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Ezinne Abba, Echikunwoke Set To Miss World Championships In Budapest

July 12, 2023

With the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 just nine days from kick-off, the full squads for all 32 teams at the tournament have now been confirmed.

Among the 736 of the world’s best female footballers that will converge in the southern hemisphere for the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, names of Nigeria’s Super Falcons players were included.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ kicks off on Thursday, 20 July with New Zealand facing 1995 winners Norway at Eden Park in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau. The action will continue in Australia on the same day, with Australia facing Women’s World Cup debutantes Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia in Sydney/Wangal.

Tickets for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 matches are on sale now via fifa.com/tickets , while fans that want to take their tournament experience ‘above and beyond’ can access ticket-inclusive hospitality packages at fifa.com/hospitality .

Nigeria’s world cup list:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Tochukwu Oluehi (Hakkarigucu Spor FC, Turkey); Yewande Balogun (AS Saint-Etienne, France)

Defenders: Onome Ebi (Abia Angels); Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alaves, Spain); Glory Ogbonna (Besiktas JK, Turkey); Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester City, England); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France)

Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengard FC, Sweden); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Deborah Abiodun (Rivers Angels); Jennifer Echegini (Florida State University, USA)

Forwards: Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, Kentucky, USA); Gift Monday (UDG Tenerife, Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC, USA); Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona Femenine, Spain); Desire Oparanozie (Wuhan Chegu Jianghan, China); Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Esther Okoronkwo (AS Saint-Etienne, France)

Ezinne Abba, Echikunwoke Set To Miss World Championships In Budapest

Emenike Agu

July 12, 2023

Sprinter, Ezinn Abba and Hammer thrower, Annette Echikunwoke will miss next month’s World Athletics Championships after both failed to qualify at the USA trials held over the weekend at the Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

Abba, the University of Texas Graduate Student failed to progress beyond the semifinal in the 100m (11.23) and fell at the first hurdle in the 200m (23.30) and will now fail to make her debut at World Athletics’ flagship event in Budapest, Hungary.

The 22 year old who ran lifetime bests of 10.98 (100m) and (22.47) this year to make the entry standard for the championships failed to replicate the form she displayed in the NCAA circuit and will now watch events from Budapest on television.

A year earlier, Abba was on the verge of competing for Nigeria in Oregon but was denied the chance by her failure to complete the mandatory three out of competition tests, OCT, following Nigeria’s categorisation as a high risk doping nation by the Athletics Integrity Unit in 2020.

Abba felt the Athletics Federation of Nigeria should be held responsible for the OCT test and decided to change allegiance back to the USA and her wish was granted by World Athletics on November 21, 2022.

Echikunwoke was also on the verge of making her debut at the Olympics but her failure to also complete the three OCT tests along side nine others cut short her dream.

In anger the 26 old sought for a change of allegiance to represent her country of birth, USA and her request was granted on June 22, 2022, early enough to enable her compete at the 2022 USA trials.

She made the cut and made her World Championships debut in Oregon where she finished 12th in the final categorisation.

Echikunwoke will however not be on the plane to Budapest as a competitor wearing the USA vest.

Kanu, Finidi Reunite At Enyimba

Emenike Agu

July 12, 2023

It’s a reunion of two former club teammates as former Super Eagles captain, Nwakwo Kanu, was confirmed supervisor of nine-time NPFL champions, Enyimba, who are currently coached by Finidi George.

Kanu’s appointment eventually takes effect after protracted rumours of him taking over from Nigeria Football Federation’s vice president, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, who has been in charge of the club for over two decades. The club won nine league titles and two CAF Champions League titles in that period.

The board of the People’s Elephant was dissolved by the Abia State Government last week, while Kanu’s appointment was contained in a statement released by the Abia State commissioner for information, Okey Kanu, on Monday.

“A sporting legend and former Super Eagles star, Kanu Nwankwo, has been appointed to supervise Enyimba Football Club to strengthen the team and make it win more laurels for the state,” the statement read in part.

As Kanu prepares to take over, he will work with former Ajax and Super Eagles teammate, Finidi, who led the club to their ninth NPFL title last month in his second season in charge.

The pair were part of Louis van Gaal’s Ajax team that won the UEFA Champions League in 1995 following a 1-0 triumph over Serie A giants AC Milan inside Ernst-Happel Stadium in Vienna.

Kanu started his professional career in the domestic league with Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland) in the 1992/93 campaign after impressing at Holy Ghost College in Owerri.

At Ajax in 1995, he began the campaign as a starting striker, and seemed entirely in tune with what was required by the system, but came on as a substitute in the 53rd minute in the final against Milan, while Finidi played the entire duration of the game.

Patrick Kluivert scored the only goal in the 85th minute as Ajax won the title.

A year later, they were both in the starting line-up when Ajax faced Juventus in the 1996 final. The dream to win another UCL title together fell short, as Juventus won on penalties. It was the last time a Champions League final featured two Nigeria internationals.

Finidi narrowly missed out on a move to Real Madrid, before joining Real Betis, while Kanu moved to Inter Milan afterwards.

Now Enyimba’s coach, Finidi scored 18 goals in 85 appearances for the Dutch side, while Kanu scored 25 goals in 54 games.

After winning the league at the end of the Super 6 last month, Finidi spoke glowingly of attracting other ex-internationals to take up coaching roles in the league. Before he can have his first managerial influence, he now has an ex-teammate as the administrator of his team as they return to the CAF Champions League in August.

Fans of the club and football enthusiasts would be hoping to see both ex-players reignite their glory days as players — when they won the highest club football competition in Europe 28 years ago — at two-time CAF Champions League champions Enyimba.

Alternative Medicine: Maintaining Health and Well-being Using Naturopathy

Olasunbo Okoromi

July 12, 2023

Naturopathy is an alternative Medicine to stay healthy. In this episode of This Morning Show, Olasunbo Okoromi and Cleopatra Okohai had a chat with Dr. Ziza Ndifereke Senewo a Naturopathic Doctor and Physical Therapist as she explains what Naturopathy is all about and how to take advantage of it. Take a listen

FIFA Women’S World Cup: Falcons To Watch In Australia

Emenike Agu

July 12, 2023

As the Super Falcons gear up for their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup opener against Canada July 21, there are several players who will be instrumental to their campaign in Australia/New Zealand.

Asisat Oshoala

Undoubtedly the player to watch in the Nigerian side is Oshoala. Currently one of the best forwards in women’s football, Oshoala has been shortlisted for the 2023 FIFA Ballon d’Or (Socrates award). Her incredible record of 83 goals in 89 games at club side Barcelona speaks volumes about her talent. In the 2022-23 season, she outperformed many top players in Europe, scoring 21 non-penalty goals, and found the net in half of her league appearances for Barca.

Oshoala aims to become the first African player to score in three different Women’s World Cup tournaments, having already scored in the 2015 and 2019 editions. With her strength, skill, and leadership qualities, Oshoala is considered one of Africa’s greatest female footballers of all time.

“Personally, I feel like we have a good team and if everything is being done right, we can go very far at the upcoming World Cup,” Oshoala said.

“This is because regardless of whatever, we are still going to go out there fighting, do our job and see what we can achieve.”

Ashleigh Plumptre

The Leicester City Women’s centre-back Plumptre has been gaining recognition in the English Women’s Super League with her fine performances week-in-week-out. Instrumental in helping her club retain their topflight status last season, the 25-year-old defender brings a no-nonsense and energetic style of play to the Nigerian team. With 11 caps already under her belt, she will be a key player for Nigeria’s exploits in the tournament.

The ‘Dancing Oyinbo’ has a composed and calm demeanor, which earned her a place in the squad, and she values the experience gained during the challenging 2022 WAFCON campaign, from where the Falcons qualified for their ninth World Cup.

Rasheedat Ajibade

Known for her skills as an attacking midfielder or deep-lying forward, Ajibade captivates fans with her dazzling footwork and ability to navigate challenging situations on the field. Her unique skill set allows her to showcase flair, creativity and defensive contributions, making her one of the most complete players in Africa.

The Atletico Madrid playmaker can win tackles, make interceptions and orchestrate attacks. Coupled with her unpredictability and versatility, ‘the blue haired girl’ is a player opponents in Australia will be wary of.

Michelle Alozie

Alozie is rated among the most beautiful footballers at the Women’s World Cup. After making her debut for the senior national team in 2021, the 26-year-old has become a regular member of the squad.

Alozie’s versatility allows her to seamlessly slot into various positions, and she has played a more influential role in the 2023 campaign for Houston Dash in the National Women’s Soccer League in America. Her performance as a winger and her ability to score crucial goals highlight her importance in the team.

Uchenna Kanu

Uchenna Kanu’s versatility is a valuable asset for Nigeria as she can play in different positions across the front line. She has showcased her goal-scoring prowess, particularly with her impressive run and well-placed shot against the United States in a friendly match.

Kanu’s improved decision-making and movement, gained from her experience in the Swedish, Mexican and American leagues, make her a consistent markswoman. Coach Waldrum faces a dilemma of whether to unleash her from the start or bring her on as a second-half impact player.

Chiamaka Nnadozie

To make a good team, the team must be good in all the departments. This is the reason why Chimaka has a crucial role to play if the Falcons hope to contend with the biggest women’s teams in the world.

The Paris FC goalkeeper is widely regarded as the best on the continent. Her contributions were vital in helping her club reach the Champions League playoffs in the French Division 1 Feminine.

Notably, Nnadozie made history at the age of 19 by becoming the youngest player to keep a clean sheet at the World Cup, in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Korea in 2019. Her exceptional goalkeeping skills and experience will be crucial for Nigeria’s success in the upcoming tournament.

Picasso’s Daughter Appointed Administrator Of Late Artist’s Estate

Koko Lawrence

July 12, 2023

Paloma Ruiz-Picasso was appointed administrator of her late father Pablo Picasso’s estate, their lawyer told Agence France-Presse last week.

She replaces her brother Claude, who has been the director since 1989 and decided to step down, following the death of their mother French artist Françoise Gilot in June.

Ruiz-Picasso is a businesswoman, fashionista, and perfume, accessories, and jewelry designer, and the last remaining of Picasso’s four children.

The Picasso estate oversees works held by Claude Picasso and Paloma Ruiz-Picasso, his late daughter Maya Widmaier Picasso (daughter of Marie-Thérèse Walter), and two of his grandchildren, Marina and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso.

The organization holds a monopoly on the copyright, trademark, and reproduction rights of Picasso’s works. It has the authority to issue authentication certificates and to fight forgeries.

“These five heirs [have] a form of joint ownership (the property consisting mainly in the intellectual property rights attached to the work and name of Pablo Picasso),” reads the estate website.

Jury Decides 2014 Document Found In Aretha Franklin’s Couch Is Valid Will

Koko Lawrence

July 12, 2023

A document handwritten by singer Aretha Franklin and found in her couch after her 2018 death is a valid Michigan will, a jury said Tuesday, a critical turn in a dispute that has turned her sons against each other.

It’s a victory for Kecalf Franklin and Edward Franklin whose lawyers had argued that papers dated 2014 should override a 2010 will that was discovered around the same time in a locked cabinet at the Queen of Soul’s home in suburban Detroit.

The jury deliberated less than an hour after a brief trial that started Monday. After the verdict was read, Aretha Franklin’s grandchildren stepped forward from the first row to hug Kecalf and Edward.

“I’m very, very happy. I just wanted my mother’s wishes to be adhered to,” Kecalf Franklin said. “We just want to exhale right now. It’s been a long five years for my family, my children.”

Aretha Franklin was a global star for decades, known especially for hits like “Think,” “I Say a Little Prayer” and “Respect.” She did not leave behind a formal, typewritten will when she died five years ago at age 76.

But documents, with scribbles and hard-to-decipher passages, emerged in 2019 when a niece scoured the home for records.

In closing arguments, lawyers for Kecalf and Edward Franklin said the fact that the 2014 papers were found in a notebook in couch cushions did not make them less significant.

“You can take your will and leave it on the kitchen counter. It’s still your will,” Charles McKelvie told the jury.

Another lawyer, Craig Smith, pointed to the first line of the document, which was displayed on four large posters in front of the jury.

“Says right here: ‘This is my will.’ She’s speaking from the grave, folks,” Smith said of Franklin.

Kecalf and Edward had teamed up against brother Ted White II, who favored the 2010 will. White’s attorney, Kurt Olson, noted the earlier will was under lock and key. He said it was much more important than papers found in a couch.

“We were here to see what the jury would rule. We’ll live with it,” Olson said after the verdict.

The jury found that the 2014 version was signed by Aretha Franklin, who put a smiley face in the letter ‘A.’

There still will be discussions over whether some provisions of the 2010 will should be fulfilled and whether Kecalf Franklin could become executor of the estate. Judge Jennifer Callaghan told all sides to file briefs and attend a status conference next week.

Franklin’s estate managers have been paying bills, settling millions in tax debts and generating income through music royalties and other intellectual property. The will dispute, however, has been unfinished business.

There are differences between the 2010 and 2014 versions, though they both appear to indicate that Franklin’s four sons would share income from music and copyrights.

But under the 2014 will, Kecalf Franklin and grandchildren would get his mother’s main home in Bloomfield Hills, which was valued at $1.1 million when she died but is worth much more today.

The older will said Kecalf, 53, and Edward Franklin, 64, “must take business classes and get a certificate or a degree” to benefit from the estate. That provision is not in the 2014 version.

White, who played guitar with Aretha Franklin, testified against the 2014 will, saying his mother typically would get important documents done “conventionally and legally” and with assistance from an attorney. He did not immediately comment after the verdict.

The sharpest remarks of the trial came from Smith, who represented Edward Franklin. He told the jury White “wants to disinherit his two brothers. Teddy wants it all.”

Kecalf Franklin sat near White during the trial but they did not appear to speak to each other.

The Mega-Strike That Could Take Down Hollywood

Koko Lawrence

July 12, 2023

Hollywood’s writers have been on strike for two months and soon the actors may join them, swapping the red carpet for the picket lines.

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) contract expires at midnight local time on 12 July, following a deadline extension that delayed the possibility of a mega-strike by almost two weeks.

They would join the Writers Guild of America, which went on strike on 2 May after failing to reach a deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), an umbrella group representing studios like Disney, Netflix, Amazon and Apple.

Both SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP have said they will not comment while contract negotiations are ongoing.

It would be the first time that unions representing both writers and actors would strike at the same time since 1960, when future US President Ronald Regan was president of the actors’ union.

A third union, the Directors Guild of America, has already negotiated a contract and will not join the strike.

Dozens of productions have already been halted since the writers went on strike, including Stranger Things, Billions and Marvel’s Blade.

If there is an actors’ strike, there could be even more delays, and some shows may be cancelled altogether.

For audiences, that likely means the next season of your favourite TV show will be delayed, and many shows may disappear forever.

While some international productions will continue, it will be limited, because SAG-AFTRA represents more than 160,000 performers around the world – like writer and actor Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who addressed the strike at the London premiere of the latest Indian Jones movie.

“I really hope we can get this sorted. Writers are the most important people in this industry, I really believe that,” she said.

Like the writers already on strike, actors say that streaming services haven’t shared the wealth, even as they have led to an explosion of entertainment content. The never-ending quest for new subscribers is an unsustainable business model, they say, and studio executives are reaping huge salaries while many actors and writers can’t make a decent living.

In a surprise move, many of Hollywood’s A-list actors signed a letter to their union supporting a strike if they cannot get a “transformative” new contract from studios.

The letter – which has been widely circulated in Los Angeles – was signed by the likes of Meryl Streep, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Lawrence and Quinta Brunson – has more than 1,000 signatures now, according to industry publication Deadline.

Both the writers and actors are striking for not only better pay, but for restrictions on using artificial intelligence (AI) in productions, which they say is an “existential” threat.

Actors say AI could create a doomsday scenario where deep fakes and dead actors could be the stars of tomorrow through computer-generated faces and voices.

For many in the business, it’s a bleak thought – computer generated moviemaking without a camera crew, actor or writer involved.

Influential musician and artist Kim Gordon, the founder of Sonic Youth and a Screen Actors Guild member, said she’d never consider allowing an AI version of herself.

“It’s important to be worried about it,” Ms Gordon said while picketing outside Netflix. “But I feel like AI will never replace creativity.”

African Union convention on preventing and combating corruption

Mana Balagbogbo

July 12, 2023

THEME: 20 YEARS AFTER: ACHIEVEMENTS AND PROSPECTS

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) is pleased to join the Africa Union (AU) and its esteemed governments, as well as other stakeholders, to commemorate this year’s AU Anti-Corruption Day under the theme: “20 Years After: Achievements and Prospects”. This theme provides a unique opportunity for deep and genuine reflection on the journey in the fight against corruption in the continent over the last two decades.

Adopted 20 years ago in Maputo, Mozambique, on 11 July 2003, the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) – which came into force in August 2006 – was conceived as a watershed multilateral instrument to pave the way for African governments to chart a strategic and coordinated approach to combating the menace of corruption and its effect on development, good governance and the rule of law. CDD commends the 48 African countries that have signed and ratified the AUCPCC and that have worked to transpose its salient provisions into domestic legislation. The Centre urges the remaining seven countries – Central African Republic, Cape Verde, Djibouti, Eritrea, Eswatini, Somalia, and South Sudan – to follow suit.

As African governments reflect on the gains and progress recorded since 2003, it is important to also focus on some of the aspirations of Agenda 2063, a flexible living document and rolling plan adopted by the African states as a shared framework for inclusive growth and sustainable development for Africa. Aspirations three, four and seven focus on good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law; a peaceful and secure Africa; and Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player and partner. These aspirations are consistent with Article Three of the AUCPCC, which enjoins state parties to undertake to abide by democratic principles, the rule of law, respect for human rights, transparency and accountability and condemnation and rejection of acts of corruption, impunity and related offences.

Tackling corruption, with its debilitating impact on economic, social and political development, requires the building of strong and capable institutions that will deepen democratic values and justice, support gender equality and improve peace, security and the rule of law. Such institutions include the establishment of reputable anti-corruption agencies, such as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Council on Probity, Prevention and Fight against Corruption in Morocco, Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime in Botswana, The Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles (ACCS) etc, vested with the power to prevent, recover and prosecute anti-corruption cases in Nigeria. These institutions have successfully recovered stolen assets in Nigeria, from both within and from the diaspora

Effectively combating corruption can significantly help to reduce fiscal wastage and also facilitate the detection, tracking and recovery of illicit financial flows which continue to rob the continent’s needed resources for development. According to the UNCTAD’s Economic Development in Africa Report 2020, every year, an estimated $88.6 billion, equivalent to 3.7% of Africa’s GDP, leaves the continent as illicit capital flight. A significant chunk of this figure is a result of corruption.

It is, therefore, necessary and urgent for African states to, individually and collectively, halt the financial haemorrhage and engage in bilateral and multilateral arrangements to recover illicit assets taken from the continent. This will require African states to persistently push, using all available international cooperation arrangements, on a global stage while also ensuring that their domestic anti-corruption authorities initiate steps to track, trace and freeze these assets in countries where they have been deposited. Nigeria has, for example, made considerable progress in tracking and recovering stolen assets through improved international cooperation.

CDD, therefore, encourages anti-corruption agencies across the continent to up the ante on illicit asset recovery as there is still much more, domestically and internationally, to be traced and recovered. It also reaffirms its commitment to supporting efforts to curb systemic corruption that occurs in the form of bribery, political embezzlement, theft and fraud, gratifications, extortion and blackmail, abuse of office, favouritism, nepotism and clientelism. Practices that deprive many Africans of their right to basic services such as health, education, housing, clean water and sanitation facilities.

The CDD congratulate AU member states and stakeholders on the progress made in the last 20 years. However, there is still so much work to be done. Fighting corruption requires consistent and sustained work on various fronts and adopting innovative strategies to meet the ever-expanding corruption typologies and taxonomies. The dangers of relapsing or losing the gains made are high if states do not work concertedly and persistently to sustain the fight. “The Africa we want” can only be achieved through the diligent implementation of the provisions of the AUCPCC and state parties renewing their unalloyed commitments to it.

To this end, the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC), charged with the responsibility of dealing with corruption and implementation measures and strategies under the Convention on the continent, is urged to intensify its awareness and visibility programs and push state parties to strengthen implementation and adoption of effective strategies against corruption. States are encouraged to cooperate fully with AUABC and interface and cooperate operationally with member states to share best practices.

The fight against corruption is complicated. The laudable objectives of the Convention, the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the objectives of the AU Constitutive Act will remain illusory unless states collectively renew their commitments against corruption not only in words but in action.

With dedicated focus, strong political will and effective cooperation between and amongst African states, corruption can be better contained. CDD hereby commits to remain a dedicated partner and stakeholder in efforts to suppress corruption in Africa.

Thank you all.

Signed

Idayat Hassan

Director, Centre for Democracy and Development

South-West Japan Hit By Heaviest Rainfall Ever

Angel Gimalo

July 11, 2023

Three people were killed and three others are missing in flooding in southwest Japan caused by the region’s “heaviest” rain ever.

Rivers overflowed and hillsides collapsed as record amounts of rain were dumped on parts of Kyushu island.

The national weather agency logged 402.5mm falling in Kurume on Monday, the highest ever recorded in the city.

Roads and powerlines were cut, and thousands were ordered to evacuate as further downpours were expected.

Satoshi Sugimoto, of the Japanese Meteorological Agency, said he believed the downpours were “the heaviest ever experienced” in the region.

At least three people died in the flooding but the toll could rise, government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told AFP news agency. Three people were missing in some of the remotest areas of the island.

“We express our condolences to those who died, and our heartfelt sympathy towards those who were affected by the disaster,” Mr Matsuno said.

The downpours prompted evacuation notices for hundreds of thousands of people and remote communities remain effectively cut off by flooding and other damage, he said.

An elderly woman died when she was trapped in a house engulfed in mud in Soeda, Fukuoka province, local authorities said. Her husband survived. Another victim was apparently washed away by a flooded river while riding in a car in Kurume.

Japan is currently in its annual rainy season, which often brings heavy downpours, and sometimes results in flooding and landslides as well as casualties.

According to the Japanese Meteorological Agency, the heaviest rainfall recorded in Japan was in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, on 12 October, 2019, when 922.5mm fell in one day.

The weather agency said it had already been raining for more than a week in the region before the heavy downpours that arrived Sunday night.

And while the sun was shining in many areas on Tuesday, officials have warned of more rain in the forecast, which could loosen already sodden ground.

Landslides are a particular risk in Japan during heavy rains because homes are often built on plains at the bottom of hillsides in the mountainous country.

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