Onyinyechi Mark Breaks Paralympic Record with Stunning Lift

Nigeria’s Onyinyechi Mark has set a new Paralympic record in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category by lifting an impressive 145kg. This incredible achievement surpasses the previous record held by fellow Nigerian Lucy Ejike.

With only one lift remaining, Mark is on track to secure Nigeria’s first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Her nearest rival is set to attempt 138kg on her final lift, while Mark plans to further extend her record with a final attempt of 147kg.

Team Nigeria boasts a strong Paralympic history, particularly in powerlifting and athletics. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Nigeria won ten medals, including four golds.

The team has consistently excelled in powerlifting, with athletes like Lucy Ejike and Bose Omolayo setting world records and earning multiple gold medals.

Nigeria’s ongoing success at the Paralympics underscores the nation’s commitment to supporting and advancing its para-athletes.

Arsenal Held to 1-1 Draw by Brighton as Declan Rice Sees Red

Arsenal was held to a 1-1 draw at home by Brighton after Declan Rice received a controversial red card in the second half.

Despite Bukayo Saka equalling a 20-year-old club record set by Gunners legend Thierry Henry, Arsenal couldn’t secure the win. The Gunners took the lead with a goal from Kai Havertz, but Brighton equalized through Joao Pedro after Rice was sent off early in the second half.

Match Recap

Arsenal started strong, dominating much of the first half. Their efforts paid off when Kai Havertz scored, thanks to a brilliant assist from Bukayo Saka.

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With that assist, Saka became the first Arsenal player since Thierry Henry in 2004 to provide an assist in each of the first three games of a Premier League season.

However, Arsenal’s momentum took a hit when Declan Rice received a second yellow card following a confrontation with Brighton’s Joel Veltman, leaving the Gunners with 10 men.

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Brighton capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Joao Pedro scoring the equalizer less than 10 minutes after Rice’s red card.

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Both teams had chances to snatch a late winner. Havertz forced Brighton’s goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen into a great save, while Brighton’s Jasin Ayari missed a golden opportunity, hitting Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya with the goal at his mercy. Saka also saw a late effort saved by Verbruggen, sealing the 1-1 draw.

The result marks the first time Arsenal and Brighton have dropped points in the 2024/25 Premier League season, ending their perfect starts to the campaign.

Napoli Drops Victor Osimhen from Squad Amid Transfer Drama

Serie A club Napoli has left Nigerian international Victor Osimhen out of their matchday squad following the transfer saga that unfolded on deadline day.

Fans have taken to social media to express their reactions to the club’s treatment of Osimhen after his anticipated transfers fell through.

Osimhen was reportedly close to joining Chelsea, but the deal collapsed due to unresolved financial terms. Additionally, Napoli had agreed on a transfer with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, but their last-minute demand for more money also halted that move.

As Napoli prepares to face Parma in their Serie A matchday three fixture today (Saturday), Osimhen’s name is notably absent from the squad list. In a surprising turn, the number 9 jersey, typically worn by Osimhen, has been handed over to new signing Romelu Lukaku.

With the European transfer window now closed, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain. Unless a deal materializes from Saudi Arabia within the next three days, he will remain at Napoli but will not be part of the first-team squad.

Despite this uncertainty, Osimhen has been called up to the Nigerian national team for their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda early next month.