OLT SPORTS

ATP DJOKOVIC TAMES THANASI Novak Djokovic sealed an expected win over Thanasi Kokkinakis in Center Court to book a place in the third round in Wimbledon. The top seed took the game 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 to set up a third round meeting with his countryman, Miomir Kecmanovic who defeated Alejandro Tabilo in four sets, taking it 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, recording his best run in Championship. TIAFOE GETS A CHANCE FOR REDEMPTION VS. KUBLIK Frances Taifoe continues his run in the Championship with another straight sets win, this time over German qualifier, Maximilian Marterer. The American won 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 to equal his best run in Wimbledon and setting up a third round meeting with Alexander Bublik, who beat Serbian player, Dušan Lajović. The Russian-born Kazakhstani player won in straight sets thanks to two tiebreakers. It finished 7-6, 6-2, 7-5 Kublik came from a set down to beat Tiafoe in Eastbourne earlier in the month and the American will see this as a chance to get his revenge. JOHN ISNER DOWNS

 WTA IGA SETS NEW RECORD World No.1 Iga Swiatek gets her Wimbledon campaign underway with a resounding 6-0, 6-3 straight set win over Qualifier, Jana Fett. The Pole has now set a new record for most consecutive wins in the 21st century with her 36th, overtaking Venus Williams’ previous record of 35. The great Serena Williams is in third with 34. Swiatek faces Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove of The Netherlands, who eliminated Sonay Kartal of The Great Britain, in the second round. SOFT WORK FOR BADOSA IN ROUND ONE Paula Badosa eases into the second round in Wimbledon following a 6-2, 6-1 straight set win over Louisa Chirico of the US and faces Irina Bara in the next round. Unseeded Irina Bara defeated Chloé Paquet 6-2, 6-4 to set up the encounter with the Spanish star. TOUGH START FOR GAUFF Roland Garros beaten finalist, Coco Gauff needed a tiebreaker to seal a lucky win over Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania.  The American take the win, despite losing the first set and it finished 2-6, 6-3, 7-5

NOVAK POWERS ON Defending Champion, Novak Djokovic sealed a remarkable win on his return to the grass in the first round of the 2022 Wimbledon Championship on center court. Aiming to become the fourth player to win four consecutive Wimbledon title since Roger Federer between 2003 and 2006, the Serb defeated Soon Woo Kwon in four sets, 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4 to set up a second round meeting with Thanasi Kokkinakis. WIMBLEDON MILESTONE FOR SIR MURRAY Sir Andy Murray records his 60th victory in Wimbledon following victory over James Duckworth. Despite losing the first set, Murray won the next three sets to reach the second round. (4-6 6-3 6-2 6-4). The Brit will meet John Isner, who defeated Enzo Couacaud in five sets. WAWRINKA SENT PACKING Not a dream return for Stanislas Wawrinka as he departs the Wimbledon in the first round following loss to Jannik Sinner. Tenth seed Sinner edges the 3-time Grand Slam champion Stanislas Wawrinka in 4 sets 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 it finished. WINNING START FOR RAD

The Nigeria Professional Football League hit another low on Sunday, as Katsina United command their way to the three points rather than play to earn it. The matchday 35 fixture at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina saw South West side, Remo Stars take on the home side, Katsina United. Starting the Gameweek in the dropzone, the host were desperate of a win to see them move up to 45 points on the log and subsequently out of the relegation zone. They did make a good start to the game and established a 2-0 lead as early as the 28th minute thanks to Tosin Omoyele's double. However, Remo Stars, who are looking to get a foothold on third will not be easily put away and four minutes before the hour mark, Sikiru Alimi pulled one back at 2-1. One minute into the two added time, Alhameen Adegbite restored parity for the visitors, to the disappointment of the home side, who were adamant in their protest that the goal should be disallowed. However, replay shows the goal was correctly awarde

Mikel Arteta finally have his man for £45 million on a five year contract. It's been long coming all summer and the fact that Arsenal pulled off this transfer without Champions League football to offer shows they are actually smoking something good at the Emirates. Despite reported advances from Milan and Tottenham Hotspur, both who play in the Champions League next season, Mikel and Edu were able to convince the Brazilian their project is best suitable for his style. It's a win-win for all three parties involved as Arsenal's priority is Jesus and the player seems himself heading for a place where he will be more needed. Manchester City also looking to offload due to the arrival of Erlin Haaland and Julian Alvarez. The 25-year-old might not have been considered a cornerstone in the City setup since arriving from his childhood club of Palmeiras in 2017 but it is understandable since only a few player can be regarded as such. Even without those considered the undisputable in

Arsenal have in the late hours of Friday reached neutral ground with Manchester City in their negotiation for the acquisition of Gabriel Jesus. The Gunnners have been heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old as he is considered a top priority signing for them this summer following the departure of their two big name strikers, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. Following the arrival of Erlin Haaland, the Brazilian feel his already not assured position is under threat and wants to secure a move elsewhere, where he can get regular football in a bid to feature regularly for Brazil in the World Cup later this year. Jesus was identify as the perfect fit for the Arsenal system and Mikel Arteta and technical director, Edu have been on it before the end of the season. Finally they have a breakthrough after an offer of £45 million was accepted by Manchester City for the striker, who will now have a talk on personal terms before the deal is finalized. Reaching agreement on p

Brazil legend and part owner of newly promoted La Liga side, Real Valladolid, Ronaldo Nazario has offered Brazilian fullbacks, Marcelo and Dani Alves a chance to unite at club level for the first time. Marcelo, 34, left Real Madrid this summer after 15 successful years, which saw him become the most decorated player in the history of the club. Dani Alves, 39, left Barcelona at end of a six months loan agreement, following the club's decision not to renew the agreement. Both players are currently free agent and Ronaldo is offering them a chance to remain in the Spanish topflight with newly promoted Valladolid. It will present the Brazil and La Liga legends the chance to play together in club football for the first time and maybe prepare them well enough to be selected for the World Cup later this year. Albeit Marcelo has retired from the national team in 2018 but should he regain his form in the next months, he could be called up to grace the name of his country in Qatar after all B

Free agent, Paulo Dybala remains without a club albeit top teams in Italy have and are still showing interest in his services. Inter and Milan are continuously in contact with the 28-year-old and his entourage but they are reluctant to reach a compromise. It is widely reported that Dybala’s wage demands is too high to be affordable for the clubs and Sevilla are the only club from outside Italy to have offered him a contract. According to Gianluca Di Marzio: “Dybala does not even know where he is going. Inter have stopped, I don’t know if they will start again. He is looking for an international market, Milan haven’t taken concrete steps. Sevilla wants him but for only €3m.” Dybala left Juventus at the end of his contract this summer after seven seasons in Turin following his move from Palermo in 2015. The player will have to lower his demands in order to give interested clubs a chance or he will remain without a club at the start of the forthcoming season. Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolab

Bayern Munich sporting director, Hasan Salihamidzic has confirmed the club's stance on the neverending speculations of Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona. The Bosnian revealed that The Bavarians maintain their stance that Lewandowski will remain at the club next season. Salihamidzic said to Bild: “Our position is clea. Robert has a contract until the summer of 2023.” When asked if there has been new approach from Barcelona, “I'm not thinking about that. I'm expecting to see Robert in training at Säbener Straße on July 12.” Lewandowski has also express his desires to move out of Bayern this summer but the club is adamant that they will not give in to such request. Lewandowski has made it clear Barcelona is his preferred destination while Chelsea have also registered interest in the striker. Should Bayern be willing to let go in the end, Chelsea will hope the price tag can put off Barcelona, who are currently not in the right financial condition to pay any inflated transfer fee.

PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi has literally in his latest interview confirmed that Neymar Junior is expendable in the new project. Having succeeded in their fight to keep Kylian Mbappé for at least the next three years, Les Parisien are looking to embark on a new project, which according to Al Khelaifi is different from the previous one. The last few seasons has seen PSG spent a fortune on bringing in superstars in the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and others. However, a new era, which is to be spearheaded by incoming manager, Christophe Galtier is so much dependent on Kylian Mbappé, who is obviously the most important player for the club. This summer has already seen the departure of players including Angel Di Maria, while many others are still expected to follow suit before the end of the window. Speaking to Marca, Nasser Al Khelaifi has sent a strong to all PSG players out of the project. He was quoted to have said: “Our position is clear, players who are not part

Following a first full season in the English Premier League, which finished with Arsenal narrowly missing out on a top four place, Martin Ødegaard showed he still behold the class that made Real sign him as a 16-year-old teenager. The Norwegian was voted the club's second best player of the season behind Bukayo Saka and he has already become an endearing character amongst Gooners around the Emirates. Deftness of touches, slick controls and expertly dictating Arsenal's attack with his quality of retaining the ball in tight spaces, Ødegaard was at the heart of everything good in the Arsenal attack last season. Though the numbers of assists and goals did not speak much of the 23-year-old's performance in general as the lack of clinic strikers saw many of the chances squandered. Only Bruno Fernandes created more chances from open play in the Premier League last season than Ødegaard. When on form, he makes the Arsenal attack almost unplayable and it is understandable why Arteta

Manchester United's move for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is all but dead in the water after recent comments by dutch and former Manchester United boss, Louis van Gaal. The young defender is set to move to Old Trafford and reunite with his former coach, Ten Hag but van Gaal, who managed the club between 2014 to 2016 has commented on the transfer, leaving the player having to think twice. Speaking to the press, Telegraaf dutch correspondent, Marcel van der Kraan said: “Jurrien Timber to United is absolutely dead in the water, the player was ready to move and his agent went to London offices two weeks ago, money was never a problem. Then Louis Van Gaal turned up.” “Louis Van Gaal made it clear that he would not be in his Dutch team if he wasn't playing every week for United.” Timber made his international debut in May 2021 and the 21 year old has won eight caps. On the back of a successful season with Ajax, he has been given more role and time in the national team. With the playe

Chelsea and Inter are close to reaching an agreement for the loan deal of Romelu Lukaku. All three parties involved in the deal are certain on their stands. Inter wants Lukaku and vice versa. Chelsea are also interested in doing business. The Nerazzurri had a first offer of €5 million loan fee rejected by the Londoners while a second offer, which is much improved than the first has been tabled, which is very close to Chelsea's valuation. Both Chelsea and Inter are not far from reaching an agreement that will see the Belgian return to Italy, following a forgettable first season back in England. Chelsea want to recruit new attackers and need to get the former Manchester United man off the books in order to accommodate incomings while also relieving the wage bill. Raheem Sterling is heavily linked with Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel wants to free up space before signing players so Lukaku's imminent departure could pave way for more incomings. Lukaku will most likely represent Inter nex

Even though Arsenal are bound to bring in another striker this summer, Eddie Nketiah will be oozing confidence when the new season gets underway. The young striker wants to be an important part of a project, which was why he had seek to move on but Arsenal have done well to convince him to continue his adventure at the club. For his performances in the later stages of last season, he has been rewarded with a bumper new contract that will see him remain at the club until the summer of 2027. The 23-year-old was linked with a move away from the Emirates at the turn of the year having found chances hard to come by even when the first choice strikers were misfiring. Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette could not deliver in the system employed by manager Mikel Arteta, leading to both leaving the club in the winter and summer respectively. Eddie Nketiah, has been on the books at Arsenal having being released by Chelsea in 2015, and became a popular name amongst the Arsenal fans w

Even in the biggest club competition of them all, the UEFA Champions League, the Portuguese clubs are starting to show they aren't just pushovers. Back at the start of the 2008/09 season, the Liga NOS is ranked tenth in the UEFA coefficient League rankings, below The Russian Premier League, Ukrainian Premier League, Dutch Eredivisie and the Romanian Liga I. Three years later, they moved into the top five, leapfrogging the leagues mentioned earlier, and the French Ligue un, are were occupying the fifth spot at the time. The projection in rank was thanks to FC Porto's success in the UEFA Europa League in 2011, a season where three Portuguese teams reached the semi final of the competition. The losing finalists, Braga, defeated Benfica on away goals in the semi final while Porto dominated and beat Spanish side, Villarreal 7-4 on aggregate before going on to beat Braga 1-0 in the final thanks to a Radamel Falcao strike. They maintained the top five status until the 2016/17 season,

Out of the blue, Arsenal are close to completing a €40 million move for young Portuguese sensation, Fabio Vieira. Youri Tielemans here and Gabriel Jesus there, surely no one saw this one coming from Edu and Mikel Arteta as even the top media outlets were caught unaware. There were no links or speculations and boom, the 22-year-old is on his way to London for medical examinations ahead of signing a five year contract with the Gunners. Vieira has a release clause of €50 million but Edu has managed to struck a deal with Porto without offering up to the players release clause. His arrival at Arsenal means Arteta now has a wealth of creative players at his disposal, with Martin Ødegaard already well settled in North London following a season where he was voted the club's second best player of the season. Fabio Vieira is the kind of player who most often enjoys roaming around the right halfspace as an interior or a number 10 but comfortably plays deeper. Most times, he is played on the w

Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez has revealed the influence of the PSG offer that made Real Madrid end their pursuit of Kylian Mbappé this summer. It was thought that the 23-year-old is Madrid bound after turning down new contract offer from PSG last summer amidst Real Madrid’s interest in luring him to the Bernabéu. However, after so much anticipation this summer, Mbappé decided to stay in Paris following a ridiculous offer tabled by Les Parisien and the pressure on the player. Florentino Perez said in his latest interview: “Mbappé did not betray anyone. His dream was to join Madrid, he always bought our shirts, but the situation changed because of political and economical pressure.” “Mbappé's Mom also wanted him to come to Madrid, because it's her son's dream. She was sad that the move did not materialize.” “We didn't sign a pre-contract with Mbappé because of PSG, we had to inform them of that and we didn't want that because it would add more pressure on h

Five years ago, Barcelona parted ways with £107 million to secure the services of 20-year-old promising winger, Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund. Having sold Neymar Junior to PSG Paris Saint-Germain for transfer record fee, the club was on the lookout for a direct replacement and having impressed in his debut season in the Bundesliga, Dembele was chosen as the hier to the Brazilian. The now 25-year-old signed for Borussia Dortmund from Stade de Rennais for €15 million after an impressive début season as a professional, where he scored twelve goals and assisted five in 22 league starts. He carried that form into his debut and only season in the Bundesliga, where he started 22 games, as many he started his previous season, which was spent in the Ligue un. Dembele scored six goals and registered twelve assists, proving some bargain for the Yellow Wall and also helping teammate, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dethrone Robert Lewandowski of the Bundesliga top scorer award. Aside his good r

Before their first match of the UEFA Nations League, the defending Champions were unbeaten in 20 matches for games ending in 90 minutes with their only loss in that period coming against Switzerland via a penalty shootout in the round of 16 of the European Championship last summer. France kicked off their Nations League campaign with a defeat against Denmark and followed it up with two draws before losing again to Croatia on Monday night. Missing Paul Pogba and the likes, France have struggled to impose their will on their opponents, losing the ability to control games. France has only lost a game where Pogba and Kante has started together and that does not even count for games ending in 90 minutes, because the only loss was on penalty shout-out against Switzerland in the Euros last summer. Both players hasn't started together since that game as well and lately, that impact is having it's toll on results and the team's performance. Manager, Didier Deschamps is currently int