Prince Odutola

Dubois demolishes Joshua in ‘Battle of Britain’ to retain title

Britain’s Daniel Dubois demolished compatriot and two-times world champion Anthony Joshua with a fifth-round knockout to retain his IBF world heavyweight boxing title at a packed Wembley Stadium. Dubois sent his fellow Briton to the canvas in the opening round with a stinging right, the referee delivering a standing eight count, and the 27-year-old proceeded to tear up the pre-fight predictions as swiftly as he ripped into his opponent. Joshua was on the ropes again in round two but managed to ride out the storm before round three came crashing down around him again. With Dubois landing more banging right-handers, Joshua’s defence failed to protect him and he was literally on the ropes as he took another count. Joshua could barely stand at the end of the fourth, after going down again with two minutes remaining, and he lasted just 59 seconds of the fifth with the rebuilding of his career suddenly in ruins. “I’ve only got a few words to say: Are you not entertained?,” declared Dubois after the biggest win of his career. “I’m a gladiator, I’m a warrior to the bitter end. I want to get to the top level of this game and reach my full potential. “I’ve been on a rollercoaster ride. This is my time, this is my redemption story, and I’m not going to stop until I reach my full potential.” Organisers said a British post-World War II record of 96,000 spectators attended the fight at London’s Wembley Stadium.

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UK-based boxer Arenyeka tips Joshua to beat Dubois

United Kingdom-based Nigerian boxer Eworitse Ezra Arenyeka has tipped Anthony Joshua to stream roll Daniel Dubois in their face off for the IBF World title today. Arenyeka, whose fought Ben Whittaker in June believed Joshua has what it takes to triumph over his opponent.  “Yeah, AJ versus Daniel Dubois, it is going to be a tough fight.  “Daniel Dubois in the last two fights was really looking great, same with AJ. He’s really found new form.  “Dan Dubois got the dynamite and same as AJ, so let’s see how it plays out.  “For me, I’ve got my home boy, AJ. So I think AJ is going to do the business. It’s going to be a great night of boxing.  “It’s not going to be easy but I believe AJ wins in the late rounds. May be eight or the ninth round,” Arenyeka opined.  Arenyeka currently competes in the light-heavyweight division.  In 2019, he won the ABA’s Elite Cruiserweight Eastern Counties Championships and in 2022, he won the Nigerian Super Middleweight Title.

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Tinubu pens to First Lady on her 64th birthday

President Bola Tinubu penned an emotional message to the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on her 64th birthday.  Tinubu expressed his goodwill message on his official X handle.  The elated Nigerian president wrote; “My Dearest Oluremi, “On this beautiful day, as we celebrate your 64th birthday, my heart is full of gratitude and love for the incredible woman you are. Since we began this journey together, you have been my rock, confidante, greatest supporter, and the love of my life. Every step of the way, you have shown unwavering strength, grace, and love to me, our family, and our beloved nation, Nigeria. “You are the heart of our home, the light guiding me through the most challenging days, and the embodiment of kindness and wisdom. Your compassion, generosity, and dedication inspire millions of Nigerians and me, especially our young women, who look up to you as their First Lady. “On your special day, I want to take a moment to tell you how truly blessed I feel to walk this path beside you. Your love sustains me, wisdom guides me, and strength lifts me. I could not ask for a better partner to share the triumphs and trials of life. “As you turn 64, I wish you nothing but boundless joy, peace, and happiness. May this year unfold with blessings, laughter, and cherished moments you so richly deserve. I look forward to all the moments we will create together in the years to come. “With all my love and appreciation, now and always, “Yours Bola.”

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Edo election: Okpebholo’s disqualification is fake news

In the final hours to the Edo State Gubernatorial Election scheduled to be held tomorrow Saturday, September 21, 2024, certain political parties  have desperately resorted to forgery, disinformation and blackmail by circulating a fake Magistrate court ruling purportedly disqualifying Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC Gubernatorial Candidate in the election.  The circulated ruling is fake, a fabrication and an act of pure desperation in the face of their imminent defeat at the polls. The Magistrate Court that purportedly issued the FAKE RULING has issued a disclaimer stating categorically that the FAKE RULING did not emanate from that court.  The fake news meant to sow seeds of doubt about the APC candidate is a blatant and calculated attempt to subvert the will of the Edo electorate and must be thoroughly rejected by the good and discerning people of Edo State. This illegal and underhand tactic of the parties involved constitutes a despicable attack on our electoral democracy. We call on our law enforcement agencies to identify, investigate and bring the perpetrators swiftly to justice. “We urge voters in Edo State to remain vigilant and resolute in the exercise of their democratic rights at tomorrow’s polls.  “We trust that the  Edo people will reject this and other illegal devices by desperate candidates and their parties to subvert this important election. “Senator Monday Okpebholo is, and remains, the standard bearer of the APC in tomorrow’s Edo State Gubernatorial Election,” Felix Narka, the National Publicity Secretary of APC affirmed. 

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Ex-Super Eagles’ goalie bags coaching certificate 

Former Super Eagles and Enyimba FC of Aba goalkeeper, Dele Aiyenugba is now a certified coach.  The Kwara United FC goalkeeper became a certified coach after the completion of his coaching course at the National Institute For Sports (NIS). Aiyenugba returned to Nigeria ahead of the 2020-21 season to play for Kwara United after 13 seasons in Israel with four teams. His son, Daniel Aiyenugba, is also a goalkeeper. The two played against each other when Kwara United played against Beyond Limits in the semi-finals of the Value Jet Cup in Ikenne, in August 2023.

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DJ Cuppy to compere 2024 UNGA opening ceremony 

Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy is billed to host the 79th United Nations General Assembly session opening ceremony in New York. Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola, who is the father of the entertainer, Mr. Femi Otedola revealed this on his X handle on Friday.  “Join our @cuppymusic today LIVE at the United Nations Headquarters as she hosts the opening ceremony of UNGA 2024!,” Otedola revealed.  The opening ceremony is slated to begin 1pm New York time.  The opening session aims to ignite inspiration and action to advance meaningful youth participation in the UN and beyond – as an issue relevant and important to all sectors and actors.  Through keynote speeches from diverse set of representatives, speakers will highlight the role of young people in driving positive change across sectors and broader society.

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Edo election: IG orders movement restrictions

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the upcoming Edo off-cycle election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024. In preparation for the election, the IGP has ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day. Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders. To maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the IGP has implemented a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres. Unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election, and the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles is strictly forbidden to ensure a calm environment for voters. Furthermore, the IGP has mandated that special attention be afforded to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, aged, and those with mobility challenges, ensuring that polling stations in both urban and rural settings are accessible to all. Egbetokun, through the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) for Edo Gubernatorial Election, DIG Frank Emeka Mba, mni, has appealed to citizens to refrain from making prank calls to control room and designated help numbers, highlighting that text messages are more effective for operational purposes. The designated election lines for inquiries and reporting are: DIG Election DIG Frank Mba, mni; 07025000383 and AIG Election AIG Benneth Igwe, mni; 09085000029, while the general control room numbers are 08077773721 and 08037646272. The already activated joint control room is manned by police and relevant agencies engaged in the electoral process. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process or cause disorderliness in any part of the state.  The Inspector-General of Police underscored the necessity of adhering to these directives to avert any undue interference and intimidation during the election. Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are urged to conduct themselves responsibly and in compliance with electoral laws, as any violations or attempts to disrupt the electoral process will be met with the full extent of the law. The IGP reaffirmed that the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to promoting a safe and democratic environment. Through collaborative efforts, we can guarantee that the forthcoming elections in Edo, specifically and the future, are held fairly and peacefully.

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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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