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Netizens hammer Allardyce for describing Okocha as David Beckham of Africa

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Some Nigerians and football fans on social media have turned the heat on former England coach Sam Allardyce over some comments he made regarding the brilliance of former Nigerian footballer Austine Jay Jay Okocha.

Sam Allardyce, who worked with Okocha at Bolton Wanderers, made a comment which he viewed as an appreciation of Okocha’s incredible talent.

In a Sky Sports interview, Sam Allardyce referred to Okocha as the African version of Manchester United and England legend David Beckham.

“He was the [David] Beckham of Africa,” Sam Allardyce said during the interview.

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Sam Allardyce also expressed shock that Okocha did not feature for any of the top clubs in the Premier League.

“To this day, [I am] massively surprised that it wasn’t the Man Uniteds, or the Arsenals, or the Chelseas, or the Man Citys, or the Liverpools that didn’t come in and sign him, particularly on a free transfer.

“Jay-Jay mastered the fact that when the trick came, it was the right time to do it, in the right place. Don’t do it at the edge of our box in case you don’t get it right.”

His comments, which were intended to be a positive appraisal of Okocha, have been rejected by some Nigerians who believe that Okocha was a better footballer than Beckham.

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While there are no contestations over which one of the two had a better career, they differed from Sam Allardyce’s claim that stylistically both players were similar.

Okocha joined Bolton in 2003 and spent four seasons at the club, where he became a cult hero.

Read the comments below:

He was better than Dinho. What’s he on about Beckham. They rate their players so much these English guys

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— Enkidu (@nkrumahboateng)

Was he bollocks, he was leagues above Beckham for ability, Beckham made a career crossing balls and taking free kicks. Okocha’s all round game was at a different level.

— Richard Atherton (@rmabolton)

What a player, pure natural ability and skill. Not many players possess what he had. Ronaldonho maybe but Jay Jay was a pleasure to watch

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— Borgy (@__Borgy__)

Okocha was far far better than Beckham.

— Brian O’Flaherty (@Flatsy1)

No, Sam. He was the Jay-Jay Okocha of Africa. And had far more skill than Beckham.

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— COUNTRYfive (@Iamstill_les)

Disrespectful. Okocha was better

— GOOD CITIZEN (@OchaduAchadu)

David Beckham? I think he ment ” He was the Ronaldinhoo of Africa”? 😉

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— Mike H (@Mikehiyab)

Beckam was the JJ of England

— Baba Lungile (@SirSfc)

David Beckham wasnt skiilled

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— sonderkommando (@255Charming)

He was nothing like David Beckham.

— Dave (@KawidDubica69)

Was David Beckham as skilful as this? 🙄😒
Joe Cole is the only English player who was a little bit close to him. Beckham has no skills at all.

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— ‘Kanmi Bhadmus (@MrGabby008)

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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SAD Ex-Super Eagles Goalkeeper is dead

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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.

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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.

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Turkey: Osimhen fires Galatasaray to victory over Konyaspor

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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.

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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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