Paris 2024 | Nigeria’s D’Tigress Emerge 1st African Team To Reach Olympic Quarter Finals
D‘Tigress, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, has emerged as the first African Female Basketball team to reach the Olympics quarterfinal.
Paris Olympics| Nigeria’s Mixed Relay Team Fail To Reach Final Despite New National Record
Nigeria’s Mixed Relay team on Friday narrowly missed out on a spot in the final of the Mixed 4x400m event at the Paris Olympic Games.
The quartet of Samuel Ogazi, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Ojeli, and Patience Okon-George finished fourth with a new national record time of 3:11.99.
Although they fell short of advancing to the final, the team put up a valiant effort against strong competition, including Great Britain, who won with a national record time of 3:10.61.
The Netherlands and Italy took second and third places, respectively, with times of 3:10.81 and 3:11.59.
In a separate heat also on Friday, Team USA’s quartet of Vernon Norwood, Shamier Little, Bryce Deadmon, and Kaylyn Brown set a blistering pace, winning with a world record time of 3:07.41.
France and Belgium also achieved national records, finishing second and third with times of 3:10.60 and 3:10.74, respectively.
Team Kenya finished seventh with a time of 3:13.13.
CAF WCLQ |All Zonal (Sub-Region) Fixtures, Match Schedules, Date & Time
The Confédération Africaine de Football conducted the draw for the qualifying phases of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League on Wednesday, July 24, at the CAF headquarters in Cairo.
The zonal unions involved in this draw were UNIFFAC, UNAF, CECAFA, and WAFU B. It should be noted that COSAFA also held its draw for the qualifiers of this competition earlier in the day.
Finally, the WAFU-A Qualifiers fixtures were confirmed following the draw held on Thursday, 25 July.
WAFU B
Mr. Philippe Tchere, the Executive Director of the WAFU Zone B, conducted the draw for the women’s qualifying tournament for the final phase of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League. The seven teams participating in this tournament are divided into two groups. The competition will take place from August 10 to 24 in Côte d’Ivoire, with the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké and the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro chosen to host the tournament.
WAFU B Tournament Groups
Group A: Inter d’Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Ainonvi FC (Benin), AS Kozah (Togo)
Group B: Hasaacas Ladies (Ghana), O. Étincelles (Burkina Faso), AS Garde Nationale (Niger), EDO Queens (Nigeria)
WAFU B Tournament Match Schedule
First Matchday
10/08/24
– Inter d’Abidjan vs Ainonvi FC 15:00, Stade de Bouaké
11/08/24
– Hasaacas Ladies vs Omnisports Etincelle, 16:00, Stade de Bouaké
– AS Garde Nationale vs Edo Queens, 18:00, Stade de Bouaké
Second Matchday
13/08
– Ainonvi FC vs AS Kozah, 16:00 Stade Charles Konan Banny
14/08
– Omnisport Etincelles vs AS Garde Nationale, 15:00, Stade Charles Konan Banny
– Edo Queens vs Hasaacas Ladies, 18:00, Stade Charles Konan Banny
Third Matchday
16/08
– AS Kozah vs Inter d’Abidjan, 16:00, Stade de Bouaké
17/08
– AS Garde Nationale vs Hasaacas Ladies, 16:00, Stade de Bouaké
– Edo Queens vs Omnisports Étincelle, 16:00, Stade de Bouaké 2
Semi-finals
20/08
– 1st Group A vs 2nd Group B, 15:00, Stade Charles Konan Banny
– 1st Group B vs 2nd Group A, 18:30, Stade Charles Konan Banny
Third Place
23/08
– Loser of the first semi-final vs Loser of the second semifinal, 15:00, Stade de Bouaké
Final
– Winner of the first semifinal vs Winner of the second semifinal, 18:30, Stade de Bouaké
UNIFFAC
Ms. Aimée Nagoua, the head of women’s football development at UNIFFAC, conducted the draw for the Central African region’s qualifying phase. The tournament will take place from August 16 to 24 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The Stade des Martyrs and the Stade Tata Raphaël will host the six matches of the competition. The four teams participating in this tournament are: TP Mazembe (DR Congo), Lékié FF (Cameroon), Atletico Feminino Malabo (Equatorial Guinea), and CSM Diables Noirs (Congo). The teams will compete in a mini-league format, and the team that finishes on top will represent the UNIFFAC zone in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League.
UNIFFAC Tournament Schedule
First Matchday
19/08/24
– TP Mazembe vs CSM Diables Noirs, 13:00, Stade des Martyrs
– Atletico Feminino Malabo vs Lékié FF, 17:00, Stade des Martyrs
Second Matchday
21/08/24
– Lékié FF vs CSM Diables Noirs, 13:00, Stade des Martyrs
– TP Mazembe vs Atletico Feminino Malabo, 17:00, Stade des Martyrs
Third Matchday
23/08/24
– TP Mazembe vs Lékié FF, 17:00, Stade des Martyrs
– CSM Diables Noirs vs Atletico Feminino Malabo, 17:00, Stade Tata Raphaël
CECAFA
Ms. Jean Sseninde conducted the draw for the CECAFA zone tournament, which will take place from August 17 to September 4 in Ethiopia. The Addis Ababa and Abebe Bikila stadiums have been chosen to host the competition. The nine teams participating are divided into two groups.
Group A: Commercial Bank Of Ethiopia FC “CBE FC” (Ethiopia), Kenya Police Bullets (Kenya), Yei Joint FC (South Sudan), Warriors Queens (Zanzibar), Rayon Sport (Rwanda)
Group B: Simba Queens (Tanzania), PVP Buyenzi (Burundi), Kawempe Muslim Ladies (Uganda), FAD Djibouti (Djibouti)
First Matchday
17/08
– Kenya Police Bullets vs Warriors Queens, 13:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
– CBE FC vs Rayon Sport, 16:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
CECAFA
Ms. Jean Sseninde conducted the draw for the CECAFA zone tournament, which will take place from August 17 to September 4 in Ethiopia. The Addis Ababa and Abebe Bikila stadiums have been chosen to host the competition. The nine teams participating are divided into two groups.
Group A: Commercial Bank Of Ethiopia FC “CBE FC” (Ethiopia), Kenya Police Bullets (Kenya), Yei Joint FC (South Sudan), Warriors Queens (Zanzibar), Rayon Sport (Rwanda)
Group B: Simba Queens (Tanzania), PVP Buyenzi (Burundi), Kawempe Muslim Ladies (Uganda), FAD Djibouti (Djibouti)
First Matchday
17/08
– Kenya Police Bullets vs Warriors Queens, 13:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
– CBE FC vs Rayon Sport, 16:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
18/08
– PVP Buyenzi vs Kawempe Muslim Ladies, 13:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
– Simba Queens vs FAD Djibouti, 16:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
Second Matchday
20/08
– CBE FC vs Warriors Queens, 13:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
– PVP Buyenzi vs Yei Joint FC, 16:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
21/08
– Simba Queens vs Kawempe Muslim Ladies, 13:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
– PVP Buyenzi vs FAD Djibouti, 16:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
Third Matchday
23/08
– CBE FC vs Kenya Police Bullets, 15:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
– Yei Joint FC vs Rayon Sport, 15:00, Abebe Bikila Stadium
24/08
– Kawempe Muslim Ladies vs FAD Djibouti, 15:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
– Simba Queens vs PVP Buyenzi, 15:00, Abebe Bikila Stadium
Fourth Matchday
26/08
– Warriors Queens vs Rayon Sport, 15:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
– CBE FC vs Yei Joint FC, 15:00, Abebe Bikila Stadium
Fifth Matchday
29/08
– Kenya Police Bullets vs Rayon Sport, 15:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
– Yei Joint FC vs Warriors Queens, 15:00, Abebe Bikila Stadium
Semi-finals
01/09
– 1st Group A vs 2nd Group B, 12:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
– 2nd Group A vs 1st Group B, 15:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
Third Place
03/09
– Loser of the 1st semifinal vs Loser of the 2nd semifinal, 12:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
Final
– Winner of the 1st semifinal vs Winner of the 2nd semifinal, 15:00, Addis Ababa Stadium
UNAF
Mr. Darchraoui Mootez Belleh conducted the draw for the UNAF zone. This tournament will take place in Algiers, Algeria, from August 21 to 31. The July 5 and Nelson Mandela stadiums have been chosen to host the competition. The clubs participating in this tournament are: Akbou FC (Algeria), Tutankhamun (Egypt), ASF Sousse (Tunisia), and AS FAR (Morocco). The teams will compete in a mini-league format, and the team that finishes on top will represent the UNAF zone in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League.
First Matchday
24/08/2024
– AS FAR vs Akbou FC, 17:00, July 5 Stadium
– ASF Sousse vs Tutankhamun, 20:00, July 5 Stadium
Second Matchday
27/08
– ASF Sousse vs AS FAR, 17:00, July 5 Stadium
– Tutankhamun vs Akbou FC, 20:00, July 5 Stadium
Third Matchday
30/08
– Akbou FC vs ASF Sousse, 18:00, July 5 Stadium
– AS FAR vs Tutankhamun, 18:00, Nelson Mandela Stadium
COSAFA
The first matchups of the most prestigious inter-club competition dedicated to women’s teams are now known. The qualifying tournament will take place from August 15 to 24 in Blantyre, Malawi. The eight participating teams are divided into two groups.
Group A: University of Western Cape (South Africa), Green Buffaloes (Zambia), Herentals Queens (Zimbabwe), FC Ongos (Namibia)
Group B: Gaborone United (Botswana), União Desportiva de Lichinga (Mozambique), Ascent Soccer Academy (Malawi), Young Buffaloes (Eswatini)
WAFU A
The draw for the WAFU A zone took place on Thursday, July 25. Ms. Seyni Seck, the head of women’s football development for the said zone, conducted the draw.
The tournament will be held from August 1 to 11 in Sierra Leone. The five teams participating in this tournament are: Mogbewmo Queens (Sierra Leone), AS Mandé (Mali), Determine Girls (Liberia), Aigles de la Médina (Senegal), and Red Scorpion (Gambia).
The teams will compete in a mini-league system.
The team that finishes at the top will represent the WAFU A zone at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League.
Matchday 1
1/08
Mogbewmo Queens – AS Mandé
Aigles de la Médina – Red Scorpion
Matchday 2
3/08
Determine Girls – Red Scorpion
AS Mandé – Aigles de la Médina
Matchday 3
5/08
Mogbewmo Queens – Aigles de la Médina
Determine Girls – AS Mandé
Matchday 4
Red Scorpion – Mogbewmo Queens
AS Mandé – Determine Girls
Matchday 5
Aigles de la Médina – Determine Girls
Red Scorpion – Mogbewmo Queens
All matches will be live on www.youtube.com/@citysportng
www.youtube.com/@SportsAfrique
Akpabio To National Hunger Protesters – We Will Be There Eating While You Are Protesting
Godswill Akpabio To National Hunger Protesters – We Will Be There Eating While You Are Protesting
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taunted those calling for demonstrations over the economic hardship in the country.
Legendary Nigerian Singer And Actress, Onyeka Onwenu Slumps And Dies In Lagos
Legendary Nigerian Singer And Actress, Onyeka Onwenu Slumps And Dies In Lagos
Legendary singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu has passed away at the age of 72. Onwenu was said to have collapsed on Tuesday after performing at a birthday party in Lagos.
Six Unbeatable Ideas To Start Making Money On Pinterest
While many see Pinterest as “just another social media platform,” there is also serious potential to create income from the platform. Because of this, more and more creators are wondering how to make money on Pinterest just as they have with Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. Pinterest, a visually-driven platform known for its inspiration and discovery, offers unique opportunities to monetize content and earn a substantial income. With over 518 million active users, Pinterest provides a vast audience for promoting products, driving traffic to websites and leveraging affiliate marketing. By strategically using Pinterest’s features and tools, creators can turn their pins into profit.
Strategies For Earning Money On Pinterest
There are multiple ways to earn money on Pinterest, including affiliate marketing, promoting products, driving traffic to a blog or website and selling your own products or services. Diversifying and prioritizing several methods to maximize your earning potential can be quite lucrative.
Affiliate marketing involves pinning images linked to products with your affiliate code, earning commissions on sales. Promoting products, either your own or others’, can drive significant revenue, especially if you have an engaged audience. Additionally, directing traffic from Pinterest to your blog or website can boost ad revenue and sales of digital products. Selling your own products, such as digital downloads or printables, directly through Pinterest can also be lucrative. The method that makes the most money often depends on your niche and audience engagement, but a combination of these strategies generally yields the best results.
1. Pinterest Creator Fund
The Pinterest Creator Fund is an initiative designed to support and elevate underrepresented creators on the platform by providing financial and educational resources. This fund helps creators grow their presence on Pinterest and monetize their content more effectively.
To sign up, creators must apply for free during the fund’s open application periods, which are announced on Pinterest’s official channels. Once accepted, participants receive financial grants, equipment and access to educational resources to improve their content quality. To be successful in the program, you must consistently create high-quality, engaging pins and participate in the program’s training sessions. The earning potential varies, but being part of the Creator Fund can significantly enhance your ability to monetize your Pinterest presence through increased visibility and improved content strategies.
2. Pinterest Affiliate Content
Pinterest affiliate content involves creating pins that link to products or services you recommend and using affiliate links to earn commissions on sales generated through your pins. This strategy allows you to monetize your Pinterest traffic by promoting products relevant to your audience and to those who organically stumble upon your pins during their Pinterest searches.
To get started, you can join free affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, Like to Know It, or any other affiliate network that aligns with your niche. After joining, you can create pins that include your affiliate links. To be successful, you’ll need to put time and effort into tasks that may include researching products, creating appealing pins and optimizing them with relevant keywords. The earning potential can be significant, depending on your audience size and engagement, the type of products you’re linking to and the percentage that the company is offering you as an affiliate commission. Successful affiliate marketers on Pinterest can earn hundreds to thousands of dollars per month, making it a viable and lucrative method for monetization.
3. Brand Partnerships
The same way many content creators and influencers partner with companies to promote their products on Instagram and TikTok can apply to Pinterest. Creators can promote a brand’s products or services through their pins, creating sponsored content that aligns with their audience’s interests. These partnerships can significantly boost your income by leveraging your influence and reach on the platform.
To get started, you need to build a substantial and engaged following. Brands are more likely to partner with influencers with a proven track record of high engagement and quality content. You can reach out directly to brands or join influencer marketing platforms like AspireIQ or Hashtag Paid that connect influencers with potential sponsors. Joining these platforms is typically free, but creating high-quality content that meets the brand’s standards requires time and effort. The earning potential for brand partnerships varies widely based on your audience size and engagement rate. Influencers can earn anywhere from $100 to several thousand dollars per sponsored pin, making it one of the most lucrative ways to monetize your Pinterest presence. However, it may be the most inconsistent as different brands deal with different goals, budgets and timelines.
4. Sell Digital or Physical Products
Many creators are also selling digital or physical products on Pinterest. They use the platform to promote and sell items such as eBooks, printables, crafts, clothing or other merchandise directly to their audience. This method allows creators to monetize their Pinterest following by offering products that resonate with their niche.
N70k New Minimum Wage Bill Signed Into Law By President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, signed the new Minimum Wage Act into law.
Tinubu signed the new law at 2 pm at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The brief ceremony was witnessed by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, among others.
Paris 2024 Women’s Basketball| Nigeria’s D’Tigress Edge Highly Favored Australian Opals 75-62
African basketball champions, Nigeria’s D’Tigress, started their Paris Olympic Games on a winning note after they defeated their highly favoured Australian counterparts 75-62.
The team last won an Olympic match 20 years ago.
In what has been described as the biggest upset of the Olympics so far, Nigeria stunned the Opals.
The Rena Wakama-led ladies, in a spirited performance, beat the Australians 75-62 at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium.
It was the team’s first win in an Olympic match since Athens 2004.
Australia vs Zambia| Barbra Banda Scores Another Olympics Hat Trick In An Eleven Goals Thriller
Barbra Banda has a reputation as the ‘most in-form forward in the world’ for a reason.
Having scored 12 goals in her first 12 NWSL games, expectations were high coming into Paris 2024.
The 24-year-old is no stranger to women’s Olympic football, putting her name in lights at Tokyo 2020 three years ago.
Zambia’s captain became the first player in tournament history to score hat-tricks in back-to-back games, against the Republic of China and the Netherlands, despite her side going winless and exiting in the group stages.
Fast-forward to now, at the Nice Stadium, and the electric forward has added yet another three-goal feat to her name in a breathless 11-goal encounter against Australia that ended 6-5 in favour of the Aussies.
Her slice of history was wrapped up inside the opening 45 minutes, with decisive strikes at the very start and end of the first half.
Banda is now the first player in women’s football to score three hat-tricks at the Olympic Games.
Her current tournament goal tally now stands at nine, five shy of Cristiane’s record (14).
Spain vs Nigeria | We Lost Because We Failed To Take Our Chances – Randy Waldrum
Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum has attributed his side’s defeat against Spain to poor marksmanship.
The West Africans suffered their second consecutive defeat at the 2024 Olympic Games, going down 1-0 against the world champions on Sunday.
The Super Falcons were pinned back by the Spaniard for the majority of the game but still created enough scoring chances to get at least a point.
Waldrum confessed his side’s failure to put their chances to bed was responsible for the defeat.
“We had three to four good opportunities today, regrettably, we did not convert them”, the American said after the game.
“We had one in the first half, a breakaway and Asisat and Rash (Rasheedat Ajibade) missed those chance. We had chances, regrettably, the Spanish converted theirs.”
Waldrum, however, said his team have shown they can compete with any team in the world.
“We lost to two of the best teams in the world. Spain is the best team in the world right now and Brazil are in the top 10,” he added.
“We have shown that we could have gotten something out of those matches. It shows we can play against anybody in the world. So I am proud of the players.”
August 1 Protest ~ Ogun State Youths Encourage Dialogue In Place Of ‘National Hunger Protest’
The Ogun Youth Assembly has declared the proposed national hunger protest scheduled for August 1 as faceless, lacking direction and a misplaced priority.
The youth group said that rather than embarking on any activity that could further make life difficult for Nigerians, the option of dialogue which is quite beneficial to all should be considered.
The Chairman of the youth group, Habeeb Whyte, disclosed this at a press briefing held on Friday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Whyte said though it is within the fundamental rights of every citizen to protest, such energy should be channelled towards meaningful dialogue as progress and development are only guaranteed in a peaceful environment.
He said, “We recognise the inherent right of all Nigerians to peaceful protest, yet we are also acutely aware of the potential for such protests to devolve into destructive actions, especially during times of heightened emotional intensity.
” It is crucial to pursue dialogue even as we seek change through peaceful demonstration.”
Whyte, flanked by other executives of the assembly, further said that though the country is going through its most difficult times, he noted that the recent local government autonomy posed a good trend for future hopes.
“Currently, the average Nigerian is enduring unprecedented hardship characterised by severely diminished purchasing power, lack of basic amenities, and a shortened life expectancy.
“This crisis is closely linked to the nation’s economic state. As a demographic grappling with a bleak future and uncertainty, it is only natural for the youths to seek avenues for expression and redress. It is unjust to suppress their right to protest when they are being battered by such dire conditions.
“While acknowledging that the dire straits affecting Nigerians can largely be traced to the policies of the Federal Government, we affirm that accountability spans all levels of government, including local authorities.
“Going forward, we want to emphatically announce that the era of lethargic local government is over. There will no longer be space for non-performing local government chairmen and ward councillors now that the nation has moved toward local government autonomy”, he added.
He however challenged the state government to as a matter of urgency, convene dialogue with the youth constituency, adding that it is a necessary step to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that plans and stewardship are communicated.
“We held an engagement with the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. We appreciate his willingness to engage further and are encouraged by his commitment to continue these discussions. This dialogue is a positive step towards addressing the pressing issues faced by our youth.
“In light of this, we challenged the Ogun State Government to convene a series of public engagements with the youths across all Senatorial districts. This proposed engagement, which the Governor has since accepted is a necessary step to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that future plans and stewardship are communicated.
“We emphasised to him that this period demands more than temporary measures or palliative solutions. It is essential to implement a comprehensive, sustainable framework that empowers citizens and residents to secure honest, safer and better livelihoods.
“Government action must focus on significantly reducing the exorbitant cost of petroleum, enhancing electricity supply, and fostering a conducive environment for business growth. Additionally, increasing grant opportunities for small and medium enterprises and promoting meritocracy in all operations are crucial”, he stressed.
2024 PARIS OLYMPICS | NIGERIA VS BRAZIL PREVIEW | SUPER FALCONS TO CAUSE UPSETS (Video)
2024 PARIS OLYMPICS | NIGERIA VS BRAZIL PREVIEW |SUPER FALCONS AIMING TO CAUSE UPSETS IN FRANCE
The Super Falcons of Nigeria will on Thursday 25th of July begin their first Olympic game campaign after sixteen years with a duel against the ‘talented’ Brazil women’s football national team.
Nigerian Senate Speedily Pass N70k National Minimum Wage Bill Into Law
The Senate on Tuesday passed the new National Minimum Wage Bill to empower Nigerian workers to earn at least N70,000 on a monthly basis.
In the House of Representatives, the bill scaled second reading.
The executive bill seeks to amend the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 and reduce the review period from five years to three years.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier today transmitted the New minimum wage bill to both chambers of the National Assembly, seeking expeditious support of the lawmakers for its passage.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced passage of the bill during the plenary after the senators supported it.
The President Tinubu’s letter containing details of the minimum wage bill was first read by Mr Akpabio.
Thereafter, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion to refer the bill to the Committee of the Whole for immediate consideration of the bill clause by clause.
The motion was subsequently seconded by the Minority Leader, Abba Moro.
The senate president then directed members of the upper chamber to refer it to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
At the committee, none of the senators debated or spoke on the bill before the clause by clause was approved.
After approving the bill clause by clause, the senate president put the passage to vote and the senators supported it through voice votes.
In the House, the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, led the debate on the bill.
Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, had recently criticised the new N70,000 minimum wage.
Mr Ndume, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the president, said the approved minimum wage cannot sustain a household because it can only buy 50kg of rice.
The senator based his argument on the fact that many Nigerians are hungry and angry towards the government because of the harsh economy.
He advised the president to review the minimum wage in the interest of Nigerian Workers.
Paris 2024 Olympics | How To Watch Nigeria Super Falcons Live
Paris 2024 Olympics | How To Watch Nigeria Super Falcons Live
For the first time in 16 years, Nigeria Super Falcons will contest women’s Olympic football once more.
Alagbole, Akute, Ajuwon Roads Added To Roads To Be Constructed In Phases By Ogun State Government
Alagbole, Akute, Ajuwon Roads Added To Roads To Be Constructed In Phases By Ogun State Government
The Ogun State Executive Council has approved the construction of five additional roads across the State.
How Abiodun Deborah Secured Full Scholarship From The University of Pittsburgh’s Women’s Soccer Team – Waldrum Reveals
Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has shared the inspiring story behind Deborah Abiodun’s move to the Pittsburgh Panthers women’s soccer team.
In 2023, Abiodun received a full scholarship offer from the University of Pittsburgh’s women’s soccer team after impressing for Nigeria’s U20 national team.
The talented youngster was part of the Falconets’ squad at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in 2022.
Although Nigeria were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the Netherlands, the Falconets made a significant impact by topping Group C with wins over France, Canada, and South Korea.
Abiodun stood out in midfield, with her energetic and intelligent performances catching the eye of Super Falcons head coach Waldrum.
He was already considering promoting the then-Rivers Angels FC star to the senior team when Abiodun took a bold step that changed her life
Waldrum, who also coaches the University of Pittsburgh’s women’s soccer team, facilitated Abiodun’s scholarship and her move to the United States.
He recounted this life-changing encounter to Channel 11 via Yahoo Sports as Nigeria prepared for the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Abiodun has been named in the squad. This marks Nigeria’s first Olympic qualification in 16 years.
“Deb came to me and said, ‘Will you take me to your school? I want to go to college, and I want to get an education,’” Waldrum said.
Abiodun joined the Pitt Panthers and had a stellar debut season, scoring six goals in 22 games.887
Later in 2023, at 19, she made her FIFA Women’s World Cup debut for Nigeria against Canada, although she received a red card during stoppage time after a VAR review — the first red card of the tournament.
Abiodun will make her first Olympic appearance b4 in August, hoping to overcome her World Cup setback and help Nigeria impress at the games.
2024 Beach Soccer Afcon Qualifiers ¦ Supersand Eagles Edge Mauritania 5-4 (Watch Full Match)
Nigeria Beach soccer team, the Supersand Eagles, on Saturday, defeated their hosts, Mauritania 5-4 to boost their chance of reaching a first Beach Soccer AFCON after five years.
The home team scored the forth goal in about 3 minutes left in the 3rd and final period, but two quick goals from the Supersand Eagles took the game beyond the Mauritanie, and it was Nigeria who take one goal advantage into the second leg that Wll be placed in Nigeria in a week’s time.
Nigeria won the first period 2-1 but upon resumption of the second period, the Mauritania beach soccer team restore parity and went ahead before Nigeria equalized to force a 3-3 draw a the end of the second period.
2024 Beach Soccer Afcon Qualifiers ¦ NFF Confirms Abdullahi Isa As The New Supersand Eagles Coach
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has appointed Abdullahi Isa, a veteran goalkeeper who later became assistant coach of the team, as the new Head Coach of the Supersand Eagles.
Other backroom staff appointed by the NFF for the Supersand Eagles include; Christopher Kadiri as Assistant Coach and Bashar Samaila as Goalkeepers’ Trainer.
Meanwhile, Supersand Eagles will depart Nigeria to Nouakchott on Friday morning for their 2024 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against their Mauritanian counterparts, slated for Saturday.
Experienced players Victor Tale and Emeka Ogbonna are among the playing body, which also includes Arome Isah, Adams Taiwo, Emmanuel Ohwoferia, Godwin Tale, Egan-Osi Ekujimi, Chidozie Frank and Hassan Abdullahi.
The return leg is scheduled for Saturday, 27th July in Nigeria.
We Accepted N70k Minimum Wage Because Of Other Incentives Promised By Bola Tinubu – NLC
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero on Thursday gave reasons why the Organised Labour accepted the proposal of N70,000 minimum wage from the President, Bola Tinubu.
Ajaero, who spoke to State House reporters after the meeting with the President, said the unions agreed to the offer because of other incentives attached.
He said another reason for accepting the offer is because “ the President promised a review every three years as against what obtained in the past.”
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday approved the sum of N70,000 as national minimum wage, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga said.
Tinubu was said to have announced the new wage during a meeting with the leadership of the Organized Labour in Abuja.
Thursday’s meeting came a week after the first meeting the President had with the Labour leaders last week.
The new minimum wage when approved by the National Assembly will replace the N30,000 minimum wage which expired on April 18, 2024
Onanuga who posted via his official X handle, @aonanuga at exactly 03:31 pm said, “Breaking: President Bola Tinubu has approved N70,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers with promise to review the national minimum wage law every three years.
“President Tinubu also promised to find ways to assist the private sector and the sub-nationals to pay the minimum wage.
“President Tinubu announced the decisions at the meeting held with leaders of TUC and NLC on Thursday in Abuja, the second time the parties met in 7 days.
“The Labour leaders applauded President Tinubu for the fatherly gesture as the President also promised to use his discretionary powers meet the demands of university unions demanding unpaid 4 months salaries.”
2024 Olympics ¦ France Grants Copper Queens Coach, Bruce Mwape, Visa, But No Private Contact With His Players
Bruce Mwape will not be allowed private contact with any of his players at the Olympic Games in Paris but the coach of Zambia’s women’s football team has eventually been granted a visa despite an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
Fifa is still investigating claims that Mwape rubbed his hands over the chest of a player after a training session at last year’s World Cup in New Zealand.
In May, Bruce was also accused of intentionally touching a Fifa contractor’s breast at the same tournament. It has been revealed that before the World Cup Mwape – who has previously denied the accusations – was the subject of an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by a number of players in the squad that had been referred to world football’s governing body by the Zambian Football Association (FAZ).
The International Olympic Committee said at the time that it “will be following the outcome of this case closely, for consideration with respect to the Olympic Games”, with Mwape having led Zambia to qualification last year after continuing in his post despite being under investigation.
It is understood he was initially denied a visa to enter France before the decision was later reversed, with strict conditions imposed on the 64-year-old. They are believed to include stipulations that he will not have private contact with any of the players and that any one-on-one meeting must be conducted in an open place.
The Fifa contractor who alleged that Mwape touched her breast said she was “bitterly disappointed” with the decision to allow him to coach at the Olympics. “He should have gone years ago,” she added.
It is understood that Mwape’s application was initially rejected under strict French laws that do not allow those accused of sexual crimes to be granted a visa.
The FAZ is said to have insisted that it was too late to replace Mwape – who arrived in France last week, 48 hours after the rest of his squad – after his application was turned down a few days before he was due to travel.
The FAZ did not respond to questions, but a spokesperson for the IOC said that “appropriate measures have been put in place by the international federation concerned and agreed with the NOC [National Olympic Committee]”.
Olympics come under the IOC’s jurisdiction, Fifa is in charge of safeguarding players participating in the men’s and women’s football tournaments in Paris. A spokesperson said: “he can confirm that Fifa has put in place an event safeguarding programme for the Olympic football tournament in coordination with the IOC, which includes a designated safeguarding focal point for participating teams as well as a clear reporting process.”
The IOC spokesperson added: “The IOC is committed to ensuring that every athlete can train and compete in a safe sporting environment, one that is fair, equitable and free from all forms of harassment and abuse. In Paris, safeguarding and mental health measures and initiatives are in place for all participants. When specific concerns are raised, additional safeguarding measures are implemented as per standard practice.”
LGSs Financial Autonomy ¦ I Will Ensure Oyo Residents Do Not Suffer – Seyi Makinde
The governor of Oyo, Seyi Makinde, says his administration will ensure that residents do not suffer from the supreme court verdict on financial autonomy for LGAs.
Makinde spoke on Monday during a meeting with LG stakeholders in Ibadan, the state capital.
The governor also said the apex court’s judgment has created a lacuna.
Section 162(6) of the 1999 Constitution states that “each state shall maintain a specific account to be called State-Joint Local Government Account into which shall be paid all allocations to the local government councils of the state from the Federation Account and from the government of the state”.
On Thursday, the supreme court ruled that the federal government should henceforth pay allocations directly to LG councils.
The seven-member panel of justices held that state governments have continued to abuse their powers by retaining and using the funds meant for LGAs.
The apex court also ordered the federal government to withhold allocations of LGAs governed by unelected officials.
In a statement, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, special adviser on media to Makinde, said the governor convened the meeting to discuss the challenges facing the LGAs, develop solutions, and ensure a seamless implementation of the judgment.
“I called this meeting because I felt that even though we have not seen the certified true copy (CTC) of the judgment of the supreme court, we have to be proactive and discuss the decision of the supreme court as it concerns the financial autonomy of the local government councils because I believe a lacuna has been created between the decision and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that we all swore to uphold,” Makinde said.
“The law is the law and when there is a conflict, yes, we should go to the court.
“But it behoves us to look for our own homegrown solutions that can ensure that we have transparency and that our people do not suffer. This is because when two elephants are fighting, it is the grass that will suffer.
“I am saying this because Oyo state will get out of this even stronger. We are people that know what is good for our people.
“Before we came in, leave bonuses were last paid in 2017 and we have paid for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The primary healthcare facilities and inner roads were all in bad shape.
“But we have been working collaboratively with the LGs to deliver dividends of democracy to our people.
“We were able to clear those salary arrears. We paid N18bn in pension and gratuities over this period. We upgraded about 209 PHCs, equipped about 264, and completed 60 model schools.
“We constructed and renovated hundreds of primary school classrooms and fixed some of our roads.
“But there are still challenges that we have to address. We still have a backlog of gratuities and pensions.
“The local governments owe about N55bn in pension and gratuities. We are developing infrastructure that would push the economy and raise the living standard of our people and push their economy towards sustainable goals.”
Representatives of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), attended the meeting.
At the meeting, the governor set up two committees to review the supreme court judgment and suggest recommendations for implementation.
Paris 2024 Olympics ¦ Canada To Face Nigeria Super Falcons In A Friendly Match
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been scheduled to play Canada’s women’s football team in a friendly game.
In a post on its X page on Monday, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced that the match will be played on Wednesday behind closed doors at the team’s base in Seville, Spain.
The match will be held as final preparation for the Falcons before they depart Spain for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Super Falcons are drawn in Group C of the women’s football event at the Games, alongside Spain, Japan, and Brazil.
Falcons will play at the tournament for the first time in 16 years.
Canada are the defending champions of the women’s football event after defeating Sweden in the final of the Tokyo Olympics.
The last meeting between the team and Falcons ended in a goalless draw at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Randy Waldrum, Falcons head coach, and his team have been in Spain for a two-week training camp and are scheduled to head to France on July 18.
The team is placed in Group C and will play Brazil on July 25 before facing Spain three days later and Japan in the final game in the group on July 31.
In a recent chat with the media, Asisat Oshoala assured Nigerians that Falcons have enough talent to successfully navigate the tough group.
INEC Opens Portal For The Recruitment Of Ad-hoc Staff Ahead Of Edo, Ondo Gubernatorial Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has invited applications from qualified candidates ahead of Edo, Ondo Governorship elections.
The commission made this known via its x handle on Sunday.
The advert reads as below:
VACANCIES FOR AD-HOC STAFF FOR #EdoDecides2024 AND #OndoDecides2024 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS.
Applications are invited from qualified candidates to serve as Ad-Hoc staff for the Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections in the following categories:
A. Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs)
B. Presiding Officers (POs)
C. Assistant Presiding Officers (APOS)
E. RAC Managers.
D. Registration Area Technicians (RATECHs)
Applicants are to indicate their interests by registering via the INECPRES, which opens on Monday 15th July and closes at 12midnight on Monday 19th August 2024.
METHOD OF ONLINE APPLICATION
The Web version (using a laptop, desktop or cybercafe) shall be accessible via the portal: pres.inecnigeria.org
The android mobile app (android users only) shall be accessible via the link: inecpres-app.com
NOTE:
1. Applicants must not be a political party member.
2. Applicants must not have demonstrated or expressed support for any candidate or party.
3. Applicants must reside in the STATE selected except for RATECHS.
CAF Beach Soccer AFCON Qualifiers ¦ Ghana Announces Black Sharks Squad List
Ghana’s Beach Soccer squad announced ahead of 2024 AFCON Qualifier against Cote D’voire
Black Sharks Head Coach Daniel Neequaye Kotey has announced his squad of 16 players for the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Cote D’Ivoire on Sunday July 21, 2024.
The gaffer has named 3 goalkeepers, five defenders and eight attackers for the crunch tie against Ghana’s neighbours to the west.
The Ghanaians will hope for a favourable result in the first leg at home to make the return encounter less tedious.
The Black Sharks, ranked among the best 12 teams on the continent, are aiming to qualify for the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Egypt.
The team will travel to Abidjan for the return leg, which is scheduled for July 26–28, 2024.
A total of 14 nations will be engaged in the qualifiers set to take place over a two-legged format to decide the 7 nations that will join tournament hosts, Egypt at the finals this summer.
Poncho Serna Will Be Super Falcons Game Analysts At The Paris 2024 Olympic
The Super Falcons of Nigeria will work with a new performance analyst, Poncho Serna at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Serna will work closely with head coach Randy Waldrum as well as other members of the technical crew.
The analyst confirmed his appointment on the social media.
“I am very happy and excited to share this: during the Olympic Games I will be working with the Nigerian women’s team (@NGSuper_Falcons), in the area of performance analysis,” he wrote on his X account.
“When one door closes, a better one opens. To continue learning and enjoying.”
The Super Falcons arrived Sevilla, Spain last weekend to begin preparation for the Olympics.
The West Africans will take on current Olympics champions Canada in a friendly next week Wednesday.
They are expected to depart for Paris the following day.
Nigeria will face Spain, Japan and Brazil in Group C at the Olympics.
Cameroon FA President, Samuel Eto’o Fils, Guilty Of Violating CAF Ethics & Integrity Principles
The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Disciplinary Board sat on the matter of Fédération Camerounaise de Football (‘’FECAFOOT’’) President Mr Samuel Eto’o Fils.
Mr Eto’o was facing charges of alleged manipulation of football matches and violating the principles of ethics and integrity.
The Disciplinary Board ruled that as it stands, there is insufficient proof to find Mr Samuel Eto’o Fils and Mr Valentin Nkwain guilty of match manipulation.
However, the Disciplinary Board found Mr Eto’o to have seriously violated the principles of ethics, integrity and sportsmanship as provided in Article 2 paragraph 3 of the CAF Statutes by signing a Brand Ambassador contract with a betting organisation in exchange for remuneration and consequently fined Mr Eto’o an amount of 200,000 USD
Same Sex Marriage – Nigerian Government Makes Clarifications On Signed Samoa Agreement
The Federal Government has provided the details of the Samoa Agreement it signed recently.
The controversial agreement was signed at the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium on June 28, 2024.
The partnership agreement is between the EU and its Member States, on one hand, and the members of the OACPS.
The negotiations on the agreement started in 2018, on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly.
It was signed in Apia, Samoa on the 15th of November 2018 by all 27 EU Member states and 47 of the 79 OACPS Member states.
The agreement has 103 articles comprising a common foundational compact and three regional protocols, namely: Africa –EU; Caribbean-EU, and Pacific-EU Regional Protocols with each regional protocol addressing the peculiar issues of the regions.
The African Regional Protocol consists of two parts.
The first is the Framework for Cooperation, while the second deals with Areas of Cooperation, containing Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth and Development; Human and Social Development; Environment, Natural Resources Management, and Climate Change; Peace and Security; Human Rights, Democracy and Governance; and Migration and Mobility.
The Tinubu government said the signing was done after the extensive reviews and consultations by the Interministerial Committee, convened by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ).
It was ensured that none of the 103 Articles and Provisions of the Agreement contravenes the 1999 Constitution as amended or laws of Nigeria, and other extant Laws, the government said.
It said Nigeria’s endorsement was accompanied by a Statement of Declaration, dated 26th June, 2024, clarifying its understanding and context of the Agreement within its jurisdiction to the effect that any provision that is inconsistent with the laws of Nigeria shall be invalid.
On the issue of same sex marriage, the FG explained that it is “instructive to note that there is an existing legislation against same sex relationship in Nigeria enacted in 2014,” a statement signed by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation.
“It is necessary to assure Nigerians that the President Bola Tinubu Administration, being a rule-based government, will not enter into any international agreement that will be detrimental to the interest of the country and its citizens.
“In negotiating the Agreement, our officials strictly followed the mandates exchanged in 2018 between the EU and the OACPS for the process,” he added.
Idris said that the Samoa Agreement was nothing but a vital legal framework for cooperation between the OACPS and the European Union, to promote sustainable development, fight climate change and its effects, generate investment opportunities, and foster collaboration among OACPS Member States at the international stage.
AFCON 2025 Qualifiers Draw ¦ Super Eagles Set For Another Genort Rohr’s Benin Republic Test
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been drawn in Group D alongside Benin Republic who defeated the Eagles 2-1 on matchday 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The draw for the Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, qualifiers was held in Johannesburg on Thursday.
48 African countries will be aiming to qualify for the 35th edition of the biennial Africa showpiece in an attempt to dethrone coach Emerse Fae’s Cote d’Ivoire as continental kings.
Fae – one of the two draw assistants together with Morocco legend Marouane Chamakh – saw his side placed in a tricky group as they bid to defend their title.
Cote d’Ivoire are defending champions after defeating Nigeria 2-1 in the final of the continent’s flagship sports competition in Abidjan earlier this year.
The Elephants were placed in Group G where they will play former champions Zambia, Sierra Leone and Chad.
Hosts Morocco were placed in Group B.
The Atlas Lions will take on Gabon, Central African Republic and Lesotho.
Morocco will approach this qualifying campaign with less pressure since they are already assured of participating in the competition on home ground.
The much-coveted trophy will be put back into play with the start of the qualifiers for the next AFCON which will take place in the North African country.
The qualifiers will start in September 2024 and end in November 2024.
The first and runners-up in the eleven (11) groups that do not involve tournament hosts Morocco, will gain qualification to the competition.
The next Africa Cup of Nations will be held from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
Groups:
Group A: Tunisia, Madagascar, Comoros, Gambia
Group B: Morocco, Gabon,Central Africa Republic, Lesotho
Group C: Egypt, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Botswana
Group D: Nigeria, Benin Libya, Rwanda
Group E: Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Togo, Liberia
Group F: Ghana, Angola, Sudan, Niger
Group G: Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Chad
Group H: DR Congo, Guinea, Tanzania, Ethiopia
Group I: Mali, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Eswatini
Group J: Cameroon, Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe
Group K: South Africa, Uganda, Congo, South Sudan
Group L: Senegal, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Burundi
Facebook Activate Content Monetization For Eligible Creators In Nigeria And Ghana
Facebook Activate Content Monetization For Eligible Creators In Nigeria And Ghana
After a long wait, Social media giant, Meta, has announced that Nigerian and Ghanaian content creators with 5,000 followers would earn money on Facebook from July 1, 2024.
Deposit Money Banks In Nigeria Instructed To Accept Old And Lower Denominations Of US Dollars
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a warning to Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and authorised forex dealers, advising them against rejecting old and lower dollar denominations from customers in the country.
According to the apex bank, the directive became necessary as it had been inundated with complaints from customers after it conducted consumer market intelligence.
In a circular dated June 27, 2024 but made public by the apex bank on Monday, CBN’s Acting Director, Currency Operations Department, Solaja Olayemi, said the regulator frowned at “this selective acceptance of deposit” and that all relevant parties comply accordingly.
The CBN said all banks and authorised forex dealers “should henceforth accept both old series and lower denominations of United States Dollars (USD) that are legal tender for deposit from their customers”.
The financial regulator warned that sanctions would be meted out to any bank or authorised forex dealer that reject old series or lower denominations of the United States’ greenback from their customers.
Earlier Warnings From CBN
The CBN had issued directives in 2021, instructing forex dealers and deposit money banks to stop refusing old dollar bills and denominations.
Complaints from customers over the refusal to accept the lower notes as a means of transaction had also led to sanctions.
The apex bank also warned authorised dealers from stamping or defacing dollar bills as it would fail the authentication tests during processing and sorting.
See Also;
Why Ex-Bank PHB MD, Francis Atuche’s Conviction Stands After 13-Years Of Trial
Attempts To Curb Wobbling Naira
Mid-2023, the CBN, acting out the directive of President Bola Tinubu, announced the unification of all segments of the forex exchange market, indicating that the exchange rate will rise or fall based on the supply and demand in the market.
The reason, according to President Tinubu, was the need to “stop the bleeding of our finances”.
Despite early positive signs, the Naira would eventually breach the ₦700/$ threshold hitting over ₦1,500/$ at the moment.
To tackle this challenge, the CBN swiftly implemented a series of policy measures, one of such was targeted International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), removing the allowable limit of exchange rates quoted by them as well as limiting their operations to inbound transfers only
Another attempt was the revocation of licenses of Bureau De Change (BDCs) operators engaged in alleged unethical practices.
The Olayemi Cardoso administration also released guidelines aim to address the challenges faced by BDCs in the foreign exchange market, promoting a more stable and transparent financial environment.
The specific guidelines prohibit BDCs from engaging in certain activities.
These include street trading of foreign currencies; maintaining accounts or accepting assets for safekeeping/custody; and taking deposits or granting loans to the public in any currency or form.
Others are retail sale of foreign currencies to non-individuals (except for business travel allowance, international outward transfers, or off-shore business); maintaining foreign correspondent relationships with foreign establishments without prior approval; and opening or maintaining accounts with foreign banks or financial institutions without prior approval.
#Chivido2024 – Iyabo Ojo Lampoons VeryDarkMan (VDM) Over Davido’s Wedding | Video
#Chivido2024 – Iyabo Ojo Lampoons VeryDarkMan (VDM) Over Davido’s Wedding
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has continued to lampoon controversial social media critic, VeryDarkMan, following their recent fallout.
2024 BET Awards – Tems Wins Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
2024 BET Awards – Tems Wins Dr Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
Tems was the only Nigerian on the winners’ list at this year’s BET Awards held at Los Angeles’s Peacock Theater on Sunday night.
Video ¦ El-Kanemi Warriors Defeated Abia Warriors To Claim 3rd Federation Cup Title
El Kanemi Warriors today won a third Nigerian FA Cup after they defeated Abia Warriors 2-0 in the final of the cup competition played in Lagos.
Ibrahim Salihu netted a brace for the Maiduguri club. He hit target in the 31st and 65th minutes.
This was after the Abia Warriors goalkeeper Ali Ishaku saved a penalty as early as the 12th minute.
El Kanemi, who previously won the cup in 1991 and 1992, will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup.
They have also regained their place in the NPFL after they won promotion during an NNL playoff.
In the women’s version of the President Federation Cup, Rivers Angels pipped Naija Ratels 1-0 to win the competition.
WAFU B U20 ¦ Ghana’s Black Satellites To Play Royal Antwerp U23, K. Rumstse SK, In Friendly Matches
Ghana’s Under-20 male national team, the Black Satellites, have arrived in France for a three-week tour in Europe in preparation for the 2024 WAFU B U20 tournament.
Head Coach Desmond Ofei and his 22-man squad arrived in France on Thursday June 27, 2024, to kickstart the European training tour.
The Black Satellites will play in a series of friendly matches in France and also in Belgium.
The team will battle Belgian outfit KV Mechelen on Tuesday July 2, 2024 at the K. Rumstse SK, Doelhaagstraat, 70, Tourcoing, Nord before facing Royal Antwerp U23 side on Sunday July 19, 2024 at the Oude Bosuilbaan 54a, 2100, Antwerp.
The Ghanaian team will hold regular training sessions at the Rue de l’Union à 70, Tourcoing, Stadium, Nord.
Coach Desmond Ofei will use the three week training period to trim the rough edges of the team in preparation for the 2024 WAFU B U20 tournament.
The Black Satellites have regrouped for the first time since their Gold winning feat at the 2023 All Africa Games
Why Bank PHB MD, Francis Atuche’s Conviction Stands After 13-Years Of Trial – Supreme Court
After about 13 years of trial, the Supreme Court, on Friday morning upheld the conviction of the former Managing Director of the defunct Bank PHB Plc, Mr Francis Atuche.
In the unanimous judgment read by Justice Moore Adumein, the Supreme Court held that the appellant, Francis Atuche, did not attempt to dislodge the finding of the trial court and the Court of Appeal on his credibility.
The court in relying on its previous decisions to the effect that where the decision of a trial court on the demeanor of a party or witness is supported by the documentary evidence tendered, an appellate court has no business in tampering with the decision of the court.
In conclusion, the court held that the appellant had not given it any reason to tamper with the concurrent finding of the two lower courts.
Mr. Atuche, his wife, Elizabeth and one Mr. Ugo Anyanwu had been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2011 before Justice Lateefat Okunnu of the Lagos High Court in a prosecution that was handled by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Kemi Pinheiro on behalf of the EFCC.
The trio were arraigned on a 27 count amended information over a N25.7 billion fraud.
On June 16, 2021, Justice Okunnu in a judgment that lasted about 12 hours, convicted Atuche alongside a former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Ugo Anyanwu.
The court convicted the duo on 21 of the 27-count amended charge of conspiracy to commit felony and stealing brought against them by the EFCC.
Justice Okunnu held that the EFCC successful proved its case against the convicts beyond reasonable doubt.
Atuche and Anyanwu were sentenced 12 years and and 10 years respectively by the High Court.
However, it was reduced by the Court of Appeal, with Atuche getting six years while Anyanwu got eight years.
She freed Atuche’s wife, Elizabeth on the grounds that the EFCC failed to link her to the crime. The court insisted that suspicion no matter how strong cannot take the place of fact.
The judge held that it was not proven that she was aware of the source of the funds she received into her account from her husband and she had no powers to take any decision to influence the transaction.
The convicts were to serve their jail terms at the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Facility in Lagos.
Dissatisfied with the judgment, the convicts approached the appeal court and on the 23rd of June, 2022, the Court of Appeal affirmed the conviction of both men.
The appellate court also clarified that Atuche’s jail term, as handed down by the lower court, is six years concurrently, rather than 12 years.
The Justices, however, reduced Anyanwu’s sentence from 10 years to eight years.
They also upheld the discharge and acquittal of Atuche’s wife, Elizabeth.
On further appeal to the Supreme Court, the apex court earlier this year heard Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Wole Olanipekun leading Chief Anthony Idigbe and Prof. Fidelis Oditah in the appeal which was initiated by Mr. Atuche against his conviction, while Dr. Kemi Pinheiro who held the fiat of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation led the team of lawyers representing the State including Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sebastine Hon.
The unanimous decision of the Supreme Court this morning brings to finality this criminal charge after over thirteen years.
Suspected Killer Of Glory Adekolure, A UNIBEN Fresh Graduate, Apprehended In Asaba – Police Confirms
Edo State police command has confirmed the arrest of the suspected murderer of a University of Benin (UNIBEN) fresh graduate known as Glory Adekolure, 15-days after the deceased was declared missing.
According to the Edo state Police commissioner, Funsho Adegboye, the suspect was nabbed in Asaba Delta State.
See Also ¦
Baba Ijesha ¦ Three Reasons Appeal Court Upheld Nollywood Actor’s 5-Year Jail Term Conviction
Glory Adekolure had gone for her final clearance on June 13, however, it was her dead body that was found under a tree on a street in Iyowa community, Benin city.
Funsho added that, the suspect who confessed to the killing of Glory Adekolure, and seven other young women, is yet to be paraded as investigation is still ongoing, says the Police commissioner.
Tobi Amusan Eligible To Participate In Paris 2024 Olympics As CAS Dismisses Doping Case
Nigeria’s 100m hurdles world record holder Tobi Amusan has been cleared to run in the Paris Olympics after the sport’s top court on Friday dismissed appeals against the decision to clear her of a doping offence.
Amusan, 27, was charged in July 2023 with missing three anti-doping tests in 12 months but was cleared of the offence by the Disciplinary Tribunal of the sport’s governing body, World Athletics.
However, World Athletics and the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against that decision.
CAS said in a statement that its panel “unanimously acknowledged that the athlete committed two filing failures but did not confirm the existence of a missed test, alleged by WA and WADA, which would have been the third Whereabouts Failure committed within 12 months.”
Amusan set the world record of 12.12 seconds in the world championships in Eugene, Oregon, in July 2022 and went on to win the title.
She finished sixth in the world championships in Budapest last year.
World Athletics’ anti-doping rules say any athlete failing to declare their whereabouts for a doping test on three occasions over 12 months is ineligible to compete for two years.
How Men With Low Sperm Count Can Impregnate Women
Having a low sperm count can significantly make it more difficult to conceive naturally, and although it only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg, the journey getting there can be a tough one! So, the more sperm your partner has, the better, but it is possible to get pregnant if your partner has low sperm count, even with no treatment.
Male factor infertility is a typical problem but conception itself is a complex process with numerous hurdles. Fortunately, if your partner suffers from male infertility, you and your partner can still have biological children. Treatment can increase your chances, and options are available.
The first step to treating male infertility is finding out what is likely causing it. If you have been unsuccessful in your attempts to conceive, it is time to work with a fertility clinic near you. You and your partner can increase your chances of conception by talking to a healthcare provider. You could consider trying assisted reproductive therapies like IVF using donor sperm. As long as a man produces some amount of sperm, there’s a chance he could get a woman pregnant. In fact, some couples dealing with low sperm counts or abnormal sperm are still able to conceive without any additional interventions. But others might need help in the form of fertility treatments. If you and your partner haven’t been able to get pregnant after trying for a year, consult with your doctors.
See Also ¦
Why Cooked Food Shouldn’t Be Refrigerated For More Than 3 Days – NAFDAC Advices
A low sperm count, also called oligospermia, is where a man has fewer than 15 million sperm per milli-litre of semen, while the average is around 75 million sperm per millilitre of semen. This condition is often a major cause of male infertility. There are many reasons why a man might have a low sperm count, and in some cases, it may not be obvious as to what’s causing the problem. Some common risk factors can include being obese, having experienced trauma or surgery in or around the testicles, and taking certain medications that can interfere with sperm production.
A man’s sperm count can be low for a variety of reasons, and in some circumstances, the cause may not be visible. Obesity, testicular damage or surgery, and the use of certain drugs that can interfere with sperm production are also common risk factors. Other risk factors for low sperm count include smoking, which impacts sperm volume, count, and motility. Drinking alcohol might lead to impotence and lower sperm quality.
Drug usage can disrupt hormone levels and cause DNA harm. Approximately one third of marijuana consumers have decreased sperm counts. Diabetes is associated with reduced levels of testosterone. Luckily, most of these are related to lifestyle choices and environmental factors that can easily be changed in order to reverse the effects of infertility.
To increase the chances of conception, men that have a low sperm count should consider incorporating certain lifestyle choices that can help increase sperm production and overall wellbeing by doing things such as obtaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Men can have surgery to remove sperm transport blockages or swollen veins (varicocele), albeit this is a rare option. Hormone treatments and pharmaceuticals can address infertility caused by high or low hormone levels, as well as issues with hormone metabolism. But the fact is that pregnancy with low sperm count may necessitate fertility treatment and several factors contribute to successful conception.
The bottom line is that a healthy sperm must reach a matured egg and fertilize it. As said earlier, if a man has a low sperm count, there are substantially fewer sperms available to try that voyage, reducing the chances of conception significantly.
Treatment for male infertility varies depending on the cause but the majority of treatments for men with significantly low sperm counts or motility are mostly effective with combination of IVF and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The multi-step procedure stimulates ovulation so that matured eggs can be collected from you and fertilized in the lab and the healthiest embryo(s) are then transferred into your uterus
IVF has a high rate of success, but by combining IVF with ICSI, the success rate can be increased even further for men with low sperm count. ICSI involves collecting a sperm sample and cleansing it to isolate the strongest, healthiest sperm. Then a single sperm is collected and injected directly into the egg for fertilization. IVF with ICSI is often the best treatment option for men with low sperm count. If you’re still not having any luck getting pregnant with your partner after several failed attempts, then treatment might be the next step for both of you to take. Just keep on trying, there’s always the possibility that you can conceive successfully with him.
Baba Ijesha ¦ Three Reasons Appeal Court Upheld Nollywood Actor’s 5-Year Jail Term Conviction
The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal on Thursday upheld a previous ruling by a Lagos State High Court, confirming a five-year prison sentence for Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, also known as Baba Ijesha, for the sexual assault of a minor aged 14.
The Court of Appeal, in a judgment delivered by Justice Folashade Ojo, upheld the conviction of Baba Ijesha on two counts, specifically indecent touching and sexual assault of a 14-year-old minor.
Justices Abdullahi Bayero and Paul Bassi concurred with the lead judgment, aligning themselves with Justice Folashade Ojo’s decision.
Justice Folashade Ojo delivered a judgment setting aside Baba Ijesha’s conviction for indecent treatment and sexual assault, citing that the testimony of the prosecution’s witness (PW1), Damilola Adekoya, was hearsay, and therefore, unreliable.
However, Justice Ojo ruled that the testimony of Adekoya was a credible eyewitness account of the events that occurred on April 19, 2021 and that eyewitness testimony is a reliable and effective way to prove the commission of a crime.
Furthermore, the court noted that the appellant had voluntarily confessed to the crime committed on April 19, 2021, and failed to dispute or challenge Adekoya’s statement throughout the entire proceedings.
Justice Ojo observed that the appellant made two confessional statements, one at the Sabo Police Station in Lagos State on April 19, 2021, and another at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti on April 28, 2021, both of which were admitted as evidence in court.
Baba Ijesha had appealed his conviction in April, stating that, the event that led to his arrest and arraignment was a set up.
Why CBN Issued Fresh Guidelines On How DMBs Should Deposit Foreign Currency Notes
The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued new guidelines for Deposit Money Banks regarding the deposit of foreign currency notes.
This directive was detailed in a circular issued by the Director of Currency Operations, Mohammed Solaja, and posted on the bank’s website on Friday.
The CBN specified that each bank is allowed a maximum daily deposit of $10 million in USD 100 and USD 50 notes.
These deposits can only be made at the CBN branches in Abuja and Lagos.
In the circular with reference number COD/DIR/INT/CIR/001/016, the apex bank directed that DMBs must notify the CBN in writing of their intention to make such deposits at least three working days in advance.
See Also¦
Why Cooked Food Shouldn’t Be Refrigerated For More Than 3 Days – NAFDAC Advices
Additionally, for smaller denominations of $20 notes and below, the maximum daily deposit is set at $1 million.
“To deepen the foreign exchange market, boost liquidity, and attain convergence in the exchange rates of the parallel and official markets, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved that DMBs may deposit their excess foreign currency notes with Lagos and Abuja branches of the bank.
“The approval is a response to the increasing demand by DMBs to deposit their forex cash with CBN for onward credit to their off-shore accounts with correspondent banks”, CBN said.
Maduka Okoye – Though I Let Nigerians Down During AFCON 2021, But I Learn From The Error
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, has revealed that he had a sleepless night after his error cost the Super Eagles a place in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Recall that a few minutes into the second half, Youssef Msakni fired a shot from outside the penalty area, which Okoye should have done better with but couldn’t, and that resulted in a goal for Tunisia and led to Nigeria’s exit from the tournament.
His howler didn’t go down well with Nigerians, as they criticized him heavily on social media.
However, in a recent interview with OmaSports TV, the Udinese goalkeeper stated that the pain still exists in his mind.
“At that moment, I told myself I should have done better. It pains me till today, to be honest.
“You could see it was a mistake because I had to keep the ball out of the goal. If I want to play at Inter Milan, then I have to do better in such situations.
“I’ve been training hard, improving in the last two years because I don’t want things like that to happen again.
“Mistakes happen, last week, Manuel Neuer, who is one of the best, made a mistake. It’s part of the game, and it was hard for me as a young boy to go through it after it happened.
“I’m not just talking about what I read on social media, it’s more about the feeling of letting your teammates down, your family down, and letting your country down.
“At this stage, I’m not even reading the nonsense on social media anymore. Some people still talk bad about Cristiano Ronaldo despite his achievements.
“People will always say something bad about you. I know myself that I didn’t do good in that situation, and I know that I let my teammates and my country down in that situation.
“And I’m still to this day unhappy and sad about it, and I wish I could do differently, but it happened and I learned from my mistake.”
#Chivido2024 | All You Need To Know As Davido Officially Weds Chioma In Lavish Ceremony
All You Need To Know As Davido Officially Weds Chioma In Lavish Ceremony
Davido’s grand wedding event, tagged #Chivido2024, was nothing short of a gathering of dignitaries from different walks of life.
WAFCON 2024 And AFCON 2025 To Take Place In July And December 2025 Respectively, Morocco To Host Both Competitions
The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Executive Committee (“EXCO”) today announced the dates of Africa’s most popular and competitive football competition, the Africa Cup of Nations (“AFCON”) which will take place in Morocco.
The dates of the AFCON Morocco 2025 are:
Opening Match: Sunday 21 December 2025
Final Match: Sunday 18 January 2026
The CAF EXCO also announced the dates of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (“WAFCON”) which is growing exponentially and will also be hosted in Morocco.
The dates of the WAFCON Morocco 2024 are:
Opening Match: Saturday 5 July 2025
Final Match: Saturday 26 July 2025
The President of CAF Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “I am confident that the s
AFCON Morocco 2025 will be extremely successful and will be the best AFCON in the history of this competition. I am also impressed by the enormous growth of Women’s Football in Africa and I am expecting the WAFCON Morocco 2024 to be immensely successful.
The announcement of the dates of the AFCON Morocco 2025 took much longer than expected, as there were complex and at times challenging discussions with various interested parties, in the light of the extensive International and Domestic Match Calendars. CAF is committed to protecting and advancing the interests of African players, playing in football clubs in Europe and worldwide.
CAF is also committed to building mutually beneficial relationships with the ECA, UEFA, other Football Confederations and FIFA.
We will continue to make significant progress in developing and ensuring that African Football is globally competitive and amongst the best in the World.
CAF is grateful to King Mohamed VI of Morocco, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (“FRMF”), its President Fouzi Lekjaa, the Government and people of Morocco for hosting the AFCON Morocco 2025 and the WAFCON Morocco 2024.”
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football President Mr Fouzi Lekjaa said: “We hope that the AFCON Morocco 2025 will be the best event to honour Africa and Morocco will make available the best conditions to host the rest of Africa and the World.”
The CAF EXCO also resolved to host the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Kinshasa, DRC on Thursday 10 October 2024. Decisions were also taken to open bids to host:
The CAF Women’s Champions League 2024
The CAF U17 AFCON
The CAF U20 AFCON
The CAF Awards 2024
CAF has received attractive proposals from the Middle East for hosting the CAF Super Cup 2024 which will feature Egyptian giants, Al Ahly SC, Winners of the CAF Champions League and Zamalek SC, Winners of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Why Cooked Food Shouldn’t Be Refrigerated For More Than 3-Days ¦ NAFDAC Reveals
The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Administration and Control, Prof Moji Adeyeye, has urged Nigerians to refrain from storing cooked food in the refrigerator for more than three days.
Adeyeye warned that cooked food stored in the refrigerator for days is susceptible to contamination by disease-causing pathogens, key agents of foodborne diseases that can lead to death.
Adeyeye made this known in a statement on Tuesday signed by the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola.
Adeyeye, who said this in commemoration of the 2024 World Food Safety Day with the theme, ‘Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected’, urged stakeholders in the food supply chain to take deliberate actions to institute a food safety culture in their operations to mitigate food hazards and risks that could compromise food safety.
The World Food Safety Day celebrated annually on June 7 was established by the United Nations General Assembly task force in 2018 to raise awareness and encourage efforts to prevent, detect and address public health risks linked to unsafe food.
The statement partly read, “She however, urged Nigerians to refrain from storing cooked food in the refrigerator for more than three days, warning that cooked food stored in the refrigerator for days is susceptible to contamination by disease-causing pathogens, key agents of foodborne diseases that can lead to death.”
Adeyeye remarked that food safety is not only important for public health but a sine qua non for economic development and food security.
She noted that food safety is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone from producers to consumers needs to play their part to ensure food safety.
According to her, the campaign aims to promote global food safety awareness to strengthen efforts of preventing, detecting, and managing foodborne risks globally by highlighting the importance of being prepared for food safety incidents.
“Let us all stay true to the statements ‘food safety is everyone’s business’ and ‘food safety is a shared responsibility’ as we celebrate this year’s World Food Safety Day. Working together, we will continue to strengthen our food safety system, ensuring its resilience, robustness, and preparedness for the unexpected,” she said.
According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 600 million – almost one in 10 people in the world – fall ill after eating contaminated food, and 420,000 die every year, resulting in the loss of 33 million healthy life years.
WHO said $110bn is lost yearly in productivity and medical expenses resulting from unsafe food in low- and middle-income countries.
Also, the Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Mrs Eva Edwards, alerted that foodborne diseases are expensive, yet they are preventable.
Edwards emphasised the significance of food as a necessity for human life, stressing that it can also be a source of harm if not handled properly.
She stated that food safety emergency response must be anchored on a multisectoral, collaborative, integrated one-health approach across the health, agriculture, and environment sectors, the tiers of government including relevant external partners and non-governmental organisations.
‘’Let’s all play our part in promoting the culture of good hygiene practices in our homes, communities, and food establishments. Together we can ensure a safer and healthier food supply for everyone,” she noted.
2024 COSAFA Cup Fixtures ¦ South Africa Begin Campaign Against Mozambique At Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
For the second year in a row the COSAFA Cup will kick-off with a clash between Eswatini and Botswana, though on this occasion it will be at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha as the June 26-July 7 tournament gets under way.
The fixture at 15h00 CAT is a repeat of last year’s opener, where a goal from Lebogang Ditsele helped Botswana to a 1-0 win.
Hosts South Africa will meet Mozambique in the second Group A clash at the same venue, which has a 18h00 kick-off.
That is sure to be a feisty tie between the neighbours, and a fascinating fixture between two sides who love to attack.
Zimbabwe return to the prestigious regional showpiece competition for the first time since 2021 and open their Group B campaign against Comoros on June 27 (kick-off 15h00). That match will also be at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
There will be a heavyweight clash between record seven-time winners, and defending champions, Zambia when they take on East African guest nation Kenya on the same day at 18h00.
Kenya will be making their second COSAFA Cup appearance having debuted in 2013 when they went out in the pool stages.
Kenya will be the fifth highest ranked side in the tournament and have made a solid start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with a win and two draws from their four games to date.
The first games in Group C are also at the iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup venue as last year’s beaten finalists Lesotho take on Seychelles at 15h00 and Angola face-off against Namibia at 18h00.
After those games the action will switch to the Wolfson Stadium until the final round of group games that are played simultaneously when the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium returns as a venue.
It will remain the tournament host through the semifinals (July 5), bronze-medal match and final (both July 7).
Full Fixtures
DATEKO TIMEGROUPFIXTUREVENUE26/0615h00AEswatini vs BotswanaNelson Mandela Bay Stadium26/0618h00ASouth Africa vs MozambiqueNelson Mandela Bay Stadium27/0615h00BComoros vs ZimbabweNelson Mandela Bay Stadium27/0618h00BZambia vs KenyaNelson Mandela Bay Stadium28/0615h00CLesotho vs SeychellesNelson Mandela Bay Stadium28/0618h00CAngola vs NamibiaNelson Mandela Bay Stadium29/0612h00AMozambique vs EswatiniWolfson Stadium29/0615h00ASouth Africa vs BotswanaWolfson Stadium30/0612h00BKenya vs ComorosWolfson Stadium30/0615h00BZambia vs ZimbabweWolfson Stadium01/0712h00CAngola vs SeychellesWolfson Stadium01/0715h00CNamibia vs LesothoWolfson Stadium02/0712h00BKenya vs ZimbabweWolfson Stadium02/0712h00BComoros vs ZambiaNelson Mandela Bay Stadium02/0715h00AMozambique vs BotswanaWolfson Stadium02/0715h00ASouth Africa vs EswatiniNelson Mandela Bay Stadium03/0715h00CNamibia vs SeychellesWolfson Stadium03/0715h00CLesotho vs AngolaNelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Fake EFCC Officials ¦ Chijioke, Adekunle Sentenced To 46-Years Imprisonment For Impersonation
Two men, Ugwu Chijioke and Ibrahim Adekunle, have been sentenced to 46 years in prison for impersonating operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and executing a fake court order.
According to a statement on X on Sunday, the duo were arrested in May 2021 at New Horizon Estate, Lekki, Lagos, following credible intelligence received by the commission.
At the time of their arrest, they were caught in the act of carrying out an illegal operation.
Items recovered from them at the point of arrest included fake EFCC identity cards, jackets, and a court order allegedly from Mushin Magistrate Court.
They were subsequently arraigned on October 12, 2021, by the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC on on a five-count charge, amended to include impersonation, attempted property fraud, possession of false documents, and unlawful wear of the EFCC uniform.
The suspects were arraigned before Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, where they pleaded guilty to the charges.
After their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, Abdulhamid Tukur, presented a review of the case facts, demonstrating their guilt.
Tukur then requested the court to deliver a guilty verdict and impose the corresponding sentences.
Justice Abike-Fadipe found them guilty as charged on counts one, two, three, four and five.
The defendants, who were given an opportunity to address the court, pleaded for mercy.
Delivering judgment, Justice Abike-Fadipe sentenced the defendants each to seven years on counts one to three each, one year on count four and eight months on count five.
The sentences are to run concurrently.
One of the counts reads: “ That you, Ugwu Pascal Chijioke and Ibrahim Sadiq Adekunle, on or about the 12th day of May, 2021 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, attempted to obtain property from one Oriyomi Johnson under the pretext that the “Chief Magistrate Court, Lagos State Judiciary, Mushin, Lagos” issued an Order to the effect that the property located at New Horizon Estate, Lekki- Ikate, Lagos be seized and the said apartment sealed pending the arrival of the said Oriyomi Johnson ,which representation you knew to be false and committed an offence of attempt to obtain property by false pretense contrary to Sections 8(b) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section11(3) of the same Act.”
Another count reads, “That you, Ugwu Pascal Chijioke and Ibrahim Sadiq Adekunle, on or about the 12th day of May, 2021 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court not being a person holding any office in or authority of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, wore a jacket bearing the official mark of the Commission ,which was calculated to convey the impression that you held such authority and committed an offence of unlawfully wearing the uniform of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission contrary to Section 79(1) (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.”
NFF Assures Nigerians A Place At The 2026 FIFA World Cup As Finidi Quits As Super Eagles Coach
Finidi George has left his job as coach of the Super Eagles after just two games in charge of the team without a win.
Finidi George’s departure follows a 2-1 loss to Benin Republic on matchday 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, leaving the Super Eagles without a win in four games.
His exit was confirmed by former Eagles media officer, Toyin Ibitoye, on his X account on Saturday.
He wrote, “News just in. Finidi George #FinidiGeorge_FG has resigned from his #NGSuperEagles manager position.”
Also, a source within the NFF who confirmed the development stated that the federation is looking at employing another manager for the team. He also hinted that the federation is exploring the possibility of reducing the head coach’s salary.
The 53-year-old was unveiled as coach of the Super Eagles in May following the departure of Portuguese tactician Jose Peseiro at the end of the 2023 African Cup of Nations in February. However, in March, the former Enyimba boss took charge of the team interim for the doubleheader international friendly against Ghana and Mali.
We’ll ensure we qualify for the World Cup – NFF
With Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Ibrahim Gusau, says the Federation will take all necessary steps to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The NFF boss said this on Thursday in Abuja, shortly after a closed-door meeting with the Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, to address Nigeria’s poor results in the qualifiers.
He said the NFF would continue to work closely with the sports ministry and other stakeholders to fashion out a winning template for the Super Eagles.
“It’s a very sad moment for Nigerian football. We cannot run away from that. But all I want to assure is that we are working tirelessly in conjunction with the minister to see that we come out with holistic measures that will change the face of the entire system so that we can move forward.
“Don’t forget, it is still possible, and I want to assure you that we are going to fight it to the latter and Nigeria will qualify for the World Cup.
“This is not something I will just say it now but very soon you are going to see major steps that NFF would come out with and by the grace of God, those measures that we are going to take will lead us to qualify for the next World Cup,” he said.
COSAFA Cup 2024 Draw¦ Zambia Seek To Become 1st Team To Clinch Three Titles In A Row
Hosts South Africa and Botswana will lock horns yet again in the most played fixture in COSAFA Cup history when the prestigious regional tournament is staged from June 26-July 7.
The draw for the 12 teams pitted the neighbours together for the ninth COSAFA Cup tournament in a row, with Botswana yet to win outright in any of their 12 previous meetings.
Mozambique and Eswatini make up the other sides in what is sure to be a hotly contested Group A.
Record seven-time winners Zambia will be looking to become the first team to win three COSAFA Cup titles in a row and also face a fascinating set of fixtures in Group B, which puts them against old foes Zimbabwe and Comoros. The fourth team in that pool will be confirmed in due course.
Last year’s runners-up Lesotho are in Group C along with three-time winners Angola, 2015 champions Namibia and Seychelles.
The pool games will be played from June 26-July 3, with the semifinals on July 5 and the final and third-place play-off to be staged two days later.
The format ensures each country will play a minimum of three games up to a maximum of five over the course of the competition. It also allows for an extra days’ rest between most pool games, a boost for player welfare.
The 22 previous editions of the COSAFA Cup have seen some great performances and incredible games that have been written into the folklore of Southern African football, but only five nations can claim to have lifted the coveted trophy.
Zambia went back-to-back in 2023 and now sit along at the top of the list of most titles with seven. That is one more than Zimbabwe, with South Africa (five), Angola (three) and Namibia (one) the only other teams to claim regional glory.
Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana and Lesotho have all been finalists twice, but ended up on the losing side on both occasions. Two-time guest nation Senegal are the only other national to reach the decider but lost to South Africa in 2021.
THE 2024 COSAFA CUP DRAW
GROUP A
South Africa
Mozambique
Eswatini
Botswana
GROUP B
Zambia
Team to be confirmed
Comoros
Zimbabwe
GROUP C
Angola
Namibia
Lesotho
Seychelles
All matches at this year’s COSAFA Cup will be broadcast live on our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@citysportng, and Afrique sports
Eid-El-Kabir ¦ FG Announces June 17th, 18th As Public Holidays, Urges Spirit Of Peace Among Nigerians
The federal government has declared Monday and Tuesday, 17 and 18 June, public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
This was contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Aishetu Ndayako, on Friday in Abuja.
She stated that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the federal government, congratulated all Muslim Ummah at home and in the Diaspora.
He urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to imbibe the spirit of peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him).
Mr Tunji-Ojo also urged them to use the period to pray for unity, prosperity and the country’s stability.
The minister assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.
While wishing the Muslim Ummah a happy celebration, the minister advised all Nigerians to take responsibility in the resolve to hand over a prosperous Nigeria to our children.
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier ¦ Rwanda Amavubi Will Entertain Super Eagles At The Newly Refurbished Amahoro Stadium
It has been confirmed that Amavubi of Rwanda will host Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
The Rwandan national team had played their previous home games at the King Pele Stadium due to the unavailability of the Amahoro Stadium.
Amahoro was undergoing renovations and FIFA and CAF finally approved the stadium for international games on Friday.
The Amavubi will host Super Eagles on day 6 of the World Cup qualifier in March 2026 after they might have visited the same opponent in day 5.