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WWC: Waldrum, Onumonu, Six Others Depart For U.S. As Falcons’ Arrive

By
Emenike Agu
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Super Falcons’ coach, Randy Waldrum, left the team’s camp in company of some of his stars soon after Nigeria’s elimination from the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand,

Waldrum, who was tagged ‘incompetent’ by NFF Spokesman,Ademola Olajire, when he barred his mind on the tardy way the Federation handled the team’s preparation for the World Cup, was said to have left the Super Falcons in Brisbane, Australia after the team’s defeat by England.

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According to information, there has been pressure from different quarters on the NFF over the backlog of unpaid allowances and bonuses to the coach and the players.

Waldrum, according to Prompt News, left the team’s hotel a few hours after their elimination to catch the next available flight back to the United States of America. Camp sources said the players and backroom were still asleep when the gaffer left the hotel.

The 66-year-old was said to have left with some of the Diaspora players, including Deborah Abiodun, Ifeoma Onumonu, Jennifer Echegini and Esther Okoronkwo.

The other players who left with the American are, Michelle Alozie, Toni Payne and Yewande Balogun.

The remaining players and other backroom staff were expected to start leaving for Nigeria yesterday. The coach had a few days to the commencement of the World Cup told the NFF to settle the two years outstanding emoluments of the players. Waldrum has expressed his desire to stay on as Super Falcons head coach despite the ‘unfriendly relationship’ with the federation.

WWC 2023: Japan Women vs Sweden Women Quarter Final Preview

By
Emenike Agu
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Japan women will face off against Sweden Women at Eden Park in the FIFA Women’s World Cup  quarterfinals on Friday.

Japan’s flawless campaign thus far in the tournament has raised expectations over their title credentials. They defeated Norway 3-1 in the round of 16 on Thursday to extend their winning streak to four games at the World Cup. The 2011 champions have glory in their sights as they push on in Australia and New Zealand.

Japan are set to face familiar opponents, who have worked hard in the competition to deserve a place up the ladder. Sweden prevailed in their previous two clashes, defeating Japan 3-1 and 3-0. However, their overall head-to-head record is in favor of the Asians. Both teams have been impressive defensively, conceding once each in their last four matches.

Sweden are in search of their first Women’s World Cup title. They have won bronze on three occasions and were runners-up in 2003 against the United States, whom they knocked out a few days ago to reach this stage. Sweden also prevailed over Italy (5-0), South Africa (2-1) and Argentina (2-0) to earn their stripes in the showpiece.

Japan vs Sweden Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

  • Japan have won twice, drawn once and lost twice in their last five clashes against Sweden.
  • Japan have scored 19 goals against one in their last five matches.
  • Japan have played 36 World Cup matches, winning 18, while Sweden boast 44 World Cup games and 26 victories.
  • Sweden have scored 12 goals and conceded four in their last five matches.
  • Japan have won their last five matches while Sweden have won four times and drawn once.
  • Arsenal defender Amanda Ilestedt is interestingly leading Sweden’s scoring chart with three goals. She is becoming one of the most dreaded attacking players despite her back-half position. Ilestedt is deadly from set pieces as her aerial ability continues to cause problems for opponents. 
  • Japan come into this match as the favorites based on form and staying power, and we are backing them to succeed.

Spain Edge Netherlands In Wellington Thriller

By
Emenike Agu
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Spain are through to the last four after a dramatic extra-time triumph over 2019 finalists the Netherlands.

  • Spain will face Japan or Sweden in the last four
  • Salma Paralluelo scored an extra-time winner to settle the outcome
  • Goalscorers: Caldentey (81’), Van der Gragt (90+1), Paralluelo (111’) Spain are through to the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cupâ„¢ for the first time after Salma Paralluelo struck in extra time to send the Netherlands crashing out.
  • Stefanie van der Gragt had earlier scored a last-gasp equaliser for the 2019 runners-up after conceding the penalty from which Mariona Caldentey had given La Roja what was, at the time, a thoroughly deserved opener.
  • This was expected to be a tight encounter but, as it was, Spain utterly dominated the opening 80 minutes. In fact, had it not been for some wasteful finishing and the brilliance of Daphne van Domselaar, they could have been out of sight and assured of a semi-final spot long by half-time.
  • Those themes were underlined in one 17th-minute incident in which the Dutch keeper produced an outstanding save to tip Alba Redondo’s header on to the woodwork and then watched as the same Spaniard, from all of five yards, side-footed the rebound against the same post.
  • La Roja did have the ball in the net 20 minutes later but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review, with Esther Gonzalez shown to have been offside as she knocked home from close range. VAR would continue to play a prominent role in this match, with referee Stephanie Frappart awarding – then cancelling – a second-half penalty to the Netherlands before pointing to the spot at the other end after another visit to the pitch-side screens.
  • Caldentey stepped forward when van der Gragt’s handball was identified and, after a stuttering run-up, slammed a right-foot shot in off the inside of the post. It was a devastating moment for Van der Gragt, who will retire from international football after this tournament, and was visibly crestfallen. But when the big centre-back was sent forward as the Dutch searched frantically for an equaliser, she earned spectacular redemption, rifling home a stoppage-time equaliser of which any centre-forward would have been rightly proud.
  • The Netherlands were a team transformed and, having belatedly committed to forcing Spain back, they created – and spurned – the better chances in extra time through the lively Lineth Beerensteyn. That left the Dutch open to a sucker-punch, and Paralluelo duly delivered, breaking through on the left before crashing an unstoppable shot in off the far post.
  • Key stat
  • Van der Gragt’s goal was the 147th scored at Australia & New Zealand 2023. This sets a new record for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, surpassing the previous benchmark of 146 set at Canada 2015 and equalled at France 2019.
  • VISA Player of the Match
  • Salma Paralluelo (Spain)

Nigerian Equities Market Rebounds By 1.62% Profit

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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Nigeria’s equities market bounced back to positive territory at the close of business on Thursday with a 1.62% profit on its benchmark index.

The market capitalisation of listed equities at Nigerian Exchange Group Limited, NGX returned to the N35 trillion as investors gained N564 billion amid renewed bargain hunting and profit-taking activities.

Investors at the Exchange had witnessed a drop on market capitalisation in midweek transactions which closed at N34.918 trillion but Thursday deals appreciated by 1.62% to close at N35.483 trillion.

Similarly, the NGX All-Share Index appreciated by 1,037. 43 absolute points representing a 1.62% increase to close at 65,204.82 points compared to 64,167.39 points recorded on Wednesday.Stock Market Starts August Week 2 In Green

The day’s activity levels remained positive as the trading volume and value inched up by 51.74% and 119.49% to close at 361.2 million units and N5.74 billion respectively except deals which ended negative at 7.83% to close at 5,531.

The trading session closed positive with 23 gainers and 17 decliners.

Profit-taking activities engaged by investors saw the shares of CHELLARAM, SCOA and Dangote Cement gain 10%, 9.35% and 9.34% to close at N4.40k, N1.17k and N349.90k respectively.

On the flipside, shares of CAP, Academy Press and Dangote Sugar dropped by 10%, 9.36% and 6.63% to close at N19.80k, N2.13k and N32.40k respectively.

Hawaii Wildfires: Satellite Shows Island Of Maui, Hurricane Dora’s Path

By
Angel Gimalo
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Dozens of people have died and thousands have been told to evacuate their homes after fast-spreading wildfires caused devastation on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

The worst hit area has been Lahaina, the beach-front town popular with tourists, where entire neighbourhoods and hotels have been destroyed.

Fires are still active on the island and being battled by firefighters, with helicopters dropping water from above.The western side of the second largest Hawaiian island, with world-famous beaches, had been almost entirely cut off.

The flames were fanned by Hurricane Dora, which passed by the south of Hawaii – gusts of wind up to 65mph (100km/h) hit the islands earlier this week.

However, the winds are now easing as Hurricane Dora continues to move away to the west.

The incredibly strong winds meant that aircraft have only recently been able to fly over the town and begin to reveal the devastation – the flames have destroyed most of the buildings in front of the port, including the old courthouse.

“It’s horrifying. I’ve flown here 52 years and I’ve never seen anything come close to that,” helicopter pilot Richard Olsten told the Associated Press. “We had tears in our eyes.”

Fourteen people were rescued after jumping into the city’s harbour to escape the flames and smoke and dozens of people are also being treated in hospital from fire-related injuries, including smoke inhalation.

A huge search and rescue operation is under way, with some people still unaccounted for.

Before and after of a highway in Maui showing impact of wildfires

Lahaina is a historic town on the western tip of Maui. Its centre dates back to the 1700s and is on the US National Register of Historic Places.

At least 270 buildings have been destroyed in the picturesque resort, which is home to about 12,000 people.

Former US President Barack Obama – who was born in Hawaii – is among those who has expressed his sorrow at the impact of the blaze. He posted on the X social network (formerly known as Twitter): “It’s tough to see some of the images coming out of Hawai’i — a place that’s so special to so many of us.

“Michelle and I are thinking of everyone who has lost a loved one, or whose life has been turned upside down.”

Before and after image showing devastation to hotels and residential areas in Lahaina

The fires have also destroyed many natural features on the island – there are fears for Lahaina’s banyan tree, the oldest in Hawaii, and one of the oldest in the US.

The 60ft-tall (18m) fig tree was planted in 1873, on the place where Hawaiian King Kamehameha’s first palace stood but it was burnt after fires ravaged the area on Wednesday.

According to the town’s website, if its roots remain healthy it will likely grow back. But at this stage, they say the tree “looks burned”.

Exploring Citadelle Laferrière, A Defensive Fortress In Haiti  

By
Angel Gimalo
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Citadelle Laferrière is a large mountaintop defensive fortress, which was built as an important one at the time, located on the Hispaniola Island, in the Republic of Haiti.

As one of the largest fortresses in the Americas, it has become an icon for the island nation, and also an important tourist spot.

It was built between 1805 and 1820, as part of fortifications which had to protect the newly independent nation from future French aggression. Built more inland atop the Bonnet a L’Eveque Mountain, it had the purpose to defend the nearby valleys from French incursions.

Some 20,000 Haitians were in charge of the construction of the fortress, which was initially commissioned by Henri Christophe, who was a general in the Haitian Army and chief administrator of the northern regions of Haiti.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, this colossal fortress being the landmark of the country, it is featured on currency, postcards, stamps and posters issued by the country’s ministries.

Covering an area of some 10,000 square kilometers (108,000 square feet), it has been made out of large foundation stones laid on the mountaintop, using a mortar mixture that included quicklime, molasses and blood of local cows and goats.

Inside the fortress, there are large cisterns and storehouses that stored enough food and water for 5,000 soldiers, who would last for an entire year. The fortress has an angular structure, thanks to which its appearance has different forms based on the viewer’s location.

Some of the angles have protective character and were designed to deviate the enemy’s cannonballs. As this huge structure has been designed to defend the sovereignty of Haiti, the attack of the French Army never happened, so this fortress nowadays survives almost unchanged.

Despite the military mission and the atmosphere of war and danger still present in the Citadelle, its windows open an amazing view to the surrounding landscapes.

There are fantastic views on three sides of tumbling green peaks and, to the north, Cap-Haïtien, where the streets are lined with colorful shops, watch-menders and old men playing dice.

Once Upon A Time – August 10 – 1846 – U.S. Act Of Congress Passes Establishing Smithsonian Institution, Now World’s Largest Museum

By
Angel Gimalo
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"Record Unit 95, Box 30, Folder 7"

–

612 BC Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire. Destruction of Nineveh.

1497 John Cabot tells King Henry VII of his trip to “Asia”

1675 King Charles II and John Flamsteed lay the foundation stone of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London

1846 US Act of Congress passes establishing the Smithsonian Institution, now world’s largest museum and research complex

Historical Events Today Events in 2023

Today in Film & TV

1948 ABC enters network TV at 7 PM (WJZ, NY)

Today in Music

1787 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart completes his chamber piece “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” (A Little Serenade)

Today in Sport

1984 Famous Mary Decker-Zola Budd collision during 3,000m at the LA Olympics; Decker falls, Budd finishes 7th; Maricica Puică of Romania wins

1885 Leo Daft opens America’s 1st commercially operated electric streetcar in Baltimore

1793 Louvre palace officially opens in Paris as The Museum Central des Arts

Famous Weddings

1848 Inventor Samuel Morse (57) weds Sarah Elizabeth Griswold in Utica, New York

1912 British literary figure (author of “To the Lighthouse”) Virginia Woolf [nee Stephen] (30) weds political theorist Leonard Woolf (31)

1933 Actress Hedy Lamarr (19) weds Hirtenberger Patronen-Fabrik chairman Friedrich Mandl (33)

Cleopatra, the legendary Queen of Egypt, is said to have died on this day, famously submitting to the bite of a poisonous snake. The story might even be true – August 10, 30 AD

200,000 Visitors Attend Saudi’s Abha Shopping Festival

By
Angel Gimalo
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The 24th Abha Shopping Festival has attracted more than 200,000 visitors since its launch on July 1.

The festival consists of six shopping arcades displaying housewares, clothes, perfumes and sweets.

It also offers a variety of entertainment programs and events, including theme parks, shows, and restaurants.

The event will run until August 14 at the Abha International Exhibition Centre. 

Duncan Pieterse Named New Head Of South Africa’s National Treasury

By
Angel Gimalo
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South Africa’s cabinet has approved the appointment of Duncan Pieterse as the new director-general of the National Treasury, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday.

Pieterse’s most recent role was head of asset and liability management at the National Treasury, after previously serving as its head of economic policy.

He played an instrumental role in a government plan announced in February to take on more than half of struggling state power company Eskom’s debt over the next three years.

Longtime National Treasury official Ismail Momoniat had been acting director-general since June 2022, when Dondo Mogajane left the post when his contract expired.

Northern China Braces For Second Typhoon In Two Weeks

By
Angel Gimalo
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Northern China, which is still dealing with flooded rivers and floodwaters produced by Typhoon Doksuri two weeks ago, is bracing for further rains with Typhoon Khanun’s approach.

Parts of Japan and the Korean Peninsula have already been hit by Khanun.

Following unprecedented flooding last week, China’s northern Hebei region raised its emergency response to the highest level on Thursday in preparation for potentially devastating downpours from the newcomer.

Since late July, China’s north and northeast have been hit by extensive floods caused by Doksuri’s record rainfall.

Last week, Hebei, which is part of the Haihe River basin, the largest in northern China, received more than a year’s worth of rain, prompting the evacuation of almost 200,000 people.

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