Sports
Ademola Lookman Listed 14th in Ballon d’Or Ranking
Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has achieved a significant milestone, ranking 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings.
This was announced Monday evening in Paris, France by the Ballon d’Or organiser.
The Nigerian international, who plays in Serie A for Atalanta, received his first nomination for the prestigious award.
The 27-year-old forward delivered standout performances that placed him in the global spotlight. Following impressive contributions for both club and country, Lookman has been recognised as one of the top football talents this year.
Lookman is also the overwhelming favourite for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, following his historic and remarkable Europa League exploits with Atalanta and his Ballon d’Or nomination, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Atalanta star made history as the first player to score a hat-trick in a European club competition final during his club’s triumph over Bayer Leverkusen last season.
Lookman’s nomination comes as no surprise after an exceptional year that saw him score 11 goals and provide seven assists in 31 Serie A games for Atalanta, making him the only African player nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Last year, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen finished in eighth position in the 2023 Ballon d’Or award ceremony in Paris, The PUNCH reports.
Osimhen finished ahead of prominent players such as Karim Benzema, Jude Bellingham, Robert Lewandowski, and Mohamed Salah in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings.
He became the first Nigerian footballer to be shortlisted for the award in 24 years, with former Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu the last Nigerian player to receive a nomination in 1999.
Sports
Para Badminton Int’l: Nigeria’s Bolaji wins gold in Egypt
By Francesca Hangeior
Paralympic bronze medalist, Eniola Bolaji, on Sunday won gold medal in her final match at the Egypt Para Badminton International 2025.
To get this point, Bolaji won all her previous games in the competition hosted by Egypt.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bolaji defeated Sweden’s Hillevi Salomonsson 2-0 (21-1, 21-2) in the women’s SL3 final on Sunday in Cairo Egypt.
The African champion demonstrated her skill throughout the tournament, beating Shahinda Mohamed (21-7, 21-2).
She also defeated Basma Nabil-Fawzy (21-6, 21-4) and further conquered Elizabeth Puma (21-2, 21-4) with straight-set victories in earlier rounds.
Bolaji triumphed in dominant style, extending her remarkable winning streak by claiming her 10th title in 10 tournaments, while securing her 58th win in 64 matches
According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Bolaji has competed in 10 international championships over the past two years, emerging victorious in all.
This is a remarkable feat that bonds her as a force to be reckoned with in Para Badminton.
She broke multiple records and brought pride to Nigeria and Africa.
Bolaji’s achievement followed her radical success in 2024 where she made history as the first African athlete to win a badminton medal at the Paralympic Games
The Egypt Para Badminton International 2025 which started on Jan.21, ended on today (Jan. 26) in Cairo.
Sports
SAD Ex-Super Eagles Goalkeeper is dead
Moses Effiong, ex- Super Eagles goalkeeper and assistant coach of Akwa United Football Club, has passed away at the age of 65.
Moses Effiong died on Sunday, January 26, 2025, in the United States after a prolonged illness, just three months after celebrating his 65th birthday.
The news of his demise was confirmed by Akwa United’s Chairman, Paul Bassey, in a statement released by the club’s Media Director, Mfon Patrick. Effiong, a decorated football professional, was part of Nigeria’s historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team and had an illustrious career as a player and coach.
Bassey expressed his condolences, describing Moses Effiong as a consummate professional, a gentleman, and a dedicated family man who was committed to every task assigned to him.
“The Management, staff, and players of Akwa United Football Club regret to announce the passing of our goalkeeper coach and a member of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, Effiong Moses (MON). He passed away early Sunday, January 26, 2025, in the United States, surrounded by family,” the statement read.
Moses Effiong played a pivotal role in Akwa United’s successes, contributing to the team’s victories in the FA Cup in 2015 and 2017, as well as their historic NPFL title win in 2021.
He also had a notable playing career, representing Nigeria and playing for New Nigerian Bank Football Club. His death marks a significant loss to the Nigerian football community.
Effiong is remembered for his exceptional contributions to football both on and off the pitch. His legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of fans, players, and colleagues.
Sports
Turkey: Osimhen fires Galatasaray to victory over Konyaspor
Victor Osimhen netted the decisive goal as Galatasaray claimed a 1-0 victory over Konyaspor.
Osimhen fired home the winner from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute.
The Nigeria international has so far registered 12 goals in 15 league appearances for the Yellow and Reds.
The forward’s last seven goals for Galatasaray have come from penalties.
The 26-year-old featured for the entire duration of the game.
Okan Buruk’s side will be away to Gaziantep in their next league game.
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