Alexander Isaac scores third goal for AIK & Henok Goitom training with AIK.

AIK's 16 year old Eritrean-Swede Alexander Isaac strikes again with a beautiful header as he struck a cross into the back of the net for his third goal of the young Allsvenskan (Swedish Premier league)season. See video highlights below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfbtISyLoZI

Alexander who has been the talk of international soccer as he made history was recently being looked at by top teams in the British premier League as well as other top European teams. During the game vs Gefle IF which was played on Monday May 23rd, 2016, Alexander was injured slightly and according to AIK officials and medics the injury is not too serious. The team doctors have confirmed that he should be back to training within a day or two. It is to be noted that Alexander has played in nine games and has scored three goals so far.

Meanwhile, we have learned that legend and star of the Swedish team AIK Henok Goitom is back and training with AIK from Spain where he spent the past two months. There is nothing concrete to indicate that he is a part of the team but he has been training with AIK and the possibility of him playing another year for AIK is there. We shall wait and see what happens.

Eri-International sports has also learned that during a recent Eritrean sports event in Sweden, Alexander Isak was kind enough to participate and award trophy prizes to participants. One of the balls he scored in his debut with all of AIK's team member signatures was also auctioned off as a charity. Happy 25th year independence day week to all Eritreans and hoping that Alexander, Henok and the many others can serve as an inspiration to future Eritrean, African, and all young athletes. It is clear that the more humble and conscious you are the better a person and athlete or whatever else you become.

Congratulations and hope this young man will help lead the flock of soccer stars that will make headlines everywhere and represent their Eritrean flag.

For Eri-International sports,

Mike Seium

Eritrean-Swede progressing in the NHL. Eritrean-American progressing in the NFL.

Eritrean Ice Hockey player update,
Most of you should be aware that it is time for playoff hockey in the National Hockey League. Eritrean-Swede Oliver Kylington who was drafted by the Calgary Flame in the last NHL draft has been playing for the farm club of the Flames located in Stockton, California for the Stockton Heat of the AHL (American Hockey League). Most rookies when they get drafted in hockey, like baseball or the D-League in the NBA end up in the farm system where they can garner some much needed ice time to polish themselves for the NHL. Recently before the playoffs in mid April, Oliver was called up by the Flames main team in Calgary to play against playoff contender Minnesota and he did well. Chances are he will be on the main team next season. According to some insider scouting reports Kylington is being looked at to play some important roles on next season's team. "The Eritrean-Swedish defenseman can flat out fly. He is not only the fastest defenseman on Stockton, he might be one of the quickest skating players in the Western Conference of the AHL. He is agile, with excellent straight line speed, edging, and lateral movement. He is also aggressive and uses his speed to jump into the play frequently. When it comes to speed with or without the puck, Kylington is definitely the best skater in the Flames system."
This is great news for another Eritrean venturing in the world of a sport not too popular amongst Eritreans. 

         Eri-Swede Defenseman Oliver Kylington of the Calgary Flames.

Eritrean American Football update,
Meanwhile in New Jersey, Eritrean-American third year NFL safety Nat Berhe worked out after being injured the entire season last year. Nat is back now and very thankful for the opportunity which can be taken away from you in an instant if you are not healthy. The safety missed all of last season with a calf injury which ended up being more than a pulled muscle. He developed a blood clot in the leg. After getting it removed he spent time in the offseason rehabilitating it.

Eri-American Nat Berhe back in action during a 3 day spring work out.

Nat got the green light last week when the Giants opened a three-day voluntary minicamp under new coach Ben McAdoo. Nat felt like the time off was too long and now has come back, with the same opportunity that he had a year ago when the Giants came into the spring with a starting job open at safety. 

Hope to see more of Nat Berhe in the summer and fall. Eri-international sports blog will keep you updated on his developments closer towards the season.

Good luck to two athletes who will be competing in non-traditional sports for Eritreans and as we celebrate the 25th year anniversary of Eritrea's independence the sky is the limit as Eritreans continue to be a part of many new ventures in sports.

For Eri-International sports,

Mike Seium

Confirmed: Alexander Isak Stays in Sweden.

In the past two weeks a young Eritrean-Swede Alexander Isak and a protege of the legendary young star Henok Goitom another Eritrean-Swede who plays for the ERITREAN national team has seen his name make headlines everywhere. Alexander has already made history in Sweden becoming the youngest professional soccer player of all time to score a goal in a competitive match. His age was recorded at 16 years, 5 months and 7 days (6004 days) when he scored his first goal for AIK. The previous record was also recorded by another Swedish Alexander Ostlund who was 16 years, 11 months and 26 days (6204 days) in October 1995.

It was reported by Eri-International sports that Alexander may be headed to the English Premier League as two team current champions Leicester City and Southampton were looking to grab him indicating that this young man has a bright future in professional soccer. Meanwhile another report which did not circulate is that Anderlecht of Belgium was also heavily interested in acquiring Alexander and were in the running until today.

AIK puts a stamp on Alexander.

According to the AIK website and people close to Alexander the thought of him going to England or Belgium have been put to rest as he will continue the legacy of Henok Goitom at AIK. Alexander Isaac began playing for AIK as a 5 year old and has gone all the way from the youth program through the youth team to the first team. He was raised in AIK's Youth Academy where an Eritrean coach Nahom Ghidey who is doing wonders for AIK also happens to be a part of this growing process for the Swedish team based in Solna, just outside of Stockholm. 

When asked Who his role models were, Alex said,  "I look up to Ibrahimovic, and Henok Goitom, of course." The Eritrean connection is deep as their fathers also know each other well. Henok has repeatedly praised the 16-year-old on social media, and has even shared advice on the training pitch. They are similar in their style of play. Alexander added, "Many people compare us. I have a hard job ahead of me, before I become really good, and to already get praise from Henok is big deal. I learned a lot from him. We are compatriots and support each other."

                      Eritrean Coach for AIK Nahom Ghidey doing WONDERS for AIK's youth Academy.

Thanks to the contribution Alexander has also decided to give back to the club that raised him as he remains loyal to AIK. Here is what the website for AIK has confirmed,

"AIK Soccer agree with striker Alexander Isaac on a contract that extends over 2018. Isaac officially moved up to the first-team squad and will continue to play in the number 36 jersey." 

Most of you have seen the video of Alexander before a game bonding with his fans at AIK and it is clear that the young man has a love affair with his home town team. Like Henok Goitom did before him and like the many thousands of Eritrean-Swedes who have been great citizens of their adopted country. Sweden benefits from Eritreans and it must be recalled that despite all the obstacles that Eritreans and other immigrants face, Sweden should embrace the ERITREAN community like AIK has embraced Alexander Isak and Henok Goitom.

                           Alexander Isak youngest all time goal scorer in Swedish league history.

Eri-International sports will continue to dig some important information on the role of Eritreans in the diaspora especially Sweden in the very near future. Meanwhile Congratulations to Alexander Isak for being one of the youngest Soccer players to sign a professional contract at the age of 16.

For Eri-International sports,

Mike Seium