Mikel Announces Maiden Back2Base Talent Hunt Programme

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June 2, 2022

Chelsea legend and former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, is set to create an opportunity to stardom for young and talented Nigerian athletes.

The ex-Super Eagles star started out as an academy player in Jos, Plateau State and rose to the highest level.

He led the Nigeria football team to both the World Cup and Olympic Games.

Mikel said he is keen to create a pathway for others to succeed through sports the same way he did.

he 35-year-old, who is one of the only three Nigerians to have lifted the prestigious UEFA Champions League trophy, is ready to use his new Back2Base programme to uplift hundreds of other young talented Nigerians.

The former midfielder, fondly referred to as The Catalyst, is also willing to put to use his global connections to help the talented young Nigerians not just in football but also in basketball and tennis.

The maiden edition of the Back2Base programme will be taking place from June 9 to 11, 2022 at the University of Lagos Sports Centre, Yaba.

Mikel said: “Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.

“Someone created an opportunity for me and it’s been a dream of mine to do the same for young, talented Nigerian athletes.”

Mikel, who, in 2021, was appointed by the Federal Government of Nigeria as one of its Youth Ambassadors, added: “I would like to announce the first edition of my Back2Base programme, which will give aspiring professional athletes the opportunity to showcase their talents in sports like Football, Basketball and Tennis.”

Aside from providing a platform for the youngsters to showcase their talents, Mikel, who is well-known for his philanthropic gestures, also promised to reward the outstanding youngsters with cash gifts.

He said: “A monetary price will be awarded to the most promising athletes across the three sports.

“They will also be hosted to an exclusive dinner with me where a mentorship session will be held.”

The three-day event will also afford young kids a rare privilege to see and have photo opportunities with Mikel’s Champions League medals.

This event is free for all.

Biker’s Polio Campaign gets recognition from Kwara Governor

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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June 2, 2022

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The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has congratulated the London To Lagos Biker, Kunle Adeyanju, on the completion of his 41 days journey, to raise awareness and funds for End Polio campaign in Africa.

The Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye AbdulRazaq, described Adeyanju as a brave citizen and a great ambassador of Kwara State, who has used his talent and passion to bring joy and safety to millions of people.

AbdulRazaq said, he followed the efforts of the biker, as he rode through over 14 countries on the 12,000km journey, reiterating the commitment of the administration to maintaining its polio free status as part of the global efforts to permanently end Polio.

“On behalf of the people and the government of Kwara State, I congratulate and commend Rotarian Kunle Adeyanju, on the completion of his historic London to Lagos journey. It is a memorable feat for us and for generations to come.

“Our administration priorities citizens’ health and has made Kwara a polio free state. We are therefore pleased and proud to see our own, leading a humanitarian campaign to rid the world in his own unique way. We are certain that history will not forget great people like Adeyanju, who give his all for humanity.”

Nigeria Kicked Out Of Basketball World Cup After FG Ban

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Emenike Agu

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June 2, 2022

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The Nigerian female basketball team, D’Tigress have been kicked out of the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after the Federal Government withdrew all teams from international competitions.

D’Tigress had qualified for the World Cup billed for Sydney, Australia, starting in September 2022, after defeating France and Mali in the Group B of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade.

FIBA’s decision comes after the deliberations with the Nigeria Basketball Federation to see how the decision could be rescinded for the defending African champions to represent the continent.

The global basketball body stated that Nigeria was withdrawn from participating in the tournament due to the failure of the NBBF to confirm Nigeria’s participation in the tournament.

Mali, who Nigeria beat in the 2021 AfroBasket Women’s Championship final to clinch their fifth title, will now replace the D’Tigress as Africa’s representatives, being the second-ranked team in the group.

FIBA’s statement reads in part, “In subsequent communications with the NBBF, and despite FIBA’s request, it has become clear that against the circumstances created by the government’s decision, the NBBF is unable to confirm its participation in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022.

“Given the multiple strict deadlines that cannot be postponed in order to ensure the successful staging of a major international event (visa procedures, schedules, ticket sales, accommodations, friendly games, preliminary rosters, flight tickets, accreditations, etc.) and to protect the integrity of the competition, the FIBA Executive Committee has decided as follows:

FCTA Offers Free Cataract Surgery for 500 less Privilege Patients

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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June 2, 2022

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Authority of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), launched free eye surgery for Cataract patients within the nation’s capital, Abuja and some neighbouring state

The Secretary, FCT Secretariat for Health and Human Services, Dr. Abubakar Tafida said, while flagging off the free medical outreach in General Hospital in Kwali Area council of the FCT, the first set of 500 indigent patients would benefit from the programme.

He noted that efforts to sustain the programme would be intensified with the support of Development Partners and other stakeholders.

Dr Tafida, who disclosed that the programme may not continue to be free of charge in the future, explained that the cost would be made affordable to patients.

Dr. Halima Kyari, an ophthalmologist at UAUTH and a partner of International Agency for Prevention of Blindness, said the stakeholders were giving the needed attention to the programme, because the patients have lost their sight and economic wellbeing.

She disclosed that some of the patients that have benefited from the free surgery have been blind for 10 years.

Kyari disclosed that the partners provided all the consumables which complimented the efforts of FCTA.

Also, the Paramount Ruler and Etsu of Kwali Dr. Aliyu Shaban commended the FCT Administration for extending such pro poor programme to his domain.

He also appealed that the programme be sustained and possibly extended to other rural communities where many indigent Cataract patients are found.

Two beneficiaries of the free surgery, Wando Samuel and Evelyn Okoye, testified to the effectiveness of the programme, saying that the surgery has restored both sight and productive life to them.

World Cup-Bound Soccer Icon Pele Wades Into Russia-Ukraine War

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Emenike Agu

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June 2, 2022

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Brazilian soccer legend Pele made a public plea on Wednesday to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end his “wicked” and “unjustifiable” invasion of Ukraine, minutes before Ukraine’s national team played in a World Cup qualifying game.

“I want to use today’s game as an opportunity to make a request: Stop this invasion. No argument exists that can justify violence,” Pele said in a statement published on Instagram.

“This conflict is wicked, unjustifiable and brings nothing but pain, fear, terror and anguish.”

Pele and Putin last met in Moscow in 2017 during the Confederations Cup, a championship held before the World Cup. The Russian leader has named Pele as one of his favorite players.

“When we met in the past and exchanged smiles accompanied by a long handshake, I never thought one day we would be as divided as we are today,” wrote Pele, who served as Brazil’s first minister of sports in the 1990s.

Ukraine beat Scotland 3-1 on Wednesday to move one game away from qualifying for the World Cup.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy thanked the team for “two hours of happiness, something we have become unaccustomed to.”

Ghana Seal Emphatic Win Over Madagascar In 2023 Afcon Qualifier

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Emenike Agu

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June 2, 2022

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Ghana got their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign underway in style when beating Madagascar 3-0 in Cape Coast on Wednesday night.

AS Roma prodigy Felix Afena-Gyan scored one and set up another to help the Black Stars to the convincing victory in the Group E game in the coastal city.

Talented playmaker Mohammed Kudus broke the deadlock on 52 minutes with a simple tap-in from Felix Afena-Gyan before the youngster doubled the lead a few moments later.

Substitute Osman Bukari wrapped the victory after using his pace to outwit his marker before rounding up goalkeeper Nina Razakirina for the emphatic win.

The home side could have won the game by a wider margin as Kudus scored in the 68th minute but was flagged offside by the match official.

The result means Ghana go top of Group E thanks to the victory after Angola defeated Central Africa Republic 2-1 in the group’s other game earlier in the day.

The Black Stars completely dominated the opening exchanges with youngsters Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Felix Afena-Gyan missing good goalscoring opportunities by the 20th minute.

Sporting Lisbon prodigy Issahaku fired over the bar after making light work of two defenders before setting up Afena-Gyan nicely for a one-on-one with the goalkeeper but shot wide.

Goalkeeper Razakirina produced an outstanding save in the 35th minute to deny Black Stars striker Jordan Ayew from scoring with a rasping strike from 45 yards.

Ghana returned from the break and Afena-Gyan managed to exploit the crack in the visitors’ defence before cutting back for Kudus who tapped in from close range.

The AS Roma attacker made it 2-0 two minutes later after poking it in with the outside of his left foot from inside the box before Bukari’s effort with four minutes left sealing the victory.

Ghana are equal at the top of the group with Angola on three points but the Black Stars top the group with a better goal difference.

The Black Stars will travel to play the Central African Republic in four days’ time while Madagascar hosts Angola in the group’s other game.

Ukraine Soccer Win Brings Joy To Military In War With Russia Says President Zelenskiy

By

Emenike Agu

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June 2, 2022

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday hailed the national soccer team’s win over Scotland in a vital World Cup playoff game, saying the victory would bring joy to soldiers fighting against Russia.

Ukraine kept alive their dream of reaching the finals, beating Scotland 3-1 in their first game since the Russian invasion. Ukraine will now face Wales on Sunday with the winner taking a place in the finals.

“Thank you guys! Two hours of happiness, something we have become unaccustomed to,” Zelenskiy said in an online post.

“Joy to our soldiers, joy to the entire country. We are all fighting, everyone on their own front. “We will fight on, we will withstand everything, we will win. For we are Ukrainians.”

Germany Calls On Turkey To Refrain From Provoking Greece

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Zoe Maven

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June 2, 2022

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has asked Turkey to exercise restraint towards Greece as tensions between the two countries have flared.

German government spokesperson on Wednesday at a regular news conference in Berlin said, “The chancellor is of the opinion that, given the current situation, it is necessary for all NATO allies to stand together and refrain from provocations among themselves.

The spokesperson added, “Invading Greek airspace and flying over Greek islands is not okay, it seems counterproductive and against the spirit of the alliance.

Greece and Turkey have traded accusations of airspace violations in recent weeks.

Turkey and Greece, both NATO allies, have long been at odds over a host of issues such as maritime boundaries, the extent of their continental shelves and airspace, and relations with ethnically split Cyprus.

Germany is committed to resolving the open questions between Greece and Turkey in private dialogue, and on the basis of international law, said the spokesperson.

At the same time, said the spokesperson, “we cannot accept the questioning of the sovereignty of member states of the European Union”.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned Scholz’s statement and said Ankara will continue defending its sovereignty against its airspace violation by Greek forces.

The ministry statement has strongly condemned and rejected what it describes as baseless statements against Turkey by Germany’s chancellor’s office.

It adds it expects Germany to invite Greece to act in accordance with international agreements, rather than making biased statements not in line with the spirit of alliance.

Finland And Sweden To Continue NATO Talks With Turkey

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Zoe Maven

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June 2, 2022

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Finland and Sweden say they will continue a dialogue with Turkey over their bids for NATO membership, but did not say whether there had been progress on overcoming Ankara’s objections to their joining the military alliance.

The Nordic neighbours applied to join NATO last month in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but they have faced resistance from Turkey, which accuses them of being safe havens for Kurdish militants and wants them to scrap arms export bans.

Addressing reporters in Helsinki while commenting on talks that took place in Ankara last week Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said, “Together with Sweden, we will do our homework and prepare for the questions Turkey has.”

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said during a visit to Washington that he would convene senior officials from Finland, Sweden and Turkey in Brussels in the coming days to discuss the issue.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, after meeting Stoltenberg, said NATO members’ security concerns should be taken into consideration, but said he was confident the accession process for Finland and Sweden would move forward.

A bid to join NATO requires unanimous backing from the alliance’s current 30 member states.

Speaking at an event in Stockholm, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said she expected constructive meetings with Turkey to take place in the near future.

Turkey has accused Finland and Sweden of harbouring people linked to groups it deems terrorist organisations, including the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), but Haavisto said the PKK was already considered a terrorist group by all EU members, including Finland.

Guinea Junta Rejects UN Call To End Ban On Protests

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Zoe Maven

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June 2, 2022

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Guinea’s ruling junta has rejected a UN call to lift a ban on political demonstrations, insisting protests should only be allowed during the election period in three years’ time.

The military overthrew President Alpha Conde in September and last month declared a ban on public demonstrations before a return to civilian rule, which it says will be in three years.

The UN’s Human Rights High Commission on Monday called for the ban to be revoked, but the junta in a communique read on state TV, rejected the appeal late Tuesday, stating, “No march will be authorised so long as public order cannot be guaranteed in such events.

The junta noted that hundreds of people died during violent protests that erupted during the Conde era, adding that it had already set up bodies where contradictions and misunderstandings can be debated quite serenely.

Political parties are becoming increasingly vocal in their protests against the junta’s rule and what they say is the crackdown on freedoms.

The National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC), a coalition that led months of anti-Conde protests in 2019 and 2020, issued a statement on social media accusing the junta of showing a “dictatorial attitude.”

It called on the public to “mobilise for the imminent resumption of peaceful and civil demonstrations… to prevent the confiscation of power and demand a swift return to public order.”

The junta, made up of army officers led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya has planned for a three-year transition period is in defiance of regional partners in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The West African bloc suspended Guinea’s membership after the coup and in March warned of economic and financial sanctions if the junta snubbed an appeal for a shorter transition period.