Sports

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka ‘Disappointed’ After Liverpool Draw

Published

3 months ago

October 29, 2024

Bukayo Saka became the youngest Arsenal player to score 50 Premier League goals when he returned from a hamstring injury in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, but the winger was disappointed to drop two points after being on the verge of a crucial win.

Saka, who was injured during England’s loss to Greece earlier this month, scored early to become the league’s seventh youngest player to reach 50 goals at 23 years and 52 days, eight days older than when England’s top scorer Harry Kane netted his 50th Premier League goal.

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler remains the youngest to reach the milestone at 20 years and 252 days, ahead of fellow strikers Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku, with Cristiano Ronaldo the fifth youngest.

“I hate to miss games, so I was buzzing to be back. I had this game in mind to come back for and I was feeling good out there, and I was happy to get an early goal,” Saka told Arsenal’s official website.

“We are disappointed. I feel like we didn’t show our best selves for 90 minutes and it cost us in the end. We believe we should have won it.”

Mikel Arteta also praised Saka’s consistency as one of the positives in the match that saw key players Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurien Timber leave the field with injuries.

“After a few weeks off, the way he played and competed was exceptional. I think we had some big, big individual performances in the team,” Arteta said.

Third-placed Arsenal, who lost all Bournemouth last weekend, now trail leaders Manchester City by five points. Arsenal continue their league campaign at Newcastle United on Saturday.

Sports

Para Badminton Int’l: Nigeria’s Bolaji wins gold in Egypt

Published

6 hours ago

January 27, 2025

Naijablitznews

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

Published

9 hours ago

January 27, 2025

Naijablitznews

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.