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CAF to conduct live draws for four competitions in Cairo

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) will today (Thursday), 13 February, 2025 conduct Live Draws for four of its upcoming competitions that will take place this year. The Live Draws will be held at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt and will be streamed on CAF’s Official YouTube channel, CAF TV from 13h00 Cairo Time (11h00 GMT). The Final Draw for the nine teams taking part in the inaugural CAF Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 will be conducted first at 13h00. The draw for the CAF African Nations Championship, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 Second Stage Qualifiers will follow at 13h25 Cairo time (11h25 GMT). The Final Draw for the expanded 16-team CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 will take place at 13h45 Cairo Time (11h45 GMT). That will be followed by the Final Draw for the 13-team TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2025 at 14h25 Cairo Time (12h25 GMT). LIVE DRAW SCHEDULE: 13h00 Cairo Time (11h00 GMT) | CAF Women’s Futsal AFCON, Morocco 2025 13h25 Cairo Time (11h25 GMT) CAF CHAN 2024 2nd Stage Qualifiers 13h45 Cairo Time (11h45 GMT) CAF U-17 AFCON, Morocco 2025 14h25 Cairo Time (12h25 GMT) | TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON, Cote d’Ivoire 2025

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Policemen, Naval personnel clash in Delta

The Nigeria Police Force, Delta State Police Command has revealed the real reason behind the men of the Quick Response Squad clash with some Naval personnel in the State recently. In a statement issued and made available on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, Superintendent of Police, Edafe Bright claimed the clash eschewed as the Naval personnel make attempts to ensure the release of a suspected drug peddler. “The command is aware of the embarrassing situation between Policemen attached to the Quick Response Squad of the Command and some Airforce personnel attached to Airforce base Jeddo in Okpe Local government Area where the personnel of Nigeria Airforce without any provocation attacked the policemen who were performing their lawful duty. “On 11/2/2025, at about 1700 hours, operatives of Quick Response Squad (QRS) while on crime prevention patrol flagged down a Toyota Corolla car with reg. no. AKD-73-FL, but the occupants of the vehicle on sighting the police took to their heels which prompted the policemen to go after them, and arrested one of the suspects identified as Ibohama Precious aged 25yrs and recovered some weed suspected to be Indian hemp, Canadian loud and other hard drugs. “While the Policemen were on their way to the station alongside the suspect and exhibit, upon getting to the Airforce checkpoint at Jeddo, they were stopped by the Airforce personnel and were told that they wouldn’t be allowed to proceed until they released the suspects they were carrying which the policemen vehemently resisted and subsequently, the Airforce personnel attacked the Policemen without justification. “The Delta state Police command under the leadership of CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, the Nigeria Airforce, Navy, Army and other security agencies in the state have a cordial working relationship worthy of emulation and the incident is indeed an embarrassing one,” SP Edafe Bright pointed out. He assured that the Commissioner of Police Delta State CP and Airforce authorities are looking into the ugly incident and putting all modalities in place to forestall future occurrence of this embarrassing situation.

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Tyson Fury takes up ‘new job’ weeks after quitting boxing

Tyson Fury appears to be enjoying the retirement life by training his wife Paris at a local gym in Lancashire. Last month, the 36-year-old announced his decision to walk away from the sport of boxing following back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. “Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet,” he said to the camera. “I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing. It’s been a blast, I’ve loved every single minute of it. I’m going to end with this. Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side. Get up!” Fury was recently seen taking his family to Disneyland Paris. Tyson, his wife Paris, and their seven kids spent the day at the park, enjoying the rides and attractions. Paris shared photos from their trip on social media, showing the family having a great time. Tyson was seen pushing his youngest child in a stroller, smiling as they explored the park together. Paris captioned the wholesome post: “If you can dream it, you can do it” Walt Disney.” For now, it seems as if the ‘Gypsy King’ is happy with his decision and it looks as if he has taken up a new job, being Paris’ personal trainer. In a story uploaded to his official Instagram page, Fury, along with wife Paris, were working out at the Salt Ayre Leisure Centre in Lancaster, Lancashire. The pair were seemingly warming up on the treadmills before Fury asked his wife: “How’re you feeling, babe?,” to which she immediately replied: “Tired.” Fury continued: “Tired, on your warm up?! Training her right up I am. What a sort she’s going to be when I train her right up! How’re you feeling?” Paris jokingly replied back: “You’re as daft as a brush.” The ‘Gypsy King’ concluded: “Daft as a brush? Please, that’s a compliment, daft as a brush. Of course I am!” It’s fair to say that the British heavyweight star was looking rather lean in the video amid talks of a potential showdown with rival Anthony Joshua despite being fulled retired. Derek Chisora, a former foe of the ‘Gypsy King’ believes the 36-year-old will make yet another return to the ring to take on ‘AJ.’ His comments came after ‘Del Boy’ sensationally toppled Otto Wallin in his penultimate fight on Saturday night. Fury’s long-time promoter Frank Warren recently revealed that the former heavyweight star is set to make some ‘serious announcements’ soon. Speaking on the Seconds Out YouTube channel, he said: “Didn’t even discuss it with him,” the 72-year-old said of the Brit returning to the ring. He later added: “He’s enjoying himself. He’s had a hard, hard year last year. Tough fights, three training camps… tough times. Missed his family, missed his kids.” Warren revealed he wouldn’t encourage Fury to fight again before adding that the former world champion is set to reveal a big announcement. “I wouldn’t encourage him to fight again,” he continued. “But if he does fight again, who knows, he may do it again. If he does that’s up to him. What I know he’s going to be doing is making some serious announcements about things he is doing outside of the ring that are exciting. I’m not going to say what they are, but they are bloody exciting. Everybody’s going to love it.”

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LGA Elections: Gov. Adeleke craves for peaceful process

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has urged politicians to embrace peaceful process ahead of the State’s Local Government Elections slated for February 22, 2025. The Governor in a post on his official X handle called all the candidates to engage the electorate with their agenda, focusing on issues rather than resorting to violence or coercion. His words; “As a government, we remain committed to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. We have closely monitored the preparatory activities of the state electoral commission and reaffirm our respect for its independence in conducting a transparent electoral process. “Osun State boasts a highly educated population, with literacy at an all-time high. This is not a state where falsehood thrives. Our people read, analyze, and understand court rulings and political developments. I encourage every eligible voter to prepare for February 22nd an opportunity to elect council chairmen and councilors of their choice. “However, we have received credible reports of plots by certain opposition elements to instigate unrest. Let me issue a clear and strong warning: desist from such actions, as the consequences will be grave. As the Chief Security Officer of this state, I have directed security agencies to deal decisively with any individual or group attempting to disrupt the peace, in line with the rule of law. Osun will not be plunged into needless conflict. “Democracy is about ballots, not violence. On February 22, go to the polls, cast your votes, and express your preferences peacefully. Osun remains a stronghold of democracy, and we stand ready to protect our democratic values.”

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Grammy Award winner, Tems joins MLS Club as partner

San Diego FC (SDFC) has announced that two-time Grammy award winner, Oscar nominated, songwriter, and producer, Tems as the latest addition to the Club’s ownership group. Known for her effortless, one-of-a-kind, warm, vibrational sound, Tems brings her creative spirit and passion for community to the world of soccer as SDFC’s Club Partner. “We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a Club Partner,” said SDFC Chairman, Sir Mohamed Mansour. “Tems is a globally significant artist who will help us to reach new audiences and spread the word about our unique project, which of course has its foundations in sub-Saharan Africa through the unique Right to Dream organization. “Tems is an extraordinary artist and cultural force worldwide,” said SDFC CEO Tom Penn. “We are honored to have her join our Club and bring her visionary perspective to San Diego FC. Her passion for empowering the next generation aligns perfectly with our mission, and her commitment to creating opportunities for young talent domestically and globally reflects the core values of Right to Dream. We also look forward to creating meaningful connections between the music world and San Diego FC, uniting communities through the shared power of culture and sport.” Tems has captivated audiences worldwide with her music, earning accolades such as a GRAMMY Award for Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe” from her acclaimed debut album Born In The Wild, as well as a GRAMMY award for her work on Future’s chart-topping, triple platinum single “Wait for U,” and Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her work on “Lift Me Up,” the lead single off the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Her artistry and authenticity have made her an icon of empowerment and cultural connection – values that align seamlessly with San Diego FC’s vision to unite communities through the global game. “I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a Club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community,” said SDFC Club Partner Tems. “Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I am excited to help build something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation.” The Lagos, Nigeria native joins a distinguished group of Club Partners who share a commitment to excellence and community engagement, including trailblazing actress Issa Rae, World Cup-winning footballer Juan Mata, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and founding partner and San Diego Padres’ perennial MLB All-Star Manny Machado. Tems is joining San Diego FC is in partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm that was recently involved in leading an investment group to invest in NBA Africa’s entity in 2021.Tems joins a group of influential global figures whose personal journeys and achievements deeply align with the values and vision of both Right to Dream Academy and San Diego FC. As part of this commitment, Tunde Folawiyo, Chairman of Pave Investments, and Kwamena Afful, Founding Director of Pave Investments, will also join the San Diego FC ownership group. Together, this diverse group brings their individual global platforms, influence, and personal commitment to amplify the mission of Right to Dream Academy and San Diego FC – to inspire and empower communities meaningfully on and off the pitch.

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Alleged N90.4m fraud: Former NHIS boss knows fate on bail Feb 27

Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kuchiako, Kuje, Abuja, on Wednesday, 12 February 2025, adjourned till February 27 for ruling on the bail application of former Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, Professor Usman Yusuf. Yusuf was arraigned on a five-count bordering on embezzlement, conferring undue advantage, and fraud to the tune of N90,439,178.00 (Ninety Million, Four Hundred and Thirty Nine thousand, One Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira only). Arguing against the application for bail by the defendant, prosecution counsel, Francis Usani in a counter affidavit, informed the court that the offences alleged against the defendant impact on the general well-being of the common man in Nigeria, tarnishing also the image and reputation of the country as a whole and diminishes government’s efforts to sustain development in the country. “The evidence elicited in the course of investigation against the defendant is overwhelming and can lead to the defendant being convicted by the court. I know for a fact that the applicant failed to comply with the administrative bail conditions granted him by the respondent to report regularly and bi-weekly to the respondent’s office while he was under investigation”, he said. Usani further argued that the defendant if granted bail will abscond and will not be available to face his trial as the weight of the evidence against him was very strong and compelling. “It took the respondent’s officers discreet surveillance and high powered intelligence to apprehend the defendant for the purpose of bringing him to court. The defendant has boasted publicly even while in the custody of the respondent that this case will go nowhere as he is highly and politically connected. Usani further informed the court that the prosecution believed that the defendant is still highly connected and has tremendous influence at the NHIS to temper and influence most of the respondent’s witnesses that will come from the NHIS to testify before the court. He further submitted that it was the duty of the defendant to “place cogent, sufficient and compelling facts before the court upon which the court would consider his application for bail. “It is very clear that the affidavit’s evidence deposed to by Bashir Yusuf in support of the application for bail; that the defendant has not supplied materials to persuade this honourable court to grant his prayer, nor ask the respondent to show reason why bail should not be granted.” Counsel to the defendant, O. I. Habeeb, SAN, in a motion on notice informed the court that the defence are praying for an order of the court to admit the defendant on bail pending his trial in the case on such terms and conditions as the court may deem fit to impose. He also prayed for any further order the court may decide to make, adding that the offences for which the defendant is charged are bailable offences and that he has satisfied all the necessary conditions for him to be admitted on bail on liberal terms. Thereafter, Justice Nwecheonwu adjourned the matter for ruling on the bail application to February 27, 2025. The judge still held the order of remanding the defendant in Kuje Correctional Centre pending ruling.

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Pasuma launches free JAMB forms for Lagos students

Frontline Fuji musician Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Odetola popularly known as Pasuma Wonder has launched free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for secondary students in Lagos State. The initiative, according to the Musician, is aimed at giving back to grassroots in memory of his late mother Alhaja Adijat Kubura Odetola. “I hereby launch free JAMB forms to all Secondary Schools in and Omole Phase 1 (Ikeja), the Musician wrote on his X handle formerly Twitter. Pasuma was raised by his mother, Alhaja Adijat Kubura Odetola, also known as Iyawo Anobi, whom he frequently acknowledges in his music as a significant source of support.

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Osogbo Stadium to host Super Eagles, others -Gov Adeleke

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has assured that the Osogbo Township Stadium will be remodelled and upgraded to host Super Eagles and other international football matches in no distant future. The state’s helmsman gave this assurance after flagging off the remodelling plans for the sporting edifice alongised his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi and the Speaker of the Osun State Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun on Tuesday in Osogbo. “I officially flagged off the remodeling and upgrading of the Osogbo Stadium to a world class status. This marks the commencement of our administration’s comprehensive Sports Agenda in Osun State. “In my address, I disclosed that our government has a big vision for Osun State, with plans to provide the best sporting facilities in the country, while assuring that by the time we finish the remodeling, the stadium will be a beautiful edifice to behold. “I affirmed that our plan is to build a stadium with capacity to host various sporting events, such as the National Sports Festival, National Youth Games and more importantly, to host some of our national teams, including the Super Eagles in their various continental and International matches. “I highlighted the different stages of the remodeling, including three (3) major football pitches of international standard; pitches for other games, such as volleyball, swimming, handball, hockey, basketball and a host of others. “The remodeling will also include a befitting indoor sports hall, hostels for the athletes and a state-of-the-art 4-star hotel. This project has been designed with revenue generation mindset to ensure sustainability with short and long term viability. We envisaged a self-sustaining and holistic sporting infrastructure. “I reiterated that the two (2) state owned teams namely; Osun United and Osun Babes Football Clubs would continue to receive greater attention and support from our government,” Governor Adeleke assured on his official X handle.

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