The Nation Newspaper

Tag: target

  • Customs fails to meet N872b target

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated N850,876,698,974.19 last year.

    Its Deputy Public Relations Officer Assistant Comptroller Joseph Attah told The Nation that the Service in 2011 exceeded the Federal Government’s target of N596 billion by recording N741.83 billion.

    Attah said waiver concessions that were granted to some persons and companies were over N30 billion.

    “The government gave us a target of N872 billion and we realised N850 billion. We would have hit the target, but for waiver concession that was granted,” he said.

    He said the additional N328 billion by its Comptroller-General, Alhaji Dikko I Abdulahi, was a strategy to surpass the N872 billion target the government set for the Service.

    The Ports and Terminal Multiservice Limited (PTML) command said the total revenue it collected last year stood at N71,267,589,007 as against N51,264,053,039 in 2011.

    Its Public Relations Officer, Mr Steve Okonmah, said this was an increase of N20,003,535,698 over the figure it collected in 2011.

    Analysing the figure, Okonmah said a total of N43.83 billion went into the Federation Account while N27.43 billion was for the non-Federation Account.

    On anti-smuggling, the command said 18 seizures were made last year. “A breakdown shows that eight of the containers were 40ft while seven were 20ft containers. Also, three vehicles were seized,” he stated.

    The Comptroller of the command, Mr Zakari Jibrin, while promising an improvement in the revenue drive of the command and renewed commitment to anti-smuggling, warned that tough times await fraudulent importers this year.

     

  • Zambia target good start

    After a 31-year absence at the Afcon, Ethiopia launch their campaign for the diadem with a tricky fixture against the defending champions Ethiopia will be welcomed to the continental fold after a lengthy absence with a fixture against defending champions, Zambia.

    The Walya Antelopes surprised everyone – perhaps including themselves – by securing a berth at the 2013 Afcon at the expense of neighbours Sudan.

    The east African nation failed to convince the regional fanatics of their abilities after a drab performance during the regional Cecafa tournament, held in November 2012, led to a quarter-final exit.

    But the impressive results registered in the latest build-up games, especially the 2-1 win over Tanzania, dictate more promise.

    The talent is almost all home based, from the club sides Dedebit, Defence and Saint George. Just one professional plays club football outside Ethiopia – star striker Saladin Said, who features in the Egyptian Premier League.

    The opening fixture will be crucial for both sides, and Zambia, who have vowed to defend their title at all costs, are seeking no less than three points.

    Head coach Sewnet Bishaw, who has been in charge since November 2011, believes Ethiopia’s relative anonymity can help them spring a surprise in a group that contains holders Zambia, as well as Nigeria and Burkina Faso.

    The players, having become national heroes through qualifying, do not want their journey to end in the group stage.

    “We know Nigeria and Zambia are strong opponents, but they should not forget we qualified by beating Sudan, who played at the 2012 Cup of Nations,” said 27-year-old striker Adane Girma at a press conference.

    “In the past, we had problems in beating opponents in away matches. Now this is history. Psychologically we have shown encouraging improvements, and as a result we also have a chance to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.”

    Much of the weight of expectation will lie squarely on the shoulders of Girma and attacker Fuad Ibrahim.

    Zambia boss Herve Renard has chosen to work with a majority of the squad that clinched the Afcon title in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon last year. Captain Christopher Katongo, TP Mazembe’s Stopilla Sunzu and English-based Emmanuel Mayuka are the players to watch in this match.

  • Laloko to NFF: Setting target is primitive

    Laloko to NFF: Setting target is primitive

    dr Kashimowo Laloko, a former Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), on Wednesday said that the target set for the Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi was primitive.

    Laloko, who made the assertion at the maiden Ogun Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Forum in Abeokuta, said that such would prevent the coach from performing optimally. He spoke against the backdrop of the NFA asking Keshi to deliver the South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations trophy or nothing.

    The first Vice-President of the NFA, Mike Umeh, had told Keshi that based on the support he (Keshi) enjoyed from the association, “it is either the trophy or nothing’’. He, however, added that Keshi would be allowed to perform his job without any interference.

    Laloko, the Director of Pepsi Football Academy, Lagos, said there was always room for measuring the performance of any coach, with or without silverwares. He said that when targets were set for a coach, he might not perform.

    “To me, it is primitive to set targets; let the coach do his job because there is always a way of measuring his performance. I disagree with setting targets; I do not subscribe to it and I do not think it is the right thing to do,’’ he said.

    On the non-inclusion of West Bromwich Albion Rovers of England forward, Osaze Odemwingie, in the Super Eagles for the Africa Cup of Nations, Laloko described it as a mismanagement of players.

    He also said that African football required formal education and formal training for an understanding of players, saying that what happened between Osaze and Coach Stephen Keshi was a personality clash.

    Laloko advised Keshi to learn how to understand his players, noting that it was always instrumental to the coach’s job security. “If your player is arrogant and you are also arrogant, you may lose your job at the end of the day,’’ he said.

    Laloko lauded Keshi for the inclusion of six home-based players in the Super Eagles, saying that “it is a good omen of what is to come at the tournament if there is no hidden agenda’’.

    “I want to agree with that. It is good and I subscribe to that if the selected ones are the ones who merit it,’’ he added.

    The Super Eagles are returning to the Africa Cup of Nation in South Africa after missing the last edition in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea in 2011.

  • Scammers target senators with spurious awards

    A syndicate of scammers is targeting senators, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, has said.

    He spoke yesterday at a news conference in Abuja.

    The lawmaker said he was almost fooled by the antics of the criminals who purportedly nominated him for an African Grassroots Development Strategy Campaign (AGDSC) Award 2012.

    The organisers were purportedly working in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation with sponsorship from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

    Ibrahim, former Yobe State governor, said the award, which came with a prize tag of $100,000, was purportedly meant for his outstanding performance in the “alleviation of poverty/desertification programme.”

    He said: “Recently, some friends saw publications in newspapers that I had won a ‘Mo Ibrahim Award’.

    “I had a call and DHL delivery from one supposed professor from the University of Cape Town, South Africa that I had received: ‘The Exemplary Grassroots Leadership Quality In Africa Award 2012’ purportedly sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation and Mo Ibrahim Foundation – two of the most reputable award organisations in the world.

    “My workers contacted the organisers who asked us to submit our names to their liaison officer at the South African High Commission for visas.

    “They demanded no money and provided contacts that gave the impression that they were real and we thought we were dealing with a campaign sponsored by Mo Ibrahim and Rockefeller foundations in South Africa.

    “I became enthusiastic and informed my colleagues, friends and family and received support. Some friends began to prepare to celebrate the event and even took out the publications in the newspapers and the story spread.

    “Before people began to commit resources, I carried out an investigation, which showed a scam targeted at personalities across Africa.

    “We contacted the Mo Ibrahim Foundation office in London, which published a disclaimer.

    “We have also informed the University of Cape Town, Prof. Ali Mazrui, Ebrahim Patel, a minister in South Africa and others named as partners in the scam.

    “They have dissociated themselves and the law enforcement authorities have been contacted. I have warned my friends, well-wishers and colleagues not to raise any fund and that they should stop further preparation.

    “I must admit that I’m amazed by the professional sophistication of these scammers. There are great lessons to be learnt: Our society is now littered with angry, ruthless and dangerous people.

    “With robbers, kidnappers and criminals everywhere – no one is safe anymore – not the people, not the politicians.

    “I will commit myself anew to the fight for social justice, quality education and creation of jobs. This is the least we expect from President Goodluck Jonathan before he leaves office, and it is the only way to curb crimes in our society.”

  • Yobo: Eagles target top prize

    Yobo: Eagles target top prize

    Skipper Joseph Yobo has declared Nigeria are gunning for a third continental trophy at the AFCON in South Africa.

    Yobo also talked about his charity in this chat with MTNFootball.com

    Eagles are in Faro, Portugal, preparing for the AFCON, when are you joining up with the rest of the squad?

    There is a deadline set for us to arrive by the coach and I won’t exceed that deadline.

    How has the AFCON preparation gone for the Eagles?

    It has been good. I believe in Stephen Keshi being an ex-Captain and now as the coach knows what he wants at the competition. Nothing is perfect in life, so there may be one or two difficulties along the line, but we will handle them definitely.

    Some players have problems with the national team, what do you have to tell them?

    Those that have issues or problems with the team or anyone know why they have that and it is their problem. Nigeria is bigger than anybody. I am here today as Captain, but tomorrow I might decide I don’t want to play for Nigeria again.

    The country has done a lot for me as an international player. People are different. So, those who have problems in the national team create those problems and should fix it themselves. We should be grateful for what Nigeria has done for us, not what we have done. It is give and take. I have played for over 10 years for Nigeria. If I don’t go to the AFCON or World Cup, life goes on. I will thank God because where I am today, I didn’t expect it.

    What should Nigerians expect from the Eagles in AFCON?

    I know Keshi has a big plan for the Nations Cup. The players also want to win the trophy, so we will put in everything within us to see that we go as far as possible. We will look at getting through the group, then quarterfinal, semis and final. The trophy is our target.

    Looking at 2012, how would you rate the Super Eagles of Nigeria?

    The past year (2011) was bad because we could not qualify for the AFCON, but we have enjoyed a better time this year.

    How do you feel that again a player from Nigeria did not make the top three in the CAF African Player of the Year award?

    No hard feelings, they know what they used to pick the winner. So, I congratulate Yaya Toure for winning it again.

    You have partnered different players in the heart of the Eagles defence, who is your preferred option?

    I have no preferred option. It’s for the coach to decide as all those I have played with have been wonderful.

    Some have written off Nigeria’s chances of winning the AFCON. What do you think?

    Well, it is good to be rated as an underdog as it eases pressure on the team. We are better off this way.

    What motivated you to come down and give to children in need?

    I have been doing this for a long time, but this is my first time of coming here to do it by myself. I love kids and I am pleased to give part of what I have to make them happy.

    How would you describe the experience going round the wards to see the children?

    I am touched, it is painful to see them in such situation, it is even more painful to know that most of them will die. One must therefore be grateful to God for the gift of life. I had private discussion with the owner of the home on what I will do to further help the kids and the house.

    It is great to help. I am therefore calling on Nigerians to help those in need. One doesn’t need to be rich before he engages in charity work and nothing is too small or too big to give, so far it comes from the heart. If we all could be involved in this, we would raise the hope of many.

    Will this visitation in anyway lift your spirits ahead of the AFCON?

    No, this has no connection with football. It is my life, what I choose to do. I could have been like any of those kids, but God chose not to let it be so. Life goes on without football. I am happy that I am able to put a smile on their faces and give them reason to hope. Football is my job, but it is not my life. There is a lot more about life than football.

  • Team Rivers target 160 gold medals

    Team Rivers target 160 gold medals

    Defending champions of the National Sports Festival, Team Rivers have been charged to further raise the bar in terms of the most gold medals won in the history of the Games.

    Team Rivers set a record at the 17th National Sports Festival hosted by Rivers State with a total haul of 135 gold medals.

    However, the chairman of Team Rivers Participation Committee at the 18th National Sports Festival, tagged Eko 2012, Tele Ikuru has charged the state’s contingent to win a minimum of 160 gold medals and further cement her place in the history of the games.

    Ikuru, who is also the Deputy Governor of Rivers, gave the charge while addressing the athletes that will represent the state at their University of Port Harcourt camp on the eve of their departure for Lagos.

    He said his optimism of targeting a record 160 gold medals is hinged on how the state has prepared well for the Games and the quality of talents available in the team.

    According to him, preparations for Eko 2012 started as soon as the last one ended, pointing out that some of the best coaches were employed to train the athletes, in addition to the provision of equipment and strategic camping.

    He charged Team Rivers to be prepared “mentally, physically and spiritually” to grab the medals available at the Games, while stressing that to further motivate them, their salaries have been paid till December.

    The Deputy Governor reiterated his earlier promise to adequately reward deserving athletes who perform excellently, adding that the state has the “best reward for good performance in the history of the country and will continue to maintain it.

    “Go to Lagos and conquer. Conquer and win with a convincing gap. Bring in the gold and get a deluge. Everything that you will need to succeed in Lagos has been provided. Make yourself and Rivers State proud.

    “Team Rivers is going to Eko 2012 to win. We are participating to win in Lagos. We have no reason not to conquer,” he stressed.

    Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Joseph Ajienka, urged Team Rivers not to be complacent with the victory of the 17th edition but to show more zeal as the defending champions and come back with more laurels.

  • FIFA ranking: My target is 5th spot — Keshi

    FIFA ranking: My target is 5th spot — Keshi

    The recent FIFA ranking that saw the Super Eagles move six spots higher has been commended by the Head Coach of the team, Stephen Keshi who described it as a positive situation. The Super Eagles are now 57th in the world and 10th in Africa.

    Keshi said: “I am excited by the new ranking; it shows that we are working. But that is not where we are supposed to be. We know the level belong to, and will continue to work hard until we get there.

    “I want to assure Nigerians that I will not rest on my oars until such a time when the Super Eagles would return to the 5th position it was occupying in the world in the past.”

    He appealed to all Nigerians to continue to support the team, as they are poised to ensure that that becomes reality in the shortest possible time.

  • Lobi Stars target 3 titles

    Lobi Stars target 3 titles

    2012 Federation Cup finalists, Lobi Stars of Makurdi, have set their sights on winning three titles next, season a top official of the club has noted.

    Lobi Stars came third in the NPL and lost the 2012 Federation Cup crown by the whiskers to Heartland but the club through its vice chairman, Dominic Iorfa has reiterated their conviction to win the Federation Cup, CAF Confederations Cup and the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) next year.

    Iorfa disclosed that toward meeting their next season’s aspirations, Lobi is about concluding transfer formalities on 5 experienced players ranging from 2 attackers, 2 midfielders and a defender while 5 players had been promoted from the feeders team.

    He expressed happiness that the core of the players that got the club the continental glory were still in the team with the exception of Jonah Abutu and David Tyvkase(currently with Heartland). Both left on mutual consent.

    Iorfa also stated that the club’s form in the four pre-season games played thus far against Nasarawa United, Apa United, Makurdi United and Juth of Jos in which they won three and drew one showed they would be formidable than last season.

    “We are on course for another inspiring outing in the coming season. We are targeting three titles and we believe we have the mindset to achieve that. We have the core of the players that won the club a continental ticket with the exception only two that left and we are bringing in 5 experienced players to beef up the squad.

    “We will be formidable in the NPL, Federation Cup and the CAF Confederations Cup competitions. We have been well in the pre-season games too. Within a little spate of time, we shall get to our desired height,” Iorfa, a former Super Eagles’ striker, told SportingLife.

  • AWC: Falcons target Bayana in semi finals

    AWC: Falcons target Bayana in semi finals

    Nigeria’s Senior Women National Team, otherwise known as Super Falcons, on Sunday in Malabo made mincemeat of their Ivorian counterparts to reach the semi finals of the on-going 8th African Women Championship.

    The cup holders exploded through winger Ogonna Chukwudi and Ngozi Ebere in the first half, before veteran Stella Mbachu scored her second of the tournament in the second period to take matters beyond doubt. The fellow West Africans got a consolation later on, but the Falcons had completed the job and were already looking forward to the clash with the Banyana Banyana on Wednesday.

    Both teams will be flown to Bata for that second semi final, while host Equatorial Guinea will entertain Cameroon’s Lionesses at the Malabo Stadium in Wednesday’s first semi final.

    Since the launch of the African Women Championship in 1998, the Falcons have won six of seven tournaments till date, with only the 2008 edition hosted by Equatorial Guinea eluding them. But Coach Kadiri Ikhana said on Sunday that there is no taking prisoners this time.

    “We are ready for any team at this Championship. My girls are highly motivated with the Nigeria Football Federation having fulfilled the pledge to improve their win-bonuses. They love it and they are raring to go,” Ikhana said.

    The final match of the African Women Championship comes up in Malabo next Sunday.

  • South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations: Okocha won’t set target for Eagles

    South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations: Okocha won’t set target for Eagles

    Nigeria legend, Austin ‘Jay jay’ Okocha has voiced his sentiments following the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Okocha was at the UJ Esuene Stadium to cheer the Eagles to a 6-1 victory over Liberia’s Lone Star in the final round of qualifying for the 2013 Afcon.

    The emphatic win which capped off a fine 8-3 aggregate success for Nigeria had Okocha beaming and he was quick to praise the boys for their “outstanding feat.”

    “I want to commend the players for this outstanding feat (of beating Liberia 6-1). I am very happy that we have made it to the Nations Cup. That was our main target and I am sure that every Nigerian is happy that we have qualified for the competition,” Okocha told supersport.com.

    Okocha, a member of arguably Nigeria’s finest football side that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994, will however not set targets for the current side ahead of the 2013 Afcon.

    “It would be unfair for me to set a target for the team because we have been struggling recently. We have taken a huge step (by qualifying for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations) in making sure we get to where we want to be,” he said.

    The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations will kick off on January 19 and Okocha believes the Nigeria team will have adequate time to complete preparations for the tournament.

    “Three months is enough time for us to prepare for the competition. We will go there and try to do our best but like I said earlier, it would be unfair of me to set a target for the team,” he stated.