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Tag: Sudan

  • INAC Expo: 27 countries, others showcase culture

    27 countries and states  were  in Abuja to display  their culture,  arts and crafts at the 11th edition of International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo.

    Among the participating countries were China, Hungary, Gambia, Trinidad and Tobago, Bangladesh, Chad, India, Iran, Burkina Faso, Pakistan, Sudan and many other countries.

    The impressive event was also an opportunity for many unemployed Nigerians to acquire free vocational training in arts and craft. The event  was declared open by the publisher of the Abuja-based Leadership newspapers, Mr. Sam Ndah-Isaiah. Also present at the opening ceremony were the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Aisha Abubakar; the Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji  Lai Mohammed, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Grace Gekpe; and a representative of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris.

    Delivering a paper titled: Networking for Arts and Crafts to the World: Prospects and Challenges, the Chief Executive Officer of Le Look Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa,  called on Nigerians to embrace the nation’s art and craft industry as a commercial venture.

    She said African art and craft industry is currently enjoying huge international acceptability and has the prospects of not only alleviating poverty, but also creating jobs. Ezenwa said  at the time she started the production of Afrocentric crafts as beauty items, European designers were the order of the day in Nigeria. But this has changed with the current huge demand for African crafts.

    Her words: “At the time we started, the prospects were not there then, as our products were competing against famous and infamous international labels. Our women    and men were preoccupied in wearing European and Western outfits. Over time, as we approached a new millennium, things began to change. Afrobeat through Fela, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade and other famous musicians started making waves outside the Nigerian shores.

    “We, on our part, invested in research to understand how and what was accepted internationally. We embraced training; we attended fairs locally and internationally. We became visible and could no longer be ignored by our own Nigerians as the Made in Nigeria campaign became the order of the day.

    “Then came the boom-Made in Nigeria, Made in Africa, the ankara revolution that we had already keyed into a long time ago and waited for the opportunity.”

    Ezenwa said Nigeria has never had the opportunity that it is having currently to expand its arts and craft to all parts of the world.

    In his welcome address, the Director- General of the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, said even though the arts of craft expo  was in its 11th edition, he saw the need to drastically improve on the expo by not limiting it to the just Africa.

    He said:“This flagship programme of the NCAC was conceived in 2008 as a platform for craft men and women all over Africa and beyond to make contact, interact, showcase their arts and crafts products , exchange ideas and skills, network for investment partners.

    “I am delighted to note that this exposition has lived up to the expectation of bringing about regional integration, continental unity as well as unveiling the economic opportunities in the arts and crafts sector.”

    Runsewe said the decision to change the expo’s name from African Festival of Arts and Culture (AFAC) Expo to International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo was taken last year in view of the growing popularity and the need to reflect the global relevance and outlook of the programme. He said having consolidated itself as at the regional level, it became imperative to launch into the global arena so that Nigerian craft men could network with the world.

    Speaking on the expo and their participation, the head  of the Bangladesh  from their country’s embassy in  Nigeria, Mr. Yamin Khan, said:  “The main aim of our participation is that we don’t want to stagnate in a certain place. We want to expand our traditional craft. We want to expand our traditional craft to everywhere.”

    Asked if he was satisfied with the organization and level of participation at the expo, he said: “Of course, there are many booths here. We can share with each other. It is through this kind of programme that we can share with each other.  What we are having, they can pick from us and what we are not having, we can pick from them.  This is the way to go. This is the way to show your craft and your products. This way, it will help you to expand your business all over the world.”

    Some of the participating countries took time out to celebrate their day and showcase their culture. Among these countries was the People’s Republic of China which put up a beautiful show to the admiration and satisfaction of visitors and participants.

  • AMI flays attacks on journalists in Cameroon, Sudan, Egypt, others

    African Media Initiative (AMI) has expressed great concern over the growing curtailment of media freedom in many African countries, including Cameroon, Sudan, Egypt and Tanzania.

    It said governments in Africa have a duty to refrain from undue interference with the right to media freedom and must promote and protect citizens’ rights of access to information.

    In a statement yesterday, the media group said in the last four weeks in Cameroon, eight journalists – Joseph Olinga, Michel BiemTong, Gustave Flaubert Kengne, Michel Kalabassou, Mimi Mefo, Josiane Kouagheu, Akumbom McCarthy, and Mathias Mouende – have been intimidated, arrested or tried before military courts across the country over allegations of ‘propagating false information’ or ‘undermining the safety of the state’ under the anti-terror law.

    Cameroon has seen, over the years, an accelerated shrinking of the democratic space where both journalists and citizens are having to adapt to a difficult environment.

    In Egypt, a law enacted last month has been widely criticised as tantamount to extortion of media houses as it requires hefty registration amounts for licences with websites being forced to pay more than $30,000 to register and up to five times that amount for non-compliance. The law is viewed as an attempt by the government to silence the remaining independent media.

    AMI added that on 29 October, the Press Court in Khartoum sentenced Zine El Abeen Al-A’jab, a former editor of Al Mustagila newspaper, to one and a half months in prison or a fine of 5,000 pounds ($104) over alleged “dissemination of false information” among other charges.

    Overall, according to Amnesty International, at least 15 journalists have been arrested and detained between January and October 2018 by the government’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISS).

    In addition, the entire print run of 10 newspapers was confiscated on at least 27 occasions. Al Jareeda, one of the last independent newspapers, has been confiscated at least 13 times this year.

    The statement said on 7 November in Tanzania, South African journalist Angela Quintal, Africa programme coordinator for press freedom group, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and her Kenyan colleague Muthoki Mumo were arrested from their hotel in Dar-es-Salaam and detained by authorities for 24 hours.

    Rights groups and media advocates have recently expressed concerns about the freedom of expression in the country since election three years ago of Tanzania’s President, John Magufuli, whose regime has cracked down on independent media and close down critical newspapers.

    Earlier in 2018, the government approved a new law regulating online content that gives them the right to revoke the permit if a website publishes content “that leads to public disorder” and “threatens national security”, according to media report.

    In view of the above, AMI reiterated that intimidation of journalists, harassment, arbitrary detentions, closures, internet cuts, media closure, censorship, and trials of journalists before military courts over crimes allegedly committed while discharging their duties contravene international treaties and covenants protecting the freedom of the press and the public’s right of access to information .

    It called on African governments to create a conducive environment for a free exercise of the media profession .

    The group demanded the immediate release of journalists arrested.

  • Nigeria, Sudan, others risk earth warming

    More than a billion people are at risk from  lack of air conditioning and refrigeration to keep them cool and to preserve food and medicines as global warming brings more high temperatures, a study showed yesterday.

    A survey of 52 countries, showed those most at risk to include Nigeria, India, China, Mozambique, Sudan, Brazil, Pakistan, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

    More electricity demand for fridges, fans and other appliances will add to man-made climate change unless power generators shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energies, according to the report by the non-profit Sustainable Energy for All Group.

    About 1.1 billion people in Asia, Africa and Latin America – 470 million in rural areas and 630 million slum dwellers in cities – were at risk among the world’s 7.6 billion people, it said.

    “Cooling becomes more and more important” with climate change, Rachel Kyte, head of the group and special representative for the U.N. Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, told Reuters.”

  • Sudan Central Bank governor dies of heart attack

    Sudan’s Central Bank Governor, Hazem Abdelqader, died of heart attack while on a visit to Turkey, his family and the Sudanese presidential palace said yesterday.

    Born in 1960, Abdelqader served in various departments at the apex bank from 1985 before he was appointed governor in December 2016.

    Family members said the father of six was not known to be suffering from any illnesses.

    Sudan’s economy had been grappling with crippling hard currency shortage and “black market” for dollars that pushed the Central Bank to devalue currency to around 30 pounds to the dollar earlier this year from 6.7 pounds in late December.

  • ‘Killer’ of Nigeria diplomat held in Sudan

    The Sudanese authorities Saturday announced the arrest of a woman accused of killing an Immigration Attaché at the Nigerian embassy in Khartoum.

    The Consular officer, Habibu Almu, was found stabbed to death at his home in the Sudanese capital city of Khartoum on Thursday.

    In a short statement, the official news agency, SUNA, said the Sudanese police “arrested the offender, a foreign woman who committed the crime”. It further said she confessed the murder of the Nigerian official and the stolen possessions.

    The Nigerian government condemned the assassination of its national immigration officer in Khartoum and said they would work with Khartoum to arrest the culprit.

    The Sudanese authorities didn’t disclose the circumstances of the crime or the nationality of the killer.

  • Glo-sponsored African Voices profiles Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan female fashion icons

    Three African female fashion icons, Anna Getaneh from Ethiopia, Anita Berlyl from Uganda and Nafisa Hafiz, who hails from Sudan will feature in this weekend’s edition of CNN African Voices, a 30-minute programme sponsored by Globacom.

    The three fashionistas have carved a niche for themselves in the fashion industry worldwide as they drive the styles found on runways around the world.

    A statement issued by Globacom describes Getaneh as a former international model, a humanitarian and social entrepreneur, who is also the founder and Creative Director of African Mosaique, a clothing design, manufacturing and retail company in Johannesburg, South Africa. On the programme, she is expected to dwell on how she is using fashion to empower and connect African designers.

    The second guest on the programme, Anita Beryl, is described as ‘a thriving entrepreneur who is making her name known in Kampala through her fashion house”. She is the creative director of award-winning Beryl Qouture, a Ugandan fashion industry power house. Just last year, she was invited to showcase her designs at the World Fashion Week 2017, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    Sudan’s Nafisa Hafiz, the last of the guests, according to the statement, is inspired to actualise her dreams of leading her country’s fashion industry begin with motivation drawn from traditional designs. On the programme, the designer will let viewers into her fashion world and how successful she has been in realising her dreams.

  • South Sudan soldiers castrate civilians, pluck out their eyes

    South Sudan soldiers castrate civilians, pluck out their eyes

    South Sudan civilians had their eyes gouged out, castrated and were forced to rape each other by the country’s warring sides, according to UN rights investigators.

    The investigators collected evidence against more than 40 senior military figures.

    The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan yesterday  presented information pointing to crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the past two years amid the world’s fastest-growing refugee crisis.

    The commission also found that children have been recruited by all sides of the conflict and have been forced to kill civilians.

    “Conflict-related sexual violence is endemic,” the commission said.

    Children are thought to make up a quarter of sexual violence victims.

    Some civilians were forced to rape close family members.

    One of the 230 witnesses interviewed by the commission said her 12-year-old son was coerced to have sex with his grandmother in order to stay alive.

    A split between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Riek Machar, escalated into war in 2013.

    Tens of thousands have been killed and no fewer than four million displaced.

    Commission chairperson Yasmin Sooka said the evidence against senior officials should be used by the so-called Hybrid Court, which South Sudan agreed to set up with the African Union in 2015, but which has yet to materialise.

    “Ultimately, this is the only way to stop the rampant devastation of millions of human lives by South Sudan’s leaders,” said Sooka.

    The report was prepared for the UN Human Rights Council, which starts its month-long spring session on Monday.

  • EMMANUEL AMUNEKE: Love for coaching took me to Sudan

    EMMANUEL AMUNEKE: Love for coaching took me to Sudan

     Emmanuel Amuneke will  be a major draw in the  forthcoming Sudan Premier League season  for obvious reasons. He’s the first Nigerian and a distinguished former African Footballer of the Year for that matter to handle a Sudanese club side after stepping into the shoes of Kwesi Appiah -the Ghanaian coach who departed Al Khartoum last year to take over Black Stars of Ghana reports MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN…

    Emmanuel Amuneke, former Nigerian international, former star winger of Zamalek and FC Barcelona would be the cynosure of all eyes as coach of Al Khartoum Watani when the 2018  Sudan Premier  League (SPL)  season gets underway on  February 9.

    Amuneke will  be a major draw  in the SPL for obvious reasons; he’s the first Nigerian and a distinguished former African Footballer of the Year for that matter to handle a Sudanese club side after stepping into the shoes of Kwesi Appiah -the Ghanaian coach who departed Al Khartoum last year to take over Black Stars after their botched Russia 2018 World Cup campaign.

    “Going to Sudan as coach of Al Khartoum is a new adventure for me ; and I’m sure this is the will of God at this time,” Amuneke, who presented the Coach of the Year Award to Egypt’s Hector Cuper at the 2017 Aiteo/ CAF Awards in Accra, told The Nation from Khartoum .“ I was actually planning  some others things ahead of 2018 when I was invited by the management of Al Khartoum Watani and after seeing  things on ground, I decided to give coaching the club a trial.

    “I would say my love for coaching stopped me from turning down Al Khartoum but I see it as an opportunity to contribute to the success of the club and I’m going to give it my best shot,” added Amuneke who led Nigeria to win her record fifth U-17 World Cup title in 2015.

    Characteristically, Amuneke doesn’t do things at half-measure and his puritanical devotion to  duty dated back to his playing days; right from the humble beginning on the local scene with Julius Berger  to Zamalek of Egypt; to the Super Eagles where he became a household name across the continent  and then  to the big-money move to Barcelona where injury unfortunately  blighted his career to the same extent  that he finally turned his attention to coaching.

    “I asked myself several questions before deciding on my next line of action after my retirement as a footballer: ‘I’m capable of being a good coach? Do I have the temperament to impact knowledge as a coach? What would be my objectives as a coach or is it because of money involved?” Amuneke said in a yet to be published memoirs. “For weeks, I gave thoughts to these questions and several others; and I started making enquiries about where I could go for my professional training. I actually wanted to go to England because I felt I would be comfortable in an English class but ended up doing my first level coaching course in Spain in 2004.

    “It was a bit tasking and tiring for me as I went through the course for three years and along the line I enjoyed what I was doing; I had the chance of training youth teams in Spain which was part of the course requirement and later, I got the opportunity to work under Jose Morales in Saudi Arabia.

    “Working under Morales gave me the chance to learn more under a professional atmosphere which cannot be compared with what I went through with the youths while undergoing my coaching course; I had a nice experience in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hazm FC as I was able to learn a lot of things mostly on tactical formations; planning for a match; reading and interpretation of what the opponents would do.

    “Morales assisted Jose Mourinho at Benfica and when we were in doubts about something, he would call Mourinho; it was a huge privilege to work under him and it helped my career as a coach.

    “It also prepared me for others things and it was here that I left to be scout of Manchester United, the English club was then under the great coach, Sir Alex Fergusson before I finally returned to coaching on full-time basis but I thank Morales for the wonderful introduction to coaching,” he reiterated.

    Since that expedition in Saudi Arabia, Amuneke has not looked back on his coaching  career  and has acquired the high-end UEFA Pro Licence Certificate. On the local scene, he handled defunct Julius Berger of Lagos  and Ocean Boys of Yenogoa though with little success before landing in the national team set up when he was appointed first assistant to coach Manu Garba to tinker the U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets’ class of 2013.

    Working in tandem with  others, he provided the tactical nous for the team leading to their success at the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 where Nigeria won her fourth title and producing along the line, players who are now contenders in the Russia 2018-bound Super Eagles in the mould of Leicester City’s duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi; goalkeepers Dele Alampasu (CD Feirense) & Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna) amongst others.

    He was promptly promoted as Head Coach of the Golden Eaglets class of 2015 but it was not a smooth-sailing at the outset.

    He described as a failure my many ‘arm-chair experts’  after the cadets flopped at the African U-17 Nations Cup in Niger since the  Nigerian youngsters barely made the cut as one of the continent’s flag-bearers to FIFA World Cup Chile 2015 after coming fourth behind Mali, South Africa and Guinea Amuneke recalled what he described as one of my traumatic experiences in coaching: “ I think I was badly judged after Niger 2015; we did reasonably well based on the circumstance we found ourselves  after  some of our key players were affected by the MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Test  two weeks to the tournament in Niger.

    “We had to improvise to ensure that we qualified for the World Cup in Chile as the defending champions; we did our best in Niger and it was a big deal to me because out of the four African teams that were in the UAE 2013, only Nigeria qualified for Chile 2015.

    “As a coach, I evaluate myself constantly and seeking ways to improve myself and my team; call me a good coach or bad coach and I will not argue with you about it because I know who I am,” he offered with askance.

    Back from the  debacle in  Niger, Amuneke channelled his energy to work come rain and sunshine and eventually turned the fortune of the team around .But it was at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 when his coaching ingenuity final came to the fore when he led the hitherto unsung side from Niger  to conquer the world for what is now a record fifth title for Nigeria at the global cadet competition.

    He explained: “Winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile was a landmark in my career as a coach and I’m happy that it ended in glory. I was happy because we were written off because of our poor performance at the Africa U-17 Tournament in Niger despite the fact that we finished fourth; the team was abandoned like orphans but we did our best to win the World Cup.”

    He was promptly promoted to the national U-20 team and he drafted almost all the players from the all-conquering Golden Eaglets to the Flying Eagles. But the team unfortunately faltered and failed to qualify for the African U-20 Nations Cup following a dramatic home loss to Sudan.

    “Losing to Sudan in Lagos was another bitter experience for me as coach” admitted Amuneke. “We won away in Khartoum but I can’t still figure it out why we lost the return leg in Lagos; it was regrettably but I have put that at the back of my mind.”

    During his self-imposed sabbatical from coaching, Amuneke turned his attention to other things. He was actively involved with activities as one of the FIFA Legends when India hosted the last FIFA U-17 World Cup and was equally called upon by CAF to share his knowledge of the game at its organised conferences.

    He explained: “I have a lot of things to do; honestly I wasn’t thinking of returning to coaching quickly after the Flying Eagles and that was why I didn’t bother to reapply for the job.

    “But I can’t turned away the opportunity  of coaching Al Khartoum;  coming to Sudan  was not all about the money but I considered it as a good platform to show what I can do under a  different environment ; so  I agree with you that coming to  Sudan is like an adventure but I’m determined to do my best with Al Khartoum.”

    Bankrolled my wealthy businessman, Mamoun Bashir , Al Khartoum is yet to be crowned champions of Sudan Premier League since their promotion to the elite class in 1996- the same year  the  Nigeria  U-23 Olympic  Eagles (tagged Dream Team) won Africa’s first  Olympic soccer  Gold medal with Amuneke scoring the match-winning goal in the 3-2 victory over Argentina.

    “Yes, I’m aware that Al Khartoum has not won the title here since they were promoted in 1996,” noted Amuneke, who also scored the brace when Nigeria beat Zambia 2-1 to win the African Cup of Nations in 1994. “In football, there is nothing like impossibility; and I see some relevance in winning the Olympic Gold medal with Nigeria in 1996 and my new assignment here in Sudan.

    “The most important thing is to work very hard. It is a new environment and culture for me but the players are adjusting to our style and tactics,” he noted.

    With Amuneke on this assignment at Al Khartoum are two experienced former Nigerian youth internationals- Emeka Amadi who doubles as an assistant and goalkeeper trainer and Taiwo Enegwa as the other assistant.

    “I choose Amadi and Enegwa to work with me in Sudan because I believe they can contribute to the success of the team,” he offered. “I’d worked closely with Amadi before when we won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the UAE and Chile; and we were also together with the Flying Eagles; and I know what he’s capable of doing.

    “I have also known Taiwo for some time; and you know, he was one of the best players in his heyday. This  assignment  is an  opportunity  for him to impact on the players as coach; I have no doubt that both Amadi and Enegwa will contribute to the success of the team,” he stressed.

    Amuneke has started his journey in Sudan on a good note by winning string of friendly matches  including  victories over  Shabia SC (4-0); Karjoc(2-0) ; Shabab Nasri  (5-1)and Hilal Kadogly (3-1)  ahead  the forthcoming SPL  season  and this underlines the fact that  that Al Khartoum will be one of the teams to beat this term.

     

     

    Between Amadi and Enegwa at Al Khartoum

    To work with Emmanuel Amuneke at Al Khartoum Watani is the  duo of Emeka Amadi and Taiwo Enegwa, two former junior internationals  who has since made their own names as coaches.

    But who is Amuneke in the eyes of his trusted lieutenants at Al  Khartoum?

    “ I have known Amuneke  for long and I know his technical know-how  and abilities,” began  Amadi, former youth international  goalkeeper who won Silver with the Flying Eagles at FIFA U-20 World Cup Saudi Arabia 1989.

    In his heyday, Amadi featured for Enugu Rangers international; Bendel insurance before moving to Germany where we had stints with SV Steinheim; FC Brakel and Hannover’96. He also featured for Tus Celle; FC Oberneuland and SV Nienhagen where he retired and took coaching appointment.

    “Amuneke and I  shares  the same ideology  and it’s nice working with him here again at Al Khartoum; and I’m confident we are going to succeed because we both love challenges ; he is a very hard working person just as I’m and  we know that hard work pays,” noted Amadi who has blooded a string of upcoming goalkeepers including Dele Alampasu (UAE 2013]and  Akpan Udoh(Chile2015).

    Incidentally, going to Al Khartoum Watani   has presented Amadi the opportunity of  teaming up with his former Flying Eagles’ mate, Taiwo Enegwa.

    ‘Energy’ as Enegwa was fondly called in his playing days, was regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation . He played for clutches of domestic clubs including Eagle Oil FC, First Bank  Julius Berger, Delta FC of Gabon, Union Bank, 3SC of Ibadan, Sunshine Stars  before winding up his playing career with Union Bank in 2000. At the national team level, Enegwa was a member of the Silver –winning Golden Eaglets at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Canada 1987 and two years later, he also won silver with the Flying Eagles  at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Saudi 1989. He  was also part of the Super Eagles’ golden era of the 1990s  and was used sparingly by coach Clemens Westerhof between 1990 and 1992. Since retirement into coaching, Enegwa has worked at Union Bank, Stationery Stores and Glorious Day Academy-all based in Lagos.

    “ My assignment  here in Sudan  is a new challenge in my coaching career,” the 46-year-old holder of  Advanced Regional Diploma  National Soccer Coaching Association of America told The Nation.

    “ It is an opportunity to work with coach Emmanuel Amuneke and my former teammate, Emeka Amadi; these are people with different mentality, attitude, culture and orientation.

    “I think coming here with them would afford me the chance to learn more about the rudiments of the game and better my own capacity for the future,” added  Enegwa who bagged the CAF B License  Coaching Certificate in 2017.

     

     

    AMUNEKE WORDS ON MARBLE

    Between Amunike and Amuneke

    My  name was simply misspelled during my playing days and since then it had stayed. Throughout my playing days I was using ‘Amunike’, but now, I prefer to use the correct name: ‘Amuneke’.

    Between theory and practical

    I  read a lot and I have gone out to see how other coaches do their job and I pick what I think is relevant and add them to what  I already know. I’m passionate about football and coaching …without passion, nobody can achieve anything in life. I always want my players to have information about the opponents and not just going to the field because we just want to play and doing that gives the player a better insight before even entering the pitch. I’m still growing as a coach…. but with hard work and help of God, I would be somebody as a coach.

    On coaching philosophy

    I always want my players to be responsible and enjoy their game because football is an art. Playing football talent is a gift from God ;I want my players to be able to express their talent  and be disciplined while expressing themselves. I love my team to be well organised  though it is sometimes difficult because of the level of assimilation of  some players. But I want my team  to  be responsible; defend collectively and organise ourselves so well that opponents cannot easily break us. We must assume responsibility as individuals and as a team.

  • Buhari hails Super Eagles for defeating Sudan

    Buhari hails Super Eagles for defeating Sudan

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the home-based Super Eagles of Nigeria on their victory over Sudan in the semi-final of the 2018 Championship of African Nations ( CHAN ) in Marrakesh, Morocco.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina,  joined millions of football loving Nigerians in celebrating the spectacular performance of the team which qualified them for the final on Sunday with Morocco.

    Having keenly followed the team’s progress throughout the tournament with delight, the President commended their hardwork, dedication, discipline and indomitable spirit, which are truly worthy of emulation.

    President Buhari urged the players and the coaching crew to remain focused and determined as they go for Gold in the final match on Sunday.

    Hr assured them of the unflinching support, goodwill and prayers of the Federal Government and all Nigerians as they soar to victory.

  • 10-man Nigeria edge out Sudan

    10-man Nigeria edge out Sudan

    Nigeria has again emerged victorious in the semi-final match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) today in Marrakech, Morrocco defeating Sudan one goal to nothing.

    This occurred after they were granted an early lead by Gabriel Okechukwu in the 16th minute who was assisted by a header from Anthony Okpotu.

    Nigeria’s Goalie, Dele Ajiboye however proved to be the better replacement the team needed after Ikechukwu Ezenwa was substituted due to a knee injury he incurred in the cause of the match.

    Nigeria came close again to threaten the Sudanese goal but showed lack of discipline in front of goal as Akram continued to disallow any more goals.

    Mohamed Ahmed Bechir would have made the scores level at the end of the first period save the impressive display of Ajiboye in keeping the ball out even as it danced to the bar of the post on the goal line.

    In the 58th minute, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi was unlucky as a clumsy challenge led to his immediate send-off after being booked in the first half, leaving Nigerian down to 10 men.

    Pressure continued to double on both sides until Bachir Sudan was sent off in the 87th minute.

    Nigeria finally emerged victorious in the game after another wonderful display of saves from Dele Ajiboye in the closing minutes of extra time.

    Nigeria will now face Morocco in the final match of the tournament of the African Nations Championships, (CHAN).