Gabonese football has been thrown into mourning following the death of international striker Aaron Boupendza, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 28.

The player reportedly fell from the 11th floor of a building in China, where he was plying his trade with Zhejiang FC.

The tragic news was confirmed by the Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot) in an official statement shared on X.

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“The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China, where he was playing for Zhejiang FC,” the statement read.

“Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the CAN (Africa Cup of Nations) in Cameroon,” it added.

Boupendza, known for his sharp attacking instincts, was a key part of Gabon’s national team at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Panthers reached the knockout stage before being eliminated by Burkina Faso in the round of 16.

In the wake of his death, Fegafoot extended its sympathies, stating: “Fegafoot and the entire Gabonese football family offer their sincere condolences to his biological family.”

Gabon’s president-elect Brice Oligui Nguema also joined in paying tribute to the striker, writing on X: “It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football.”

Meanwhile, local media outlet Gabon 24 reported that an investigation has been opened to determine the exact cause of the incident, noting that “the exact circumstances of this tragedy are still unclear.”

Boupendza was born in Moanda and began his professional journey with French club Bordeaux in 2016, spending much of his early career on loan across France.

His breakthrough came in Turkey with Hatayspor, where he finished as top scorer in the 2020–21 Super Lig season.

The striker’s career saw him lift the Qatar FA Cup with Al Arabi, before further stints with Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia, FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer, and Romania’s Rapid Bucharest.

He had only joined Zhejiang FC in January of this year.

The communication materials for the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged the Gateway Games, have been unveiled.

Biztellers reports that the materials include the Games’ logo, theme song, and mascot.

The three were unveiled at a colourful ceremony at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta. The Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele stood in for the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

The logo is mainly in Ogun State theme colours of lemon green and yellow. The unveiling of the logo was immediately followed by that of the Theme Song of the Festival.

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It is titled ‘E’kaabo’ a Yoruba word for ‘Welcome’ as Ogun State prepares to welcome thousands of athletes, officials, tourists and VIPs when the 22nd National Sports Festival comes alive on May 16. The Theme Song was composed by Dr Bayo Adepetun.

The jam-packed hall roared in excitement when the festival’s mascot was eventually unveiled.

Named ‘Omo Ogun’, the animated version strolled on the stage and saluted the audience before getting down the stage to greet the dignitaries. 

Southampton have parted ways with manager Ivan Juric following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, the club confirmed in a statement released Monday.

The decision comes just 24 hours after the Saints were officially condemned to the drop with a 3-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.

The loss cemented Southampton’s place at the bottom of the table, sealing their relegation with seven games still to play – a new Premier League record for the earliest demotion, surpassing Derby County (2008) and Huddersfield Town (2019), who both went down with six matches remaining.

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Juric, 49, was appointed in December to replace Russell Martin, inheriting a side already entrenched in relegation danger.

However, his tenure failed to inspire a turnaround, yielding just one league victory – away at Ipswich in February – in 17 matches. Southampton have lost 25 of their 31 Premier League fixtures this season, including seven of their last eight.

“We can confirm that we have today reached an agreement with our men’s first-team manager, Ivan Juric, to end his spell at the club,” Southampton said in a club statement.

“Ivan came to Southampton at a tough time and was tasked with trying to improve a squad in a difficult situation. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen performances progress the way we had hoped, but we would like to thank Ivan and his staff for their honesty and hard work as they fought against the odds to try and keep us up.”

Simon Rusk will take charge as interim manager for the remainder of the season, supported by former Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana.

With their return to the Championship now confirmed, the club emphasized the importance of providing clarity as they prepare for a crucial summer of rebuilding.

“We remain incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our fans. Their continued dedication and passion, despite what has been a very tough season, is remarkable and is appreciated by everyone at the club,” the statement added.

“Despite the challenges that relegation will bring, our goal is to restore a sense of pride for them in their team and club once again.”

Southampton earned promotion to the Premier League last season through the Championship play-offs but have endured a torrid campaign in the top flight.