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Dominican Republic 2024: Sanusi salutes Flamingos

The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, warmly welcomed the U17 Women’s National Team, the Flamingos, back to Nigeria after their quarter-final exit in the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. Despite their 0-2 loss to the United States, Sanusi commended the team for their determination and resilience, emphasizing the need to support and encourage the players. “The NFF is proud of the Flamingos and their performance in this tournament,” Sanusi stated. “They fought hard, and though they couldn’t replicate their win over the USA from two years ago, they showed remarkable effort.” Reflecting on the Flamingos’ impressive group-stage performance—where they topped their group with nine points, nine goals scored, and only one conceded—Sanusi highlighted the team’s talent and potential. “These players have the skill, temperament, and discipline to advance to the U20 squad, and we must continue to support them.” The Flamingos returned to Nigeria on Tuesday after a tournament that saw them defeat New Zealand 4-1, Ecuador 4-0, and host nation Dominican Republic 1-0 to advance to the knockout stages. Head Coach Bankole Olowookere expressed pride in his players, noting that while the match against the USA didn’t go their way, the team created several opportunities. “We’ll start working immediately to build an even stronger squad for next year, as the tournament will now be held annually,” he said. The 2024 World Cup in the Dominican Republic is the last biennial edition, with Morocco set to host the first of the annual tournaments starting next year.

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Floods: Biden phones Tinubu, expresses his condolences 

President of the United States of America, Joe Biden on Tuesday called his Nigerian counterpart, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commensurate with him over the ravaging floods in the country.  President Biden disclosed this on his official X handle.  “Earlier, I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria to express my condolences on the floods impacting his country and my appreciation for his leadership in securing the humanitarian release of Tigran Gambaryan. “We also spoke about the value of our partnership,” the US President wrote.  According to reports, the flooding was the worst Maiduguri has seen in 30 years. It submerged homes, killed at least 30 people and displaced nearly 400,000 others. It affected Maiduguri Metropolitan Council as well as Jere and Konduga local Government areas. The floods have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Borno State, the epicentre of a conflict involving various non-State armed groups that has persisted for more than a decade. Many flood-affected people had already relocated due to the conflict.

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Gusau hails Lookman, encourages him for better Ballon d’Or outing next year

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has commended Super Eagles’ forward Ademola Lookman for finishing in 14th place in this year’s Ballon d’Or race, saying he believes the petite forward has what it takes to finish much higher in the race next year. Lookman finished 14th in this year’s contest which gala was held in Paris on Monday night, and which was won by Manchester City ace Rodri.  “The NFF commends Ademola Lookman for his feat, and we believe he has the potential to finish much higher next year. He was already a winner before Monday’s night’s gala, as the only African on the 30-man shortlist. He was also the second highest-rated Italian Serie A player in the race. “We encourage him to continue doing his best for club and country, and the sky will be the limit for him.” Lookman scored three important goals for Nigeria as the Super Eagles finished in second place at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year, and then scored all three goals in the Europa Cup final as his Italian club, Atalanta, routed German top side Bayer Leverkusen. This season, he has remained within the goals/assists frame for club and country. He has scored two goals for Nigeria in the 2025 AFCON qualification race, with two other goals controversially chalked off. Most pundits see him winning this year’s Africa Player of the Year award. If that happens, it will be the first time that a Nigerian has picked the continental gong from a fellow Nigerian, since ‘Prince of Monaco’ Victor Nosa Ikpeba took over from Nwankwo Kanu in 1997. The first was in 1994, when Emmanuel Amuneke took over from Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory).     

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Mr. Macaroni lashes out at Wike 

Nigerian actor and comedian Adebowale Adedayo popularly knowns as Mr. Macaroni has slammed Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Barrister Nyesom Wike following unguided remarks at some of Abuja residents.  The former Rivers State Governor in a viral video was seen addressing the residents in what can be termed as arrogant.  Reacting to the Minister’s behaviour, Mr. Macaroni took to social media to remind him that he’s a Public Servant, saying tax payers are not to be addressed as such.  Mr. Macaroni wrote on his X handle; “Dear @GovWike , you are a PUBLIC SERVANT!  “Next time you want to address the citizens who pay your salary, do so with utmost humility and respect.  “Never go about asking Nigerians if they are stupid… you are not doing anyone a favor by being Minister!!!” The comedian went on to quote Wike as saying; “Is it because I came down to talk to you?” “lol… You must think you are talking to your slaves.” Mr. Macaroni is an advocate for civic empowerment, and most notably was involved in the 2020 #EndSARS movement in Nigeria. 

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Lagos commends One-Day Governor for his diligence, intelligence 

Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro has commended Master Abdulazeez Abdulrahmon for his level of diligence, intelligence, and responsibility by earning the opportunity to serve as the One-Day Governor and leaders of his peers.  Head of Service stated this in his office on Monday while receiving Master Abdulazeez Abdulrahmon, his Deputy, Master Oki Sewanu as well as the Coordinator and Secretary to the State Government, Miss. Saheed Alimot Odere during a courtesy visit. He stressed that the One-Day Governor initiative is an inspiration to many young Lagosians who are eager to contribute positively to the State’s development. Responding, the One-Day Governor, Master Abdulazeez Abdulrahmon appreciated the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro for his good deeds for the entire Public Servants in ensuring that their welfare and well-being were adequately catered for.

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Ikwechegh: National Assembly reacts to alleged assault on Cab driver 

The House of Representatives has condemn in its entirety an alleged assault on Cab driver by one of its members, Rep. Alex Ikwechegh (APGA, Abia).  The House, in a statement signed by  its Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr. on Monday, assured to do due diligence on the matter.  The statement reads; “The House of Representatives is monitoring media reports concerning an alleged incident involving Rep. Alex Ikwechegh (APGA, Abia). “These reports, which have garnered widespread media coverage and public attention, detail accusations of a physical confrontation with an e-hailing driver, Citizen Stephen Abuwatseya, and the use of threatening language. “The 10th Assembly, House of Representatives, takes these allegations very seriously. As elected officials, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability in our official engagements and privately. “Any behaviour that falls short of these standards is a matter of concern, and we are committed to addressing such issues with the utmost seriousness. “We are aware that the matter is now before the Nigeria Police, and we urge the public to allow the due process of investigation to unfold. “We welcome further engagement from the public on the subject, which can be shared via email at akintunde.rotimi@nass.gov.ng, akinrotimi@gmail.com, even as we continue to monitor the situation. “We remain dedicated to upholding the values of accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior that define the 10th Assembly, House of Representatives. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.“

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