Today, I yield this space to a bosom friend of mine, Prof. Eyitope Ogunboodede, the immediate past vice-chancellor (2017 – 2022) of my alma mater, the University of Ife, GREAT IFE! (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife). Titled “Requiem for Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu”, Ogunbodede’s reminiscences on the late governor of Ondo State are as moving as they contain a lot of useful information. Enjoy it!

“It is a harrowing experience writing this piece on Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, who many prefer to call by his alias of "Aketi ". I am united to Aketi not only by his and my membership of the Owo Community or by virtue of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), of which he was a committed alumnus, but also as bosom friends. Oluwarotimi Odunayo

Akeredolu (SAN, CON), born on 21 July, 1956 in Owo to Reverend Jacob Ola Akeredolu and Lady Evangelist Grace Bosede Akeredolu of Aderoyiju family of Igbotu, Ese-Odo, in Ondo State, passed on to glory on December 27, 2023 while serving his second term as Governor of Ondo State. He studied Law at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University - OAU), graduating in 1977 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978. He served as the Attorney-General of Ondo State from 1997 to 1999. In 1998, he became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He was chairman of the Legal Aid Council from 2005 to 2006. He became president of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2008. In 2012, the Nigerian Bar Association named its new secretariat in Abuja after him for “his selfless service”. He was a Managing Partner at the Law firm of Olujinmi & Akeredolu, which he co-founded with Chief Akin Olujinmi, a former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice of Nigeria.

Akeredolu was sworn in as the governor of Ondo State on 24 February, 2017 in Akure, the Ondo State capital, having won as the flag-bearer of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). While at OAU as a student, he served as president of the Law Students Society. He was also an active member of the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS), which metamorphosed into the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in 1980. Akeredolu displayed great passion for Obafemi Awolowo University, his alma mater. Their Law firm, Olujinmi & Akeredolu, are External Solicitors to OAU and it handled many cases for the university pro bono. He eruditely delivered the OAU Convocation Lecture at the December 2021 convocation during which Professor Yemi Osinbajo, representing the Visitor, humorously referred to him as “the Commander-in-Chief of Amotekun Forces”!

Akeredolu was an ardent lover and supporter of African culture. During one of his invitations to OAU, he was officially welcomed by the Kegites Club. To the surprise of all that were present, he took the microphone and sang some old Kegites tunes, which were unknown to the current members. He was their “World Songito” and composed many songs for the Kegites during his student days at Great Ife. The Kegites Club, with the motto “Unity in Diversity”, is the first socio-cultural club in the world, founded in 1962 at the Ibadan campus of the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) by students. There are now branches nationally, UK, India, USA and others. Akeredolu was, until his death, working on a befitting World Headquarters for the Kegites Club at OAU. I do hope the project will be completed.

A major lesson to learn from Aketi’s life and times is that when we think as mere mortals that it will be long, God in His own mysterious ways may decide to make it gloriously short for His own purpose. Dying at 67 years is untimely and saddens us but it is comprehensible because we are mere mortals that can be called home at any time or age. In the case of Akeredolu, we have every reason to be thankful because, while he has physically departed, his legacy, good deeds, love for humanity and memory will live forever.

Aketi demonstrated very clearly the numerous positive contributions that can emanate from the toils of a genuine patriot, committed leader and political strategist. He was an epitome of humility, commitment, competence, tenacity of purpose and absolute dedication. He was a political leader that refused to play “politics” with his people. When I challenged him on his posture on some trending issues during his campaign for second term, he simply retorted “Tope, I will only promise what I know is possible. If I fail, I will go back to my law practice. It is not a do-or-die matter”.

In the heat of his bid for a second term, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party at a press conference falsely alluded that I was the Returning Officer invited by INEC for the (Ondo State) governorship election. The party further disclosed that it was rejecting my appointment because I was “a known crony of Governor Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress and hails from Owo, the same hometown as the APC candidate”. The embarrassment to me was mitigated when INEC immediately countered the spurious assertion, informing the public that “the Returning Officer for the Ondo Governorship election is not from Ondo State and not from the university mentioned in the said press conference.”

Aketi called me and asked in his characteristic humorous manner “Tope, what is this falsehood that they are peddling about you? If they truly know you, they will know that you will never accept INEC’s invitation to serve as the Returning Officer for Ondo State where I am one of the candidates. Don’t worry, it is all politics and will soon be over.” I met Governor Seyi Makinde at the book launch of Professor Tope Alonge at Ibadan in March 2021. It was a great surprise to me that he openly apologised for the embarrassment that the misrepresentation must have caused me. I was not expecting any Governor in Nigeria to tender an apology to an “ordinary” citizen. In that rare gesture, Governor Makinde actually deviated from the norms and exemplified humility at its best. His attitude to power is worth emulating and my respect for him has soared since that Ibadan meeting.

All who know Akeredolu will agree that he was not the conventional politician whose main preoccupation is to talk and act in ways that sway the voters and endear them to support him. He not only declined chieftaincy titles but officially adopted the sobriquet “Arakunrin”, the Yoruba equivalent of “Mister”. Even as governor, he refused every opportunity to play to the gallery. An example will suffice. He was at a wedding ceremony on my invitation. At the end of the church service, he pulled me aside and jokingly expressed in Owo dialect his displeasure on the physical condition of the church. Three days later, he called to inform me that he had taken a decision to personally and anonymously complete the construction of the church, and that I should not disclose to the church that he was the benefactor.

When construction materials were deposited in the church, the leadership called me to find out who was the generous donor. I told them the donor said I should not disclose, and they misinterpreted my statement to mean that I must be the one. When I found that the renovation of the church was being arrogated to me, I called Aketi to let him know that I needed to divulge the information to the church. Though he raised a serious objection, I went ahead to let the cat out of the bag! The church members were in utter bewilderment because it came from an angle they never imagined. The church was completely transformed within a few weeks. That is Aketi for you!

It will surprise many to know that in 2019, when the staff of OAU were being kidnapped along the Ife-Ibadan express road, I ran to Aketi in Akure for advice. He listened attentively to me and retorted “Tope, we will find a solution to the problem”. He immediately called the then AIG in charge of Zone II comprising of Ondo, Oyo and Osun States, Adeleye Oyebade (who later

retired as DIG in 2020): “Leye, I want you to please help us look closely into this challenge on Ife-Ibadan road. The VC of OAU is with me now and the university community is worried”. I am aware that DIG Oyebade (rtd.) immediately swung into action and, working assiduously with the then Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Abiodun Ige, they combed the entire landscape and found a solution. The rest, as they say, is history.

At the church service during the burial of his mother, the Bishop in his homily lamented that “life is hard in the country and the poor are getting poorer”. He opined that Nigeria needs a change that will ensure safety and security for all, and called for a government that understands economics. When Akeredolu had the opportunity to speak, the Senior Advocate in him propelled him to query why some of his modest achievements were never mentioned for a balance. In his words, “We have listened to your political sermon. It was wonderful listening to the sermon and I will not contend with you. But I know as politicians we are doing our best. It might not be good enough for everybody. You should also acknowledge those things that we have done. Continue to pray for us that we will do our best”. Such is the man Aketi, genuine and direct, no-holds-barred, no pretence!

Akeredolu has done his best and now leaves the rest for His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa. I had the opportunity of sitting on the same table with Governor Ayedatiwa (then Deputy Governor) for about four hours at the Jacob and Grace Garden, Owo during one of the ceremonies for the burial of Lady Evangelist Akeredolu in November 2022. I had met him before then but never had such close interaction with him. Since that meeting, I have watched him very closely and I admire him for his hardihood, vivacity and zeal. I can say unequivocally that he is committed to the progress of our “Sunshine State” and that he has the experience, temerity and political sagacity to raise the state to higher heights. I wish him well in his new assignment, and pray that the almighty God will guide him to make the right decisions!

Now that Aketi has gone home to rest, we take solace in the fact that he positively touched numerous lives and that his legacies will endure. Until his death, he was the chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum. He led the Southwest Governors to establish the Western Nigeria Security Network, otherwise known as Amotekun, at a time the ruling party, to which he belonged, was vehemently opposed to its establishment. Akeredolu will forever be remembered as the Lion-heart of Nigerian politics. He was down-to-earth, extra-ordinarily bold and daring, the architect of Amotekun, and a dominant force in Nation-building.

I cannot agree more with Lasisi Olagunju who wrote in his article “Akeredolu, death desires and 2024” in the Sunday Tribune of January 1, 2024 that: “He did so well as a field commander that, at his death last week at age 67, it was as if he had lived for 100 years.” One project that was very dear to the heart of Arakunrin, which he did not have the opportunity to complete, was the upgrading of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), Owo to a university status. He was initially reluctant but once he got convinced, he wanted it done immediately and he supported the project with all available resources. It, however, suffered a lull when he fell sick. The greatest legacy that the State government can bequeath to Arakunrin is to complete the process, which is at the final stages, and name the university after him.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace!”

And all shall say, AMEN!

Newly inaugurated Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo has announced his first set of appointments, including Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff.

Shortly after being sworn-in on Saturday at the Muhammadu Buhari Mini Stadium in Lokoja, Ododo nominated Folashade Ayoade Arike as SSG, Kingsley Fanwo as Chief Press Secretary, and Ali Bello as Chief of Staff.

Other appointees include Hilary Ojoma as Deputy Chief of Staff, Jerry Omodara as Security Adviser, and Deedat Salami Ozigi as Special Adviser on Media.

Some nominees were retained from the previous administration like Bello and Fanwo who served ex-Governor Yahaya Bello.

Governor Ododo has sent the list of nominees to the State House of Assembly for screening, urging swift action to enable them assume duties immediately.

The new appointments are the first major decisions taken by the governor as he takes charge in Kogi. Analysts believe he aims to hit the ground running by ensuring key offices are promptly filled at the start of his tenure.

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has reminded socialite Aisha Achimugu of her tax obligation following her lavish 50th birthday party hosted in Granada.

Aisha, who is the widow of late oil and gas tycoon, Sulaiman Achimugu, hosted an opulent weeklong birthday party in the Caribbean Islands where she hosted top Nigerian politicians and celebrities.

A special website launched for the birthday celebrations detailed how guests were treated to an eight-day gala in Calivigny Island and Silversand Grenada, a seven-star luxury resort located in Grand Anse beach.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was said to have attended the posh event, reports Premium Times.

Local and international musicians and entertainers flown in to perform at the party include Kenny G (American saxophonist and composer), Waje, Flavour, Adekunle Gold, Asake and Mr Killa (a Grenada musician).

Mrs Achimugu, who lost her husband to Coronavirus in 2020, was said to have changed clothes at least 30 times, with each dress reported to cost thousands of dollars.

According to the report, Aisha was decked in very expensive diamond jewelry, wore designer shoes and carried Hermes crocodile-leather handbags, each said to cost between $50,000 and $80,000.

Reacting to social media reactions that trailed the event, Aisha said she would give her critics “things to talk about” when she returns to the country.

“I want to congratulate myself for being the most popular person in the entire world, apart from the Gaza and Israeli fight, I guess something that’s most popular on the news globally. I give God the glory, and I thank God for my life. And for those who have genuinely shown concern over the media, I want to assure you that I’m well, I’m in a high spirit

“But I want to assure you all that this girl is moving ahead. I’m having a great time, and I’ll continue to have a great time and have a ball today, tomorrow, and Sunday for those of you who are going to be around. And for those who are genuinely not concerned, I love you all.

“I’ve not been in a media space, but since they’ve made it a duty for me to do that, I promise you’ll see more of my face in the media. So, in a lighter mode, just to let you know, I’m happy and looking forward to today.

“My most exciting moment is my charity ball, ten years of self, and then tomorrow to party and shut Nigeria down again. So I will give them things to talk about for the entire week. Thank you,” she said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Aisha’s party has caught the attention of the FCT Internal Revenue Service.

The tax authority extended their birthday greetings to the socialite while urging her to file her annual tax returns.

“The FCT-Internal Revenue Service extends our warmest birthday wishes to you! May this special day be filled with joy and blessings.

“Remember to fulfill your tax obligations by filing your annual tax returns,” the agency said in a tweet.

Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have apprehended a four-man gang masquerading as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials, who terrorized students in Umudike with a toy gun.

The suspects, identified as Onyedikachi Ihechukwumere (25), Onwuka Christopher (26), and Tochukwu Obinna (30), were arrested on Tuesday, January 23, following a tip-off received by the Central Police Station (CPS) Umuahia.

Reports allege that the gang, sporting Man O’ War uniforms, stormed Enyioma Christ Lodge in Umudike, brandishing a toy gun and dispossessing students of their phones and a total of N120,000 through forced bank transfers.

Acting swiftly upon receiving the intelligence, a team from CPS Umuahia mobilized to the scene, initiating an investigation that led to the apprehension of the three suspects.

“Exhibits recovered from them include three of the stolen phones, a tricycle used in their operation, and three red-colored jackets bearing the EFCC inscription,” revealed Abia State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka, in a statement issued on Saturday, January 27.

Further investigation, ASP Maureen disclosed, led to the subsequent arrest of two additional suspects on Wednesday, January 24. These were James Prince Victor (39) and Chidozie Onwuzuruike (40), both residents of Ohuhu Umuahia North.

Victor, claiming to be an EFCC official who allegedly coordinated the students’ lodge attack, was apprehended alongside Onwuzuruike.

“Four more red-colored jackets with EFCC inscription, two EFCC ID cards, another stolen phone, a toy gun, and four EFCC search warrants were recovered from the duo,” the police statement added.

The Abia State Police Command has condemned the activities of the fake EFCC operatives, commending the vigilance of the public and pledging to bring all perpetrators to justice.

The federal government has ordered an investigation into allegations of corruption against the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

Ogalla is accused of providing security for oil thieves and receiving huge sums in return against the federal government’s touted war against oil thieves.

A statement by the director of press in the ministry of information, Mr Henshaw Ogubike, the minister of state for defence, Muhammed Bello Matawalle, called for  a thorough and impartial investigation to ascertain the truth of the claims.

He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu has zero tolerance for corruption in the public service.

“Though these allegations might be mischievous, the Ministry of Defence is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the Nigerian Armed Forces. The allegations leveled against Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla are serious,” he said.

Speaking on the source of information, he said: “We respect the role of the media in fostering transparency and holding public figures accountable. At the same time, we urge responsible journalism that adheres to the principles of fairness, objectivity and accuracy. Accusations of this nature can have far-reaching consequences on the reputation of individuals and institutions, and thus, it is crucial to avoid premature judgments.”

The minister assured that the Ministry of Defence would collaborate fully with relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

“We remain committed to the principles of due process and fairness, ensuring that findings will be based on concrete evidence and legal standards.

“It is our collective responsibility to maintain the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people in the institutions that safeguard our nation’s security.  We call for patience as the investigative process unfolds and trust that justice will be served in accordance with the rule of law,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy has described the allegations as malicious, baseless and false.

The director of information, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan,  said the allegation that the CNS accepted over $170 million in bribes and the alleged involvement in multi-billion naira contract splitting fraud in the last six months are untenable, baseless and untrue.

He was reacting to a publication in an online medium yesterday following the federal government’s order to probe the Naval chief.

He said the service was aware of the coordinated frantic efforts to blackmail the office and person of the CNS by some disgruntled elements who were feeling the heat of the Nigerian Navy’s renewed vigour to fight crude oil theft and illegalities in the maritime domain as well as those who have in one way or the order shortchanged the Navy before now.

He said; “The continuous rejuvenated operations towards curbing oil theft has given the oil thieves sleepless nights hence the decision to engage in the malicious publications.”

He added that there were clear procedural requirements in the arrest, detention and release of any vessel or persons found culpable in the maritime environment.

He said it is until these processes are duly concluded that such vessels are released to appropriate prosecuting agencies for further actions.

“Indeed, all arrested vessels mentioned in the publication that were involved in crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering are being investigated and none of such vessels has been released as alleged,” he said.

He stated that the CNS does not award or oversee oil bunkering contracts; noting that the award of such is the sole prerogative of NNPCL.

He said all contracts awarded by the Navy follow due process in line with the laws of the federation.

The director said the Nigerian Navy is an offshoot of the constitutional provisions and duly guided by extant laws and regulations of the land.

“The policing roles of the Navy empowers her to monitor the maritime domain of the nation. These among others include arrest of vessels that contravene any of the maritime laws and SPOMO Act 2019,” he added.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Navy recently launched Operation Delta Sanity which provides for a holistic and more robust roadmap towards the reinvigorated stance of the Navy towards the fight against crude oil theft and other forms of illegalities in the nation’s maritime environment.

[Leadership]

Despite the efforts of the security operatives to tackle the deteriorating security crisis in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, killings and abduction of residents have continued, DAILY POST reports.

The blood-thirsty assailants, who have been causing mayhem in the nation’s capital city, recently intensified their unprovoked attacks on residents.

Although the security operatives recently recorded successes in the battle against terrorism in the city by rescuing kidnap victims and arresting suspects, our correspondent gathered that some of the unfortunate attacks are underreported.

Mrs Maria was on a postnatal visit to her daughter, Christiana, who recently gave birth after being childless since she tied the knot with her husband, Igba, about ten years ago.

The bandits had invaded their residence near the Mopol Barracks, Dei-Dei, hacked the husband to coma and whisked away Christiana, her mother and the one-month-old baby to an unknown destination.

One of the neighbours, Adejor Jacob, who narrated the incident to DAILY POST on Saturday, said the abductors had demanded N90 million ransom prior to the murder of the victims.

According to him, “The late Christiana gave birth recently after being barren for more than ten years. Her mother came to Abuja from Benue State for the postnatal and to celebrate with the family over the newborn.

“The kidnappers earlier asked the husband to pay N90 million ransom as the only condition to release his wife and his mother-in-law.

“A day before they were killed, the kidnappers contacted the husband and they both negotiated and settled for N10 million.

“The kidnappers asked him to make the money available before 10 am the following day, which was last Thursday.

“Before the agreed time, the kidnappers called the husband to inform him that the one month old-baby was ill.

“There was another victim that the kidnappers released that day so they gave her the little baby and asked her to take the newborn to a hospital.

“The kidnappers gave her the phone number of the baby’s father and asked her to call when she got to the hospital.

“The woman did as she was instructed. The hospital called Igba and he went there and recovered his baby. After a few hours, we received a report that Christiana and her mother had been killed.

“Their lifeless bodies were dumped and some police officers went there to recover them. They have been deposited at the Kubwa General Hospital.”

When our correspondent visited the area on Saturday, it was gathered that the residents who are still in shock over the unprecedented murder, are living in fear.

According to a resident who does not want to be mentioned, “many people are relocating from Dei-Dei due to security issues in the area.

“There has been a series of kidnappings and killings in this place since January but most of the incidents are not captured by the media.”

When contacted by DAILY POST, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh declined speaking on the matter.

Meanwhile, DAILY POST reports that the daredevil terrorists have been on rampage, terrorizing some areas in the territory, including Kawu, Gaba, Dei-dei, Kubwa Hills, Ushafa, Bwari, Mpape, Kubwa, Lugbe, Pyakasa, Keti, Gbaupe, Gbaukuchi, Airport Road, among others.

Earlier last week, reports emerged that over 200 violent attacks have been recorded across all the six area councils of the FCT since President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.

It was gathered that at least 89 residents of the nation’s capital have been killed by the terrorists, while 176 were kidnapped within the period.

This has instilled palpable fear and anxiety on residents, particularly those residing in the satellite areas.

DAILY POST reports that nightlife, especially in the Bwari Area Council, has drastically diminished as most residents desert the streets before nightfall.

Some schools and businesses were recently shut down over fear of attacks by the pitiless kidnappers.

Elder Ben Ijeoche, a security expert, told DAILY POST on Saturday that until the Federal Government and the National Assembly agreed to establish state police, the security crisis may continue.

He said, “We have been saying this but it looks like there is nobody to listen. The National Assembly should amend the 1999 Constitution accordingly to enable each of the 36 states and the FCT to establish their own police force.

“This will help reduce the issue we are facing right now. When you mobilize an officer from Abuja to Plateau, the officer will be limited in discharging their duties because they don’t know the place very well.

“Someone who has lived in the crisis area for a long time should be able to know how to tackle the challenges better. The person wearing the shoes knows where it pinches.

“State police will also create jobs for the youths and take some of our youths away from the bush.”

However, the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has assured that residents of the territory will get positive news within days.

“I can assure you that in a matter of days, you will be hearing positive stories.

“We are ready to support our security agencies with whatever they need to ensure that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed.

“We are going to provide the councils with motorcycles to support the vigilante groups so that they can get information and assist our security agencies,” he added.

The Chairman, Mangu Local Government Area, Marcus Artu, confirmed the development to The Nation by phone.

But he could not say how many gunmen were killed.

“I cannot not give the casualty figure, but they are many, and this is the beginning of meeting their Waterloo.

“What I was told is that some attackers came out in large numbers this morning (Saturday) and wanted to attack the people but the soldiers repelled them.”

COAS to soldiers: Adopt more aggressive posture against those disturbing Plateau peace

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, on an assessment visit to Mangu LGA yesterday, ordered troops of the 3 Division Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force Operation Safe Haven to adopt more aggressive posture and decisively stamp out terrorists causing mayhem in Plateau and neighbouring states.

“Go hard on those disturbing the peace of the Plateau and neutralise any terrorist annihilating people and burning or destroying property and other economic valuables,” he said while addressing them.

The COAS, who received briefing  on the security situation from the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, acknowledged that the security dynamics on the Plateau are complex owning  to its political background, interwoven with cultural and economic sentiments.

These, he added, accounted for the prolonged duration of the conflicts and the escalation in its lethality.

Gen. Lagbaja inspected the arms and ammunition recovered by the troops and commended them for not allowing the crisis to escalate to other parts of the state.

He was confident that the troops would be more resilient and leave no stone unturned in ensuring that peace and tranquility is restored on the Plateau and other troubled parts of the country.

He charged the troops to live up to the expectations of all peace loving and law abiding residents of the Plateau, harping that trust is earned and the troops must do all within their means to maintain the trust of the people they are tasked to protect.

Lagbaja, who seized the opportunity to pay a courtesy call on Governor Mutfwang, expressed appreciation to the government and people of Plateau State for their effort in ensuring that peace reigns in the state.

He said a marching order had been handed down to troops to sternly enforce law and order and to be decisive in tackling the security situation on the Plateau.

[TheNation]

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Angola in the next round of the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

Nigeria will play the Giant Sable Antelope in the AFCON 2023 Quarterfinals by 6pm, at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, on Friday, February 2, 2024.

Decisively, Ademola Lookman’s brace gave Nigeria the win over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a hard-fought game.

Moreover, the Super Eagles remain unbeaten in the tournament.

According to CAF Online, Angolan forward, Jacinto Dala says they deserve to qualify for the quarterfinals of the tournament.

The team defeated Namibia on Friday 3-0, with Jacinto Dala involved in all three goals.

Worthy of note, Angola have reached the last eight of the tournament for the first time since their run to the semi-finals in 2008.

“We had a good performance today. The team deserved this qualification, and I’m very happy we made it happen.

“I will say the commitment and the involvement of all the players helped me win this man of the match,” he said.

Nigeria at Egypt 2019

In the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Egypt, the Super Eagles knocked out Cameroon in the Round of 16.

They came from behind and secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory.

Meanwhile, Ighalo’s brace in the 19th and 63rd minutes, combined with Iwobi’s 66th-minute winner, overcame Bahoken and N’Jia’s goals.

The Cameroonians scored in the 41st and 44th minutes.

Also, William Troost-Ekong sealed the deal with a last-minute winner (89th minute) against South Africa in the quarterfinals after a tense 1-1 draw.

In the semifinals, Nigeria faced Algeria in a nail-biting contest.

Despite Ighalo’s 72nd-minute penalty, Ekong’s unfortunate own-goal and Riyadh Mahrez’s goal in the 90+5 minutes secured Algeria’s spot in the final.

They won 2-1.

Nigeria beat Tunisia 1-0 in the third-place playoff. Odion Ighalo’s 3rd-minute goal was enough to secure victory for the Eagles.

[Punch]