Ex- Big Brother Naija season 7 housemate, Chomzy, has accused her colleague, Chichi, of using her late parents as a strategy to gain fan sympathy on the show.
The reality TV star made the claims during an intense argument with Chichi on Day 4 of the reunion.
Chomzy recounted that fact that she reached out to Chichi after the show, but she noticed chichi blocked her.
“I wanted to call Chichi, but she blocked me,” she lamented.
The host, Ebuka in a confused state inquired why she blocked her Chichi responded by saying she felt ingenuity in her friendship with Chomzy.
“I blocked Chomzy because she body shamed me, which wasn’t really a problem; that’s what ladies do when they feel less of themselves.
“But the fact that she went about telling cock-and-bull stories that I’m using my late parents, which I didn’t even have the opportunity to meet, as a strategy.
” I never said anything bad about Chomzy, even when we stopped being friends. “I never really wanted to say anything about my late parents, if not that you were very close to me and something happened; I was vulnerable and I told you about it. I even told you something I have never really told someone else,” she said.
Neymar has posted a grovelling public apology to his pregnant girlfriend Bruna Biancardi and admitted: “I made a mistake”.
The couple have reportedly dated since 2021 and became official in January 2022.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian superstar Neymar, 31, and Biancardi, 29, then confirmed that their first child was on the way back in April.
However, there seems to be trouble in paradise after Neymar took to Instagram to post a photo of them together alongside a lengthy apology.
The former Barcelona forward wrote: “Bru, I do this for both of you and your family.
“Justify the unjustifiable. No need to. But I need you in OUR lives.
“I saw how much you were exposed, how much you suffered with all of this and how much you want to be by my side. And I stand beside you.
“I made a mistake. I did wrong with you all.
“I dare say that I make mistakes every day, on and off the pitch. But my mistakes in my personal life I resolve at home, in my privacy with my family and friends.
“All of this hit one of the most special people in my life. The woman I dreamed of having by my side, the mother of my child. It hit your family, which is now my family. It hits your privacy in such a special moment that is maternity.”
Neymar continued: “Bru, I already apologized for my mistakes, for unnecessary exposure, but I feel obliged to publicly reaffirm that. If a private matter has become public, the apology has to be public.
“I can’t imagine myself without you. I don’t know if we’ll work out, but TODAY you know for sure I want to try.
“Our purpose will prevail, our love for our baby will win, our love for each other will make us stronger.
“Always Us. I love you.”
It will be Neymar’s first child with Bruna, who is a social media influencer and model who boasts 3.8m followers on Instagram and also owns her own clothing brand.
Neymar had his son, Davi Lucca, at the age of 19 with ex-partner Carolina Dantas when playing for boyhood club Santos.
His future at Parisian club PSG is uncertain with the club looking to move on from the superstar era that saw them sign the likes of Neymar and Messi.
He has been linked with moves to Manchester United, City and Newcastle but reportedly will only accept a move away from Paris if United make an offer.
PSG were frustrated with Neymar’s appearance at the recent Monaco Grand Prix given the forward has been injured since February.
After a blistering start in the season, Imade Osarenkhoe’s goals suddenly dried up in the second stanza of the league season. But on Wednesday, he made history by scoring the most vital goal of the season as Bendel Insurance edged Enugu Rangers 1-0 to clinch the Tingo-NFF Federation Cup and available CAF Confederation Cup ticket, writes TUNDE LIADI
Imade Osarenkhoe is thrilled to end the season on a high note after his goal in the grand finale of the Federation Cup delivered the national cup glory to Bendel Insurance for the first time since 1980.
Osarenkhoe drilled home the only goal of the game in the stoppage time of the first half from the penalty spot and it was the decider against Enugu Rangers at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Wednesday.
The University of Benin graduate started the season impressively scoring four goals in four consecutive games and by the end of the first stanza he was on seven goals from nine games.
Many were tipping him to light up the second round with goals but only managed to add one more in the 1-1 draw against Akwa United.
Osarenkhoe scored one more in the Federation Cup quarter-final tie against Sunshine Stars at Awka just before the NPFL Championship Playoff in Lagos.
“It was a relief for me to end my lack of goals during the NPFL Play-Offs in Lagos,” Osarenkhoe told NationSport. “It ended at the right time because I would not have imagined how it would look like to go to Lagos with the burden of not scoring any goal for a few months now.
“I believe I do not have any problem. The goals have just refused to come. I have been making several efforts. I know things will change in Lagos.”
The NPFL Super 6 Play-Offs was a disaster for Osarenkhoe and Bendel Insurance who were unable to win any game finishing fifth out of six teams with just three points out of possible 15.
The Edo Arsenals surrendered their unbeaten run to Rivers United before another loss to Remo Stars.
Insurance had the final chance to redeem their image in the Federation Cup final after the disappointment of not qualifying for the continent through the NPFL Play-Offs.
When the penalty kick decision came in the stoppage time of the first half when there was an infringement in Rangers’ vital area. Osarenkhoe was entrusted with the task of taking the spot kick.
He made no mistake to give Insurance the lead they held on until the final whistle.
Osarenkhoe said he was calm while he was waiting to take the penalty kick and was extremely glad he scored.
“The goal and what I felt afterward were indescribable. I was happy and thrilled to score the goal. My emotion took the better part of me,” Imade said after the final game. “The season had mixed emotions for me, but I am delighted to end it with laughter. I am certain next season will be better for me.”
Following the successful hosting of the first WTT Contender in sub-Saharan Africa, players despite initial scepticism, coaches and even the world’s table tennis governing body, ITTF hail Lagos as one of the most exciting hosts of the tournament since its inception in 2021, OLALEKAN OKUSAN writes
Durban, South Africa opened the year in the WTT Series as the first city in Southern African to stage the tournament and it was a success. WTT Contender Durban; also served as the dress rehearsal for the World Championships which would be staged by South Africa.
The WTT Contender Durban as well as the World Championships were staged and it was a resounding success in all ramifications as Durban became the second African city to host the ITTF World Championships after Cairo staged it in 1939.
As the second African city, Lagos became the destination for some of the best players in the world and from the list of countries confirmed for the tournament, it was clear that players are eager to have a feel of what Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre could offer.
After the deadline for WTT Contender Lagos, 26 countries including table tennis powerhouses like China, Korea Republic, Germany, Chinese Taipei, and India among others were listed.
Among the top players that decided to come to Lagos was former world number one Dimitrij Ovtcharov of Germany, whose presence added glamour to the event.
For seven days, the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium became a melting point for table tennis lovers across Nigeria while the city of Lagos was on the world map throughout the event.
From the qualifying round to the finals, it was all excitement for the players who all relished their experience of visiting Africa’s most populous city.
Most of the players who were in Nigeria for the first time, relished the sweet experience they had. From the humid and warm weather to the exciting atmosphere at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, the memory of Lagos will linger on in the minds of these August visitors.
“The atmosphere was great. I feel that all the Nigerian people are behind me. It’s a big strength to play in front of many people who are cheering for you. I thank all of them. I really appreciate it and hope it’s going to be the same in the next match,” French youngster, Prithika Pavade, said.
“I’m happy to be in Nigeria,” said Korean star, Shin Yubin. “People are very happy, and dancing. People support table tennis in Nigeria. I played very well in Nigeria.”
“I’m really enjoying my time here,” world number one Dimitrij Ovtcharov said, adding: “The spectators treat me like a home player. I feel really welcome here. I have played great table tennis, so far, and I’m happy with my performance.”
Danish Jonathan Groth said: “I’m very happy with this performance, for sure. I have played very well here, so far, in Lagos. The locals are supporting me and it’s great to feel the fans. You can feel there is a community for table tennis here in Lagos. It’s nice and everybody has been very friendly to me and always gives big support. It’s nice.”
“It’s my second time in Nigeria and in Lagos,” said Slovak player, Barbora Balazova. “I really enjoyed it here. The atmosphere is amazing with people and the hall is full of people watching and supporting every one of us. I absolutely love it and hope that there will be more tournaments in Lagos.”
Indian Harmeet Desai achieved his biggest result in WTT Contender in Lagos after he defied all odds as an unseeded player to make it to the semi-final round of the men’s singles.
Since he began featuring in WTT events, Desai never made it to the quarterfinal. But at the WTT Contender Lagos, the Indian star has found a home in Lagos, where he was listed among elite players in the men’s singles.
Desai’s run started from the preliminary, where he edged out Frenchman Joe Seyfried 3-0. And to seal his place in the main draw, he had to dig deep to beat compatriot, Jeet Chandra, 3-1 to secure his place in the main draw.
From the main draw, he was set up against Slovakia’s Lubomir Pistej, ending the dream of the Slovak veteran at 3-1.
In the second round, he was pitched against number one seed, Korea’s Jang Woojin; touted as his biggest hurdle.
But Desai proved the bookmakers wrong, when he took apart Woojin 3-0 to hit the quarter final stage.
A delighted Desai said: “It was quite a good match today against Woojin. I know he is a very tough opponent, and this is the second time I’m playing against him. I had my ideas and strategies that I would try to put pressure on from the very first ball.
“I am really happy because I’ve been quite lucky in Nigeria. This is the first time I’m playing quarterfinals in the WTT Contender, and I’ve been lucky in Lagos. I hope I can continue my form in this tournament and go further.”
Aware of the crucial role Lagos fans played in his good run, he said: “I hope the crowd will keep on cheering and supporting me because they did it in this match and in previous matches as well. I’m really happy and would like to continue the way I’ve been doing.”
Ovtcharov has been considered one of the most skilful table tennis players ever, he rose to the peak of the world ranking in January 2018 as number one. His conduct on and off the table endeared him to a lot of fans globally. On his first visit to Lagos, fans were attracted to him, and at his first training, they turned out en-masse to welcome the German machine.
Ovtcharov became fans’ favourite in Lagos in the absence of homeboy, Quadri Aruna. And he repaid their confidence with a seamless performance that took him to the final.
Ovtcharov, whose father, Mikhail, was a multiple national player for the former Soviet Union, was “really happy” with his performance.
“I felt when I went into the box the whole crowd supported me. I directly got the smile on my face, more confidence in my heart, and I really enjoyed playing in Lagos. There was a lot of good stuff for the spectators to see,” Dima said.
Indian Archana Kamath showed her class at the WTT Contender Lagos edging out an experienced Korean star, Suh Hyo Won, whom she defeated 3-1 to book her place in the second round.
The WTT Contender Lasko 2021 women’s doubles champion and a daughter of ophthalmologists, Kamath could not hide her excitement over the atmosphere at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall in Lagos, which has inspired her performance so far in the tournament.
The Bengaluru-born athlete said: “I am very happy with the win against an experienced Korean opponent because I was really looking forward to the match, to have the opportunity to play against a player of such high calibre.
“I think I played really well; I’m not sure. I got quite a few lucky points. But it was really fun to play in this amazing atmosphere, and I hope I can continue to give my best in the next matches.”
Like Kamath, another Indian star, Manav Thakkar, believes the atmosphere in Lagos has been a plus.
Thakkar, who edged out homeboy, Olajide Omotayo, in the first round of the men’s singles, said after the match that he was a bit nervous playing against the homeboy.
“I think it was one of the very good matches for me,” he said. “I played really well, and my opponent was really strong, and at the same time, he had the crowd support. So, I was very nervous when I was playing against him because whenever I lost a point, the crowd supported him so much. I was so stressed, but I am very happy that in the end, I won the match.”
The Indian star added: “Overall, I am in Lagos for the first time. I think it’s a very good place and I have never been here. I tried the food over here and it is amazing. I hope that tomorrow (today) again, they can support me and hopefully, I can win the upcoming matches as well. So, I am looking forward to all my matches. And for sure, next time, I hope to come to Lagos because it has been a lucky place for me.”
Despite their early exit in the women’s singles, Egypt’s duo of Hana Goda and Dina Meshref, acknowledged the huge role Lagos fans played in their performance.
“Lagos is a very unique, different city; always special to be here. What I love most about Lagos is the crowd supporting us. It is so good to be back in Lagos,” said Meshref.
Goda added: “I love Lagos because I also won my first African title here, last year. So, it’s a really special place for me. Hopefully, I can go on and do better. I really like it here. It’s quite hot here but I am used to it. It’s okay. I am very happy and very satisfied.”
Five events – singles (men and women), doubles (men and women) and mixed doubles were competed at the WTT Contender Lagos, and it was Korea Republic who claimed three of the titles while China picked the men’s singles and mixed doubles title.
Korea Republic were dominant in the women’s singles, doubles (men and women) while the star player for the Asian side was 18-year-old Shin Yubin who claimed the women’s singles and women’s title.
The performance of the players in Lagos has also impacted their world ranking fortunes positively with Korea’s Yubin rising to her best career ranking of 16 from 20th, while Yubin’s compatriot KIM Nayeong became the biggest mover in the ranking as she rose from 95 to 63 in the latest ranking.
Men’s singles winner China’s Zhou Qihao also rose to 24 from 35th in the ranking.
WTT Competition Supervisor Bart Vermoesen lauded the LOC for putting up a good show while hoping that more events would be staged in Nigeria.
There is a sense of a bygone era about Kaduna Polo is feeling after stepping into another term with renewed enthusiasm as the Mohammad Babangida-led Management Committee settled down to its mandate of repositioning the club.
It is not that the premier polo club in the north that has been in existence from 1918 is markedly immune from competition from other big polo clubs across the country but there is this desire to reposition the club, hence their unanimous decision to call on its longest serving first vice president, Mohammed Babangida to take over its reins.
Babangida, the polo Patron of the Decade award winner, was handed this task to head the new management committee at a recent Annual General Meeting of the club in Kaduna by members who reviewed the past year, the accounts and expenditure of the club, and elected the Executive Management Committee of the Club.
The (Garkuwan Yamman Katsina), Muhammad Babangida, would work with Brigadier General Kapeh Kazir as the new First Vice President, Mohammed Baba Askira as the Second Vice President, Abubakar Mohammed (Secretary) and Atiku Abubakar Saleh (Baraden Maru) as the Tournament Manager.
Other members of the new management committee include Ahmed Bashir Sodangi (Treasurer), Ibrahim Abu Ibrahim (Polo Captain), Sani Yau Kura (Security Member), Mudashir Bello (House Member), Tijjani Sani One Minute (Bar Member), Aliyu Danfatoma (Entertainment Member) and Ibrahim Mohammed (Pony Welfare).
In his acceptance speech, Babangida who is the captain of Nigeria’s national polo team, commended the outgoing president, Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar, describing him as a person of peace and a leader that worked his talks.
He further reached out to members assuring them of the continued commitment to improve upon the legacies of Kaduna Polo Club and to improve our polo presence within the Polo fraternity.
He also pleaded for the support of members to accord each other dignity and respect and invariably make the Club a more hospitable and desirable club for its members and the polo family.
At the end of the AGM, the club agreed to hold its annual tournament in late October to early November 2023 and plans have already been put to make this year a remarkable polo experience for all polo enthusiasts.
According to the club’s President, there is a fever going round the polo circles because Kaduna Polo club has just upgraded its polo Pitch 1 which hosts the prestigious Georgian Cup, and the anticipation is that this year will see a class of polo never before played in Kaduna. Mark your dates.
Lionel Messi reportedly told Kylian Mbappe he deserves ‘a real winning project’ in an apparent dig at PSG before joining Inter Miami, as intense speculation surrounds the French superstar’s future.
The explosive revelation comes from Spanish outlet Defensa Central, who claimed the Argentine confided to Mbappe his wish for him to join Barcelona instead of Real Madrid.
But Messi ultimately implored the 24-year-old to play for a club who will compete for the biggest trophies in European football.
“I prefer that you go to Barça,” Messi reportedly said. “But if you want to go to Madrid, do it, you deserve a real winning project.”
With five Ligue 1 titles and three French Cups, winning has not been the issue for Mbappe in Paris.
Instead, it’s the club’s predictable demise in the latter stages of the Champions League which have frustrated a generation of PSG players headlined by the Frenchman.
The five-time Ligue 1 top scorer shook the Parisian side to its core when he announced he would not be renewing his contract with the club beyond next season.
The news reignited speculation of a long-awaited switch to Real Madrid, 12 months after his proposed transfer was scuppered in the 11th hour by an eye-watering counteroffer by the French champions.
Mbappe’s decision has likely angered several within the club who believed they had done enough to persuade him to continue at the Parc de Princes. And the disclosure of Messi’s comments will do little to temper the rage.
The veteran superstar agreed a landmark deal to join MLS side Inter Miami earlier this month, bringing an end to a strange two-year stay in the French capital.
Messi added a couple of French titles to his sizable trophy cabinet but will best remember the years spent in Paris for his iconic World Cup win with Argentina in Qatar last December.
The attention of Nigerian football fans will shift to the Eket Township Stadium in Akwa Ibom State, as Naija Super 8 play-offs commence today.
The play-offs will see two teams, which polled the highest number of fan votes from each of the six geo-political zones of the country during the fan voting phase of the competition, battle for the ticket to represent the zone at the finals of Naija Super 8 tournament slated for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos from July 7 to 16.
Hostilities begin today with the North-Central zonal battle between City FC of Abuja and Lobi Stars of Makurdi at 1pm. In the second match of the day, the duel for the South-West ticket will be between Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan (3SC) and Remo Stars of Ikenne at 4pm.
All Naija Super 8 play-off matches will be live on SuperSport Football (DStv Channel 205 & GOtv Channel 61), SuperSport Variety 4 (DStv Channel 209), and SuperSport Select 2 (GOtv Channel 64).
Tomorrow, Yobe Desert Stars will face Gombe United in a North-East zonal battle at 1pm, while Nigeria Professional Football League champions, Enyimba FC of Aba, will slug it out with Heartland FC of Owerri in what promises to be a fiery South-East derby at 4pm.
The ever-fervent North-West derby between Kano Pillars and Katsina United will kick-off at 1pm on Sunday, while the play-offs will end with the South-South derby between Rivers United and Bendel Insurance of Benin starting at 4pm.
Each of the play-off match days will feature musical entertainment, with an artiste line-up of Ikpa Udo, Pasto Goody Goody and XTO.
Winners of the six matches will be joined by two wildcard teams to be unveiled by the organisers for the main Naija Super 8 tournament in July.
The finals will see clubs split into two groups to play in a tournament format. The top two teams in each group will go into the semi-finals, with the winners proceeding to the final.
Clubs will earn N3million per match at the group stage, with semi-finalists also earning an additional N3million for qualifying. The runners-up will earn N9 million, while the winners will go home with N25 million.
Naija Super 8 is organised by Flykite Productions in partnership with MultiChoice Nigeria and sponsors, MTN, Hero Lager, DStv, GOtv, SuperSport, Moniepoint, Pepsi and Custodian Assurance.
Nigeria’s U-20 team made it to the quarter final of the FIFA World Cup and one of the team’s gladiators, Tochukwu Nnadi shares his humble start with TUNDE LIADI
Flying Eagles midfielder, Tochukwu Nnadi is aiming to take his career to the next level after he helped Nigeria to the quarter final stage of the just concluded Argentina 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup.
Nnadi had a solid performance in Argentina where he played all the Flying Eagles’ five games with commendable performance and the Imo State-born midfielder was happy to have contributed to Nigeria’s return to the world map in the South American nation.
Born in Umuelem Umuadamuche, Ihiagwa in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, Nnadi recalled the role played by Patrick Osuji, the owner of Campos FC of Owerri, adding that his mentor not only discovered his talent at a very tender age but guided him towards greener pasture abroad.
” My talent is from God because I started playing football as a kid,” Nnadi told NationSport.
“My breakthrough came through an open screening to join Campos FC in Owerri which is owned by Mr. Patrick Osuji.
“I trained with them, and I joined the team. It was from there after some years that Mr. Osuji called my dad that I needed to continue my development in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
“It was difficult initially because I left for Dubai without my family and friends.
“It was very difficult for me in the first three months, but I managed to be strong, trained and I knew I had a lot to prove. I just wanted a new story and so I had to put myself together and do what was right for my career.
“I was there in 2019 and I was opportune to train with Madenat Alamal Football Academy. It was from there I joined Botev Plovdiv of Bulgaria in August 2021 after a successful trial.
“I started playing last year because of delays in paperwork.”
Nnadi reckoned that despite taking him some time to settle down at Botev Plovdiv, he seized the chance when he had his debut against top Bulgarian side, Ludogorets in April 2022.
Despite being on the losing side on his debut, it was his name that was on the lips of many that watched the match following his impressive performance. He would later play few more games with Ludogorets’ first team as he later featured prominently for the reserve team in order to get more playing time and exposure.
Last season, he featured in 19 games for the senior team and starting nine of those games and he vowed that he would work harder to get more playing time in the forthcoming season.
“My first game with the team remained my most memorable game for now,” he recalled. “It was against Ludogorets; a tough side with quality players that normally plays in the UEFA Champions League.
“We lost the game 3-0 but almost everyone praised me for a good game.
“I played the game with confidence and had many good moments after the game. I was focused on my job as a professional.”
The 19-year-old said he was excited when news of his invitation to the Flying Eagles was broken to him by his Bulgarian club.
He said it took him some time to acclimatize to the change of environment when he got to Abuja for the team’s pre-camping for the U20 World Cup but had to adjust to the situation on ground so that it won’t hinder his performance in camp.
He continued: “It has always been my dream to play for my country. I was called up to the Flying Eagles camp. I got the information after our training from my club management. I told them I would honour the invitation because it has been my dream to play for my country.
“I was so excited, and I called my family members, Patrick Osuji, the owner of Campos FC, Owerri. I informed them I would be coming to Nigeria, and I hope I make the squad.
“It was difficult initially because of the weather and the playing pitch in Abuja. The coach was okay with he saw in training and the friendly games we played, and I made the team to Argentina.
“We played two warm up games in Argentina. The game with Colombia was the most challenging because we played against a Colombian team that we didn’t know what to expect against them. They led 3-1 at some stages in the game but we managed a comeback.”
He said: “I am a calm person. I don’t get too overly excited. I was happy to be selected but I tried to curtail it. I wasn’t happy with not starting some games, but I was calm because I knew my time would come and it came.”
Nnadi reviewed the five games played by the Flying Eagles in Argentina from the tricky start against the Dominican Republic to the narrow loss to South Korea in the quarter final.
He noted that the Nigeria U20 team really wanted to go all the way and that they were only unfortunate to lose to the Asian side in the last eight.
The Botev Plovdiv midfielder thumbed up the performance of the Flying Eagles but noted that some factors including injuries to some key members of the team before the crucial tie, and lack of requisite experience to play the game of such magnitude among others worked against them in their defeat to South Korea
“You don’t have to underrate any team,” he continued. “We went into the game (with Dominican Republic) with the determination to win.
“We felt with the name we would be able to overrun them. We were not fully focused.
“It was a difficult game for us, and we were even a goal behind. We came back and scored two goals.”
He had this to say on the fixture with Italy which Nigeria won 2-0: “The players came out strong against Italy. We wanted to win the game. We thought Brazil would easily top the group while the remaining teams would struggle for the second spot.
“It was why we faced Italy with the three points in our mind. We were compact from the beginning, and we won.”
The Botev Plovdiv of Bulgaria player explained the technical role Flying Eagles head coach, Ladan Bosso played before the game with Italy and in all their games in Argentina.
“The coach helped a lot,” he confessed. “I started the first game but stayed on the bench in the second game.
“He thought we could do something from the second half because Italy began the game very well against Brazil. They were 3-0 up at halftime but conceded two goals in the second half.
“They barely managed to win the game. We thought we could explore them more in the second half. We scored two second half goals and we won.”
On the defeat to Brazil in the last group game, Nnadi hinted that the Flying Eagles wanted a win but were undone by momentary lack of concentration which resulted in the two quick goals they conceded in the first half and ill luck with about two of their chances hitting the woodwork.
“We went into the Brazil game with high hopes that we would get a win. Brazil, Italy and Argentina were among the best teams in the World Cup, and we wanted to go all out against all of them. We however lost against Brazil.
Nnadi said that they were under pressure from all corners ahead of the second-round game with the host Argentina but that the coaches and some of the players were able to calm the situation down.
“I don’t accept pressure as a player even in tough games. We had a lot of pressure ahead of the game. I was calm ahead of the game. We managed to win the game,” Nnadi continued.
“I played a similar game against APOEL Nicosia in the Europa Conference League in Cyprus. The atmosphere was electrifying, and turbo charged for me to handle. We lost the game 2-0 in Nicosia.
“I was able to speak to my teammates before the Argentina game. We gave everything for ourselves, families, and our country. We knew it would be difficult because as hosts.
“They had everything at their disposal, but we felt they were more under pressure because they had something to prove.”
The midfielder acknowledged that they knew the fixture with South Korea would be difficult but that the loss of Samson Lawal and Haliru Sarki shortly before the game and their lack of cohesion in the final third were their biggest albatross.
“We had two players who were very important to the team, Samson Lawal and Haliru Sarki that got injured shortly before the game.
“It was difficult because we needed all the players available for that game. We showed good character and started the game well. We tried our best with the young players we presented for the competition.
“We lacked experienced players for the big games. South Koreans were very tactical side and were very calm until they got their goal.
“We were not calmed and composed in the final third. We needed to just score a goal and could have decided the game, but we were unable to get it. They got it and it was over.”
Just like some of the standout performers in the Nigeria’s Under 20 team, Nnadi has been linked with several clubs abroad, but the player said his first port of call is to return to Botev where he is going to meet a new coach in charge, Stanislav Petrov Genchev.
“I have to be calm at this moment and continue working hard. We have a new coach now and going back there will be like almost a new environment. I will go back and meet the coach. We will train and see what happens.
The midfielder said he would like to model his game around his two role models: Sofyat Amrabat of Morocco and former Chelsea and French star, N’Golo Kante while he dreams of playing in one of the top five leagues.
“I like Amrabat of Morocco’s energy and his style and will like to model my game like his. N’Golo Kante is another good player that I am looking up to.
“I hope to play in any of the top five leagues in the world. Playing in any of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and England will be ideal for my development.
“I never lied to myself. If I do bad, I always talk to myself when I’m alone. I think about my previous games and try to analyse what is good and bad for improvement.”
Are the Nigerian military and members of the armed forces behind crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region? Is Asari Dokubo now the local mercenary recruited by the state to secure Abuja – Kaduna roads and other states of the federation? These are the claims of the enfant terrible and the Niger Delta militant leader who once recruited and used a band of criminals to unleash mayhem on the state in the Niger Delta. Asari Dokubo further said that the claim of lack of equipment by the military was blackmail and promising that Mr President would deal with all that.
The Presidential Villa, the Aso Rock has turned to a Mecca of a sort since the swearing in of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with groups and individuals coming to register their solidarity or in display of how close they are to the new helmsman. None of these visits attracted as much attention like the Niger Delta local warlord and consummate militant kingpin, Alhaji Asari Dokubo. Asari Dokubo had addressed the press in the State House at Aso Rock after his courtesy visit to Mr President that the military was behind the huge crude theft in the Niger Delta.
It is not clear whether he meant that some rouge elements in the military are criminally used to provide cover for the oil cartel which Asari Dokubo himself was an active player and participant. Or is he saying that the theft is an institutional conspiracy, oiled and lubricated by the military hierarchy and high command?
These allegations should worry Nigerians because when our safety is contracted to local mercenary and criminal gangs, it is a matter of time before these errant merchants will throw the entire nation into bloodshed like we witnessed in Sierra Leone and Liberia and the current conflict in the Sudan. The government has not spoken up to refute this claim and the weak protest from the military for Asari Dokubo to mention names of military men involved in oil theft is a clear display of jilters and fears. The federal government should come clean to tell Nigerians whether local mercenary groups led by tribal warlord now provide security for the state which portends very grave danger signals to the security of the country.
You may consider Dokubo bold and fearless, but his comment and grandstanding is inimical to national security which we may choose to gloss over to our peril. What then, cover up for the military? No! The allegation is worth more than a passing glance; but unguarded verbiage and reckless statement is unacceptable especially when directed at an institution that is pivotal to securing the little that is left of our fragile unity.
The armed forces of any nation occupy a prominent position and determine the sphere of influence the country occupies in the comity of nations. In Nigeria, more than any other institution, the armed forces has been a unifying factor holding the country together. It is our hope that we do not miss that opportunity by using our bad politics to destroy what is left of the armed forces which is gradually becoming fractious. Like the Nigeria Coat of Arms, the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic is depicted by the eagle. The eagle is a strong, resilient, courageous and fearless bird of prey that is not daunted by any storm, but soars beyond the ordinary. The eagle is not compared with a pigeon or chicken; it represents the utmost power of the state to command respect and authority. If these qualities are lost, then we have lost the country.
The armed forces has had its vicissitude of highs and lows but it is expected that it should have a self-regulating mechanism to salvage itself from those difficulties whether it is borne out of declining discipline or operational capacity and capability. We should not take the relative peace and calm we enjoy today for granted by any means to malign the entire institution because of a few bad elements. Sudan is today faced with a challenge of legitimacy of authority of the state because it chose to arm a band of criminals called Rapid Support Forces (RSF) who are now taking on the regular army of the Sudanese Armed Forces. Show me any country where local warlords compete for space with state authority and I will show you a failed state without a standing army.
Our people have a saying that when you describe the esoteric costume of “egungun” as a tailor-made cloth, you desecrate and demystify the aura of the gods and ancestral spirit to be entertaining toy for the public. The image of the military has taken a severe battering and it should concern every patriot if we really want to maintain the corporate existence of the country.
Members of the armed forces have been involved in internal security operations in the Niger Delta to secure the oil wells and flow stations across the creeks. It is to our relief also that the relative safety that has returned on the Abuja Kaduna roads and other parts of the country has been the commitment and reinvigoration of the operation capacity of the armed forces. For us to hear that it is the Niger Delta militant leader and his men that are responsible should be a big concern for every Nigerian. What has happened to the armed forces and what role if any are they playing in the security of lives and property of Nigerians across the country?
Nigeria should not be turned to Mexico where criminal gangs compete with state authority for sphere of influence. We are living in a state of insecurity because non-state players, groups and individuals have access to military grades weapons. Politicians and local authorities have used these individuals and groups to deal with opponents; giving them official seal by the federal government will spell doom for the country.
It is time for the military to get its bearing right and restore its pristine image and glory of discipline and integrity. The security of the state and citizens is higher than the private rights of individuals and their businesses. The State House should not be a veritable platform for self-seeking individuals with questionable integrity to validate their personal ego.
The government should be prepared to take away automatic assault and military grade weapons from the hands of non-state actors by all means necessary. We risk destabilizing the country when we allow powerful individuals and criminals to have access to military grade weapons as we do presently. Our military must be patriotic, disciplined but offensive in its disposition towards crimes and criminality and take on anybody group that becomes an outlaw. The military has to purge itself because if it finds itself in compromising situations, it certainly would not be able to discharge its constitutional duty. The government must speak to these weighty allegations.
