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  • Egypt join Nigeria in qualifying, after beating Congo

    Egypt join Nigeria in qualifying, after beating Congo

    Egypt qualified for the 2018 World Cup finals after beating Congo 2-1 in a game which finished with nail-biting moments on Sunday in Alexandria.

    Egypt won after a penalty kick scored in the fifth minute of second half added time to reach the World Cup for the first time in over a quarter of a century.

    Liverpool FC star Mohamed Salah was the Egyptian hero, scoring both goals in a win that qualified them for their third finals, and the first since 1990.

    The euphoria was intense since Arnold Bouka-Moutou had stunned the hosts when equalising for Congo after 88 minutes.

    But the Egyptians’ World Cup hoodoo ended as Salah held his nerve late on.

    His dramatic winner sparked wild scenes of celebration both on and off the pitch.

    Several players and fans took to the field to celebrate while supporters wept with joy in the packed stands.

    Salah had broken the deadlock just after the hour on a tense night in Alexandria as he latched on to Mohamed El Nenny’s pass before poking home from close range.

    But an energised stadium was flattened just minutes from full time when Bouka-Moutou ghosted in at the far post to slam a volley home past Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.

    Hopes were raised as five minutes of stoppage time were indicated and in the penultimate of these, Egypt were awarded a penalty kick.

    Salah coolly sent the Congo keeper the wrong way to spark a night of celebrations across Egypt and end the record seven-time African champions’ poor World Cup record.

    In the three decades since their last World Cup appearance, Egypt have won four Africa Cup of Nations titles, and these were in 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010.

    But they have never taken that form into World Cup qualifying.

    They had suffered repeated heart-break instead, with one of the most painful defeats coming in 2009 when they lost a bitterly-contested play-off against Algeria.

    The desperation to qualify ahead of the game was so great that Egypt’s Argentinian coach Hector Cuper admitted he was taking medication for high blood pressure.

    The victory gives Egypt an unassailable four-point lead over Uganda in Group E, with one round of fixtures left, while Ghana’s dreams also ended.

    The Egyptians are now the second African team to reach the finals after Nigeria went through on Saturday, with the continent’s remaining three places to be decided in November.

    Their qualification could be of great benefit to goalkeeper El Hadary who could become the oldest player at a World Cup ever if he plays next year.

    The record was set by Colombian goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon who played at the age of 43 at the 2014 World Cup, while El Hadary turns 45 next year.

    Earlier this year, the North Africans — whose first World Cup appearance was way back in 1934 — had finished runners-up at the Africa Cup of Nations.

    NAN

  • Mrs Buhari condoles with family of late Mukhtar

    Mrs Buhari condoles with family of late Mukhtar

    The Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has on Sunday condoled with the family of the late retired Air Vice Marshal Mukhtar Mohammed, who died in London at the age of 73 after a protracted illness.

    Mrs Buhari described the late former Military Governor of the old Kaduna State and Wazirin Dutse as a detribalised Nigerian.

    She that said his demise was a great loss to the Buhari family and the nation.

    She prayed Almighty God to grant him paradise and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    The wife of the president recalled that in 2003 when President Muhammadu Buhari joined party politics, he toured the country alongside the late Mukhtar.

    Mrs Buhari, who landed at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport at the 3:20 p.m., was received by Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje alongside his Wife, Dr Hafsat Ganduje.

    She was also received at the late AVM Mukhtar’s residence by the Wife of former Head of State, Mrs Ajoke Murtala Muhammad and the Wife of the deceased, Mrs Rabi Mukhtar.

    Mrs Buhari was accompanied by the Wife of Borno Governor, Mrs Nana Shettima; Wife of Nasarawa State Governor, Dr Mairo Al-Makura; Wife of Benue Governor, Mrs Eunice Ortom; Wife of Kogi Governor, Mrs Rashidat Bello; Wife of Zamfara Governor, Mrs Asma’u Yari, among others.

    The Coordinator of the Buhari Women Organisation, Marry Ita, described the deceased as a loyal and committed Patriot who contributed immensely to the Buhari organisation.

    Ita, therefore, prayed to God to grant the late military officer Paradise.

    The late AVM Mukhtar was born on Nov.11, 1944, in Dutse, the present capital of Jigawa.

    The late Wazirin Dutse was a one-time Minister of Housing and Urban Development and was a member of the defunct Supreme Military Council.

    The deceased was untill his death, the Chairman, Board of Directors of Freedom Radio, a private Radio station in Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa states.

    The wife of the President also commiserated with the family of late Alhaji Ali Dan-Maraya who died recently in Kano.

    Dan-Maraya was, until his death, the Vice Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.

    Mrs Buhari prayed Almighty God to grant him Paradise

    NAN

  • Gov. Ahmed urges Eagles to start early preparations

    Gov. Ahmed urges Eagles to start early preparations

    Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has called on the Super Eagles to commence preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup scheduled for June in Russia in earnest.

    A statement by Ahmed’s Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, disclosed that the governor on Sunday in Ilorin also congratulated the Super Eagles for qualifying for Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.

    According to it, Ahmed said Eagles’ qualification has once more demonstrated the nation’s strength in football, which made Nigeria the first African country to qualify for the tournament in Russia.

    The Super Eagles qualified for their 6th World Cup appearance with a match to spare after beating Zambia 1-0 in Uyo on Saturday.

    Gov. Ahmed commended the players for their doggedness and determination to fly Nigeria’s flag at the competition.

    “The Super Eagles should commence preparations for the World Cup immediately, so that Nigeria won’t just make up the number at the biggest football fiesta, but further make Africa proud,” he added.

    The governor however urged the Federal Government to monitor strictly the team’s preparation for the World Cup because of the unity sports generally brings to Nigerians.

    He also promised to further make the state enabling for sports development.

    Ahmed pledged to renovate the state’s indoor sports hall to world standard before the end of his tenure.

    NAN

  • Kante ruled out of France’s final qualifier

    Kante ruled out of France’s final qualifier

    Chelsea midfielder N‘Golo Kante has been ruled out of France’s final 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at home to Belarus on Tuesday due to a muscle injury.

    National team coach Didier Deschamps disclosed this after Kante limped off shortly after half an hour and was replaced by Adrien Rabiot during France’s 1-0 away win over Bulgaria on Saturday.

    The 1998 champions have now moved within touching distance of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Russia.

    “I can’t count on him for the next game. It’s a muscular problem behind the thigh,“ Deschamps said. ”Kante and Rabiot pretty much swapped. It is fixed for Tuesday.

    “N‘Golo had a crucial part to play, obviously. After N‘Golo’s injury, Adrien Rabiot came on in the same role, maybe not with the same quality as N‘Golo.”

    Les Bleus lead Group A with 20 points, one ahead of Sweden, and will qualify directly for the World Cup if they beat Belarus.

    NAN

  • Interesting tips about Zobo, Roselle drink

    Interesting tips about Zobo, Roselle drink

    Today, we will be learning about one of Nigeria’s popular drinks, family beverage and our very own local Chapman; Roselle drinks and also known as Hibiscus tea is popularly known as zobo in Nigeria.

    Zobo drink is one of Nigeria’s popular drinks made from dried Roselle plant flowers. The drink is also as Roselle drink. It is mostly prepared at home as family beverage drink and also as refreshment in parties and get-togethers.

    Ingredients for 5 litres of Zobo drink:

    You can get more with the same quantity of ingredients depending on the concentration you want. If you will be using artificial flavours, you might want to add more water.

    2 De Rica cups of dry Zobo leaves

    1 clove of garlic

    1 big piece of ginger

    1 big, very ripe pineapple

    Enough water

    Preparation:

    Zobo leaves are usually very dusty, so make sure you wash off the dust thoroughly. It will seem like all the flavours/colour of the zobo are being washed off but don’t worry, you would be impressed to find out that the leaves still have a lot of the colour intact when you start boiling it.

    Wash, peel and cut the pineapple into thin slices. Some people add the peel of the pineapple when making the zobo drink but I don’t do this, simply because I always think that dirt sticks to the peels of pineapples.

    Similarly, peel and cut the ginger and garlic into tiny pieces.

    DIRECTIONS

    1. Put the washed zobo leaves into a deep pot.
    2. Add the pineapples and pour enough hot water to consume the contents of the pot and then some garlic at this initial stage.
    3. Start cooking at medium to high heat and let it boil for about 5 minutes.
    4. Now, add the ginger and the garlic, more water and keep boiling for the next 30 minutes. This is the actual time it would take for the zobo leaves to be completely soft and the pineapples tender.
    5. Turn off the heat and set the pot aside to cool down completely.
    6. When cool, wring out the juice from the pineapples and zobo leaves, leaving only the zobo juice in the pot.
    7. Pour the juice through a sieve to take out the remaining large particles then pour it through a chiffon cloth to remove the tiniest particles.
    8. Add any artificial flavour of your choice at this time and stir.
    9. Pour into bottles and refrigerate. Your Roselle drinks is ready but remember that it is best-served chill.
    Finally, serve with ice and sliced fruits. Enjoy with any snack of your choice.

  • Court docks man for cable theft

    Court docks man for cable theft

    A 28-year-old mechanic, Ahmed Abubakar, on Friday appeared in a Kuje Upper Area Court in the Federal Capital Territory, for allegedly stealing electrical cables belonging to a widow.

    The defendant, of no fixed address, is facing a three-count charge of criminal trespass, mischief and theft.

    The prosecutor, Maria Olagunkoye, told the court that the offences were committed on Sept. 10.

    She said that the complainant, Ruben Timothy, a security man attached to Enal Primary School, reported the crime at the Kuje Police Station on the same date.

    According to her, Abubakar entered an uncompleted building and stole the electrical cables.

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Sections 342, 326 and 287 of the Penal Code.

    The judge, Malam Abdullahi Abdulkareem, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N20, 000, with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case until Oct. 31 for further hearing.

    NAN

  • ‘Anambra needs change in leadership’

    ‘Anambra needs change in leadership’

    Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, former President of Nigeria Union, South Africa, says Anambra needs a change in leadership to take the state to greater heights.

    He spoke against the backdrop of the governorship election in Anambra which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Nov. 18.

    Anyene told reporters on telephone from Pretoria, South Africa on Friday that the people of the state had the right to choose a leader that would satisfy their yearnings.

    He said that the people should come out on the Election Day and make the choice of candidate to steer the state.

    Anyene said that from analysis, Mr Oseloka Obazee, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate had potential to move the state forward.

    “As Secretary to the State Government, Obazee assisted in the building of a new Anambra State under the leadership of former governor, Mr Peter Obi.

    “Given his experience as a tested administrator, he will deliver because he has the pedigree.

    “The choice of Chidi Onyemelukwe, as deputy gubernatorial candidate is a good combination that will move the state forward,” Anyene said.

    He urged the candidates to focus on issues and expected quality service to the people.

    “The parties and their candidates should talk less on individuals or character assassination. Anambra is matured enough to have credible leaders.

    “They should focus on issues that will impact positively on the masses.

    “ I also appeal to the people to make the right choice by coming out to vote on the Election Day,” Anyene said.

    NAN

  • Fashola to represent Buhari at Nigeria, Zambia match

    Fashola to represent Buhari at Nigeria, Zambia match

    Mr Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, will represent President Muhammadu Buhari at Saturday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying showdown between Nigeria and Zambia in Uyo.

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) made the disclosure in a statement by Ademola Olajire, its spokesman, saying it learnt on Friday morning that Fashola would fly into Akwa Ibom on Saturday.

    He noted that Fashola, a former governor of Lagos State, frequently hosted the grand finale of the Federation Cup (now AITEO Cup) competition and was a notable football enthusiast.

    The NFF spokesman said that top officials had also confirmed that the President of the Senate, Sen. Bukola Saraki, Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung would be in attendance.

    “The Chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Sports, Sen. Obinna Ogba and Rep. Goni Bukar Lawan will also be guests at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

    “The host, Gov. Udom Emmanuel and members of the Akwa Ibom Cabinet, NOC President Habu Gumel and Members of the NFF Executive Committee and Management will also be present,’’ he said.

    Nigeria is three points ahead of second-placed Zambia going into the penultimate day of the African qualifiers.

    The Super Eagles require only the minimum win against the Chipolopolo on Saturday to join 10 other nations that have already qualified for the 32-team football showpiece in Russia in 2018.

    NAN

  • Kaduna SIECOM postpones LG elections indefinitely

    Kaduna SIECOM postpones LG elections indefinitely

    The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission ( Kad -SIECON ) on Friday announced the indefinite suspension of local government elections earlier slated to hold on December 30.

    The Chairperson of the commission, Saratu Dikko made the announcement after an emergency meeting with the state House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary in Kaduna.

    “The elections have been postponed,’’ she told newsmen after the meeting.

    According to her, the postponement was necessary as the assembly has not passed the new law to guide the election.

    “So when the law is passed and signed into law by the governor we will make a new announcement on the election,’’ she said.

    Also, Chairman of the committee, Mr Kantiok Ishaku, said it was erroneous for the commission to announce a date for local council elections when the assembly had not concluded work on the law for the election.

    “We have told them to tarry a while until the necessary amendment to the Independent Electoral Commission Law of 2012 is concluded,’’ the chairman said.

    NAN

  • Niger updates death toll from militant attack to 7

    Niger updates death toll from militant attack to 7

    Four Nigerien troops and three U.S. soldiers were killed in an attack earlier this week in southwest Niger near the border with Mali, the Defense Ministry said on Friday.

    The ministry updated the casualty figures from the ambush on Thursday, adding the death toll of their own forces to the three soldiers already named by the U.S. side.

    Eight other Nigeriens were wounded, as were two members of the U.S. forces who are providing training to the Nigerien Army on combating extremists in the region.

    The joint patrol was ambushed by terrorist elements in a dozen vehicles and on 20 motorbikes,” Niger’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.

    Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou said in an earlier address that the terrorist attack had claimed “a significant number of victims.”

    “Our country has once again been the victim of an attack by terrorist groups,’’ Issoufou said in a speech on Thursday at the opening of an economic forum in the capital Naimey.

    The U.S. Africa Command has said their two injured servicemen have been evacuated to Germany for medical treatment.

    The attack took place around 200 kilometres north of Niamey, near the border with Mali, where the terrorist group al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb is active.

    NAN