October 2024 | Page 11 of 23

Morocco to host 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that Morocco will host the 2024 edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League Finals. The CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024 will be played between 09-23 November 2024. Morocco hosted the 2022 edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League – the premium women’s club football competition in Africa. Eight (8) Clubs will contest the top prize. Winners will get USD 400 000 in prize money with runners-up walking away with USD 250 000. Mamelodi Sundowns are the current holders – having won the competition twice in three years. Morocco’s ASFAR is the other team that has won the Competition – back in 2022 when they defeated Mamelodi Sundowns. Since it’s inception, the CAF Women’s Champions League played a key role in shaping women’s football in Africa. Morocco’s hosting of the CAF Women’s Champions League follows the nation’s successful hosting of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2022 which also enjoyed unparallelled success. Six Zonal tournaments took place to qualify 6 teams in addition to the host and the holder of 2023 title to the FT of CAF WCL 2024. The following teams are qualified: CAF Women’s Champions League Qualified Clubs: Holders: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) Host : ASFAR (Morocco) WAFU A : Aigles de la Medina (Senegal) WAFU B : EDO Queens (Nigeria) COSAFA : University of Western Cape (South Africa) UNAF : Tutankhamun (Egypt) CECAFA: CBE FC (Ethiopia) UNIFFAC: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)

Peter Obi donates 32-seater bus to College of Nursing Sciences

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Former Presidential Candidate of Labour Party Mr Peter Obi has donated a 32-seater bus and the sun of N5million to Grimard College of Nursing Sciences, Anyigba, Kogi State. The former Anambra State Governor made the presentation at the College premises on Wednesday. According to him; “Yesterday, I returned to Grimard College of Nursing Sciences in Anyigba, Kogi State, to honour a pledge I had earlier made three months ago. “I had, in my earlier visit to the College, donated ₦10 million to support learning. “Both the Proprietor and the Rector informed me then that their most urgent need for accreditation was a 32-seater coaster bus for the student’s clinical experience visits. “In my further discussion with the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Adaji, he mentioned that since a brand-new bus now costs over ₦100 million, a fairly used one costing between ₦20 million and ₦30 million would suffice. “Today, I returned to the College to present a fairly used bus within the range mentioned by the Proprietor, to assist the students in their critical clinical experience assignments. “Additionally, I donated ₦5 million to cover the cost of registration, insurance, and other expenses for one year. “I extend my sincere thanks to the Proprietor, Management, and staff of the institution for their warm reception and commend their tireless efforts in contributing to the betterment of humanity through education and health apostolate. “I assured them that I would continue to support them in my modest way as we work together towards a new Nigeria that is POssible.”

Herbert Wigwe’s father denies 20% of late son’s estate

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Shyngle Wigwe, father of the late Herbert Wigwe, former Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, has denied reports alleging that he sought a portion of his late son’s estate. An online publication claimed that Pastor Shyngle and other family members filed a caveat at the Probate Registry to contest the distribution of Herbert’s estate as outlined in his will. The publication reported that the caveat was filed under Pastor Shyngle’s direction, backed by an affidavit from Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, who identifies as Herbert’s cousin. This legal action was said to aim at altering the directives specified by the deceased regarding the management of his estate. Further allegations included claims that Pastor Shyngle requested 20 per cent of Herbert’s estate, a demand that allegedly contradicts the will’s stipulation to distribute his wealth solely among his children. Herbert’s will had been lodged at the Ikeja Probate Court prior to his untimely death. In a statement issued by Emeka Wigwe on behalf of the family, Pastor Shyngle refuted these claims, stating, “At no point has Pastor Shyngle Wigwe requested 20 per cent of the estate of the late Herbert Wigwe. “Neither has there been any such request by other family members. The article’s claim that this demand contradicts Herbert’s will is entirely false and misleading. “The facts regarding the estate are already publicly available in the Probate Registry, where an affidavit clearly outlines the correct details. A simple search by your reporters would have revealed this truth.” Pastor Shyngle further urged the publication to correct the inaccuracies in their report and to practice greater diligence in fact-checking future stories. He emphasised, “During this painful time of grief, our family remains united, focusing on healing and growing stronger together. “We have no intention of engaging in a public defence because there are no sides to take. The only truth is that we are navigating this immense loss and will continue to do so with dignity.” “Herbert Wigwe’s legacy as a visionary banker and entrepreneur is paramount, according to the family. He is remembered for transforming Access Bank into a national leader and for his commitment to empowering others through initiatives such as The HOW Foundation, which focused on education and healthcare. “The family concluded that these values should take precedence over “unfounded speculation.” Tragically, Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife, Chizoba, and son, lost their lives in a helicopter crash on February 9, 2024, near a border town in California, USA.

Mr Macaroni, Odunlade, Femi Adebayo nominated for Best Actor award

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

A Nigerian actor, comedian and activist Debo Adedayo popularly known as Mr. Macaroni has been nominated for 2024 Nollywood Best Actor. Mr. Macaroni was nominated for his role in the movie titled; Small Talk. The elated thespian took to his official X handle on Thursday to celebrate his nomination. “Honored to be nominated as Best Actor 2024 for my role as BABA DEE in SMALL TALK alongside some of the most amazing Actors in the industry. “Thanks to you all for the support always,” Mr. Macaroni stated. He is known for his online comedy skits and roles in films such as Ponzi (2021), Ayinla (2021), Aníkúlápó (2022), Freedom Way (2024), and Lisabi : The Uprising (2024). Other top contenders for the award are; Bimbo Manuel (My name is Misan), Odunlade Adekola (Orisa), Femi Adebayo (Jagun Jagun), Jide JBlaze Oyegbile (Damage done) and Deyemi Okanlawon (Unknown Soja).

Lagos social club holds AGM, aims for greater heights

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

A Lagos social club, Great Ifedinma Friends Club Of Nigeria, held its 2nd Annual General Meeting of the Association at the prestigious 4 Point By Sheraton Continental Hotel in Uyo Akwa Ibom at the weekend. The Club’s National President, High Chief Dr. Sir Prince Oduche in his address said; “I want to take a moment to reflect on our journey thus far, our club has consistently demonstrated resilience, dedication and a passion for excellence, I am honoured to lead such a dynamic group. “My humble recognition goes to the members of the Boards of Trustees, who have been a very strong pillar to all the achievements of this great club. “I must not fail to recognise the executive members who have been administering the affairs of the club, we can never say a word without thanking you all for your overwhelming support and understanding, with total commitment towards handling both the harsh and smooth moments our administrator has seen,” the president added. The President also made it known that the club has acquired a land at 721 Road Festac Town, which is a remarkable feat for strong financial ties to the club and it has been agreed that the building of fifteen units of two bedroom apartments in Festac Town, Lagos. “In just seven years, we are ranked as the top most influential club in Lagos, thanks to the unique formation of the club, we have been able to pool our resources together in different capacities to support each other, sharing business idea which we have tagged as one of the greatest benefits we enjoy among ourselves. “Finally, my assurance is that we will never let this club down, I urge us to continue to strive for excellence, together we will build a future for our great club.” The Club is one of the leading club in Nigeria and it was established seven years ago with over 100 strong members.

Dominican Republic 2024: Flamingos target three points against New Zealand

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos will gun for the maximum points when they take on their counterparts from New Zealand on Wednesday night in what is actually the first match of this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic. Although the game between host nation Dominican Republic and Ecuador (the other fixture in Group A) is billed as the opening match, Nigeria and New Zealand will do battle at the CFC Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros from 4pm local time (9pm in Nigeria), while the host nation and Ecuador will square up as from 9pm local time (2am Thursday in Nigeria). Bronze medallists in the last edition of the competition in India, the Flamingos are aiming to go farther this time, with Head Coach Bankole Olowookere insisting that he has the ammunition to overcome opponents on their way. “I have confidence in the girls to deliver the goods at this competition. We have come well-prepared to do even better than we did in India. The Nigeria Football Federation have done everything to prepare the team well, with a two-week final camping here in Dominican Republic. “We do not under-rate any of our opponents. However, we will take it one match at a time and produce our best in each game in order to go all the way.” The Flamingos have previously missed taking part in only one edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals – the 2018 finals in Uruguay. In the qualifying campaign for this year’s finals, the Nigerian girls notched 25 goals in six matches, with 13 of them scored by clinical forward Harmony Chidi. After the encounter with New Zealand on Wednesday night, the Flamingos will confront their counterparts from Ecuador, also at the CFC Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros, before their final group phase game against the host nation at the Felix Sanchez Stadium in Santo Domingo. The clash with Ecuador is on Saturday, 19th October while the battle with the host nation is on Tuesday, 22nd October.

Tuchel agrees to become England’s manager

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Thomas Tuchel has agreed to become England’s manager after talks with the Football Association accelerated on Tuesday. The 51-year-old will be the third foreign manager of the men’s team and the first from Germany. The FA has had Tuchel on its shortlist to find Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor since the beginning of the process, a list that also included Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and the interim manager, Lee Carsley, among others. It zeroed in on Tuchel, who led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021 – the highlight on an impressive CV. He has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich in May. Tuchel follows Sven-Göran Eriksson and Fabio Capello in taking the job as an overseas head coach. The FA’s chief executive, Mark Bullingham, who led the recruitment process alongside the technical director, John McDermott, has long been clear that nationality should be no barrier to the role. Bullingham made the point during the European Championship in June that the England women head coach, Sarina Wiegman, is Dutch. In others words, the FA was and is perfectly happy to put its trust in someone from outside England. There is no doubt that Tuchel is an anglophile. He speaks excellent English – a prerequisite for the FA in terms of an overseas candidate – and he embraced his 18 months or so at Chelsea, becoming a cult hero to their fans. Tuchel’s skills as an orator and a leader came to the fore when he spoke out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, despite Chelsea being owned at the time by a Russian, Roman Abramovich. Tuchel found that he loved the more personality-driven aspect of the British media. Tuchel is uncompromising and left his previous four jobs under something of a cloud, reports of fallings-out with players and directors following his exits from – in chronological order – Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern. On the other hand, when Tuchel hits his stride, he has the ability to energise and inspire, to build momentum. Hugely charismatic, he has a proven track record at the highest level, winning everything on the domestic front at PSG before narrowly failing to deliver them a maiden Champions League trophy, losing in the 2020 final to Bayern. He would make up for that on a personal level at Chelsea. At Dortmund, he had won the DFB-Pokal. At Bayern, he would win the Bundesliga. Tuchel would be expected to bring the English coach Anthony Barry with him, having worked with him at Chelsea and Bayern. Barry is an assistant to the Portugal manager, Roberto Martínez.

Bobrisky: Court fines VeryDarkMan N500m

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

An Ikeja High Court has ordered an online activist, Vincent Otse (alias Very Dark Man) to remove defamatory posts against a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana and his musician son, Folarin otherwise called Falz. Justice Matthias Dawodu also ordered VDM to bring down the alleged defamatory video which he made on September 24 against the Falanas. The court also ordered the service of originating summons against VDM through his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju within 14 day. The judge said, “The defendant, his agents and privies are hereby restrained from further releasing, publishing or circulating any defamatory videos, comments about the applicant. He is to bring down the defamatory video about the applicant which was published on September 24 on all his online social media handles pending compliance with the pre-action protocol of the court. Leave is hereby granted to the applicant to serve the pre-action bundles, originating processes and all other court processes between parties herein on the defendant by substituted means through his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju. The applicant must file and serve the pre-action bundles, originating processes and other accompanying processes on the defendant within 14 days.” The court made the orders following an ex parte originating application made by Mr Falana and his son against the actions of VDM where he published “unverified audio recording of a one-sided narrative by cross dresser Bobrisky,” alleging perversion of justice by the family. Mr Falana had in a lawsuit numbered ID/8586GCM/2024, filed against VDM, sought the order of the court to award a sum of N500 million fine for defamation of character against him. Mr Falana in the lawsuit, also prayed the order of the court, directing the defendant to publish an apology on his social media handles for the defamatory words contained in the viral video. The Court also ordered VDM to pay N500 million in damages to human rights advocate Femi Falana and his son, Falz. Recall previously that Bobrisky’s voice could be heard explaining how he paid the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the sum of N15 million to clear his name money laundering case, which was levied against him, amongst others.