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120 players drilled at FIFA Talent Development Scheme

The Nigeria Football Federation has successfully completed a two-week training program for the National U15 Boys, otherwise known as Future Eagles in Abuja.  This is in line with FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS) initiative aimed at creating a sustainable legacy for long-term talent development in the country. Head of TDS delegation in Nigeria, Mr. Nasiru Jibril, a former Nigeria international, said the program is a welcome development which will serve as a pathway for every child within the ages of 12-15 to showcase themselves and be discovered.  With the main goal of the TDS project being to help raise the standards of national-team football around the world for both men and women, which is driven by FIFA’s desire for a long-term dedication to global talent development, Jibril said he is confident the program will form the major plank for supplies to our senior national teams in no distant time. “Talent Development Scheme (TDS) is a project initiated by FIFA in all countries of the world to benefit places like Africa. Presently, we are trying to go round and give every single child the opportunity to showcase their talent.  “Players from the ages of 12, 13, and 14 are the ones we are bringing to this center so we can pick the best out of them and build them into a group where the national teams will be getting supplies from. From 2025, the U17 AFCON will become an annual project, and if there is no program like this, any country may struggle in assembling the best legs to represent her.” Also speaking, Head Coach of Nigeria’s U15 national team, Mr Patrick Bassey said the process of recruitment has been transparent with merit as key factor, without any form of bias or sentiments. “In the selection of the players, there has not been any sentiment; every player that was scouted and brought here has the talent, the skill and the commitment to the game. I believe these players will be very useful to the nation in the long run.” A total of 120 players divided into two batches were invited to camp for the first phase of the program, with 40 players to be selected for another schedule before the end of the year, according to Coach Bassey.

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Tinubu urges peace, civility in Edo Governorship elections 

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on all stakeholders in the upcoming Edo State governorship elections to conduct themselves peacefully and sportingly.  The election is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.  The President, in a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, implored the governorship candidates, political parties, and supporters to respect the democratic process and the people’s will. He believes in the voters’ ability to make informed decisions about their future leaders.  Tinubu emphasised that democracy thrives on civility, tolerance, patience, and respect for the rules of the game. He notes that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has committed to conducting a free and fair election and urges all stakeholders to work together to ensure a successful and peaceful process.  The President commended the governorship candidates and political parties for their campaigns, which have focused on issues that matter most to the people of Edo State, including improving livelihoods, promoting economic growth, and contributing to national development.  He urged all citizens in the state to remain peaceful and respectful throughout the voting process. He encourages them to resolve any disagreements amicably through the constituted authorities.  In addition, the President expressed unwavering confidence in the professionalism and integrity of security agencies and INEC officials. He urges them to remain impartial and avoid any actions that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.

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Adeboye: I’m not Daddy G.O in other room 

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Worldwide Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye has stated he drops off the toger of being Daddy GO in the private with his wife.  The Octogenarian dropped this bombshell while advising clergymen to be romantic on his official X handle on Friday.  According to the Clergy; “When we are alone, we are lovers, not Daddy G.O and Mummy G.O. Your marriage can be like heaven on earth if you and your spouse are deliberate about remaining the lovebirds that you were when you first got married.  “Don’t let the romance die. “The fact that you are a Christian does not in any way take romance out of your marriage. Marriage is the only institution where romance and intimacy is allowed between a man and a woman.  “Some pastors hardly go on dates with their spouses because they consider such a romantic activity as a distraction from their focus on spiritual matters.  “Some of them don’t even play with their spouses anymore. Beloved, the anointing does not reduce the need for romance in marriage. “Isaac was an anointed man of God and a successful businessman, yet in Genesis 26:8,  the Bible says he was being romantic with his wife: ‘And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife.’ “Don’t become too rigid in your marriage; don’t have more fun elsewhere without your spouse.  “Make the times that you and your spouse spend together so much fun that you are always looking forward to seeing each other again.  “If you are married, remember how you used to talk for long hours with your spouse before you got married and had children; revive that relationship again.  “Your spouse is still the same fellow you were very fond of, and the things you loved in him or her are still there. Don’t let all the cares of this life distract you from the gems in your spouse. “Once in a while, compose a poem for your spouse and read it to him or her in a romantic setting. Spice things up with pleasant surprises every now and then. Write a note and put it in his or her bag so that when they get to the office and open their bag, they will see the note and smile.  “Have a pet name that you call each other behind closed doors. Up until today, there is a pet name my wife calls me when we are alone. I equally have a pet name that I call her, and every time I call her by that name, she cannot but smile at me lovingly.  “One of the ways to ensure that your marriage remains like heaven on earth is to keep the romance alive.”

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EFCC arrests 29 Suspected Internet  fraudsters in Abuja

Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 arrested 29 suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested at several locations in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet fraud.  32 phones of different types were recovered  from them. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

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Ogun Gov endorses Adedimeji’s new movie

The Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has endorse historical movie titled; Lisabi.  Governor Abiodun gave this endorsement when he hosted Popular Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji and his wife Adebimpe in Abeokuta on Wednesday.  The Ogun State helmsman on his X handle wrote; “We had the pleasure of receiving Lateef Adedimeji, an actor, filmmaker, and content creator, during his courtesy visit as he prepares for the premiere of his movie – Lisabi – in Ogun State.  “The film, set to debut in the state before its official release on Netflix, highlights the life and legacy of the great Lisabi, a legendary warrior in Egbaland. He was accompanied by his wife, @Mobimpeoyebade, who is also an accomplished filmmaker and actor. “We expressed our full support for this historical film, which delves into the rich heritage of Egbaland and its legendary figures.  “We wish Adedimeji Lateef continued success as he remains a proud socio-cultural ambassador of Ogun State, producing works that are both educative and entertaining.”

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Shettima to represent Tinubu at 79th UN General Assembly 

President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year. The President, according to a statement signed by Special Adviser  on Information & Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation. President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding. At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings. The high-level General Debate, with the theme “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,” will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024.

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Actress Bisola Badmus drags K1 amid health crisis

Ailing Nollywood actress Bisola Badmus has called out popular Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1, alleging that he is neglecting their son. Bisola revealed this during the interview with Biola Adebayo, Host of Talk to B. She spoke about the difficulty of co-parenting with Kwam1, who is the father of her son, Malik. Badmus claimed that K1 has shown little interest in their child’s well-being. She also revealed that she has been battling a brain tumor for the past three years. She mentioned that while K1 initially supported her after learning about her illness, he has since stopped responding to her calls. “He didn’t know about my condition earlier because I didn’t tell him. When he knew, he tried his best for a while but stopped at some point,” she said. Bisola expressed her hope that he would step up to support their son, as it has become increasingly hard for her to manage everything on her own, given her health situation. “What I want from K1 is to be responsible for Malik, his son. I just want him to take care of his son.”

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Super Eagles retain spot on FIFA ranking

Nigeria’s Super Eagles retained her 39th position the World football governing body, FIFA, monthly ranking. The formers African kings secured 1489.02 points to keep her place in August.  Nigeria however have slipped from fifth best team in Africa to six. They are currently trailing Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire and Tunisia.   Nigeria will hope to bounce to reckoning in the next round of matches of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in November.  The Nigerian side also hope to win the remaining six games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers when the qualification series resume in January. Meanwhile, it is getting tighter at the summit. After respectively being beaten 2-1 away to Colombia and 3-1 at home to Italy, Argentina (1st) and France (2nd) will be looking nervously in their proverbial rear-view mirrors. Spain (3rd) and England (4th) are looming large in pursuit, with Brazil (5th) and Belgium (6th) hot on their heels. Yet, despite the tremors, the top ten remains unchanged, continuing to be rounded off by the Netherlands (7th), Portugal (8th), Colombia (9th) and Italy (10th). The next FIFA Men’s World Ranking will be published on 24 October.

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