Mbappe hat-trick helps Liga leaders Real Madrid down Valladolid

Published

2 days ago

January 26, 2025

Kylian Mbappe continued his rich vein of form with a hat-trick on Saturday to power Real Madrid to a 3-0 win over Valladolid and a four-point lead at the top of La Liga.

Second-place Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 at home earlier against Villarreal, while Barcelona, third, trail Los Blancos by 10 points before hosting Valencia on Sunday.

Mbappe has hit his devastating best in recent weeks after struggling for consistency following his summer switch from Paris Saint-Germain.

The French superstar climbed to 15 league goals for the season, trailing only Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, on 16.

Mbappe’s treble helped Madrid ease to a simple away victory against bottom side Valladolid, without suspended Brazil international Vinicius Junior.

The hosts made early inroads, with Madrid stopper Thibaut Courtois saving from David Torres’ header, but that was about as good as it got for them.

Madrid started to chip away at their opponents and made the breakthrough in the 30th minute when Jude Bellingham nudged a deflected pass through to Mbappe, who curled into the top corner.

The former PSG star has now scored in each of his last five games for the club and is looking every part the potent attacking force Madrid were hoping he would be.

Madrid were controlling the game without creating too many chances, but with Mbappe in his purple patch, he only needed one more to put the game to bed.

Rodrygo Goes slipped in the forward who curled a low effort past goalkeeper Karl Hein from a similar position to his first goal in the 57th minute.

Mbappe completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the final stages, after Mario Martin lunged into a tackle on Bellingham in the area.

The Valladolid midfielder took the ball but then smashed into the England international’s calf studs-up and was dismissed.

Mbappe sent Hein the wrong way from the spot for his 12th goal in his last 11 games across all competitions.

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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.

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.