The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Guinea

  • Fans confident Super Eagles will reach semis despite draw

    Fans confident Super Eagles will reach semis despite draw

    Football enthusiasts have expressed confidence that the Super Eagles will qualify for the semi-finals of the West Africa Football Union ( WAFU ) Cup of Nations tournament in spite of draw in their first group game.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the home-based Super Eagles were held to a 0-0 draw by Mali in their Group A opener at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, Ghana on Thursday.

    A cross section of football enthusiasts who spoke to NAN on Friday said the group was still open as the Eagles’ could still finish on top of the table should they win their remaining games.

    Musa Talle, Chairman, FCT Football Association, said the game against Mali was an evenly and fairly contested match between the two West African football powerhouses.

    “Our game against Mali was a tough one, but the boys managed to grind out a ‘somewhat’ positive result from the encounter.

    “Even though they could not score, they also did not concede which is very important.

    “Now, they have one point with two more games to play in the group stage and I am confident that they will be ready for the games against Guinea and hosts Ghana.

    “I am sure they know the pride and history that comes with such games, especially that of Ghana, so they will be prepared to up their game,’’ he said.

    Coach Bala Mohammed of Niger Tornadoes observed that the Eagles were resilient and dogged in the defence but wasteful in front of goal.

    “I have no problem with the defence department but the attackers wasted a lot of scoring opportunities.

    “Therefore, the Eagles must ensure they work on their finishing if they hope to go far in the competition,’’ he said.

    Usman Ilerika, the Acting Secretary, FCT Football Association, said that even though the boys failed to convert some clear cut chances at goal, they were hard done by poor officiating.

    “I am not trying to make any excuse for the Eagles’ firing blank against Mali, however, I think they were hard done by some poor decisions made by the referee.

    “There were several talking points, including some questionable officiating in the first half, when the Assistant Referee wrongly ruled Festus Eduwo offside after Rabiu Ali put the ball in the net.

    “Nevertheless, the boys must put the game behind them and focus on the next against Guinea which is a must win if they hope to qualify for the semi-finals,’’ he said.

    Godwin Bamigboye, the Chairman, FCT Chapter of Nigeria Football Coaches Association said; “Hopefully, we’ll survive from the group. It is only the first game.

    “Ghana is on three points after their victory over Guinea and that puts pressure on us to also get our three points against Guinea.

    “I believe we can beat them and hope the hosts also beat Mali. If that happens, then we stand a better chance of qualifying for the semi-finals,’’ he said.

    NAN also reports that the group’s other game saw hosts Ghana beat Guinea 2-0 on Thursday.

    The home-based Eagles’ next game comes up on Saturday against Guinea at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, Cape Coast.

    They will then face hosts Ghana on Monday.

  • Football enthusiasts hail Eagles’ good start

    Football enthusiasts hail Eagles’ good start

    Football enthusiasts on Tuesday hailed the Super Eagles for the team’s good start to their campaign in the ongoing West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations in Ghana.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles B team got their WAFU Cup campaign underway on a positive note with a 2-0 victory over their Sierra Leoneans counterparts on Monday night.

    Late goals from Osas Okoro and Peter Eneji were the tonic needed by the Salisu Yusuf tutored lads to break the resistance of the impressive Lone Stars at the Cape Coast Stadium.

    With the win, Nigeria progressed to the Group A, which also comprises hosts Ghana, Mali and Guinea.

    A cross section of football enthusiasts who spoke to NAN noted that it was a hard fight won by the Ikechukwu Ezenwa side, adding that the team must sustain the momentum and team spirit.

    Garba Lawal, an ex-international said teamwork was germane to the Eagles’ victory against a resilient Sierra Leonian side.

    “It was a well-coordinated effort by the team from the goalkeeping, defence, midfield to the attacking departments.

    “I must particular commend Ezenwa for putting up a ‘man-of-the-match’ performance.

    “He was mountainous in goal and proved why he is ready for bigger tasks for the Super Eagles in future.

    “I hope the boys can continue playing like this and if they do, they will definitely be a handful for any other team in the tournament,” he said.

    Bala Mohammed, Technical Adviser of Niger Tornadoes FC said Rabiu Ali’s performance, among others, impressed him the most.

    “Ali is a sure stopper when he gets his bearing in games.

    “He was at the heart of the Eagles’ positive moves and linked up well with his wicked passes, just the way he does for Kano Pillars.

    “Also, Osas Okoro and Chima Akas were always venturing forward and looking to provide support to the attackers.

    “They provided width to the tactical system of the Super Eagles and weren’t found wanting.

    “Okoro’s free kick was a typical “Television Goal” and he started the move that resulted in the second goal of the game.

    “With this kind of performance, I think the boys will go very far in the tournament,” he said.

    Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu of MFM FC praised Coach Salisu Yusuf for his tactical and technical prowess which saw the game turn on its head.

    He explained that the positive substitutions made by the coach was unprecedented, noting that a difficult game was always won from the bench.

    “The trio of Peter Eneji, Ubong Friday and Gabriel Okechukwu read a script dished out by Yusuf Salisu and acted it perfectly.

    “The three attackers were menacing when they were thrown into the fray and that was the antidote needed to deal with such games.

    “Kudos to the team for a hard-fought victory,” he said.

    Dele Johnson, Coach of Henfield FC, Abuja said he was impressed by team’s style of play, adding that they made football look beautiful to watch.

    “The team played a fluid and interesting game and the goal by Peter Eneji was a sweeping team move. Tic tac, sexy football, one touch game and whoops it landed at the back of the net.

    “It was a one time finish from Eneji, who curled a low shot beyond the stranded keeper.

    “The Plateau United man reminded fans of the predatory abilities of the late Rashidi Yekini with his goal poacher’s effort.

    “Keep it up guys and keep flying the country’s flag high,” he advised.

  • Jammeh, family leave for exile in Guinea

    Jammeh, family leave for exile in Guinea

    •Says love of Gambia made him leave
    •Barrow to set up truth commission

    Former Gambia President Yayah Jammeh yesterday departed his official abode of the last 22 years, the Banjul State House, to start a new life in exile.
    His first destination was nearby Conakry, Guinea, whose President Alpha Conde and  Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, spent much of Friday with him in Banjul to trash out issues like where  he would live and whether he could be offered amnesty for alleged crimes committed during his years in power.
    Yesterday morning, the disgraced leader took to the air to address Gambians on his next move after turning down earlier persuasions to accept the result of last month’s election and leave office.
    As Jammeh spoke, the new President Adama Barrow said in nearby Senegal from where he will move to Banjul that he will set up a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate the alleged human rights abuses of Jammeh’s regime.
    But Barrow explained that it is too soon to say whether the former president could face trial at the International Criminal Court or elsewhere.
    Jammeh in his broadcast claimed that he decided to give up power because of his commitment to the security and peace of the country.
    His words: “All this while, as a Muslim and a patriot, I believe it is not necessary that a single drop of blood be shed.
    “Since the beginning of this political impasse that our dear nation is going through, I promised before Allah Subhuana Wa Ta Allah and the entire nation that all the issues we currently face would be resolved peacefully.
    “I am indeed thankful to Allah Subhuana Wa Ta Allah that up till now, not a single casualty has been registered.
    “I believe in the importance of dialogue and in the capacity of Africans to resolve among themselves all the challenges in the way towards democracy, economic and social development.
    “It is as a result of this that I have decided to, in good conscience, relinquish the mantle of leadership of this great nation with infinite gratitude to all Gambians – women, children, youth and men – and friends of the Gambia who have supported me for 22 years in the building of a modern Gambia.
    “Above all, the independence of the free and proud people of the Gambia, and I will always, together with you, defend this independence that we so dearly fought for and worked for.”
    He said his decision to quit was “not dictated by anything else but by the supreme interest of you, the Gambian people and our dear country.”
    With him as he was driven out of the State House were his mother, wife Zainab, son Mohammed and President Conde,according to Agence de Presse Africaine (APA).
    It said a Mauritanian plane was on standby to take Jammeh and his entourage away.
    It was not immediately clear whether his stay in Guinea will be permanent.
    The BBC reported at 10.30 last night that the plane had taken off for Guinea with Jammeh,his family and President Conte on board.
    An anti-Jammeh website, freedomradio, reported yesterday that Jammeh’s supporters “appeared sad and distressed” as he made to leave town.
    It added: “The airport is a ghost airport today (yesterday). Jammeh and his enablers are crying.
    “Yahya Jammeh is history. He was booed while leaving town. His supporters have all gone into hiding.
    “The end of Jammeh has become a sad story. All his so called loyalists have abandoned him.”
    However, Barrow in an interview in Dakar, Senegal  said:”We aren’t talking about prosecution here.
    “We are talking about getting a truth and reconciliation commission.
    “Before you can act, you have to get the truth, to get the facts together.”
    Barrow also said yesterday that he would be returning to his country on the completion of the on-going security sweep.

  • NAICOM approves Guinea’s 2015 accounts

    NAICOM approves Guinea’s 2015 accounts

    Guinea Insurance Plc has got the nod of the regulatory body, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) on its 2015 annual financial reports and accounts.

    This was made known in a statement in Lagos by Guinea’s Team Lead, Corporate Communications, Ufot Hanson.

    According to the statement, the company will soon host the 58th edition of the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), following the approval.

    It stated that in spite of the daunting challenges in the operating environment, it has remained focused and true to its ideals of becoming an insurer of first choice.

    It reads: “We are alive to our responsibilities of consolidating and strategically growing market share through decisive long-term investments and customer engagement initiatives.

    “We will determinedly build capacity, explore opportunities within the industry and strategically set our internal processes on the path of returning to profitability.”

    The company further reassured stakeholders that the newly appointed crop of eminent Nigerians and professionals as members of the Board of Directors will set a growth agenda aimed at positioning the company on a higher pedestal to further propel confidence, equitable service delivery and offer gratifying returns on investments to stakeholders.

  • River Niger drying up, warns Federal Govt

    The Federal Government has raised the alarm that the River Niger is drying up.

     

    To save the river from the fate that befell Lake Chad, the Federal Government along with countries bordering the River Niger has approved the environmental audit of the river.

     

    Addressing journalists at the end of the 6th Annual Meeting of African Organization do Supreme Audit Institutions Working Group on Environmental Audit (AFROSAI WGEA) in Abuja on Tuesday on the development, the Acting Auditor of the Federation (AuGF) Mrs Florence Anyanwu confirmed that that River Niger was drying up.

     

    She noted that countries bordering the river have approved the environmental audit of the river and that commencement of the audit of one of the longest rivers in Africa will begin at the end of the meeting in Abuja.

     

    According to Anyanwu, “talks are ongoing on the cooperative environmental audit project on River Niger by Niger Basin Authority consisting of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’ Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Nigeria.”

     

    She lamented that the drying up of the River Niger posed social, environmental and economic treat to the communities bordering the river.

     

    When completed, the environmental audit of River Niger will afford the governments the information they need to save the river from further deterioration as well as ensure its continued benefit to bordering communities.

     

    With regards to Lake Chad that has significantly lost a large portion of it body of water, the chair of the AFROSAI WGEA, Mrs Mbah Acha Rose Fomundam said the environmental audit report of the Lake Chad has been sent to the governments of the four countries surrounding the lake to come up with laws to save the river from total evaporation.

     

    Lake Chad is a shallow lake that ordinarily should be fed with constant rain but environmental challenges have seen the lake suffer from sustained drop in the volume of rain fall feeding the lake and a growing population that depends on the lake for water, fishing and agriculture.

     

    Fomundam noted that “despite the signing of multilateral agreements on the environment and established institutions, current scientific studies reveal that many of the planet’s ecosystems have rapidly deteriorated over the last 20 years.”

     

    She added that “citizens have increasingly expected that organizations that hurt the environment be held accountable for their actions, with many citizens feeling that government declarations concerning the environment and sustainable development should be subject to independent audits to assess the extent to which they are implemented.”

     

    In her address the minister of environment Mrs Amina Mohammed said “environmental auditing is an essential component of sustainable environmental management as it provides the mechanism for allowing government to know what has gone wrong over time and highlights the need for urgent policy action.”

     

    She added that “our environment is our sustenance and unless we care for our environment, our lives will be at risk. Unless we have a clear knowledge of what is happening to our environment, we may not be able to make appropriate policies for sustainable environmental management

     

  • Guinea partners CIIN on fitness walk

    Guinea Insurance Plc (GI) in its resolve to support the need for people to keep fit and healthy, has partnered the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) in its Street Presence exercise held in Lagos.

    The company’s acting Managing Director, Mrs. Isioma Omoshie made this known in a statement made available to reporters.

    She stated that the company hosted the pre-walk reception of the institute’s members at its Corporate head office at Jibowu, where the pre-walk aerobic exercise and health tips were conducted shortly before the Street Presence exercise began to the destination point – Niger Insurance Plc House, Anthony bus-stop.

    She said the institute observed that the urban lifestyles of members dissuade them from engaging in any form of physical exercise which in effect has triggered poor health and low quality of life hence, the need to awaken interests and participation.

    She stated that the company is committed to rekindling the true spirit of sportsmanship and fostering national unity through interactions among industry players and analysts.

  • Guinea appoints directors

    Guinea Insurance Plc has appointed five directors. They are Anthony Achebe, Alhaji Hassan Dantata, Simon Bolaji, Osita Chidoka, Emeka Uzoukwu and Dr. Mohammed Tahir Attahir.

    This is coming on the heels of the retirement of the company’s Chairman, Emeka Offor and four non-executive directors, namely, Fred Udechukwu, Eze Smart Nze, Prof. E.L.C. Nnabuife and Emeka Agusiobo from the Board from March 23, this year.

    This was made known in a statement in Lagos.

    According to him, the Board returned Alhaji A. O. Kadiri as  director of the company.

    The statement reads in part: “The company has positioned itself to go with the current tide of structural and operational changes in the insurance industry and has therefore, moved to ensure sound business practice and effective compliance with all statutory requirements and the code of good corporate governance as stipulated in section 5.04 (vii) of the 2009 Corporate Governance Code of NAICOM.

    “Consequently, Sir Emeka Offor (Chairman) and four Non-Executive Directors namely, Mr. Fred Udechukwu, HRH Eze Smart Nze, Prof. E.L.C. Nnabuife and Engr. Emeka Agusiobo retired from the Board of the company.

    “The Board also approved the appointments of: Mr. Anthony Achebe, Alhaji Hassan Dantata, Simon Bolaji, Chief Osita Chidoka, Mr. Emeka Uzoukwu, Dr. Mohammed Tahir Attahir as Non-Executive Directors while Alhaji A.O. Kadiri was returned as the Independent Director of the company.

    ‘’Mr Godson Ugochukwu was also appointed Chairman of the company to replace Sir Emeka Offor.’’

  • Maritime policy: Buhari leads security team to Guinea

    To achieve greater security of lives, resources and investments in all parts of the country and its sub-region, President Muhammadu Buhari will travel to Malabo on Monday for talks with President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea.

    The talks will centre on measures to protect the people and resources of the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea.

    The conclusion and signing of an agreement by Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea for the establishment of a combined maritime policing and security patrol committee on Tuesday is expected to be the major outcome of President Buhari’s talks with his host.

    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said that President Buhari and President Mbasogo are also expected to discuss and agree on other collaborative measures to combat crimes such as piracy, crude oil theft, attacks on oil rigs, arms smuggling and human trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea.

    Both leaders will also confer on the rescheduling of the joint summit of the Economic Community of West African States and the Economic Community of Central African States on additional cooperative measures to curb terrorism and violent extremism in West and Central Africa.

    The summit was to have been hosted by Equatorial Guinea last year but was postponed because of Nigeria’s general elections.

    In accordance with the main focus and agenda of the trip, President Buhari will be accompanied by the Minister of Defence, Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd.), the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.) and other senior security officials.

    He is scheduled to return to Abuja on Tuesday.

  • THANKGOD TO CHAN EAGLES: Overun Guinea with goals

    THANKGOD TO CHAN EAGLES: Overun Guinea with goals

    Enyimba’S new player, Ike ThankGod has turned prayer warrior ahead of  the Eagles tie against Guinea on Tuesday in Rabavu. Although the former Heartland ace, who recently pitched tent with the Aba landlords is not part of the Chan Eagles in Rwanda, his patrotic zeal will not allow him to face another side when his country men are battling for honours.

    The former Warri Wolves player in a chat with  Sportinglife online, said only a win or at worse a draw can push the Eagles to the next stage.

    “I am praying for the team, we just have to win that game against Guinea or at worse pull a draw,” he said

    ThankGod, who is part of the Peoples Elephant squad currently in Kaduna for the first phase of the Super 4, thanked God that the recent attack on the team by dare devil armed robbers did not result in injuries .

    “We are really grateful to God for saving our lives I pray God to give us peace and security in this country,” he added

    Currently with a minor injury, ThankGod is hoping to be as fit as a fiddle to savour his new opportunity to team up with the two time champions league heroes to gun for a third title.

    He, however, appealed to his former club, Warri Wolves to settle his unpaid sign on fees and bonus.

    “They are oweing me sign on fees and  bonus. I believe a labourer deserves his wages and I would appreciate being paid according because I worked for it,”he said.

  • Ebola: CAF lifts ban on Guinea

    Ebola: CAF lifts ban on Guinea

    The Confederation of African Football on Monday cleared Guinea to host international matches again after being declared free of the Ebola virus.

    “CAF has learned with joy and relief the announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 29, 2015, officially confirming that Guinea is now declared Ebola free. CAF thereby confirms lifting the ban on the organization of continental matches in Guinea, and for all competitions organized by CAF,” africanFootball.com quoted CAF General Secretary, Hicham El Amrani, as saying in a letter addressed to the president of the Guinean Football Federation, Salifou Camara.