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. 

Mohamed Salah has officially extended his stay at Liverpool, signing a new contract that will keep him at Anfield beyond the 2024-25 season.

The Egyptian forward, now 32, continues to shine for the Reds and remains central to the club’s ambitions going forward.

In another standout campaign, Salah has scored 32 goals in 45 matches across all competitions, including 27 in the Premier League, where he currently leads the goal-scoring charts.

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He’s also provided 22 assists, highlighting his all-round contribution to the team.

Speaking after putting pen to paper, Salah shared his enthusiasm for the future.

“Of course I’m very excited. We have a great team now. Before also we had a great team. But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football.”

Since joining Liverpool from AS Roma in 2017, Salah has established himself as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.

With 243 goals in 394 appearances, he sits third on Liverpool’s all-time scoring list.

During his time at Anfield, he’s helped the team win seven major honours, including the Premier League and Champions League.

Reflecting on his journey so far, Salah added: “It’s great, I had my best years here. I played eight years, hopefully it’s going to be 10. Enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I had the best years in my career.”

His continued presence at the club is expected to be a huge boost for new manager Arne Slot, who is preparing for his first full season at the helm.

Salah’s leadership, experience, and consistent output will be vital as Liverpool chase more silverware.

Individually, Salah’s accolades include three Premier League Golden Boot awards, two PFA Players’ Player of the Year titles, and two FWA Footballer of the Year honours.

With a heartfelt message to the supporters, Salah said, “I would like to say to [the fans], I am very, very happy to be here. I signed here because I believe we can win a lot of big trophies together. Keep supporting us and we’ll give it our best, and hopefully in the future we’re going to win more trophies.”