From Europe to Africa, South America to Asia, the sporting world served up a mix of the unusual, heartbreaking, and shocking over the past week.

While football leagues in Europe edged closer to their dramatic conclusions, the CAF Champions League also delivered thrills for fans across the continent.

First 11, our weekly sports roundup, brings you the biggest highlights you may have missed. Let’s dive in!

Flamingos Fly High: Nigeria Qualifies for U-17 Women’s World Cup

Starting with some good news on the home front: Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, have secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. After a commanding 4-0 win over Algeria in the first leg, the team played out a goalless draw on Friday to complete the job.

The 2025 edition of the tournament will take place in Morocco between October and November. The Flamingos' best finish remains a third-place outing at India 2022, and they will be looking to better that performance this time around.

Liverpool on the Brink of Premier League Glory

In England, Liverpool are just one point away from clinching their 20th top-flight title, equalling Manchester United’s record. This comes after Arsenal’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace midweek. Liverpool could seal the title at Anfield if they avoid defeat against Tottenham on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Leicester City confirmed that club legend Jamie Vardy will leave at the end of the season. The veteran striker, who helped the Foxes achieve their miraculous 2016 Premier League triumph, departs after 198 goals in nearly 500 appearances.

FA Cup Semi-Finals Set

This weekend also features the FA Cup semi-finals. Crystal Palace will battle Aston Villa, while Manchester City face Nottingham Forest as teams eye a place in the final.

Nigeria Names World Athletics Relays Squad

Nigeria has announced its squad for the 2025 World Athletics Relays, with world record holder Tobi Amusan headlining the team. Nigeria will compete in the men’s and women’s 4×100m, the 4×400m mixed relay, and the newly introduced 4×100m mixed relay events in Guangzhou, China, from May 10 to 11.

Eniola Bolaji Wins Africa Women in Badminton Award

In badminton, Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji was honoured with the 2024 Africa Women in Badminton Award. She becomes only the second Nigerian to receive the accolade, following Obiageli Solaja’s win in 2019. The award was presented at the Badminton Confederation Africa AGM in China.

Sundowns Edge Al Ahly, Set Up Final Against Pyramids

In the CAF Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns secured a spot in the final after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Al Ahly in Cairo, progressing on the away-goal rule. Sundowns will face Egypt’s Pyramids in the final, with the first leg set for May 24.

Anthony Joshua Bids Nigeria Farewell

After an extended visit to Nigeria, two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the UK. During his stay, the British-Nigerian boxer enjoyed viral moments, including a street-side haircut and open jogging sessions in Sagamu, Ogun State.

Joshua expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warmth and hospitality shown by Nigerians throughout his trip.

El Clasico Final: Real Madrid vs Barcelona

In Spain, Real Madrid and Barcelona are set to clash in today’s Copa del Rey final. However, tensions flared in the buildup after comments from match officials criticizing Madrid’s stance on refereeing, prompting the Galacticos to boycott pre-match media duties. Despite the drama, Madrid have confirmed they will play the game, which kicks off at 9 PM (WAT).

D’Tigress Learn AfroBasket Opponents

Defending champions D’Tigress have been drawn in Group D for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket. They will face Mozambique and Rwanda in the group stage of the tournament, set to be held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from July 26 to August 3.

Serie A Matches Rescheduled After Pope’s Passing

In Italy, Inter Milan’s clash with Roma has been rescheduled following the death of Pope Francis. Serie A announced that all matches slated for Saturday would be moved, with Inter’s game now set for Sunday at 1 PM GMT.

Patrice Evra Switches to MMA

Finally, former France international Patrice Evra is stepping into a new arena — mixed martial arts. The 43-year-old will make his MMA debut in May in Paris, having trained for years alongside PFL star Cedric Doumbe.

Stay tuned for more action next week as the global sports calendar continues to heat up!