Arsenal star, Bukayo Saka has parried worries over his injury status and insists he is ready to play for England at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, where he sat out his team’s opening match on Wednesday, Sports247 reports.

England dumped Croatia 4-2 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas in their Group L opener, but Saka was not part of The Three Lions’ squad that got deserved revenge for their loss to the same country in the Russia 2018 semi-finals.

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The Gunners’ winger was always a major worry ahead of Wednesday’s game, as he is still recovering from a nagging achilles injury that he picked up earlier this season with his club.

However, Saka said he is feeling better and ready to play the next game, as he is eager to defy all odds, but admitted that it all depends on The Lions’ coach, Thomas Tuchel, who decides the squad’s line-up.

“I don’t want to say anything that goes against the manager. But what I would say between Mikel (Arteta) and Arsenal, since March, they have managed me amazingly and helped me get back on the pitch.

“I am feeling better than I have felt for the last few months. I am ready to go. As players it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest. You have the choice whether you don’t play or you put yourself out there knowing people are going to judge you.

“I’m happy to take the gamble. It (often pays) off, I’d say. I’m going to continue doing that. But I am feeling a lot better than I did in March and I’m ready to go,” Saka submitted philosophically.

Sports247 reports further that it’s now left to be seen if Tuchel will consider Saka fit enough to start against Ghana next week in England’s second game of the ongoing Mundial in USA, Canada and Mexico.

Nigerian sprinters Kanyinsola Ajayi and Samuel Ogazi have been recognised as Athletic Heat’s Most Outstanding Male Gold Medalists after producing sensational performances to capture NCAA titles and reinforce Nigeria’s growing reputation in collegiate athletics.

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Sports247 reports that the duo delivered championship-winning displays at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, showcasing exceptional speed and composure on one of the biggest stages in American collegiate sports.

Ajayi stole the spotlight in the men’s 100 metres, sprinting to victory in a wind-assisted 9.72 seconds (+2.2m/s). Although the tailwind exceeded the legal limit for record purposes, the performance underlined the Nigerian’s immense talent and ability to excel under pressure.

His dominant run secured the NCAA title and placed him among the fastest sprinters ever seen in collegiate competition.

The victory marked another milestone in Ajayi’s rapid rise, with the young speedster continuing to establish himself as one of Nigeria’s brightest athletics prospects ahead of future international competitions.

Not to be overshadowed, Samuel Ogazi produced an equally remarkable performance in the men’s 400 metres. The Nigerian powered around the track in an outstanding 43.38 seconds to claim gold, delivering one of the fastest times ever recorded by a Nigerian over the distance.

Ogazi’s commanding victory highlighted his strength and endurance, confirming his status as one of the leading quarter-milers in collegiate athletics and strengthening his credentials for future appearances on the global stage.

Together, Ajayi and Ogazi embodied the qualities of elite champions, combining explosive speed, technical excellence, and mental resilience to triumph in their respective events.

Their achievements have earned widespread praise and further demonstrated the growing influence of Nigerian athletes within the NCAA system.

The pair’s success also serves as an encouraging sign for Nigerian athletics, with both athletes emerging as potential key figures for the country in major international competitions in the coming years.

By capturing gold in two of track and field’s marquee events, Ajayi and Ogazi not only etched their names into NCAA history but also inspired a new generation of Nigerian athletes aspiring to compete and succeed at the highest level.

Their remarkable performances stand as defining moments in an outstanding collegiate season.