The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Win

  • Infighting won’t win the fight

    When anti-corruption warriors are divided, it is a disappointing signal about the state of the anti-corruption war. When two major members of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) criticised the Federal Government’s approach to the anti-corruption war, and blamed specific officials for the poor results, it signalled a weakening of the war.

    A June 18 report said: “Speaking in Abuja at a programme organised by the National Association of Seadogs (the Pyrates Confraternity), the Chairman of the panel, Professor Itse Sagay (SAN), and member, Professor Femi Odekunle, attributed recent setbacks suffered by the administration in the prosecution of corruption cases to the fraudulent activities of compromised elements in the judiciary and legislature, and a lack of diligence on the part of some senior government officials. The Chairman of the committee, Prof. Itse Sagay, said the President and his team must come up with new ideas to fight corruption.”

    The report continued: “He said the judiciary was concentrating more on technicalities rather than the spirit of the law and justice. Sagay said, “The Federal Government, particularly the President and Vice-President, who were elected into office principally to eliminate corruption, must go back to their drawing board, search and scan the constitution and other laws to draw the requisite irresistible power to deal firmly with this terrible scourge of our times – otherwise we are all dead.”

    Odekunle was even more pointed and critical, suggesting the intensity of   possible infighting. The report further said: ”Also speaking, Odekunle, in particular, questioned the commitment of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to the anti-graft war and also raised a doubt about the integrity of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Mr. Danladi Umar, who discharged and acquitted Senate President Bukola Saraki of all 18 charges levelled against him, on Wednesday.”

    Evidently, the state of the Saraki issue has further exposed the state of the anti-corruption issue. The report said: “The professor of criminology also questioned the resolve of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, to help the Federal Government in the fight against corruption. The event titled, ‘Feast of Barracuda’, had ‘Critical Review of the Anti-Corruption War in Nigeria: Strategies, Challenges and Prospects’, as its theme.”

    Odekunle went far enough to show that the President Buhari administration’s anti-corruption war may be in danger, meaning the anti-corruption warriors may lose the war. Further report: “While exploring the theme, Odekunle, raised eight salient questions which he said members of the public must answer in order to put the recent failures of the anti-graft war in proper perspective. He asked, “Does the Presidency realise that routine crime prevention and methodology, instruments and processes are not adequate in fighting corruption in this country? That is, does the Presidency realise that fighting corruption must be a ‘rofo rofo’ fight? That it is not a question of due process, long process, fair hearing and all those that will give you technical justice instead of real justice?”

    It is thought-provoking that Odekunle raised questions that called into question the performance of the man who chaired the panel which ruled that Saraki had no case to answer. He said: “It is said that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. In this regard, I ask, what were the details and the resolution of the EFCC matter on Danladi Umar’s bribery case? I don’t know, I’m just asking. Does the DSS possess any information about Danladi Umar on the use or abuse of hard drugs? Is there any record that Danladi Umar had been driving and crashing his car under the influence? These are questions that I don’t know the answers to but I want you to investigate.”

    He also raised questions about the Attorney-General: “Is the Attorney-General of the Federation, who is to lead the anti-corruption fight, going by the way things have been going in the past two years, as committed as others who could have done the job better? I have no answers but I believe if they are answered, it will give us an insight into the cause of our current dilemma in the fight against corruption.”

    Who will supply the needed answers?  Conscious of the gravity of the development, Malami, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Salihu Isah and the Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution (AGF Office), Mr. Okoi Obono-Obla, assured Nigerians: “…despite some recent setbacks recorded in some of the cases involving politically-exposed people… the war against corruption is fully on course.”  The statement added: “It shall be fought resolutely, painstakingly, doggedly, purposefully and determinedly with all the constitutional and legal arsenals at the disposal of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The Federal Government is more than ever before committed towards the complete eradication of the scourge of corruption and graft in the country.”

    Malami seems to miss the point. Sagay and Odekunle are arguing for a rethinking of the war strategy and a redesigning of the weapons. The point is: The current anti-corruption war is a new war; it cannot be successfully fought by warriors using old weapons.

    Malami further said in defence of his performance: “Those in a hurry to condemn due to the temporary setbacks recorded lately should tarry awhile because a legal process is deemed not concluded until it terminates at the Supreme Court which is the highest court of arbitration in Nigeria.” This thinking still reflects the old way of fighting corruption.

    The defensive statement said that Malami “is highly disappointed that such accusation and statement could be made by those who ought to know better,” adding that he “is saddened and flummoxed at the attempt to cast aspersion on his integrity, dedication and commitment to the war against corruption which undoubtedly is one of the major cornerstones of the present administration.”

    The question is: What has Malami achieved as an anti-corruption fighter?  The statement gives an answer that deserves to be questioned because it is questionable: “…the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation since his assumption of office has initiated numerous reforms and programmes to drive the war against corruption including the recently launched National Anti-Corruption Strategy, 2017. The National Anti-Corruption Strategy plan is a five-year strategic plan to combat corruption and corrupt tendencies in the country to the barest minimum. It is the first of its kind in the history of the country.” Whether it will work, or win the fight, remains to be seen.

    In the final analysis, what the anti-corruption war needs is a winning   strategy that is seen to be winning.

     

  • How to win war against malaria, by don

    How to win war against malaria, by don

    ‘We must dedicate ourselves to cost effective healthcare that focuses on clear goals and produces measurable results. Government health policies should exhibit continuity for sustainable performance’

    A professor of Parasitology, Comfort Adejoke Ibidapo, has

    said the fight against malaria could only be substantially attained by eliminating mosquitoes-breeding points.

    According to her, it is often difficult to get rid of malaria because parasites have developed resistance.

    She said: “They (mosquitoes) also change their code so that the host’s immunity will not be able to eject them.’’

    Ibidapo, who delivered the 61st inaugural lecture of the Lagos State University (LASU) entitled: Man against parasites: An endless battle, said because most of the control methods against malaria have failed, the strategy is to clear stagnant water and gutters which are mosquitoes-breeding grounds.

    “Those days when health inspectors used to clean the gutters should come back. Then they would kill the mosquitoes before they mature so that it would reduce the number of adults they have,” she said.

    She also said since economic development helps in improving the overall health status of the populace, it becomes necessary to integrate health financing interventions into all other programmes.

    “We must dedicate ourselves to cost-effective healthcare that focuses on clear goals and produces measurable results. The government health policies should exhibit continuity for sustainable performance.

    “A national programme of neglected tropical disease control and elimination, coupled with increased access to clean water and sanitation, would simultaneously serve to strenghten health systems in many parts of Nigerian states. In parallel with expanded disease control and elimination efforts, Nigeria’s best universities and research institutes must expand their research and training capacity for NTDs, ” she said.

    She advised that there should be use of mass drug administration for the control of neglected tropical disease or preventive chemotherapy, saying it would result in the control or total elimination of these diseases. “The administration of albendazole and mebendazole would impact positively on school performance and the diseases burden of soil transmitted helminthes,” she said.

    The don said through improvements in child growth, intellect and cognition, pregnancy outcome and worker productivity, there would be a Nigeria free from the high prevalence of NTDs, adding that this could accelerate the nation’s economic development.

    “Through expansion in integrated NDT control and disease elimination, Nigeria should become an important model for all of Africa,” she added.

  • Nwibe: how APC can win Anambra

    Nwibe: how APC can win Anambra

    Barth Nwibe, an engineer,is one of the governorship aspirants in Anambra State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He spoke with reporters in Lagos on his ambition, his vision, the state’s politics and his party’s chances. Excerpts.

    Why do you want to become the governor of Anambra State, despite the feeling that politics is dirty?

    There is nothing dirty in politics. It is only because of the way some of us have bastardised and monetised the process here. But as you can see with the APC-led government at the centre, things are changing for good gradually. The issue of money politics and electoral malpractice is being reduced and politics of superior ideas, performance and integrity is being upheld and valued.  I know that with this present government’s style, we will get there soon.

    I got involved in politics because I need to contribute my own quota to help fix the things that are wrong with our country. I want to see whether I can change the way things are done. I set up a Foundation in my community about 12 years ago, and through the foundation, I discovered that there is pervasive poverty in the land and this is holding us down. I just realised there’s poverty in the land; our institutions are in bad shape due to poor leadership.

    As a successful businessman, yes you can try, but, it’s only through politics that you can effectively impact your immediate environment. If people like us don’t get involved, then these other people will get there, make laws and do all sorts of things to control us.

    Life is not just about being comfortable; there’s need for some of us to get involved in politics. My take is that we can do it differently. It is people like us who when we start something, see its end, people like us who had worked and started our businesses from the scratch and taken it to a certain level that should be involved in governance; people like us who have good background in terms of education; if somebody wants to lead or do something by himself, he should be prepared.

    What are the challenges confronting Anambra State?

    The challenge in Nigeria today is leadership. The country is in a mess today because of poor leadership. Religion is also part of it. Pastors preach prosperity as opposed to hardwork.  Our tribal sentiments too: He is Ibo, no, he is Yoruba, oh, and he is Hausa. Sometimes, they are the bedrock of our support. We have to work together to change that mentality. I’m in the race to provide quality leadership for Ndi Anambra and by extension the Igbo race, which is in dire need of credible leaders with track records.

    Look at my own state, Anambra. People involved are career politicians. Times are changing. The oil resources is thinning out, so, I believe that it is time for people to think out of the box. That’s why I’m offering myself. I’m in the race to provide credible leadership in Anambra State.

    Politics in the state had always been fixed in the past; it was always kind of rigged. People get together sometimes in a place, write results and announce them. Sometimes, they use the Police and Military and do whatever they want to do. But that is not possible now under the APC-led government. Look at the elections conducted so far under Buhari’s government. They have been credible and unquestionable.  That is what we are looking forward to in Anambra on November 18.

    What difference do you think you can make in the contest?

    These people you are talking about are not popular on the ground; they don’t win popular elections. I know this time around, they are not going to have INEC, DSS and Police with them; they are going to come out and contest this election like every other person because of the times we are in today; because of the politics of change.

    The PDP had been manipulating things in Anambra State, until APGA got into it. APGA was not standing alone; they had always had a deal with PDP during governorship elections. So, all the elections in Anambra State were always manipulated one way or the other in favour of PDP and APGA. But I believe that times have changed because of the man we have today as the President; we are going to have a level playing ground in the election.

    For the first time, the so-called powerful and manipulative politicians will go and test their popularity on the ground. It wouldn’t be a situation where somebody stays in his house to write election results and announce. That’s what gives me confidence; I believe we will see real democracy in action this time around.

    What are your chances of getting ticket?

    I come from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) bloc and George Muoghalu comes from the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) before we merged to become All Progressives Congress (APC). As far as I’m concerned, we are the only two people, who, morally, should be contesting this election.

    We shouldered with our leader, Chris Ngige, whatever it took to keep the party alive. You know how politics is played during registration and you know when people are poor, they expect you to even pay for the passport. Before the election, we spent our money.

    It is not easy to play opposition politics. But some of us who believe in certain principles, when it was fashionable to be in PDP and APGA and get the benefit of being in government, but we said no, this is the right way to go. And when election came, those guys gathered together and called us all kinds of names. Some said we were Boko Haram terrorists. Some called us Yoruba names. Some said Fashola deported Igbo people in Lagos. They caused all kinds of opposition in Igboland. Fortunately for us, APC won the election and today, you see these people jumping into the party. But they have come in like armed robbers, and want to contest election. All you hear is: “I want to contest for the governorship election.” It is morally offensive for a person, who believed in what PDP stood for four months ago to now say you’re putting on APC shirt. You don’t even want to recognise that people have been there. The only claim they have is that they have more money than some of us. If you come into the system, you take your time to understand the situation.

    Is the APC on ground in Anambra?

    The election is between APC and other parties, probably, APGA because of the governor. But the governor knows his days in office are numbered.

    Again, if you check today, the dynamics of who-is-who in Anambra State politics, you will see that almost everybody is in APC. Our people have realised that the PDP was a wrong one and APGA was a lie, a deceit. APC today is the party to beat. If we lose this election, it is because we brought the wrong candidate.APC is on he ground. I have had consultations with people across board, I’m not sure today that Anambra people are going to stigmatise or reject people based on their party. We have come to realise that we have to reconnect to the centre to get our fair share.

  • Anambra 2017: ‘APGA will win’

    Anambra 2017: ‘APGA will win’

    Hon. Chinedu Nkwonta is the Publicity Secretary of the Anambra State All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). In this interview with NWANOSIKE ONU, he speaks on the party’s strategy to win the November 18 governorship election and the chances of other political parties. 

    How prepared is the APGA for the November 18 governorship election?

    Anambra State belongs to the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). Every Anambrarian understands the fundamental principles of the party. In fact, no Anambra person needs to be told that our collective destiny changed for the better when APGA took over the governance of the state. The gods of our land physically and spiritually agreed with the principles of APGA. That is why we do not need any extra preparation for any election, especially the governorship election coming in November.

    Anambra State was like a leper before APGA took over. Former Governor Peter Obi came in and started the progressive movement that the state witnessed within the first eight years of APGA government. The story today is that Willie Obiano is working. Willie is working is not just a mantra; come to Anambra State today and you will be delighted by the monumental development going on in the state.

    The APC and the PDP are threatening to take over the state…

    The PDP is a forgotten party; the people of Anambra do not talk about the PDP anymore. It has been dumped in the dustbin of politics. Anambra is a traditional core Igbo state; it is the central of the Igbo nation. The APC’s wild dream of coming into Anambra is only a figment of the imagination of few politicians that still believe that brigandage still rule. Anambra has nothing politically, culturally, spiritually or otherwise in common with the APC. We are conscious of their obvious interests in our dear state; we can only say that Anambra State today is not the Anambra of yesterday. Our people are politically savvy and we know where our bread is buttered; it is in APGA.

    You are sounding optimistic. What of the crisis in your party?

    It is expected when you have people who feel disgruntled for one reason or the other. There is no major crisis in APGA today; compared with APGA, other political parties are in worse situation. APGA is a family; more like a religion. For us all, the followers, therefore, any minor misunderstanding does not remove the fact that the party is supreme and every member is expected to succumb to the superior authority, which is the APGA government under Dr. Willie Obiano. The fact still remains that Dr Victor Ike Oye is our National Chairman and Sir Norbert Obi our State Chairman.

    What are Obiano’s chances of reconciling with people like Victor Umeh and Peter Obi?

    Governor Obiano has no problems with Chief Victor Umeh. He is a grounded party man who would do everything for APGA to survive. He was the National Chairman of APGA for two consecutive terms. The rumoured squabble between him and the governor is only being propelled by mischief makers that want to create crisis where there is none. Of course, you know that Chief Umeh is still in court, fighting over the Anambra Central senatorial election. We are confident that he will triumph and all APGA members will jubilate, including Governor Obiano.

    On the purported position of former Governor Peter Obi on the second term bid of Obiano, it is also another design by jobless politicians who want to benefit from such crisis. I will be the first to tell you that Mr. Obi knows he is not God. Therefore, he cannot say he will stop Obiano’s second term bid. The future of Obiano and APGA is in the hands of God and Ndi- Anambra. Governor Obiano will triumph, because hehas exceeded expectations in all facets of developments.

    All over the world, Ndi-Anambra are holding their heads high, because we have a working governor. As you know, the voice of man is the voice of the God, Ndi Anambra all over the world have spoken; they want Willie Obiano to sustain the strategic developments taking place all over the state.

  • Win set to offer free medical treatment to Imo state indigenes

    Win set to offer free medical treatment to Imo state indigenes

    A nonprofit organasation, ‘When in Need Foundation’ (WIN) has chosen the indigenes of Ideato in Imo State as one of the beneficiaries of their free health services. The team of physicians and volunteers will be in the suburb of Imo state from April 27 to 29.

    According to the  Director of media  of the organisation,  Dr.George Onuorah, the WIN’s  mission of mercy is a medical journey to the most rural and deprived parts of the world hence their willingness to  travel to Ideato Imo state, Nigeria with a team of physicians and volunteers  who will provide medical screening, treatments and supplies.

    He said: “The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection was the perfect place to celebrate the When in Need Foundation’s upcoming Mission of Mercy with great food, drinks, and an art exhibit.”

    Meanwhile, to aid this project, WIN hosted a send-off happy hour and art exhibit on Wednesday in the US to support  those traveling to Nigeria for the annual mission of mercy.

    Since 2012, WIN has saved over 100,000 families, women and orphans around the world. Last year, When in Need Foundation provided food, clothing, and medical services to over 5,000 women and children.

  • ‘Nigeria ‘ll win anti-terror war’

    ‘Nigeria ‘ll win anti-terror war’

    Oladimeji Odeyemi is the President of the National Committee of Yoruba Youths. He spoke with reporters in Lagos on the war against terror and other issues. Excerpts:

    You recently led a team of your officials to a meeting with the Yoruba community in Maiduguri. What  your assessment of the security situation in that axis?

    Let me first state that our trip to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, was on the invitation of our kinsmen in that city, who have been following our activities as a result of our various interventions and advocacy on the effort of the Nigerian Military in the war against insurgency and the need for normalcy to return to that part of the country. We are glad that we made the trip, going by the warm reception we got, most especially from the Yoruba community, and our ability, to observe that truly, peace have returned to Maiduguri, which was once, a center of the activities of the now decimated Boko Haram insurgents. Businesses are now re-opened, people now go about their daily activities and we are proud to have taken the opportunity, to also visit neighborhood markets which were once deserted by the people. In fact as a people, we should be indebted to the Nigerian Army for this noble feat.

    Could it be said that normalcy has truly returned to the Northeast?

    Without sounding immodest, I think I may be constrained to encourage groups and individuals, particularly the media, to visit Borno State so that they can have a first-hand assessment of how Nigerian Army under the leadership of General Tukur Buratai has been able to restore normalcy to this otherwise troubled, environment. Let me remind you that only recently, one of the major political figures in Nigeria, who incidentally is also a fellow Yoruba, visited the State, and had the cause to do on-the-spot assessment of projects and even commission several projects, that has been embarked upon by the government of Borno State. Also recall, that the Borno State Government recently declared every December 22nd, starting from this year, as a public holiday in the state, in acknowledgement of the victory over Boko Haram, with the capture of the once dreaded Sambisa forest, by the gallant Nigerian Soldiers.

    The Nigerian Army recently held a Small Arms Championship in the famous Sambisa Forest. what’s your take on it?

    Firstly, we must commend the leadership of the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of General Buratai, for the innovations, and reinvigoration of the Military operations in the North East. The successful conduct of the Small Arms Championship by the Nigerian Army in Sambisa forest, is a testimony of the perseverance, resilience, and patriotism of the Nigerian Army, in protecting the territorial integrity, of Nigeria, such that no part of our land, will be occupied by these dissidents and notorious elements. This competition itself has showcased the armory, the manpower, expertise and professionalism of the Nigerian Army. This has also laid credence, to the popular saying, that the Nigerian Army, is the pride of the Black race.

    The Nigerian Army has been accused by the Amnesty International of violation of right. what is your take on the conduct of the Nigerian Army, as regards respect for human rights, during their operations?

    As you can see, a lot of patriot and Nationalists, have factually faulted the clearly sentimental report of Amnesty International, against the Nigerian Army. While one may sympathize with a lot of those groups, we must sincerely acknowledge that the Nigerian Army under the current leadership has taken the issues of human rights, civil engagement and discipline of errant officers as a priority. We are all witnesses, to how the Army has in recent times, dealt decisively with her men that have been reported to have molested or abuse, the right of citizens, in various parts of the country. This is unprecedented and I strongly believe that as Nigerians, we must acknowledge this and commend the courage and forthrightness of the Nigerian Army leadership.

    There are insinuations in some quarters that the Army authorities was behind the picketing of the Abuja Office of the Amnesty International….

    As someone, who is actively involved in the Civil Society struggles and as a keen follower of the activities of the Nigerian Military, particularly the Army, I will say, that it is unfair and inaccurate to subscribe, to the devious notion, that the leadership of the Nigerian Army, will stoop so low, to sponsor protests, against an organization like Amnesty International. Let me remind you, that when there was a controversy arising from certain misrepresentation of the character of the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai, by an online magazine, He and the Army, did not resort to self-help. The current Army leadership from our observation as a group believes so must in constructive engagements and democratic approach to issues, rather than getting involved in such charades, as witnessed in the picketing of the Abuja Office of Amnesty International Nigeria, by those protesters. Anyway, I will want us to see this, as part of the scripts, by those elements, who are desperately out, to discredit the Nigerian Army and its Leadership.

    With the renewed threat of attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents, what do you think the government needs to do to curtail this?

    I beg to differ a little from your assumption that there are renewed attacks by the Boko Haram elements. What we are witnessing, as it can be observed globally wherever that are incidences of insurgency, are cased of isolated attacks, which is a major sign of the last hours desperations of a defeated group, such as Boko Haram. My opinion is that it requires our collective effort as Nigerians, to join hands with the various security agencies, in order to expose and route out the remnants of the Boko Haram and their collaborators, from our various communities, particularly in the North East.

    How in your opinion, can the populace, collaborate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, to minimise the activities of Boko Haram, and other separatist organizations,  currently operating in the country?

    Trust is the key issues here. We as the people of Nigeria, must trust the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies, with useful and sensitive information, that can assist in their operations. We must also shun all forms of negative news, that can be of distraction to the Nigerian Army and its leadership. Most importantly, we must always appreciate and salute the gallantry of our men that have abandoned the comfort of their homes, in order for us as Nigerians to have a peaceful and united society. Also, the media, should see themselves as equal partners in nation building, rather than dwelling on issues, that can distract the focus of our security agencies.

    A lot is being achieved and I can attest to this, from the point of our last visit to Maiduguri, it is our hope that the federal government will further empower the Military to ensure that this victory is not only sustained, but that we can also return our country completely to what it was before the insurgency era.

  • Obaje predicts home win for Plateau Utd

    Obaje predicts home win for Plateau Utd

    Plateau United’s striker, Joshua Obaje has revealed that the Peace Boys are desperate to record a home win against Wikki Tourists in a North Central local derby on Sunday.

    The Jos side relinquished their position as league leaders on Wednesday despite picking a point against Rivers United in Port Harcourt but they will return to the top of the table if they beat Wikki at the Rwang Pam Stadium and MFM fail to defeat Nasarawa United in Lafia.

    Obaje who has been in sparkling form for Plateau United agreed that the Sunday tie will be tough but that they are out to repay the confidence repose in them by all in the club and the state government also by getting the maximum points and returning to the top of the table.

    Plateau United are currently second on the log with 29 points from 16 games and are up against 16th placed Wikki who have 18 points from 15 fixtures.

  • Olujongbe pleased with Sunshine win

    Olujongbe pleased with Sunshine win

    Sunshine Stars head coach, Kayode Olujongbe has expressed his satisfaction with his side’s hard fought victory against Rivers United.

    The Owena Waves beat the stubborn Pride of Rivers 1-0 in yesterday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 10 clash at the Akure Township Stadium.

    Attacking midfielder, Ayo Saka’s brilliant grounder in the 38th minute proved adequate to hand the Akure outfit the whole three points at stake.

    Olujongbe said he actually wanted more than one goal in the clash to shore up the side’s standing on the league log.

    “I’m happy and pleased with the victory against Rivers United, three points are quite crucial, though I would have loved to win with more than one goal.

    “I said we will attack Rivers United from start to finish and we did exactly that in the encounter.Right from now on we will go all out to attack in all our matches, aimed at getting more goals.

    “The goal difference is what kept us on the spot we occupy on the log, we need to score more goals to up our position.

    “I expected us to win with two goals in the clash against Rivers United. We will work on it in future matches,” said Olujongbe to supersport.com.

    The win against Rivers United takes Sunshine Stars’ total earnings to 12 points from a possible 30 in the 10-week old Nigerian top-flight.

  • El Kanemi secure first away win

    El Kanemi secure first away win

    El Kanemi Warriors secured its first away win of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2016/2017 season after beating Abia Warriors 1-0 at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday.

    This is Borno Army’s first away win since gaining promotion back to the NPFL in 2011/2012 season.

    A University of Maiduguri student, Hussaini Bata Muhammad’s 7th minute strike separated both sides in a tension soaked encounter that left the home fans dejected.

    Despite being a goal up, Ladan Bosso’s boys were all over Abia Warriors, piling pressure perhaps to end their poor away form which they eventually did.

    Abia Warriors made an attempt to get an equaliser for the home team but Ndifreke’s free kick was saved by George Michael.

    El-Kanemi goal scorer, Bata was substituted for Sunday Anthony in the 90th minute when it was obvious that his side had secured all important three points at stake in the game.

    At 85 minutes, tense supporters of Abia Warriors urged their side to go for goal, but El Kanemi held on to end the game 0-1.

    Interestingly, El Kanemi Warriors coach Ladan Bosso was in charge of Abia Warriors two seasons ago as he promised to get something out of the game before it kicked off.

    Team manager, Baba Ali Ajayi commended his boys for their fighting spirit.

    “I think our boys gave a good fight today and they really showed that they mean  business this season. This is a huge result for us after a long time. Although, we have been getting draws away but we have been finding it very difficult to pick three points on the road but I thank God that finally we achieved it today. This is our first away win since we returned to the premier league in 2012. We will cherish this for a long time,” Ajayi said to SportingLife.

  • Wikki still have a lot to learn despite big win

    Wikki still have a lot to learn despite big win

    • Babaganaru seeks final pre-season friendly

    Wikki Tourists head coach, Mohammed Babaganaru has revealed that he has got many positive notes from their 5-1 annihilation of Yarmalight FC of Gombe in a friendly tie played on Saturday evening.

    Babaganaru confirmed that the test game was the club’s first after the NPFL Super Four tournament in Enugu where they placed third behind Rivers United and Enugu Rangers and that with the festive period arriving almost after the tournament in Enugu it was difficult for him and the players to make corrections on their outing during the Super Four.

    He said he was impressed with what his boys displayed against Yarmalight who are competing in the Nigeria National League (NNL) and that he noticed the team’s strong points and weaknesses he hopes to work on before their first game of the season against Nasarawa United whom they face in Bauchi.

    Babaganaru confirmed that the Bauchi side are in talks with Plateau United and Jigawa Golden Stars with a view to playing their final pre-season friendly against either of them before they get set for Nasarawa United.

    He said that the match will take place on either Tuesday or Wednesday this week.