Paris Olympics: Heartbreak For Nigeria As Spain Strike Late To Beat Super Falcons

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July 29, 2024

In a closely contested match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Spain secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Nigeria, with Alexia Putellas scoring the decisive goal in the 85th minute.

The win was crucial for Spain, who are the reigning World Champions, as they continue their quest for Olympic glory.

The game, held at the Stade de la Beaujoire, saw intense action throughout, with both teams displaying remarkable defensive and offensive prowess.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons, led in attack by Asisat Oshoala, showcased their resilience and tactical discipline but ultimately fell short despite several promising opportunities.

The first half ended goalless, with both teams creating chances but unable to break the deadlock. Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, was instrumental in keeping Spain at bay, making several key saves. Notably, she stopped a powerful effort from Alexia Putellas and managed to thwart other Spanish attempts, including a header from Salma Paralluelo that was ruled offside after a VAR review.

Spain’s relentless pressure continued into the second half, with Nigeria struggling to keep up with the pace. Despite their best efforts, including a notable solo run from Oshoala and a few close chances, Nigeria couldn’t capitalize.

The decisive moment came in the 85th minute when Alexia Putellas expertly curled a free-kick past Nnadozie to give Spain the lead. The goal was a testament to Spain’s skill and determination, as they managed to break through Nigeria’s defense despite the Super Falcons’ resilient performance.

With this loss, Nigeria faces a must-win situation in their final group match against Japan to advance to the knockout stages. The Super Falcons, who had lost their opening game to Brazil by a similar 1-0 scoreline, will need to regroup and come out strong to keep their Olympic dreams alive.

Paris 2004 Opening Ceremony: Organizers Suffer Global Condemnation Over Religious Mockery Scenes

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Emenike Agu

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July 29, 2024

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Friday’s opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics has sparked off global controversy as to whether religion shouldn’t be kept out of sports after extreme portrayal of historical and religious figures in scenes mimicking significant Christian events played out by by drag queens and LGBTQ characters.

The highlights include Leonardo Davinchi’s painting of the last supper recreated by 18 drag queens performers, artistes singing with seven heads and another featured a man painted in blue covered in flowers and fruits.

These videos quickly went viral attracting global condemnation calling out organizers of the opening ceremony for apologies in what has easily been described as blasphemous and disrespectful to Christianity and to the Jews.

Moments after the videos went viral organizers swiftly denied reference to any religion or personalities claiming the scenes were designed to raise anti violence awareness.

London Bridge’s Bus Terminal Illuminated by New 190-Foot-Long Mosaic

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Koko Lawrence

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July 28, 2024

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Part of London Bridge, a grey steel and concrete product of the seventies, has been decorated with a new 190-foot-long mosaic.
The public artwork, titled In a River a Thousand Streams, is a collaboration between Camden’s London School of Mosaic (LSOM) and British artist and designer Adam Nathaniel Furman.
First proposed in 2016, the mosaic was started in 2022 and comprises 250,000 glass pieces in 28 different colors along a wall at London Bridge’s bus terminal. Seventy volunteers helped put it together and it’s LSOM’s largest commission to date.
London Bridge, one of the oldest and busiest rail terminals in the UK and Europe, sees 21 million people coming and going each year. This is why Furman chose the location – he wanted as many people as possible to see the mosaic.
“We wanted to use the project to platform mosaic as a medium at home in the gateway to London, where many pieces make up the whole,” LSOM said. “Immediately recognizing Furman’s investment in the community power of the decorative, we commissioned [him] to design the mosaic.”
Joshua Gordon, a former LSOM student and volunteer who helped create the mosaic, said, “This brings a nice piece of color and a splash of excitement to the city – it contrasts the grey exterior of the Shard and stuff, but I think that’s nice.”

Publisher Plans Massive ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ Reprints To Meet Demand For JD Vance’s Book

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Koko Lawrence

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July 28, 2024

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Former President Donald Trump’s selection of JD Vance as his running mate has led to a surge in sales for “Hillbilly Elegy,” his best-selling memoir that came out in 2016.
A spokesperson for HarperCollins told newsmen that more than 650,000 copies have been sold since Trump’s announcement on July 15. The total includes physical books, audio books and e-books.
“We are printing hundreds of thousands of copies to fill the demand at our retail partners,” the publisher announced Thursday.
Vance’s book already had sold more than 3 million copies before Trump chose him for the Republican ticket. “Hillbilly Elegy,” which Ron Howard adapted into a feature film released in 2020, tells of Vance’s childhood in Ohio and his family’s roots in rural Kentucky.

Hagher Urges Leaders To Engage Nigerian Writers In Nation Building

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Koko Lawrence

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July 28, 2024

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Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, a former presidential aspirant of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has called on political leaders at all levels to engage Nigerian writers in building an egalitarian and progressive nation.
The literary icon made the call in an interview Newsmen on the sideline of the July edition of the monthly “Reading and Writers Dialogue” on Saturday in Abuja.
The Reading and Writers Dialogue is a flagship programme of the Abuja chapter of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
It brings together authors, literary enthusiasts, and then discusses the works of a selected Guest Author.
The July edition of the dialogue, with the theme, “The Writer As A Double-Edged Sword; Can Build and Can Destroy”, featured Hagher as the Guest Writer.
Hagher, a former Nigeria High Commissioner to Canada and Mexico, said literary works are timeless and veritable instruments for driving narratives and desired changes all over the world.
He urged leaders to constructively engage Nigeria writers for national re-orientation, especially as the nation was grappling with challenges that threaten its development and unity.
“The writers are very powerful instruments of nation-building, and all over the world people understand that the writer is the conscience of the nation.
“They are the repository of collective wisdom and have special skills and talents to raise consciousness.Thank God that today there is an explosion of writing, which is also available on social media.
“One of the writer’s responsibility is to tell the truth to power, if people in power will listen to the writers, they can never go wrong, that is why they should be properly engaged.
“We need to have many more writers who are writing about Nigeria instead of investing their energy and writing about how great their tribes and customs are.
“We need to build a Nigeria that is proud of its diversity, we need to build a Nigeria where the elites are selfless and less greedy,” he said.
Arc. Chukwudi Eze, Chairman, ANA Abuja chapter, lauded Hagher for his contribution to nation building both as a public servant and a literary giant, especially in advocacy for better leadership.
He urged Nigerian authors to use their writings to build and not to destroy, thus taking the written craft to its rightful position as a force for positive change and growth.
“I do not know if you have up to four Nigerians like Hagher, not only as a scholar of excellence, which makes him attain the position of a professor, but as a selfless public servant.
“He has a remarkable pedigree as a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a Federal Minister for Health and later for Power and Steel, a Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico and later Canada.
“He is also a distinguished Professor of the written and spoken art, whose literary works are critically acclaimed across the globe,” he said.
According to EZE, ANA is positioned as a platform where literary discussions are used to positively shape socio-political and cultural developments and as a springboard for emerging authors.
“ANA Abuja strives to focus on the young ones for them to appreciate themselves in context with their nation. And for them to be able to express themselves through their writing skills,” he said.
NAN reports that the highpoint of the July Reading and Writers Dialogue was a discussion panel which featured literary icons, including Prof. Udenta Udenta, Salamatu Sule and Abubakar Adam Ibrahim.
The panel examined the character of the writer as a ‘double-edged sword’, through historical and empirical evidence.
Other activities for the day included spoken word ,songs, poetry and other presentations by students, and the presentation of awards.

Paris Olympics: Super Falcon’s Oshoala In For Crucial Tie Against Spain

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Emenike Agu

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July 28, 2024

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As Nigeria’s Super Falconsile out against world champions Spain Sunday in a Paris Olympics Group C matchday two clash, Asisat Oshoala may be given the nod to start ahead of Chiwendu Ihezuo.

Spain, who are also the reigning UEFA Women’s Nations League queens, will be the favourite to power to victory in their first-ever clash with Nigeria.

While the Spaniards, making their maiden appearance at the Olympics, carved out a fine 2-1 win over Japan on Thursday, Nigeria stumbled to a tough 1-0 defeat to Brazil.

Mexico-based Ihezuo got Coach Randy Waldrum’s nod to start as the centre forward on matchday one.

However, after an underwhelming performance, she will probably make room for Oshoala, who surprisingly did not make it off the bench at any point last time out.

A former Barcelona star, Oshoala has the confidence, quality, and star name to trouble Spain’s defence and provide that efficiency the Falcons lacked against the Brazilians.

The Super Falcons will be desperate to earn a positive result against La Roja as another loss could all but confirm their elimination from the Olympics.

Tinubu Sends Best Wishes To Team Nigeria

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Emenike Agu

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July 28, 2024

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As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games officially opened on Friday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent his warm wishes to Team Nigeria, consisting of 88 athletes who will be representing the country in 12 sports.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday, Tinubu expressed his full support for the athletes, assuring them of the backing of over 200 million Nigerians who will be praying and cheering them.

The President specifically mentioned his excitement to watch Nigeria’s flagbearer, Tobi Amusan, the current world record holder in the 100 metres hurdles, and other athletes compete with honour and dedication on the international stage.

Tinubu urged the athletes to exhibit the values of resilience, courage, respect, self-control, and good sportsmanship that Nigerians are known for.

The statement read, “On behalf of all Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu sends his best wishes to Team Nigeria at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

“A total of 88 Team Nigeria athletes, including 63 women and 25 men, are proudly flying Nigeria’s flag in 12 sports at the Paris Olympics.

“The President assures these bold and courageous ambassadors representing the country of his full support and that of over 200 million Nigerians back home, praying and cheering for their success.

Nigeria Protests: FG Tightens Security At Borders Nationwide

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Emenike Agu

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July 28, 2024

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The Federal Government has stepped up border security in preparation for the anticipated nationwide protests against government mismanagement. Comptroller-General of the Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, has issued a directive to all Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers, and Divisional Immigration Officers (DIOs) to heighten security measures.

According to Service spokesman DCI Kenneth Udo, the heightened security aims to prevent foreign individuals from entering Nigeria to participate in the demonstrations.

The directive emphasizes the need for increased vigilance and enhanced surveillance in light of the planned protests.

“The Comptroller-General has stressed the importance of securing the nation’s borders and preventing any external interference in the protests,” the statement said.

Officers, particularly those in charge of border commands, are instructed to remain alert and professional.

The order also includes a temporary suspension of all leave applications for immigration officers to ensure maximum staffing and operational effectiveness during the protests.

The Comptroller-General assured Nigerians of the Immigration Service’s readiness to protect the nation’s borders and support national security.

Falcons Working Hard To Make Nigeria Proud–Ajibade

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Emenike Agu

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July 28, 2024

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Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade says the team will keep striving to make Nigeria proud at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

The Atletico Madrid forward spoke after Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil in the Group C opening game at Stade Matmut-Atlantique, Bordeaux. She hailed the team’s overall performance against the South Americans, relishing the opportunity to captain the team at the Olympics.

“I give all the glory to God for being able to play and captain the team at the Olympics. This is a privilege that I am eternally grateful for and do not take for granted. Blessed. I am incredibly proud of the team for the effort we showed, but it just was not our day. We will keep working hard to achieve our goals and make the country proud. Thank you for all your support,” said the former FC Robo Queens of Lagos player.

After losing their opening game, the Super Falcons now must up the ante to come out unscathed in the second game against Spain on Monday, July 29. A win against the Spaniards will revive their qualification hopes; a loss will leave them on the cusp of exit, while a draw gives fighting chances to progress from the group ahead of the last match at the same venue on Wednesday, July 31.

n the group’s second game on Sunday, Brazil will be aiming for their second win against Japan, who lost 2-1 to Spain in their opening game at Parc des Princes in Paris. A win for Japan and Nigeria will automatically throw the group open, as all three teams will be tied on three points.

The Super Falcons put up a virtuoso display against Brazil but were largely undone by their inability to put the ball at the back of the net.

The game’s decisive moment came in the first half when Gabriela Nunes Da Silva unleashed a ferocious strike that proved to be the only goal of the contest.

A positive start by Randy Waldrum women saw Chiwendu Ihezuo miss Nigeria’s best chance of the game as the Super Falcons played second fiddle all through the encounter after plenty of attacking intent.

Nigeria had three big chances in quick succession, one of which was led by Ajibade, Nigeria’s best player, beating her marker before crossing for Ihezuo, whose header was saved by Brazil’s goalkeeper.

It was the Super Falcons’ best chance, and Ihezuo, who was favoured to start by a Nigerian legend, should have scored. However, the Samba Girls took control after those threatening moments, going on to control the game en route to another win against the 11-time African champions.

This result extends Brazil’s unbeaten run against Nigeria to four matches, continuing the Super Falcons’ struggles against the Samba Girls.

Canadian Women’s Soccer Team Loses Six Points, Coach Banned Over Drone Scandal

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Emenike Agu

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July 28, 2024

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Canada women football team laboured in vain in their 2-1 defeat of New Zealand last Thursday as FIFA this Saturday has taken a disciplinary action ducting six points from the team and banning their coach, Bev Priestman for a year.

This is sequel to a drone spying scandal that has tainted their gold medal defence.

Priestman, who has coached the team since 2020, and Canadian officials Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander have been banned from any soccer-related activity for one year for “offensive behaviour and violation of the principles of fair play”, FIFA said.

New Zealand complained that Canadian staff flew drones over their training sessions before their opening fixture at the Olympics, which the Canada won 2-1.

The incident caused Priestman and the other officials involved to be suspended by Canada Soccer, the sport’s national governing body, and sent home from the Games.

There was no immediate comment from Canada Soccer or the Canadian Olympic Committee.

On Friday, former Canadian team players, Christine Sinclair and Stephanie Labbe said players had never been shown drone footage during their time on the team.

Canada are scheduled to play France on Sunday and take on Colombia on Wednesday. The top two teams in each group and the two best 3rd-ranked teams qualify for the Olympic quarter-finals.