line.
Trossard and Tielemands had been involved in a heated exchange earlier in the match but it was all smiles and hugs when the equaliser went in, before Tielemans was central again in the winner – earning and converting the spot-kick.
Sports
USA vs Bosnia LIVE: Latest score and updates as Pulisic starts for World Cup co-hosts who seek rare knockout win
Honours even at first water break
The now customary jeers greet the first water break and the state of play after 23 minutes? Even stevens, I would say.
The hosts have certainly not had it all their own way and, on the odd occasion they’ve found space in the final-third, have been strangely wasteful.
Kieran Jackson in Santa Clara2 July 2026 01:27
USA 0-0 Bosnia
25 mins: Following a hyrdation break, Bosnia get the ball back in play.
The try to get some space over on the right wing but they don’t want to overcommit.
They’re happy with how things are going at the minute.
Mike Jones2 July 2026 01:26
USA 0-0 Bosnia
21 mins: Bosnia have had a good run through qualifying and in the group stage.
There is something about them in this campaign and they’ll be aiming to get as far as they can.
The European team have only had a couple of chances but they’ve restricted the US quite well so far.
Mike Jones2 July 2026 01:22
USA 0-0 Bosnia
Weston McKennie darts into space on the right side and receives a lovely pass.
He whips in a cross which Nikola Vasilj pushes onto the head of Robinson.
The US right-back doesn’t know what’s happening as the ball hits his forehead and flies over the crossbar.
Mike Jones2 July 2026 01:18
USA 0-0 Bosnia
15 mins: USA win a free kick on the right side of the pitch but the delivery is poor.
The US recycle the ball out to Antonee Robinson on the right.
He pulls a pass into the box and finds Balogun who shoots but sends the ball wide.
Mike Jones2 July 2026 01:15
USA 0-0 Bosnia
A long ball comes up to Edin Dzeko who brings it down and flicks it across to Ermedin Demirovic.
He fires a shot at goal but Matt Freese is on hand to palm it over the top.
A decent opportunity for Bosnia there. From the resultant corner, Freese is on hand again to slap at the ball and he manages to get it away.
Mike Jones2 July 2026 01:11
USA 0-0 Bosnia
9 mins: The US are controlling play with Bosnia sitting deep and trusting their defence to keep out the World Cup co-hosts.
USA are strong in the wide areas but Bosnia have a back five and are limiting the space for the wingers to work in.
Mike Jones2 July 2026 01:09
USA 0-0 Bosnia
An early sight of goal for Pulisic who dances inside from the left and takes a shot which is blocked at the edge of the box.
The ball goes out for a corner to the US but it comes to nothing.
Mike Jones2 July 2026 01:07
USA 0-0 Bosnia
3 mins: The US defend to corner without too much trouble.
The ball comes out to Christian Pulisic who looks to get forward but loses possession near the halfway line.
Mike Jones2 July 2026 01:03
Sports
Aaron Judge calls out Yankees’ focus before losing streak hits 7 games
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New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge may not be able to play for his squad right now, but that doesn’t mean he’s looking away from the poor performances they’ve had of late.
Judge was straight-forward with his response to the Yankees dropping six games before their series finale against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday afternoon in the Bronx.
“Well, it’s not great,” he said after his team’s woes. “Just a little lack of focus. We just gotta dial it in. Our ultimate goal is to win a World Series. I think guys have to remember that every single day they show up here, we’re here to win a World Series.”
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Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees sits in the dugout before a game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, Calif., on May 29, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Judge didn’t specifically go into what the lack of focus is, but he followed up by saying, “I think you guys see it.”
Judge, who has been on the injured list with a rib injury, believes getting that elusive 28th world championship for the franchise should be enough motivation to right the ship.
“That should motivate you every single day you step on that field, no matter what happens, no matter what happens the day before,” he added. “I got a job to do. We’ve got an important sign when you walk out on the field. It’s the last sign you see before you’re out there: it says ‘do your job.’ Guys are here to do their job.”
Unfortunately for the Yankees, Judge’s pre-game speech didn’t result in snapping that losing streak on Wednesday. They fell to Detroit 6-2 in 11 innings, where four runs were scored in the top of the 11th by the Tigers.
The Yankees have dropped seven straight and eight of their last 10 games to fall three games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for the lead in the AL East.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the New York Yankees reacts after being ejected in the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass., on June 28, 2026. (Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
Yes, the Yankees remain in clear playoff position, sitting atop the American League Wild Card standings despite the skid. But, while the AL has been mediocre this season, it’s still a tight race as other teams are starting to get right.
New York could certainly use their captain back on the field, but there’s no timetable for his return and he didn’t have anything positive to say about his rehab in terms of putting the pinstripes back on soon.
“You know how it goes around here — guys can feel good, feel bad, but you’ve got to wait on images,” Judge said about his rib. The Yankees said when he was diagnosed with the injury that they would get additional imaging done roughly four-to-six weeks later.

New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge, who is injured, runs drills in the outfield before a baseball game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)
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“There’s no need to talk about this now,” Judge said. “I know it’s an important topic and a big issue, but I want to give you guys the full story.”
The story right now for the Yankees is a bleak one, but there’s a lot of season left to play. Perhaps the All-Star break, which begins July 13, could be a good reset as they look to get back to their winning ways.
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Sports
Robert MacIntyre taught me 10 lessons in 30 minutes. Here they are
Sports
Belgium Complete Stunning Comeback to Knock Senegal Out of World Cup
Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they came from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in their last-32 clash.
Youri Tielemans scored a late penalty in extra time to seal a remarkable victory for Belgium and send them into the last 16, where they will face either the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Senegal looked to be cruising into the next round after taking a deserved 2-0 lead and holding that advantage until the closing stages of normal time.
The African side had threatened early in the game when Ismaila Sarr struck the post in the 13th minute. Sarr hit the woodwork again from a Sadio Mane cross 12 minutes later, but Habib Diarra reacted quickest to score from close range and give Senegal the lead.
Senegal doubled their advantage six minutes into the second half with a brilliant goal. Moussa Niakhate’s long pass caught the Belgian defence off guard, allowing Sarr to control the ball with his chest before firing a powerful shot past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
With only four minutes remaining, Belgium finally found a way back into the game. Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku, who came on as a substitute at half-time, cleverly flicked Thomas Meunier’s cross into the net to reduce the deficit.
The equaliser came in dramatic fashion in the 89th minute. Leandro Trossard delivered a dangerous cross into the box, which goalkeeper Mory Diaw failed to deal with, allowing Belgium captain Tielemans to head home and force extra time.
The comeback was even more remarkable considering that Tielemans and Trossard had been involved in a heated argument earlier in the second half before Lukaku stepped in to calm the situation.
After surviving Senegal’s early dominance, Belgium completed the turnaround in the final moments of extra time. Following a lengthy seven-minute VAR review, the referee awarded Belgium a penalty after Lamine Camara’s challenge on Tielemans.
Tielemans kept his composure and calmly fired the penalty into the top corner in the 125th minute to seal a sensational victory.
Lukaku’s impact proved decisive as the 33-year-old inspired Belgium’s dramatic fightback and kept alive the hopes of the country’s remaining members of their famous golden generation.
For Senegal, it was another heartbreaking end to a major tournament. After leading by two goals with only minutes left, they were left stunned as their dream of reaching the World Cup last 16 slipped away in dramatic fashion.
Belgium will now remain in Seattle as they prepare for their last-16 encounter, while Senegal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup journey comes to a painful end.
Sports
McLaughlin: What’s Next After Launch for Retooled Pac-12? > Spencer talks about the best coaches in the league with 'Locked On Pac-12' host Christian Rauh

By Spencer McLaughlin of Locked on CFB for SuperWest Sports
July 1, 2026
After much drama and legal wrangling, the Pac-12 has officially launched with eight football-playing members.
How long will the league stay at that number of teams?
On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin and ‘Locked On Pac-12’ host Christian Rauh discuss the best coaches in the new-look league.
Which talented coach is left out of the top 3?
Boise State is the obvious pick to be a contender in the Pac-12 this year.
Which teams are best suited to contend with them in 2026?
00:00 Pac-12 relaunch and TV deals
03:06 Pac-12 expansion considerations
07:38 Conference realignment ideas
09:46 Criteria for Pac-12 expansion
13:10 Boise State’s head coach success
15:50 Discussing Matt Entz’s coaching potential
19:56 Future coaching prospects
23:01 Discussing Pac-12 favorites
25:47 Discussing team’s play style concerns
Follow and subscribe to the Podcast on these platforms…
Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/smclaughlinCFB
Follow the show on Twitter: https://x.com/LockedOn_CFB
<h3>McLaughlin: What’s Next After Launch for Retooled Pac-12?</h3><span style='color:gray;font-size:18px;'> > Spencer talks about the best coaches in the league with 'Locked On Pac-12' host Christian Rauh</span> first appeared on <h3>McLaughlin: What’s Next After Launch for Retooled Pac-12?</h3><span style='color:gray;font-size:18px;'> > Spencer talks about the best coaches in the league with 'Locked On Pac-12' host Christian Rauh</span> and was syndicated with permission.
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