Sports
Ballon d’Or 2024: Lamine Yamal Wins Kopa Trophy At Age 17
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has clinched the prestigious 2024 Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, solidifying his status as the world’s best Under-21 player.
The 16-year-old sensation was the frontrunner for the award, having made a significant impact for both club and country since his breakthrough season.
Lamine Yamal outperformed strong contenders, including Arda Güler, Kobbie Mainoo, Savinho, and his Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsi, to claim the top honor.
His victory also marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the first player under the age of 18 to win the Kopa Trophy, which is awarded annually to the best young talent in world football.
“It’s a pride to receive this trophy. I dedicate this prize to my mother, my grandmother, to the team, the coaches. It’s for those who supported me,” he said. “Visça el Barça y La capital 304.”
The 17-year-old helped Spain win Euro 2024 in the summer and currently has Barcelona top of the Liga table after a superb start to the season.
Lamine Yamal follows in the footsteps of team-mates Gavi and Pedri by winning the award, with Barcelona players have lifted the Kopa Trophy three times in the last four years.
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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