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President Federation Cup: NFF insists on this weekend for finals in all States and the FCT

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago01 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has again declared that all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory must stage the final matches of their 2025 President Federation Cup competition on Saturday, 22nd February or Sunday, 23rd February 2025. In a statement to secretaries of Football Associations in all the 36 States and the FCT, NFF’s Director of Competitions, Ruth David, reiterated: “Final matches are to be played ONLY ON 22nd/23rd, except in special cases and as approved by the NFF “Failure to adhere to the above attracts a fine of N1,000,000 (One million naira only).” The National Play-Off of this year’s competition has been scheduled for 5th March, with the National Draw one week later, while the Rounds of 64, 32 and 16 are scheduled for 19th March, 2nd April and 16th April 2025 respectively. The quarter-finals have been slated for 3rd and 4th May, with the semi-finals fixed for 17th and 18th May.

Jimmy Carter state funeral set for Jan. 9

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

The official state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter will be held Jan. 9 at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., the White House confirmed Monday. The Carter Center releases a statement saying the family has accepted an invitation from Congress for Carter, who died Sunday at 100, to lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda. Details on the events in Washington and in Georgia, including burial for Carter, have not been released. President Joe Biden declared Jan. 9 a National Day of Mourning and ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days. In Plains on Monday, two National Park Service rangers hung wreaths marked with black ribbon on the doors of the building where Carter went to high school. The school is now the Plains High School Visitor’s Center and is dedicated to teaching people about Carter. Inside, Sandra Hicks, who lives down the road in Americus, Georgia, was touring the school with her grandsons. She wanted to teach the boys about Carter’s legacy “so they can learn more about where he actually came from, get a firsthand experience of what it looked like.” Hicks met the Carters while she was working at the photo center in the Walmart in Americus. “He was never a stranger, even with Secret Service and what have you,” Hicks said. One of her grandsons, Jaxson Hughes, 11, expressed his appreciation for having a president from near where he lives. He said Carter knew the struggle of the people in the area and was able to advocate for them. Hicks mentioned Carter’s long history on humanitarian work, particularly his time with Habitat for Humanity, when she said he did much good in Americus. On a broader scale, Hicks said Carter also helped change the culture of Americus into one that cared for all the people of the town. Dave and Nancy Shelbourne were also visiting the school Monday. The couple, from Indianapolis, was driving to Naples, Florida, for the winter. After Carter died, they stopped in Plains to learn about the president in honor of their grandson also named Carter. “It’s just nice to know there are still good people in the world still trying to do things for humanity,” Dave Shelbourne said about the president.

SWAN felicitates with Christians on Christmas Day

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has felicitated with Christians, particularly the sporting media on the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ, known as Christmas. SWAN in a statement by its President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Wednesday December 25, 2024, noted the day affords Christians opportunity not just to merry but to reflect on the personality of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The SWAN President then urged Nigerians to cheer-up at this time and always, bearing in mind that the challenges facing mankind are only momentary. He said, “A day like this should remind us of the essence of the celebration of Christmas. It’s a day to reflect and take stock with a view to find solace going forward. “Despite economic and other challenges facing mankind, the living joy posits that there is always hope for better times ahead.” The number one sports writer in Nigeria also enjoined Christians to share and rejoice with all as Jesus Christ exemplified while he lived on earth and through his teachings. “Christmas is also a time of sharing with one another no matter how small. We should endeavour to reach out to our neighbours, friends, loved ones, colleagues and all strata of persons around us, irrespective of tribe and religion as is in Jesus Christ nature and teachings. “Let us use this period as an opportunity to sacrifice, tough times notwithstanding, just as we promote unity, understanding, and cooperation among ourselves, which are essential for building a harmonious and progressive society,” he said. President Benjamin also prayed for God’s continued guidance and protection for all SWAN members nationwide and globally at this period and ahead of coming 2025.

Zelensky: War ‘ll ‘end sooner’ with Trump as president

Our Reporters5 months ago5 months ago05 mins

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky believed that he is certain the war with Russia will “end sooner” than it otherwise would have once Donald Trump becomes US president. Zelensky said he had a “constructive exchange” with Trump during their phone conversation after his victory in the US presidential election. He did not say whether Trump had made any demands regarding possible talks with Russia, but said he’d not heard anything from him that was contrary to Ukraine’s position. Trump has consistently said his priority is to end the war and stop what he says is a drain on US resources, in the form of military aid to Ukraine. Earlier this year, the US House of Representatives approved a $61bn (£49bn) package in military aid for Ukraine to help combat Russia’s invasion. The US has been the biggest arms supplier to Ukraine – between February 2022 and the end of June 2024, it delivered or committed weapons and equipment worth $55.5bn (£41.5bn), according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German research organisation. “It is certain that the war will end sooner with the policies of the team that will now lead the White House. This is their approach, their promise to their citizens,” Zelensky said in an interview with the Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne. He added that Ukraine “must do everything so that this war ends next year, ends through diplomatic means”. The situation on the battlefield is difficult, with Russian forces making advances, Zelensky said. Trump and Zelensky have long had a tumultuous relationship. Trump was impeached in 2019 over accusations that he pressured Zelensky to dig up damaging information on the family of US President Joe Biden. Despite years of differences, Trump has insisted he had a very good relationship with Zelensky. When the pair met in New York in September, Trump said he “learned a lot” from the meeting and said he would get the war “resolved very quickly”. During the US election campaign, the former president turned president-elect repeatedly pledged to end the war “in a day” – but has yet to divulge how he intends to do so. His Democratic opponents have accused him of cosying up to Russian President Vladimir Putin and say his approach to the war amounts to surrender for Ukraine that will endanger all of Europe. Earlier this week, Russia denied reports that a call between Putin and Trump took place days after the latter’s election win, in which the president-elect is said to have warned against escalating the conflict further. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who spoke with Trump following the US election, told German media that the incoming US leader had a “more nuanced” position on the war than was commonly assumed. The German leader was criticised by Zelensky over a phone call with Putin – the first in nearly two years – on Friday. Despite Scholz’s office saying he reiterated his call to end the war, Zelensky said it weakened the Russian leader’s isolation.

E’Guinea official sacked amid sex scandal

Our Reporters5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Mbasogo has fired anti-corruption agency chief Baltasar Engonga over his alleged involvement in sex scandal.

Enitan Oshodi elected African Table Tennis Federation President

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago01 mins

Nigeria’s Wahid Enitan Oshodi has been unanimously elected as the President of the African Table Tennis Fédération (ATTF) at the 2024 AGM of the continental body holding in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Oshodi is the only Nigerian presiding over a continental sports body. He is also currently the Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation. Enitan Oshodi was a former Commissioner for Sports In Lagos State.

Tinubu pens to First Lady on her 64th birthday

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago03 mins

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.”

CAF President bags highest Ivorian Award

Our Reporters7 months ago7 months ago04 mins

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has been conferred with the highest Award in Cote d’Ivoire, which is the “Commander of National Order” by the Head of State of Cote d’Ivoire, President Alassane Ouattara, and the Chancellor of National Orders in Abidjan. The CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba was conferred with the “Officer of the National Order” Award. President Ouattara said Dr Motsepe has played a key role not only in the successful delivery of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations but also in changing the face and fortunes of African Football. The Award by the Ivorian Government is also in recognition of Dr Motsepe’s commitment and leadership for delivering the most successful CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the history of this competition. President Ouattara said: “We are exceptionally proud of the work President Motsepe has done since taking over at CAF. The success of the Africa Cup of Nations is thanks to his and CAF’s leadership. The Award is in recognition of the excellent work he is doing at CAF and in promoting football development in Africa.” Dr Motsepe was joined by the President of FIF Yacine Idriss Diallo, Veron Mosengo-Omba and the leadership of Football in Cote d’Ivoire. President Motsepe said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this Award on behalf of the CAF Member Associations representing the 54 African countries that are Members of CAF. My deepest gratitude to President Ouattara, the Government and people of Cote d’Ivoire for this distinguished Award. The enormous success of the AFCON Cote d’Ivoire was based on the visionary leadership of President Ouattara, the commitment of his Government as well as the support of CAF’s 54 Member Associations, the CAF EXCO, the Secretary General and staff of CAF, President Idriss Diallo, the LOC, the Football Leadership in Cote d’Ivoire, CAF sponsors and the passionate Cote d’Ivoire and African football supporters. The AFCON Cote d’Ivoire was also an excellent example of football’s capacity to bring together and unite people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds in Africa and worldwide. The 1.4 billion people in 180 countries who watched the AFCON Cote d’Ivoire clearly indicates that African football is globally competitive and is as good as the best in the world. We will continue to invest in academies for boys and girls, schools football, trainers and coaches, the building of stadiums and other football infrastructure and facilities and support our Member Associations.” Mosengo-Omba also thanked the Ivorian Government for his award.