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Saturday, 20 January 2024 17:14

AFCON: Ola Aina reveals how Super Eagles will approach Guinea-Bissau

Super Eagles star, Ola Aina, has revealed how Jose Peseiro’s side will approach their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, final Group A tie against Guinea-Bissau on Monday.

The Super Eagles won 1-0 against Ivory Coast in their last AFCON tie on Thursday.

The outcome of the Ivory Coast game moved Nigeria to second place in Group A with four points, having drawn 1-1 against Equatorial Guinea in their first game.

Speaking to reporters after Nigeria’s victory against the host nation, Aina said, “I’m just happy the team got the win. It was a tough game, I am still feeling a little bit tired but everything is worth it when you win.”

The former Chelsea star added: “We are going there [against Guinea-Bissau] with the same mentality that we had [against Ivory Coast].

“We need to get the job done and hopefully we can get another big result there.”

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Saturday, 20 January 2024 16:54

AFCON 2023: We’ll Do Everything To Make It To The Final – Ahmed Musa [VIDEO]

Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has assured Nigerian fans that the team will do their very best to make it to the final of the 2023 African Cup Of Nations(AFCON) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Musa made this known while speaking with newsmen at the team’s hotel after their victory against the host, Ivory Coast, on Thursday evening.

He also thanked the fans and supporters for their enormous support with prayers both in Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Abroad.

Despite being the most capped Super Eagles player to date with 109 appearances, Musa was an unused substitute in the first two matches against Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast and is yet to make his debut in the ongoing 2023 AFCON.

Speaking on their victory, he said, “Thank you very much! Like I said earlier, we don’t have much to say. We are going to do the talking on the pitch, as you can see yesterday we did one of the talking on the pitch insha’Allah, and we’ll continue doing that till the final on February 11 so that we go back to Nigeria very happy.

“We’ll keep on doing our best to make Nigeria proud and once again, we are sending all our support to Nigeria, the way they supported us for their prayers.”

He, however, said he will be hoping to make his first appearance of the tournament when the Super Eagles play their final match of Group A at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny stadium against a Guinea-Bissau side who has recorded two lost against Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast.

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Saturday, 20 January 2024 16:16

I will retire in ten years time - Cristiano Ronaldo says

Football star, Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about his likely retirement from football when asked about his future plans.

The Al-Nassr forward was asked about when he planned to hang up his boots in Dubai, where he is attending the Globe Soccer Awards and the 38-year-old delivered a funny response.

Ronaldo initially claimed he will retire ‘soon’ before he suggested he can remain at the top of the game for a while yet.

'The moment I finish, I don't know to be honest,' Ronaldo said.

'Of course, it will be soon, soon I mean 10 years more.

'No I am joking, I don't know, let's see.'

Ronaldo, who turns 39 next month, currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

The Portugal star joined the club in a deal worth a reported £175million-a-year last January, following the cancellation of his contract at Man United.

He is the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League this season with 20 goals, three ahead of nearest rival Aleksandar Mitrovic.

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Saturday, 20 January 2024 09:13

[OPINION] Mr. President, Arm Your People - Okey Ikechukwu

Our people say that a father who allows his son to enter the village square for a wrestling contest and then enforces a family rule of not grappling with anyone in public has guaranteed the defeat of his son even before the latter’s opponent is known. That appears to be the position of the average Nigerian today. Thus, except the Federal Government urgently reviews the existing policy on arms possession in Nigeria, the nation’s growing reputation as a mass killing field will become its marker, and identity trademark.

A few days ago, Miyetti Allah set up a Nomadic Vigilante Group in Nasarawa State, which is within spitting distance of the Presidential Villa, in order to help improve national security. If reason and common sense are not being stood on their heads here, why should Miyetti Allah’s expression of “shared commitment to economic prosperity, job creation, and the fight against banditry and cattle rustling” not start in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno and Bauchi states. The states have the highest negative security indices, extremely high poverty ratings and every other thing that diminishes life in Nigeria today.

If, as stated by the initiators of the vigilante programme, part of the reasons for setting up the group is to “help flush out the bad elements among them in the state”, the question WHY NASARAWA STATE? Still remains.

The fact that kidnapping and banditry are going on unabetted and even increasing all over the country, plus the additional fact that the Federal Capital, which is the seat of power and the residence of the Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces, is now favorite hunting ground for freelance bandits, sundry criminals and kidnappers, now makes it mandatory for President Tinubu to ask himself why adult Nigerians of both gender, whose character and means of livelihood can be vouched for, should not carry arms and ammunition for self-protection.

It is incomprehensible to basic common sense, logic and any decent interpretation of holistic national security that Nigerians who are not in military, police or security-related jobs are forbidden from owning, or possessing, a short gun; or any such weapon. It was not always so. The ban came at a point, due to the exigencies of a specific historical hour. That historical hour, which is far behind us now, led to new rules that limited any interested persons to either a single or double barrel, cartridge powered, long snout rifle. This species of guns have limited firepower and cumbersome loading protocols, which leave is possessor at a clear disadvantage in the face of any real danger that requires prompt response.

Before this development, the Mossberg Shotgun, including the short barrel option, were available under government license. So was the .22 Gevam Sporting rifle, a lovely French product, my favourite, with its twelve round slim magazine.

Is it not strange that there are citizens – sometimes of questionable origins – who freely and openly wield banned military assault rifles within the same country where such hardware is banned? They flaunt it everywhere, ostensibly to protect their cattle from cattle thieves. So, should all other trades group also arm themselves against whatever dangers threaten their members and their goods? Would that be the way to go and still remain a viable 21^st century nation?

In the same country that banned military assault rifles are impudently wielded by teenagers in defense of the cattle they are rearing for some members of the elite, a pastor who was caught on social media brandishing the same military assault rifle is on trial for illegal arms possession. One of the charges against the former Central bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, was illegal possession of arms. But little boys are walking freely all over the Federal Republic of Nigeria with the same military hardware unchallenged by the national security machinery.

As was said on this page on July 17, 2019, “The strength of the criminals all over the country today, some of them Fulani from outside Nigeria, actually comes from the fact that they are unchallenged for now. When the government of Ghana took concrete and firm steps to contain their excesses it became obvious that they had no capacity to do anything. But that is because the Ghanaian State took its own survival seriously. The Fulanis, and Myetti Allah, did nothing when Sule Lamido, as governor of Jigawa State, forbade open wandering of cattle in his state. They also did nothing when Lamido authorized every citizen of Jigawa State to kill and barbecue any cattle found roaming in the city. No one heard their whimper about this “Lamido’s free gift to the people of Jigawa State,” as it was then called. And Lamido is Fulani, and of the right breed if you like”.

It should not be in the midst of the current bedlam in national security that Miyetti Allah, which has not been particularly helpful in building bridges, should launch a vigilante outfit. Recall that the same group created an uproar when, a few years ago, it tried to make pretensions about providing the same service in Imo State. Sheik Gumi and several other advocates of a romance with bandits and banditry, must be clapping right now for Miyetti Allah, an organization for cattle herders and related trades, and its Nomadic Fulani Villante Movement.

Is this, perhaps, a pro-Fulani hegemonic outfit that was quickly cobbled, to make life impossible for the new “inferior” governor of the state; and possibly as a Dess Rehearsal for a Fulani Army that will protect Fulani-wide interests; including the occupied lands of the Middle Belt? Just asking.

Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, the national president of the association, said in his inaugural address that the primary objective of the nomadic vigilante group was “to help secure the livelihoods of farmers and herders, and aid sharing of information and intelligence with security agencies”. This will come such voluntary activities as “first aid, community security, and relief services to affected communities as well as help in communal development efforts”.

Alhassan Sule, the national secretary, told Nigerians during the flag off that the vigilante personnel “will undergo rigorous training from renowned security organisations before commencement of operations”. So, the launch is not the commencement of operations? What are the renowned security organizations being mentioned here? Who approved and funded everything connected with this vigilante group? Can any other association do the same, “in support of national security”? Are the personnel now on full time job, for which they are paid regular salaries? What is their background, and what will you do with them in the next one, two, five, or ten years? Who assessed them, and on what basis were they recruited? Etc. etc.

The Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Usman Nadada, while advising the group to abide by “rules of engagement in carrying out their duties”, urged the general public to cooperate with the vigilantes in the fight against kidnapping and banditry in the state. Nasada’s statement, that the group is not allowed to bear arms, “except the ones provided by the police, in the discharge of its duties” rests on some questionable assumptions.

The first is that the police can, and should, arm the group. The second is that an undermanned, underreamed and under-equipped Nigeria Police can oversee this group. The third, and final, questionable assumption is that the police can control this group once it becomes operational. Will the farmers in Nasarawa State and environs not see this as a signal for a final ditch contest for living space?

The corollary to the above is that there is no reason why any other association should not, following this precedent, set up is own vigilante group, “to help secure the livelihoods of farmers and herders, and aid sharing of information and intelligence with security agencies”.

Is The North really paying attention to what is happening to it, especially on account of its refusal to count the toll of insurgency and banditry?

As was said on this page three years ago, under the title ‘Northern Nigeria: The Pretense persists’: “A recent lengthy submission from the elder statesman, Ahmed Joda, rested on a telling conclusion: Northern Nigeria is not developing its human capital. It also does not have the time to do so anymore. Therefore, it is now ill-equipped to fit into either the knowledge-driven world of today or the new world of tomorrow. It needs at least 20 years to become significant in any way. But, rather than wake up to this benumbing fact, there is the pursuit of the illusion of dominance.

Meanwhile the people of the region lack the skills for tomorrow, as majority of its youth lack everything that could make them part of a 21st century world. The major point in Joda’s intervention is that the triumphalism of cattle rearers, whose illusion of invulnerability is fuelled and sustained by a national security framework that is skewed to promote insecurity in specific regions of the country, will go burst sooner than later. Confiscation of the headship of institutions of state is not the same thing as creating a “replacement generation” that could be part of a 21st Century world.

Drugs, poverty and rapacious daredevilry have chased northern big men to Abuja. But is Abuja itself still safe? Are some high-profile estates and exclusive neighbourhoods in Abuja not being quietly attacked these days?”

The above was written three years ago. What is the situation today?

As a last shot from the aforementioned piece, you have this: “As local economies collapse, as re-desertification takes over many places, as farmlands and animal husbandry are abandoned, as the proceeds of crime become the new means of livelihood for the unlettered, the threat to the children of the elite will multiply. The peace of mind of those who had the chance to make a difference but failed to do so will evaporate. The free-band society of cattle herders will collapse before their very eyes, as much of the North is taken over by “degenerate marauders who know nothing about modern statehood, law and order etc.”

As I said at the beginning of this article, “Except the Federal Government urgently reviews the existing policy on arms possession in Nigeria, the nation’s growing reputation as a mass killing field will become its marker, and identity trademark.

Mr. President, please, arm your people!

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Saturday, 20 January 2024 09:02

FG reviews guidelines for promotions in four para-military agencies, begins recruitment

The Board of Immigration, Civil Defence, Fire and Correctional Services has approved the review of promotions in the four services in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this through the Secretary of the board, Ahmed Ja’afaru.

This was shortly after the board meeting on Friday in Abuja.

According to Tunji-Ojo, under the guideline of the board, which was adopted in 2013, the board decided in 2024 to review it, especially as it concerns promotions.

He added that a new guideline for promotions was adopted by the board after it had conducted and completed the verifications of all those officers who were successful in the 2023 promotions.

He said: “The board has also already commenced a process for 2024 promotions.

“So, we will draw the list of all the officers that are due for 2024.

“And very soon we will bring out the timeline for the promotions in the respective four services under the purview of the board.

“We are going to do it in such a way that training will be given priority in career progression and people will be rewarded for hard work and emphasis will be based on capacity building.

“This is to ensure that promotions are not a reward for redundancy but for active participation and contributions to career progression.

“We will also ensure that emphasis is placed on professionalism to expose our officers to all aspects of the job, while also developing specialisation in the various fields that we have in the services.’’

The Minister said that in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu, the board has decided to give 35 percent of employment positions to the women in the four agencies under its supervision .

This, he added, was to ensure that women take active participation in everything that the agencies did as professional bodies compared to what was the case in the past.

He said: “The recruitment will be done in the agencies in such a way to make sure that gender is considered based on Federal Character.”

Tunji-Ojo explained that the new guideline would commence in the ongoing recruitment in the Federal Fire Service.

He added: “As you are all aware, the portal is open and will close on January 31.

“We have reliably gathered that scammers are at work again, people are collecting money from the unsuspecting applicants.

“They are taking the advantage of Nigerians who are desperate to get work.

“I want you to take note that the board does not request for any money.

“As with the advertisement we sent out, we categorically said nobody should pay any money.

“The portal is free and there is no need to buy any scratch card; all you need to do is to go into our portal, open it and register.

“We know they will continue to scam and the consequence is that it damages the reputations of the organisations.”

Tunji-Ojo assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would go after them and make sure it brought the perpetrators to book to face the full wrath of the law.

He added: “We will continue to do our work to the best of our ability, and to ensure that whatever we have done will be based on merit.

“It’s open to all Nigerians and all sections will be based on the federal character principles.”

[Eagleonline]

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Saturday, 20 January 2024 08:57

[OPINION] OUR UNILAG: An Acceptance Speech Upon My Conferment with the D.Litt. of the University of Lagos - Toyin Falola

Distinguished members of the faculty, esteemed guests, and the vibrant student body of the University of Lagos, it is with immense humility and profound gratitude that I stand before you today. As I accept this honorary doctorate, a powerful emblem of scholarly eminence, I am reminded of the incredible journey this prestigious institution has undertaken in the realm of higher education. In 1973, I was admitted to study Law at the University of Lagos, just as I was admitted to Ahmadu Bello University, the University of Nigeria, the University of Ibadan, and the University of Ife. I did not study Law in Lagos for reasons that would be told at the appropriate time. I am now an alumnus by another route. Your University of Lagos is henceforth Our University of Lagos!

The University of Lagos has consistently served as a symbol of hope and a catalyst for optimism among countless individuals throughout Nigeria since its establishment. It symbolizes more than just a place of learning but a transformative environment where the mental abilities of persons who will take on leadership positions are developed and improved upon. The institution has consistently pursued a future-oriented perspective, seeking to challenge the existing conventions of its era and set new standards in higher education. This vision is not solely focused on transmitting knowledge; it is centred on shaping the personalities and futures of those who enter its premises, not only in obtaining one of the best credentials in the academic world but also true to its motto, equipping them to serve humanity “indeed and in truth.”

The institution's steadfast commitment to safeguarding our diverse cultural legacy and unwavering efforts to achieve social fairness exemplify its core ideals. The University of Lagos is not merely a physical infrastructure with classrooms but rather a vibrant hub where varied ideas intersect and flourish, fostering the development of some of Nigeria's most exceptional minds. This achievement has been facilitated by a dedication to offering a thorough and balanced education to every student.

Within this enclosed space, students encounter an atmosphere that not only supports studying but also encourages the development of intellectual abilities and the pursuit of new knowledge. Education is regarded here not merely as the accumulation of knowledge but rather as a profound and changing experience. Students see a significant transformation in their intellectual abilities, emerging as individuals who can think critically and take on leadership roles, capable of successfully navigating the intricacies of our constantly evolving world.

The University of Lagos has created an environment that promotes intellectual engagement, where students are actively encouraged to address the urgent issues of their time. They are not only passive recipients of knowledge but rather active participants in a dynamic and interactive learning environment. This educational method guarantees that students have abundant opportunities to communicate their thoughts and ideas, not just in the classroom but also through participation in debates, dramatic performances, and other kinds of expressive arts.

At this esteemed establishment, education transcends the conventional confines of lecture halls. It functions as a channel for students to develop new skills and build long-lasting social connections. The University of Lagos acknowledges the significance of comprehensive development, which encompasses several programmes and disciplines such as athletics, social welfare, and cultural pursuits. This comprehensive strategy enhances the pool of knowledge and expertise, not just within the country but also globally, promoting the development of individuals with a global perspective. The university's impact reaches beyond its campus and into the wider society, mainly through its substantial research productivity and its graduates, who are known to take key roles in academia and corporate establishments around the world. The impact of the work conducted within these premises extends beyond these boundaries, exerting influence on society discussions and the formation of policies. The university's commitment to attaining research excellence is apparent in its strategic collaborations with diverse academic institutions, government agencies, and worldwide organizations. These relationships have not only increased the influence of the university’s research but have also offered vital opportunities for students and staff to actively participate in addressing global concerns.

The University of Lagos holds the belief that education is a catalyst for significant transformation, which is central to its character. This university equips its students not only with knowledge but also with the skills and values required to implement positive societal progress. Within this dynamic educational setting, students are actively encouraged to inquire, to create new ideas, and to take charge. As earlier noted, the institution fosters in its students the conviction that they possess the ability to effect change on a global scale, a conviction that is seen in the exceptional accomplishments of the university’s graduates.

Standing here now, I am greatly inspired by the University of Lagos' steadfast dedication to achieving greatness in every aspect. This dedication extends beyond achieving academic distinction and encompasses the holistic development of individuals in terms of their intellect, emotions, and ethics. The comprehensive education offered at this institution aims to provide students not only with the necessary skills for their future professions but also with the knowledge and abilities required for their personal development and overall life experiences.

The University of Lagos stands out as a distinctive and esteemed institution due to its comprehensive approach to education. At this institution, students are not merely acquiring knowledge from textbooks; instead, they actively participate in addressing real-world problems and devising solutions to both local and global crises. The institution has continuously exhibited its capacity to adjust to the changing educational environment, incorporating pioneering pedagogical approaches and state-of-the-art research while upholding traditional principles of honesty and determination.

The University of Lagos has had a noticeable effect on the achievements of its former students, who have emerged as influential figures in several industries both in Nigeria and internationally. These individuals exemplify the university's aim by effectively utilizing the knowledge and skills they have gained here to make substantial progress in their respective fields. Not only are they pursuing their personal goals, but they are also making valuable contributions to society, exemplifying the principles of service and leadership promoted by this great university.

Furthermore, the university's dedication to tolerance and diversity is praiseworthy. It has established a setting in which students from many backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs converge, promoting a sense of harmony amidst their differences. The active embrace of other cultures in this environment not only enhances the student's encounter but also equips them for the international arena, where comprehension and appreciation of varieties are crucial for achieving success. This University will continue to provide a haven for the mosaic of cultures needed to promote and sustain the progress of humanity in the twenty-first century and beyond.

The University of Lagos combines rigorous academic standards with a lively campus environment to shape students into versatile individuals. In addition to academic pursuits, the institution provides a wide array of extracurricular activities and organizations, encompassing several fields such as law, arts, literature, science, and technology. Extracurricular activities offer young minds the chance to investigate their interests, acquire new abilities, and interact with their peers in significant ways.

Building upon our previous discussion, the University of Lagos has always prioritized the significance of community involvement and societal obligation. The institution not only imparts knowledge to its students but also motivates them to contribute to their communities. The institution cultivates a strong commitment to service, which permeates all aspects of campus life and motivates students to utilize their knowledge in ways that have a good influence on society. This method guarantees that the advantages of higher education go beyond the individual, penetrating deep into communities and promoting a culture of social responsibility.

The university's research activities are closely interconnected with practical applications in the actual world. The emphasis on pragmatic and influential research conducted here not only contributes to scholarly dialogue but also tackles the urgent demands of society. The research being out at the University of Lagos is advancing groundbreaking answers to complex problems in several fields such as law, medicine, engineering, the arts, and the social sciences.

The University of Lagos has gained prominence in the educational sphere of Nigeria and Africa due to its exceptional academic standards, strong social awareness, and dedication to innovation. The university has emerged as an emblem of optimism and advancement, not just for its students but for the entire nation. As we contemplate the future, the significance of institutions such as the University of Lagos in influencing that future becomes increasingly vital.

Upon receiving this honorary degree, I am well cognizant of the weighty responsibilities it entails. It serves as both an acknowledgement of personal accomplishments and a reminder to actively contribute to the important goals of education and society's progress. The University of Lagos has set an excellent standard in this area, one that I am determined to sustain in my future undertakings.

To conclude, I would like to convey my utmost gratitude to the University of Lagos for bestowing this prestigious recognition upon me. The university's steadfast commitment to greatness, dynamic culture of innovation, and profound passion for creating a better world inspire me. May this valued institution persist as a source of knowledge, a connection to the future, and a driving force for beneficial transformation in Nigeria and beyond.

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Saturday, 20 January 2024 08:56

Why Tanzania Sacked Coach Adel Amrouche After Losing To Morocco In 2023 AFCON

Tanzanian Football Federation has sacked the country’s head coach, Adel Amrouche just after a game in the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

Coach Adel Amrouche was in charge of the Tanzania national team when they took on Morocco in the opening Group F game at the tournament on January 17.

In the 70th minute of the game, Novatus Miroshi was shown a red card making it impossible for Tanzania to stage a comeback from a goal down.

After the exit of Miroshi, Morocco found it easier to score two more goals as they defeated Tanzania 3-0 to top Group F with three points, two points above second-placed DR Congo and third-placed Zambia.

While reacting to the outcome of the game, Coach Adel Amrouche accused Morocco of dictating for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and selecting their match officials.

“Morocco determines everything in African football, they also choose their referees. We remain spectators because they determine everything,” he said

This statement didn’t go down well with CAF as they decided to suspend Adel Amrouche for eight matches and fined him $10,000.

Due to the lengthy suspension of the Algerian tactician, Tanzania FA decided to sack him and replace him with his assistant coach, Hemed Morocco for their next group stage game which is against Zambia at 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 21.

“In another step, the Executive Committee of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has suspended Coach Adel Amrouche”, a statement from Tanzania FA read.

“As a result of that decision, Hemed Morocco has been appointed as Acting Coach, and he will be assisted by Juma Mgunda.”

[NaijaNews]

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Saturday, 20 January 2024 08:38

Salah Ruled Out Of Two AFCON Games

Record seven-time champions Egypt were dealt a major blow on Friday as captain Mohamed Salah was ruled out of two Africa Cup of Nations games with a hamstring injury, while holders.

The Egyptian Football Association confirmed in a statement that Liverpool star Salah would not be able to return for his country unless they reach the quarter-finals at the tournament.

The 31-year-old came off late in the first half of the Pharaohs’ 2-2 draw with Ghana on Thursday.

He will therefore sit out Monday’s final group game against Cape Verde and any last-16 tie that would follow that.

After drawing their opening two games, Egypt need to beat Cape Verde to be guaranteed to advance in second place in Group B.

That would tee up a last-16 tie in San Pedro on January 28, while they could also potentially qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

Salah will therefore only feature again at the competition if Egypt make it to a quarter-final on February 2 or 3.

[DailyTrust]

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Saturday, 20 January 2024 08:35

AFCON 2023: Tournament of underdogs or a case of slow starts

Cape Verde became the first country to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The tiny island nation crushed Mozambique 3-0 on Friday evening to book their spot.

The result all but confirms them as Group B winners, a group that has traditional powerhouses like Egypt and Ghana.

Cape Verde defeated the Black Stars 2-1 in their opening fixture at the tournament – a clear warning sign that was not heeded.

“I see a lot of people are surprised. But Cape Verde has been doing this. I think it was three tournaments ago when they smashed Cameroon and got to the quarter-finals, where they lost to bad officiating if I remember well.

“They have not been able to go far in AFCON tournaments. But maybe they could do it this time.

“Look at the game against Ghana, the way they dominated the game and their tactical awareness. It was a flawless performance,” Wale Agbede, the Head of Sports at Plus TV tells DAILY POST.

In their final group game, Cape Verde will face an Egyptian side without talisman Mohammed Salah, who picked up a hamstring problem in their 2-2 draw with Ghana on Thursday night.

Already, most football fans and pundits have dubbed the 2023 AFCON as the ‘tournament of the underdogs’.

Agbede disagrees.

“I think that it is hard to call it a tournament of the underdogs. We have seen a couple of tournaments that produced similar results from underdogs.

“African football is one that is very peculiar. There are countries that though they don’t have high-profile players in top leagues in Europe, it could be an advantage.

“Because they get to play in the same league. Like Cape Verde for instance. Small country, small population. There is a lot of synergy. They play the same style and their ideology is the same. A lot of the time, this tends to bear fortune sometimes, not all the time.

“I’m not surprised. Some of the big guns that we expected to win have won.

“First games in competitions can be very tricky. We have seen it in Europe and the World Cup with teams that have slow starts.

“Some of the big players come from different leagues around the world. For instance, some come instantly from winter in the UK with the Premier League and come directly to play in West Africa, where there is temperature difference.

“What it means is that there has to be acclimatization. There will also be a change in style because they are playing under a different manager and set up.

“The hypotheticals surrounding first matches in football tournaments are enormous.

“Maybe it’s too soon. Maybe if two or three of the underdogs make a deep run in the tournament, then we can have this conversation.

“But will I call this a tournament of the underdogs at this point? I wouldn’t. Anybody who does is jumping the gun in my opinion,” Agbede said.

However, Agbede holds a personal theory that cup competitions don’t always favour the best team.

He adds: “It doesn’t mean the best team can’t win. But it doesn’t always mean the best team won.

“I think as some of the big boys get into the groove and spend more days together, when it gets to the business end of the competition, an extra layer of talent and experience begin to come to the fore. And it is no longer about 22 players kicking the ball around. Some of these x-factor players for the big teams could show their quality and be the difference.

“Can a less fancied country win the competition? Of course, they can. But is it going to happen? Right now, I don’t think so.”

[DailyPost]

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Saturday, 20 January 2024 08:26

[OPINION] The Confusion Around Adams Oshiomhole - Emmanuel Aziken

It was reassuring that the acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Edo State, Mr Jarett Tenebe on Thursday evening came out to denounce reports he said linked Senator Adams Oshiomhole to the alleged plot to screen out some formidable aspirants in the contest for the party’s governorship ticket.

The report had among others claimed that the penultimate governor of the state, Senator Osehreinmen Osunbor was screened out by the Prof Julius Ihonvbere-led committee that had been mandated to prune the number of governorship aspirants in the APC from 29 to a manageable size.

The committee had initially proposed 10 aspirants with four from Edo South and three each from Edo Central and Edo North.

The exclusion of Osunbor from the three initially recommended from Edo Central was especially shocking.

The three aspirants recommended from Edo Central were Festus Ebea, former APC state chairman, Dave Imuse, and Senator Monday Okpebholo.

The three recommended from Edo North were erstwhile minister of National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, Prince Kassim Afegbua, and Dr Ernest Umakhihe, who recently retired as a permanent secretary in the Federal Civil Service.

The four recommended from Edo South were Lucky Imasuen, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, Mr. Dennis Idahosa, and General Charles Airhiavbere.

However, what raised uproar among APC stakeholders on Thursday when GWG.ng published its report was the pressure on the committee to further prune the list to six.

The committee was expected to prune the list to six with two aspirants from each of the three senatorial districts.

Once the online newspaper published the report, a storm arose over the leak.

Two issues from the leak were the personalities that were reportedly being edged out. In Edo South, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the party’s candidate in the 2020 election and General Airhiavbere were to be pruned out leaving Idahosa and Imasuen. In Edo North, Prince Afegbua was also listed to be removed while in Edo Central, Ebea was to be removed.

The first takeaway from the plot was that the party was determined to give equal opportunity to each of the three senatorial districts despite the sentiments on the ground.

Another matter which GWG.ng did not cite was the fact that all of the six who would have emerged would be acolytes of Senator Oshiomhole.

While many believe that Airhiavbere may have the money to bulldoze himself, others are also of the opinion that Ize-Iyamu with his network and name recognition could be a good match for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP especially if it comes up with a disagreeable candidate.

Those who suggest that Oshimhole is the one pushing the panel to remove Ize-Iyamu suggest that the senator may not be able to control pastor if he becomes governor.

However, the suggestion that Oshiomhole is opposed to Ize-Iyamu does not explain why the same man backed him to the tilt just four years ago. So what may have changed between 2020 and 2024 for Oshiomhole to supposedly oppose Ize-Iyamu?

In Edo North, many are also puzzled by the push for the former permanent secretary, Umakhihe, who joined the party less than two months ago. How could he come up to displace someone like Prince Afegbua?

There are many questions being asked and puzzles that do not add up in the gripping political panorama in Edo State.

Whatever, as it is now generally being alleged, the comrade-senator who is popularly acclaimed as the state leader of the party is said to be confused over the choice of a candidate for the APC.

For the comrade-senator, the political dynamics envision pushing forward a popular candidate to win the election or bringing forward a suppliant candidate that could lead the party into another four years of opposition in Edo State.

Many political godfathers who persist in playing the godfather role with seemingly suppliant successors have more often than not harmed themselves.

In Enugu, it is easily remembered how Governor Chimaroke Nnamani APPOINTED Sullivan Chime as his successor apparently with the belief that the more popular Ike Ekweremadu could cage his influence. Rather, it was Chime who caged him and Ekweremadu who gave Nnamani succor in his days while in political oblivion.

Or is it the unfolding development in Rivers State between Governor Simi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike? The comrade-senator even has a personal testimony of the humiliation appointed successors sometimes do to their godfathers.

After his experience with Godwin Obaseki it is shocking if Oshiomhole would allow himself to be a partaker in a plot to foist a candidate on the party in Edo State.

Whatever, politicians need to put themselves in a balance of knowing when to leave the stage at the state level as Senator Kashim Shettima and Ifeanyi Okowa appeared to have successfully done for their successors.

Nyesom Wike is on the opposite side of the pole. It is remarkable that as Wike appeared to be preoccupied with developments in Rivers State, bandits from around Abuja descended on his new post in the FCT.

That led to unsavouring agitations that he should choose between being minister of the FCT and being the political leader of Rivers State.

Oshiomhole is now a senator of the Federal Republic, foisting his will on Edo State could distract him and smear his legacy!

Published in OTHERS' VIEWS

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