The Nation Newspaper

Tag: shine

  • Kalu Ikeagwu, Chioma Akpotha shine in Musical Whispers

    Kalu Ikeagwu, Chioma Akpotha shine in Musical Whispers

    Nollywood producer Ebele Okaro Onyuike has released a new  movie titled Musical Whispers.

    The movie, which will be premiered on May 30, centres on people living with autism in the society. It preaches the need for love, care and affection for the sufferers, instead of abandonment and resentment.

    In the movie, David (Kalu Ikeagwu) and Agatha Uche (Chioma Akpotha) are blessed with a son, David Junior, who has autism, a condition that is characterised by impaired development in communication, social interaction and behaviour.

    Agatha spends all her time as a mother trying to give her son the greatest love that money can’t buy and ensures he grows up to be independent. However, her husband is frustrated with the demands and distractions that come with his son’s medical challenge.  So, he eventually walks out on his family out of frustration. While this plays out, Agatha losses her job. With the support of an older friend, Jasmine (Ebele Okaro Onyiuke) and the coming of a wannabe musician Terry, they introduce Junior into music, where his talent for singing blossoms beyond the imagination of all.

    “The message of Musical Whispers to the whole world is to create awareness on the disorder called autism. It is to also create and encourage strong family love and support that, in turn, brings out everyone’s true potential. No human should be considered useless, irrespective of his or her mental or physical challenges,” said the producer.

    According to the producers, Musical Whispers was shot in Lagos and directed by the former president of Directors Guild of Nigeria (BON), Bond Emerua. The Director of Photography (DOP) was by Ayo Johnson.

    The movie stars Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Victor Okenwa, Belinda Effa, Chikezie Uwazie and Chinedu Mbadiwe, with a special guest appearance by Raggae musician Orits Wiliki.

  • Emenike: Eagles will return to shine in Brazil

    Emenike: Eagles will return to shine in Brazil

    Emmanuel Emenike has vowed that Nigeria will shine at next year’s World Cup after they exited in the first round of the Confederations Cup.

    The absence of the 2013 AFCON hot-shot from the FIFA Confederations Cup has been a major talking point due to the poor finishing that led to the team’s ouster.

    The Spartak Moscow striker, who is back and fully fit from a knee injury, said he hopes to return with a good performance for his club and also lead Nigeria back to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup.

    “We will return to Brazil next year for the World Cup,” Emenike told MTNFootball.com

    “My heart was with the team in Brazil, but I could not help them because I was out injured.

    “This is not the time to blame anybody or the team for the ouster. Our elimination from the Confederations Cup will only make the team come back stronger for the World Cup.”

    The striker added: “We don’t need to blame the team or crucify any player, I believe this will be a blessing in disguise for us when we return to take the world by storm.

    “By now, everybody must have seen their lapses and that is why there must be continuity for the team to make the necessary corrections in subsequent games.

    “My target now is to return to my best when the league resumes in July.

    “I know what my club expects of me and I will not hesitate to give them everything, I have to compete for major honours both in Russia and the UEFA Europa League.”

    He again pledged his loyalty to Spartak.

    “When you are injured for a long time and your club show you love, that means you are needed when you return, and not only just needed for you to complete the 11 players on the pitch but to give them what they know you can do,” he told MTNFootball.com.

    “I am happy to be back and I am looking forward to bigger things with both Spartak and my country.”

     

  • FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP: Mikel, Moses shine as Chelsea hit final

    FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP: Mikel, Moses shine as Chelsea hit final

    With less than 37 days to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa, Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses seemed to have tied down a place in the Super Eagles squad after their performance ensured Chelsea cruised to a 3-1 win over Mexico’s Monterrey in Thursday’s semi-final to secure their first-ever appearance at the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.

    While Mikel lasted for all 90 minutes, Victor Moses came off the bench to replace Fernando Torres in the 79th minute and almost came close to scoring but was caught off side in two attempts.

    Spain’s Juan Mata’s 17th minute strike sent the English side in front to record his 7th goal in the Blues’ colors in his side’s 2012/2013 campaign.

    The Spanish midfielder’s goal was the only goal of the first half but on resuming the second half, rejuvenated compatriot Torres who’s got back to scoring ways added Chelsea’s second one minute into the second half before Darvin Charvez committed an own goal to increase the tally to 3-0 two minutes later.

    De Nigris struck late in the one minute added time interval to salvage some pride and end the game at 3-1 score line.

    Monterrey brought on Osorio for Sergio in the 57th minute and his introduction saw the Mexican side delivering some fantastic displays better than their first half performance. However the closest they came to scoring was in the 70th minute but Chelsea’s Peter Czech denied their effort with a fine save. Carreno came off for Cesar while Solis replaced Meza all in the 83rd minute.

    Chelsea made three substitutes that saw David Luiz making way for Frank Lampard in the 63rd minute, Mata for Paulo Ferreira in the 74th minute and finally Moses for Torres 11 minutes from normal time.

    The result means Chelsea are through to the finals and will face Brazil’s Corinthians who defeated Al Ahly to book their final ticket on Sunday.

    Africa’s Al Ahly will thus battle Monterrey for the 3rd place spot in the Losers’ final.

  • BATTLE OF BAMAKO ‘Eaglets would shine against Mali’

    BATTLE OF BAMAKO ‘Eaglets would shine against Mali’

    WITH A two-goal advantage and two weeks of intensive preparations in Calabar, Abuja and Bamako, coach Manu Garba (MFR) has said that the Golden Eaglets would make hay and sun under the sunny Bamako weather against Mali today to qualify for the 2013 African Under-17 Championship.

    Today’s game between the Junior Eagles and Golden Eaglets at the Stade Mamadou Konate will kick off at 3:30pm local time(4:30pm Nigerian time) with Guinean officials led by 34-year-old Ahmed Toure to take charge as the centre referee.

    Coach Manu has said that his wards would take over the reins of the match from the blast of the whistle as no quarter would be given to the Malians.

    The Malians attributed their 2-0 loss a fortnight ago to fatigue occasioned by poor travel arrangement as well as peppered sauce in their food in Calabar but Garba has enthused that the Nigerian young guys are desirous of rubbing pepper to the Malian injury! “Football is not magic but scientific and it was obvious that we were the better side when we met in Calabar but that is immaterial now,” Manu said after being pressed to preview the match.”Our objective remains the same: win all our qualifying matches and by the grace of God, we shall overcome Mali.”

    Garba Would most likely field an identical starting line-up with the main stay of the team being goalkeeper Adeyinka Adewale, Friday Njengo, Mustapha Abdullahi, Izu Omego, Musa Mohammed, Wilfred Ndidi, Jide Idowu, Ifeanyi Matthew, Ibrahim Alhassan, Kelechi Iheanacho and Success Isaac.

    These lads have secured five victories in as many qualifying matches and Garba is hopeful that a six-record victory is within the reach of the Golden Eaglets.

    He said:” Sunday’s (today) match is our life jacket and the players are very much aware of this that we must beat Mali.

  • Okocha, Siasia shine in Oritsejafor’s tourney

    Okocha, Siasia shine in Oritsejafor’s tourney

    Former Super Eagles stars Austin Okocha, Samson Siasia, Emmanuel Amunike, Babajide Oguntuwase and others thrilled a fairly large crowd that watched the Nigeria All Stars team’s 2-0 spanking of host team Delta All Stars in a novelty match played on Saturday at the Warri Township Stadium to mark the 40th Year Anniversary in Ministry of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor the founder and General Overseer of Word of Life Bible Church, Nigeria and Overseas.

    The football match organised by the Celebrant’s wife Pastor Mrs Helen Oritsejafor and former Super Eagles defence stalwart, Taribo West brought together the best ever assembled ex- Super Eagles stars which included Austin Eguavoen, Nduka Ugbade, Henry Nwosu, Friday Ekpo, Uche Okechukwu, Taribo West who captained his side, Emeka Ezeugo, Jide Oguntuwase , Mutiu Adepoju, Ozogula, Samson Siasia, Austin Okocha and Emmanuel Amunike.

    As expected former Eagles Captain, Austin Okocha thrilled the fans in Warri with his football skills and artistry while combining effectively with Henry Nwosu and Mutiu Adepoju in the engine room of the team. It was one of his the defence splitting passes that freed Oguntuwase for the first goal in the fourth minute.

    Hard working Amunike scored the second goal in the seventh minute of the second half. All efforts by the Edema Fuludu-led Delta All Stars to come back from defeat in the 40 minutes game was to no avail as the match ended in 2-0.

    Speaking after the match former Super Eagles Chief Coach Samson Siasia revealed that: “This is a rare opportunity this game has afforded many of us to relate together like it used to be in those days when we played together. I really thank God for the life of Pastor Oritsejafor for what God has been using him to do for both the youths and the old in this nation. He has dedicated himself for over 40 years now for God’s work and he has made great impact in the lives of many in this country. I pray that God in His infinite mercies continue to prosper his life for His work.”

    Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West said: “Papa Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor is somebody I love with great passion and I am very fond of the family because he is my spiritual father. I discussed with his wife Mama to honour him in this great way for all he has done for mankind. He has touched numerous lives since serving the Lord Almighty God. It is a great privilege for me to bring these array of stars to Warri to honour a very great man whom I believe even deserves more than this. I am very happy that all went well to the glory of the Lord.”

    Austin Eguavoen, Nduka Ugbade, Henry Nwosu (Friday Ekpo 2nd half sub), Uche Okechukwu, Taribo West (Captain) (Emeka Ezeugo), Jide Oguntuwase (Emeka Ezeugo), Mutiu Adepoju, Ozogula (Samson Siasia 2nd half sub), Austin Okocha, Emmanuel Amunike

  • Efe Yarhere tip Rangers to shine

    Efe Yarhere tip Rangers to shine

    Enugu Rangers midfielder Efe Yarhere believes the Coal-City outfit will fly the country’s flag high in the 2012/13 CAF Champoins League and the Nigeria Premier League (NPL).

    The former Warri Wolves midfielder told SportingLife that the Flying Antelopes are eager to excel in Africa’s Premier Club competition.

    “We are prepared for the new challenge ahead of next season, the team spirit is high and every player in camp already knows that we will be playing in the continent this season,” he said.

    Speaking further, Efe admitted that he is fully committed to the Okey Emordi tutored-side, even as he was quick to add that Rangers will be the team to beat in both the NPL and the CAF Champions League.

    “We already know that NPL teams want to defeat Rangers, because it is a club with lots of historical facts and figures in Nigeria.

    “However, we are not under pressure to perform because we will treat every game as it comes,” Yahare added.

    Enugu Rangers and Kano Pillars will be representing the country in the CAF Champions League in the 2012/13 season. Meanwhile, players of Enugu Rangers are already back in camp ahead of the forthcoming NPL season and will soon heading to Nanka in Anambra state for their pre-season.

  • BATTLE OF CALABAR: Mikel: I’ll shine for Keshi

    BATTLE OF CALABAR: Mikel: I’ll shine for Keshi

    Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder, Mikel Obi, is set to play his best match for the Super Eagles as he has vowed to put up a dazzling display if fielded against the Lone Star of Liberia in the all-important 2013 Africa Nations Cup qualifier slated for Calabar next Saturday.

    “Mikel is fired up to help Nigeria qualify for the Nations Cup. He wants to correct the impression in some quarters that he is not committed to the Eagles like he is to Chelsea,” a source very close to the player and the team told SportingLife yesterday.

    “Another reason why Mikel would be in his best element on the day of the match is to compensate Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi for believing in him as well as accepting his excuses for being absent from the previous matches for Eagles”, the source added.

    Mikel had excused himself from the first leg match played in Monrovia claiming that his doctor advised him against playing on artificial turf when it was first rumoured that the first leg of the match was to be played on astro turf in Liberia.