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8th African Nations Championship: Eagles and Galaxies battle to scoreless draw in Accra

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The Nigeria/Ghana final qualifying fixture in the race to next year’s African Nations Championship is still delicately poised, following the scoreless draw in the first leg played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

 

 

 

Ghana’s Black Galaxies dominated the first period with a string of opportunities, but they found the Super Eagles’ rearguard marshalled by Captain Nduka Junior impenetrable.

 

 

 

Stephen Amankwoo found a leeway through the Eagles’ defence in the 15th minute only to see his rising shot go inches wide of Henry Ozoemena’s goal-post.

 

 

 

Sikiru Alimi’s free-kick, with a minute to half time, also went over the sticks as the game became a ding-dong affair between the regional powerhouses.

 

 

 

The scoreless affair is the best result Nigeria have earned against Ghana away in any qualifying contest for the African Nations Championship, with the Eagles losing 2-3 to their hosts in 2008 and then getting spanked by two goals in 2022.

 

 

Both teams now look forward to the second leg of the fixture, set for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, with the winner on aggregate to represent WAFU B at the biennial championship reserved exclusively for professional footballers plying their trade in their country’s domestic leagues.

 

 

The eighth instalment of the African Nations Championship will be hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, 1st – 28th February 2025.

 

Legends: Sports celebrities soccer league for commencement early 2025

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The sports celebrities football league as organised by the Nigeria Tour Biz Forum will commence early 2025 as part of activities to celebrate sports legends in the country.

 

The Director of the Forum, Chinedu Eneje, made the disclosure in an interview on Sunday in Abakaliki, highlighting that Nigeria”s sports celebrities needed to be celebrated.

 

Eneje said that apart from football, sports legends programme would also be celebrated through artworks ie: paintings, dance, musical performances among others.

 

“The football aspect commenced on December. 8, in Abuja with a novelty match that would herald the celebrities league in early 2025.

 

“20 clubs mainly from the amateur ranks would participate in the league to be held across the country.

 

“The final will hold in Abuja in November 2025.

 

The sports and tourism enthusiast noted that the art exhibition segment would involve drawings and paintings, aiming at uniting sportsmanship and artistry.

 

“Nigerians are talented in artworks and some fans feel they can honour their sporting heroes through artworks.

 

“Fans would also be engaged in dance and other musical works to honour legends who have brought smiles to their faces through various sporting activities”.

 

He noted that a heroes year book would be inaugurated to document the feats of the legends and how they impacted lives through their activities.

 

“There will be a segment for testimonies and a book launch X-raying the impact of these legends on the growth of the nation’s soccer.

 

“A raffle on drawings of sporting legends was held on Dec. 8 with the winner carting N100,000,”.

Imo Sports Commissioner Congratulates Strikes Queens, khalifat on Weekend Victories

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The Imo State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, has congratulated Imo Strikes Queens and Kun khalifat for their outstanding performances over the weekend. Imo Strikes Queens triumphed over Giant Empress SA with a 5-3 victory to clinch the 3rd edition of the Judith Chime Football Competition held in Enugu State. Meanwhile, Kun khalifat secured their third consecutive win in the Nigeria National League, defeating Osun United FC 2-1.

Speaking in Owerri, the visibly elated Commissioner praised the teams for their dedication and achievements. He emphasized that the successes of these teams demonstrate the growth of sports in Imo State under the 3R government. Hon. Onyeocha assured the public of the administration’s continued commitment to supporting and fostering sports development across the state.

The Commissioner used the occasion to appeal to sports personalities from Imo State who are home for the Christmas season to collaborate with the Ministry of Sports Development. He urged them to contribute to advancing the state’s sports sector, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable growth.

Silvernews reports that Imo Strikes Queens have now won the Judith Chime Football Competition back-to-back, having been runners-up in the inaugural edition held in Asaba, Delta State. Their remarkable consistency and Kun khalifat strong league performance reflect the dedication of Imo athletes to achieving excellence in sports.

Gov. Uzodinma Gifts Brand New Buses to Heartland FCs

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By Goc Nwadike

In a move to bolster sports development in Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodinma has handed over three brand-new buses to the Heartland Football Clubs of Owerri.

The presentation, which took place on Saturday morning at the Imo Government House, saw Heartland FC receiving a Toyota Coaster Bus and a Sprinter Bus, while Heartland Queens FC received a Coaster Bus.

Speaking at the event, Governor Uzodinma reaffirmed his commitment to promoting sports in the state, particularly football, while emphasizing the welfare of the teams.

“This gesture is a fulfillment of my promise to support your efforts and ensure you remain motivated to achieve even greater success,” the governor said. “Our goal is for you to bring home every cup.”

He praised the recent performances of both teams under their respective coaches and urged everyone to support their efforts, noting that the coaches have been given full autonomy to operate independently.

 

The keys to the buses were officially handed over by the governor to Coach Emmanuel Amuneke, MFR, the Technical Manager of Heartland FC, and Mr. Obi Ogbala, the Technical Adviser of Heartland Queens FC, in the presence of other team officials.

Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, expressed gratitude to the governor, assuring that the ministry would ensure proper maintenance and effective use of the buses. He was accompanied by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ngozi Duru.

With this gesture, Governor Uzodinma has further solidified his support for the state’s football teams, aiming to inspire them to greater heights in their respective leagues.

AA Aztec Partners with ASAP YO and DNC Sports Management for 3-Day Scouting Program in Ibadan

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Ibadan is set to host a thrilling 3-day scouting program organized by AA Aztec in collaboration with ASAP YO and DNC Sports Management. This highly anticipated event will run from December 20 to 23, 2024, offering young talents a chance to showcase their skills to top scouts. Admission is free, making it an excellent opportunity for aspiring athletes. Venue 1: IITA Grounds (December 20–22, 2024) Venue 2: Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba (December 23, 2024) Mark your calendars and don’t miss this opportunity to take your sports career to the next level!

Imo SWAN: Best in the Nation – Sports Commissioner Onyeocha

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The Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha, has described the Imo State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) as the finest in the country. He made this declaration while receiving the Imo SWAN Sports Bridge Builder of the Year Award in his office in Owerri.

Hon. Onyeocha commended the Association for its steadfast dedication to promoting and defending the development of sports in the state. He urged members of the Association to sustain their exemplary efforts and pledged to maintain a strong and productive partnership with them.

“The Imo SWAN has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to the advancement of sports in Imo State. I assure you of my continued collaboration to achieve even greater successes,” said Onyeocha, who previously served as Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area.

In response, the Chairman of Imo SWAN, Cosmos Chukwuemeka, lauded the Commissioner for his visionary leadership and significant contributions to the sports sector. He also called for an enhanced partnership between the Association and the Ministry of Sports to foster further development in the state’s sporting landscape.

This acknowledgment highlights the shared resolve of both the Ministry of Sports and the Sports Writers Association to elevate sports in Imo State to unprecedented heights.

CAF Safe Stadium Initiative: CAF commends NFF, charges participants to be change agents

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The first-ever CAF Safe Stadium Initiative Workshop in Nigeria came to a close in the Federal Capital, Abuja on Thursday. The workshop drew participants from diverse sectors, including the 20 Nigeria Premier Football League clubs and was impactful for the participants, as they acquired new skills and knowledge of how to safeguard and protect lives and properties within the stadium environment.

The last day of the workshop saw the resource persons from CAF, led by the Head of CAF Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, take a tour of the MKO Abiola National Stadium for an enlightened practical session of the initiative, teaching and with emphasis on crowd control..

While speaking, Dr Emeruwa expressed his deepest appreciation to the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation for their commitment in ensuring that the workshop was a success. He noted that the initiative will usher in a new lease of life in the area of managing the operations of safety and security in the country.

“Let me start by sending my deepest appreciation to the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation for their uprightness and commitment in making this workshop a reality. A new dawn is taking place on the continent of Africa when it comes to the area of managing safety and security operations, and for all the participants that have been involved today in the last minute training, it is now your responsibility to carry the torch and begin to make the little changes required for football in Nigeria to be played in a safe and secure environment for all.

“Personally, I do not expect to see a one hundred percent turn-around overnight, but I believe you can start taking steps to improve the situation around your competition zones, the VIP area, your media area, as well as general spectator-areas. If we do this, we are sure to solve seventy-five percent of our problems and, more importantly, prevent deaths in our stadiums.”

The General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, expressed happiness and thanked Dr Emeruwa for his perseverance in ensuring that Nigeria profited from the initiative.

He declared the workshop closed by charging the participants to be polite in the discharge of their duties “It is important that when you want to address issues, you should be polite, in order that you do not have problems with anybody while going about to implement the knowledge of this workshop that you all have acquired.”

Certificates of participation were presented to all the participants at the end of the workshop.

 

 

 

8th African Nations Championship: Rabiu Ali, Manyo, Alimi, 15 others to tackle Black Galaxies

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Silvernews Silvernews
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Stand-in Head Coach Daniel Ogunmodede has picked ageless warhorse Rabiu Ali, wing-back Sadiq Ishmael, centre-back Stephen Manyo, midfielders Musa Zayyad and Jide Fatokun, and forwards Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi in an 18-man roster for Sunday’s 8th African Nations Championship qualifying match against Ghana’s Black Galaxies in Accra.

 

 

 

The gaffer also picked goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, defender Victor Collins and forward Abubakar Adamu for the must-win two-leg fixture, with the Galaxies being the reason why Nigeria failed to qualify for the championship on two different occasions in the past, namely 2009 and 2023.

 

 

 

The Super Eagles B, with Ogunmodede and Coaches Fidelis Ilechukwu and Olatunji Baruwa in charge, had staggered training sessions over three weeks from the month of October, before a final training camp commenced at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo three weeks ago.

 

 

 

Sunday’s first leg fixture is scheduled for the Accra Sports Stadium, with kick-off set for 4pm Ghana time (5pm in Nigeria), and some kilometres away, both countries’ U17 girls will be battling for the inaugural WAFU B U17 Cup at the Ghana Centre of Excellence in Prampram.

 

 

 

Over the past 10 months, Nigeria have dominated Ghana at international level, starting with the Super Eagles’ 2-1 defeat of the Black Stars in a friendly match in Marrakech, Morocco – a first win at senior level for Nigeria against the West African rivals in 18 years.

 

 

 

In the summer, Nigeria’s U17 boys edged the Black Satellites 3-2 in the third-place match of the WAFU B U17 Championship staged by Ghana, and in October, the Flying Eagles defeated the Black Satellites 3-1 to successfully retain their WAFU B U20 Championship title in Lome, Togo.

 

 

 

Togolese referee Aklesso Gnama will be in charge of Sunday’s encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium, with compatriots Jonathan Ahonto Koffi, Wassiou Tchamolla Ourotou and Kossi Fabrice Senyo in the roles of assistant 1, assistant 2 and fourth official respectively.

 

 

 

Liberian Ivan Gartor Brown will serve as commissioner while Hugues Alain Adjovi from Benin Republic will be the referee assessor.

 

 

 

The second leg will hold at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, 28th December, with the winner on aggregate to pick a ticket to the 8th African Nations Championship taking place in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, 1st – 28th February, 2025.

 

 

 

18 SUPER EAGLES B FOR WAR AGAINST GHANA’S BLACK GALAXIES

 

 

 

Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)

 

Defenders: Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars); Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City); Imo Obot (Enyimba FC); Junior Nduka (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International); Steven Manyo (Rivers United)

Midfielders: Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Saviour Isaac (Rangers International); Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors)

Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United) Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)

Former Commissioner hails performances of Ebonyi APC National Assembly Members

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The Immediate Past Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports in Ebonyi State, Charles Akpu-enika has hailed the performances of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly Members from the state which have made 2024 impactful on the people.

Akpu-enika gave the commendation in an interview in Abakaliki noting that the performances of the law makers show that the APC Ebonyi presented its best to serve the state and Nigeria.

The ‘Game Changer as he is fondly called, said that the representatives put the people first in their dealings, united to support Governor Francis Nwifuru’s developmental efforts and strengthened the party in the state.

“Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi for instance, has blazed the trail in effective representation and positive projection of Ebonyi and its people.

“His robust inputs on the floor of the Senate and ECOWAS parliament continues to marvel everyone considering the fact that he is a first timer.

“His election as the Deputy Whip of the Senate signifies the realisation of the potentials in him by his colleagues and he is truly leaving up to that billing.

The former commissioner said he gave his assessment from a first hand angle as he witnesses the debates and other proceedings of both chambers of the assembly as a Legislative Aide to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“Senator Ken Eze has proven his mettle as the Senate Committee Chairman on Information and has poignantly articulated information emanating from the red chambers.

“He has been involved in various visits of the Senate abroad and has judiciously brought experience from such visits to bear,”.

“Senator Ani though considerably new to the Senate has also brought his academic impetus to bear on debates and other proceedings of the red chambers,”.

He noted that in the House of Representatives, there has been stellar performances from Ebonyi representatives which has stood them out among their peers across the country.

“Hon. Eze Nwachukwu for instance presented the first motion of the current House of Representatives on inception in June 2023 and has been consistent in proposing bills and motions to the delight of all.

“He will effervescently be remembered for using his legislative acumen to end the fatricidal conflict between his community Ngbo, Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi and Agila, in Ado LGA of Benue,”.

Akpu-enika noted that a legislator like Chinedu Oga has maintained his sagacity and infectious mannerism on the House which enables him effectively coordinate activities of the House committee of Reformatory Institutions.

“Back in his constituency, he is unrivaled in delivering the dividends of democracy to his people and attracting benefits of substance to them,”.

“Emmanuel Uguru has also used his administrative acumen to contribute positively to the activities of the House and this has also stood him out.

“His contributions at the House is immense and the tact which he employed in overall representation, is apt.

“His is an enigma of sorts and a rallying point of young representatives to tap from elderly nuance.”

He noted that Uguru has proven to be grass-rooted and has embedding craftman-ship in lofty heights.

COPE & LIVE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS FOUNDATION SET FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL ENGAGEMENT FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVERS, MOTORCYCLISTS, KEKE DRIVERS AND OTHERS.

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Silvernews Silvernews
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The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, in collaboration with its partners and stakeholders, is committed to conducting complimentary Psychosocial Engagement Exercises for commercial drivers, taxicab drivers, commercial motorcyclists, tricycle riders (Keke drivers), and other relevant individuals prior to the Yuletide season.

This announcement was made by the Executive Director of the Foundation, Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, on December 19, 2024, during a press conference to review the foundation’s engagement and activities aimed at enhancing the mental and emotional well-being of individuals during the upcoming Yuletide period, with a specific focus on commercial drivers, taxicab drivers, commercial motorcyclists, tricycle riders, and Keke drivers.
According to Reverend Nwachukwu, psychosocial engagement will be conducted by the FCT Abuja team of the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at EFAB Estate in Lokogoma Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This intentional engagement is aligned with the foundation’s Traffic Safety initiatives, which aim to improve the emotional and mental stability of these service providers within the transportation sector.
The foundation is pleased to redirect its psychosocial engagements to these individuals due to the paramount importance of their services and the inherent hazards they face daily due to stress, anxiety, improper management of negative emotions, addictions, and other mental health conditions that impact them. The Yuletide season often brings heightened human demands and expectations, which can lead to pressures to meet expectations and potentially adopt detrimental coping mechanisms that negatively affect mental health and general wellness.
The psychosocial engagement is designed to educate these individuals about self-awareness, stress management, anger control, and prioritizing their brain health.

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