The Local Government Area succession crisis has claimed a policeman and a vigilance group member in Rivers State.
Though details of the incident were still sketchy, it was gathered that the victims were killed at Omuma Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.
To commemorate the International Day of the African Child 2024, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Africa Bureau will host a series of events under the theme “Fostering Health and Education Through Comprehensive Sexuality Education” as part of its ongoing “#ProtectTheChild” campaign.
This theme aligns with the global 2024 IDAC theme, “Education for All, and the Time is Now,” to underscore the crucial role that access to education, including Comprehensive Sexuality Education, plays in enhancing health outcomes for young people.
The emphasis on age-appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) stems from the increasing rates of new HIV infections and teenage pregnancies, highlighting the urgent need to equip young people with proven tools, services, and information.
Research has demonstrated that age-appropriate CSE can significantly reduce the incidence of HIV, STIs, gender-based violence, and unplanned pregnancies among adolescents and young people.
The International Day of the African Child observed annually on June 16th, honors those who participated in the 1976 Soweto uprising and has since become a symbol of raising awareness about the rights of African children.
Since 2022, AHF Africa has strategically leveraged this day to highlight the importance of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for the health and well-being of young people, in furtherance of their right to health and education.
AHF Africa will host various live and virtual activities across its country programs to engage key stakeholders, community leaders, parents, teachers, and young people on the importance of investing in CSE and galvanize community support for its implementation in schools and communities.
This year, AHF Nigeria will be hosting a consultative meeting, in the form of a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), with students and other young people, and that will have officials of government agencies and parastatals in attendance, to give young people an opportunity to contribute their ideas about how CSE can foster health and education towards achieving life goals. The event will take place on the 20th of June, at the Jades hotel, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, by 10:AM prompt.
“AHF’s commitment to fostering CSE stems from the outcome of extensive global research, which highlights its many benefits – including reduction in early sexual engagement, fostering positive attitudes towards sexual and reproductive health issues, reducing the tendency to engage in risky behaviors, strengthening of self-awareness, and equipping young individuals with knowledge to combat HIV, STIs, and unplanned pregnancies, while challenging harmful gender norms,” said Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Program Director.
Dr Ijezie also noted that the #ProtectTheChild campaign was aimed at addressing the pushback and misinformation surrounding Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), which has continued to hinder effective implementation while the planned event is an avenue to further foster meaningful dialogue and build support for age-appropriate CSE.
Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Peterside Idah , has asked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to sanctions Napoli forward Victor Osimhen over his social media rant on former Super Eagles coach Finidi George.
Osimhen claimed Finidi reportedly insinuated he feigned injury to miss the Super Eagles last two FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.
Nigerians have been sharply divided since the issue came into public glare but
Peterside Idah in a viral video has responded sharply by asking Osimhen to apologise to Finidi, the country even as demanded for a hefty sanction or banishment of the African Footballer of the Year from the Super Eagles.
He said: “You (Osimhen) need to come out openly and apologize for the things you said to Finidi. Finidi George is a legend, for you to just wag your mouth and say things unpalatable, if you have issues with Finidi, pick up the phone and call him, that’s what responsible people do.
“What you just showed is a bit of irresponsibility, you just showed that’s unexpected from you, I think the NFF should call Victor Osimhen and ask him to apologize.
“He has to apologize for ranting and just saying things. Our national team is sacred. Days when we wore this jersey, we respected it and the people who wore it before us. He’s not the first neither would he be the last.
“He (Osimhen) kept saying things without control, he should come out openly and apologize to former footballers, apologize to the NFF, apologize to Finidi, and apologize to Nigerians.
“I think action should be taken or he should be barred from playing for the national team because if we allow this kind of thing to continue, it will not augur well for Nigeria. This is a call so that sanity will be brought to our football. “
“I think the NFF president, the sports minister must call these young players to order. They can’t just talk like that because they have phones, and followers on social media. I think this nonsense must stop. We demand an apology from Victor Osimhen.”
Nigerian superstar Asisat Oshoala has declared her confidence that the Super Falcons will not only advance from the ‘group of death’ at the 2024 Olympic Games, but possibly win a medal.
Nigeria has been drawn alongside world champions Spain, Japan and Brazil in a brutal group which has fans fearing that their stay in Paris will be a short one.
However, in an interview with FIFA, the former African Footballer of the Year winner declared that just like at the Women’s World Cup, Nigeria will overcome the odds.
“At the World Cup last year, people said the same thing,” Oshoala explained. “They said we were in the Group of Death (with Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland) and could not qualify. But we did.
“I have a lot of confidence in this team. We have many young players and we can make things difficult for our opponents. We don’t just think about getting out of the group; I think we can actually walk away with a medal.”
Nigeria earned their place at the Olympics thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 aggregate win over South Africa back in April, securing qualification for their first Games since 2008.
The women’s football tournament is set to kick off on July 25, a day before the Olympic Games opening ceremony, and will culminate with the final in Paris on August 10.
La Liga side Sevilla have agreed a deal to sign Nigerian winger Chidera Ejuke as free agent ahead of next season.
The 26-year-old spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Belgian side, Royal Antwerp from Russian club CSKA Moscow.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Nigeria player has agreed a Verbal agreement in place with Sevilla on contract terms, medical and signature are booked for next week.
The Nigerian played 33 games for Royal Antwerp in all competitions including the UEFA Champions League where he was involved in four games. He scored four goals and made four assists in the just concluded season.
Ejuke with just eight caps for the Super Eagles bagged his debut in a 1-1 draw with Tunisia on October 13th , 2020.
Turkish Super Lig champions, Galatasaray continued to show they are unrelenting in their pursuit to secure the signing of Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City.
The Super Eagles star is set to become a free agent at the end of the month, as his contract with the Foxes is set to expire. Despite this, Leicester City remains hopeful of retaining the experienced midfielder and are working to secure a new contract with him.
According to transfer expert Nicolo Schira, Galatasaray has made an offer to Ndidi, proposing a three-year contract with the option of an additional year. This move highlights the Turkish club’s strong interest in bringing the Nigerian international to their squad.
Ndidi joined Leicester City in 2017 and has since made a significant impact, recording 17 goals and 17 assists in 273 appearances across all competitions. His defensive prowess and consistent performances have made him a key player for the Foxes, and his potential departure will be a significant loss for the club.
As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen whether Ndidi will extend his stay at King Power Stadium or embark on a new chapter with Galatasaray.
Rangers International emerged champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with one matchday to spare after they defeated Bendel Insurance 2-0 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday.
The other three contenders for the title, Remo Stars, 3SC and champions Enyimba, all dropped points in their respective matches, paving way for the Flying Antelopes to win their eighth title of Nigeria’s top division.
A goal in each from Kenechukwu Agu and Chidiebere Nwobodo secured a 2-0 win over Bendel Insurance for Rangers to become champions.
However, the season still has the final matchday to navigate with two continental places up grabs in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
Remo Stars despite their 1-2 defeat to Sunshine Stars are in pole position to secure the second Champions League spot alongside Rangers. The Sky Blue Stars will play hosts to Katsina United and need an outright win to lay claim to that Champions League slot.
On their tails for the same spot are Enyimba and 3SC who also in the hunt to finish second behind the champions.
Jonathan Alukwu’s late goal for Sporting Lagos ended the chance of the People’s Elephant avoiding defeat or stretching the title race into the final Matchweek. Gbenga Ogunbote’s 3SC also fell to John Bassey’s late goal in Yenagoa as Bayelsa United gave themselves a fighting chance of beating the drop.
Despite their chances of claiming that second spot on the league table, Enyimba, 3SC and Remo Stars are also in the running for the CAF Confederation Cup should they fail to win their final matches irrespective of results elsewhere.
One of Plateau United and Lobi Stars have outside chances of crashing the party and claiming the third position should the apple cart be upset on the final day of the campaign. Plateau United, however, would rue failing to defeat Kano Pillars on Saturday when they had the chance to do so. Playing with 10 men after Mustapha Salisu was sent off, Rabiu Ali scored for Pillars and Plateau United laboured to a 1-1 draw at home after Sam Pam Jr levelled the score.
On the other hand, Lobi Stars had to shake off a tough-as-nail Kwara United side to win 4-3 thanks to Kumaga Suur’s late goal on 85 minutes. Lobi’s form of late makes them outsiders for a top-three finish as they play on the road at Kano Pillars on the final matchday.
Meanwhile, the final matchday will be interesting at the lower end of the table with eight clubs still yet to confirm their status for next season in the NPFL. Already Gombe United and Heartland have been relegated to the second tier, the Nigeria National League (NNL), but Sunshine Stars, Kano Pillars, Kwara United and Niger Tornadoes are looking over their shoulders with the like of Bayelsa United, Akwa United, Sporting Lagos and Doma United breathing down their necks.
Sporting Lagos and Doma United will begin the final matchday in the relegation zone. Doma United suffered a 2-0 defeat at Katsina United, leaving their goal difference looking unhealthy at -15, the worst among the sides battling for survival.
Doma United will play hosts to Abia Warriors while Sporting Lagos face 3SC in a tough Southwest Derby at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on the final day of the season.
Akwa United and Bayelsa United sit just above the drop zone after contrasting results on Matchday 37. The Promise Keepers fell to Sunday Megwo’s goals that sealed a 2-0 win for Abia Warriors while Bayelsa United left it late to see off 3SC 2-1 with Bassey scoring twice in the final 15 minutes. Akwa United have to face Rivers United at their Nest of Champions home ground in Uyo on the final day and Bayelsa United will make the trip to Benin City to play against Bendel Insurance who have just the points to play for.
Unless the final day throws up outrageous outcomes, the quartet of Sunshine Stars, Kano Pillars, Kwara United and Niger Tornadoes need a point each from their final day matches to keep their places in the topflight for another season. Kano Pillars and Kwara United play at home against Lobi Stars and Heartland respectively while Tornadoes and Sunshine Stars go head-to-head.
As things stand, the outcomes of the penultimate match week have definitely shaped a thrilling finale to the NPFL season.
The Nigeria National League (NNL) has stated its resolve to review the league’s constitution/rule book and has drafted its review committee towards achieving that.
The NNL Chief Executive Officer and former Super Eagles Team Coordinator, Emmanuel Attah is the chairman of the NNL Review Committee while Gombe State FA Chairman, Yakubu Sarma, Nicholas Akujobi and two club representatives are to serve as members of the committee.
In its bid to checkmate the sales of slots, the board of the NNL has resolved that teams that purchase slots from other conference must have to stay a season in that conference before the affected club can apply for a change.
The NNL board in its communiqué at the end of the Super Eight Playoff which Beyond Limits won on Thursday in Enugu, said it has reviewed the cost of change of ownership and change of location upon the purchase of slot in the second tier league to five million naira.
“The Board resolved that henceforth any club that purchases a club from a particular conference must play for one season before applying for a change of conference of preference,” the NNL stated. “The Board approved upward review of Change of Ownership and Change of Location upon purchase of NNL slot to N5,000,000.00 naira only by Club.”
Also, the Board unequivocally thanked Enugu State Governor Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and the people of the state for sponsoring the 2023/2024 Nigeria National League promotion playoff.
The Board praised the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and the entire NFF Executive Board Members for providing leadership direction, their support and continuous guidance to make NNL the Most Important League in Nigeria.
The Board immensely appreciates NNL Partners for their collaboration, and providing more visibility to the league on the just concluded . They include; Prostar Recreational Services Ltd, Metrodigital TV(SLTV), Dekaizen Worldwide Ltd, Sportslight Hub Ltd, Monimichelle and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
The NNL board also confirmed four clubs including Nasarawa United ,El -Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri,Beyond Limits Football Academy of Ikenne-Remo ,Ogun State
Ikorodu City FC, Lagos who emerged tops ahead of others after the Super eight Play off in Enugu, as promoted to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The board equally certified Beyond Limits FA as overall worthy winners/Champions of the 2023/2024 NNL season.
Andy Murray has been named as one of the four British singles players for the Paris Olympics, which will be his fifth Summer Games.
Murray, who has said he intends to retire later this year, was granted an International Tennis Federation (ITF) place to compete at the French Open at Roland Garros despite his lowly singles ranking of 97 because he is a former Grand Slam winner and Olympic gold medallist.
Team GB were also notified on Thursday that 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu would be in the mix for an ITF place, but she turned down the chance because of the multiple changes in surface over the coming weeks and after only recently returning from a lengthy injury lay-off.
Murray, who won Olympic gold at London 2012 and Rio in 2016, is one of four male singles players selected, alongside Jack Draper, Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans.
It was a landmark day for Draper, the incoming British number one, as just hours later the 22-year-old won his maiden ATP tour title, beating former Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini 3-6, 7-6 (7⁄5), 6-4 in the final of the Stuttgart Open.
Katie Boulter – who played Raducanu in the semi-finals of the Nottingham Open yesterday – was the sole female player included in the British team.
Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski will represent Team GB in the men’s doubles and the pairing of Murray and Evans have been nominated for an additional space in that competition, which will be determined by the ITF – the governing body of world tennis who run the tournament – on June 25.
When coach Didier Deschamps takes to the dugout today for France’s European Championship opener against Austria, it will be an opportunity to register a phenomenal 100th win in charge of the team.
The 55-year-old is by some margin the most experienced coach at the tournament in Germany, with his almost 12 years in charge of Les Bleus, and brings with him impressive credentials as a player too.
Today’s Group D match in Duesseldorf marks Deschamps’ 154th game as French coach with 99 wins, 30 draws and 24 losses in a glory-filled career, where consistency and calmness have been his hallmarks.
He has been coach of his side more than three years longer than the next most experienced manager at Euro 2024 -– England’s Gareth Southgate.
Deschamps has won the World Cup as both a coach and player — first in 1998 on home soil in a star-studded French line-up.
His considerable role as midfield kingpin was belittled by Eric Cantona who branded him a “vulgar water carrier” but Deschamps earned 103 caps and his club career saw him win the Champions League with Olympique de Marseille and Juventus.
As a coach he has taken France to two World Cup finals, victorious in Russia in 2018 and losing four years later to Argentina on post-match penalties in the 2022 final in Qatar.
“What keeps me going is the passion, the desire and the determination. What interests me is always having new objectives,” he said on the eve of the tournament in Germany.
“At a very high international level, winning is very difficult and maintaining it is even more difficult, because only one team wins and then the others don’t sleep.”
There is the possibility in Germany for him to become the first to win the World Cup and the Euros as both a player and a coach but that is not something he said he was concerned about.
“The objective is around the French national team in terms of what we’ve achieved and what we’re capable of achieving,” he said.
