Tottenham’s Glory, NBA Playoff Heat, African Champions Rise & Roland Garros Countdown

As the sports world spins into midweek action, May 21–22 has delivered iconic moments across football, basketball, tennis, golf, and beyond. From Tottenham’s historic Europa League triumph to African giants preparing for continental clashes, here’s your definitive roundup of today’s top sports stories.

⚽ Football: Tottenham Lift Europa Trophy, Africa Preps for CAF Finals

Tottenham Stun United for Europa Glory

On May 21, Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1–0 in the UEFA Europa League Final, with Brennan Johnson scoring the decisive goal. This marks Spurs’ first major trophy since 2008 and grants them a UEFA Champions League berth—despite a 17th-place finish in the Premier League.

Premier League Recap: Liverpool Take the Crown

Liverpool were crowned 2024/25 Premier League champions with 83 points. Arsenal finished second and Manchester City third. Leicester and Ipswich suffered relegation. Spurs’ Europa success salvaged their season.

CAF Champions League Final Preview

CAF unveiled a new Champions League trophy on May 22. The final pits Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) against Pyramids FC (Egypt), with Leg 1 on May 24 in Pretoria and Leg 2 on June 1 in Cairo.

Domestic African Football Highlights

• Nigeria’s Remo Stars clinched their first-ever NPFL title in April.
• Mamelodi Sundowns secured their 15th PSL title, dominating the South African top flight.
• League races continue in Ghana and Kenya as clubs battle for continental spots.

🏀 Basketball: NBA Playoffs Shake Up the Bracket

NBA Eastern Finals Set

• Indiana Pacers stunned top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the semifinals (4–1).
• New York Knicks eliminated the Boston Celtics in a statement Game 6 win.
• The Pacers vs. Knicks Eastern Conference Finals promises a gritty showdown.

Western Conference Intensity

• Denver Nuggets advanced after ousting the Clippers.
• Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors prepare for a blockbuster semifinal.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Oklahoma City Thunder lead the other West series.

BAL 2025: Africa’s Best on the Court

In Kigali, Rwanda:

• Al Ahli Tripoli beat Nairobi Thunder 115–87 (a BAL record) with Jean-Jacques Boissy scoring 30 points.
• APR Rwanda defeated South Africa’s MBB 103–81.
• The BAL playoffs tip off in June.

🎾 Tennis: Alcaraz & Paolini Shine Ahead of Roland Garros

Carlos Alcaraz Wins Rome Masters

Alcaraz defeated world #1 Jannik Sinner 7-6, 6-1 on May 18, ending Sinner’s 26-match win streak and claiming his fourth consecutive win over the Italian this year.

Jasmine Paolini Captures Women’s Title in Rome

Italy’s own Jasmine Paolini beat Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 to become the first Italian woman to win in Rome since 1985.

Next Stop: Roland Garros (May 26 Start)

The tennis world now shifts focus to Paris, as the 2025 French Open promises fierce clay-court action with Alcaraz, Sinner, Paolini, Swiatek, and more.

⛳ Golf: Scheffler Seals PGA Championship Win

Scottie Scheffler claimed the 2025 PGA Championship title at Quail Hollow on May 18, winning by five strokes. It’s his third career major, further establishing him as golf’s current dominant force.

🏎️ Motorsports: Piastri and Verstappen Split the Wins

• Max Verstappen won the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola (May 18), reclaiming F1 dominance.
• Oscar Piastri (McLaren) had shocked the grid earlier with a Miami GP win.
• The Monaco GP comes next on May 26.

🏏 Cricket: IPL, Injuries, and England’s Test Plans

IPL 2025 Update

• Mayank Yadav (LSG) is out for the season with a back injury.
• Will O’Rourke of New Zealand has been drafted in.

England Squad Shake-Up

• Jofra Archer is out of the West Indies ODIs due to a thumb injury.
• Luke Wood has been named as his replacement.
• England’s five-Test summer series vs. India starts in June.

✨ African Spotlight: Sporting Glory and Growth

• CAF’s new trophy reveal is a historic step as African football modernizes.
• BAL scoring records and the NPFL, PSL title wins show the continent’s strength.
• The upcoming CAF Finals promise continental thrills watched across Africa and beyond.

Final Whistle: A Week of Glory and Momentum

From Tottenham’s European redemption to African teams preparing for continental conquests, May 21–22 delivered a thrilling sports narrative. Stay locked in to 9jazic.com.ng for your daily dose of verified, impactful, and exciting global sports coverage.