Sports

Zambia’s female footballer Racheal Kundananji breaks women’s transfer record

Published

3 months ago

February 14, 2024

Zambian female football star, Racheal Kundananji, has made history as the first female footballer to break the women’s world transfer record after she signed for US’s National Women’s Soccer League expansion side, Bay FC, for $860,000 (£685,000).

The world record transfer fee makes Kundananji the most expensive player in women’s football history, as well as being the first African— male or female— to break a transfer fee record.

The 23-year-old Zambian forward is joining the California-based side from Madrid CFF where she scored 33 goals in 43 Liga F games, in a four-year contract with the option of a further year.

Kundananji’s transfer fee breaks the previous record held by England midfielder, Keira Walsh, who transferred from Manchester City to Barcelona for £400,000 in 2022.

The deal also exceeds the £384,000 that Chelsea paid for Colombian striker Mayra Ramirez from Levante, with add-ons potentially bringing the total to £426,600.

Kundananji who spoke to journalist after sealing the deal, said:

“People in Zambia will be surprised but they will be so happy. I want to give the Bay FC fans what they want – to enjoy the games, to enjoy seeing me playing and scoring.”

Bay FC which would be making its debut in the National Women’s Soccer League, has already signed Nigeria striker Asisat Oshoala and former Arsenal defender Jen Beattie, making them a force to be reckoned with in the women’s football scene.

Kundananji began her career with Zambian side Indeni Roses, before moving to BIIK Kazygurt in Kazakhstan in 2019.

She later joined Spanish top-flight side Eibar and later Madrid CFF.

She has also represented Zambia at the international level, scoring 10 goals in 18 matches.

Related Topics:Bay FC Featured Footballer Rachael Kundananji Record Zambia

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Sports

Tobi Amusan sets world-leading time at Jamaica Athletics Invitational

Published

17 hours ago

May 13, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

World 100m hurdle record-holder, Tobi Amusan of Nigeria, was the cynosure of all eyes as she stole the show at the maiden Jamaica Athletics Invitational held in Kingston, where she ran a world-leading time of 12.40 seconds to defeat home favorite and reigning world champion, Danielle Williams, who came in second with 12.46, and USA’s Christina Clemens, who finished third in 12.54 seconds.

The 27-year-old Amusan’s impressive display in the Jamaica Invitational marked a significant and brilliant comeback following her recent setback at the Suzhou Diamond League late last month where she was disqualified due to a false start.

With the victory, the Nigerian athlete fondly “Tobi Express” by her fans, has once again claimed the top spot in the world rankings, surpassing American Tonea Marshall, who previously held the world lead with a time of 12.42 seconds in late April.

While reacting to the feat, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, took to his official X handle to congratulate Amusan whom he called a pace-setter, while wishing she repeats the feat at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

“Tobi, you keep making our country proud. Paris Olympics is around the corner, your performance gives us hope just like others, that Nigeria is set to break a jinx. Keep soaring, we are proud of you,” the Minister wrote.

In another tweet, he said:

“Take your flowers Tobi Amusan, you stormed to an emphatic win in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, clocking a time of 12.40s (0.9), a World Lead time!

“You defeated World Champion Danielle Williams, who came 2nd in 12.46s, while Christina Clemons was 3rd.

Sports

Italian couple name new born baby after Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman

Published

3 days ago

May 11, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

An Italian couple have reportedly named their new born baby after Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, after he scored a spectacular goal against Olympic Marseille of France in the Europa League semifinal second leg match to take Atalanta to the final.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring for Atalanta before Ruggeri and Toure sealed the win in their second-leg semi-final tie to set up a mouth-watering final tie with Victor Boniface’s Leverkusen.

According to reports from EuroFoot on X, Ademola’s performance was recognised by the couple who live in Palosco, a district in Bergamo where the Italian club is based.

“Somebody named their child after Ademola Lookman following his goal which helped send the Italian club to the Europa League final!” EuroFoot said in the post.

The post added that Lookman’s contribution to Atalanta’s advancement to the Europa League final caught the attention of the adoring Italian couple who decided to name their child after him.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian international was on Friday, named the Europa League Player of the Week following his outstanding performance in Atalanta’s 4-1 aggregate victory over Marseille in the semifinal.

According to UEFA’s official website, Lookman’s performance also included three attempts, further highlighting his influential role in Atalanta’s dominant display