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AFCON 2023: Eagles To Extend AFCON Record, No Matter The Result Against Bafana

By
Emenike Agu
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Irrespective of the result of Wednesday’s 34th Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, Nigeria will extend her record of being the country with the most last-four appearances at the continental fiesta.

Since making her debut at the 1963 finals held in Ghana, where she was ejected in the group phase after 3-6 and 0-4 losses to United Arab Republic (Egypt) and Sudan respectively, Nigeria has been at the last-four of the tournament 15 times, and has never failed to win a medal each time.

The Eagles have gone ahead to win the trophy and gold on three occasions, won silver on four occasions and won the bronze medals eight times. They have never lost a third-place match.

On Wednesday, the three-time champions will make a 16th appearance in the semi-finals, in what is their 20thappearance at the competition. The only times Nigeria failed to make the semi-finals were in 1963, 1982, 2008 and 2021.

1982: As Cup holders, the Eagles led by Felix Owolabi started brightly by beating Ethiopia 3-0 in Benghazi, and led Algeria 1-0 in their second match before capitulating 2-1 to the Fennecs. They were manhandled 3-0 by Zambia in their third match and crashed out.

2008: The squad led by Joseph Yobo lost 0-1 to Cote d’Ivoire in their first match in Sekondi, but drew 0-0 with Mali and then defeated Benin Republic 2-0 to reach the quarter-finals. They led Ghana 1-0 before goals by Michael Essien and Junior Agogo toppled the advantage and sent the Eagles back home.

2021: Named the best team of the group phase, the Eagles led by Ahmed Musa defeated Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau in the group phase in Garoua to earn maximum points, only to lose 0-1 to Tunisia in the Round of 16.

Below is a cursory look at all the 15 previous AFCON semi-final matches that Nigeria have been involved in:

11 March 1976: The 1976 finals in Ethiopia were played on league basis – the only tournament in the competition’s history conducted in that format. There was a final round of the competition involving Nigeria, Guinea, Morocco and Egypt. After a 1-1 draw with Guinea, what could be considered as Nigeria’s own semi-final match was against eventual champions Morocco on 11th March 1976. The ever-prolific Baba Otu Mohammed scored for Nigeria in the 57th minute, but the Green Eagles allowed two late goals by Ahmad Faras (elected Africa Player of the Year that year) and Redouane Guezzar. After beating Egypt 3-2 three days later, with goals from Haruna Ilerika (a brace) and Mudashiru Lawal, Nigeria (3 points) finished third in the final classification behind Morocco (5 points) and Guinea (4 points) and were awarded the bronze medals.

14 March 1978: Ahmed Abdulla Nasur put Uganda ahead at the Kumasi Sports Stadium, and Martins Eyo equalized for Nigeria in the 12 minutes into the second half. But Philip Omondi scored for Uganda late on and Nigeria were condemned to the third-place match, where they were awarded a 2-0 win after Tunisia abandoned the game in the 42nd minute in protest at Nigeria’s equalizer by Baba Otu Mohammed. 

19 March 1980: Felix Owolabi scored the only goal against Morocco after only nine minutes at the National Stadium, Lagos. Christian Chukwu, Segun Odegbami, Adokiye Amiesimaka and Ifeanyi Onyedika all tried to add to the tally to no avail. The hosts went ahead to win the trophy after beating Algeria 3-0 in the final three days later at the same venue.

14 March 1984: In what was easily the match of the tournament, Egypt Pharaohs, beaten 1-0 by Nigeria four years earlier in a group phase match in Ibadan, raced to a two-goal lead within the half-hour. The Eagles had experienced something similar in their group phase match against Malawi, before Clement Temile restored parity. In Bouake, Stephen Keshi reduced the tally from the penalty spot, following up after the ball crashed against the bar. The captain’s inch-perfect cross in the second half was converted by Bala Ali, whose headed effort saw the ball roll past Thabet El-Batal. Nigeria won 8-7 after a penalty shootout.

23 March 1988: Nigeria went into a first-half lead in Rabat when Sam Okwaraji’s miss-cued shot was diverted into the net by Abderrazak Belgherbi. Algeria equalized with only four minutes left when Rachid Maatar headed home from a corner kick. The two teams went into a marathon penalty shootout after extra time failed to produce a winner. Ademola Adeshina and Yisa Sofoluwe missed for Nigeria, and Belgherbi and Maatar also missed for Algeria. A total of 10 players on each side had taken, including goalkeepers Peter Rufai and Nasrredine Drid. They started all over again, and after Augustine Eguavoen scored, Rufai saved from Lakhdar Belloumi. Nigeria lost the final by a solitary goal to Cameroon in Casablanca four days later.

12 March 1990: The Super Eagles defeated Zambia 2-0, with excellent goals from Uche Okechukwu and Rashidi Yekini in Annaba. In the final played four days later in Algiers, Cherif Oudjani’s long-range effort sailed past Aloysius Agu for the only goal of the match to give Algeria their first continental title.

23 Jan 1992: Regional rivals Ghana and Nigeria started like a house-on-fire in Dakar, and Mutiu Adepoju headed Thompson Oliha’s cross past Edward Ansah in the 11th minute. Abedi Pele restored parity with his own header two minutes before half time, and Ghana won it with a fierce shot into the roof of the net by Prince Polley nine minutes into the second half. Two days later, the Eagles edged Cameroon 2-1 for the bronze medals.

6 April 1994: Michel Bassole headed Cote d’Ivoire in front after 19 minutes, but Benedict Iroha equalized after a mesmerising one-two with Jay Jay Okocha at the Stade El Menzah. Bassole scored again, and Nigeria also scored (through Rashidi Yekini) to make it 2-2 before half time. Both teams threw the kitchen sink at themselves in the second half and during extra time, but there were no more goals and it ended in a penalty shootout. Samson Siasia lost his kick but Bassole and Amani Yao also fluffed for the Elephants. Four days later at the same venue, Nigeria defeated Zambia 2-1 to win the trophy and gold.

10 Feb 2000: Banned from the 1998 finals for their failure to turn up in South Africa in 1996 to defend their title, Nigeria were brimming with vitality as co-hosts with Ghana in 2000. In the semi-finals, Coach Johannes Bonfrere unscrewed the plans of the Bafana Bafana by playing Tijani Babangida from the left side, and he caused them all sorts of problems besides scoring two first-half goals at the National Stadium, Lagos. The Eagles lost the Final to Cameroon three days later after a penalty shootout at the same venue. 

7 Feb 2002: At the Stade Modibo Keita, Bouba Diop put Senegal ahead early in the second half. Wilson Oruma failed to convert a penalty kick, but Julius Aghahowa made it 1-1 two minutes from the end. In first-half of extra time, Lassina Diao got the winner for Senegal, and the Eagles were condemned to third place. They defeated hosts Mali 1-0 in the city of Mopti two days later to win the bronze.

11 Feb 2004: The November 7 Stadium in Rades was a cauldron of noise and passion as the Eagles, who had eliminated Cup holders Cameroon in the quarter-finals, took the kick-off against the host nation. Jay Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu made life difficult for the Khaled Badri-led defence but the first half produced no goal. There were 60,000 spectators whose whistling rang out each time more than that of Beninoise referee Bonaventure Codjia Coffi. Nigeria went ahead when Okocha scored from the spot after Kanu was double-teamed in the box. Badra levelled from the spot as well eight minutes from time, after Seyi Olofinjana tripped Ziad Jaziri. In the penalty shootout, Peter Odemwingie lost his kick and Nigeria were sent to the third-place match after Karim Haggui beat Vincent Enyeama. The Eagles won the third-place match by beating Mali 2-1 back in Monastir three days later, with goals by Okocha (who would emerge the tournament’s Most Valuable Player) and Odemwingie.

7 Feb 2006: Nigeria, who had again eliminated the Cup holders (Tunisia) in the quarter-finals, survived a torrid first half at the Alexandria Stadium. In the second half, Joseph Enarkharire mis-timed his leap from a high ball and Didier Drogba sneaked in to beat Enyeama from close range. It was the only goal of the game, and the Eagles would beat Senegal by a solitary goal from Garba Lawal in Cairo to pick up the bronze medals.

28 Jan 2010: Asamoah Gyan scored the only goal of the match from a corner kick at the Estadio 11 de Novembro in Luanda. It meant the Eagles had to go back to Benguela, where they prosecuted their group phase matches, for the third- place match against Algeria, which they won with a goal by Obinna Nsofor after a sublime pass by Nwankwo Kanu.

6 Feb 2013: Nigeria had sensationally eliminated in-form Cote d’Ivoire in the quarter-finals, and arrived at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban as clear favourites against Mali. Elderson Echiejile, Brown Ideye and Emmanuel Emenike scored before half time, and Ahmed Musa added a fourth on the hour. The Eagles went ahead to defeat Burkina Faso in the final played four days later at Soccercity, the only goal scored by Sunday Mba. 

14 July 2019: Nigeria had eliminated Cup holders Cameroon in the Round of 16, and then kicked out South Africa (who eliminated hosts Egypt) in the quarter-finals. Five minutes from recess against Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, William Ekong inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net. Odion Ighalo, who would emerge tournament top scorer, scored from the spot to level in the second half. But the Fennecs flew into the Final after Riyad Mahrez’s vicious shot from a free-kick deep in added time sailed past Daniel Akpeyi. Ighalo scored the only goal of the third-place match against Tunisia three days later to give Nigeria the bronze medals.     

Fed Govt. Offers Two Savings Bonds For February

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0

After its successful inaugural listing for 2024, the Debt Management Office (DMO) has announced two federal government savings bonds for February 2024.

The bonds listed are up for subscription at N1,000 per unit.

According to DMO, the bonds are subject to a minimum subscription of N5,000 and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter, subject to a maximum subscription of N50 million.

The first is a two-year FGN savings bond due on February 14, 2025, at an interest rate of 12.75 percent per annum.

FGN Savings Bonds Subscription Opens

The second, a three-year FGN savings bond at 13.75 percent per annum is scheduled to mature on February 14, 2026.

Slated dates for the opening and closure of both offers are February 4 and February 9 respectively. The settlement date is February 14, while coupon payment dates are May 14, August 14, November 14 and February 14.

“Interest is payable quarterly while bullet repayment is on the maturity date,” it announced.

DMO further assured that the FGN savings bonds, as with all other FGN securities, are backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government of Nigeria and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria.

“They qualify as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustees Investment Act.

“Qualify as government securities within the meaning of Company Income Tax Act and Personal Income Tax Act for tax exemption for pension fund amongst other investors.

“Listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange Limited, and qualify as a liquid asset for liquidity ratio calculation for banks.”

Egypt Non-Oil Business Shrinks On Inflation – PMI

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0

Non-oil private sector activity in Egypt shrank for a 38th month in January as inflation pressure and the conflict in Gaza continued to weigh on demand, a survey showed on Monday.

The S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for Egypt edged down to 48.1 from 48.5 in December, remaining below the 50.0 threshold that marks growth in activity.

“The ongoing decline coincided with solid contractions in output and new orders during January, amid evidence that high prices had continued to weaken client demand,” S&P Global said.

Egypt’s Natural Gas Production Declines, Power Cuts Bite

Egypt’s urban consumer inflation slid to an annual 33.7% in December from 34.6% in November and a historic high of 38.0% in September, according to the state statistics agency CAPMAS.

“Some firms signalled that the Israel-Gaza conflict and associated geopolitical tensions had a negative impact on tourism activity, which could lead to further headwinds for the non-oil economy over the next few months,” said S&P economist David Owen.

The subindex for new orders slide to 46.4 from 46.9 December, while the output subindex inched down to 46.6 from 46.7.

The subindex for business sentiment declined to 52.1 from December’s 55.1, but still above November, when it hit 50.9, its lowest level since the business confidence subindex was created in 2012.

South Africa Platinum Restructuring To Cut Jobs

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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South Africa’s Minerals Council says on Monday that the restructuring of the country’s platinum group metals (PGM) industry could result in between 4,000 and 7,000 job cuts.

South African PGM miners are increasingly discussing the need to restructure unprofitable production following a decline in prices and high input costs, the council said at the start of the Investing in African Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town.

The Minerals Council said the sector, largely dependent on automakers who use the metals to curb emissions in petroleum-powered engines, faces “a great deal of uncertainty” as the world pivots towards clean energy in transportation.

Top global PGM producer South Africa has some of the world’s oldest and deepest platinum mines, which are expensive to operate, especially when metal prices are low.

The prices of palladium and platinum fell by 40% and 15% last year, respectively, mainly due to weak demand in China.

Electricity and labour costs account for most of PGM miners’ total costs, the Minerals Council said in a statement.

“In light of this, various prominent PGM miners are restructuring their operations potentially impacting between 4,000 to 7,000 jobs,” it added.

Sibanye Stillwater (SSWJ.J), opens new tab, South Africa’s biggest mining sector employer, has said its planned restructuring, which could see it close four loss-making PGM shafts, could potentially result in the loss of 4,095 jobs.

Impala Platinum (IMPJ.J), opens new tab has also said it was offering voluntary job cuts to workers at its South African operations.

Anglo American Platinum (AMSJ.J), opens new tab, the world’s biggest PGM producer by value, has said it is reviewing its cost structure to remain profitable.

FG Seeks N146bn for Marina Shoreline Repairs

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has disclosed that N146bn is required for the repairs of Marina shorelines.

Umahi stated this recently during a joint inspection of the lagoon sections of the Third Mainland, Carter and Eko Bridges with the Minister of Finance and the Economy, Wale Edu.

The minister was concerned about the degradation of the Marina shorelines, saying it posed a threat to the pillars of the Lagos Blue Rail Line.

Umahi Tackles Contractor Over Shoddy Job

He said, “Though the shorelines require N146bn, however, only N1bn was available for the project in the budget.”

Umahi, however, gave assurance of early completion of repair works on three major Lagos bridges.

The ministers also inspected the underdeck of Carter Bridge and Ijora section of Eko Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the ongoing flyover rehabilitation at Lotto Junction.

Speaking with journalists, Umahi said the joint assessment was for his Finance and Economy counterpart to have firsthand knowledge of the projects and cost implications.

According to Umahi, Tinubu had approved funds for comprehensive works on the two carriageways of the third Mainland Bridge, addressed challenges on the slab elements, and ensured adequate maintenance of the bridges.

Umahi expressed satisfaction with the ongoing repair works on the top deck of the Third Mainland Bridge and said the repair would be completed and the bridge reopened to traffic by April.

“It is going to be a classic reinstated bridge by the time we finish. Contractors will begin work on the underdeck and lagoon sections of the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges next week.

“Advertisements for bids for facilities on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are also set to begin within a week.”

More so, Edun expressed satisfaction with the designs, implementation, and costs of the projects.

Edun assured of adequate funding of all infrastructure in line with the core agenda of the President to further grow the nation’s economy.

He said, “The Federal Government is working towards achieving a 77 per cent increase in its internally generated revenue to boost the economy and fund critical infrastructure across the nation.”

Edun restated the commitment of President Tinubu to economic growth, restoration and digitalisation of the economy, infrastructural development, and putting policies in place while blocking long-standing leakages caused by fuel subsidies.

He urged the NNPC Ltd to take advantage of opportunities in the oil market to shore up revenue for the country.

Earlier, the ministers had also inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of the top deck of the Third Mainland Bridge.

Nigeria, Angola To Strengthen Trade Ties

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0

As Africa continues to seek ways to boost intra-Africa trade, the need to address trade barriers and streamline visa processes has been emphasised to foster smoother trade ties between Nigeria and Angola.

The President, Angola-Nigeria Business Council, Fifi Ejindu, stressed this at the Angola-Nigeria Diplomatic-Business Investment meeting in Lagos, South West Nigeria as she emphasised that more active and creative economic and commercial relations between the two countries, reinforces the potential for progress for mutual benefits.

Ejindu said that “the engagement of Nigerian investors and the anticipated business activations in Angola indicated growing interest and participation in the trade initiatives discussed.”

Also speaking, Angola’s Former Minister of Finance, Dr Armando Manuel, explained that the positive assessment of the recent diplomatic-business investment meeting shows the fruitful nature of the discussions and the potential for tangible outcomes in the near future.

“We are awaiting Nigerian investors to come to Angola because we already have the expertise in various sectors. We are talking about opportunities in pharmaceutical sector, agriculture and others, because our population is growing, while food security is a sort of concern. Angola has interesting policies to nurture investment in agriculture in terms of poultry, feed mill, soya beans, sorghum, maize and some cash crops such as cotton,” Manuel explained.

Nigeria’s Former President Olusegun Obasanjo who was a special guest of honour at the event, called for strong economic ties between Nigeria, and Angola.

According to him, the meeting emphasises the need to boost trade volume within Africa, which reflects a commitment to advancing economic partnerships on the continent.

Obasanjo further expressed concerns about infrastructural deficits, particularly in transportation and highlighted the challenges that needed to be addressed to facilitate seamless trade between nations.

“Attention should be on African countries’ benefits from their own products, as it aligns with the goal of promoting intra-African trade and economic self-sufficiency. We are still battling with high deficit in transportation. For instance, moving goods from two countries; Congo DR and Congo Brazzaville is still a problem. We need to solve this challenges of moving goods around. One of the things the leaders of the post independence achieved is to promote African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA),” he said.

For his part, the Secretary, National Action Committee of AFCFTA, Nigeria, Olusegun Awolowo, said the lack of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) between Nigeria and Angola underscored the untapped potential for economic engagement between the two largest oil exporters in Africa.

“Sadly, there is no Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) between Nigeria and Angola. This means trade between the two biggest oil exporters is zero, and this is not good enough. Angola is importing from the rest of the world what it can actually get from Nigeria and Nigeria doing likewise, we should trade between ourselves. Comparatively, we supply what they don’t have and they also supply what we don’t have. Former President Obasanjo has mentioned some areas that need more collaboration. It’s true we have some infrastructural deficits which both government and the private organisations can also latch on to invest.”

The meeting focused on the potential for enhanced collaboration between the two countries.

The event organised by the Embassy of Angola, in collaboration with the Angola-Nigeria Business Council, aimed to promote commercial cooperation and relaunch sustainable bases for strengthening economic ties.

NCAA Cautions Domestic Airlines On Flight Delays

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0

The Acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA Captain Chris Najomo, has read out a riot act to domestic airline operators, expressing displeasure at the reports of incessant delays, flight disruptions, and schedule changes without adequate notice to passengers.

Captain Najomo, reiterated the need for airlines to improve their services as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo is determined to enforce his five point agenda as mandated by President Bola Tinubu.

He further stated that the current record of flight disruptions, poor customer experience and poor handling of passengers is unacceptable and must be improved upon to satisfy the needs of the passengers.

Airlines To Pay Compensation For Delayed, Cancelled Flights

Hence, airlines “must consider scheduling flights into sunset airports early in the day so as to minimize cancellations as a result of airport closure at sunset and NCAA will ensure that airlines fulfil their obligations to passengers or face sanctions.”

“Airlines must handle persons with reduced mobility properly, with dignity and without discrimination as airlines are mandated to provide facilities for the movement of Persons with reduced mobility and by virtue of the provisions of Nigeria Civil aviation regulations part 19,”

“Similarly airlines are required to provide on their ticket portal a mandatory field for special needs assistance and require their agents to actively ask customers during ticket purchase if they will require assistance” he reiterated.

“Also it is no longer business as usual as errant airlines will be sanctioned appropriately without fear or favor and NCAA has stepped up its surveillance to monitor compliance with a view to fish out violators.”

The Director, Consumer Protection & Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, emphasised that the Authority will not relent in its commitment to ensure pleasurable travel experience and comfort for air transport passengers. The Airlines present committed to work on all issues raised and make adjustments where necessary.

Meanwhile, the airline operators raised concerns regarding poor airport facilities, single standby generator at the General Aviation Terminal in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, frequent bird strikes, bush burning at  Port Harcourt airport in the Niger Delta region.

While reacting, the Director of Airport Operations, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, stated  that the agency has observed incidents of bird strikes occurred during grass cutting at the airports and FAAN is working to minimise bird strike incidents.

He further announced that FAAN is also looking into issues that concern airport facilities with a view to finding immediate solutions to ease passenger and baggage flow at the airport which  had begun as evident at some terminals.

During a paper presentation by Acting General Manager Flight Operations & Adjudication,  Ifueko Abdulmalik revealed that on the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 19, dwelt on airline obligations to passengers in events of flight delays, cancellations, schedule changes, baggage delays and loss.

She informed the audience that 53% of total flights operated in Nigeria in 2023 were delayed and 1% cancellations.

According to  Ifueko Abdulmalik,  it was imperative to have the session so as to inform the airlines of the provisions of the regulations and applicable sanctions.

Data Protection: Revenue Hits N6.2bn In 2023– Report

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0

The Nigeria Data Protection Annual Report has disclosed that the data protection cumulative revenue of 2023 rose to N6.2 billion as against N5.5 billion in 2022.

This was revealed at the unveiling of the 2023 report at the second anniversary dinner and awards night of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in Abuja, Nigeria.

The Commission was Established February 4, 2022, with the mandate to ensure data privacy and protection in the country, rights of citizens are in line with global standards.

Nigeria Creates Data Protection Bureau, Awaits NASS On Startup Bill

In the Compliance, the rates increased included Compliance Audit Report which recorded 3,451 report from 2022 to 2023, against 1,864 from 2020 to 2021.

The sector was able to create 10, 123 jobs in 2023 against 9,577 in 2022 and compliance revenue increased to N325 million against N94.4 billion in 2022.

The number of verified Data Protection Officers increased from 1, 928 in 2022 to 1,955 in 2023, number of investigations rose from 117 in 2022 to 177 in 2023, among others.

Speaking on the achievement so far, Head, Legal, Enforcement and Regulations of NDPC, Babatunde Bamigboye said the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) as most remarkable.

“The NDPA laid the foundation for data privacy and protection in the country, we are putting together the general application and implementation directive for the Act.We have also improved on our auditing, so many organisations are beginning to file audit report with us and we have been admitted into the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA).The court also is beginning to recognise the importance of adequacy in terms of cross border data transfer and we are happy that the ecosystem is evolving and getting stronger.”

He explained that as a member of GPA, the country could get mutual legal assistance on enforcement, on capacity building, information sharing and intergovernmental collaboration.

Other achievements were the launch of Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2023 -2027, commencement of bilateral cooperation with other jurisdictions, issuance of Data Protection Compliance Organisations code of conduct.

Ministry Restates Commitment To Staff Welfare

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0

Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Bio-Ibrahim has assured the management of the Ministry that staff welfare and training would be prioritized to improve their performance and achieve the mandate of the Ministry,

She gave this assurance during an interactive session with the management staff of the Ministry in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Bio-Ibrahim, who expressed concern over the level of staff welfare, said that timely payment of travel allowances and other essentials would be prioritized to ensure optimal performance of staff

Emphasising the significance of the management meeting, the Minister said that there is a critical need for  regular monthly deliberations to enhance the ministry’s productivity  and strengthen teamwork among staff.

“Teamwork in the Ministry is of paramount importance, especially in implementing policies for youth development, as the Ministry plays an important role in securing and shaping the future of Nigeria.”

Tinubu To Improve Welfare, Security of Nigerians

Speaking further, the Minister announced plans to host a ministerial retreat, saying that the purpose is to cascade the insights gained from the cabinet retreat and to sign a performance bond  which aligns with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed  Tinubu’s Administration.

She, therefore,  urged all departments to provide periodic updates on their activities to ensure transparency and progress in the ministry.

Bio-Ibrahim noted that the paucity of funds in the ministry is hindering lots of activities but assured that the management is making an effort to ensure the success of the  upcoming retreat and other activities of the Ministry.

The Minister of State, Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande in his remarks, pledged his  support for enhanced  staff welfare.

“Thank you all for having us. I believe that the outcome will be fruitful and contribute significantly to the government. We are committed to doing our best and ensuring that we do the right thing at the right time.” he said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dunoma Ahmed emphasised that the purpose of the meeting is to review the activities of the ministry to track up the programs, to access  performances  and at the end of the day to ensure that programs are undertaken in line with the agenda of the present administration.

“As you all know that we have very competent and experience staff who are always available to undertake and implement policies of this administration and with the support and direction of leadership of the minister and the minister of state, I want to assure you that we will live up to expectations by achieving the mandate of the ministry”

The  Permanent Secretary gave the assurance that the Ministry will  implement the digitalisation of the Federal Civil Service implementation plan 2025.

“The digitalisation plan with its six (6) pillars, will come to bear to assist us in undertaking our programs by training and re-training the staff in order to enhance the value of our staff”* He added.

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Clear Favourites To Condemn Bafana Bafana To Third Place Match

By
Emenike Agu
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0

With their defence having been breached only once after five matches in this tournament, and considering their vast superiority in the record of previous encounters, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have the favourite tag going into Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against South Africa in Bouake.

Wednesday’s game will be the 15th clash between both countries at full international level. Nigeria have won seven of the previous 14 matches, with five of those matches drawn and two won by South Africa.

Apart from having to deal with the incredible energy, effervescence and pace of Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, another major problem that the Bafana Bafana will be up against early, in-game and at the latter stages is the intractability of wing-terrors Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon.

Lookman, with three goals in the tournament so far (all coming in the knockout rounds), plus assisting Osimhen to score the equalizer against Equatorial Guinea, and Simon (with two assists) can be fleeting and entirely unpredictable for any defence, with both switching wings at will.

A stingy rearguard, marshalled by on-field captain William Ekong, has been able to provide all the answers to a number of tricky questions by the opposition in their last four matches, and looks as solid as the Berlin Wall at the height of its glory. 

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who plays his club football in South Africa, and who was thrown into the forefront as number one at this competition despite only one previous cap, said he would have a sweet day stopping all efforts by the Bafana Bafana and then seeing them shunted to the third-place match.

“I know them and they know me. It will be an interesting evening in Bouake.”

Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi and Olaoluwa Aina are the other pegs in that rearguard, and the attack-minded Aina offers even more problems for the 1996 champions.  

Ranked 42nd in the world and 12th in Africa (as against South Africa’s global ranking of 66th and 12th in the world), the Super Eagles are unbeaten in 10 competitive matches over the past 10 months, and even achieved a rare win in a friendly game when they edged Mozambique in Portugal in October 2023.

As far as the Africa Cup of Nations go, Nigeria is aiming for a fourth star on its crest, while the Bafana (Boys) are only aiming for a second triumph, following their win on home soil 28 years ago. Even that win has always been downplayed by Nigerians as it happened in the absence of Cup holders Nigeria, who were stopped from travelling to the Rainbow Nation by military strongman Sani Abacha following a spat with President Nelson Mandela over the execution of environmental rights activist Ken Saro Wiwa and some others in November 1995.

The first meeting between both countries was on 10th October 1992, when Richard Owubokiri opened the floodgates of goals in a 4-0 win for Nigeria at the National Stadium, Lagos. Rashidi Yekini scored a brace. It was a 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. The return leg at the FBN Stadium in Johannesburg ended scoreless.

Nigeria spanked South Africa 2-0 in the semi-finals of the 2000 AFCON they co-hosted with Ghana, with Tijani Babangida scoring both goals, and four years later, an Eagles’ team wounded by Morocco in its first match descended heavily on the Bafana, beating the latter 4-0 in a group phase match in Monastir, Tunisia.

Four years ago, in the AFCON quarter-finals, the Eagles edged the Bafana 2-1 in Cairo, with the goals scored by Samuel Chukwueze and William Ekong. Both players will be in Bouake with Ekong to lead the squad on the field and Chukwueze likely to play some part in the proceedings.

NIGERIA, SOUTH AFRICA IN HISTORY

10 Oct 1992: Nigeria 4 South Africa 0 (1994 WCq, Lagos)

16 Jan 1993: South Africa 0 Nigeria 0 (1994 WCq, Johannesburg)

10 Feb 2000: Nigeria 2 South Africa 0 (AFCON semi-final, Lagos)

31 Jan 2004: Nigeria 4 South Africa 0 (AFCON finals, Monastir, Tunisia)

17 Nov 2004: South Africa 2 Nigeria 1 (International Friendly, Durban)

1 June 2008: Nigeria 2 South Africa 0 (2010 FIFA WCq, Abuja)

6 Sept 2008: South Africa 0 Nigeria 1 (2010 FIFA WCq, Port Elizabeth)

14 Aug 2013: South Africa 0 Nigeria 2 (International Friendly, Johannesburg)

10 Sept 2014: South Africa 0 Nigeria 0 (2015 AFCON qualifier, Johannesburg)

19 Nov 2014: Nigeria 2 South Africa 2 (2015 AFCON qualifier, Uyo) 

29 Mar 2015: South Africa 1 Nigeria 1 (International Friendly, Durban)

10 June 2017: Nigeria 0 South Africa 2 (2019 AFCON qualifier, Uyo)

17 Nov 2018: South Africa 1 Nigeria 1 (2019 AFCON qualifier, Johannesburg)

10 July 2019: Nigeria 2 South Africa 1 (2019 AFCON q-final, Cairo)

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