The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Mbappé’s lawyers chase PSG over unpaid wages

    Mbappé’s lawyers chase PSG over unpaid wages

    Kylian Mbappé’s lawyers have sent a final notice to Paris Saint-Germain to request that the club pay the wages that he believes they owe him, a source has told ESPN.

    The notice arrived at the club’s offices in Paris last week. Mbappé, 25, believes that the club owes him almost €100 million ($106.8m) in unpaid wages and bonus payments.

    A source confirmed to ESPN that the French champions are yet to pay him his April, May and June salaries, as well as his February bonus.

    PSG believe that the player agreed in August to write off some of the money that he was due in order for the club to reduce the financial impact of his departure at the end of his contract in June, a source said.

    However, a source added that there was no written and signed version of this agreement and that this is at the heart of the dispute. PSG, who do not intend to respond to the formal notice, plan to act on what they believe was agreed.

    Read Also: Five Nigerian animators for Annecy festival in France

    Sources said that Mbappé is of the opinion that PSG’s decision to not play him regularly from February to May after he told them he was leaving the club cancelled their agreement and that he wants all the money that he says he is owed.

    It is thought that it may be necessary for both parties to argue their case in front of a tribunal in order to achieve a resolution.

    The France captain spent seven years in the French capital before joining Real Madrid as a free agent on June 3.

    The dispute with his former club was a factor that contributed to his comments on June 5 about being unhappy with PSG.

    Mbappé said certain people at PSG made him “unhappy” in his first news conference since completing his move on a free transfer to Real Madrid.

    Sources have told ESPN that PSG felt he was being “ungrateful” in his comments and added that the club will not reimburse him €80 million in wages and bonuses in an effort to recoup the money for his departure.

  • Copa America: Argentina may rest Messi against  Peru

    Copa America: Argentina may rest Messi against  Peru

    Lionel Messi may sit out Argentina’s next Copa America game against Peru to rest a sore thigh with his team already qualified for the next round after two wins.

    Messi, who turned 37 this week and has been suffering muscle niggles, required brief medical treatment on his thigh during Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Chile at the U.S.-hosted tournament.

    But he completed the 90 minutes, shaving the post with one long range shot and was at the heart of Argentina’s attacks.

    “It bothers me a bit, but I was able to stay on until the end. I hope it’s nothing serious … I wasn’t able to move properly because of the bother,” he said, acknowledging it might be wiser to sit out the Peru game on Saturday.

    “Let’s see how the next few days ago, how I recover. We’ve taken an important step to qualify and be relaxed. It’s a lot of games, a lot of travelling,” added Messi, saying he had also suffered from a sore throat and fever before the Chile game.

    Read Also: Ireland, Spain, Norway to recognise Palestinian state

    With a 2-0 win over Canada also under their belt, world champions and tournament favourites Argentina are looking comfortable in the early stages of the Copa America even if not at their scintillating best.

    They top Group A with six points, ahead of Canada on three after their victory over Peru.

    Argentina are happy to have started the Copa with routine wins after the unwanted drama of their last major tournament when they opened the World Cup in Qatar with a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in one of the all-time shocks.

    Lawmakers of both parties slammed WADA’s handling of the situation, calling it unacceptable.

    Victory at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday, thanks to a late Lautaro Martinez goal, helped Messi bury one of the worst moments of his career at the same stadium eight years ago.

    His penalty shootout miss helped condemn Argentina to an agonising loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final, leaving an inconsolable Messi vowing to quit international football after yet another failure with his national side.

  • FIFA sanction Congo no-show in World Cup qualifier

    FIFA sanction Congo no-show in World Cup qualifier

    FIFA has awarded Niger a win and the full three points in a 2026 World Cup soccer qualifier with Congo that was postponed this month, the world governing body has said.

    Congo had refused to travel to Kinshasa, capital of neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, for their home game after their stadium in Brazzaville was deemed not to have met hosting requirements.

    Niger did travel, and were awarded the game 3-0, which leaves them second in Group E on six points, three behind leaders Morocco. Congo are stuck on zero points from their three matches.

    Only the top team in each of the nine pools is guaranteed a place at the expanded World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

    Read Also: JUST IN: DR Congo Army foils ‘coup attempt’

    “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to declare the match lost by forfeit 3-0 by the representative team of Congo,” FIFA said in a statement.

    It said the Alphonse Massemba-Debat Stadium in Brazzaville could not have been used until renovations, including the laying of a new pitch, were completed.

    Congolese Sports Minister Hughes Nguilondile declared the stadium ready in late May, but it was deemed too late to move the fixture. FIFA ordered it to go ahead in Kinshasa as originally planned, leading to Congo’s withdrawal in protest.

  • Euro 2024: Belgium to face France  as Ukraine bow out

    Euro 2024: Belgium to face France  as Ukraine bow out

    Belgium, Romania and Slovakia qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2024 as war-torn Ukraine were left heartbroken by a thrilling end to Group E.

    Romania’s 1-1 draw with Slovakia in Frankfurt secured the point both nations needed to progress, while Ukraine’s brave effort in a 0-0 draw with Belgium was not enough.

    All four sides ended the section on four points, but Ukraine paid for their 3-0 defeat to Romania in their opening game as they finished bottom of the group on goal difference.

    Belgium could be made to pay for making a meal of a group they were expected to cruise as Domenico Tedesco’s men will face France in the last 16 after finishing second.

    Belgium’s mix of veteran talent and rising stars are just one of a host of favoured sides yet to hit their stride in Germany.

    Their support reacted furiously at the final whistle in Stuttgart, with captain Kevin De Bruyne appearing to tell his team-mates not to go over to acknowledge them as the whistles and jeers grew louder.

    Read Also: Euro 2024: Rodri banned for Spain’s next match

    Ukraine became the first side since the expansion of the Euros to 24 teams to fail to get out of the group stage with four points.

    It was a tale of what might have been for Serhiy Rebrov’s men as Belgium goalkeeper Koen Casteels prevented a corner from crossing the line by centimetres before denying Georgiy Sudakov a memorable winner in stoppage time.

    However, in stark contrast to Belgium’s rebuke, the Ukrainians were still handed a hero’s reception at the end by their band of supporters.

     “A strong nation is one that remains united and supports each other at all times. Both in times of defeat and in times of victory,” wrote Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Telegram. “Today we thank the Ukrainian national football team. Despite the disappointing result, you fought for our country… Glory to Ukraine!”

    In Frankfurt, Romania ensured progress to the knockout stages of a Euros for the first time in 24 years after coming from behind to take a point.

    Slovakia went in front on 24 minutes when Ondrej Duda powered home a header.

    The lead only lasted 13 minutes as Ianis Hagi, son of former Barcelona and Real Madrid star Gheorghe Hagi, won a penalty that was emphatically converted by Razvan Marin.

  • Djokovic undecided on Wimbledon participation

    Djokovic undecided on Wimbledon participation

    Novak Djokovic is yet to make a call on whether he will play at this year’s Wimbledon championships but said on Tuesday his recovery from surgery is going “surprisingly well” and he has his sights set on the Paris Olympics.

    Djokovic has been training at Wimbledon this week on the practice courts as he steps up his recovery from surgery on a torn meniscus in his right knee. He travelled from London to Munich on Tuesday to watch Serbia’s 0-0 draw with Denmark.

    “I haven’t decided yet if I’m playing Wimbledon. I’ll decide in the next few days,” Djokovic said on RTS in Munich. “Thank God, the recovery is going surprisingly well. After Wimbledon are the Olympic Games in Paris, which I am especially looking forward to.”

    Read Also: Spain to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at ICJ

    Djokovic picked up the injury at the French Open during his fourth-round match against Francisco Cerundolo on June 3. A day later Djokovic announced he had torn the meniscus and would be withdrawing from the tournament and then had surgery on June 5.

    The surgery went well, but Djokovic was reluctant to put a time frame on the recovery. At the time it was expected he’d miss Wimbledon to prioritise getting fit for Paris 2024. Gold in the men’s singles is one of the few titles Djokovic is yet to win.

    But Djokovic’s recovery is progressing quicker than expected, and he is still in the mix for Wimbledon. Djokovic is a seven-time men’s singles champion at Wimbledon. The draw for takes place on Friday morning.

  • Pa Olu Amokeodo passes on at 86

    Pa Olu Amokeodo passes on at 86

    patriarch of Amokeodo family in Ilesa, Osun State, Mr Oluyemi Amokeodo, has passed on at the age of 86.

    A community leader and businessman, the late Amokeodo died in Lagos on Mondayafter a brief illness.

    A statement by Mr Ore Amokeodo and Mr Tony Amokeodo on behalf of the family, confirmed the development on Wednesday.

    Read Also: WTT Contender Lagos boosts Ovtcharov’s, Akula’s ITTF rankings

    The statement added funeral rites will be communicated.

    Amokeodo is survived by children, including Mr and Mrs Tony Amokeodo, Mr and Mrs Victor Amokeodo, Pastor Tayo and Mrs Lolade Ogunbenro, Mr and Mrs Gbenga Amokeodo, Funmi Amokeodo, sons-in-law, daughters -in-law, grand children, great grand children, uncles, cousins and relatives.

  • Insecurity bane of food shortage, says institute

    Insecurity bane of food shortage, says institute

    Members of Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) in Lagos State, have said insecurity is the bane of food shortage. They spoke at the 10th Regional Food Science and Technology Summit/NIFST Day.

    About 400 professionals attended the event.

    A quiz competition, debate, lect was held among secondary schools, lecture and panel sessions and exhibition pavilion.

    Read Also: Yusuf rescues late Bayero’s daughter from eviction in Lagos apartment

    Chairman of the event is the Divisional Marketing Director of Food Division at Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, Ilyas Kazeem, while Oluyemi Oloyede, managing director of UAC Plc, is the keynote speaker, and Founder of Psaltry International Company Limited, Mrs Oluyemisi Iroloye, the special guest of honour.

    Food science experts showcased knowledge and discoveries to the audience, comprising professionals, researchers, students and enthusiasts from the food industry.

    At the event also were NAFDAC, FIIRO and others. Mountain Top University came first in the quiz. Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Ibadan are second and third.

  • Union rejects senator’s plan for bill on Anioma state

    Union rejects senator’s plan for bill on Anioma state

     Pan-Ndokwa organisation, Ndokwa Neku Union, led by Mike Ndubisi, has in dissociated Ndokwa nation from rumoured moves bysenator representing Delta North in the Senate, Ned Nwoko, to sponsor a bill for creation of Anioma state.

    The group’s position is contained in a statement yesterday signed by General Ndubisi (rtd.)  and Secretary General,  Chukwuemeka Ojione.

    It noted that the consensus is borne out of wide consultations among Ndokwa nation, including president generals of clans who brought rejection verdicts from their people.

    The creation of Anioma state according to sponsor of the rejected proposal, Nwoko, is purportedly to make up for the deficit in states in Southeast, a position the union rejected, arguing it will never be part of such arrangement.

    Read Also: COAS urges armed Nigerians to lay down weapons

    Groups in Ndokwa land wondered why the senator never consulted leaders and elders, particularly its umbrella body, in his ‘solo effort,’ which they argued do not represent the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

    The body noted: “Ndokwa Neku Union … jointly referred to administratively as Ndokwa and constitute Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency of Delta North Senatorial District of Delta State, make the following statements regarding the proposed bill, being canvassed by Ned Nwoko, senator representing Delta North. The said state, according to the senator, is required to become the sixth state of Southeast, to “balance representation” in Southeast

    “He claims the call for Anioma state has support from stakeholders,” which include Ndokwa, who are part of a contiguous geographical territory in Delta State, represented by the acronym ANIOMA – derived from names of local governments viz. Aniocha/Oshimili, Ndokwa, and Ika. This claim beats our imagination.

    “The furore which the proposal has generated is due to lack of consultation.

    “This is not the first time Ndokwa nation would be interrogating and, in fact, rejecting the idea of an Anioma state in Southeast. There was an action in 2021… ‘‘

  • NCDC chief warns of possible state of emergency on cholera

    NCDC chief warns of possible state of emergency on cholera

    Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Jide Idris, has said a state of emergency may be declared for cholera if cases exceed a controllable level.

    Idris spoke during Adetokunbo Alakija Memorial Travel Medicine Lecture at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, organised by Nigerian Society of Travel Medicine (NSTM).

    He said based on data to be obtained from partners in the assessment, “if they look at the data and they decide the situation has gone beyond a particular threshold, then we call it an emergency situation.”

    He said the agency was still awaiting reports from teams conducting investigation.

    Dr. Idris noted cholera is a result of lack of access to potable water, environmental sanitation and personal hygiene. 

    He said government ought to provide clean water and sanitary facilities for people.

    Read Also: Tinubu expresses support for drug war, urges Nigerians to support initiative

    “A lot of these diseases occur in slum areas where there is poverty, poor drainage, po or personal hygiene, so these are the issues. The government  should play its role  and the people theirs.

    “The government is putting priority on healthcare, governance, leadership, service delivery, supply chain issues and health security.

    “Health is everybody’s business. A change of behaviour is required because prevention is better than cure.

    “What we need to do requires resources we don’t have. We need to discover what is causing these diseases, monitor how it spreads and how to curb it”, he said.

    Managing Director of Axa Mansard Health Limited, Tope Adeniyi, advised travelling citizens to invest in health insurance.

    This, he said, will enable them to stay protected in case of emergency healthcare.

    He also urged preventive issues, exercises, nutrition, rests and lifestyle. “We need to look at foods to recommend to Nigerians to prevent diseases.”

    President of NSTM, Dr. Nkechi Ilodibia, said the event was a memorial to mark the legacy of Alakija while creating awareness on how to promote medicine in Nigeria globally.

  • Anchorage Leisures vs Ecobank: Court adjourns till October 21

    Anchorage Leisures vs Ecobank: Court adjourns till October 21

    Federal High Court sitting in Lagos will, on October 21, resume proceedings in an alleged debt dispute between Anchorage Leisures Ltd & two others versus Ecobank Nigeria Ltd.

    Justice Yellin Bogoro fixed the date to enable the first defendant/counter-claimant (Ecobank) respond to the Affidavit for the Record filed by the plaintiffs (Anchorage Leisures Ltd & two others).

    The parties in suit FHC/L/CS/352/2023 are Anchorage Leisures Limited, Siloam Global Limited and Honeywell Flour Mills Plc as plaintiffs/respondents, while Ecobank is defendant/counterclaimant.

    The suit arose following a January 27, 2023, Supreme Court judgment allegedly affirming indebtedness of Honeywell and its cronies to Ecobank to the tune of 13 billion naira as at 2023.

    But the plaintiffs instituted the instant suit at Federal High Court contending, among others, that the Supreme Court did not pronounce a figure in its judgment.

    Read Also: ‘Abibat Mogaji Stage Project’ for Abuja, Lagos

    At a prior hearing, the court following an application by Ecobank’s lawyer, Kumle Ogunba (SAN), granted the bank leave to join Dr. Oba Otudeko, Flour Mills and Honeywell Group as defendants to its counterclaim seeking to recover the alleged debt.

    The joined firms are or were either owned by or connected to Otudeko.

    When the matter resumed yesterday before Justice Bogoro, ‘Bode Olanipekun (SAN) led a team on behalf of the first-third plaintiffs/defendants to counter-claim, Ogunba led a team on behalf of the first defendant/counter claimant, Ade Adedeji (SAN)led a team on behalf of the fourth defendant to the counter claim, Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN) led a team on behalf of the fifth defendant to the counter claim while Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) led a team on behalf of the sixth defendant to the counter claim.

    Olanipekun informed the court the plaintiffs had transmitted the record of appeal and filed their brief of argument challenging the court’s decision. He applied that the matter should be adjourned sine die.

    Opposing him, Ogunba drew the court’s attention to proceedings of April 17, saying the court held it would hear pending applications, including plaintiff’s application for stay of proceedings, noting the oral application by Olanipekun was contrary to pronouncement of the court on the last adjourned date.