Burkina Faso coach talks tough ahead Nigeria clash

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May 9, 2023

Following their 2-1 victory over Cameroon in their last group stage match of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, head coach of Burkina Faso’s U-17 team Brahima Traore has said the team is now focused on their quarter-final game against the Golden Eaglets.

The 49-year-old tactician praised his side for their resilience and doggedness in their game against Cameroon which earned them a spot in the last eight.

In a post-match comment Traore told newsmen “When we conceded the first goal, we just changed our system and tactics to be more attacking. We put pressure on them and scored the two goals,”.

“We worked hard and had a good fighting spirit. We went 1-0 down but never gave up. We had confidence in ourselves and I am happy with the desire shown by the players.”

He added that his target was to clinch a World Cup ticket and was confident his boys can beat Nigeria.

“We had two objectives in this tournament; first to get to the semi-finals and then to fight for the title. We will prepare well for Nigeria to enable us to get to the semis and earn the World Cup ticket.”

Burkina Faso will face a tough task when they play Nigeria in Algiers on Thursday.

NMA Offers Free medical Treatment to Persons in Taraba

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Cleopatra Okohai

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May 9, 2023

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The Nigerian Medical Association has provided free medical treatment to no fewer than 1,150 persons in Taraba State.

The free medical treatment includes surgeries, dental, and ophthalmological services, mass deworming for children, screening for Systemic Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Human Immune Virus, viral hepatitis B & C with screening & treatment for cervical cancer.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the association’s President and Secretary General, Dr. Uche R. Ojinmah and Dr. Jide Onyekwelu, respectively on Monday and made available to the press.

The free medical service was carried out during the 63rd Annual General Conference and Delegates’ Meeting of the association held in Jalingo, the state capital, between April 30 and May 7, 2023.

There was also a scientific session for the presentation of research papers.

The AGC/DM was preceded by several humanitarian, social and advocacy-oriented activities including the 2nd Dr. Stella Adadevoh Free Medical Outreach to Mutum Biyu in Gassol Local Government Area of the state.

The association observed that Nigeria is heading for a catastrophic Human Resource health crisis if the current rate of migration of Medical and Dental Practitioners to overseas “Japa syndrome” is not reversed.

It further noted, “as unacceptable the recent proposed obnoxious Bill by the House of Representative member representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II, Lagos State; Hon. Ganiyu Johnson which passed second reading at the National Assembly, seeking to amend the Medical and Dental Practitioner Act 2004 to prescribe a five-year mandatory service for Nigerian -trained doctors before granting their full licenses as unfair, irritable and highly provocative to the tenets of the international human rights law, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and civil liberty.”

The NBA sees the Bill as an attempt at modern-day “slavery”.

It, however, urged Medical and Dental Practitioners to pay serious attention to the laws and ethics of the medical profession such as professional misconduct, negligence, confidentiality, organ donation, reproductive technologies, abortion, medical research, informed consent, doctor-patient relationship, and clinical trials, as a way of strengthening healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Messi & Argentina world cup team win Laureus awards

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Emenike Agu

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May 9, 2023

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Lionel Messi and his world cup-winning Argentina scored a double by being named sportsman and team of the year at the Laureus world sports awards.

Messi captained Argentina, scored seven times and won the golden ball as his country won the 2022 world cup in Qatar in December.

He is the first athlete to win the team and individual awards in the same year.

Sportswoman of the year went to Jamaican sprinter shelly-Ann fraser-pryce.

She won the women’s 100m world title at the world athletics championships in Oregon in July, becoming the first person to win five golds in an individual track event at the championships.

Argentina lifted the world cup for the third time, beating france in a penalty shootout in doha after possibly the greatest final of all time, which ended in a 3-3 draw.

They beat england’s euro 2022-winning lionesses, men’s champions league winners real madrid and france’s men’s six nations champions to win the award.

Manchester united and Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen won comeback of the year following his return to football after collapsing on the pitch because of cardiac arrest during euro 2020, while men’s tennis world number two Carlos Alcaraz was awarded world breakthrough of the year after a 2022 in which the then 19-year-old won the us open and became tennis’ youngest men’s number one.

City not on revenge mission against Madrid – Guardiola

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Emenike Agu

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May 9, 2023

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Manchester city manager pep Guardiola says his players must on Tuesday avoid falling into the trap of trying to avenge last year’s UEFA champions league semi-final defeat to real Madrid.

Both teams will meet on Tuesday at the same stage of the tournament, with Manchester city away in the first leg in Madrid.

“It will be a huge mistake to think we are here for revenge, we are not! We must face it as another opportunity (to reach the final),” Guardiola told a news conference later on Monday.

“We are here to get a good result because everything will be decided in Manchester, not here.

“What happened last season happened, period. This is another opportunity, nothing more.

“We come with the mentality of trying again, knowing that to achieve it, we have to be better.

“The best lesson we can take from last season is that we are not coming here for revenge, but for a good result. And to have the final open for Manchester.”

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke earlier on Monday about the importance of going into the second leg with a mental edge.

Asked about the comments, Guardiola was once again uneasy, disagreeing with his opposite number.

“Last year we got here with a huge mental edge after winning well (in) the first leg. But look what happened,”

UCL Semi-Final: Real Madrid v Man City; Five Duels To Watch Out For

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Emenike Agu

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May 9, 2023

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14-time winners UCL Real Madrid winners will seek to make a statement against Guardiola’s Man City team as they look to make a second final

Welcome to the hugely-anticipated first semi-final of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League that features 14-time winners Real Madrid against wannabes Manchester City, a team chasing a first-ever title.

In the last three years, City have been moving closer to snagging it but for Chelsea in 2021 and Real Madrid in 2022, Pep Guardiola’s men may have reached the Promised Land.

While a treble remains a possibility for City, Real Madrid can only manage a double after winning the Copa del Rey last weekend. For City, they must remain flawless in their next seven games, and if they do, they will be in contention for an eighth match, the Champions League final.

Guardiola is eager to win another UEFA Champions League title, as despite his legendary tactical acumen and moves to mega-rich teams such as Bayern Munich and now Manchester City, he has failed to raise the big-eared trophy since 2011, when he did so with Barcelona and a certain Lionel Messi.

On Tuesday, his opponents will be led by ‘Don’ Carlo Ancelotti, a UCL record breaker and maker with four victories, who is in charge of Real Madrid, the record UCL victors. And, regardless of their form in La Liga, Los Blancos always feel at home in the Champions League.

Head-to-head

04/05/22 UCL Real Madrid 3 – 1 Man City

26/04/22 UCL Man City 4 – 3 Real Madrid

07/08/20 UCL Man City 2 – 1 Real Madrid

26/02/20 UCL Real Madrid 1 – 2 Man City

27/07/17 ICC Man City 4 – 1 Real Madrid

The exciting fact about this encounter is the projected one-on-one battles that will take place all around the Santiago Bernabeu pitch, as both sides have masterpieces in place for a match of this magnitude.

We will look at five match-ups that will/may determine the outcome.

Dani Carvajal vs Jack Grealish

Carvajal is an exceptional one-on-one defender, but at 31, the compact right-sided defender has lost some speed and can be easily frustrated when his opponent gets the better of him in physical duels. The Spain international will face a stern test against Grealish, whose strength is progressing the ball and creating scoring positions for Haaland, De Bruyne, and Gundogan.

In 10 UCL matches, the English winger has created 26 chances but has provided just one assist while completing 16 of 21 attempted dribbles. His direct opponent on Tuesday, Carvajal has won 23 of 41 ground duels and completed 88% of his attempted passes, same as Grealish.

Eder Militao vs Erling Haaland

Haaland enters the game on Tuesday with a record of 51 goals and counting, and Carlo Ancelotti must choose between Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger for the right-sided central defender position. Militao has been the more frequent player, but Ancelotti has told his Brazilian defender to “wake up” after a series of errors.

Against Haaland, whoever is chosen must be flawless and quick on their feet, as the Norwegian has enhanced his potency by finding space and becoming a goal provider. It will be physical and referee Artur Dias will need to keep his eyes on the back of his head to keep this battle from exploding.

Federico Valverde vs Kevin de Bruyne

When City are at their best, De Bruyne directs the symphony, which means Ancelotti will have developed a strategy to disrupt the Belgian’s rhythm. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric don’t have the legs to track and challenge De Bruyne, but Valverde has the engine, mentality, and persistence to be Madrid’s disruptor-in-chief. Though he must be careful not to give away too many free kicks from which City might profit.

Vinicius Junior vs Kyle Walker

Vinicius has been Madrid’s major offensive protagonist. He has created 17 goal scoring chances, scored six goals and made five assists. He is direct, fast, and also unpredictable, while linking up effectively with Karim Benzema and Rodrygo. Which is why Guardiola will probably deploy the equally swift Walker to man that right flank.

Eduardo Camavinga vs Bernardo Silva

Another interesting duel to look out for will also be on Madrid’s left flank, where Ancelotti has deployed a midfielder Camavinga as the left back. How he defends against Silva, who is famed for his close control and deftness in tight spaces, will be a determinant of who gets a first leg advantage. While the French midfielder has proven his defensive nous, his concentration and penchant to move infield when Madrid have the ball will be tested.

What the Managers said

“The team [Man City] is more complete than last year. Gabriel Jesus was very dangerous, but different to Haaland, The style is the same, but they can now take advantage more of long balls and second options.

“Haaland is very dangerous. We have to watch him, and it is not just him. They play very good football and we have to work to stop a team that seems unstoppable. But we have options. We arrive here well, at the same level as last season.

“What matters is our motivation and winning the cup [Copa del Rey] was a bonus.” – Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid Manager

“We are not here for revenge. It is another opportunity. One day we will get it. We will get to the final and win it. It didn’t happen last season as we played Real Madrid and in this competition they know exactly what they have to do.”

“Seven years ago we wanted to win the Champions League. Last season it was [like] the end of the world, but here we are again. Being stable is the most important thing. The important thing is we are trying to get better every year.

“We were prepared last year, too. We are the same manager, mainly the same players, but completely different games. The difference is the second leg is at home and everything will be decided in Manchester.” – Pep Guardiola, Manchester City Manager

Likely starting 11

Real Madrid: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Camavinga; Kroos, Modric, Valverde; Vinicius, Benzema, Rodrygo

Man City: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Dias, Akanji; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Grealish, Haaland, Silva

CBN To Sanction Banks Backing Unlicensed Foreign Firms

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faith Jegede

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May 9, 2023

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The Central Bank of Nigeria has said it will sanction banks assisting the operations of unlicensed foreign firms.

It stated in its ‘Guidelines for the regulation of representative offices of foreign banks in Nigeria’, signed by the Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Muhammad Musa.

The statement read in part,

“Any CBN regulated entity found to be assisting, supporting, harboring or facilitating the presence and/or operations of an unlicensed international financial institution in Nigeria shall be liable to severe sanctions including suspension or revocation of their banking license.”

According to the guidelines, representative offices of foreign banks served an important purpose of showcasing the brand and services of its parent company.

It could also stimulate foreign direct investment to the host country by connecting capital to various investment opportunities.

It also stated that “It is in view of these that the Central Bank of Nigeria issues this guideline, to specify the requirements for the licensing and operations of approved representative offices of foreign banks in Nigeria”.

The CBN noted that the guidelines applied to banks licensed under any foreign law, whose registered head office is outside Nigeria; Any financial institution licensed under foreign law, whose primary business includes the receipt of deposits, granting of loans and/or provision of current and savings accounts; Any foreign-owned operating bank/financial holding company that is foreign-based, that owns controlling interest in one or more banks or institutions whose primary business includes the receipt of deposits, granting of loans and provision of current and savings accounts.

Over 300 Athletes Arrive Benin for NUGA Trials

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Emenike Agu

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May 9, 2023

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Students from 41 universities across the country have arrived in Benin, Edo state, to fight for spots on Nigeria’s squad to the world university games scheduled to hold in Chengdu, China, from July 28 to august 8, 2023.

The athletes are competing in seven sports, including athletics, judo, badminton, table tennis, taekwondo, swimming and tennis at the 31st Universiade. With the university of Benin and Samuel Ogbemudia stadium as venues, NUGA hopes that the event will showcase Nigeria’s top university-level talent and also inspire others to take up sports and pursue their athletic dreams.

NUGA, in a statement, Monday, affirmed “world university games trials as an important milestone in Nigeria’s sports calendar” and encouraged sports enthusiasts to come out and support the talented athletes.

Athletics events are expected to commence Tuesday, while badminton’s technical meeting, warm up sessions will also hold Tuesday, with the trials beginning Wednesday.
Registration and accreditation of judo, swimming, judo, table tennis, tennis and taekwondo athletes will hold Tuesday, while the trials will start Wednesday after technical meetings.

KAWS Wins $900,000 In Lawsuit Over Counterfeit Artworks

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Koko Lawrence

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May 9, 2023

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The artist KAWS will soon be $900,000 dollars richer after winning a lawsuit against two Singapore-based companies and a man named Dylan Joy An Leong Yi Zhi, who were producing counterfeit works, including dolls, figurines, canvases, and neon lights.

According to court documents filed in the Southern District of New York, KAWS sent Leong and the companies a cease-and-desist letter in 2020. A lawsuit from KAWS followed in 2021.

The artist claimed that Leong and the companies had created hundreds of works that infringed on his copyright. These works, the artist said, had a collective retail value of more than $63 million.

Court documents revealed that one of the companies went as far as to boast about its ability to create “custom hand-reworked reproductions” of KAWS’s works and their price point, which is significantly lower than authentic figurines and sculptures designed by the artist. That public admission was enough for the court to find that Leong and his associates “knowingly intended to sell counterfeit KAWS goods.”

Kaws’s legal team, which includes the attorney Aaron Richard Golub, submitted 154 counterfeit works as evidence of copyright infringement to the court and noted that such works not only damage his reputation but also “chill the market for his original work because purchasers fear inadvertently acquiring a counterfeit”—a constant problem for the artist, who reportedly spends up to $40,000 a year on counterfeit identification.

Simple Measures can Avert a Million Baby Deaths Yearly – Study

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Cleopatra Okohai

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May 9, 2023

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Providing simple and cheap healthcare measures to pregnant women, such as offering aspirin, could prevent more than a million babies from being stillborn or dying as newborns in developing countries every year, new research said on Tuesday.

An international team of researchers also estimated that one-quarter of the world’s babies are born either premature or underweight, adding that almost no progress is being made in this area.

The researchers called for governments and organisations to ramp up the care women and babies receive during pregnancy and birth in 81 low- and middle-income countries.

Eight proven and easily implementable measures could prevent more than 565,000 stillbirths in these countries, according to a series of papers published in the Lancet journal.

The measures included providing micronutrient, protein and energy supplements, low-dose aspirin, the hormone progesterone, education on the harms of smoking, and treatments for malaria, syphilis and bacteria in urine.

If steroids were made available to pregnant women and doctors did not immediately clamp the umbilical cord, the deaths of more than 475,000 newborn babies could also be prevented, the research found.

Implementing these changes would cost an estimated $1.1 billion, the researchers said.

This is “a fraction of what other health programmes receive”, said Per Ashorn, a lead study author and professor at Finland’s Tampere University.

Meanwhile another study author, Joy Lawn of the London School for Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, told Press that the researchers used a new definition for babies born premature or underweight.

She said the traditional way to determine a baby had a low birthweight — if it was born weighing under 2.5 kilogrammes (5.8 pounds) — was “a bit randomly selected” by a Finnish doctor in 1919.

This “very blunt measure” has remained the benchmark for more than a century, despite plentiful evidence that “those babies are not all the same”, Lawn said.

The researchers analysed a database that included 160 million live births from 2000 to 2020 to work out how often babies are born “too soon and too small”, she said.

“Quite shockingly, we found that this is much more common once you start to think about it in a more nuanced way.”

The researchers estimated that 35.3 million — or one in four — of the babies born worldwide in 2020 were either premature or too small, classifying them under the new term “small vulnerable newborns”.

While most of the babies were born in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, Lawn emphasised that every country was affected.

One reason progress has flatlined is that these problems tend “to be something that happens to families and women with less of a voice”, Lawn said.

For example, pregnant African-American women in the United States received a lower level of care than other groups, she added.

Twitter To Cancel Inactive Accounts

By

faith Jegede

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May 9, 2023

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Twitter Chief Executive Officer, Elon Musk, announced that the platform would be cancelling inactive accounts that haven’t been used for a long period of time.

In a message posted on his social media, Musk said the company would be purging accounts that have had no activity for several years, so users will probably see follower count drop.

Musk-mandated changes at Twitter from slashing staff to doing away with free verification check marks seen as stamps of authenticity have alienated users and advertisers.

Twitter’s blue ticks were reinstated on some media, celebrity, and other high-profile accounts late in April — a move protested by many of the recipients.

Musk tweeted at the time that he was “paying for a few (subscriptions) personally.”

Many official media accounts regained a tick, including, which has not subscribed to Twitter Blue.

Twitter Chief Executive Officer, Elon Musk, announced that the platform will be cancelling inactive accounts that haven’t been used for a long period of time.

The reinstated ticks did not lure back US public radio NPR, which in mid-April suspended activity on its accounts.

The broadcaster was among those to protest the “state-affiliated” and “government-funded” labels Twitter attached to them, which were previously reserved for non-independent media funded by autocratic governments.

Since Musk bought Twitter, the company has relaxed the moderation of content on the network, letting back many users banned because of messages inciting hatred or spreading misinformation.

Market trackers say Twitter revenues have fallen as advertisers avoid the platform.