by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 6, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA
Arsenal’s Hale End Academy graduates, Josh Nichols and Ethan Nwaneri, are currently training with the first team after their pre-season tour in the United States, where they faced Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool. Manager Mikel Arteta is evaluating the two players of Nigerian descent to decide on their inclusion for the upcoming friendly against Bayer Leverkusen. During a recent training session, they trained alongside Euro 2024 stars Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale, and William Saliba. Nichols, now a versatile fullback, and Nwaneri, the youngest ever Premier League player, both signed their first professional contracts with Arsenal in 2024.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 6, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Victor Boniface, Nigeria international and Bayer Leverkusen striker, has finished joint 21st in the voting for Germany’s Footballer of the Year 2024. The award went to Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos, who retired after Germany’s exit from the 2024 European Championship. Kroos received 285 votes, beating Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka, who garnered 246 and 66 votes, respectively. Boniface, who had a standout season with 21 goals and ten assists, received one vote along with twenty other players.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 6, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Chelsea’s pursuit of Spanish-Nigerian striker Samuel Omorodion has received a boost with Atlético Madrid’s recent acquisition of Norwegian forward Alexander Sørloth. Omorodion, who has represented Spain in the 2024 Olympic Games, scored in their match against Egypt. Atlético’s signing of Sørloth, who was a top scorer for Villarreal last season, might influence their willingness to sell Omorodion. Chelsea’s initial bid for the young forward was rejected, but Sørloth’s arrival could potentially affect Omorodion’s playing time and make him more available for transfer. Compared to Victor Osimhen, Omorodion is expected to be a more affordable option for the Blues.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 6, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Other Sports
Kaylia Nemour made history by becoming the first African gymnast to secure an Olympic medal, winning gold with a personal best score of 15.700 at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 17-year-old Algerian gymnast edged out China’s Qiu Qiyuan, who scored 15.500, to claim the top spot. Nemour, who switched her allegiance to Algeria from France due to a medical dispute, expressed immense pride and relief at her achievement. Despite facing significant challenges, including surgery for a bone problem caused by a growth spurt, Nemour’s victory stands as a testament to her perseverance and dedication. American Sunisa Lee won bronze, and Belgium’s defending champion Nina Derwael finished fourth.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 6, 2024 | Africa, Basketball, Europe, International, Nigeria
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has praised Nigeria’s D’Tigress for their remarkable achievement of reaching the quarterfinals in the Women’s Basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He applauded their historic accomplishment as the first African team to advance to the quarterfinals and encouraged them to keep up their impressive performance. Abbas assured the team and all Nigerian athletes at the Olympics of continued support from the Green Chamber and urged them to stay focused and determined.
