WAFCON 2022: Waldrum Happy With Super Falcons So Far In Morocco

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July 11, 2022

Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum, is elated with his team’s progress at the ongoing 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) despite seeing an early shock.

When Nigeria lost their opening game against South Africa 2-1 on July 4 in Morocco, there was a lot of unrest within their camp and back home from the fans.

They also lost star striker Asisat Oshoala, to injury which led to her being ruled out of the rest of the tournament.

However, having a deeply talented side like Nigeria, Waldrum made some changes to the team and has since been reaping the benefits.

“We played very well in the first half and were in control of the game, but then we became a bit sloppy in the second half.

“There is definitely room for improvement, but I like the trajectory of the team so far,” he explained after their 4-0 win over Burundi on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Falcons have now kept two clean sheets at the WAFCON 2022.

Waldrum says this is a sign that things are looking good for them, just like they planned.

“We are improving in every game that we play. I’m happy with the way the players have reacted to our last two games because we execute our plans well. We have urgency in the way that we play.”

“We have also given an opportunity to younger players to get a feel of the tournament so that we can also rest some of the players that have played heavy minutes.”

He said he was very impressed with the situation.

“Against Burundi on Sunday, we started Uchenna [Kanu] and she came through. Rasheedat [Ajibade] was great also. Peace [Ewomazino Efih] and Uchenna were great in the midfield.

“We have talent that is very beneficial. We have more good players to select from. I have confidence in what we are doing and we are in a really good place.”

NAN reports that the Super Falcons have scored the most goals in the tournament, finding the back of the net seven times while only conceding twice.

Roadside Fuel Seller Sets Ablaze Akwa Ibom varsity Student

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 11, 2022

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There was tension in Udo Idiong Junction in Obio Okpa campus of the Akwa Ibom State University, OrukAnam local government area of the state, as a roadside petrol dealer on Sunday set ablaze one Enwongo Akpan, a 200-level philosophy student of the institution, over a minor disagreement.

It was gathered that trouble started when the student unknowingly bought adulterated fuel of N500 only from the dealer who is now on the run.

The victim returned the adulterated fuel to the dealer after he emptied the content into his generating set tank but the engine did not ignite.

An eyewitness, Idongesit Akpan, told newsmen on Monday that in the ensuing argument, the dealer made for the petrol gallon and poured it content on his victim and struck a match on him before he caught fire while others scampered for safety .

Akpan further stated that the victim was rescued by the villagers and students who alerted the Vice Chancellor of the University Prof Nse Essien who ordered that the victim be rushed to Mercy Hospital in Abak, where he received treatment before being transferred to another hospital in Uyo, the state capital for better treatment.

Akpan said, “The incident attracted attention of community leaders such as former Chairman of OrukAnam, Prince Ubong Idiong, who prevailed on students to forestall reprisal action by students of the University .

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Akwa Ibom State Police command, Odiko Macdon, who confirmed the incident said the Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Dorusinmi, has ordered investigation into the matter, adding that the suspect would soon be arrested.

He said, “Yes, we are aware of the incident. But the suspect escaped from the scene. Police are trailing the suspect now and he will soon be brought to book.”

ASUU: Medical, Health Workers Threaten Solidarity Strike for University Unions

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 11, 2022

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Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has put its state councils on standby to declare a solidarity strike for university-based unions.

A statement jointly signed by the National President and Acting Secretary-General, Biobelemoye Josiah and Auwalu Kiyawa, clarified that the body would not hesitate to act if the Federal Government fails to resolve the ongoing impasse soon.

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Senior Association of Universities Teaching Hospital, Research Institutes & Allied Institutions (SAUTHRIAI) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) are currently on work-to-rule over the failure of government to honour the terms reached in the May 2021 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the university teachers.

The unions are also kicking against the continued deployment of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) as a payment platform.

MHWUN stressed that no responsible government would close down its public tertiary Institutions in this 21st century, adding that patriotism demands better funding for the universities and welfare for its teaching and non-teaching staff.

The group said it is worried about the development when juxtaposed against the academic future of the citizenry when children of politicians and top government officials are busy schooling uninterrupted abroad at a higher fee.

To save the leaders of tomorrow, MHWUN charged the government to immediately honour all agreements struck with unions.

Group Donates Delivery Kits To Nursing Mothers

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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July 11, 2022

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The Rotary Club of Anthony Golden, District 9110, Nigeria, in the bid to fight maternal and child mortality, has donated delivery kits, diapers, sanitary pads and other items to nursing mothers at the Mende Primary Health Centre, Maryland, Lagos.

Presenting the items, the president of the club, Rotarian Osemoje Lato, said the donation of the items was one of the areas where Rotary Club is concerned, which is maternal and child health. The items were given to more than 50 nursing mothers and new born babies at the health centre.

“As a group, we want to ensure more mothers and their babies have access to effective healthcare, during and after pregnancy. That is why we make donations. Basically, this particular item is for nursing mothers/babies from age 0-3 months. The health centre is very familiar with the club, because we have made donations to the primary health centre in the past to serve the community and would continue to do so”

The project chairperson, Rotarian George Nwibo, said the club was resolute in ensuring access to quality health for Nigerians, including vulnerable groups.

Nwibo stated that the health system needs new radical approaches, which entail harnessing available resources for effective results.

He said to curb the problems, well meaningful Nigerians should emulate the Rotary Club and make donations that could improve healthcare and accessing it through collective efforts.

A nursing mother who just had twins and preferred to be identified as Iya-beji expressed joy over the gift items, stating that high infant mortality rate was an issue in most rural communities in the country.

“Since many of the communities expectant mothers prefer to go to traditional birth attendants for delivery, because they don’t have money to pay bills and get some of these items, we thank God for this gesture and platform where women are sensitized on the dangers.”

President Buhari Joins Nollywood To Celebrate Olu Jacobs At 80

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Koko Lawrence

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July 11, 2022

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In honour of stage and film legend Olu Jacobs’ 80th birthday, President Muhammadu Buhari joined Nollywood actors from both Nigeria and overseas to celebrate the thespian.

President Buhari joined Nollywood in congratulating Olu Jacobs on turning 80 in a statement released on Sunday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

The statement read “The President felicitates with the Jacobs’ family, including the wife, also a renowned thespian, Joke Silva, and their friends on the auspicious occasion, which calls for thanksgiving for God’s care, guidance and protection.”

It continued “President Buhari affirms the influence of the veteran actor on the film industry, setting a standard of professionalism that has attracted global recognition and awards, like the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred on him in 2016 by African Movie Academy Awards.”

As the actor approached 80, the President remarked on Jacob’s brilliant capacity to transform characters, demystify complex issues, and make messages understandable to both young and old, breaking down barriers of culture, ethnicity, and religion to become a household name throughout the nation and beyond.

President Buhari feels Olu Jacobs’ inherent inclination to advise, inspire, and instruct readily gained him the roles, while complimenting his vision in luring people into the industry and assisting them in becoming celebrities. Olu Jacobs is largely characterised as a father and voice of wisdom in most movies.

In order to better serve the arts, God, and humanity, the President prayed to the Almighty God for improved health, a longer life, and steadfastness.

I-G Deploys Police Team Ahead Of Osun Governorship Election

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Koko Lawrence

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July 11, 2022

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The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Usman Baba, has ordered the deployment of police team to Osun, ahead of the July 16 governorship election in the state.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this on Sunday in a statement he issued in Abuja.

He said the team would be headed by Johnson Kokumo, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

Adejobi said Kokumo, also the supervisory DIG for the South-West, would be assisted by four Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) during the election.

He said four Commissioners of Police (CPs), 15 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and 30 Assistant Commissioners of Police were also deployed for the exercise.

According to him, adequate police personnel of the rank of Chief Superintendents of Police and below have equally been deployed for the election.

He said Kokumo would oversee the implementation of the Operation Order evolved from the Election Security Threat Assessment.

Adejobi said the idea was to ensure a peaceful and conducive environment, devoid of violence for law abiding citizens to freely perform their civic responsibilities without molestation or intimidation.

He said other senior officers deployed would coordinate human and other operational deployments in the three senatorial districts, 30 local government areas and 3,753 polling units in the state.

Adejobi said the CP and Provost Marshall at the Force Headquarters, Julius Alawari, had been temporarily deployed to Osun for the election and would be there until the conclusion of the exercise.

He said the CP in charge of Osun, Olokode Olawale, had been temporarily moved to the Force Headquarters.

The police spokesman said the I-G would on Tuesday, meet with stakeholders in Osogbo, adding that the operational deployments were part of actions aimed at creating a conducive and enabling environment for the election.

He said the personnel deployed were drawn from the conventional police officers, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Forces personnel, Explosives Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD), Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and INTERPOL.

Adejobi said others were drawn from the Special Protection Unit (SPU), Police Airwing, Public Relations Department (FPRD) and the police medical team.

He said the personnel would be on ground to guarantee free, fair, credible and acceptable election.

According to him, five Armored Personnel Carriers for patrol, as well as three helicopters and six Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for aerial surveillance amongst other unique operational assets are also deployed.

He said the Nigeria Police Force was satisfactorily prepared for the election and reiterated the commitment of the Force to synergise with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders for the election.

Adejobi said the synergy was to protect democratic values, provide level playing field for all political actors, ensure adequate protection of voters, INEC officials, equipment, accredited observers and other key players.

He urged the electorate to be law-abiding and to comply with the restriction of movement order to be announced at the appropriate time.

The police spokesman enjoined the electorate to come out en masse to exercise their franchise, adding that adequate security had been emplaced to protect lives and property, before, during, and after the election.

WAFCON 2022: Super Falcons To Face Cameroon For Women’s World Cup Ticket

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Emenike Agu

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July 11, 2022

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Two-goal heroine Uchenna Kanu in actionin the Burundi match

The original 12-team field has narrowed to eight as the Women Africa Cup of Nations gets to the quarter final stage.

Nigeria will face old foes, Cameroon with the ticket for the World Cup also at stake as all four semi finalists will go the Women’s World Cup.

The match comes up on Wednesday. Interestingly, the fixture has recorded the highest head-to head encounter more than matches in the history of Nigeria’s ninth title win in eleventh participation of the now biennial women football on the continent.

On record, the neighbouring countries have met 12 times with Nigeria won 10 times drew one and lost one time to the emerging power house in African football.

Nigeria got the better on the Cameroonian in the maiden edition of the tournament in 1991 when Super Falcons won 2-0 and 4-0 over two legs to book a slot in the FIFA Women Football tournament in China.

Both sides the not meet again until 1998 when Nigeria hosted the tournament in Ijebu-Ode and Kaduna and Falcons recorded 6-0 win against Cameroon at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium where the two semi-final matches were played.

Nigeria won 3-0 again in the group phase in South Africa in 2000 and four years later in the Rainbow nation both side played out 2-2 draw in the group phase and qualify into the knockout stage.

But the Central African nation were not lucky in 2006 as Nigeria secured 5-0 win in the semi-final clash with Perpetual Nkwocha scored a hat-trick and two years later, both teams played 1-1 score-line in third placed match but Nigeria won 4-3 on penalties.

Nigeria secured 5-1 win against Cameroon in 2010 in semi-final clash and Nkwocha recorded another hat-trick in South Africa and two years later in Equatorial Guinea, both teams met twice with Nigeria won the group phase match 2-1 but lost the third placed match to Cameroon by a lone goal scored by Gaelle Enganamoiut.

But 2014 in Namibia, Nigeria bounced back to winning way with a 2-0 victory Just Falcons won by a lone goal in 2016 edition hosted by Cameroon with only goal scored by Desire Oparanozie.

At the last edition in Ghana, both teams played out a goalless semi final clash but Nigeria won 4-2 on penalties and went ahead to win the cup against South Africa in the final match.

The quarter final fixtures

Wednesday 13th

Zambia Vs Senegal 6 PM

Morocco Vs Botswana- 9PM

Thursday 14th

Cameroon Vs Nigeria -6 PM

South Africa Vs Tunisia -9PM

Wimbledon: Rybakina Denies Jabeur Historical Grand Slam Title

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Emenike Agu

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July 11, 2022

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“I’m going to win Wimbledon,” Jabeur said in January, and on her Twitter page, the 27-year-old Tunisian describes herself as a dreamer.

That dream almost became a reality on Saturday, July 9 in the United Kingdom but she lost in three sets to Elena Rybakina, who won her first Grand Slam title.

Jabeur made history on Wimbledon Centre Court on Saturday when she became the first African woman to get to a Grand Slam final.

But the final hurdle proved insurmountable as Rybakina came back from a set down to down the Tunisian 3-6 6-2 6-2 in one hour and 48 minutes.

Jabeur must have snaffled some stardust from seven-time Wimbledon winner Serena Williams, after playing doubles with Ms Williams on the eve of Wimbledon as she defeated all opponents on the way to achieving a first Grand Slam final appearance.

At the presentation ceremony, she said she hopes to continue to inspire young African children to dream and she hopes “they are listening”.

“I will also like to wish Eid Mubarak to all Muslims around the world,” Jabeur added.

Jabeur took the first set in 31 minutes but Rybakina took control of the second set immediately breaking Jabeur and racing into a 5-1 lead before taking the second set 6-2.

Rybakina again broke Jabeur in the first game of the third set and never relinquished control on the way to winning the set and the match 6-2 in 37 minutes.

Transfers: Nigeria’s Aribo Becomes a Saint, Says It’s Dream Come True

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Emenike Agu

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July 11, 2022

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English Premier League side Southampton confirmed Super Eagles midfielder Joseph Ayodele Aribo as their newest signing on Saturday.

Aribo, 25, penned a four-year contract with the Saints in an initial £6 million deal that could rise to £10 million, plus add-ons.

He joins the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, new signing Taiwo Awoniyi, and other Super Eagles players in England.

The 25-year-old Nigerian had a productive spell with his former side Rangers, which he joined in 2019 from Charlton Athletic. He scored 26 goals in 149 appearances at Ibrox during his three-year spell.

Aribo helped Rangers grab a first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years in 2021, won the Scottish Cup, and was a runner-up in last season’s UEFA Europa League where he scored in the final.

Southampton’s head coach, Ralph Hasenhüttl, believes the Nigerian star will replicate his high-flying performance for the English side.

Aribo described the EPL as the best league that he has always dreamt of playing in. The midfielder said it is a childhood dream come true.

“It’s an amazing club with a lot of history here, and it’s a good plan for what’s to come next. I’m really excited about the journey.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world. I’ve been watching it since I was a young boy. It’s always been a goal for me to play here and show what I can do on this stage.

“It’s an amazing feeling, a dream come true. This is where I’ve wanted to be since I was a child growing up playing, so to say that I’m here now is really exciting.”

“Joe [Aribo] is a player with many qualities to his game, and we are very excited to welcome him to the squad in time for the pre-season trip to Austria.

“We believe Joe [Aribo] can bring energy and creativity to our side. Feeling comfortable in so many different positions is very helpful for a manager and shows he has a high level of football intelligence, with the ability to take on new information quickly.

“He has played a lot of games already in his career, at a very high level, and his performances in the Europa League prove he has the quality to play in the Premier League. This is a big ambition for him, and he is hungry to show everybody he can do it.”

35 Cyclists To Represent Nigeria At African Championship

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Emenike Agu

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July 11, 2022

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The Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) has picked 35 cyclists to represent Nigeria at the second Africa Cup Track Cycling Championship held from July 14 to July 17 in Abuja.

CFN’s Technical Director, Bashir Mohammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that they picked the cyclists from the elite and junior teams camped in Abuja.

”They have been undergoing intensive training for over four months at the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium,” he said.

Mr Mohammed said the team of cyclists would take part in several events at the championship.

NAN reports the Nigerian team will compete in events at both the junior and elite levels in the male and female categories.

The 35 cyclists will be divided into two teams of 17 for the juniors and 18 for the elite.

The 17 cyclists in the juniors category comprise 11 males and six females, while the 18 cyclists in the elite category have 10 males and eight females.

“We are set for the championship and it is good that it is taking place in our country where we will compete in all the 11 medal events,” the official said, assuring that the CFN has prepared the 35 cyclists well for the competition.

Mr Mohammed also disclosed that cyclists from 20 countries, including Nigeria, were expected to participate in the competition.

The countries include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Republic of Benin, Guinea, Burundi, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Algeria, Togo, Rwanda, and Tunisia.

NAN reports that the federation had earlier conducted a national trial from June 8 to June 12, where 139 cyclists took part and CFN picked 52 cyclists for closed camping.

Nigeria hosted the championship’s first edition in July 2019 in Abuja, and nine countries took part.

With a contingent of 21 cyclists of both female and male categories, Nigeria won 51 medals comprising 21 gold, 18 silver, and 12 bronze to emerge champions.

Egypt finished second with eight gold, seven silver, and seven bronze medals, while Morocco was third with four gold and three silver medals.

Burkina finished fourth with three silver, and five bronze; Burundi came in fifth with two bronze, while Ghana finished sixth with a bronze medal.