OPINION

See 6 Of The World Best Female Footballers

Published

4 months ago

April 5, 2024

See 6 Of The World Best Female Footballers | Fab.ng

The growing popularity of women’s sports is undeniable, and it’s spilling over into football, one of the world’s most beloved games. With packed stadiums and soaring viewership, women’s football is experiencing a meteoric rise. To celebrate this exciting trend, we’ve compiled a ranking of the best 6 female footballers in 2024. This list honors the most talented and impactful players currently dominating the pitch.

Throughout the 2023 season and the first half of the ongoing 2023-24 campaign, these athletes have showcased incredible skill, leadership, and dedication to the beautiful game. We’ll delve into their impressive careers, highlight their unique playing styles, and showcase why they’ve earned a spot among the elite.

We’ve analyzed the feats of phenomenal footballers, dissecting their on-field magic, contributions to their teams, and the impact they have at both the club and national level. Here are the some of the best female footballers who are redefining the game:

1. Aitana Bonmati

Aitana Bonmati is already a force to be reckoned with. Despite being only in her mid-20s, she’s amassed an impressive collection of trophies. She plays a pivotal role in the midfield for FC Barcelona, alongside the legendary Alexia Putellas. This dynamic duo replicates their success on the Spanish national team, powering their country towards victories.

Aitana Bonmati’s consistency and talent are undeniable. She’s not just a rising star, but a reliable mainstay in both teams. Her achievements are a testament to her hard work and passion for the game.

Playing for FC Barcelona, she’s amassed 19 trophies, including two UEFA Women’s Champions League titles (2020-21, 2022-23) and a dominant four-year run of Liga F championships (2019-2023).

Aitana Bonmati has been a powerhouse for the Spanish national team, scoring 21 goals in 59 appearances. She played a pivotal role in their historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory, even earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

She swept the prestigious individual awards in 2023, claiming the Ballon d’Or Feminin, the Best FIFA Women’s Player, and the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year.

2. Sam Kerr

Blues at the Bridge: Sam Kerr | News | Official Site | Chelsea Football Club

Sam Kerr’s dominance on the pitch is undeniable. She’s firmly cemented her place on the list of the best female footballers in 2024. Her inclusion alongside global superstar Kylian Mbappé on the worldwide cover of EA Sports’ FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition speaks volumes. Sam Kerr shattered barriers as the first female footballer ever to grace a global FIFA cover.

The accolades don’t stop there. Kerr holds a unique record in women’s football history. She’s the only player to claim the coveted Golden Boot award in three different leagues across three continents. Her scoring prowess has been on display in the FA WSL (winning in both 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons), the NWSL (dominating in 2017-18 and 2018-19), and the W-League (where she secured victories in 2017-18 and 2018-19). Sam Kerr’s achievements solidify her reputation as a true legend of the sport.

Kerr also guided her country to its first-ever semifinal in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Her guidance helped the Australian squad get to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 semifinals for the first time.

3. Salma Paralluelo

Salma Paralluelo is a young star taking the football world by storm. Just two weeks after joining FC Barcelona in 2022, she made a stunning debut for the Spanish national team, scoring a remarkable hat trick!

Salma Paralluelo’s athletic prowess extends beyond football. Before gracing the pitch, she dominated the track as a sprinter. Her talent shone brightly at the 2019 European Youth Summer Olympic Festival, where she bagged two gold medals.

Fast forward to 2022-2023, and Paralluelo was a key player in FC Barcelona’s historic treble. The team conquered the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the prestigious Liga F championship, and the Supercopa de Espana Femenina. Her impact continued into the next year, with another Supercopa de Espana Femenina victory under her belt.

Salma Paralluelo’s dedication, talent, and already impressive track record are clear signs that she is poised to achieve even greater things in the years to come.

4. Alexia Putellas

Alexia Putellas: Five things you did not know about the Barcelona and Spain football star

Alexia Putellas isn’t just one of the best female footballers in 2024; she’s a force to be reckoned with. Captaining FC Barcelona, the Spanish maestro has led her team to victory after victory, securing a staggering two UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, a mind-blowing seven Liga F titles, and a dominant seven Copas de la Reina trophies.

But her impact goes far beyond trophies. Alexia Putellas holds an incredible record as FC Barcelona’s all-time leading goalscorer with 184 goals. She has racked up 408 appearances for the club, making her the second-most capped player ever.

Alexia Putellas boasts a remarkable 113 caps for the Spanish women’s national team. In 2023, she played a pivotal role in securing Spain’s historic victory at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

But perhaps her most impressive feat lies in her individual accolades. Alexia Putellas became the first female footballer ever to win the prestigious trio of awards: Best FIFA Women’s Player, Ballon d’Or Féminin, and UEFA Women’s Player of the Year – all in 2021! She didn’t stop there. In 2022, she did it again, solidifying her place in history as the only female footballer to win any of these coveted awards in consecutive years.

5. Alexandra Popp

Alexandra Popp is a leader and a legend in German women’s football. This talented striker currently dominates the field for both VfL Wolfsburg and the German national team.

Even at 30, Popp remains one of Germany’s most reliable players. Her trophy cabinet overflows with achievements: three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles (two with VfL Wolfsburg and one with FCR 2001 Duisburg), twelve DFB-Pokal Women medals, and seven Frauen-Bundesliga wins.

But her dominance extends beyond club football. Popp’s leadership shone brightly as she captained the German national team to gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. To date, she’s racked up 67 goals in 135 international appearances. Her dedication earned her the prestigious role of team captain in February 2019.

6. Keira Walsh

Manchester City's Keira Walsh: 'The first few days were a bit surreal' | Manchester City Women | The Guardian

Keira Walsh is a powerhouse on the pitch, and any list of the top female footballers in 2024 would be incomplete without her. Her achievements speak for themselves, racking up trophies and milestones that solidify her place among the sport’s elite.

While the FIFA Women’s World Cup remains a target, Walsh has already carved her name in football history. In 2022, she became the most expensive female footballer ever transferred. FC Barcelona recognized her immense talent and paid a staggering USD 504,250 to acquire her from Manchester City.

Her time with Manchester City wasn’t just about the record-breaking transfer. She was instrumental in the team’s success, helping them lift numerous major trophies, including the prestigious FA Women’s League Cup. Her skills and leadership on the field were a key factor in Manchester City’s dominance.

Now at FC Barcelona, Walsh continues to impress. Her talent and dedication are sure to propel her to even greater heights in the years to come. She’s a player to watch, a force to be reckoned with, and a true inspiration for aspiring footballers everywhere.

MUSIC

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha: Here’s All To Know About The Igbo Folk Music Legend

Published

5 days ago

July 22, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha: Here's All To Know About Him | fab.ng

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, a 90-year-old musician, is currently trending on social media. This is because a comedian named Brain Jotter used Ejeagha’s 1983 song ‘Ka Eşi Le Onye Isi Oche‘ in a video that went viral.

Many young people on social media might only know Ejeagha from the “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” part of this song. However, there’s much more to know about this legendary Highlife musician who was very famous in South Eastern Nigeria.

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A post shared by Chukwuebuka Emmanuel .A (@brainjotter)

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha was born in August 1932.

He comes from Imezi Owa, which is in the Eziagu Local Government area of Enugu State. In an interview from 2009, Ejeagha explained that people started calling him “Gentleman” because of how nicely he behaved and treated others.

Ejeagha’s love for music started when he was very young. He was part of an Ogene group (a traditional musical group) when he was in elementary school. He became interested in playing the guitar after watching two musicians named Moses Aduba (also known as Moscow) and Cyprian Uzochiawa play at the Coal Camp in Enugu. Ejeagha learned how to play guitar from these two musicians.

After Ejeagha became good at playing the guitar, he formed his own band in 1950. He called it “Mike Ejeagha and Merry-makers.” Ejeagha’s fame started to grow when Atu Ona, who was in charge of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS), invited him for an audition. After the audition, Ona gave Ejeagha a radio program called Guitar Playtime. This allowed Ejeagha to play music on the radio and produce musical programs. Later, Ejeagha formed a bigger group called the “Premier Dance Band.“

Ejeagha became even more famous after the Nigerian Civil War. He recorded an album called ‘Omekagu’ with Polygram Records (which was later called Phillips Records). Ejeagha was then invited by the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), which is now called Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS), to do a weekly program. In this program, called ‘Akuko n’egwu’ (which means “storytelling in music”), Ejeagha would share a new folktale every week.

Ejeagha is famous for his Igbo folk music.

In his songs, he tells stories that have social, cultural, historical, and moral messages. His music is full of idioms, proverbs, and folktales. This style made him one of the most popular Igbo folk and Highlife artists in Nigerian history.

Ejeagha is said to have recorded 33 albums during his career. One of his classic songs is ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’, which recently became popular again. This song is a folklore story about how clever the Tortoise is and how strong the Elephant is.

Many people have praised Ejeagha for his impact on Igbo folklore music. His legacy continues to be important today. In March 2023, a writer named Chimezie Chika called Gentleman Mike Ejeagha the “grandfather of modern Igbo folk music.”

In 2022, there were plans to make a documentary film about Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s life. Michael Chineme Ike was supposed to direct it, and Micstreams Productions was going to produce it. After Ejeagha’s song became popular again recently, fans became interested in this documentary. However, the director, Michael Chineme Ike, said that they couldn’t make the documentary because they didn’t have enough money.

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A post shared by Michael Chineme Ike (@michaelchinemeike)

The recent popularity of Ejeagha’s song ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’ gives people a chance to celebrate Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s legacy. It also shows how his music has affected Igbo folk music across different generations. This renewed interest in his work highlights the enduring power of traditional music and storytelling in Nigerian culture.

For more updates, check here.

HEALTHY LIVING

Why Fibroids Come Back After Surgery

Published

5 days ago

July 21, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Fibroids and Surgery: Why fibroids come back after surgery | fab.ng

Fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the uterus, can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination. While surgery can be an effective way to remove fibroids and alleviate these symptoms, there’s a chance they might return in some women. This can be frustrating and raise concerns about future treatment options.

Let’s delve into the reasons why fibroids might regrow after surgery and what you can do about it.

Understanding Fibroid Formation

Before we explore regrowth, it’s important to understand how fibroids develop in the first place. The exact cause remains unknown, but certain factors are believed to play a role:

Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that stimulate the growth of the uterine lining during a menstrual cycle. Fibroids are more likely to develop during childbearing years when these hormones are at their peak.
Genetics: If a close relative (mother, sister) has had fibroids, you have a higher risk of developing them as well.
Other factors: Obesity, Vitamin D deficiency, and early menstruation might also be contributing factors.

Why Do Fibroids Regrow After Surgery?

There isn’t a single answer to this question. Here are some reasons why fibroids might reappear after surgery:

Microscopic remnants: During surgery, the goal is to remove all fibroid tissue. However, microscopic fibroid cells might remain undetected and can potentially grow into new fibroids over time. The likelihood of this happening increases with the number of fibroids present initially and the complexity of the surgery.
Hormonal influence: Even after fibroid removal, the underlying hormonal environment that promotes fibroid growth might still be present. Estrogen dominance or fluctuations in hormone levels can trigger the growth of new fibroids.
Unknown underlying cause: In some cases, the exact reason why fibroids develop is unknown. Without addressing the root cause, new fibroids might form despite surgery.

Uterine Fibroids Treatment

Fibroids Surgery and Regrowth Risk

The type of surgery performed for fibroid removal can influence the risk of regrowth:

Myomectomy: This surgery removes the fibroids while preserving the uterus. It’s a good option for women who want to get pregnant in the future. However, there’s a higher chance of fibroids returning compared to a hysterectomy, as some microscopic fibroid cells might remain.
Hysterectomy: This surgery removes the entire uterus, eliminating the source of fibroid growth altogether. The risk of regrowth is very low with a hysterectomy, but it’s not an option for women who desire future pregnancies.

Reducing the Risk of Regrowth

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent fibroid regrowth after surgery, some strategies might help minimize the risk:

Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to an increased risk of fibroids. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) can help regulate hormones and potentially reduce the risk of new fibroid development.
Hormonal management: If hormonal factors contribute to your fibroids, your doctor might recommend medications like GnRH agonists or birth control pills to regulate hormone levels and potentially reduce the risk of regrowth.
Minimally invasive surgery: When possible, opting for minimally invasive surgical techniques like laparoscopic myomectomy might decrease the risk of microscopic leftover cells compared to traditional open surgeries.

What to Do if You Experience Regrowth:

If you experience symptoms that suggest fibroid regrowth after surgery, talk to your doctor. They can perform a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or MRI scan to confirm the presence of new fibroids.

Based on the size, location, and severity of your symptoms, your doctor will discuss treatment options which might include:

Monitoring: If the fibroids are small and not causing significant symptoms, your doctor might recommend monitoring them through regular checkups to see if they grow.
Medication: Hormone therapy or medications that shrink fibroids might be options depending on your individual situation.
Repeat Surgery: In some cases, another surgery might be necessary to remove the new fibroids. The type of surgery will depend on various factors like your medical history and the location of the new fibroids.
Other Procedures: Procedures like uterine artery embolization (UAE) that block blood flow to fibroids, or ablation techniques that destroy fibroid tissue with heat or radiofrequency energy, might be considered depending on the specific situation.

Living with Fibroids Before and After Surgery

Fibroids are a common condition, and you’re not alone. Remember, even if fibroids return after surgery, there are treatment options available. Open communication with your doctor is key to managing fibroids and living a healthy life.

Get more updates here.

HEALTHY LIVING

Twerking: 5 Surprising Benefits Of Shaking It Out

Published

5 days ago

July 21, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Twerking: Surprising Benefits Of Shaking It Out | fab.ng

Twerking. The word itself might conjure up images of energetic dance moves or music videos. But did you know that twerking offers a surprising range of benefits beyond just being a fun way to move your body?

This dynamic dance style, which often entails hip shakes, squats, and isolations, can actually be a powerful tool for improving your physical and mental well-being.

Here are 5 surprising benefits of twerking that might make you reconsider this popular dance move:

1. Build Strength and Tone Muscles

Twerking isn’t just about shaking – it’s a workout in disguise! Here’s how it breaks down:

Core engagement: Many twerking moves require you to tighten your abdominal muscles to maintain control and stability. This constant core engagement strengthens your core muscles, leading to better posture and improved balance. Think of it as a dynamic plank that works your abs from multiple angles.
Lower body last: Squats, lunges, and hip thrusts are all common twerking elements. These moves are like a targeted workout for your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves, sculpting and toning your lower body. The fast, repetitive nature of twerking intensifies the effect, giving you a sculpted, toned backside.
Upper body activation: While the focus is on your core and lower body, twerking also involves arm movements for balance and expression. These movements can help strengthen your arms and shoulders, especially when incorporating arm pops, chest pops, and isolations into your routine.

2. Boost Cardiovascular Health

You think twerking isn’t intense enough to get your heart rate up? Think again! The fast-paced movements and constant body movement can give your cardiovascular system a workout similar to low-impact cardio exercises like brisk walking or jogging. Here’s how it benefits your heart:

Increased heart rate: Twerking elevates your heart rate, which is essential for cardiovascular health. This helps improve blood circulation, oxygen delivery to your muscles, and overall fitness. As you get better at twerking and can sustain the moves for longer durations, the intensity increases, further boosting your cardiovascular health.
Improved endurance: As you get used to twerking, your stamina will increase. This allows you to dance for longer periods and potentially translates to better endurance in other activities, whether it’s climbing stairs, running errands, or participating in other sports.
Calorie burning: Twerking is a dynamic exercise that burns calories. The exact number depends on factors like intensity, duration, and body weight, but it can be a great way to add some calorie-burning fun to your routine. Depending on the intensity of your twerking session, it can burn anywhere from 400 to 600 calories per hour.

3. Enhance Flexibility and Coordination

Twerking requires a good range of motion in your hips, knees, and ankles. It improves flexibility and coordination through:

Increased range of motion: The various movements involved in twerking help stretch and lengthen your muscles, increasing your overall flexibility. This improved flexibility can benefit your posture, reduce your risk of injuries, and even improve your performance in other physical activities.
Improved coordination: Twerking requires you to coordinate different parts of your body – your core, legs, and arms – all while moving to the rhythm. This improves your overall coordination and body awareness. As you master different twerking moves, the complexity increases, further refining your ability to coordinate your movements.

Twerk Dance. Two Women. Vector Illustration Stock Vector - Illustration of female, afro: 73592296

4. Build Confidence and Self-Esteem

Twerking isn’t just about physical benefits; it can also have a significant impact on your mental well-being. It can boost your confidence and self-esteem with:

Body positivity: Learning to twerk and move your body with confidence can be a powerful way to embrace your body and appreciate its unique abilities. Twerking can be a form of self-acceptance, regardless of your body shape or size. As you master the moves and feel comfortable expressing yourself through dance, you develop a newfound appreciation for your body’s capabilities.
Stress relief: Getting lost in the rhythm of the music and the joy of movement can be a great way to de-stress and clear your mind. The repetitive nature of twerking can be almost meditative, allowing you to focus on the present moment and let go of daily worries.
Empowerment: Twerking can be a form of self-expression and a celebration of your femininity or masculinity. It allows you to own your body and express yourself confidently. Whether you’re dancing alone in your room or letting loose with friends, twerking can be a powerful way to tap into your inner strength and feel empowered.

5. Connect with Others and Have Fun

Twerking isn’t just a solo activity; it can be a fun way to connect with others and enjoy yourselves together. A few ways it can boost your social life are through:

Group classes: Join a twerking class. These classes offer a fun and social environment where you can learn new moves, share laughs, and bond with others who share your passion for dance. It’s a great way to meet new people and expand your social circle, all while learning a new skill.
Confidence booster: Mastering new twerking skills can be a confidence booster. As you get better at the moves and feel comfortable expressing yourself through dance, you’ll likely feel more comfortable expressing yourself in social situations in general. This newfound confidence can translate to other areas of your life, making you feel more outgoing and willing to put yourself out there.
Pure fun: Above all else, twerking is simply fun! It’s a way to let loose, move your body to the rhythm of the music, and forget about your worries for a while. Whether you’re dancing with friends at a party or letting loose in your living room, twerking can be a great way to de-stress, have a good laugh, and simply enjoy yourself.

So next time you hear a song with a great beat, don’t be afraid to shake it out! Twerking can be a surprisingly beneficial addition to your fitness routine, improve your mental well-being, and even become a fun social activity.

Important Note:

Always listen to your body and consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions. It’s important to exercise safely and ensure twerking is a healthy addition to your routine.

For more updates, visit here.