Anthony Joshua defeats Kristian Prenga, eyes Tyson Fury showdown
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua defeated Albanian Kristian Prenga in the second round in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, recovering from two early knockdowns. Prenga, who had a record of 20 knockout wins, floored Joshua twice in the first round. Joshua, a former two-time world heavyweight champion, responded with a barrage of right hands in the second round, leading to a referee stoppage and Prenga's first professional defeat. This victory improves Joshua's record to 30 wins from 34 fights, with 27 by knockout. The win sets the stage for a highly anticipated fight with Tyson Fury. Joshua dedicated the win to his late friends, Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele, who died in a car crash in Nigeria in December. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that contracts for the domestic showdown with Fury have been signed, with a venue yet to be finalized. Former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk commented that Joshua appears to have improved since their previous fight.
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A suspect has been arrested and confessed to stealing cash from several Super Falcons players at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco. The incident occurred days before Nigeria's opening match at the 2026 Women鈥檚 Africa Cup of Nations. Midfielder Esther Okoronkwo stated on social media that she, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade were among those from whom over $1,000 was stolen. Okoronkwo also accused hotel staff of disrespect and failing to address the matter properly. Following public complaints, Nigerian journalist Colin Udoh confirmed the arrest and confession, adding that full restitution would be made to the players. The Super Falcons, who had been training in Mohammedia before moving to Rabat, are now focused on their tournament campaign, set to begin against Malawi on Tuesday.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation has selected Ogun State as a key Nigerian state to lead the country's transition to a circular economy. This recognition is based on Ogun's environmental sustainability initiatives and climate change programs. Ogun is now part of Project 220145 Component 2, which aims to advance Nigeria's green and just transition to net-zero emissions through circular economy efforts. The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, stated that this recognition validates the state's environmental policies and adds to its achievements in climate change programs and circular economy projects. Ogun State's environmental interventions include distributing biomass smokeless stoves to over 3,000 residents, deploying electric motorcycles and compressed natural gas buses, and implementing the Blue Box waste segregation scheme, Plastic for Cash recycling program, community recycling projects, cement industry decarbonisation initiatives, and senatorial material recovery centers. These initiatives aim to promote resource recovery, reduce pollution, and create green jobs. Emem Umana, National Field Coordinator of the UNIDO Nigeria Office, commended Ogun State for its commitment and urged it to continue its environmental and socio-economic reforms, highlighting its international recognition and role as a model for other states pursuing green development.
Nigeria's Flying Eagles will start their WAFU B U-20 Championship title defense against Ghana today, Monday, in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. This match is a repeat of the last edition's final, where Nigeria defeated the Black Satellites 2-1 in Lom茅, Togo, to retain the title they first won in 2022. New head coach Abdu Maikaba aims for a winning start, stating, "We are going for an outright victory against Ghana because our objective is to retain the trophy and we have to start winning our matches from Day One." The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. local time 3 p.m. Nigeria time at the Lyc茅e Scientifique de Yamoussoukro. Nigeria recently secured a 2-1 friendly victory against Athl茅tique Club de Zenuola. A win against Ghana would significantly boost the seven-time African champions' chances of qualifying for the semi-finals. Nigeria's subsequent Group B matches are against Togo on July 30 and Burkina Faso on August 2, both at 2 p.m. local time. Hosts Ivory Coast are in Group A with Benin Republic and Niger Republic.