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Tag: stops

  • Finance minister stops NHIS from investing N25b

    Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun has stopped the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) from investing about N25billion.

    Based on what he inherited from his predecessor, Acting Executive Secretary Attahiru Ibrahim, the  Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer of the NHIS Prof. Usman Yusuf, has proposed an investment of N25billion to N30billion from the scheme’s funds.

    Yusuf presented the investment plan to the NHIS Governing Council, which is yet to be convinced.

    But with over N138billion NHIS cash trapped in 17 banks and financial companies as well as in individuals’ pockets from January 2011 to date, the Federal Government is not disposed to such an investment.

    The minister also said investing the cash will amount to a violation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy.

    There have been issues between the Governing Council and the NHIS boss on the planned investments.

    The NHIS boss presented an approval given to his predecessor to invest the cash but the boss was in possession of a follow-up memo from the minister stopping the investment.

    A source said: “Both the Governing Council and the NHIS Executive Secretary are yet to agree on the investment of the funds.

    “The Council is insisting on compliance with the directives of the ministers of Finance and Health.

    “Our activities are almost being grounded. There is urgent need for intervention by the Federal Government to resolve the challenge at hand.

    “We also have about N138billion invested funds trapped. The crisis of confidence between the council and the NHIS must be urgently addressed. We got to this sorry state because the Minister of Health has been ignored by the NHIS management.”

    Although the investment was initially approved for the former Acting Executive Secretary, Attahiru Ibrahim, by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, in line with Part IV, Section 11.4 of the National Health Insurance Act, it was reversed.

    Following advice from the Minister of Finance, the decision to stop the investment was communicated to the NHIS by the Minister of Health.

    In a memo, the Minister of Finance said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had been advised to pay Treasury Bill rates on any residual funds in the TSA with the apex bank.

    The letter drew the NHIS’s chief’s attention to the Health Minister’s correspondence dated 18th August 2017 in which you gave approval to invest in Federal Government Securities (copy attached)”

    “This approval is in direct violation of the Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy and therefore should not be implemented.

    “The Central Bank Nigeria (CBN) has been advised to pay Treasury Bill rates on any residual balance held in TSA with CBN for Investment Trusts.”

    In a follow-up letter to NHIS, the Minister of Health said: “This is to inform you that the Honorable Minster of Finance has advised against the proposal to invest NHIS residual funds in securities. The approval of such investment, she stated, will be an indirect violation of the Government’s Treasury Single Accounts (TSA) policy.

    “ In view of the above, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been advised to pay Treasury Bill rates on any residual balance held in the TSA with CBN for Investment Trusts.

    “You are therefore directed to stop all actions and processes on the investment of NHlS residual funds in securities with immediate effect and approach CBN to facilitate the payment of interest on residual funds.”

    The NHIS Executive Secretary (ES) is banking on the initial approval given to the former Acting ES, Attahiru Ibrahim, by the Minister of Health.

    He is also relying on Section 11(3) of the NHIS Act to push for the investment of the funds.

    The initial approval  reads in part: “I refer you to the National Health Insurance Act (Part IV, Section 11.4 attached) reproduced below:

    “The Scheme shall invest any money not immediately required by it in Federal Government securities or in such other securities as the Council may, with the approval of the Minister, from time to time, determine.”

    It has come to my notice that the NHIS kept residual balance not immediately required for day-to-day operations idle in Treasury Single Account with the CBN. The sum has accumulated over the years and has become somewhat sterilised as you continue to hold it in cash thereby leading to erosion in value due to inflationary trends which currently stands at 16.1%.

    “Following from above and in order to arrest this value erosion of the NHIS funds, l hereby approve as follows:

    • Commence effective immediately; starting with the sum of N10 billion naira up to the tune of N50 billion naira investments in Federal Government Securities at prevailing market determined yields.
    • Engage the services of any of the regulatory bodies certified investment counter parties; Cowry Asset Management Limited, Finmal Securities Limited or Elixir Investment Partners Limited to advise on the investment options and seamlessly execute same.
    • The investment actions and the expected returns should be captured in your 2017 budget estimates

    “lt is my expectation that the returns on these investments will be used to fund part or all of the proposed interventions in the tertiary health institutions without depleting NHIS actual funds balance. I have taken the liberty to notify the Honourable Minister of Finance, Chairman Senate Committee on Health and Chairman House Committee on Health Services.

    Section 11(3) of the NHIS Act says: “The Scheme shall from time to time, apply the funds at its disposal

    (a) to the cost of the administration of the scheme;

    (1)) to the payment fees, allowances and benefits of members of the Council;

    (c) to the payment of salaries, allowances and benefits of officers and employees of the Scheme;

    (d) for the maintenance of any property vested in the Scheme or under its administration; and

    (e) for and in connection with the objectives of the Scheme under this Act

    “The Scheme shall invest any money not immediately required by it in Federal Government securities or in such other securities as the Council may, with the approval of the Minister from time to time, determine.”

  • NCC stops MTN from acquiring Visafone

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday halted moves by South African mobile giant MTN to acquire the only surviving Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operator, Visafone.

    It said the acquisition cannot be done without a public inquiry to enable stakeholders determine the future of Visafone in the overall interest of the industry.

    The regulator’s stance followed a heated debate on the matter by representatives of major telecoms firms in the country who made presentations during the stakeholders meeting at the NCC headquarters in Abuja.

    Present at the meeting were MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria Limited, Glo Mobile Nigeria, 9mobile Nigeria Limited and other operators.

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof Umar Garba  Danbatta, said the NCC as a regulatory body for the industry considered it imperative to hold the public inquiry to give room for active participation and deliberations  that would facilitate informed decision on the issue.

    He drew the attention of stakeholders to the enabling law which empowers NCC to take decision on the transfer of licence and resources, including the 800MHz Spectrum from Visafone Communications Limited to MTN Nigeria Communications Limited.

    Prof. Danbatta said: “The Commission seeks your active participation in the deliberations that would lead to an informed decision consistent with our mandate to create an enabling environment for effective competition in the industry as well as to ensure the provision of qualitative and efficient telecommunications services throughout the country.

    “As you may all be aware, the demand for spectrum has increased due to the emergence of disruptive innovations such as mobile broadband, web applications, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IOT) and the proliferation of smart devices among others.

    “Consequently, in order to reap the benefits of effective utilisation of spectrum as well as improve operational efficiency and regulatory excellence, the Commission in accordance with its mandate as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act NCA 2003 embarked on re-planning of some of its Frequency bands

    “Specifically in 2013 the commission re-planned the use of 800Mhz band to accommodate technology development in the telecom industry and new Frequency Assignments were conveyed to the operators according to their frequency holdings in the 800MHz band.

    “Visafone is one of such incumbents on the spectrum that got 10MHz FDD Assignments. Subsequent to the re-planning of the band, Visafone wrote to the Commission requesting for transfer of its licence including the 800MHz spectrum to MTN.”

    However, during their presentations, the representatives of Airtel and 9mobile opposed the plan to transfer the licence of Visafone to MTN , insisting that MTN already had over 38 per cent of spectrum holding in the industry.

    They argued that should the NCC concede to the transfer, the development would not only create a monopoly for MTN, but make competition difficult among industrial players while a lot of telecommunications companies would be permanently disadvantaged.

  • ARSENAL-IN-CRISIS: Life after football stops Wenger from walking away

    Arsene Wenger lives for football, and there’s nothing wrong with that. We all love the game; the thrills and exhilaration – what’s not to love?

    However, when does that obsession start becoming unhealthy? Probably at the point Wenger has reached now.

    He often watches back-to-back games at home after a long day at the club’s training ground. Wenger has been known to unwind, even after a night game, by – you guessed it – watching a game on the TV.

    Ask Wenger about a player; he’d have watched him. His knowledge of the modern game knows no bounds.

    If there’s an academy match at the training ground, invariably he’ll stay to watch it – long after the first-team squad have left for the day. That obsession doesn’t leave much time for anything else.

    He does eat out on occasion, South American restaurant El Vaquero in Whetstone is a personal favourite of his, but any relaxation time would be a mere pit stop. Wenger would soon be back to do something, absolutely anything, related to football.

    Even when the majority of his squad head off on international duty, Wenger often takes up a punditry role for French TV.

    During the working week he still arrives at the training ground at the crack of dawn; much to the detriment of weary-eyed journalists who arrive at London Colney as early as 8.15am for Wenger’s press briefings.

    When he leaves Arsenal, a scenario which is looking increasingly likely to take place at the end of the season, Wenger has already confided in those close to him that he will look to continue working.

    At the age of 68, surely it’s time for the Wenger to retire? No chance. He lives and breathes football. There’s not much time for anything else.

    If Wenger does leave this summer, the Frenchman will look for his next opportunity to get involved in the game he loves so dearly.

    In many ways his dedication to the job should be applauded, but on the other hand, it is his infatuation with football that is depriving the football club he loves so dearly of moving forward.

  • Court stops EFCC from probing Ekiti finances

    Court stops EFCC from probing Ekiti finances

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) cannot look into the books of state governments without a report of indictment from their legislatures, the Federal High Court has ruled.

    The court held that such a probe by the anti-graft agency violates sections 4, 5 and 6 of the 1999 Constitution, which prescribes separation of powers.

    According to the judgment delivered yesterday by Justice Taiwo Taiwo of an Ado-Ekiti Federal High Court, banks are not entitled to submit, release to or disclose to any person, body or agency, including the EFCC and the inspector-general of Police (IGP) or any other investigating body, any document or financial records.

    The verdict was delivered in a suit filed by the attorney general of Ekiti State against the EFCC and the IGP.

    Other defendants are the state auditor general, state accountant general and chairman, Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

    The rest are: Skye Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, Heritage Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc and Union Bank Plc.

    The suit was filed consequent upon receipt of letters from the EFCC inviting some officials to give details on transactions of the state.

    The anti-graft body also sent letters to banks seeking release of government’s financial records.

    Justice Taiwo held that the EFCC cannot usurp the oversight functions of a House of Assembly under sections 128 and 129 to initiate a probe or criminal proceedings against a state official.

    He ruled that only the state legislature is vested with oversight function and investigative powers over states’ finances, appropriation and implementation after receiving a report from the state auditor general or the state accountant general, as the case may arise.

    Justice Taiwo held: “It is unassailable that there is separation of powers. Under a federal system, sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Constitution provides separation of powers, which guarantees independence and disallow encroachment of powers. The powers for control of fund, financial outflow, appropriation are vested in the House of Assembly.

    “It is the auditor general of the state who has the power to conduct checks on government corporations and to submit his report to the Assembly.

    “Nobody, including the court, can read other meaning into the clear provision of the Constitution.

    “The Assembly has the responsibilities on the management of funds by the Executive. They have the responsibility to ensure fund management, cut wastages, reject corruption, among others.

    “The first defendant (EFCC) is bound to operate within the constitution and cannot operate like the Lord of the Manor. Its statutory duty is not a licence to contravene the Constitution.

    “I can’t, by any stretch of imagination, see how the statutory functions of the (EFCC) can extend to a state in a federation under any guise to the extent that the eight to 18 defendants (banks) will be directed to submit bank details.

    “Yes, the first defendant can investigate any person or corporate organisation; what it can’t do is to usurp the powers of the Assembly.

    “The Federal Government cannot impose its statutory duties on a state in flagrant disobedience to the Constitution. The prosecution should not ride roughshod of the Constitution. It is the duty of judges to ensure they don’t listen to sentiment of the public.

    “I resolve all issues in favour of the plaintiff. I grant all reliefs sought by the plaintiff in view of the fact they are live issues.

  • Sagay: No law stops Magu’s renomination

    Sagay: No law stops Magu’s renomination

    •SANs divided over Seante’s position on EFCC’s acting chair

    REACTIONS yesterday trailed Senate’s rejection of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu as the agency’s substantive chair.

    The Upper Chamber’s action came exactly three months after it declined to confirm Presidency’s preferred nominee for the EFCC top job. It hinged its action on a Department of State Services (DSS) Report.

    Reacting to the Red Chamber’s action, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) chairman Prof Itse Sagay (SAN) said no law stops President Muhammadu Buhari from re-appointing Magu as EFCC’s acting or sending his name again to the Senate for confirmation.

    According to him, it was possible that some senators were not comfortable with Magu due to his enthusiastic crusade against corruption.

    Sagay said since the Senate only has a constitutional role to confirm and not to appoint, the person who has the right to appoint can do so again.

    His words: “They know that Magu has been outstanding in the fight against corruption, and that his achievements have simply been extremely praiseworthy. He’s been consistent; he’s committed. He’s a man of high integrity and his productivity has been high.

    “The only reason they will refuse to confirm him is that they decided to be perverse on this occasion for reasons best known to them. Probably it’s known to everybody.

    “Maybe it’s because he’s just too good for the job, and a lot of people are uncomfortable with people like that who are committed and determined to root out corruption from the country. That’s what it is.

    “They have done their own part of the job – very good. They don’t appoint, they merely confirm. So, the appointor will continue to appoint.”

    Asked if Magu’s name could be re-submitted to the Senate for confirmation, Sagay said: “There is nothing stopping that. There is no provision in the EFCC Act that prohibits a man’s name being brought up again and again and again.”

    Another SAN, Dr. Paul Ananaba, said in the absence of any law against Magu’s re-nomination, President Buhari could to re-present him for Senate screening.

    He said: “The Senate’s rejection of Magu does not mean that he cannot be re-presented by President Buhari. There is no law limiting the number of times a nomination can be made.

    “But as it stands, the president’s nomination has not been approved by the Senate. The Senate is doing its duty within the Constitution. It is not expected to be a rubber stamp.

    “In a case where the Senate finds that it is unable, for some reason or no reason, to approve a nomination sent to it, that is the position of the Senate. I see nothing extraordinary about it.

    “It happened during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s time, when he nominated Prof. Babalola Aborisade several times.If the Senate must approve every nomination, then there’s no basis for Senate approval.”

    Urging the President to re-examine the lawmakers’ reasons for their decision, Ananaba said: “If the Senate has rejected Magu a second time, I think it’s time for the President to take a second look at the position of the Senate.”

    But, Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN), said that since the Senate has rejected Magu twice, some other person should be considered.

    His words: “The Senate has the constitutional duty to confirm the EFCC chair. It has rejected Magu twice on account of negative security report by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    “I don’t believe Mr. Magu is the only capable, honest and qualified person for the job in our country! We should move on.”

    Activist lawyer Mike Ozekhome said the President can no longer represent Magu ‘s name to the Senate “because of the serious moral burden, ethical challenges and legal impediments thus  imposed on him with this second definitive  rejection, this time after a full screening.”

    Ozekhome, a senior advocate, is being tried for receiving N75 million from Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose. The lawyer insists that the funds were meant to defray the costs of legal services his chambers rendered to the governor.

    He said re-presenting Magu’s name will raise more questions than answers as to why the insistence on one man.

    Ozekhome said: “This is unlike the first instance when Senate merely turned him down without any screening. That it was done shortly after the celebrated arrival of President Buhari from his medical vacation makes it more interesting and more significant as it underlines the independence of the legislature.

    “Magu’s tenure should have nothing to do with efficiency and effectiveness alone, which he apparently possesses. The role of the number one anti-corruption czar should be more.

    “It should also embody the finest and most edifying virtues of nobility in terms of observance of citizens’ fundamental rights and the all-important rule of law concept.

    “The anti- corruption war has so far been fought without a human face, in the most crude, most bizarre, most discriminatory and most degrading manner that diminishes the humanity.

    “It is high time for President Buhari to look for another competent Nigerian out of about 180 million population, after all, there was once a Nuhu Ribadu, a Mrs Waziri and a Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde. The cliche goes thus: ‘soldiers go, soldiers come, Barracks remain.”

    Constitutional lawyer and author Sebastine Hon (SAN), urged President Buhari not to present Magu again for confirmation.

    Hon said: “The reason is plain enough: it is nigh impossible for the DSS to make a U-turn, after twice launching out against Mr. Magu; and secondly, the Senate has not shown any intention of dumping the DSS.

    “To Mr. Magu, I will personally say he has done well, at least in my personal but limited perception. However, it does appear the position of substantive EFCC chairman is not his now.

    “I don’t subscribe to the insinuation that 109 eminent Nigerians sitting in the upper legislative chamber, coming from different political and cultural persuasions, will act twice in unison for no justifiable reason.

    “In this case, damning reports have twice been written by the DSS against the person of Mr. Magu, which reports constituted the Fons et origo (Latin term meaning ‘source and origin’) of Senate’s twice rejection of Mr. Magu.”

    Expressing his belief that Magu has done exceptionally well to deserve confirmation by the Senate, Hon said he  lacks the moral justification to insist the DSS, with its far investigative reach was only playing games or being economical with the truth by twice moving against his confirmation.

    “Let me boldly say that if the DSS and the Senate are acting in some insidious conspiracy, Nigeria is finished! I will, indeed, warn the two regulatory bodies that there is nothing hidden that will one day not be exposed, supposing they are playing such games!”, he stated.

    The senior lawyer reiterated that Senate confirmation hearings are not jamborees but are weighty constitutional exercises requiring deep public interest considerations, noting that the Constitution’s framers did not insert this sine qua non for the appointment of certain categories of public officers just for the fun of it.

    According to him, the aim was to ensure checks and balances so that Nigeria will not at any given time have a despotic President who will be ridding rough shod on the national psyche and consequently be toying with the commonwealth.

    Lagos lawyer and law teacher Wahab Shittu said notwithstanding the Senate’s refusal to confirm Magu, he can continue to act in office at the pleasure of President Buhari.

    Shittu said: “Magu represents one of our very best in terms of competence, character and commitment to the anti-corruption war.”

    The lawyer, who also prosecutes for EFCC, described the Senate’s refusal to confirm Magu as unfortunate.

    His words: “It means Magu is paying a huge price for loyalty to the Nigerian nation for his commitment to anti-corruption war and for his unquestionable integrity.

    “It is a sin in Nigeria for someone to be loyal to a worthy cause, to be indelibly honest and to be uncompromising on matters of principle.”

    Another Lagos-based lawyer, Collins Okeke, of the Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS), said: “I believe this is the end of the road for Mr. Magu. I doubt President Buhari will re-present his name to the senate.

    “I am, however, concerned about the image of the Presidency. Why would the president nominate or re-submit the name of a candidate who was disqualified by the DSS, an agency under the same Presidency. The entire scenario is strange.”

    The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the ill-advised decision of the Senate to again reject the nomination of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    “What the Senate has effectively done is to further diminish itself in the estimation of Nigerians” CHRICED’s executive director, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said in Abuja through a statement yesterday.

    The statement reads: “The Senate’s unending onslaught against the anti-corruption agency should worry all patriotic citizens. CHRICED insists that the action of the Senate, ostensibly hinged on the report of the Department of State Services (DSS), is a huge joke taken too far.

    “Only yesterday, the EFCC, under Magu’s able watch, recovered yet another trove of cash amounting to N49 million at the Kaduna Airport. The money was obviously being squirreled away by one of the unrepentant looters of the nation’s treasury.

    “Is the Senate unwittingly telling Nigerians that it is not happy with the hefty haul of stolen monies Mr. Magu has worked so assiduously to recover? It beats the imagination that the helmsman of an anti-corruption agency who has been so conscientious and consistent in recovering Nigeria’s looted national wealth, is being blackmailed by characters who are supposed to be lawmakers.

    “While the unpatriotic action of the Senate maybe understood to be motivated by the many skeletons they habour in their closet, CHRICED cannot understand why the Presidency cannot rein in the meddlesome DSS.

    “What is apparent from the despicable role of the DSS is that there exist multiple centers of power and authority within this government. Except President Muhammadu Buhari does not want Magu to continue his good work, he should immediately put a stop to this serial embarrassment, which could lead to erosion of trust in the government.

    “As stated in our previous take on this issue, the long-suffering citizens of Nigeria, who have been robbed of quality education, healthcare, infrastructure and other services as a result of barefaced stealing of national resources, know who the patriot is.

    “No amount of rejection by the Senate and its conspirators can change the fact that Magu, through commitment and dedication, has done more to fight graft in a few years, than the band of conscienceless looters, masquerading as legislators”, the statement said.

  • Wolfsburg move: NFF stops Osimhen

    Wolfsburg move: NFF stops Osimhen

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has put on hold the transfer of Golden Eaglets Striker, Victor Osimhen to VL Wolfsburg, President Amaju Pinnick has confirmed.

    Speaking at a media parley in Abuja on Thursday, Pinnick insists the FA will adopt stringent measure to ensure no member of the victorious 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup squad is exploited by clubs or agents.

    He further stated that the Federation will pass a legislation which will declare the players as national assets under the purview of the NFF.

    “I got a call from Wolfsburg who had a lucrative offer for Osimhen (Victor) and I asked what their plan was for the player. There must be a plan which they’ll have to defend. We won’t stop anybody from travelling but we’ll be religious about monitoring because we believe the Federation should have a major role to play.

    “We are going to tell the agent to stay off because no ITC will be issued to any player until we know exactly where they are going  and the plans they have. We are not just taking about winning but also the impact on seamless transition.

    “We’ll come up with a legislation soon; within a week or two, that will make the players national assets. What Wolfsburg is offering is huge and very tempting but we’ll turn them down if their plans don’t suit ours.”

  • NFF stops recalling of players from Dream Team camp

    NFF stops recalling of players from Dream Team camp

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has notified all clubs whose players are in the U-23 National Team (Dream Team) camp, that from  October 25, no player will be released from the camp to honour any league match until further notice.

    A statement signed by the NFF Deputy General Secretary,  Emmanuel Ikpeme, said the notification has become necessary in view of the fact that the Africa U-23 Nations Cup slated for Senegal is only slightly more than a month from now, adding that this competition will determine the qualification of the Dream Team for the Men’s Football Event of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    The statement averred that it is indeed worrisome that due to the regular requests by clubs whose players are in camp, for weekly league matches, the coaches of the Dream Team hardly have up to 10 players to work with at a time, disclosing that this is unacceptable to the NFF.

    As a result, the rules guiding the release of players from the national camp will be fully applied, meaning rescheduling of league matches (where a team has more than four players in a camp) or two players to be released, and non-release of players where a team has not more than two players.

    The Dream Team are preparing for the 2nd Africa U-23 Cup of Nations, which will take place in Senegal between November 28  and  December 12 . The team will square up to Egypt, Algeria and Mali in Group B, with only the three top -placed teams in the competition qualifying to represent Africa in Rio de Janeiro next year.

  • Injury stops Obafemi Martins

    Injury stops Obafemi Martins

    Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins missed Seattle Sounders’ third game of the MLS on Saturday due to a quad injury.

    ‘Oba’, as he is called in the USA, suffered the upper quad injury on Wednesday in his side’s 2-2 draw in a friendly against Club Tijuana.

    But the much-travelled striker may not be out of action for long as the injury is a pain around the upper abdominal region. He has scored two goals in as many games this season.

     

  • Work permit stops Uzochukwu’s PSL debut

    Work permit stops Uzochukwu’s PSL debut

    CHAN Eagles star Ugonna Uzochukwu failed to make his PSL league debut for Chippa United on Saturday due to non-issuance of a work permit.

    The agent of the midfielder,Mohmmed Lawal told AfricanFootball.com  that efforts are being intensified to see that he get the permit before next game of the South African top-flight league.

    “Ugonna was physically and mentally ready for the league opener against Platinum Stars but he missed it because he is yet to have a work permit,” Lawal told AfricanFootball.com.

    “The permit is not ready yet, but we are hopeful he will get it before the next game.”

    Newly-promoted Chippa United beat Platinum Stars 2-0 in Port Elizabeth on Saturday and their next game will be away to Supersports United on Tuesday.

    Ugonna signed a two-year deal with Chippa United from Nigeria league club Enugu Rangers recently.

  • Insecurity stops Ejide from joining Hapoel Beer

    Insecurity stops Ejide from joining Hapoel Beer

    The security situation in Israel has prevented Nigeria international Austin Ejide from returning to Hapoel Beer Sheva, ahead of their match up with NK Split of Croatia on Thursday in the Europa League, according to reports in Israel.

    The former Gabros, Nnewi custodian was due to have arrived in Israel last  Saturday to begin preparations for the second qualifying round fixture.

    But the management of the Camels has authorized the Super Eagle to join the team in Croatia a few days to the clash.

    Hapoel Beer Sheva, who qualified to represent Israel in the Europa League after finishing runners-up in the League, were supposed to host the first leg tie before UEFA reversed the two games, with the Croatians welcoming the team first after the ruling.

    Ejide, who was in goal 33 times last season, is presently in Warsaw, Poland training on his own.