The Nation Newspaper

Tag: City

  • Making National Theatre entertainment city

    Making National Theatre entertainment city

    At a roadshow programme held in Lagos, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke told stakeholders, artistes and investors that the Federal Government has finally started activities to reclaim the fallow pieces of land within the National Theatre complex, Iganmu, Lagos, in order to build modern facilities through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. Edozie Udeze who was at the meeting, reports

    At last, the Federal Government has given the go ahead to the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation to complete the master plan of the complex making up the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. At a recent investors’ roadshow organized by the management of the Theatre to sensitise the public on the need to complete the project, the federal government explained that all the fallow pieces of land within and around the Theatre have to be fully developed to give the complex the necessary and appropriate beauty.

    Done in conjunction with Public Private Partnership (PPP), the idea is to make the Theatre environment conducive to accommodate other modern facilities as found in all the theatre complexes of the same size and repute all over the world. According to Chief Edem Duke, the Minister of Culture, with the establishment of five-star hotels, shopping malls, commercial and banking facilities, office buildings, recreational areas and car parks, the federal government would have succeeded in ensuring that the original master plan of the theatre instituted in 1976 has been completed.

    To him, the most important issues involved in the master plan which will come in phases is to make the 10,000 seater mainbowl functional once more. For far too long, the mainbowl of the Theatre has been abandoned due to neglect over the years. But in the next plan of action, the development of the new facilities will help to make the iconic edifice more attractive and economically viable.

    With the presence of possible investors in the tourism and culture sector and top players in the entertainment industry in Nigeria, the atmosphere inside the conference hall of the National Theatre appeared quite conducive to take the Theatre to the next level. Duke stated that the overall mandate of this transaction with the PPP and other big industry players is to purposely develop an Outline Business Case which will help to test the viability and feasibility of deploying PPP arrangement in actualising the master plan. However, before this could be done, the inclusion of the private sector investors is to ensure that government does not burn its hands by delving into an area where the people themselves can be allowed to go into and invest mainly in order to give necessary economic value to the Theatre.

    In the new arrangement, the whole complex will be named the entertainment city with the planned development sitting on about 134 hectares of land. Presently, the existing Theatre only occupies just 10 hectares. But the new design requires that the PPP with the partnership of the government will undertake the project, only using a mapped out design, finance, construction (build), operation and maintenance model.

    When this is fully done, according to Mrs. Nkechi Ejele, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, “It will offer visitors, tourists, tespians and fun seekers, the opportunity to visit a modern, diverse, localised and existing experience”. Although she stated that the Lagos State government is involved in the project, she appealed to Lagosians to see the project as a means of ensuring that the complex is made to be more useful for public use. “There is the need to make the complex conform with accepted international norms and standards”, Ejele stated. She insisted that with this new plan, more business avenues will be opened to make Lagos the real economic hub of West Africa.

    She said: “This project will be characterised by modern architecture and design, with wide range of business and recreational offerings of international standards within a friendly environment. Beyond that, after the completion, concessionaires will be given the opportunity to recoup their investment. This is why this meeting today is very esential. It is meant to lay the whole plan bay, and to allow possible investors see the viability of the project and make their own deductions and impressions. These fallow areas of the Theatre complex have been allowed to lie prostrate for too long. It is now time to put the areas into proper use.”

    The roadshow which would take the Ministry to other parts of the world to re-awaken the interest of more investors in the project is designed to encourage wider-spread and more committed investors. The more investors that come in from all over the world, the better chances of making the project a formidable one. This is why it is noted that the plan will incorporate Lagos as Nigeria’s foremost entertainment city because the aura and ambiance of the Theatre complex will become very significant and alluring to all and sundry.

    In his own contribution, Aminu Diko of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) reassured investors that the new concept would be favourable to all. He said: “This idea is mainly to transform the National Theatre edifice into a model city comparable to the Mandela Square in Johanessburg, South Africa, and Time’s Square in New York, U.S.A. As you all know, there is an increasing awareness worldwide of the critical partnering role the private sector can play towards the accelerated provisioning of infrastructure through the PPPs. This is why this project has indeed become necessary now.”

    He went on to state that well-prepared and better structures PPP projects define greater lifestyle efficiencies, more value for moey, improved service delivery and job opportunites and more. He however gave examples with other economies of the world where this sort of exercise has helped in key sectors like the railway, seaports, roads, and bridges to power the economy of the society. Diko’s concern however, “is to provide the necessary guideline to all stakeholders to enable them grasp the essential ingredients of the project.” In all, the project will give artistes the necessary platform to exhibit their crafts and perform in an atmosphere that would boost their images and career.

    The BGL Capital which acts as advisers on the concession business represented by one of its project directors, Dipo Wintoki reminded the gathering that the beauty, the importance and relevance of the National Theatre should not be allowed to go into oblivion. “This is an edifice that was established in 1976 and has been the hub of theatre activities, art exhibitions, symposia, filmshows and more. It has played host to various national, international theatre and musical events…Therefore, with wide range of commercial offerings, colours, a friendly environment, and everything else one expects to find at an international tourism centre and entertainment city, we intend to make this project one of the best in the world”.

    In the words of Wintoki, the initial feasibility and viability studies of each of the facilities have been conducted. The projects has an average concession period of 30years, with the return on investment averaging 35% and pay back period within the first ten years of operation. And this, in the overall interest of the people will encourage the discovery and development of new talents in the country. It will also help in creating more employment opportunites in the sector and generally promote healthy cultural activities and habit in the society, while at the same time increase the revenue generation capacity of both the federal and state governments and the private sector investors.

    The roadshow which attracted who-is-who in the entertainment sector, saw the General Manager of the National Theatre, Malam Kabir Yusuf fully in charge to ensure that all went well. Yusuf who described the show as the best thing to happen to reposition the Theatre, reassured investors and the general public that the future of the complex cannot be compromised. “It is to make this environment the best place for the industry and the players to thrive”, he said.

  • Ikeja City Mall celebrates Nigeria at 54

    Ikeja City Mall celebrates Nigeria at 54

    In celebration of  Nigeria’s 54years of Independence , Ikeja City Mall in collaboration with City FM and the mall tenant stores treated Lagosians to a funfair. People were given opportunity to send well wishes on City FM live and sign their goodwill messages to Nigeria on a supersized flag strategically positioned inside the mall.

    The Marketing Manager of the mall, Eniola Ositelu, said the aim for this year’s independence show just like every other year, was to change the negative perception people have of the country. “This event is mainly to promote the interest of Nigeria positively in the hearts of our customers and Lagosians as a whole. It is to reaffirm the ‘belieF in Nigeria’ and ‘belief in ICM’ theme.”

    He added that people’s turn-out on a special day as Independence, sends the right signal about the subject. Eniola appreciated the support of the tenant stores and Lagosians who came out en masse to  make the event a great success  saying, there are fantastic prizes to be given out in a draw when people make single receipt purchase(s) of over N25, 000 in any store within the mall. They stand chances of winning cash prizes ranging from N50, 000, to N150, 000.

    Other side attractions include; dance competitions, fashion parades, spot the flag (a game), snap shots with the Independence cake and the highlight of the day, cutting the beautifully decorated Nigerian green and white cake.

    Ikeja City Mall comprises of a perfect mix of retailers trading quality products and services of renowned local and international brands. The mall recently listed as one of the top 25 Facebook check-in locations around the world, has become choice location for people to shop, converge to unwind, network and socialise with friends physically and via social media platforms.

  • Abakaliki: Filthy city in need of fresh breath

    Abakaliki: Filthy city in need of fresh breath

    When Ebonyi State was created in 1996, Abaka-liki, the state capital, was likened to a glorified village. There were no motorable roads, no good infrastructure, hotels and the sanitary situation was terrible. Garbage littered every nook and cranny of the city.

    Successive governments had attempted to clear the refuse dumps that could be likened to mountains. But try they could not find a solution to the problem. It was like a city of refuse; the dumps continued to increase due to enhanced domestic refuse generation. It was further compounded by the influx of people from within and outside the state to the new capital city.

    At a point, workers included cleaning of the capital city as one of its demands during the May Day celebration in 2011.

    Apparently disappointed and dismayed by the inability of the Ministry of Health, which was then saddled with refuse disposal and management in the state, Governor Martin Elechi created a Ministry of the Environment in 2011.

    He deployed Dr. Paul Okorie as the commissioner.

    Surprisingly, Okorie, who was in charge of Abakaliki Capital Development Authority (ACDA), cleaned up the city in 13 days.

    When he was removed in August last year, the fortunes of the town, in terms of neatness relapsed. Overfilled waste bins and refuse-littered roads.

    The situation within Abakaliki metropolis has become so alarming that residents are afraid that if no urgent steps are taken by the Ministry of Environment to address the menace, there may be an outbreak of epidemic.

    Refuse heaps, which were not common in the days of Okorie, because of effective waste disposal management system he put in place, have become a common phenomenon on major roads, streets and at bus stops.

    Some places that are notorious for mountain-like refuse heaps are Ogbaga Road around New Kpirikpiri Market, St. Patrick Road Kpirikpiri, Goddy Ogbaga Avenue, Convent Road, opposite Enugu Electricity Distribution Company that is close to Awolowo Street, Uga Street behind Federal Teaching Hospital (FETHA) and some adjoining roads within the state capital, among others.

    The inability of the state government to decisively tackle environmental problems has led to criticisms of the Elechi-led administration for sacking the pioneer Commissioner for Environment, who worked diligently to ensure a sustained and healthy environment.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that Okorie’s removal was orchestrated by some self-centered politicians who do not have the interest of the people at heart.

    The capital is no longer environmental-friendly because of unlawful dumping of refuse by residents.

    The leadership of the Ministry of Environment seems to lack the will, initiative and the know-how to deal with a glaring environmental degradation.

    Unarguably, between the periods the former Commissioner for Environment was removed and the current one appointed, grunge overwhelmed the state capital, causing environmental pollution that is inimical to residents and visitors.

    Stakeholders are wondering what use the waste disposal machines procured by the government through the state chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) are, considering the level of filthiness that has overtaken the state capital.

    What is rather more hazardous to the health of residents of Abakaliki is the regular burning of wastes within residential areas by those suspected to be members of the staff of the Ministry of Environment; a development many health practitioners have condemned.

    The hazy smoke emanating from the burning garbage dumps is posing a threat to the health of the residents.

    For instance, a resident, Mr. John Eluu, expressed dismay over the indiscriminate littering of garbage in the state capital.

    “The situation is disheartening. We find garbage almost everywhere within the state capital. The State Ministry of Environment does not appear to have any waste disposal management skill to tackle this problem. What is happening now is unprecedented. Government needs to act fast so that our environment will look healthy again.”

    Another resident, Mrs. Gloria Aniamaka, urged a stop to the indiscriminate burning of wastes within the capital as it is one of the easiest ways for people to contact diseases without even knowing it.

    However, the Commissioner for Environment, David Egbu, said modalities had been put in place to ensure that the state capital is clean.

    He debunked insinuations that the ministry was redundant.

    According to him, the Ministry of Environment will not fold its arm and allow indiscriminate dumping of refuse within Abakaliki.

    “We are not relenting over the situation. The ministry has mobilised its machinery to ensure that the state capital remained clean and habitable for all,” he added.

  • Pellegrini wary of City collapse

    Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini remains wary of avoiding another “disaster” the season after winning a Premier League title, despite the comfortable nature of Sunday’s opening 2-0 victory at Newcastle United.

    Three years ago, City claimed their first top-flight title in 44 years under Italian Roberto Mancini but were off the pace during their defence the following season, finishing well behind local rivals Manchester United in second spot.

    Last season brought another league crown to the Etihad Stadium in Pellegrini’s first campaign at the club, and he said they could not afford to rest on their laurels if they hoped to avoid another letdown.

    “This team won the title two years ago and the next season was a disaster, it wasn’t a useful year for anyone,” the Chilean told the BBC.

    “Last season, Manchester United had a disaster (finished seventh) after winning the title.

    “It’s important from the beginning that we understand we won the title last season and need to win again this year.”

    City were not at their thrilling best at St James’ Park, with some players not up to full fitness and Newcastle showing some steel that was missing for much of last season.

    However, their attacking riches proved the difference, Yaya Toure and Edin Dzeko combining to set up David Silva before halftime and Sergio Aguero adding a second late on.

    Fernando, a 15 million euros ($20.08 million) arrival from Porto, was confident on his midfield debut and with Eliaquim Mangala, Bacary Sagna, Willy Caballero and Frank Lampard not featuring, Pellegrini was confident he had the squad depth to claim repeat Premier League titles for the first time.

  • Chelsea´s new additions pose genuine threat to City´s crown

    Aided by a pair of high-profile arrivals, Chelsea look set to provide the greatest threat to Manchester City’s Premier League title defence.

    In Jose Mourinho’s first spell in charge, Chelsea won back to back league titles in 2005 and 2006, but the Portuguese failed to repeat that trick on his return last season as they ended the campaign in third place, four points shy of champions City.

    Mourinho spent much of the campaign bemoaning his lack of quality striking options, and Chelsea were quick to address that during the current transfer window.

    In securing the services of Diego Costa, Mourinho has added a forward who netted 36 goals in all competitions for Atletico Madrid last term, while he has also conducted what appears to be a shrewd piece of business by bringing Didier Drogba back to the club.

    In Costa, Chelsea will feel they have the man to fire them to glory, while the acquisition of Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona should offset the loss of Frank Lampard’s goalscoring and creative threat from midfield.

    It remains to be seen how Manchester United will fare under the stewardship of a second new manager in as many seasons.

    Following the dominance of the Alex Ferguson era, David Moyes’ appointment proved a huge disappointment to all at Old Trafford, with the Scot failing to see out the season as United finished seventh – their lowest ever Premier League placing.

    Louis van Gaal, fresh from guiding the Netherlands to third place at the World Cup, has impressed in pre-season, winning the International Champions Cup with victories over the likes of Roma, Inter, Real Madrid and Liverpool.

    However, in working with much the same squad as Moyes, Van Gaal will have to show all of his managerial mastery if he is to bridge the 22-point gap that separated them and neighbours City last season.

    City, meanwhile, boast arguably the strongest squad in the division, with Manuel Pellegrini enjoying a plethora of attacking talent at his disposal.

    Pellegrini’s team held their nerve in the final weeks of last season, winning their last five matches to overtake Liverpool and claim their second crown in three years, two points ahead of the men from Anfield.

    If they are to challenge as closely this time around, Liverpool must learn to cope without the inspirational Luis Suarez.

    The Uruguayan has departed for Barcelona after a scintillating 2013-14, in which he scored 31 Premier League goals and struck up a lethal partnership with Daniel Sturridge.

    A 2-0 defeat to Chelsea and a 3-3 draw at Crystal Palace – having led 3-0 – cost Liverpool dearly last season, and another club likely to be wistfully asking ‘what if’ are Arsenal, who topped the table for long periods of the campaign only to fall away in what has become a seemingly customary spring-time implosion.

  • ‘Befitting capital city underway for Imo’

    Imo State  has restated its resolve to give a befitting capital city to the people.

    Governor Rochas Okorocha said over 60 per cent of government’s capital projects are sited within the Owerri territory to achieve this objective.

    Okorocha, according to a statement by Unadike Williams on behalf of his Senior Special Adviser (Media), stated this while inspecting the ongoing construction of drainage within the Works Layout and Amakohia areas of the state capital.

    The governor, who said erosion had remained a major challenge in the areas, pointed out that a number of houses are threatened following several years of neglect and lack of attention by previous administrations.

    He said his administration had embarked on construction of drainage within the Works Layout, through Imo State University to Amakohia, which will be channelled to the Nworie River.

    Okorocha added that the measure would bring a permanent solution to erosion problem in the area.

    He urged the contractor to hasten up the job in order to ensure its completion before December.

    He stressed that his administration has made remarkable achievements in the infrastructural development of the state capital in order to position it as a tourist haven.

    He also disclosed plans for the creation of a new city road network to help improve traffic situation.

  • AWKA: A capital city in race to catch up with others

    AWKA: A capital city in race to catch up with others

    Before the present Anambra State was carved out from the old one by the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida administration in 1991, Awka, the capital city, compared favourably with Okigwe and Orlu, two communities in Imo State. But while the two Imo communities have experienced massive transformation into cities as a result of the infrastructural developments they have witnessed from different administrations in the state, Awka which was made the capital of the new Anambra State 23 years ago remains more like a rural community.

    Awka, the capital of a state that prides itself as the light of the nation, is still yearning for development more than two decades after. The city, located in the heart of Igboland, boasts a population of more than half a million people. Strategically, it is located midway between two major Igbo cities of Onitsha and Enugu with a temperature that hovers between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius.

    The town is reputed as the home to blacksmiths who are mostly responsible for the crafting of Dane guns hoes, cutlasses and other implements that make agriculture to thrive in Igboland. In time past, Awka was made up of many sub-communities. Today, they have all blended into one and divided into Awka North and South local government areas.

    However, it still preserves its traditional systems of governance with Ozo titled men often consulted for village and community issues, with a traditional ruler, Eze-Uzu, as the helmsman. One good feature of Awka is its accommodating spirit for visitors. Residents, however, do not compromise on business deals, particularly when they concern rent. An indigene of the town and State Coordinator of Transform Nigeria Movement (TNM), Comrade Obi Ochije, attributed this to the high cost of building materials in the area.

    Ochije wants the state government to begin construction of low cost houses in the city for workers to enjoy reduced rent in the area. He recalled that the city was regarded as “home for all” in the good old days because of its accommodating nature. Furthermore, he wants the state government to dualise the narrow Dike Street in the city for easy flow of traffic.

    Awka has 33 major villages and attracts people from other states. It has a significant number of immigrants from Northern Nigeria and the West. It was during the administration of former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju that the town, which hitherto was concentrated in a particular area, began to extend towards the popular Aroma and Government House, among others.

    Accommodation for government workers and business people has been a major problem in the city with a legion of people competing for few houses. The administrations of Mbadinuju and former Governor Chris Ngige made possible the construction of a few estates, including Ngozika on the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway. Others estates in the city include Iyiagu, located behind government house; Udoka; Ahocol Phase 1; Rockland and Abuja , all situated along the Onitsha-Enugu Express way. There are also the Isiagu 1, 000 housing units located along Agu-Awka and Esther Obiakor Housing Estate.

    Some of the estates were developed during the administration of Peter Obi, who failed to provide accommodation for workers in the state; an oversight Governor Willie Obiano seeks to correct by delving into the construction of same to appease the workers.  Obiano is also determined to open up the capital city with the construction of three flyovers from Amawbia to Amasea communities.

    The city has two major marketsEke-Awka and Amenyiwhere the inhabitants buy the different goods they need on a daily basis. Interestingly, the city, though not as large as other cities, does not have any amusement centre or playground. Residents make use of school playgrounds and some private keep fit centers to keep fit.

    The thriving businesses in the city are cyber cafes and restaurants, which are found in every nook and cranny. Workers and business people sit at different joints to while away time, while some of them drink themselves to stupor each day.

    The location of higher institutions in the state, especially in Awka, has made the town livelier with students from Federal Polytechnic, Oko; Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Anambra State University storming the city in search of greener pastures. Other students from Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe and Paul University in Awka also throng the city in search of fun.

    The influx of politicians to the city has also caused supermarkets, pharmacy and gift shops to thrive in the town.

    However, night life is almost zero because of criminal activities which have held the state hostage in recent years. This is unlike Lagos, Enugu and other major cities where life is in full throttle for most part of the night.

    Happily Governor Willie Obiano has vowed to make the state uncomfortable for criminals, by inaugurating Operation Nkpochapu with a joint taskforce comprising the military, the police and other para-military outfits, to flush out hoodlums from the state

    There are some major eateries in the city where businessmen, students and politicians wine and dine with their better halves or friends. The eateries include Macdons, Trillers, Be-joy, Crunchies, Chuckies, Pallx, Mr. Bigs and Tetrazzini, among others.

    There are also big hotels that attract visitors from Asaba in Delta State, Enugu, Imo and other surrounding states. They include Geogold Hotels, Finotel, Crescent Spring and J’Burg Hotels.  Others are Barn Hill, Irish Gardens, Palos Verdes, Queens Suites Parkonia, Golffin, Old English, Stanford Bridge, White view, Hotel Lamitel, de-Limit, Cheleku, Sun-city, Tracy, Choice, the Benjamins and King David.

    Despite its small nature, the city lacks good road network, which has been a major cause of friction between the residents and past and present governments.

    Former governor, Peter Obi, is only credited with the construction of a pedestrian bridge at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Junction. Even the contract for the bridge was said to have been awarded by the Ngige administration, which Obi initially abandoned because of the cost.

    During a visit to the city last week, Dr Aminu Ahmed of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said he was disappointed with the level of development in the city. Ahmed said the impression he had of the city in the media was different from what he saw during his visit.

    But the people are hopeful that the city would get a facelift under the leadership of Chief Willie Obiano. Obiano has planned to begin massive infrastructural development in Awka with roads as his major attention, including the ones abandoned by Obi

    If well planned by the government, Awka would be a beauty to behold. But for now, there is little cause for cheer.

  • Iheanacho shines as Man City bow to Liverpool

    Iheanacho shines as Man City bow to Liverpool

    • Ex-Eaglets’ star scores in penalty shoot out

    Red hot Nigerian teenage sensation, Kelechi Iheanacho, crowned a memorable outing for Manchester City at the pre-season’s International Champions Cup in Pittsburg by scoring in the penalty shoot outs as the Citizens lost to their English Premier League rivals, Liverpool 5-3.

    The keenly contested game was dragged into the lottery of penalty kicks after both teams played out to a 2-2 draw.

    In the ensuing spot kicks, established Manchester City super stars like Aleksander Kolorov, Yaya Toure and Jesus Navas all missed from the spot, it was only Iheanacho who converted his kick for his City’s consolation goal.

    Apart from the penalty kick he converted, the Flying Eagles star also had a hand in City’s second goal in the 67th minute when his low shot hit Jovetic’s legs on its way towards goal and the Montenegro international finished the move off comfortably. Last Sunday, the MVP of the last FIFA U-17 World Cup in the UAE banged his second consecutive goal for the club in their 5-1 rout of AC Milan.

    The talented forward had earlier scored his first goal on his debut for Manchester City against MLS side Sporting Kansas City in a club friendly.

    Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini has already paid tributes to Iheanacho, adding that he would love to keep him at the club.

    Iheanacho faces a battle to remain at City, with the club fighting to secure a work permit for him as he is still 17 and a foreigner.

    There were initial fears that Iheanacho might find it difficult to break into a star-studded Manchester City team, but with starts like this, he could be forcing his way into Pellegrini’s plans.

  • Ikeja City Mall to come alive with fashion, music show

    Ikeja City Mall to come alive with fashion, music show

    Come next Friday, August 9, Ikeja City Mall  will come alive with musical performances and electrifying runway exhibitions. It will be the second edition of the malls fashion and music show. The show is an  event with unmatched glitz and glamour, designed to showcase the summer collections of fashion stores in the mall. It will bring together the best of youthful celebrities, models and artistes to entertain guests and shoppers at the mall.

    Tenant Stores, who will be sponsoring the event right inside the mall, are promising to give the best of fashion display, light and music performances from favourite models, music artistes and comedians. The stores are; Foshini, Markham, Mango, Maybrands, Us Polo, Kidz Country,  Wrangler , Jack& Jones, Black Up, Bruno’s Place, Casabella and Daviva.

    Hugely anticipated through the event is customer patronage and delight especially amongst teenagers.

    Activities at the event  will include electrifying catwalk by top models, music performances by top celebrities, comedy, dance, raffle draws, special sales/auctions and celebrity guest appearances. The event will also host internationally renowned models, Ken Okoli (Mr Nigeria 2010), Adedamola Cruz (best model of the world Africa 2011), Victor Kwen, Francis Chinko, Kelvin Godson, Michelle Udoka(Miss Global Nigeria 2013) Micus Pius (Mr Universe Nigeria 2013), to mention a few.

    The show will begin with red carpet at 4pm and it is free for everybody.

     

  • manuel PELLEGRINI CONFESSESS: Iheanacho is Man City’s new Aguero

    • Says Nigerian as good as any striker in the world
    • Wants to include Kelechi in first team
    • Work permit may stop Nigerian’s EPL debut

    Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has declared that ex-Golden Eaglets ace, Kelechi Iheanacho, is as good as any striker in the world after watching the Nigerian’s performance and goal in Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Sporting Kansas City in the early hours of yesterday.

    17-year-old Iheanacho capped an impressive appearance for the Blues by scoring the last of City’s goals in the win at Sporting Park and Pellegrini is convinced the UAE 2013 Golden Boot winner is destined for greatness.

    “I would have loved to play him (in the English Premier League) immediately because he’s calm in front of goal just as Argentina’s Sergio Aguero and Bosnia’s Edin Dzeko. Just like any other striker in the world,” began Pellegrini.

    “He’s one of the futures of Man City and I hope he keeps his head up.”

    Although the coach is convinced of Iheanacho’s prospects in the game, he however admitted that the Premier League champions may struggle to secure a work permit for the teenage Nigerian striker. The Chilean tactician said: “He may be loaned out to a club abroad to secure a work permit for him to play for City in the Barclays Premier League in the future.

    “I know lots of clubs would want to secure him on loan and I think we are ready to let him have that experience abroad.

    “He would struggle to play in the English Premier League right now because of the issue of work permit. He’s just 17 years old and that’s the problem I’m having with that. But he’s a very important player for us in the future. He demonstrated today what he can do in the future. It depends on the way he takes this profession, but I think he’s a good talent.

    “We’ll see what he will do in the future. For the moment he will stay with us and we’ll see when we return to England what will happen with him. There are a lot of things to arrange to play in England. But he’s a very important player for the future for the club.”

    City beat a host of European clubs to sign Iheanacho after he scored six goals in seven games to claim the Golden Ball at last summer’s Under 17 World Championship. He joined the squad on the trip to Scotland for games against Dundee and Hearts and was then invited into Manuel Pellegrini’s 23-man squad for the tour of the United States. Another Nigerian, Chidiebere Nwakali, also went to Scotland.