Globally -renown kit manufacturers, NIKE have extended their contract agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation until December 2026.
President of NFF, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick said on Thursday that negotiations had been on-going for the past one month before the American foot-and-bodywear behemoth agreed to extend their relationship with Nigeria Football.
“We talked about several areas they needed to look into and we finally got a deal and extension of the contract until December 2026. I give the credit for this to Members of the NFF Executive Committee and the General Secretary. The new agreement lends credence to NIKE’s faith in Nigeria Football and what we are doing as a Federation. It is a wake-up call for our other sponsors and partners to extend their agreements and for more players in Corporate Nigeria to support the Nigeria game.
“We have also succeeded in getting our partners Nigerian Breweries PLC to extend their contract with the NFF by one year. Initially, their relationship with the NFF was due to end this year. We got talking and met several times, and finally they agreed to extend by another year after which they will perform a review of the relationship.”
Meanwhile, kit giants NIKE officially opened their Lagos mega-shop on Thursday. The impressive office is located at the expansive Ikeja Mall, in the heart of one of the city’s main business districts. The mega-shop is the first of planned major outlets on Lagos island and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
August 25, 1875 — At 10.41 on the morning of this day, 27-year-old Matthew Webb, exhausted and suffering from delirium, put his feet on the beach at Calais.
He had been in the water nearly 22 hours but had become the first person to swim across the Channel from England to France without artificial aids.
His achievement was celebrated all over the world. It brought him instant fame and he received a hero’s welcome wherever he went.
Webb was born in the English Midlands at Dawley, Shropshire, in 1848, one of 12 children produced by Thomas and Sarah Webb. His father was a doctor.
At the age of 12, Matthew enrolled as a sea cadet with the naval training ship HMS Conway in Liverpool. He became an experienced sailor and throughout his years at sea became a very good swimmer. He eventually became a captain with the Cunard shipping line.
Before that he demonstrated his heroism while serving as Second Mate aboard the Cunard steamer ‘Russia’ which was sailing from New York to Liverpool in 1873.
During a gale in mid-Atlantic a crewman was washed overboard and Webb dived in, trying to rescue him. He was in the water for 37 minutes, close to being lost. Webb failed to find the sailor but he was awarded a gold medal from the Royal Humane Society of Great Britain and he became a national hero.
He resigned from Cunard the following year having decided to seek fame and fortune as a professional endurance swimmer. Captain Webb’s exploits over the following eight years led one newspaper to describe him as “probably the best known and most popular man in the world”.
His popularity soared when he conquered the English Channel. After covering himself with porpoise oil to fend off the cold, he dived off Admiralty Pier, Dover, at 1pm on August 24, 1875, and swam towards Calais, trailed by a flotilla of three boats. An artist from the Illustrated London News was aboard one of them.
Captain Webb was stung by jellyfish eight hours into his swim, but he carried on after receiving brandy from a supporter in one of the boats. It was said that at one stage he also paused for a cup of tea, served while he was treading water.
Finally, after 21 hours and 45 minutes of swimming, often against the tide, he waded onto the beach at Calais at 10.41am, the morning after he set out. Having swum the equivalent of 39 miles (62km), he was helped ashore and boarded a waiting carriage that took him to a hotel.
A hero’s welcome wherever he went was enjoyable and flattering but Webb needed money. And so for the next few years, as well as treading the lecture circuit, he took part in various races and stunts.
He beat the United States champion, Paul Boyton, in a much publicised race off Natasket Beach in the town of Hull, Massachusetts.
But Webb had a wider repertoire and performed feats such as floating in London’s Westminster Aquarium for 60 hours.
He repeated the performance at the Boston Horticultural Show a year later, where this time he floated in a tank for 128 hours!
Then, on July 24, 1883, Captain Webb attempted his final stunt: he was offered $2,000 if he could successfully swim through the Whirlpool Rapids of Niagara Falls.
Friends tried to talk him out of it saying it was suicide, but his reckless determination prevailed.
Thousands watched as the swimmer plunged into the river and headed towards the mighty rapids.
Unfortunately, his friends were right and Webb drowned after being sucked down by a whirlpool about 10 minutes after entering the water.
One visitor to the Falls later commented: “It truly is crazy to think a person could survive at the foot of that mad, loud, gargantuan crush of water. It’s like the weight of heaven itself descending all at once.”
It was four days before Captain Webb’s mangled body was recovered. He was buried at nearby Oakwood Cemetery.
In a special edition the Illustrated London News reported the death of “the bravest and greatest of swimmers”.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has rejected the proposed payment of N10, 000 per session by each parent to assist the Federal Government in making more funds available for universities.
On Wednesday, it was reported that the National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria proposed the levy and sought an audience with the government over the lingering strike by ASUU.
“We have submitted a letter to the Office of the Education Minister, seeking an audience where we hope to discuss a proposal.
“We are proposing a sum of N10, 000 per parent every session that will be directly paid to the universities. That will be our own contribution apart from other statutory payments in making more funds available to the universities.
“It can be called parent support levy for universities. We are at the receiving end of the industrial action. We plead with the ASUU and Federal Government to immediately resolve their differences,” NAPTAN’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Ademola Ekundayo, disclosed this during an interview on Tuesday.
But reacting to the proposed levy on Thursday, ASUU’s National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, said the parents should intervene by joining the body in mounting pressure on the apex government.
Osodeke made the call while speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday.
“I think what this association should be doing is to tell the government to perform its function. They should put pressure on the government to use Nigerians’ money to fund education as it is done in other countries.
“We can’t be calling ourselves the giant of Africa and we are the worst in education. You see students from Nigeria going to Ghana, Benin Republic, Togo, and other small countries to study but nobody from these countries is coming to Nigeria to study.
“So they should add to the pressure coming from ASUU to ensure that the government prioritise education. That is more important than the N10,000”.
1609 Galileo demonstrates his 1st telescope to Venetian lawmakers
1718 Hundreds of French colonists arrive in Louisiana; New Orleans founded
1768 Captain James Cook departs from Plymouth, England, on his first voyage on board the Endeavour, bound for the Pacific Ocean
1894 Japanese scientist Shibasaburo Kitasato discovers the infectious agent of the bubonic plague and publishes his findings in The Lancet
1944 French General Charles de Gaulle walks the Champs Elysees in Paris after the liberation of the city from Nazi occupation
1990 UN security council authorizes military action against Iraq
1991 Linux is born when Linus Torvalds sends off an email announcing his project to create a new computer operating system
HISTORICAL EVENTS TODAY
TODAY IN FILM & TV
1955 16th Venice Film Festival: “Ordet” directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer wins Golden Lion
TODAY IN MUSIC
1998 “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” debut album by Lauryn Hill is released (5 Grammy Awards including Album of the Year, Billboard Album of the Year 1998)
TODAY IN SPORT
1875 Captain Matthew Webb makes the 1st observed and unassisted swim across the English Channel in 21 hours and 45 minutes
1960 AFL begins placing players names on back of their jerseys
MORE FACTS….
1958 Momofuku Ando markets the first package of precooked instant noodles (Chikin Ramen)
1804 Alicia Thornton becomes first female jockey in England riding at Knavesmire in Yorkshire
FAMOUS WEDDINGS
1749 British admiral Samuel Hood (24) weds Susannah Linzee in Portsmouth, England
1870 German composer Richard Wagner (57) weds Franz Liszt’s daughter Cosima Liszt (32) at a Protestant church in Lucerne, Switzerland
1885 “Little House On The Prairie” author Laura Ingalls (18) weds Almonzo James Wilder (28)
The Yaba College of Technology, Lagos on Wednesday matriculated 13,741 National Diploma and Higher National Diploma students for the 2021/2022 academic session.
Rector of YABATECH, Obafemi Omokungbe, said that the admitted number was for the 2021/2022 academic session.
They comprised full-time and part-time students who met the admission requirements.
While congratulating the students who took the matriculation oath, Omokungbe said that any student who violates the rules of the college would be penalised as stipulated by the law.
He said: “The matriculation is of utmost importance.
“The oath signifies that you accept to abide by all rules and regulations governing the conduct of students in the college.
“You must at all times ensure that you abide by this oath.
“You must shun all forms of anti-social activities such as cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, sexual misbehaviour and other unruly behaviours.
“You will be introduced to various structures, systems, rules and regulations in the college during the orientation programme for new students.”
The YABATECH Rector noted that 20,019 candidates applied for admission into the college for Full and Part-time programmes, but only 4,008 were offered admission into National Diploma Full Time Programme.
Omokungbe said that 2,563 candidates were given admission into the college’s HND (Full-Time) programme, while it offered admission to 7,170 candidates for both ND/HND (Part-Time) programme.
He charged the students to give their best during their academic career in the college, adding that students must record 75 per cent lecture attendance to qualify to write examinations.
He added: “I implore you to live up to expectations, take your studies very seriously and most importantly attend lectures regularly as it’s a prerequisite to qualify to write examinations.
“Be diligent, hardworking and focused on your academics, you must refrain from all forms of examination misconduct, you must imbibe the culture of discipline, avoid distraction and take your studies very seriously.
“You must also refrain from acts that may tarnish your image, that of your family and the college at large, as YABATECH has a high reputation and zero tolerance for all forms of indecent dressing.”
On the sideline, Omokungbe said that the management of the college had refurbished hostels and equipped them with adequate furniture to ensure the comfort of students during their stay.
He added that the Students Union in the college was in place to work hand in hand with the management to ensure peace and orderliness, while ensuring the welfare of students.
The Rector also advised the new students to be security conscious of their environment, especially with the unprecedented rise of insecurity ranging from kidnapping to ritual murder and banditry.
He said: “Security is everyone’s business.
“Therefore, we must work hand in hand to ensure a secured environment.
“You must report to the college security unit if you observe or notice strange movement within the College.
“Management is working closely with relevant security agencies to ensure safety on the two campuses of the college.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have adopted a beagle called Mamma Mia.
The seven-year-old rescue dog joins fellow beagle Guy and a black Labrador thought to be named Pula at their family home in Montecito, California.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Mamma Mia was rescued along with 4,000 other beagles by federal authorities in Virginia in July.
Shannon Keith, an animal rights attorney who runs the Beagle Freedom Project, told the newspaper: “The duchess called me personally.”
She added: “She calls on my cell with no Caller ID and says, ‘Hey Shannon, this is Meghan.”
Keith said they talked for 30 minutes and she wondered if it was Megan Fox, but it was indeed the Duchess of Sussex.
The newspaper said Meghan and Harry made an after-hours visit and played with Mia who had been brought there with eight of her newborn puppies.
Keith told the newspaper: “The duchess is holding Mia and was like, ‘We’re adopting her.’”
“She was like, ‘No, we don’t want a Christmas puppy. … We want ones we can help who are older.’”
Animal-lover Meghan has adopted a number of rescue dogs over the past few years and brought her American rescue beagle Guy to the UK when she married Harry.
The former actress chose animal welfare charity Mayhew as one of her first patronages.
When she moved to England to be with Harry she had to leave Bogart – a Labrador-shepherd mix – in the US.
Meghan has previously said the pair of rescue dogs “mean the absolute world” to her and has referred to them as “my loves” and “my boys”.
Guy and Bogart regularly featured on her social media account, with Guy even appearing in a patriotic knitted Union flag jumper.
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is looking forward to facing Leon Edwards again in a potential trilogy fight following his loss on Sunday
The ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ is taking his knockout loss to Edwards in his stride and has already moved on as he told TMZ Sports that he’s “feeling great” and looking forward to their trilogy fight.
Usman was handed his first UFC loss with just one minute left in their five-round bout on Sunday after he got hit with a left head kick that sent him crumbling to the canvas.
Despite losing his belt, the 35-year-old is handling the situation incredibly well, better than most and even congratulated the Briton for landing the knockout blow.
“Everything is great,” Usman said. “It was just – what a shot. It was a great shot. I’m talking Hail Mary in the Super Bowl, last 10 seconds. That was a great shot, man.”
Usman says he’s watched the fight several times now and thinks his friends and family are actually more upset about the result than he really is.
“It’s like everyone’s sadder about it than I am,” he added. “Everyone’s more emotional about than I am but that’s because – for me, that’s a good thing ‘cause it lets me know that people care, people are invested.”
Usman however, sees the silver lining saying he now has the chance to inspire people as he continues his career.
“I’m in a rare opportunity. I have a rare opportunity now to just inspire and motivate and show people that you can fall and get back up. I’m excited.”
As for his next fight, Usman has made it clear that he wants to win the belt back.
UFC President Dana White has also hinted that the trilogy fight could take place in England.
“How do you not do a (rematch)? F***! Wembley? I don’t know,” White pondered before confirming Edwards vs Usman 3 will take place in the UK.
“I’m scared to go outside, and I’m definitely scared to go outside in England.
“I’m serious but joking about Wembley.
“Anything is possible in England now. It would be fun but scary at the same time. The weather isn’t the greatest over there in England.”
One win and one draw means Bayelsa Queens are one win away from qualification
Bayelsa Queens are one win away from qualifying for the 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League having taken four points from their first two games with the last one slated for the weekend.
Nigeria’s representative at the ongoing WAFU B Women’s CAF Champions League continued their impressive campaign following a goalless draw with Ghanaian clubside, Ampem Darkoa, in their second group stage game on Wednesday, 24th August, at the Yamoussoukro Stadium, Cote d’Ivoire.
It was a top group encounter after both sides had recorded a victory in their respective first games.
After the drawn encounter, Bayelsa Queens maintain the top spot following the goal difference they have over Ampem Darkoa. The Nigerian side had earlier trounced their Togolese side, Athleta 5-1 to stay first on the log over Ampem who defeated Burkina Faso’s USFA 3-0.
Both sides showed excellent performances during the game despite misplaced chances from both sides.
As it stands, Bayelsa Queens and Ampem Darkoa both have four points occupying the first and second position respectively.
Elsewhere, Burkina Faso’s USFA defeated Athleta Football Club 5-1 to clinch the third spot.
Bayelsa Queens final group stage game is against USFA scheduled for Saturday, 27th August. The winner of the group qualifies for the second phase to be hosted in Morocco in September.
Three-time African champions, the Super Eagles of Nigeria maintained the same position in the latest monthly ranking released by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) on Thursday morning.
The Super Eagles, who were not in action in August remain in 31st position.
Jose Peseiro’s side also retained their fourth position in Africa.
The Terangha Lions of Senegal occupy the top spot on the continent with the Atlas Lions of Morocco and Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in second and third positions respectively.
There were no changes in the top 10 in the world as Brazil, Belgium, Argentina, France, England, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, and Denmark maintained their spots.
The Super Eagles will be in action on Tuesday, September 27 when they take on the Desert Foxes of Algeria in a friendly at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium, Oran.
World and Commonwealth Champion Tobi Amusan will be tested tomorrow as the Nigerian defends her Diamond League title in Zurich.
Amusan will return to track after her title defence at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and world record and title win at the Athletics World Championship in Oregon.
The 25-year-old, who ran 12.12 in the World Championships semifinals, will be hoping for another strong run with a field as strong as that in Lausanne.
Amusan will be up against Puerto Rico’s Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, world silver medallist Britany Anderson and former world record-holder Kendra Harrison, plus home star Ditaji Kambundji.
With world titles won and continental crowns claimed, many of the sport’s stars will clash again at the Athletissima meeting in Lausanne as the Wanda Diamond League continues towards its crescendo.
Global gold medallists are among those heading to the Swiss city on the hunt for performances that will secure their spot in the Diamond League final back in Switzerland – at the Weltklasse meeting in Zurich – on 7-8 September.
The stacked fields feature 12 recently-crowned individual world champions, the same number of individual Olympic gold medallists from Tokyo and nine champions from last year’s Diamond League.
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