Lagos Govt. Collaborates With Stakeholders To Reduce Maternal, Child Mortality

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December 5, 2023

In a significant stride towards combating maternal and child mortality in Lagos State, officials of the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics Nigeria (SOGON), Lagos sector, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Health.

Led by former National President Prof. Rotimi Akinola, an elder of the Society and Chief Medical Director of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), in company of other dignitaries and were received by the State Health Commissioner, Prof Akin Abayomi and the Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi.

During discussions, critical initiatives for partnership and collaboration to address maternal mortality and improve maternal and child health were deliberated upon.

Prof. Gbadegesin, Chair of SOGON Lagos Sector, underscored the urgent need to tackle maternal mortality and enhance women’s health in Lagos and Nigeria. He highlighted SOGON’s past initiatives such as Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Review (MPDSR) and emergency obstetrics training, emphasising the importance of stakeholder collaboration.

Recognizing the multifaceted nature of reproductive health improvement, Prof. Gbadegesin stressed the collective responsibility of various sectors in addressing maternal health challenges. He advocated for legislative support to fortify efforts aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates.

Expressing concerns about unsafe abortions impacting maternal health, Prof. Akinola stressed the need for safe termination guidelines and SOGON’s active involvement in policy development related to maternal health.

In response, Health Commissioner Prof. Abayomi expressed gratitude for reigniting the partnership, emphasising collaborative strategies to improve maternal and child health. He called for precise data classification and an efficient referral system from Traditional Birth Attendants to Primary Healthcare Centres and higher levels of care, seeking SOGON’s support in empowering healthcare practitioners.

The Commissioner addressed the sensitive topic of safe abortion guidelines, proposing a thorough review and stakeholder engagement to determine the best approach.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi stated that the renewed effort signifies a crucial moment in addressing maternal mortality. It also recognise the need for collaborative action between SOGON and governmental entities in safeguarding the well-being of mothers and children in Lagos State.

Also in attendance at the meeting were the Medical Director, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Dr. Femi Omololu; Vice Chairman, SOGON Lagos Sector, Dr. Yusuf Oshodi and others.

MINILS DG Advocates Increased Support For People Living With Disabilities

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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December 5, 2023

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Stakeholders have been urged to make concerted effort towards problems assailing people living with disabilities in Nigeria in commemoration of International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).

This call was made by Comrade Issa Aremu, Director General of Micheal Imodu National Institute of Labour Studies in a statement issued in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria.

Aremu said this year’s celebration of IDPwD provides Nigeria with the opportunity to celebrate the disability community, and strive towards creating a better society for them.

Aremu while lamenting the challenges facing the people living with disabilities in Nigeria, noted that the institute is using the day to remind Nigerians on the importance of factoring their needs into both the national development plans and sustainable development goals.

The Director General, however, revealed that the institute under his leadership have been including people living with disabilities in its activities in the past two and a half years.

He stressed that, “This year’s IDPwD and theme perfectly amplifies the needs and aspirations of people living with disabilities in Nigeria and the urgency for stakeholders to collaboratively work harder to make Nigeria more hospitable, conducive and equitable for the about 27Million Nigerians living with disabilities”.

Lebanese Kids Wail As Kenyan Nanny Leaves Family

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faith Jegede

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December 5, 2023

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A video of a Kenyan lady saying goodbye to her employer and children at the airport has gone viral.

Rozie, a Kenyan nanny, touched many hearts after the video captured her leaving her Lebanese bosses and their kids in tears at the airport as she was leaving.

Rosie obviously had a great relationship with the family which made it hard for both parties to say goodbye.

Read Also : Human Trafficking: Stakeholders Advocate Collaboration, Framework To Dismantle Trafficking Network

As seen in the video shared on social media, the kids refused to let Rosie go and shed tears while the parents struggled to keep the children away from the departing Rosie. Track up

Among those impressed by her work ethic and relationship with the kids, is the CEO of Expeditions Maasai Safaris, who offered her a fully paid holiday in honour of her excellent job. The CEO said

“The kids’ tears spoke volumes about their deep and priceless bond with Rozah. As Expeditions Maasai Safaris, we’re determined to recognize, honour and reward Rozah’s dedication,” read his post.

The video highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of migrant workers who play pivotal roles in caring for families worldwide.

Africa’s Tallest Christmas Tree Set For Unveiling In Delta State

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Angel Gimalo

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December 4, 2023

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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is set to commission the tallest Christmas tree in Africa, in Asaba.

The tree stands 123 feet tall.

The commissioning is one of the events put together by the organisers of Christmas In Delta, a 45-day Christmas extravaganza that kicked off on Friday, December 1.

In a statement release, the yuletide fiesta is aimed at giving Deltans and visitors alike a Christmas like no other.

The Executive Assistant (EA) to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Dr (Mrs.) Josephine Odunze who embarked on an inspection tour of projects, noted that the initiative aligns with the vision of the state governor, Oborevwori to create a festive atmosphere that captures the spirit of the ‘’Big Heart’’ state.

Odunze said that the commissioning of the giant Christmas tree is part of the 45 days of unforgettable Christmas experiences in the state, even as she commended the governor and the organisers for the event.

‘’People have asked me why the Christmas tree is positioned where it is. I tell them that we cannot be selling Delta to Deltans by positioning the tree in town. We should be marketing Delta to outsiders.

It is happening here in Delta State; 45 days of endless fun’’ she said.

In his remark, a member of the organising committee, Fred Onojeta, said that the initiative was to explore the state’s tourism potential, even as he commended the Oborevwori administration for an enabling environment for such enterprises to thrive.

‘’When the team put this event together tagged ‘’Christmas in Delta: 45 Days of Fond Memories served daily’’ it was audacious to put the tallest Christmas tree in Africa here in Asaba. We thought it was impossible’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the EA also visited other sites that will add flavour to the Christmas experience. Sitters visited include the Floating Bar and Water Park at Grand Hotel Asaba and several other facilities located at the Maryam Babangida Leisure Park and Film Village, Asaba.

Rivers State Governor Signs MOU For Construction Of 20, 000 Low-Cost Housing Units

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Angel Gimalo

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December 4, 2023

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The Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has signed a sign memoranda of understanding with two companies to commence the construction of 20,000 low cost housing units and a spare parts market in the state.

The agreement for the development of RIV/TAF City Housing Project on 1000 hectares of land and the spare parts market were signed for Rivers by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor.

The Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mustapha Njie signed for one of the contracting firms, TAF Africa Global.

On the development of a Central Spare Parts Market, Prof. Adangor also signed for the State government while the Chief Executive Officer, Okoh Jeff and Engr. Charles signed for GOSH Project Limited.

Speaking at the brief ceremony in Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara charged the two investors to speed up the process for the development of the state.

He said the problem of housing for low income earners in the state remained a huge concern but was being addressed with the provision of 20,000 units of affordable houses.

Fubara said though people already knew the mantra of his administration, consolidation and continuity, they also needed to understand that it included expanding the existing structure of the current city status.

He said: “We told our people that we are not limited to the vision we inherited, but included expansion, we meant it with all seriousness and you can see with what we have done today. The city will gradually start expanding, and not limited to our present structure.

“I am happy to say this, one of our greatest problems is housing for the low income earners. Our vision as at today, is to provide for those level of people. What we have done is to give our people hope.”

On the spare parts market, Fubara said during the electioneering campaigns he promised dealers at Ikoku in Port Harcourt that he would develop a modern market for spare parts to demonstrate his care for them.

He said: “It is important because by the time the spare parts market starts up, we will have a central place where businesses that have to do with vehicles; repairs, sales and other associated activities will be established for the traders. It won’t be just a market, it will also bring about a level of development within that axis.”

He charged the investors to ensure immediate commencement of the projects and to carry out the groundbreaking without delay.

Speaking for TAF Africa Global, Mr. Mustapha Njie said a subsidiary of his company called Pricewise Home Nigeria Limited would develop 20,000 housing in phases on the 1000 hectares of land and thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them to do the project.

Chief Executive Officer of Gosh, Mr. Okoh Jeff assured that they would be dedicated to delivering a central spare part market that would accommodate all traders in that business in one place.

Lagos’ Green And Purple Rail Lines: Govt. Begins Talks With Private Investors

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Angel Gimalo

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December 4, 2023

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Lagos State government has commenced talks with private investors for feasibility studies the construction of the Green and Purple rail lines systems to be completed in three and half years.

The Green Line is a 68 kilometers rail designed to run through Marina, Victoria Island, Lekki Phase 1, Ajah, Lekki 2, Ogombo, Elepetu, Eluju, Lekki Airport and Lekki Free Trade Zone.

It is projected to carry over 500,000 passengers per day for a start, rising to over a million in 2031.

Similarly, the Pueple line is a 60 km rail, designed to run through Redemption Camp, Mowe, Long Bridge, Isheri, Toll Gate, Omole, Ogba, Agege, Iyana Ipaja, Isheri Osun, Igando, Iba, Estate, LASU, Okokomaiko and Ojo.

Managing Director, MD, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, who disclosed this at a briefing in Lagos yesterday, said the project was part of activities marking the 20 years of LAMATA’s operations.

LAMATA has outlined the routes and the projected daily capacity for the six rail systems designed to ease the transportation challenges in Lagos State.

According to Akinajo, the six rail systems that are differentiated by colours, namely Green line, Purple line, Yellow line, Orange line, Blue line and Red line.

He said: “The Green and Purple are the two rail lines we intend to tackle next after the Blue Rail-Line.

Nigeria Rivals China With Highest Number Of Delegates To Cop28

By

faith Jegede

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December 4, 2023

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The number of delegates from Nigeria attending the ongoing Climate Summit in Dubai or COP28 has generated a lot of controversies and strong social media conversations in the last 24 hours.

The Summit which means the Convention of Parties had over 97,000 delegates from more than 100 countries around the world in the 28th in the series since the issue of climate change and action took the preeminent stage in global affairs.

Among the delegates from Nigeria are interested parties comprising government officials from both the Federal and sub-national governments, business leaders, environmentalists, climate activists and journalists are present in Dubai. Also participating. are agencies of government such as the NNPC and its subsidiaries, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, NIMASA, NDDC.

Many youth organisations from Nigeria, especially from the Northern and Niger Delta regions whose lives and livelihoods are also represented by desert encroachment and hydrocarbon activities.

The President of the Ijaw Youth Council led a pan-Ijaw delegation of more than 15 people who registered as parties from Nigeria. Over 20 journalists from various media houses are also present in the delegation.

As the biggest economy in Africa, and one with a bigger stake on climate action as a country with a huge extractive economy, it is a no-brainer that delegates from Nigeria will be more than any other African country.

Among the delegates from Nigeria are UBA Chairman, Tony Elumelu, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA group, and other billionaires who are promoting sustainability and climate actions through their philanthropies.

These businessmen and women and their staff who came with them to promote their own business interests are part of the 1,411 delegates. The Federal Government does not fund their trip to Dubai.

After the opening and national statements by Heads of State which began on November 30 when the summit opened and up until Saturday, December 2, 2023, the real work of COP28 which are the technical sessions and negotiations, financing, etc will begin from Monday, December 4 till December 12 where agreements will be reached on many proposals for consideration and ratification by the parties.

The presidential candidate for the labour party in the last election said In a twist of sad irony, let me congratulate the giant of Africa, Nigeria, for matching the great China, with the same number of contingents at the ongoing COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

He added that While China’s budget for 2024 is about $4 trillion, about $2,860 per head; Nigeria’s budget is about $33 billion, about $165 per head. China has a high Human Development Index, HDI, with a ranking of 79 out of 191 countries measured, and Nigeria has a low HDI, with a ranking of 163 out of 191 countries measured.

Nigeria has more people living in ‘Multi-Dimensional’ poverty than China, despite China having seven times our population.

He said Nigeria needs to de-emphasize unnecessary ceremony and showmanship as a mode of government behavior.

We need to tie spending to necessity and national Priority.

Nigerian Players Abroad Weekend Scorecard: Boniface, Iwobi, Chukwueze others Light Up Europe

By

Emenike Agu

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December 4, 2023

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Boniface ends Bundesliga five-game goal drought
Sor back with a brace for Genk in Belgium

It was another weekend of mixed fortunes for Nigerian Stars abroad as they continued to make their mark with their various clubs.

SUNDAY

ENGLAND

IWOBI, BASSEY (FULHAM)

Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey were on parade for Fulham, who were at the end of a 4-3 thriller at Anfield against Liverpool. Before Iwobi was taken off in the 75th minute for Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Fulham were holding on to a 2-2 draw before the Iwobi replacement stunned the hosts to put Fulham ahead 3-2. Liverpool however responded with two quick goals through Wataru Endo and Trent Alexander-Arnold to win the game 4-3. Bassey on the other hand played the entire duration of the game.

FRANCE

AKOR ADAMS (MONTPELLIER)

It’s now five consecutive games without a goal for former junior international, Adams in the Ligue 1. He was taken off in the 76th minute as Montpellier were pipped 1-0 by Monaco. The defeat leaves Montpellier just two points above the relegation zone. Adams last league goal for the club was a brace against Toulouse on October 29 and has scored seven goals in 14 games.

GERMANY

BONIFACE, TELLA (BAYER LEVERKUSEN)

Victor Boniface ended his run of five games in the Bundesliga without a goal as he helped Bayer Leverkusen secure a 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund and stay unbeaten in the league. The 22-year-old got his goal in the 79th minute with a simple tap-in to keep the scoreline level after Julian Ryerson had given the visitors the lead in the first half. Before this game, Boniface’s last goal in the league was against Koln on October 8. However, he has kept scoring in the Europa League with more assists in the Bundesliga as well. He now has eight Bundesliga goals and five assists.

His compatriot, Nathan Tella was an unused substitute and Leverkusen remain top of the table with 35 points from 13 matches.

ITALY

SUCCESS, OKOYE (UDINESE)

For the umpteenth time, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was benched while Isaac Success was taken off as early as the 7th minute due to a knock as Udinese played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at home against Verona. Success’ replacement, Lorenzo Lucca scored the second and third goals for Udinese but the visitors equalised on both occasions to steal a point.

NETHERLANDS

CHUBA AKPOM (AJAX)

Akpom came on again as a second half substitute for Ajax in their 2-1 win over Nijmegen on Sunday. His 25 minutes action wasn’t enough for him to add to his budding goal tally in the Dutch League after hitting form with five goals in his last four league games before Sunday. Kristian Hlynsson and Carlos Forbs scored for Ajax while a late goal from Elayis Tavsan halved the deficit for the home side.

BELGIUM

SOR, AROKODARE (GENK)

Former junior international, Yira Sor returned to the Genk starting line-up with a bang on Sunday, scoring twice as they drew 2-2 against Gent at home. After enduring a tough start to the season, the 23-year-old was making his first start since August and made it count with a goal in the 21st minute to level matters for Genk after their visitors had taken an early lead. He scored their second goal in the 51st minute but they couldn’t hold on to the lead as they were pegged back by a stoppage time Tarik Tissoudali equaliser.

His teammate, Tolu Arokodare came on for him in the 76th minute.

ORBAN, TORUNARIGHA (GENT)

Super Eagles invitees, Gift Orban and Jordan Torunarigha were named in the starting line-up on Sunday as Gent forced a 2-2 draw away at Genk. Orban finished the game but could not add to his three league goals this season while Torunarigha was taken off at halftime.

SCOTLAND

DESSERS, BALOGUN (RANGERS)

Back in the starting line-up after sitting out their last game, Cyriel Dessers fired blanks in Rangers 2-0 win over St. Mirren. Both goals were scored by Senegal’s Abdallah Sima. Defender Leon Balogun was on for the entire duration of the game as they kept a clean sheet.

TURKEY

Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor)

Onuachu played for 90 minutes but he was unable to score for the fourth game in a row as his Trabzonspor side fell to a 1-0 defeat at home against Kayserispor. Since switching from Championship side Southampton, the Nigerian forward has scored seven goals for the Turkish outfit.

SATURDAY

ENGLAND

Frank Onyeka (Brentford)

In the Premier League, Onyeka put on a good show in midfield as Brentford taught Luton Town a lesson with a 3-1 home win. Onyeka has steadily kept his place in Thomas Frank’s midfield and has one assist this season.

Iheanacho, Ndidi (Leicester City)

Life in the Championship continued for Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi and they both seem to be making their way back to the EPL gradually after helping Leicester grind another win on Saturday. The Foxes clinched a late 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion, with Ndidi assisting Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s opener. Another Nigerian on parade for West Brom, Josh Maja equalised for West Brom, but Kelechi Iheanacho initiated the counter-attack that led to Harry Winks’ stoppage-time winner.

Ajayi, Maja (West Brom)

At the receiving end of a 2-1 defeat against Leicester at The Hawthorns, Josh Maja opened his goal account for the Baggies with their equaliser. He played only 16 minutes as a second-half substitute. He has endured a tough start to this season, after nursing an injury that kept him out until the end of November.

After sitting out their last game, Ajayi was back in the starting line-up and played every minute in the defeat. The defender also has one goal this season.

SPAIN

Umar Sadiq (Real Sociedad)

Days after opening his season’s goal account for Real Sociedad against Sevilla, Sadiq struck another long-range stunner to lift Real Sociedad to a 1-1 draw at Osasuna.

ITALY

Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan)

After opening his AC Milan account with a beauty in the Champions League, Chukwueze made his third consecutive start for Milan in the Serie A and he impressed as they put behind their midweek defeat to Borussia Dortmund to secure a 3-1 win against Frosinone.

FRANCE

Moses Simon (Nantes)

In the clash of Super Eagles stars in Ligue 1, Simon was in action as Nantes battled to a 1-0 win over Terem Moffi’s OGC Nice, handing them their first defeat of the season. Florent Mollet scored the Canaries’ only goal in the first half. Simon has been instrumental for Nantes, starring so far this season with three league goals and five assists as well.

Terem Moffi (Nice)

Moffi and Nice were flying and undefeated before visiting Nantes but the Nigerian striker couldn’t score in back-to-back games as they lost 1-0. He has four league goals and two assists.

GERMANY

Kevin Akpoguma (Hoffenheim)

Akpoguma played the full match, but Hoffenheim couldn’t avoid a 2-1 loss to Borussia M’gladbach in the Bundesliga.

TURKEY

Ibrahim Olawoyin (Caykur Rizespor)

Having featured in all 14 games of Caykur Rizespor this season, former Super Eagles B midfielder Olawoyin finally opened his goal account for the season with a brace to power the newly promoted side to a 3-2 win over Istanbul Basaksehir. Olawoyin scored his first in the 13th minute to make it 1-1 before firing a stoppage-time long-range winner to seal the win.

SWITZERLAND

Francis Momoh (Grasshoppers)

Former Heartland player Momoh impressed for Grasshoppers as they made light work of Samuel Kalu’s Lausanne-Sport with a 5-0 mauling. The striker has made nine league appearances this season and has three goals.

Pillars Wallop Gombe United 5-2 Away As Remo Stars Overtake Doma United

By

Emenike Agu

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December 4, 2023

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Kano Pillars, at th weekend, recorded the biggest away victory yet in the 11-week-old Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) when they went to the Gombe to beat the home team, Gombe United 5-2.

The feat was more remarkable as all of Pillars’ five goals were scored by 17-year-old Yusuf Abdullahi.

The previous highest goals tally of the season was the 5-3 defeat of Akwa United by Bayelsa United. But Bayelsa United achieved that feat at home in Yenagoa.

Gombe United have not been having it easy since the league kicked off, but they have shown signs of resistance in recent times since their 0-3 defeat by sister club, Doma United.

Kano Pillars raced to a two-goal lead through goals by Abdullahi in the 10th and 14th-minute, but Sadiq Shaibu reduced the tally in the 17th minute to raise hopes that the Gombe boys were ready for a tough fight.

Such hopes soon vanished in the 33rd and 45th-minute when Abdullahi widened the gap, although Gombe United again reduced it in the 47th minute through Ahmed Jimoh.

The teenage sensation was to make it 5-3 in the 60th minute to stretch the lead beyond Gombe United. Yesterday’s win was Pillars’ best performance since they returned to the elite class this season.

In Ikenne, Sikiru Alimi’s 61st minute goal against Plateau United ensured that Remo Stars dethroned Doma United as the league leader. Doma United climbed to the top on Saturday after their 1-0 defeat of Niger Tornadoes in Gombe, but their stay on top was shortlived as Remo Stars are now on 22 points, one higher than the Gombe-based Doma United.

In other games also played yesterday, Bayelsa United rallied to a 2-2 draw with Abia Warriors in Yenagoa, Heartland held 3SC to a goalless draw in Ibadan, while Sporting Lagos defeated Katsina United 1-0 in Lagos

Germany Defeats France To Win FIFA U-17 World Cup, Osawe Sees Red

By

Emenike Agu

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December 4, 2023

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Germany, shrugged off the disadvantage of playing one-man down when Winners Osawe was red carded to beat France 4-3 through penalties after a 2-2 regular time to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.

The win was Germany’s first at the U-17 level. Almugera Kabar scored the decisive penalty, but goalkeeper Konstantin Heide was the ultimate hero, as he saved three spot-kicks in the shootout.

Germany went ahead in the game through Paris Brunner’s 29th penalty and Noah Darvich doubled the lead with a back-post finish from a tight angle in the 51st minute. But France roared back through Saimon Bouabre, who fired a low shot past Heide to put the game back in the balance.

Things took a turn for the worst when a second yellow card in the 69th minute for Osawe meant that Christian Wück’s side would have to see out the final stages of the match with just 10 men. Despite their resilience, a gap finally opened up in the tiring defence for Mathis Amougou to level the scores in the 85th minute and send the game straight to penalties.

Germany were on the back foot after Eric da Silva Moreira missed their first spot-kick to give the French the upper hand. However, a shot against the crossbar from Nhoa Sangui was followed by Heide’s save against Bastien Meupiyou to put the Germans ahead after four attempts each. Paris Brunner stepped up for the 10th and potential match-winning penalty, but was kept out by goalkeeper Paul Argney to send the shootout into sudden death.

Tidiam Gomis missed the first effort for Les Blues, and Kabar held his nerve to claim an historic trophy for Germany. Paris Brunner, who finished the tournament with five goals, was voted the best player, but goalkeeper Heide, who was the backup until the semifinal and then the hero in the penalty shootouts against Argentina and France, was also instrumental to the success.David Odogu and Charles Herrmann were also outstanding for the champions.