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2021 AFCON Qualifiers: Tunisia, Mali Qualify

Emenike Agu
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2021 AFCON Qualifiers: Tunisia, Mali Qualify

Mali ensured their place at an eighth consecutive Nations Cup finals with narrow hard-fought 2-1 win over hosts Namibia.

All three goals of Tuesday’s Group A encounter came in the opening 40 minutes of the game as Mali had a penalty saved in the second-half and Namibia hitting the post.

Red Bull Salzburg’s Sekou Koita scored after just 12 minutes for Mali as he drove forward to the edge of the area before firing a powerful shot past keeper Virgil Vries in to the top corner.

Vries was at fault for the second goal as Moussa Doumbia cut into the area and fired in a shot from a tight angle that beat the keeper at his near post.

Two minutes later Namibia pulled a goal back as Elmo Kambindu rose at the far post to head home a free-kick from Absalom Limbondi.

Both teams battled to score again after the break and Mali should have added a third from the penalty spot but Vries went the right way and saved El Bilal Toure’s effort. The penalty had been awarded for a clumsy challenge on Doumbia by subsitute Riaan Hanamub.

The Namibian almost made amends late on with a fierce shot that had beaten the Mali keeper but not the post.

Mali’s win takes them to 10 points, two ahead of second-placed Guinea with Namibia on three and still with a mathematical chance of grabbing second place.

However Chad, despite earning their first point of the campaign in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Guinea, cannot now qualify for the finals.

Tanzania 1-1 Tunisia (Group J)

Tunisia earned their place at the Nations Cup finals despite being held in Dar es Salaam by hosts Tanzania.

The Carthage Eagles dominated the opening exchanges and hit the woodwork either side of their goal.

Tunisia took the lead after just 11 minutes through Seifeddine Khaoui of Marseille with a truly excellent finish after he was put through by a lovely piece of skill from Youssef Msakni.

With Tanzania struggling in front their fans at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium it looked like Tunisia would win easily.

Things changed just two minutes after the break as substitute Feisal Salum found the target with a stunning hit from just outside the area.

Tanzania improved in the second half and both teams had their chances but it remained deadlocked at 1-1.

The draw was enough for Tunisia to confirm their place in Cameroon as they are now guaranteed a top-two finish, thanks to their 1-0 win over Tanzania last Friday which guarantees the Carthage Eagles a better head-to-head record over the Taifa Stars.

Tanzania are in third place on four points, two behind Equatorial Guinea in second place with Libya still in with a chance despite being bottom on three points.

Trump campaign pays Wisconsin $3m for partial ballot recount – Commission

Emenike Agu
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Trump campaign pays Wisconsin $3m for partial ballot recount – Commission

President Donald Trump’s campaign wired 3 million dollars to officials in Wisconsin to fund a partial recount of votes in the Nov. 3 U.S. presidential election, an official said.

The State Elections Commission said this in a Twitter statement on Wednesday.

“The Wisconsin Elections Commission has received a wire transfer from the Trump campaign for 3 million dollars.

“No petition has been received yet, but the Trump campaign has told WEC staff one will be filed today. We have no further information at this time,” the commission said.

The Trump campaign in a separate statement said it would file a petition later in the day for a recount in two counties, Milwaukee and Dane.

The statement cited illegally altered absentee ballots, illegally issued absentee ballots, and illegal advice given by government officials allowing Wisconsin’s Voter ID laws to be circumvented.

The campaign contends that officials sent absentee ballots to “indefinitely confined” voters without requiring that the voters submit identification, as required by state election laws.

A state website defines indefinitely confined voters as people with restricted mobility due to age, physical illness, infirmity or disability.

The Trump campaign claimed the number of confined voter ballots surged from 72,000 in 2019 to 240,000 in the November election and that a “substantial number” of those ballots were returned without proper identification.
The latest tally shows Biden led Trump in Wisconsin by more than 20,000 votes.
(Sputnik/NAN)

Lionel Messi: I’m tired of always being the problem at Barcelona

Henry Williams
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Lionel Messi: I’m tired of always being the problem at Barcelona

Lionel Messi expressed his frustration at always being labelled the problem at Barcelona after being quizzed on scathing comments made by Antoine Griezmann’s former agent Eric Olhats.

Messi’s issue with the club over the summer was played out publicly as he expressed his intention to leave, with Manchester City holding talks over a deal for one of football’s greatest ever players.

He wanted to use a clause in his contract to leave on a free transfer but Barcelona insisted it was no longer active.

He ended up staying for the 2020/21 season but his relationship with the club seemingly hasn’t improved with links of a possible move to Man City in January or next summer continuing.

Griezmann’s former agent Eric Olhats recently claimed that a ‘deplorable’ Messi oversees a ‘regime of terror’ and went out of his way to unsettle the Frenchman.

The forward was quizzed on the comments by reporters and said: “I’m tired of always being the problem.”

Griezmann joined Barca in 2019 from Atletico Madrid for around £107million but it was a tough first season at the Nou Camp.

He scored just nine LaLiga goals, the first time he’d failed to reach double figures since the 2011/12 season.

The World Cup winner’s former agent made the stunning claims about Messi while speaking to the press.

Speaking to France Football, Olhats said: “Antoine arrived in a struggling club where Messi has a view on everything.

“He’s at the same time emperor and monarch, and he didn’t see Antoine’s arrival with a good eye.

“His attitude has been deplorable, he made him feel that. I’ve always heard Antoine say there’s no problem with Messi, but never the other way around. It is the regime of terror. Either you are with him or you are against him.

“In my eyes, Messi said he wanted to leave to see what role he still had as a decision-making player, regarding the players who arrived and those who left, but he eventually stayed. Classic Messi!

“(He is) as good on the pitch as he is bad off it. Barcelona has been suffering for a while. There was a cancer in that club, and it obviously leaves some marks.”

Lekki Shooting: Lai Mohammed Says CNN Should Be Sanctioned For Irresponsible Reporting

Itohan Olomu-Agbodo
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Lekki Shooting: Lai Mohammed Says CNN Should Be Sanctioned For Irresponsible Reporting

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says US-based media giant, CNN, should be sanctioned for “irresponsible reporting.”

He was reacting to the broadcaster’s investigative report on the October 20 shooting at Lekki Toll Plaza.

Men of the Nigerian Army had fired bullets at the plaza where peaceful protesters gathered. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed that the incident led to the death of two unidentified persons.

The army denied firing live bullets at the protesters, saying it only fired blank bullets into the air to disperse the protesters.

But the CNN refuted the claim, reporting that live bullets were indeed fired at protesters. It traced one of the bullets to Serbia where it was allegedly bought by the military.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Mohammed described the report as one-dimensional and lacking in balance.

He said the report should earn CNN sanctions because it “relied heavily” on “unverified” and “possibly doctored” videos.

He also alleged that the media outfit sourced information from “questionable sources” to reach its conclusions.

The minister insisted that the military fired blank bullets into the air and not at the crowd, noting that he has no reason to doubt Brig. Gen. Ahmed who testified before the Lagos State Judicial Panel investigating the incident.

Mohammed rubbished the claim of a massacre, describing it as “a massacre without bodies or blood.”

He urged persons who have alleged a massacre, as well as relatives with missing family members, to report at the judicial panel to lay official complaints.

The minister also said the CNN report “conveniently excluded” the looting, violence by citizens, 269 private facilities burnt and looted, 243 government facilities vandalised.

Mohammed added that security agents deserve commendation, not condemnation.

Gunmen Kill Head of Department in Ogun Poly

Henry Williams
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Gunmen Kill Head of Department in Ogun Poly

The Head of Department of Electrical and Electronics in D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori in Ogun State, Mufutau Waliu, has been killed by unknown gunmen.

Reports  gathered that 35 year old Mr Waliu was shot by his assailants while coming out of the institution on Tuesday.

Efforts to fight for his life were unsuccessful as he was confirmed dead at the General Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, the state capital.

Confirming the sad incident, the public relations officer of the institution, Yinka Adegbite, said the Ogun State Police Command had properly been briefed and they have begun investigations into the killing.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said he is convinced that it was an assassination case.

Cultism continues to be the bane of mostly public Nigerian institutions as burgeoning army of youths have resorted to violence which has been made a lucrative pastime by politicians who solicit for the services of these youths during elections.

As a result we have seen political thuggery gradually entrenched in the Nigerian political system.

Nigeria’s minister says FG saves N45bn monthly through TSA

Henry Williams
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Nigeria’s minister says FG saves N45bn monthly through TSA

Nigeria on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Gambia to avail the foreign nation Nigeria’s vast knowledge, experience and technical expertise on the implementation of the Treasury Single Account.

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, who signed on behalf of Nigeria in Abuja, said the MoU was based on the recommendation of the International Monetary Fund.

She also told her guests that Nigeria was saving about N45bn monthly through the implementation of the TSA, adding that The Gambia had in 2019 requested for technical cooperation with Nigeria to support its own transition to TSA.

In her remarks at the MoU signing ceremony, the minister further stated that Nigeria would export other Public Financial Management reforms to The Gambia.

On the benefits of TSA implementation in Nigeria, Ahmed stated that it had helped the Federal Government to make monthly savings that run in several billions of naira.

Speaking for her team, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, The Gambia, Ada Gaye, said the visit to Nigeria had helped them to understand the workings of the TSA, adding that her country would adopt the initiative in managing its finances.

Amazing Health Benefits of Walking

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Amazing Health Benefits of Walking

One of the most powerful ways to lose weight, stay healthy, and live longer is by walking. The key is to strut for, ideally, at least 30 minutes a day. And whether you decide to lace up your sneakers and walk to work, pair up with a friend, or join a hiking club, walking can do everything from lowering your blood pressure and reducing your risk of chronic diseases to making your brain sharper and your heart happier.

Here’s what else you can expect when you start walking for just a half-hour every day;

1. Walking will improve your mood.

Research shows that regular walking actually modifies your nervous system so much that you’ll experience a decrease in anger and hostility.

2. It will help you burn calories and lose weight.

As you continue to walk, you may notice your pants begin to fit more loosely around your midsection, even if the number on the scale isn’t moving much. That’s because regular walking can help improve your body’s response to insulin, which can help reduce belly fat.

3. Walking can reduce your risk of chronic disease.

The statistics are impressive: The American Diabetes Association says walking lowers your blood sugar levels and your overall risk for diabetes. Researchers at the University of Boulder Colorado and the University of Tennessee found that regular walking lowered blood pressure by as much as 11 points and may reduce the risk of stroke by 20 to 40%. One of the most cited studies on walking and health, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, found that those who walked enough to meet physical activity guidelines had a 30% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, compared with those who did not walk regularly.

4. Your digestion will improve by walking more.

If you currently praise coffee for keeping your digestive system going strong, get ready to start thanking your morning walk instead. That’s because a regular walking routine can greatly improve your bowel movements. One of the very first things an abdominal surgery patient is required to do is to walk because it utilizes core and abdominal muscles, encouraging movement in our GI system.

5. And it can help alleviate joint pain.

Contrary to what you might think, pounding pavement can help improve your range of motion and mobility because walking increases blood flow to tense areas and helps strengthen the muscles surrounding your joints. In fact, research shows that walking for at least 10 minutes a day—or about an hour every week—can stave off disability and arthritis pain in older adults.

6. Walking more can boost your immunity.

It turns out that putting one foot in front of the other could help reduce your risk for disease and promote longevity. Research from Arthritis Research & Therapy suggests that high-intensity interval walk training can help improve immune function in older adults with rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disease that affects the joints.

7. It can even help you live longer!

Ever wonder how people from Blue Zones are able to live to 100? Their secret to a longer and healthier life involves walking and getting outside. A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that adults between the ages of 70 and 90 who left the house and were physically active lived longer than those who didn’t. Staying active also helps you stay connected to loved ones and friends who can provide emotional support, which is especially important as you age.

iPhone battery complaints: Apple to pay $113m in settlements to US states

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iPhone battery complaints: Apple to pay $113m in settlements to US states

Apple has agreed to pay $113 million to settle litigation with more than 30 US states over its slowdown in performance of older iPhones to manage battery power.

The latest “batterygate” settlement will divide the settlement among California and 33 other states, according to a statement by state Attorney General Xavier Becerra.

The settlement resolves complaints that the tech giant made misrepresentations about iPhone batteries and software updates that throttled processing performance to manage insufficient battery power, according to the state official.

“Apple withheld information about their batteries that slowed down iPhone performance, all while passing it off as an update,” said Becerra.

“This type of behavior hurts the pockets of consumers and limits their ability to make informed purchases. Today’s settlement ensures consumers will have access to the information they need to make a well-informed decision when purchasing and using Apple products.”

The settlement resolves complaints about Apple’s iPhone 6 and 7 generation phones which according to the states’ complaint were susceptible to performance loss.

Apple had no immediate comment on the matter.

In the court documents, the iPhone maker said it agreed to the payout “solely for the purposes of settlement,” without any admission of wrongdoing.

Earlier this year Apple agreed to pay up to $500 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over the same issue.

In December 2017, Apple admitted that iOS software was tweaked to slow performance of older iPhones whose battery life was deteriorating to prevent handsets from spontaneously shutting down.

Critics accused Apple of surreptitiously forcing users to buy phones sooner than necessary, and the outcry forced Apple to upgrade its software and offer steep discounts on battery replacements.

Apple also settled a case with France’s consumer watchdog to pay 25 million euros ($27.4 million) in a related case.

French prosecutors opened an inquiry in January 2018 at the request of the Halt Planned Obsolescence (HOP) association.

Google set to integrate bank accounts in payments app

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Google set to integrate bank accounts in payments app

Are we about to have a Google bank account?

The internet giant, on Wednesday, said it would be partnering with commercial banks and credit unions starting next year to allow users to manage mobile-based accounts through the Google Pay platform, in the latest move by tech giants into consumer finance.

“People do almost everything on their phones today, but for many, the way they save, pay and engage with their bank has remained unchanged,” said Caesar Sengupta, vice president of Google Payments.

“That’s why we’re working with trusted financial institutions to create Plex, a new mobile-first bank account integrated into Google Pay.”

The Plex Accounts for US consumers will be offered with no monthly fees, overdraft charges or minimum balance requirements, according to Google, which said 11 banks and credit unions were participating.

Google at the same time said it was updating its Google Pay app to help users better organize payments to people and businesses.

“Instead of showing a stack of cards or a long list of transactions, the new Google Pay app focuses on the friends and businesses you transact with most frequently,” Sengupta said.

The initiative comes with tech giants moving deeper into personal finance with person-to-person payments and co-branded credit cards

Apple recently launched its own branded credit card with Goldman Sachs which integrates into its Apple Pay application. Amazon, which has its own branded credit card, has discussed offering its own checking accounts but has not followed through with the plan.

N69.4bn Debt: AMCON Takes Over Jimoh Ibrahim’s Assets

Itohan Olomu-Agbodo
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N69.4bn Debt: AMCON Takes Over Jimoh Ibrahim’s Assets

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has taken over 12 “prime assets” belonging to the Chairman of Global Fleet Group, Jimoh Ibrahim, and had his accounts frozen over a N69.4 billion debt.

This followed an order by Justice R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Lagos, according to a statement by the Head of Corporate Communication at AMCON, Jude Nwauzor.

Based on the order of the court, AMCON took possession of top properties belonging to the businessman on Wednesday, through its debt recovery agent – Pinheiro Legal Partners.

Nwauzor said AMCON took over all the assets listed by the court and scattered around Abuja and Lagos on Wednesday with the help of court bailiffs and officers and men of the Nigerian police as mandated by the court.

The properties include the NICON Investment Limited building at Plot 242, Muhammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, Abuja; NICON Hotels Limited building at Plot 557, Port-Harcourt Crescent, off Gimbiya Street, Abuja; and the NICON Lekki Limited building at No. 5, Customs Street, Lagos.

Others are Abuja International Hotels Limited building located at No. 3, Hospital Road, Lagos; another property at Plot 242, Muhammadu Buhari Way, Abuja; the former Allied Bank building on Mile 2, Oshodi Express Way, Apapa Road, Lagos; Energy House located on No. 94, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; NICON Building at No. 40, Madeira Street, Maitama, Abuja; a Residential Apartment at Road 2, House A14, Victoria Garden City, Lagos; NICON Hotels building at Plot 3, Road 3, Victoria Garden City, Lagos; as well as the NICON Luxury Hotel’s building, Garki I, FCT, Abuja.

Apart from the buildings, the court also ordered the freezing of all accounts belonging to Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim and his companies including Global Fleet Oil & Gas Limited and NICON Investment Limited all of who are defendants in Suit No. FHL/L/CL/776/2016 presided over by Justice Aikawa on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.

In addition, the court granted AMCON possession over all shares belonging to Ibrahim and his two companies that are domiciled in Nigerian Re-Insurance Company Plc, NICON Insurance Company Plc, Nigeria Stockbrokers Limited (NSL), and NICON Trustees Limited.

Nwauzor said the assets were taken over without incident.

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