The Nation Newspaper

Tag: top

  • UDOH IS TOP CLASS – ENYIMBA CAPTAIN

    UDOH IS TOP CLASS – ENYIMBA CAPTAIN

    Captain of Enyimba, Chinedu Udoji, has described joint-leading scorer in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Mfon Udoh, as “a top-class player.”

    Udoji was full of praise for the former Akwa United man while speaking to the official website of the Aba club this week.

    The plaudits on Udoh comes just two days after his brace of goals helped the former CAF Champions League winners secure a 2-1 win at Nembe City to stay in the title race and in the hunt for a record seventh league title in Nigeria.

    The Enyimba centre-back and captain also commended Udoh’s contribution to the team’s campaign this term in which he has netted 20 league goals and two in the Cup.

    “We have very good players in the team and we all work hard on the pitch to get good results. But Mfon Udoh has given the team a major boost in attack. He has scored very important goals to help us win some big games and I admire him for that.

    “Against Nembe City, a game we needed to win, we went behind in the first half and it made things a bit tough but in the second half he scored twice after a penalty miss. Not many strikers can do that. He’s really a top-class player,” Udoji told Enyimbafc.net.

    Udoji is now looking forward to Sunday’s big clash at Dolphins, and expressed confidence that Enyimba “can rise to the occasion” in their bid to wrest the title from the champions, Kano Pillars.

    The ex-FC Abuja centre-back is aware of the threat of Dolphins’ Emem Eduok, who is joint-leading scorer on 20 goals with Udoh, but he believes that they have a match in Udoh.

    “We’re hoping to win the league. That’s our target this season and Mfon has played a major role in helping us remain competitive. We have two tough games left to play but I’m confident that we can rise to the occasion.

    “No doubt the Dolphins game is going to be really tough because we’ve seen their quality, but I’m sure we will match them strength for strength. We have Mfon Udoh in attack and they have Emem Eduok and things will get interesting, but what I know is that our defence can cope with Emem and hopefully we can claim the three points,” he said.

    Udoji has been Enyimba’s defensive leader and underscored that by helping the side to a clean sheet in all of their home matches last season. This term, Udoji has played in 35 of the 36 NPFL matches for Enyimba.

  • Top things to do after you get engaged

    Top things to do after you get engaged

    He popped the question, you’re over the moon. Adetorera Idowu shares top 10 things to do right after he proposes.

    Spread the good news

    This is the first task; telling your parents about it, then your friends and relatives. Because no one likes to be the last to know, you have to pick up the phone to call them all one by one to share the exciting news. You do not want to let your family hear about it through an update on social media. Set aside time and money to make the call, starting from you nuclear family, of course.

     

    Insure your ring

    Some people don’t see the need for this, but if something happens to your ring, you are going to wish you had it insured. Your ring is a treasured item and although nothing can replace it’s sentimental value and you may not get the exact same type if it gets lost, but at least you can get your (or his) money back. So make a call to your insurance broker to find the right type of insurance cover for your ring.

     

    Sign up for marriage classes

    It’s important to still keep sight of the big picture (the marriage) and think beyond the wedding which is just a day. Marriage classes are usually organised by the local churches and are sometimes mandatory. Attending these classes gives the couple insight into the new institution they are entering.

     

    Have an idea of the date

    Before you announce to the world that you are finally engaged, make sure you have an idea of when the wedding will be. After “congratulations” and “let me see your ring,” here’s the first thing people will ask: “When’s the wedding?” It’ll save you a lot of headache if the two of you come up with a vague-yet-specific answer, like “Early Next Year” it will save you a lot of stress having an answer for them.

     

    Create a wedding blog

    It is also a good idea to set up a wedding website or blog to keep everyone up to date on your upcoming wedding. One the site, you can share your ‘how we met’, “how he proposed” and also post photos, write your “how we met” story, have a guestbook and interact with so many people. It will answer all the questions that people may want to ask.

     

    Start saving

    If you haven’t done so already, start saving with your significant other. Even if you might not know exactly how much your wedding will cost, it’s a pretty good bet that it will be expensive. The sooner you start saving, the smaller the amount per month you need to save. You can then make a wedding budget out of the money already saved. This is particularly helpful if your parents don’t have much to contribute to your wedding or you want to be able to afford some things yourself. Remember that even a simple, small wedding costs money (and sometimes a lot more money than you would ever imagine). A wedding savings account is an easy way to keep cash accumulating for the big day, so you don’t have to rely solely on your parents and contributions from friends.

     

    Star drawing up your guests’ list

    Ask your parents (and his) for their ideal guests’ lists. Before you start putting a number on how many guests you want, it’s time to ask both your parents about whom they’d most want to invite. Be sure to tell them this is just a preliminary list and things might change. After you have their “dream” lists, you can add and edit and trim. With this, you will have an idea of how many people may attend your wedding.

  • Uwak sends Aland United to the top

    Aland United replaced rivals PK-35 at the top of the Finland Naisten Liiga as Cynthia Uwak’s early goal gave them a 1-0 win over the Vantaa Giants.

    The result puts Aland United on top of the ladder with 31 points, one more than PK-35, who they defeated at the Wiklöf Holding Arena on Saturday.

    Adde Engman should have put Aland United ahead, but she wasted when put through with the goalkeeper at her mercy

    There was no rest for PK-35 defenders, and Uwak, who was close to scoring in the 14th minute nicked the only goal before the 20-minute mark.

    The Super Falcons star, scorer of the crucial goal in the first half, forced Paula Myllyoja into action with a fierce shot from a tight angle after Aland United had soaked up PK-35’s pressure in the early part of the second half.

    Ellen Ahlström was the busier of the two keepers in the final stages as Aland United claimed a memorable win.

  • Federalism, State Police, others top conference agenda

    Federalism, State Police, others top conference agenda

    After months of arguments and preparations, the National Conference begins today in Abuja.

    The Presidency will subject the conference’s key resolutions to the consideration of the National Assembly, sources said yesterday.

    The Presidency said the National Assembly may have the final say on the resolutions of the conference.

    Besides, 10 issues have been identified as being likely to dominate the conference.

    These are true or cooperative federalism; presidential or parliamentary system of government; tenure system; derivation principle; state police; creation of states; autonomy for local governments; immunity clause; and indigeneship.

    The conference secretariat has said it will ensure the delegates’ protection.

    But there will be no official cars or accommodation for the 492 delegates.

    According to a top presidency official, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, the decisions of the conference cannot be binding without being sent to the National Assembly for either constitution amendment or enactment of laws as applicable.

    The source said: “Going by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution, the legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is vested only in the National Assembly.

    “So, delegates should not come to the conference with the notion that their resolutions are automatic.

    “After the conference, the Executive will meet to come up with policies and bills that would be forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration.”

    The source explained why the conference is different from the 2005 exercise by the administration of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    He said: “We have just celebrated 100 years of the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates into Nigeria.

    “So, we have been together for 100 years. We have had our gains and shortcomings, we need to review our past and set agenda for the next 100 years.

    “The centenary perspective makes this National Conference unique.”

    According to another source, the presidency’s thinking is that the conference should chart a path for the nation on the type of federalism it should run. The proposals are fiscal, true and cooperative federalism.

    “We also hope that the conference will lay to rest the debate on which system of government we should run. Some Nigerians are seeking a return to the parliamentary system; others still favour presidential system.

    “I think the debates at the conference might largely be on these 10 areas”, another source said.

    In a chat with our correspondent, the Assistant Secretary to the National Conference (Media and Communications), Mr. James Akpandem, said yesterday: “We are set for the opening ceremony, everything is in place. We expect a successful dialogue.

    “As far as the conference is concerned, we will ensure that all delegates are protected. We have also advised the delegates to look for suitable accommodation.”

    Responding to a question, Akpandem said: “The question of buying cars or providing accommodation for the delegates does not arise. The correct position is that their transport and accommodation is monetised.

    “As to how much each delegate will collect as allowances/ stipends, it is not for public knowledge now, but the details are being worked out.”

    Security arrangement was beefed up yesterday at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in preparation for today’s inauguration of the conference.

    A detachment of the Army joined teams of the Police and the Department of State Security (DSS) to provide security for guests and delegates.

    Gun-welding soldiers, police and DSS personnel were seen at every point in the expansive complex. Men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps were also sighted making rounds.

    Except for the heavy presence of security personnel, there was no sign of a great event taking place in the complex.

    The Andrew Obaseki auditorium, where the inauguration is scheduled to take placeis also undergoing comprehensive security checks coordinated by State House security officers.

  • Darey’s Asiko makes MTV Base top chart

    Darey’s Asiko makes MTV Base top chart

    DAVIDO joins Ehis in the studio for an Official Naija Top 10 discussing the music videos and tracks making it big on this week’s Nigerian music scene.

    In first place this week is “Asiko” by Darey featuring Ice Prince and Jozi. Davido’s “Gobe” which climbs into the number 3 slot while former number one “Ezioku” by Lynxx slips to number 2. The only new entry in this week’s chart is Wande Coal who enters the chart at number 9 with “The Kick”. This week’s highest climbers are 2Face who continues his swift ride up the charts as “Dance Floor” moves to number 8 and Kcee with “Limpopo” up two places at number 5.

    Every week the Official Naija Top 10 is put together by an elite panel of judges comprising of Nigerian broadcasters, music specialists and tastemakers, working with MTV Base to pick the winners and losers in the week’s chart. On the panel are Onos Ariyo (Bella Naija.com), DJ Humility (Rhythm FM), DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Xclusive (Cool FM), Big Time (Rhythm FM), DJ Caise (The Beat FM), Toolz (The Beat FM) and Osagie Alonge (Nigerian Entertainment Today).

  • CAF CL: Rangers in top shape ahead S/Principe tie

    CAF CL: Rangers in top shape ahead S/Principe tie

    Enugu Rangers football club have said they are in top shape, and prepared for the CAF Champions League fixture against Sporting Príncipe on Sunday, February 17, 2013.

    The Nigerian side will host their counterpart from Sao Tome and Principle inside the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium in Enugu.

    Coach Okey Emordi will only face the problem of choice, as all the players are fit for the game except for Ejike Uzoenyi who just returned with the Super Eagles from South Africa, where they won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Emordi will puzzle in defense whether to start Uche Oguchi or Haliru Umar in the right back, Chinedu Justice or Nnamdi Anyasodo in the left back, with Cyril Oriaku and Ousmane Sane option for the central defense.

    “The players have been in good shape. They have been in camp for some time,” media officer Foster Chime told futaa.com.

    “We defeated national U20 side (Flying Eagles) in a friendly, so I can tell you the team is fully prepared for the game come Sunday.”

    Rangers FC board has promised to reward the players handsomely if they beat

    their counterpart from Sao Tome and Principle.

    Sporting Príncipe was due in Nigeria last night.

  • ‘Big Friday Show’ airs top 10 Nigerian music videos

    CELEBRATING what it calls “Best of Music”, popular TV programme, ‘Big Friday Show’ presented a countdown of the 10 biggest music videos featured on its Season 3.

    Known for bringing highly contemporary music to viewers and spotlighting the hottest music videos trending on social media platforms, the show had the best tracks from top Nigerian artistes like P-Square, Burna Boy, Iyanya, Ice Prince and others in its “The BFS Jams Countdown”.

    Eager followers of the show were able to find out which of their favorite music videos made the top list of BFS Season 3 on this special music countdown episode.

    Participants are encouraged to share their views by joining the conversation on twitter @BigFridayShow or by liking the BFS page on facebook- http://www.facebook.com/MTV.Base.Big.Friday.Show#

  • Kia ranks among ‘Top 100 Best Global Brands’

    Kia ranks among ‘Top 100 Best Global Brands’

    Kia Motors Corporation has entered the list of the ‘Top 100 Best Global Brands,’ according to the 2012 study released by Interbrand, the world’s largest brand consultancy agency.

    Kia’s remarkable increase in brand value is now estimated at $4.1 billion, which firmly sets the automaker at 87th place on the ‘Top 100 Best Global Brands’ list. This is a 50 per cent increase from last year’s estimated brand value and far exceeds the average automotive brand value growth rate of 11 per cent.

    The 2012 edition of Interbrand’s annual ‘Best Global Brands’ study was executed through a comprehensive brand performance analysis using best practice research methodology by expert analysts. The study measures a corporation’s financial performance in terms of the raw financial return to investors; role that a brand plays in the actual purchase decision; and brand strength, which is the ability of a brand to secure the delivery of expected future earnings.

    The strong increase in Kia’s brand value closely mirrors the company’s recent surge in global sales, which have posted three consecutive double-digit year-on-year gains to cement Kia’s position as the world’s fastest growing major automotive brand. Over this three year period (2008-2011), Kia’s annual global sales have grown by 81 per cent to nearly 2.5 million units.

    Chief Commercial Officer of Dana Motors Limited Mr Sandeep Malhotra said: “Entering the ‘Top 100 Best Global Brands’ validates Kia’s commitment to continuously provide exciting and inspiring brand experiences. And it is amazing to see what we can accomplish by staying true to who we are – a young and dynamic challenger that goes beyond expectations.”

    According to Marketing Manager for Kia in Nigeria, Kayode Adejumo, “We are excited to be in the Top 100 globally and this leadership position is also evident in Nigeria as well. Our brands are award winners both locally and internationally and we are honoured and inspired to do even more for our customers.”

  • Obudu LOC retains $50,000 top prize for winners

    Obudu LOC retains $50,000 top prize for winners

    The Local Organising Committee for the 8th Obudu international mountain race and the 4th African Nations Mountain Running Championships has revealed an unchanged prize money outlay for this year’s edition.

    Two years ago, the total prize money for the 6th edition of the race was increased by over $35,000 by the organisers following the introduction of the women’s version of the African Nations Mountain Running Championship.

    The total prize money which has gone up from $245,500 to $278,000 has been retained for this year’s edition.The prize money for the first to the 10th position for this year’s race remains the same with the winners in each gender category going home with $50,000 each while $20,000 and $9,000 respectively will go to the second and third placed finishers.The prizes for 4th -10th placed finishers in each category also remain at $4,500, $4,000, $3,000, $2,500, $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000 respectively.

    William Archibong, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee explains the reason for the retention of the prize money structure for the 8th edition which holds at the Obudu Ranch Resort in Obudu,Cross River state on Saturday November 17,2012.

    “His Excellency, the executive governor of Cross River State wants the race to maintain its status as the highest paying mountain race in the world. He is happy with the way the competition has been organised since its maiden edition in 2005 and wants us to make this year’s event even bigger and better in terms of the technical organisation of the race as well as the quality of athletes who will participate,” he said.

    The African Championship draws a prize money of $15,000 for first team position, $10,000 for second and $7,500 for third team position for both men and women.

    The prize monies for best Nigerian finishers (men/women) and Media Race (men/women) are also unchanged with the top three finishers going home with $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000 respectively.

    Also unchanged are the prize monies for the Children’s race where a total of N590,000 will be shared among the top 10 finishers with the top three in the boys and girls categories carting home N100,000, N80,000 and N50,000 respectively. Fourth to 10th placed finishers will get N20,000, N10,000, N9,000 ,N8,000, N7,000, N6,000 and N5,000 respectively.

    The Obudu international mountain race is organized by the Cross River State Government, in conjunction with the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN). It enjoys tremendous support from the African Athletics Confederation(CAA), the World Mountain Running Association, (WMRA) and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

  • Flamingoes can still top their group — NFF

    Flamingoes can still top their group — NFF

    The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) Barrister Musa Amadu has assured that the Flamingoes are capable of topping Group A in the ongoing FIFA U- 17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan despite playing a pulsating 1-1 draw against Canada in their first group match on Saturday.

    “It was an average result. I don’t have any fear whatsoever as regards the abilities of the team although we lost some scoring chances. We showed clearly in the match that we are a better team than the Canadians.

    “We will correct the mistakes we observed in the first match against Canada in the second group match against the host team Azerbaijan. This is a match we must win convincingly knowing full well that the host team are just cutting their teeth in this level”, the NFF Scribe told SportingLife yesterday.

    He also believed that with the support given to the team so far by the Federation the Flamingoes are capable of going far in the competition. “We have given and are giving all the necessary support to the team out there in Azerbaijan for the Flamingoes to top the group which I am very sure we could”, Amadu assured.

    Flamingoes lost clear cut chances at goal against Canada especially in the first half of the first group match on Saturday and had to come back from a goal down to end the game in 1-1. Colombia defeated the host team 3-0 in the second match to top the group.