The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Brazil

  • Nigeria, Brazil seal $1.1b agriculture project deal

    THE Federal Government is shopping for $1.1 billion to implement the Nigeria-Brazil Cooperation Project Agriculture “Green Imperative,” Finance Minister Hajia Zainab Ahmed, said yesterday.

    She said at the inauguration of the project at the Old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja. She said the chunk of facility will be provided by the Brazilian government.

    According to her, the launch of the project was part of moves by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to reposition and diversify the economy in a sustainable way.

    The loan, the minister said, will be provided in kind through the supply of agricultural machineries and implements in form of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) parts.

    Hajia Ahmed said the project is designed to repay the loan facility through its proceeds, stressing that the repayment will not bring any fiscal burden on the tax payers.

    The minister said: “The project we are launching today will be implemented with a total loan package of $1.1 billion majorly from the Brazilian Government which will be disbursed in four tranches over a period of two years.

    “It is pertinent to state here that greater percentage of the loan will be provided in kind through the supply of agricultural machineries and implements in form of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) parts.

    “This arrangement is expected to reduce fiduciary risks and create more employment opportunities for our teeming youth and those that will be involved in assembling the machineries and implements.

    “Another important benefit of the project is that its implementation will be purely private sector led in all its operations including the assembling of the machineries/ implements, operation of the service centres and the agro-processing centres.”

    She also said that the project will be implemented in phases across all the 774 local government areas.

    The minister called on the private sector operators, youths and women to brace for business as participants would be selected on merit.

    Read also: Long walk to universal healthcare coverage

    “We will ensure that participation is devoid of politics and any form of nepotism,” she assured, explaining that the Buhari administration was not unaware of the desire of many Nigerians to obtain external loans.

    Speaking on moves to diversify the economic before the Buhari government came on board, the minister said: “Even though, past efforts were made to diversify the economic base of the country, the external revenue inflows remained stubbornly monolithic, i.e. mainly from oil.

    “It is in this regard that this administration sees it as a national emergency to explore every possible opportunity to grow the non-oil sector.

    “Today, we are here to launch one of the products of the diversification initiatives of the Government, christened ‘Green lmperative’.

    “Let me first of all congratulate His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari for his visionary leadership and approval given for this project. Permit me also to congratulate His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo for his relentless commitment as the leader of the Economic Management Team, to this project right from its conception till date.”

     

     

  • Brazil moving its embassy to Jerusalem matter of when, not if – Netanyahu

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Brazil’s President-elect Jair Bolsonaro told him that it was a matter of “when, not if” he moves his country’s embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

    The far-right Bolsonaro, who takes office on Tuesday and is hosting Netanyahu and the leaders of other countries for his inauguration, has said he would like to follow the lead of U.S. President Donald Trump and move the embassy.

    But he has come under intense pressure from Brazil’s powerful agriculture sector not to do so, as it could hurt Brazilian exports to Arab nations.

    Such a move by Bolsonaro would be a sharp shift in Brazilian foreign policy, which has traditionally backed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

    The Arab League had told Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters earlier in December.

    “Bolsonaro told me it was “when, not if” he moves the embassy to Jerusalem,” Netanyahu said on Sunday during a meeting with leaders of Brazil’s Jewish community in Rio de Janeiro.

    “We attach enormous importance to Brazil, and Brazil in the context of Latin America,” he added. “This heralds a historic change.”

    Netanyahu, who met with Bolsonaro on Friday, said that the Brazilian accepted his invitation to visit Israel, a trip that is likely to take place in March.

    Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil.

    After he met the Israeli leader, Bolsonaro said that “we need good allies, good friends, good brothers, like Benjamin Netanyahu.” (Reuters/NAN)

  • INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY (NOVEMBER16.): Brazil to play Cameroon in MK Stadium

    Brazil has named a 23-man squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Cameroon – the latter of which is to be played at MK Dons’ ground, Stadium MK.

    Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino have all been named in Tite’s side ahead of the November international break. Gabriel Jesus, Willian, Fabinho, Richarlison, Alisson and Ederson also feature.

    Brazil meets Uruguay at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on November 16 before heading north of London to Milton Keynes four days later.

    The 30,500-seater stadium that usually plays host to League Two football but will welcome the World Cup quarter-finalists for their match against Cameroon.

    MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman said: ‘It is a real privilege for the community of Milton Keynes to welcome Brazil, one of the greatest national football teams of all time, and reigning African Cup of Nations champions Cameroon to Stadium MK.

    ‘We are all looking forward to hosting this magnificent sporting event here in November.’

    Brazil were defeated 2-1 by Belgium at the quarter-final stage of the World Cup last summer but Tite remained in his role as manager.

    They have won all four of their games following the tournament in Russia, against USA (2-0), El Salvador (5-0), Saudi Arabia (2-0) and Argentina (1-0) in Saudi Arabia, where they were awarded the Superclasico Cup.

  • Special Eagles seek adequate preparation ahead of Amputee World Cup

    Nigeria would have to intensify its preparations for the upcoming World Cup because of the quality of teams in its group, says, Ugochukwu Obieze, Athletes Representative, Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF).

    Obieze told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday that the World Cup, holding from Oct. 24 to Nov. 5 in Mexico, has Russia, Brazil, El-Salvador and Nigeria in Group E.

    He added that the national team fondly called “Special Eagles” ought to be in closed camp by now to put finishing touches to their preparations for the 2018 World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) competition.

    “Our training has been in progress since the new board cleared the outstanding affiliation fee and that restored our hope and participation in WAFF programs of which this World Cup is part of.

    “The match fixtures have sent a warning signal that there is need for us to fortify our team with adequate preparations because Russia, the defending champions of the 2014 edition is in our group.

    Read Also: Amputee footballers appeal for welfare ahead 2018 World Cup

    “So, now that the event is fast approaching, we need to resume national camp as soon as possible to enable us concentrate and get focused in order to excel in the group,” he said.

    The athletes’ representative described Nigeria’s participation in the forthcoming football tournament as a long awaited objective, adding that it was a first appearance for the special Eagles national team.

    According to him, lack of sponsors, inability to secure visas, and irregular participation in intercontinental tournaments has denied the nation participation in the tournament since its inception.

    “The opportunity and dream to fly Nigeria’s flag in the amputee World Cup has finally come, and we are doing everything possible to have a remarkable outing by bringing the trophy home,” he added.

    News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 24 affiliated countries of WAFF will participate in the tournament which Russia won in 2014 in Argentina.

    Amputee football is a sport for the disabled which involves seven footballers, six outfield players who have extreme amputation, while goalkeepers have upper extremity amputation and uses loft strands and crutches to play.

  • WTF sanctions Nigeria Taekwondo International Open

    The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) has sanctioned the 2nd Nigeria Taekwondo International (NTF) Open Championships by awarding it a G-1 International ranking.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the NTF-organised event planned for Abuja is the first competition in Nigeria to have an international ranking.

    NTF said on Tuesday in Lagos that the competition would hold in Abuja from Nov. 16 to Nov. 18, and termed it a priority programme of the current board.

    Chika Chukwumerije, NTF Technical Director said that the federation worked very hard to get the approval from World Taekwondo through the African body, after being satisfied that the event fulfilled all conditions.

    “In spite of some top competitors on the continent, our athletes have literally no world ranking because they cannot afford to travel to compete, but the upcoming event is still sanctioned.

    Read Also: Anambra youths train in taekwondo to combat crime

    “We will provide hundreds of our elite and upcoming athletes the opportunity to gain vital world ranking points, and competitive experience with some of the best athletes in the world,” the three-time Olympian said in a statement.

    Meanwhile, Chairman of the NTF’s Technical and Development Committee, Sani Lawal, has blamed the lack of G events for the rise of other African countries over Nigeria at international events.

    “Countries like Cote d’Ivoire have more than seven competitors in the high ranked Grand Slams series because their athletes have a lot of ranking from organising G-ranked tournaments in Cote D’Ivoire since 2012.

    “We can see the impact of these tournaments in the fact that they won Olympic gold and bronze medals in Rio Olympics in Brazil and World titles in 2017.

    “So, getting the Nigeria Open to be sanctioned by the World Taekwondo body is the way forward if Nigeria Taekwondo is to have players on the world stage,” Lawal said.

  • Ronaldo hospitalised in Ibiza with pneumonia

    Former Brazil and Real Madrid great Ronaldo Nazario is currently in hospital in Ibiza recovering from pneumonia, local media said on Sunday.

    Newspaper Diario de Ibiza said the two-time Ballon d’Or winner and 2002 World Cup Golden Boot winner is currently in the intensive care unit at the private Policlinica Nuestra Senora del Rosario hospital.

    Sources told Diario de Ibiza that Ronaldo was recovering well.

    The hospital could not immediately be reached by Reuters for comment.

    Ronaldo, who was on holiday in Ibiza when he was taken ill, retired from football in 2011 following a hugely successful career.

    He featured stints at PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Brazilian sides Corinthians and Cruzeiro as well as Real Madrid, where he is a club ambassador.

    He won two La Liga titles with Real, the UEFA Cup with Inter and lifted the World Cup in 1994 and 2002 with Brazil, also reaching the tournament’s final in 1998.

    He picked up the Ballon d’Or award for the best player in the world in 1997 and 2002.

  • Pitch Antics: Neymar ready to turn a new leaf

    Close to 16 days after the world cup Russia, Brazil international and PSG forward Neymar has admitted that he over exaggerated fouls against him pledging however to repent and turn a new leaf.

    The 26 year old who had a dramatic recovery from injury ahead of the World cup was tipped to be among the players that will lead his side to the finals in Russia, but the former Barcelona ace and his samba brothers bowed out in the quarterfinals after losing 2-1 to Belgium at tha Kazan Arena.

    Neymar who scored twice at the showpiece tournament after recovering from a broken foot sustained in February was a regular target of criticism for his theatrics and behaviour on the pitch, and was subsequently left outof the shortlist of FIFA Best awards

    Neymar used as sponsor’s advertisement with personal care products manufacturer Gillette took the criticisms in good fate and is determined to make amends

    “You may think I overreact, and sometimes I do. But the truth is I suffer on the pitch. You have no idea what I go through outside of it.

    “When I leave without talking to the press, it’s not because I only like winning, it is because I still haven’t learned to disappoint you.

    “When I look impolite, it is not because I am a spoiled kid. It is because I have not learned how to deal with my frustrations.

    “There’s still a boy inside of me. Sometimes it dazzles the world. Other times, it pisses everyone off. And my fight is to keep this boy alive.

    “You may think I’ve fallen too much, but the reality is I fell apart. And that hurts more than anyone stepping on your operated ankle.

    “I took time to accept your criticism. I took time to look at myself in the mirror and become a new man. But now I’m here, with my heart wide open.

    “I fell but only those who fall can get up. You can keep throwing rocks at me or you can throw your rocks away and help me get up because when I do get up, the whole country gets up with me.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • Belgium knocks out Brazil to reach WC semi-finals

    Pre-tournament favourites Brazil have been eliminated from the World Cup by Belgium at the quarter-final stage, falling to a 2-1 defeat in yesterday evening’s gripping clash at the Kazan Stadium.

    Belgium stunned their opponents by taking a two-goal lead into the interval after Kevin De Bruyne brilliantly added to a Fernandinho own goal.

    The Red Devils were able to see things through for just a second-ever appearance in the semis, despite being made to hold on in the final 15 minutes following a consolation header from Renato Augusto.

    While five-time winners Brazil will head back home, prolonging their wait for glory on the world stage to at least 20 years, Belgium now have a semi-final against France – victorious against Uruguay earlier today – to look forward to in St Petersburg next Tuesday.

    Both managers made a couple of changes to their starting lineups, with Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli – key players in the 3-2 comeback win over Japan in the last round – both coming in for Belgium.

    Fernandinho was one of the two Brazil players brought into the side, meanwhile, along with fit-again Marcelo, and it was the Manchester City midfielder who gifted the opposition a 13th-minute lead.

    Eden Hazard’s left-sided corner dipped towards the front post and Fernandinho got a telling touch of the ball with his arm to help it past Alisson.

    The game had been pretty evenly matched up until that point, although the Selecao had done more to warrant a lead as Thiago Silva hit the post from close range when picked out from a corner.

    Philippe Coutinho cut inside in trademark style to test Thibaut Courtois for the first time, before Marcelo did likewise as Brazil attempted to exploit their opponents down the left wing.

  • Russia 2018: Brazil crash out of World Cup, as Belgium win 2-1

    Adeyinka Akintunde

     

    Belgium have beaten Brazil 2-1 in Kazan to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup home, sending the five-time World champions home.

    The Samba Boys  had conceded just one goal in their past four games in Russia but were behind early when Nacer Chadli’s corner struck Fernandinho’s arm and flew into the net, the 10th own goal of this World Cup.

    Fernandinho’s Manchester City team-mate Kevin de Bruyne doubled Belgium’s lead with a sublime arrowed finish from 20 yards after Romelu Lukaku’s powerful run.

    Read Also: Russia 2018: Brazil beat Mexico to reach quarter-finals

    Brazil could find no answer until a 76th-minute headed reply from Renato Augusto, with star man Neymar virtually anonymous other than three poor attempts to win a penalty, although Referee Milorad Mazic perhaps should have pointed to the spot when Vincent Kompany dived in on Gabriel Jesus.

    Neymar did finally come to life in injury time, forcing a brilliant save from Thibaut Courtois with a curling shot from outside the area, but it was not enough to sustain his team’s challenge.

    Belgium will battle France, who had earlier on sent Uruguay home with a 2-0 victory, in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday 10th July, for a place in the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup

  • 10 candidates for football’s 2018 best player award – FIFA

    The 2018 men’s world footballer of the year will be picked from a list of 10 players instead of from a list of 23 as in the past, global ruling body FIFA said on Wednesday.

    The players in question will be selected by a 13-strong panel that includes legends such as Brazil’s Ronaldo and Germany’s Lothar Matthaeus.

    National team captains and coaches, media and fans then elect the best player in a poll between July 23 and August 10. The winner will be crowned at The Best FIFA Football Awards on September 24 in London.

    Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have won the prestigious award – now called The Best FIFA Men’s Player and formerly known as FIFA World Player and Ballon d’Or – five times each over the past 10 years.

    Awards will also be given out for best women’s player, best men’s and women’s coach, best goalkeeper and best goal, and there is also a fair-play prize.

    Read Also:FIFA sanctions hosts Russia, three others, warns Egypt over Salah

    The Newsmen reports that in 2014, Argentina had three nominees in Angel Di Maria, Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi, while their opponents in Sunday’s final, Germany, have four.

    Mats Hummels, Toni Kroos, Phillip Lahm and Thomas Muller are the players nominated from Joachim Low’s side.

    Colombia’s James Rodriguez, Brazil’s Neymar and Arjen Robben of Netherlands complete the 10-man shortlist.

    Fifa has also announced the nominees for the Golden Glove competition, awarded to the best goalkeeper at the World Cup.

    Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas, Germany’s Manuel Neuer and Argentina’s Sergio Romero will compete for the prize.

    Meanwhile, Netherlands’ Memphis Depay and Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane of France were nominated for the best young player at the tournament.