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South Africa Face Heavy Battle In 2027 Women’s World Cup Hosting

By
Emenike Agu
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South Africa will be contending with three other strong bids as FIFA unfolded the four bidders to host the next Women’s World Cup in 2027. South Africa, the only African country to have hosted the flagship FIFA World Cup,  remains firmly in the running to host the Women’s edition.

The winning candidate will be announced in May 2024 as the 74th FIFA Congress. The four bids representing the same number of confederations are: the joint candidacy of Belgium and Germany,  Brazil, South Africa and another joint bid of US and Mexico who a year before the 2027 edition would have co-hosted the FIFA World Cup along with Canada.

South Africa formally submitted its bid back in May 2023, as required by FIFA regulations.

The final bids must be presented to FIFA by December 2023, followed by inspection visits in early 2024.

The 2027 hosts will then be revealed during May’s 74th FIFA Congress next year.

The 2027 tournament will be the 10th edition of the global showpiece event, which occurs every four years.

John Enoh Becomes Nigeria’s 36th Sports Minister

By
Emenike Agu
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John Owan Enoh, known with the acronym JOE, is the new ‘Games-master-General of the federation, having on Wednesday been named as the Sports Minister of Nigeria.

He becomes the 36th person to supervise Nigeria Sports since Chief Joseph Module Johnson (JMJ) in 1960.

The new sports minister was a senator representing the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State in the 8th assembly that ran from 2015 to 2019.

He was a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) until May 2017 when he decamped to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

He contested the governorship position but lost to Ben Ayade.

Apart  from politics, Enoh own numerous farms where he conducts arable and livestock production.

Farming venture he started 2000 has as at 2021 since cultivated about 2000 hectares of cultivated lands.

Enoh’s farm spreads across various parts of Cross River State. About 150 hectares of planted palms in his native Agbokim Waterfalls; and expanding to about 100 hectares of planted palms, and counting, at Etara-Ekuri. All communities in Etung LGA of Cross River State, where the politician hails.

Enoh is said to operate an out-grower scheme in communities where his farms are located. The out-grower scheme is a corporate social responsibility scheme that empowers local small scale farmers with arable and livestock to grow in their farms and later provides them with the market to sell these products.

John Enoh’s Predecessors

  • Sunday Dare (2019 – 2023)
  • Solomon Dalung            (2015 – 2019)
  • Tamuno Danagogo         (2014 – 2015
  • Bolaji Abdulahi             (2011-2014)
  • Yusuf Suleiman            (2011-2011)
  • Taoheed Adedoja           (2010 – 2011)
  • Ibrahim Isa Bio             (2010- 2010)
  • Sani Ndanusa               (2008-2010)
  • Abdurahaman Gimba     (2007 -2008)
  • Bala Bawa Ka’oje           (2006 -2007)
  • Saidu Sambawa             (2005-2006)
  • Musa Mohammed          (2003-2005)
  • Stephen Akiga               (2002-2003)
  • Ishaya Mark Aku           (2001-2002)
  • Damishi Sango             (1999-2001)
  • Emeka Omeruah           (1997 –1999)* 2ndtenure
  • Jim Nwobodo (1995 – 1997)
  • Shola Rhodes               (1994- 1995)
  • Sylvanus Akinwunmi (1993 – 1994)
  • Alex Akinyele                 (1992 -1993)
  • Yohana Kure                 1991-1992)
  • Anthony Ikazoboh         (1990-1991)
  • Alabo Graham (1989 – 1990)
  • Bayo Lawal                   (1986-1988)
  • Ahmed  Abdulahi           (1985-1986)
  • Emeka Omeruah           (1984-1985)
  • Bennett Birabi              (1983-1983)
  • Buba Ahmed                (1983-1983)
  • Adebisi Ogedengbe       (1982-1983
  • Paulinus Amadike (1979 -1981)
  • Dan Isokrari                 (1977-1978)
  • Olufemi Olutoye            (1975-1977)
  • Henry Adefope              (1971-1975)
  • J.C. Obande                 (1965-1971)
  • Joseph Module Johnson (1960 1964)

Spalletti Agrees Terms To Take Over As Italy Manager

By
Emenike Agu
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0

Italian Football Federation has come to an agreement with Luciano Spalletti to take over as coach of the national team, succeeding Roberto Mancini.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Spalletti, the federation’s top choice, will sign a three-year contract until September 2026.

The former Napoli boss has held several telephone conversations with federation president Gabriele Gravina and has now agreed to take over from Mancini.

Spalletti and Gravina are due to meet on Friday to finalise the contract.

Following his appointment, which could be made official on Saturday, Spalletti is expected to hold his first press conference as coach on Monday, the sports daily reports.

Spalletti, 64, was crowned Italian champion with Napoli in May, before stepping down as coach.

He will be in charge of reviving the national team which, despite winning the European title in 2021, failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He will have just a few days to prepare for two matches that are already crucial if they are to defend their title at Euro 2024. They travel to Northern Macedonia on September 9 and host Ukraine in Milan three days later.

READ ALSO: Luton sign Dutch keeper Krul from Norwich

Negotiations with Spalletti have been complicated by the fact that his contract with Napoli, which runs until June 2024, includes a clause requiring him to pay compensation of 3 million euros ($3.3 million) if he takes up a new position.

The federation is looking at legal options but Napoli president and owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has said he will not waive the payment, which decreases by 250,000 euros each month, “as a matter of principle”.

Chelsea Sign Lavia As Summer Spending Hits Whopping $380m

By
Emenike Agu
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Romeo Lavia has been confirmed as Chelsea’s latest big-money transfer.

The Blues have paid an initial £53million to land the one-cap Belgian international from Championship side Southampton, with a further £5m agreed in add-ons.

Liverpool saw multiple bids rejected for the 19-year-old earlier in the summer and have now lost out to Chelsea again, having also seen their late approach for Moises Caicedo turned down before their rivals wrapped up a British record deal worth £115m with Brighton earlier this week.

Lavia completed his medical at Chelsea on Thursday and has penned a seven-year contract through 2030 ahead of competing with Caicedo for a spot in Mauricio Pochettino’s expensively-assembled new-look midfield, potentially making a quick debut in Sunday’s London derby away at West Ham in the Premier League. He will wear the no45 shirt in west London, the same number as he had at St Mary’s.

“I’m really happy join Chelsea and be a part of this exciting project. It’s an amazing football club with a great history and I’m really excited to get started,” said former Anderlecht youngster Lavia, who joined Southampton from Manchester City last summer and made 34 appearances across all competitions.

“I can’t wait to meet all my new team-mates and build a chemistry together to achieve great things together.”

This deal has pushed Chelsea’s transfer spending this summer to around £380m, a sum which includes the imminent arrival of teenage Brazilian striker Deivid Washington from Santos. They are nearing the £1billion mark in total in just three transfer windows under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake ownership.

Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “We are very pleased to welcome Romeo to Chelsea. He demonstrated his quality in the Premier League last season at Southampton, showing maturity despite his young age, and is a player we have monitored for some time.

“We believe he is ready to make an impact at Chelsea throughout the current campaign, and in the coming years.”

Chelsea will not be signing Michael Olise as had been expected. The Blues triggered his £35m release clause earlier this week, only for the France Under-21 winger to then agree a bumper new four-year contract at Crystal Palace on Thursday.

Instead Chelsea have now held talks with Nottingham Forest over £50m-rated forward Brennan Johnson, but face potential competition for the Welsh international from Tottenham and Brentford, with Forest keen on a deal for Trevoh Chalobah.

Chelsea also sounded out Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus – now set for West Ham – and Celta Vigo playmaker Gabri Veiga earlier in the summer window.

2023 WWC: Gov Uzodinma Splashes $10,000 Each On Four Super Falcons Players

By
Emenike Agu
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0

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has gifted four Super Falcons players $10,000 as reward for their impressive performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Uzodinma also promised the players a piece of land.

The quartet, Osinachi Ohale, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi and Desire Oparanozie ail from Imo State.

Ohale and Nnadozie played every minute of the Super Falcons’ four games in Australia and New Zealand.

Oparanozie, injured on the eve of the tournament, made one appearance, while reserve goalkeeper, Oluehi failed to feature in any of the team’s four games.

The Super Falcons crashed out of the competition in the Round of 16, going down 4-2 on penalties to the Three Lionesses of England.

In 2022, Uzodinma gave six players from Imo State $6,300 after they helped the Super Falcons reach the semi-final of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.

House Committee On Sports Invites NOC, NADO Over WADA Threat To Ban Nigeria

By
Emenike Agu
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0

The Federal House Committee on Sports has invited the leadership of Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) and National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) over World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) threat to ban all Nigerian from participating in all sports.

This follows Nigeria’s inability to comply with international standard as laid down in the World Anti-Doping code. 

After lifting ban on Nigeria in November 2018, WADA is furious that the country has not fulfill the promises made to comply with international Anti-Doping regulations. 

To this end, WADA has concluded plans to ban Nigeria from participating in all sports if nothing is done before the end of August, 2023. 

To save Nigeria from the international embarrassment, the Chairman, House Committee On Sports, Hon. Ekene Adams has invited the leadership of Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) as well leadership of National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) to a Meeting scheduled for Tuesday 22nd August, 2023. This is to put heads together and come up with plans to stop WADA from the imminent suspension capable of putting the country’s image in bad light.

“Anti-doping has become very important in sports that athletes and countries alike can be banned from participating in sports if they do not comply with international anti-doping regulations.” Honourable Ekene said.

He added, “To save innocent athletes and Nigeria from the embarrassment, the House Committee On Sports has mapped out plans to stop the imminent suspension by inviting the leadership of NOC and NADO to appear before it.

“Due lack of time, we need to act as quickly as possible to forestall WADA ban pronouncement at the end of August. Sports is a very important tool for addressing youth restiveness and engaging youth for meaning achievement in life. Nigeria has huge population of youth and the benefit this group gain from sports can not be overemphasized and must not be taken away from them. If Nigeria is banned again, it is the innocent Nigerian athletes that will suffer from it. This Government does not need the distraction and embarrassment the issue of anti-doping will generate for the country nationally and internationally.” He concluded.

Chandrayaan-3: Close-Up Photos Of Moon Seen As India’s Space Agency Sends Images

By
Angel Gimalo
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0

India’s space agency has released latest images of the Moon as its third lunar mission starts descending towards the little-explored south pole.

The pictures have been taken by Vikram, Chandrayaan-3’s lander, which began the last phase of its mission on Thursday.

Vikram, which carries a rover in its belly, is due to land near the south pole on 23 August.

The lander detached from the propulsion module, which carried it close to the Moon, on Thursday.

The black-and-white images show close-ups of rocks and craters on the Moon’s surface. One of the photographs shows the propulsion module too.

Chandrayaan-3 and Russia’s Luna-25 are among the two spacecraft headed towards the Moon’s south pole and both are expected to land next week.

Luna-25 – Russia’s first Moon mission since 1976, when it was part of the Soviet Union – was launched last week and is expected to make history by making a soft landing on 21st or 22nd August, just days before the Indian touchdown. If it succeeds, Chandrayaan-3 will have to settle for being a close second in reaching the south pole.

India, however, will still be only the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon after the US, the former Soviet Union and China.

Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) said on Friday that the lander module had begun its descent to a lower orbit.

Chandrayaan-3, the third in India’s programme of lunar exploration, is expected to build on the success of its earlier Moon missions.

It comes 13 years after the country’s first Moon mission in 2008, which discovered the presence of water molecules on the parched lunar surface and established that the Moon has an atmosphere during daytime.

Chandrayaan-2 – which also comprised an orbiter, a lander and a rover – was launched in July 2019 but it was only partially successful. Its orbiter continues to circle and study the Moon even today, but the lander-rover failed to make a soft landing and crashed during touchdown.

Wildfire Evacuees Frustrated By Facebook News Ban In Canada

By
Angel Gimalo
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Like many in Canada’s Northwest Territories, Poul Osted has been relying on social media to keep in touch with loved ones as they scramble to evacuate from nearby wildfires.

But Mr Osted said he has been left frustrated by his inability to share news articles on Facebook during the active emergency situation, due to Meta’s ban on news content for Canadian users.

“Instead we have to screenshot parts of a news story and post that as a picture,” Mr Osted told the BBC.

“Oftentimes this means you don’t get the whole story, or have to go searching the web for verification.”

Mr Osted, who lives in the small hamlet of Fort Resolution, said this has affected his family members who were forced to flee Hay River, which is threatened by a wildfire is burning nearby.

“The state of the highway system is one example,” he told the BBC via Facebook messenger.

Several people were inquiring on the platform whether it was safe to drive out of town but couldn’t share that information on the social network.

Meta – which owns Facebook and Instagram – began blocking access to news for its Canadian users on 1 August, not long after Canada’s parliament passed an online news bill that will require platforms like Google and Meta to negotiate deals with news publishers for content.

It has called the law “fundamentally flawed legislation that ignores the realities of how our platforms work”.

As Meta rolls out the ban as part of its campaign against the legislation, a growing number of Canadian users have found themselves unable to view news shared by media organisations on its platforms.

Storm Betty: Very Strong Winds, Heavy Rain Hits The United Kingdom

By
Angel Gimalo
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0

Large parts of the UK are braced for heavy rain, thunderstorms and gales later on Friday evening.

Storm Betty, named by the Irish meteorological service, is set to bring more severe weather as it moves in from the Atlantic.

Half a month’s rain is expected in some parts and warnings have been issued for thunderstorms and high winds.

The forecast is expected to improve as the weekend continues and many areas can expect sunny spells and showers.

A yellow warning alert for wind will come into effect at 18:00 on Friday, with Betty expected to bring very strong gusts lasting until midday on Saturday.

The strongest, of around 60mph-70mph (97km-113km), are expected along the south-western coasts of England and Wales. Gusts of 40-50mph could also affect much of south-west England, Wales, the east of Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland and the Cumbrian coast.

A second thunderstorm warning, covering the East Midlands, the east and south-east of England and London, will come into effect at 20:00 on Friday and last until 05:00 on Saturday.

Heavy and thundery rain will spread across many parts of the UK on Friday night with the potential for some large hail, especially in East Anglia, Kent and East Sussex.

Dodging China Duties: U.S. Slaps Tariffs On Some Big Solar Companies

By
Angel Gimalo
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0

The United States on Friday finalized a decision to impose import duties on solar panel makers who finished their products in Southeast Asian nations to avoid tariffs on Chinese-made goods, according to a senior Commerce Department official.

The decision, which largely mirrors a preliminary finding the agency made in December, was opposed by buyers of solar panels that rely on cheap products made overseas to make their projects competitive.

But it is good news for the small U.S. solar manufacturing industry, which for years has struggled to compete with Chinese goods and is enjoying renewed investment due to subsidies in U.S. President Joe Biden’s landmark climate-change law.

The Commerce probe found that units of Chinese companies BYD (002594.SZ), Trina Solar (688599.SS), Longi Green Energy (601012.SS) and Canadian Solar (CSIQ.O) were dodging U.S. tariffs on Chinese solar cells and panels by conducting minor processing to finish their products in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam before shipping them to the U.S. market.

Those countries account for about 80% of U.S. panel supplies.

The agency will also impose duties on New East Solar because it refused to cooperate with an on-site audit of its operations in Cambodia, the official said.

Other companies operating in those nations have the ability to pursue a certification process to show that they are not circumventing tariffs. To become certified, solar cells and panels must contain non-Chinese wafers and three other key components.

The U.S. has had anti-dumping duties in place for a decade on Chinese-made solar products after a Commerce probe found Chinese companies were receiving unfair government subsidies that kept their prices artificially low.

The companies and others will face the same duty rates the United States already assesses on their Chinese-made products.

They will not kick in, however, until June 2024 thanks to a two-year waiver from Biden that was intended to ensure ample panel supplies while domestic manufacturing ramps up.

Trina Solar, which says it has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in cell and module production in Thailand and Vietnam, criticized the Commerce decision on Friday, saying it will “increase the overall costs of virtually all U.S. bound solar products because it will constrain supply at a time when the demand for solar is skyrocketing.”

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