The National Association of Nigerian Polytechnic Students (NANPS) has joined other stakeholders to demand that Federal Government, particularly President Bola Tinubu to sign the Bill that will remove disparity between the Bachelor degrees and the Higher National Diploma in the country into law.
The two academic qualifications are not ranked the same in the labour market particularly in the civil service as the university degrees are ranked higher than the HND certificates.
To this end, the polytechnic students using the Senate arm of the association have resolved to stage a one-day rally in Lagos to draw the attention of President Tinubu and members of the public to the matter.
The students tagged the proposed rally ‘Save Polytechnic Education’ and urged President Bola Tinubu to end the dichotomy before May 29.
Meanwhile, the agitation for parity between the two academic qualifications particularly by stakeholders in the polytechnic education has been on for a long time.
The last National Assembly already passed the Bill to that effect to the then president Muhammadu Buhari for assent but without him signing it till he left the office.
Nigeria dropped two places (28-30) on the FIFA ranking for March 2024 but holds a healthy 38 spots gap on West African rivals, Ghana who occupy 68th spot.
In the rankings released on Thursday, April 4, 2024, by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) the Nigeria men’s national team dropped to 30th place in the world.
In the month under review, Nigeria played two international friendly games, defeating Ghana 2-1 on March 22 before falling 0-2 vs Mali says later.
Argentina retained top-spot in the world, while France, Belgium, England and Brazil complete the top-five.
SEE TABLE OF TOP 100 NATIONAL TEAMS IN THE WORLD PER FIFA
Others from neighbouring States have also been enjoined to come out in their numbers to support the ladies.
The General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Mohammed Sanusi, has implored Nigerians based in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and environs to troop out in large numbers to the MKO Abiola National Stadium Abuja, on Friday, to support the Super Falcons in their Women’s Olympic Football Tournament African final qualifying, first leg game against South Africa
Others from neighbouring states have also been enjoined to come out in their numbers to support the ladies.
Nine-time African champions Nigeria and reigning African champions South Africa clash in a potentially explosive affair in Nigeria’s magnificent sporting facility as from 5pm on Friday.
The return leg is due for Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld arena next Tuesday.
“The NFF is calling on Nigerians from all over the Federal Capital Territory and the neighbouring States, and indeed from all over Nigeria, to come out in their tens of thousands to cheer the Super Falcons to victory in the match against South Africa.
“This is a big match by all standards. We are specially appealing to our people to come en masse and support the Super Falcons. It is important for us to get a big win here in order to be in good stead before flying to South Africa. A handsome win here will bolster our ladies with the confidence and mentality to overcome in Pretoria,” Sanusi said.
Nigeria has not participated in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament since 2008, when the Falcons lost all three matches in the group phase in China.
Captain Ajibade leads from the front at Wednesday’s training session.
Camp update
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said on Wednesday that the objective of Africa’s leading women’s team, the Falcons, remains the same right from the beginning of the qualifiers.
“From the time we played Ethiopia, we have been committed to seeing these qualification series through. Our objective has always been to win a slot to the Olympics. Most of us are yet to play in the Olympic, and it is a big issue with us. We want to be there in Paris.
“There are a couple of issues the Super Falcons have to sort out with Banyana Banyana, really. However, that is not the motivation this time. The motivation is qualifying for the Olympics.”
Nigeria emerged Africa’s top team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand eight months ago, unbeaten in regulation time before exiting at the Round of 16 courtesy of penalty shootout defeat by England.
At lunchtime on Wednesday, Captain Ajibade and 20 other players were in the Super Falcons’ camp, and the team had a first training session at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Wednesday morning
The Banyana Banyana delegation arrived in Nigeria on Sunday.
In Camp:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi, Linda Jiwuaku
While Enyimba players were ruthless at home against Kano Pillars, Akwa United and Bendel Insurance suffered surprising home defeats
There were many surprises in the midweek fixtures played in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Wednesday.
While Enyimba were ruthless at home against Kano Pillars, Akwa United and Bendel Insurance suffered surprising home defeats against Doma United and Niger Tornadoes, respectively.
Five-star Enyimba
In what is fondly called the “Zobia Classico”, Enyimba showed class as they dismantled Pillars 5-0 in Aba.
After Eze Ekwutoziam put the People’s Elephant in front early in the first half, the reigning league champions never looked back as they added two more goals to take a commanding 3-0 lead into the break.
Other games
In other results, Shooting Stars and table-toppers Enugu Rangers secured identical 2-0 victories over Kwara United and Sunshine Stars.
Abia Warriors piped Plateau United by a lone goal, the same way Bayelsa United secured the same slim 1-0 margin over relegation-haunted Heartland FC.
The 13th African Games saw Team Nigeria deliver an impressive performance, securing second place in the overall medal count. Nigeria’s athletes earned an inspiring 47 gold medals. As the nation celebrates this success, PREMIUM TIMES highlights all the country’s gold medalists from the Games.
Arm Wrestling
Sarah Matthew (Age: 17, Women’s Left and Right Arm: 70kg):
At just 17, Sarah is already establishing her presence, securing two gold medals for Nigeria in Ghana. She was one of Nigeria’s youngest athletes at the Games and exhibits promising potential to excel on the global stage. Sarah’s triumphs came in both the left and right arm women’s 70kg categories, showcasing her remarkable talent and determination.
Mausi Zannu (Age: 21; Women’s left and right arms, 55kg)
At 21, Zannu made an indelible mark on African sports history by securing Nigeria’s inaugural gold medal in the arm wrestling competition at the 13th African Games in Ghana. Zannu’s victory showcased her exceptional skill, strength, and unwavering determination, earning her the coveted gold medal.
Olubisi Oyewusi (Age: 29, Women’s Left and Right Arm 80kg):
Oyewusi, the captain of Nigeria’s arm wrestling team, demonstrated exceptional leadership by securing a gold medal in her event. The journey to gold was challenging, requiring Oyewusi to defeat two Ghanaian opponents before ultimately prevailing against an Egyptian competitor in the final. Her determination and skill were evident throughout, culminating in a well-deserved victory.
Athletics
Chidi Okezie (Age: 30, Men’s 400m)
Since becoming part of the Nigerian team in 2016, Okezie has been relentlessly pursuing his goal of becoming a continental champion. That moment finally arrived in Ghana, where he delivered an impressive performance in the men’s 400m final, sprinting to a Personal Best (PB) time of 45.06 seconds.
Chidi Okezie finally wins an individual gold after many years of misses and near misses…[PHOTO CREDIT: MakingofChampions]
In Ghana, Okezie achieved a remarkable victory by defeating Muzala Samukonga from Zambia, one of the world’s fastest men over this distance, to secure the gold medal. Okezie’s accomplishment marked the first time in 37 years that a Nigerian man had won the African Games 400m men’s gold.
Nnamdi Chinecherem (Age: 21, Men’s Javelin Throw)
Chinecherem did not just win gold in the men’s javelin throw at the African Games; he did so in record-breaking fashion with a Personal Best (PB) of 82.80 meters, which is a new national record. He is proudly Nigeria’s first African Games men’s javelin throw gold medalist in 29 years.
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Age: 31, Men’s Shot Put)
A favourite going into Ghana, Enekwechi lived up to the billing by successfully defending the title he won in Rabat five years earlier. Enekwechi secured Nigeria’s first gold medal in athletics at the 13th African Games; a feat that saw him become the first Nigerian man to successfully defend a Shot Put title at the African Games.
Tobi Amusan (Age: 26; Women’s 100m hurdles and Women’s 4x100m relay)
Amusan emerged as one of the standout stars who brought prestige to the African Games in Ghana. As a former world champion and the current world record holder, she embarked on a determined mission and executed it flawlessly.
Tobi Amusan, 100m hurdle race world champion and record holder [PHOTO: TW @Evaglobal01]
She recorded a time of 12.89 seconds in Ghana, securing victory in the 100m hurdles and achieving a remarkable feat of winning three consecutive African Games gold medals, a first in Games history. She then played a pivotal role in leading the women’s 4x100m relay team to gold, resulting in her accumulating four gold medals across three appearances at the African Games.
Obiageri Amaechi (Age 25, Women’s Discus Throw)
A newly minted champion for Nigeria, Amaechi secured the top spot in the women’s Discus Throw. On her last throw, she soared to victory with an impressive Personal Best (PB) of 58.93m, clinching the coveted gold medal.
Ese Brume (Age 28, Women’s Long Jump)
Considered one of Nigeria’s most reliable medal contenders, Brume lived up to that reputation in Ghana. The soft-spoken jumper successfully defended her long jump title, leaping to a distance of 6.92m (+3.9m/s).
Unfortunately, the strong tailwind prevented this distance from being a record. Notably, Brume became the second Nigerian woman, after Modupe Oshikoya (1973 and 1978), to win consecutive long jump titles at the African Games.
Usoro Ruth (Age 26, Women’s Triple Jump)
Ruth had a memorable African Games debut, grabbing the gold medal in the Triple Jump event. With a winning leap of 13.80m, she became the third Nigerian woman (after Rosa Collins in 1995 and Grace Anigbata in 2019) to win a triple jump title at the Games. This distance also equalled the altitude-aided winning mark set by Collins 29 years earlier.
Emmanuel Ojeli (Age 25, Men’s 4x400m mixed relay)
A bronze medalist in the 4x400m men’s relay at the 2019 African Games, Ojeli had a golden moment in Ghana. He contributed significantly to Nigeria’s victory in the Mixed Relay, helping set a new African record in the process.
Adeyemi Sikiru (Age 25, Men’s 4x400m Mixed Relay)
While Adeyemi did not win an individual medal, he emerged as the Men’s 400m Champion at the national trials leading up to the African Games. He then played a crucial role in Nigeria’s record-breaking triumph in the 4x400m Mixed Relay.
Commonwealth Games: Nigeria’s 4x100m women’s relay team
In what might be her final African Games appearance, the veteran Okon-George delivered a powerful performance. She helped Nigeria retain her title in the 4x400m relay and added the Mixed Relay gold to her impressive collection.
After taking a hiatus to raise her two children, this mother made a remarkable comeback to the track. Her performance was truly memorable as she anchored Nigeria’s Mixed Relay team to a sensational victory against all expectations.
Her awe-inspiring effort, which involved closing a nearly 40m gap, earned her the moniker of “miracle worker” for transforming silver into gold for Nigeria. Ogunmakinju also achieved gold in the 4x400m relay event.
Esther Elo Joseph (Age 21, Women’s 400m, Women’s 4x400m Relay)
Elo Joseph emerged as one of the most impressive revelations for Nigeria at the Games, and her name is certainly one to remember. Setting three Personal Bests in as many races, she appears destined for greatness.
In all of her 400m races in Ghana, she clocked sub-52 second times, culminating in a silver medal – a first major championship medal for Nigeria – with a new PB of 51.64 seconds. She also secured gold with the 4x400m relay team.
After five years of serving in the US military, Ogunmokun returned to the tracks and chose to represent Nigeria. In her African Games debut, she was part of the gold-winning 4x400m women’s team. Ogunmokun aims to improve her race times as she seeks a bigger challenge at the Paris Olympics.
Israel Okon (Age 17, Men’s 4x100m Relay)
This young sprinter was part of the victorious 4x100m men’s relay team.
Consider Ekanem (Age 19, 4x100m Relay)
Ekanem narrowly missed the podium in the 100m and secured a bronze medal in the 200m. He then played a key role in helping Nigeria overcome Ghana’s potent challenge of winning the 4x100m gold medal.
Alaba Akintola (Age 22, 4x100m Relay)
Akintola was part of the winning quartet in the 4x100m men’s event.
Usheoritse Itsekiri (Age 26, Men’s 4x100m Relay)
Itsekiri’s intense focus while anchoring Nigeria’s 4x100m relay team to victory over Ghana is one of the memorable images from the 13th African Games. He also upgraded to a silver in the men’s 100m event, having won bronze in 2019 at the African Games staged in Morocco.
Badminton
Opeyori Anuoluwapo (Age 26, Men’s Singles)
Anuoluwapo holds the distinction of winning the first of Nigeria’s 47 gold medals at the 13th African Games. This victory adds to his impressive collection of continental titles, solidifying his position as a role model for aspiring Nigerian badminton players.
Boxing
Omole Dolapo (Age 24, Men’s 57kg)
This fierce competitor is well on his way to fame, having already secured a qualifying spot for the Paris Olympics. Omole’s victory was particularly impressive as he dominated the final fight against Mozambique’s Armando Rugoberto Sigauque.
Onyekwere Ifeanyi (Age 23, Men’s 92+kg)
Determined to redeem himself after a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, Onyekwere delivered on his promise by winning gold in Ghana. He battled through a challenging match against Alo Mike Mansogo from Equatorial Guinea to secure the heavyweight title.
Olaore Olaitan (Age 22, Men’s 92kg)
UK-based Olaitan secured gold for Nigeria in the men’s 92kg boxing final with a powerful knockout victory over Kevin Kuadjovi of Togo. He has already qualified for the Paris Olympics, where he aims to reach the podium.
Cynthia Ogunsemilore reacts after winning her 60kg final against Algeria’s Khelif Hadjila at the Africa Boxing Qualifiers in Dakar.
Ogunsemilore Cynthia (Age 21, Women’s 60kg)
Having already secured her spot in the Paris Olympics, Ogunsemilore arrived in Ghana to solidify her status as one of Africa’s best in her weight class. She dominated the women’s 60kg final, leaving no doubt in her dominance with a decisive 5-0 win over Rahma Mafouz Ibrahim of Egypt.
Ojo Nene (Age 22, Women’s 57kg)
Nene earned Team Nigeria’s first boxing gold medal through an unusual turn of events. Her Algerian opponent, Selmoun Chahira, failed to show up for their scheduled bout, resulting in a walkover victory.
Oraekwe Blessing (Age 25, Women’s 70kg)
Oraekwe’s boxing journey began with local competitions in Lagos and she continued her impressive rise by defeating Alcinda Lucas Dos Santos of Mozambique 5-0 to claim her first African Games gold medal.
Mbata Patricia (Age 29, Women’s 75kg)
British-Nigerian boxer Mbata honed her skills at the prestigious Finchley and District Amateur Boxing Club, the same arena where Anthony Joshua trained as an amateur. Following Joshua’s tradition of success, Mbata earned gold at the African Games and now sets her sights on qualifying for Paris 2024.
Umunnakwe Jacinta (Age 30, Women’s 81kg)
Umunnakwe, a previous gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games, continued her winning streak by defeating Joel Mar
Super Eaglesforward, Emmanuel Dennis, may have been inspired by popular singer Madonna, who once said, “No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you’ve come from, you can always change and become a better version of yourself.”
Since swapping Istanbul Basaksehir for Watford following an unsuccessful loan spell in Turkey last January, Dennis has found a new lease of life back in England.
The Nigerian is currently on loan at the Championship outfit from parent club Nottingham Forest and seems to have rediscovered his scoring touch after a tough start to the season.
The former Club Brugge forward initially completed a loan move to Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir in September 2023 but Forest terminated the move in January after the player made just eight appearances with no goal involvement.
Since returning to Watford, the Nigerian attacker has found the back of the net four times in six starts and is enjoying his football again with the EFL Championship side.
Despite being reduced to a bench role since returning to Vicarage Road, Dennis netted his first goal in Watford’s 2-1 home loss to Leicester City and in his first start for the club, he found the back of the net again as the Hornets suffered a 2-1 defeat against Huddersfield in front of their fans.
Following an impressive contribution, the Nigerian is beginning to become an integral part of the team and has started each of their last six games, scoring four goals in the process, despite completing the entire 90 minutes only on two occasions.
In his first spell with Watford, the 26-year-old equalled Troy Deeney’s record as he became the first player since 2017 to score in three consecutive Premier League games for the club.
He was close to making history against Swansea earlier this month as he could have become the second Watford player to score in three consecutive home games after Mileta Rajovic but was denied by an impressive Carl Rushworth in the encounter.
Dennis’ impressive performance in recent times has not gone unnoticed as he was heavily praised by the club’s interim manager Tom Cleverly.
“We know that Dennis has got that explosive burst. As a defender, you can think you’re comfortable on the ball, and then he appears from nowhere,” Cleverly said.
“We said to the players we thought we would create chances through high regains. We didn’t win as many as I’d like but the one that mattered went in. He’s been nursing a small groin issue, so it was always in my mind that he wouldn’t complete the game. He’s done well to get to an hour and score the winning goal.”
Dennis will hope to continue his rich vein of form when Watford host Preston at home in their next EFL Championship game on Saturday.
Nigeria and Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface who missed the last Africa Cup of Nations in January and February, will be back in the squad for Wednesday’s German Cup semi-final against Fortuna Dusseldorf following a three-month injury absence, coach Xabi Alonso said on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old underwent surgery on an adductor muscle injury in January after being injured while preparing with Nigeria for the Africa Cup of Nations.
“We are in a super situation. We have no injuries and a full squad. Boni (Boniface) is also back in the squad,” Alonso told a press conference, with the Bundesliga leaders in the hunt for three trophies this season.
Asked how long Boniface could play in the game, Alonso said: “Not 90 minutes. 45 maybe not. But maybe 30. He has done a good recovery and has trained well. He has a strong mentality to come back. He can’t wait to get back.”
Boniface had scored 10 goals and set up another seven in the Bundesliga before his injury.
Aruna shared details of how he struggled to compete in one of the World Championships but couldn’t due to illness and ended up being punished
Table tennis star Quadri Aruna has launched a fiery attack on the World Table Tennis (WTT), questioning its practices after facing point deductions and an undisclosed fine.
Aruna has threatened legal action if he is denied “justice” by the WTT.
The WTT, established in 2019 by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), organises commercialised table tennis tournaments.
Aruna’s frustration stems from the mandatory nature of these events, unpaid prize money, and what he perceives as unfair penalties.
Grudges
In a series of social media posts on Monday, Aruna directly addresses the WTT: “Why exactly must participation in World Table Tennis CHAMPIONS be mandatory when I have no paid contract with you?
“ Why exactly do I have to leave my club that is paying me salary and play WTT EVENTS? Why exactly is this really mandatory?”he queried. Aruna highlights the financial strain this creates, especially considering unpaid winnings: “I have a family to take care of and I have bills to pay monthly, why exactly do I have to be forced to play where I will not win money?
“Several prize monies are yet to be paid by WTT and yet forcing players to play.
“My prize money from cup finals, Doha star contender and Goa star contender and even Singapore prize money are yet to be received and why exactly I must leave my contract with my clubs and play WTT CHAMPIONS IN KOREA and lose my contract with my clubs?.”
Aruna shared details of how he struggled to compete in one of the World Championships but couldn’t due to illness and ended up being punished: “I was supposed to travel to Korea, unfortunately, I was very sick with chronic diarrhoea for five days. Do I really need to die because I wanted to play?”
He emphasises that Nigeria, facing financial constraints, relied on him: “Nigeria did not have enough players due to financial reasons, so my name was always on the list. They also couldn’t participate in the junior championships for the same reason.”
Allegations of bias
Aruna insists he’s been unfairly penalised by the WTT: “My first sin is because I was sick with chronic diarrhoea, I was not able to participate in world championships in Korea and I could not get doctor’s report on time while on sick bed and my appeal was rejected.”
He raises the concern of racial bias: “Is it because I’m Black, African, and Nigerian? I have worked so hard to be where I am today. I shouldn’t suffer for an offence I didn’t commit.” Threat of legal action
Aruna has taken a strong stance: “If this judgement is not changed against me, we will definitely end up in court.
“I will never be a slave to WTT and play for bad prize money.”
Aruna’s public outburst has divided opinions with some hailing his bravery while others suggesting there are better ways of resolving whatever issues he had with the WTT.
Liverpool were the big winners of the Easter weekend and are now the favourites to win the Premier League title.
The Reds came from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday, with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah combining to secure a fourth win in the last five league outings.
Together with Arsenal’s stalemate draw against Manchester City a few hours later, the win sent Liverpool back to the top of the table with 67 points and nine games left.
Arsenal slipped to second two points behind Jurgen Klopp’s men, while City are a point further back.
According to Opta’s supercomputer, Sunday’s results mean Liverpool are now firmly in the box seat to lift the Premier League trophy and deliver a fairytale finale to Klopp’s nine-year spell at Anfield.
The Reds have a 47.7 percent chance of winning their first league title since they triumphed in 2020 at the end of a Covid-19 affected season, up from 35.3 percent before this weekend.
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