Tag: nigeria

18Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Onyeka helps 10-man Brentford beat Wolverhampton Wanderers

  The Nigeria midfielder played a role as the Bees grabbed their second league win of the season Frank Onyeka came off the bench as 10-man Brentford stunned Wolverhampton Wanderers in Saturday's Premier League match. The 23-year-old replaced Sergi Canos in the 68th minute, four minutes after Shandon Baptiste was given his marching orders after his second yellow card. The outing was Onyeka's third Premier League appearance of the season following his permanent switch from Midtjylland in August  

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17Sep By BobbyNo Comments

News

Sheikh Gumi promoting banditry, should be probed – CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has accused controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi of promoting banditry in Northern Nigeria. CAN alleged that Gumi was responsible for the increasing banditry activities in the North. Rev Divine Eche, the chairman of the Imo State chapter of CAN, made the remark while addressing journalists in Abuja. Eche also called on the government to review Gumi’s activities in a bid to checkmate insecurity in the North. “You can’t, in a sane nation, have the likes of Sheikh Gumi, a religious scholar, going about promoting banditry and you don’t think that this will continue. “Yet, that is what we are seeing today. We are not seeing anything more than what we have planted. “We allowed this thing (insecurity) to continue and it is no...

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17Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

How Nigeria can host FIFA competitions – Infantino

FIFA President, Mr Gianni Infantino, on Thursday, revealed how Nigeria can be made a destination for FIFA competitions and top Grade A football matches. The FIFA boss gave the insight in Abuja when Sunday Dare, Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports Development, took him on a tour of the renovated main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. Infantino, who was visibly happy with the re-grassed pitch at the stadium, said well-maintained stadia with good pitches were key to hosting grade A matches. He said FIFA was ready to work more closely with Nigeria to develop the game and host more grade A matches in the country. “We (FIFA) have to make sure when a country, when a government with the President, the minister and private persons are investing in football, in stadiums, ...

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15Sep By MosesianNo Comments

News

Nigeria surpasses 200,000 coronavirus infections since Feb 2020 when first infection was identified – NCDC

Nigeria has surpassed 200,000 covid-19 cases 18 months after the first positive case was identified in an Italian traveller on Feb. 27, 2020, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease (NCDC). The NCDC, on Wednesday morning, September 15, via its official website said that Nigeria’s COVID-19 cases had jumped to 200,057. Since the disease brought about a worldwide pandemic early March, COVID-19 has sickened and killed millions all over the world . The NCDC announced it had registered 519 additional COVID-19 infections on Tuesday from 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory representing an increase from the 387 cases reported on Monday. The agency also reported 18 deaths on Tuesday, to push the tally of deaths in the country to 2,637. “The 519 new cases are reported from 1...

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14Sep By BobbyNo Comments

News

NSCDC loses officer in Jigawa road crash

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa State has confirmed the death of DSC Idris Lawan. The spokesman, CSC Adamu Shehu in a statement on Minday said Lawan died in a fatal crash. The accident occurred on the Kano-Hadejia road while the deceased was on his way to Malam Madori town. Shehu was Malam Madori was Lawan’s place of primary assignment. The Commandant, Mustapha Talba has commiserated with the family and personnel of the corps. Talba prayed to God to have mercy on the departed soul and look after his family. Lawan joined the NSCDC in 2010 as ASC II and served in various capacities. He was Acting Divisional Officer, Kafin Hausa, and Divisional Officer, Kafin-Hausa and Maigatari until his passing.

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13Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Celebs

Stop Praying for Nigeria – Seun Kuti

Singer Seun Kuti has asked Pastors and Imam to stop asking their congregants to pray for Nigeria. According to the singer, clerics should start telling their congregants to fight for the country instead. He backed this up by pointing out that Pastors who underperformed in their churches, were sacked and not prayed for. Kuti added that girls who accused Pastors of raping them weren't prayed for, including men who accused Pastors of sleeping with their wives. He concluded by stating that Nigerians should fight for the country. He wrote; Switch up the sermon! I mean when some Pastors in some churches weren’t performing, we didn’t pray for them, we sacked them ( fought) from office. When some girls say some pastors raped them we didn’t pray for them na. When one man say one pasto...

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12Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Nigeria makes impact in track Cycling Championship

Nigeria is doing well at the ongoing 2021 Tissot International Cycling Union (UCI) Championship in Cali, Colombia. Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Giandomenico Massari, made this known while congratulating Nigerian female track cyclists taking part in the event. Massari told the News Agency of Nigeria in an interview on Saturday in Abuja that the Nigerian team was chalking up points in the competition. “We are acquiring points and the Olympic qualification is based on continent and in African for now we (Nigeria) are leading. “We have two African countries participating, Nigeria and South Africa. “Although Nigeria is not as experienced as the other countries that have decades of experience, it is doing well. “This is...

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10Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Former Nigeria coach Oliseh says four-year cycle makes World Cup ‘exceptional’

Dialogues are currently ongoing about organisation of the global football showpiece after the Fifa Congress in May Former Nigeria midfielder and coach Sunday Oliseh believes the current four-year cycle of the Fifa World Cup makes it an 'exceptional' competition for players. Fifa are currently studying the impact of switching the men’s World Cup and the women’s World Cup to biennial competitions after 166 national federations voted in its favour during their last congress in May. Oliseh who played for Nigeria at the 1994 and 1998 editions of the global showpiece, dislcosed four-year cycle makes the World Cup memorable and he also suggested why African countries want the tournament to be organised every two years.

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10Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Cricket: Nigeria defeat Sierra Leone by five wickets in opener

Team Nigeria won their first game in the ongoing International Cricket Council Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers against Sierra Leone, in Gaborone Nigeria defeated their West African rivals by five wickets in the game played on Thursday at the Botswana Cricket Oval. Sierra Leone won the toss and elected to bat first. The team’s best performer in Aminata Kamara with 28 runs in 36 balls was not enough for the side as they settled for 102 runs in 20 overs for the loss of nine wickets. Nigeria came on to chase their opponents in the second innings, scoring 103 runs in 16 overs for the loss of five wickets. Nigeria’s captain Blessing Etim declared as the `Man of the Match’ with her 27 runs in 31 balls, including two boundary hits, underlined the team’s performance. “I am happ...

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10Sep By BobbyNo Comments

News

Biafra: Why Igbos should not leave Nigeria – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has highlighted why people of the Southeast should not leave Nigeria. Buhari said Igbos are fundamental to Nigeria’s growth and economy. Speaking in Owerri, Imo State on Thursday, Buhari said it would be “unthinkable” for Igbos to leave Nigeria. A statement by the president’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, disclosed that Buhari made the remark during a Town Hall meeting with Igbo leaders. According to Buhari: “The fundamental thing about the Igbo people is that there is no town you will visit in Nigeria without seeing the Igbos being in charge of either infrastructure or pharmaceutical industry. “Therefore, it is unthinkable for me that any Igbo man would consider himself not to be a part of Nigeria. “The evidence is there for everyone to see that Igb...

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10Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Why I chose Nigeria over England – Ike Ugbo

Genk forward, Ike Ugbo, has explained his decision to commit his international allegiance to Nigeria over England. Ugbo was born in Lewisham to a Nigerian father and has represented the Three Lions at Under-17 and Under-20 levels. Nevertheless, in 2020 the 22-year-old chose to play for the Super Eagles at senior level. In a chat with Sport Voetbal Magazine, he said: “I chose Nigeria and right now, we’re getting the papers in order. “The chance of playing at the Fifa World Cup is part of it. I think I have more chances with Nigeria than with England. “Also, I grew up with images of the [Nigeria] national team and always followed their strikers, especially the guys who came to England.”

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9Sep By BobbyNo Comments

News

VAT: Buhari govt must stop policies impeding true federalism – Afenifere

The Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has asked the Federal Government to stop its actions and policies that are impeding the practice of true federalism in Nigeria. Afenifere was reacting to the ruling by the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Value Added Tax, VAT. Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, while delivering judgments on August 9th in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/149/2020, filed by the Attorney General for Rivers State against the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Attorney General of the Federation had said that allowing the federal government, through FIRS, to continue to collect VAT will be negating the spirit of the federal system of government. Reacting, Afenifere commended the judge for the ru...

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8Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Osimhen to face Juventus as red card for Heymans challenge rescinded

The Nigeria international sat out of the triumph over Genoa, but will be available against the Old Lady on Saturday Victor Osimhen’s two-game ban for violent conduct against Daan Heymans during a Serie A game against Venezia has been rescinded following a successful appeal by Napoli. The Nigeria international was sent off during the first half of the Blues’ 2-0 victory by referee Gianluca Aureliano last month after he appeared to have hit Heymans during a corner kick. That was the second time the former Wolfsburg and Lille man had been sent off since the commencement of his professional career.

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8Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

One of the best – Cape Verde coach reacts to 2-1 defeat to Nigeria

Cape Verde head coach, Pedro ‘Bubista’ Leitão, has admitted they lost to one of the best teams in Africa, following their 2-1 defeat to Nigeria in a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday. The hosts took a shock lead through Bryan Tavares, but the Super Eagles levelled after Victor Osimhen reacted quickest to a loose ball. Gernot Rohr’s men then won the game thanks to a bizarre own goal midway through the second half. “Cape Verde doesn’t have to feel squeamish about losing to Nigeria. “Nigeria is one of the best teams in Africa. We have to have the guts and humility to know that Nigeria is also an extremely strong team and losing to Nigeria is not a bad thing. “An own goal is always difficult. It was a shame because it happened at a time when we were taking over the game, w...

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7Sep By BobbyNo Comments

News

Scarcity: NANS gives oil marketers 24-hour ultimatum to dispense fuel to Imo residents

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the umbrella body of all students’ organizations in Nigeria, on Thursday, warned petrol marketers in Imo State against hoarding Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) in order not to create hardship for Imolites. The students body, which gave this warning while briefing journalists at the NUJ secretariat Owerri, Imo State, said any fuel station that fails to dispense the FG subsidized petroleum products allocated to Imo State by Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, within the next 24 hours, “shall have us declaring such product found in such station FREE FOR ALL” Comr. Asefon Sunday Dayo, NANS National President, who spoke on behalf of the students said, “because our members are the worst hit and students in Imo State can no longer ...

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7Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Gomes announces shock retirement ahead of World Cup qualifier

Ricardo Gomes has quit the Cape Verde national team, hours before their World Cup qualifier against Nigeria on Tuesday. The Cape Verdean Football Federation had claimed the Partizan Belgrade star left the squad due to injury worries. However, Gomes has confirmed his international retirement. In a statement today, the 29-year-old who missed the 1-1 draw against the Central African Republic, said: “It is public knowledge at the moment that I am playing for Partizan FK club that participates in the Serbian championship. “However, during these years I have always honoured the calls, even in situations where professionally it would be advisable to refuse or temporarily abdicate our selection, placing our selection above my personal and professional ambitions and the ambiti...

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6Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Cape Verde vs Nigeria: Super Eagles, NFF clash over N1m match bonus after Liberia win

A row is brewing between the Super Eagles and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over match bonuses following their 2-0 win over Liberia last Friday. Kelechi Iheanacho scored twice in the first half as Gernot Rohr’s began their World Cup qualifying series with victory. After the game, the NFF informed the players their bonuses will be paid in Naira, according to OwnGoalNigeria. It is part of the federation’s policy for matches played on home soil. The players, however, rejected the sum of N1million the NFF offered as match bonuses. According to them, they did not agree to the said amount. This comes as the Eagles prepare for their qualifier away to Cape Verde.

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6Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

2022 World Cup Qualifiers: Why Kamara withdrew from Liberia camp ahead of Nigeria clash – Butler

The Turkey-based striker did not make his Lone Star debut against the Super Eagles having left the camp a few hours before kick-off Coach Peter Butler has disclosed why Mohammed Kamara left the Liberia camp before Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria. Thanks to his impressive displays at Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor, the 23-year-old earned his maiden Lone Star call-up for the fixtures against the Super Eagles and the Central African Republic. However, the striker absconded from the team’s base in Victoria Island and subsequently did not play any role in his team’s 2-0 defeat to the Super Eagles at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. Giving an account of why Kamara left without permission, the Englishman claimed the player must have been upset by his decision to exclude him ...

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3Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Nigeria vs Liberia: All you need to know about Super Eagles World Cup qualifier, TV schedule

Nigeria hosts Liberia in their first 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying game on Friday evening. The game will be played at the Teslim Balogun stadium in Lagos. Kick off is 5pm West African time. The Super Eagles have played the Lone Stars 14 times in the past across all competitions, winning nine times. The last time Nigeria lost to Liberia was in July 2000 during a World Cup qualifying campaign, with Christopher Wreh scoring twice. Gernot Rohr’s men will be looking to begin the series on a winning note, before they travel four days to face Cape Verde. The game will be aired live on Super Sports.

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3Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Nigeria vs Liberia: Lagos govt shuts down roads around stadium

The Lagos State Government has said roads leading to the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, will be closed from noon on Friday. Later in the day, Nigeria take on Liberia in a World Cup qualifying match at the stadium. In a statement on Thursday, Lagos government said there would be a temporary closure of roads at Service lane from Barracks by the tip of Stadium Bridge, Alaka service lane to connect the stadium. Movement from Kilo, Masha through Shitta bridge to the stadium will also be closed. Although the match starts 5pm, traffic leaving and coming into Surulere will be diverted at the Stadium from 12pm. Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, confirmed that vehicles would be barred from accessing Surulere from Teslim axis as from 12pm, incl...

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2Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Tino Anjorin: Lokomotiv Moscow sign Chelsea wonderkid on loan

The Nigeria prospect will continue his development at the RZD Arena under manager Marko Nikolic Chelsea have announced the departure of Tino Anjorin to Russian Premier League side Lokomotiv Moscow on loan. Despite his immense talent, the Nigeria prospect has been unable to break into Thomas Tuchel’s squad. However, in a bid to taste first-team action, he will represent the Steam Locomotive for the 2021-22 campaign. “Tino Anjorin, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder who made three men’s first-team appearances last season, is embarking on his first loan, with Lokomotiv Moscow his destination,” a statement from the Blues website read.  

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2Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

2022 World Cup Qualifiers: How Super Eagles can avoid Liberia upset – Kayode

Nigeria are eyeing a seventh World Cup berth, nonetheless, they must negotiate their way past Peter Butler’s men first Super Eagles must not underrate Liberia and must be efficient in front of goal if they are to neutralise the Lone Star’s plans of causing an upset in Lagos, according to experienced football administrator Olugbenga Kayode. The Super Eagles take on Peter Butler’s men as they commence their campaign for a ticket to the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar, on Friday. Although Gernot Rohr’s men are favourites to secure all points at stake, they have been warned towards avoiding a repeat of what happened in 2001. Then, Shaibu Amodu endured a tortuous route to pick a ticket to the 2002 World Cup – needing to beat Ghana 3-0 on the last day to shrug off Liberia by just one po...

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2Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Qatar 2022: Teslim Balogun Stadium gets face-lift ahead of Nigeria vs Liberia

The Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, now wears a new look ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying match between Nigeria and Liberia on Friday. A NAN correspondent who visited the stadium reported that groundsmen and other support staff were seen putting necessary final touches to the facility. There were also cleaners sweeping the spectators’ stands and the state box, while painters were also busy touching the railings and the stands. The Nigeria Television Authority Out Station Service bus, for official broadcast of the match, was also being mounted, the communication gadgets and the connection cables were also being laid. The newly installed grass pitch was not left behind as it was wearing a new look with water sprinklers turned on to wet the pitch....

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2Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Usiyen was Nigeria’s best striker, Dudu-Orumen Mourns

Edo State Sports Council boss, Godwin Dudu-Orumen, has described the late Super Eagles player, Thompson Usiyen, as the best striker to play for Nigeria. In a statement, Dudu-Orumen said, “Thompson Usiyen, a product of Hussey College, Warri, in the mid 70s, in my opinion was the best striker ever to play for Nigeria. “He could create chances for himself, dribbled well, headed well and could shoot with both foot. He was very skilful and technically gifted. “For his clubs, Ndoro Island FC and Asabatex FC, he played as attacking midfielder and often switched to central striking role with the same game. I don’t have the exact stats but l believe that in about 23 or 24 outings for the Green Eagles he must have scored about 18 goals. “A member of the Dire Dawa Eagles at the Et...

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2Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

2022 World Cup Qualifiers: Boboye warns Super Eagles ahead of Liberia clash

Going by the Fifa world rankings in August, Gernot Rohr's side are 116 places above their West African rivals Akwa United manager Kennedy Boboye has advised Nigeria not to underestimate Liberia in Friday’s 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying encounter in Lagos. The three-time African champions have previously played the Lone Stars 14 times across all competitions and they remain the dominant team with nine previous wins. The last time Nigeria lost to Liberia was in July 2000 during a World Cup qualifying campaign, with ex-Arsenal star Christopher Wreh scoring their two goals as Sunday Oliseh grabbed a consolation for the visitors in Monrovia.

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1Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Ademola Lookman: Leicester City sign winger from RB Leipzig

The Super Eagles prospect will represent Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes in the 2021-22 campaign after moving from the Bundesliga Leicester City have announced the signing of Nigeria prospect Ademola Lookman from RB Leipzig on loan. Following his inability to tie down a regular place in the Bundesliga outfit’s first team, the former England youth international was shipped to Fulham for the 2020-21 campaign. This season, however, he will feature for the King Power Stadium outfit who will be participating in the Europa League this season.  

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1Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Stephen Odey: Randers FC sign Genk striker on loan

  The Nigeria international will continue his professional career at the Danish Superliga side Danish top-flight side Randers have confirmed the signing of Nigeria international Stephen Odey from Genk. The striker, 23 - who began his professional career at NPFL side MFM – was loaned to the Danish Superliga side in a bid to get regular playing time. Since his transfer to the Belgian top-flight side from FC Zurich, Odey has struggled to justify his signing.  

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31Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

“It cost me 2.5 million to live in Nigeria for two months” UK-based woman who visited Nigeria says her heart bleeds for the poor in the country

A UK-based Twitter user who visited Nigeria took to Twitter to share her experience in the country. She said she spent 2.5 million Naira in two months, adding that "food is the most expensive commodity in Nigeria". She then goes on to say her heart bleeds for the poor in Nigeria. Her tweet reads: "Just got back from Nigeria and I can tell you now, 1m can not do much , It cost me  N2.5m to live in Nigeria for two months. Food is the most expensive commodity in Nigeria , my heart bleeds for the poor every time I go food shopping it is heart breaking."  

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30Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Nwakaeme’s winning goal steers Trabzonspor to third Super Lig win in a row

The Nigeria international maintained his fine start to the season with another effort that secured maximum points for the Black Sea Storm in Giresun Anthony Nwakaeme scored the winning goal as Trabzonspor defeated Giresunspor 1-0 in Sunday's Turkish Super Lig match. The 32-year-old has enjoyed a great start to the 2021-22 season, scoring at least a goal in each of the Black Sea Storm's first three league matches. Following Thursday's 3-0 loss to Roma in the Uefa Europa Conference League play-offs, Nwakaeme got Abdullah Avci's men back to winning ways with his goal.  

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26Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Recent killings ‘break my heart’ – Super Eagles captain Musa cries out after another Plateau attack

The Turkey-based star is worried about the killings of innocent lives in his home state back in Nigeria Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has expressed his sadness over the increasing spate of violence in Plateau State. Despite his commitment in the Turkish Super Lig, the Fatih Karagumruk star is following happenings in his home state and he has reacted to Tuesday night's attack in Yelwa Zangam village, in Jos North Local Government Area. According to local reports, no fewer than 16 persons were killed in the attack while several others are receiving treatment at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital.

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24Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

D’Tigers ranked 7th in Afrobasket Power rankings

Nigeria has been ranked No. 7 in the FIBA power rankings for the 2021 Afrobasket scheduled to hold from August 24 to September 5 in Kigali the Rwanda capital. The power rankings, which are different from the FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike, are based on the recent performances of the 16 teams that will battle in Kigali. Power rankings are determined by dividing the sum of all the winning points, tie points, schedule points and bonus points by the number of games played. Although Nigeria are ranked No. 1 in Africa according to the latest FIBA Nike rankings released early this month, their inability to attend the competition with the stars they took to the Olympics has adversely affected their chances on the ranking table. Nigeria showed up at Tokyo Olympics last mon...

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20Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Ex-Liverpool striker Awoniyi dazzles in Europa Conference League with brace and assist

The former Nigeria youth star delivered a five-star performance in the first-half of Thursday's encounter Taiwo Awoniyi scored a brace with an assist as Union Berlin cruised to comfortable 4-0 win over KuPS in a Uefa Europa Conference League play-off game. The former Liverpool forward started the first-half goal fest in Helsinki with his sixth-minute opener. A few minutes later, Awoniyi supplied Max Kruse to double Union Berlin's lead in the 29th minute and then he found the back of the net again two minutes later.

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17Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Celebs

If you Don’t have a Job in the UK or US, you are either Proud or Lazy – Actor Williams Uchemba

Actor Williams Uchemba has stated that those without jobs in the UK or US are either proud or lazy. According to the actor, uneducated people who work as cleaners or factory workers earn as much as £1,400 pounds (N980k) after tax in the UK, and he also claimed some bankers in Nigeria don't earn that much. Admitting that other bills might take most of the money back, Uchemba however stated that such people should be grateful that they have food and a roof over their heads. He concluded by stating that a system that works will always provide employment for its citizens.

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15Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Afcon 2021: Nigeria, Senegal and Algeria seeded as Caf announces draw procedure

The Super Eagles, Lions of Teranga and the Desert Foxes have been placed in separate groups ahead of Tuesday’s Afcon draw Reigning African champions Algeria, as well as Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco and hosts Cameroon have been named top seeds for Tuesday’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations draw. The ceremony billed for Yaounde Conference Centre will see the 24 participating teams zoned into six groups of four teams each as the competition gets underway in January 2022. In picking the seeded countries, the Confederation of African Football put into consideration the August version of the Fifa rankings – the last rating released before the date of the draw. Based on their status as hosts, the Indomitable Lions have been allocated in Pot 1, while the Desert Foxes – who emerged as cha...

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15Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Nigeria, Egypt, Cameroon seeded ahead of 2022 AFCON draws

Nigeria will know their group stage opponents at the next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, when the draws are conducted on Tuesday The Confederation of African Football on Saturday seeded the countries, with the three-time African champions in Pot A. The 24 teams that have qualified, will be divided into six groups of four teams each. The countries were allocated into four pots of six teams each, based on the latest FIFA World Rankings. The Super Eagles finished in third place at the last AFCON played in Egypt. The 2022 AFCON will be played from January 9 to February 6 in Cameroon The draw at the Palais du Congress will divide the entrants into six groups, from which all the winners and runners-up plus the best four third-placed teams will advance to the knoc...

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13Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

Dele-Bashiru: Reading complete loan signing of Watford midfielder

The Nigeria youth international has returned to the Championship to secure regular playing time with the Royals Reading have announced the signing of Tom Dele-Bashiru on a season-long loan from Watford. The 21-year-old will be looking to revive his career in the Championship this season after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury last October that ruled him out of action for the rest of the 2020-21 campaign. Dele-Bashiru played just two matches last season before he picked up the injury against Reading at Vicarage Road.

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12Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Super Eagles fall seven places in August FIFA ranking

Nigeria have dropped seven places in the FIFA rankings published today. The three-time African champions maintained their position in May, the last time the rating was released. However, that changed this time as there were international friendlies. The Super Eagles dropped from third to fifth in the continent and to the 34th spot globally, having accrued 1480 points. Nigeria failed to win any of their three international games, losing twice and settling for a draw once. Senegal are ranked first in Africa and 21st in the world with 1545 points, while Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles are now 28th globally and second in Africa after accruing 1515 points. Globally, Belgium retained top spot, while Euro 2020 winners Italy moved up into the top five behind runners-up England. ...

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10Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Onyeka: Nigeria midfielder’s jersey number at Brentford revealed

The Super Eagle has joined the English side, signing a five-year contract in the process Nigeria midfielder Frank Onyeka's jersey number at the Premier League side Brentford has been revealed. The newly-promoted side confirmed the arrival of the 23-year-old on July 20 from FC Midtjylland and signed a five-year deal. Since then he has been part of the team, taking part in friendly matches against Manchester United and Valencia.  

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10Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Salernitana reach agreement for Crotone’s Simy

Goal brings you all the latest news, rumours and deals related to African stars across the world Salernitana reach agreement for Crotone's Simy Serie A new boys Salernitana have found an agreement with Crotone for the signing of Simy Nwankwo. According to reports in Italy, the Garnets are to pay a figure close to €6 million including a bonus for the outright purchase of the Nigeria striker. Simy was in a hot goalscoring form last season but his contribution of 20 goals in 38 Serie A matches could not save Crotone from dropping to Serie B.

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9Aug By MosesianNo Comments

News

Falana demands arraignment dates of detained 800 Boko Haram suspects

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) has demanded for an update on the arrest of 800 Boko Haram suspects from Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN). The demand was made in a Freedom of Information request titled ‘Request for Information on Prosecution of Arrested 800 Boko Haram Suspects', which was signed by Sam Ogala on behalf of Falana and Falana chambers on August 5, 2021. The law firm which demanded for when the Boko Haram suspects would be arraigned in court, said the information should be provided within seven days in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. The statement read;   “In April, 2021, the governors expressed their reservations over the delay in the trial of the ter...

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7Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Tokyo Olympics: Nigeria’s Participation Ends after final loss

Team Nigeria have ended their participation at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. This follows Adijat Idris’ loss to Ukraine’s Oksana Livach on Friday in the women’s freestyle 50kg event of the wrestling competition. Idris was completely overwhelmed by her technically superior opponent in the round of 16 match. Livach recorded five technical points of two each in the fight which did not go beyond the first period. This loss by Idris brought to an end Team Nigeria’s competitive involvement in the Tokyo Olympics which ends on Sunday. Team Nigeria will fly back with only two medals: one silver and one bronze. Ese Brume won the country’s first medal, clinching bronze in the long jump, while Blessing Obodururu clinched a silver medal in the women’s freestyle 68...

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5Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Enyimba, Kwara United seal Caf slots as Kano Pillars and Nasarawa United stumble

It was a dramatic finish to the Nigerian top-flight campaign as the fifth and sixth-placed teams rose up to secure the last two continental tickets Enyimba and Kwara United have finished in the second and third spots in the 2020-21 Nigeria Professional Football League season respectively. Enyimba will join Akwa United in the Caf Champions League next season while Kwara United will participate in the Caf Confederation Cup. The People’s Elephants defeated Dakkada 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Thursday to end their four-game winless run on the road.

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5Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

Okoye: Super Eagles goalkeeper signs new long-term contract at Sparta Rotterdam

The 21-year-old has committed his future to the Castle Lords after an impressive debut season in the Dutch top-flight Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye signed a new contract with Sparta Rotterdam that will keep him at the Eredivisie club until 2025. A year ago, Okoye moved to Rotterdam on a free transfer following the expiry of his deal at Fortuna Dusseldorf where he developed his game within three years. The 21-year-old initially played two games for the reserve team in the Tweede Divisie before he broke into Henk Fraser's team, and he has established himself as the team's first-choice goalkeeper since then.

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5Aug By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

Nigeria estimated to have lost over N132.8bn in two months of Twitter ban

Nigeria is estimated to have lost N132.8bn ( approximately $366,88m) since Twitter was banned in Nigeria by the Federal Government. The Federal Government banned Twitter in Nigeria on June 4 and the ban came into effect on June 5. It's been 61 days since the ban came into effect. Calculating the cost impact of the ban on the NetBlocks Cost of Shutdown Tool shows that Nigeria has lost $366,877,817 in 61 days. According to the tool, Nigeria loses $250,600 for every hour Twitter is banned. The NetBlocks Cost of Shutdown Tool estimates the economic impact of an internet disruption, mobile data blackout or app restriction in a nation using indicators from the World Bank, International Telecommunication Union, Eurostat and U.S. Census.

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4Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Tokyo Olympics: Nigeria drop Four Places on Medals table

  Team Nigeria have dropped four places on the medals table as the Tokyo Olympics enter its 12th day. The West African country fell from 64th to 68th position. No Nigerian athlete qualified for finals in Wednesday’s events. In the events that had their finals today, no Nigerian qualified. Odunayo Adekuoroye lost her wrestling bout in the 57kg weight category. She was defeated by Anastasia Nichita of Moldova. Adekuoroye was leading 8-2 before Nichita won through a pin in the round of 16. Another wrestler, Ekerekeme Agiomor, also failed to progress to the semis. Ayomide Bello finished third in the Heat 3 of the Women’s Canoe Single 200m, but missed out on an automatic semi-finals spot. Nigeria currently have two medals – silver and bronze. While Ese Brume ...

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4Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Tokyo Olympics: Nigeria Occupy 64th Position on Medals table

Team Nigeria are now 64th on the medals table, as the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan enters Day 11. Ese Brume won the country’s first medal, clinching bronze in the long jump. The 25-year-old recorded a jump of 6.97m in the final. Brume finished behind America’s Brittney Reese and Malaika Mihambo of Germany. Blessing Obodururu then gave Nigeria a silver medal in the women’s freestyle 68kg event on Tuesday. She lost 1-4 in the final to Tamyra Mensah-Stock of the U.S, who had defeated her three times earlier. The Federal Government had already announced a reward of $15,000, $10,000 and $7,500 for gold, silver, and bronze medalists respectively at the Tokyo Olympics. China lead the medals table with 32 gold, followed by United States, 24...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Amusan Misses Out on Women’s 100m Hurdles Medal

It was another miss for Team Nigeria on Monday at the ongoing 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo as medal hope Tobiloba Amusan failed to deliver. Amusan, running from Lane 6 in the women’s 100 metres hurdles final at the Olympic Stadium finished fourth after a time of 12.60 seconds. It was 0.05 of a second behind Megan Tapper of Jamaica who clocked 12.55 to sneak in on the bronze medal from Lane 9 just with a dip of her head. The 24-year-old Nigerian’s performance was indeed an improvement, having ran 12.72 in round one and 12.62 in the semi-finals, But she was up against qualitative opposition. Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn who holds the Olympic record of 12.26, set in the semi-finals on Sunday, won the event’s gold medal with a time of 12.37. World record-holder Kendra Ha...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Nigeria plans building next generation of athletes – Dare

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, says Nigeria has started building a new generation of athletes who will take the country to new heights. Dare, who spoke on the sidelines of the Tokyo Olympics in Japan, canvassed for support for consistent training and development of the country’s athletes. “Nigeria should keep the plan that brought us here (Japan). It’s not just about medal winners but as many that meet the qualification standards in their chosen sports, experience matters at the Olympics,” Dare said. “Most of the medal winners have been to two or more Olympics. I saw how lack of experience robbed two of our young and talented athletes of medals; Elizabeth Anyanacho in taekwando, Uche Eke in gymnastics and Esther Toko in rowing, who eventually secured a ...

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1Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Tokyo Olympics: Nigeria’s Ese Brume Qualifies for Final

  Nigeria’s Ese Brume has made it into the final of the women’s long jump event at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Brume finished fourth in Group B with a 6.76m jump to take the final spot. Reigning World Indoor champion, Ivana Spanovic, was first in Group B with a jump of 7.00m. Current world champion Malaika Mihambo was second with a 6.98m leap. British Virgin Islands’ Chantel Malone (6.82m) finished third. Brume, who won bronze at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s strong medal prospects in Tokyo. The 25-year-old jumped a distance of 7.17m at the Chule Vista Festival in May, to break Chioma Ajunwa’s 25-year long jump record of 7.12m. She was also the only Nigerian athlete who reached the final of her event at the 201...

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30Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Team Nigeria Still in Search of Medal as Tokyo 2020 Olympics Enters Day 7

Team Nigeria has not won any medal since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics began on July 23, The PUNCH reports. The team has so far participated and crashed out of gymnastics, table tennis, swimming, badminton, taekwondo, rowling, and 4×400 mixed relay. Nigeria – competing in its 17th Olympics – has a total of 60 athletes taking part in 10 sports. The Olympic Games has 205 countries out of which 54 are in Africa. Here is the list of the continent’s participating countries and the number of athletes and medals of each country: China 15 7 9 31 Japan 15 4 6 25 U.S 14 14 10 38 ROC 8 11 9 28 Australia 8 2 10 20 Britain 5 7 6 18 South Korea 4 3 5 12 France 3 5 3 11 Germany 3 3 7 13 Italy 2 7 10 19 Netherlands 2 7 4 13 Canada 2 3 5 10 Hungary 2 1 2 5...

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