Super Eagles Soar to AFCON Quarter-Finals with Lookman’s Brace Against Cameroon.

Super Eagles Soar to AFCON Quarter-Finals with Lookman’s Brace Against Cameroon.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

In a thrilling round of 16 clash at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, the rejuvenated Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their spot in the quarter-finals by defeating the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon with a 2-0 victory on Saturday night at the Houphoet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

The tension-soaked match witnessed an impressive offensive display from the high-flying Super Eagles, with Semi Ajayi initially finding the back of the Cameroonian net early on. However, the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.

Ademola Lookman emerged as the hero for Nigeria, netting a brace in the 36th minute, courtesy of a Victor Osimhen assist, and sealing the victory with another goal on the dot of 90 minutes after a Calvin Bassey cut-back.

Despite a setback with goalie Stanley Nwabali's injury in the 76th minute, Francis Uzoho stepped in to maintain the defensive line for the Eagles.

With this triumph, Nigeria advances to the quarter-finals, where they are set to face Angola on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 6 pm. The Super Eagles' exceptional performance and Lookman’s standout contributions mark a promising journey in the quest for AFCON glory.

King Charles spends second day in London hospital after surgery.

King Charles spends second day in London hospital after surgery.

Britain’s King Charles III spent a second day in hospital on Saturday, where he was visited by his wife Queen Camilla following scheduled prostate surgery.

Camilla was seen arriving by a back entrance at the London Clinic, a private hospital in the capital, where he underwent the procedure on Friday, according to AFP.

The British monarch was admitted to the hospital on Friday to undergo a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate on Friday, Buckingham Palace said.

“The king was this morning admitted to a London hospital for scheduled treatment,” the palace said in a statement.

Reports have disclosed that Charles, 75, was expected to spend two days in hospital and that he was “doing well” after the surgery.

Charles’s daughter-in-law Catherine Princess of Wales, 42, is currently also at the hospital where she has spent 12 days following abdominal surgery.

Royal officials took the unusual step last week of issuing a bulletin on the king’s health, disclosing that he had an enlarged prostate but the condition was benign.

New Kogi Gov appoints SSG, retains Yahaya Bello’s commissioners.

New Kogi Gov appoints SSG, retains Yahaya Bello’s commissioners.

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has announced the appointment of Dr. Folashade Ayoade as the Secretary to the State Government.

Ayoade, who was the SSG in the last eight years of the immediate past Governor, Yayaha Bello, is from the Kogi West Senatorial district.

The governor also announced the appointment of Ali Bello as the Chief of Staff.

An investigation by our correspondent showed that Bello is a nephew of the former governor, and he hails from the Kogi Central Senatorial District.

Until his appointment, Bello was with Yakubu Adabenege who is now the Auditor-General of Local Government.

Adabenege was appointed by the former governor two weeks ago.

Also, Suleman Ibrahim was announced as the Director-General, Protocol.

Oladele Nihi was announced as the Chief Press Secretary,

The governor also announced the appointment of some Commissioner-designates majority of whom were former commissioners under the former governor.

They are the former Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo; former Finance Commissioner, Idris Ashiru; former Commissioner for Solid Minerals; Bashir Gegu; former Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones; and the former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Salami Deedat.

Dala scores twice as 10-man Angola reach AFCON quarter-finals.

Dala scores twice as 10-man Angola reach AFCON quarter-finals.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Gelson Dala raised his Africa Cup of Nations goal tally to four with a brace for 10-man Angola in a 3-0 last-16 triumph over Namibia in Bouake on Saturday.

Surprise package Angola will face Nigeria or Cameroon, who meet later in Abidjan, in a quarter-final next Friday.

After Dala scored twice in the first half, Mabululu netted midway through the second half to effectively end as a contest the clash of southern Africa neighbours.

Both teams were reduced to 10 men by first-half red cards with Angola goalkeeper Neblu and Namibia defender Lubeni Haukongo sent off.

The winning margin was a record for Angola, bettering two-goal victories over Senegal and Malawi in previous Cup of Nations.

The first of eight second-round fixtures was not one that would have been anticipated when the African football showpiece kicked off in the Ivory Coast 14 days ago.

Angola won a group ahead of Burkina Faso, Mauritania and shock casualties Algeria when they were expected to finish third at best given an AFCON record of just four victories in 26 matches.

The best Namibia had managed in three previous appearances was two draws while losing seven other matches. One of the draws was against Angola in Burkina Faso 26 years ago.

Angola, showing two changes from the team that started a win over Burkina Faso last Tuesday, were reduced to 10 men after just 17 minutes.

– Searing heat –

Neblu — one of many Angolans who use a nickname rather than their real name — handled a Bethuel Muzeu lob outside his area and was immediately red-carded.

Reserve goalkeeper Antonio Dominique came off the bench at the expense of midfielder Estrela and was quickly brought into action as he parried to safety a Deon Hotto free-kick.

After a water break to assist players performing in searing 34 degrees Celsius (93 Fahrenheit) heat, the match took a dramatic turn with two goals and another red card in four minutes.

A Gilberto cross and Fredy cutback set up Dala to sidefoot the ball into the corner of the net on 38 minutes.

Namibia surrendered their numerical advantage two minutes later when Haukongo was yellow-carded a second time and sent off by the Mauritanian referee.

Dala struck again on 42 minutes, powerfully heading a Fredy free-kick into the corner of the net to give Angola a two-goal advantage they retained until half-time.

After early second-half pressure from Namibia as they sought the goal that bring them back into contention for a last-eight place, Angola stretched their lead to three goals on 66 minutes.

Having fired narrowly wide, veteran Mabululu almost instantly atoned by sprinting on to a Dala pass before superbly curling a shot past goalkeeper Lloyd Kazapua.

The unquenchable spirit of the Namibians in the face of a looming loss was demonstrated in the closing minutes when a Riaan Hanamub shot forced a spectacular save from Dominique.

In added time, Angola were denied a fourth goal when a shot from substitute Zito Luvumbo rebounded off the crossbar.

AFP

Tobi Amusan Breaks African Record in World Indoor Tour.

Tobi Amusan Breaks African Record in World Indoor Tour.

By Olamide Akinwumi

In a phenomenal start to her season, Nigerian sprinter Tobi Amusan claimed the gold medal at the World Indoor Tour in Astana, setting a new African record in the process. The dynamic athlete clocked an astonishing time of 7.77 seconds in the 60m hurdles, eclipsing the previous record held by Glory Alozie for 25 years.

The Women's 60m Hurdles final in Astana showcased Tobi Amusan's exceptional talent and determination. Her record-breaking run not only secured the top spot but also etched her name in the annals of African athletics.

The World Indoor Tour Astana women's 60m Hurdles final results are as follows:

🇳🇬 Tobi Amusan - 7.77 (African Record) 🥇

🇺🇸 Nia Ali - 7.89 🥈

🇮🇪 Sarah Lavin - 7.91 🥉

🇺🇸 Amber Hughes - 7.92

🇯🇲 Megan Tapper - 8.03

🇦🇹 Karin Strametz - 8.05

🇺🇸 Cortney Jones - 8.07

🇯🇲 Amoi Brown - 8.11

Tobi Amusan's remarkable achievement not only secured victory but also set a tone of excellence for the upcoming season. The 25-year-old sprinter's dedication and prowess on the track have elevated her to new heights, making her a standout figure in global athletics.

This feat is particularly significant as Tobi Amusan broke Glory Alozie's long-standing African Record of 7.82 seconds, showcasing the evolution and prowess of Nigerian athletes on the international stage.

Congratulations poured in for Tobi Express🇳🇬, acknowledging her remarkable achievement and the pride she brings to the nation. As she basks in the glory of her success, expectations are high for a season that promises more thrilling performances from the Nigerian sprint sensation.

Environmental Sanitation Exercise: Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Chair, Hon Oluwatuyi Commends Active Participation.

Environmental Sanitation Exercise: Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Chair, Hon Oluwatuyi Commends Active Participation.

By Bimbo Yusuf.

The Environmental Sanitation Exercise held today in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government witnessed significant success as residents of Igede Ekiti actively participated, coming out with cutlasses and hoes as early as 6:30 am to keep their surroundings clean at Odo Uri, Irona, Odogede, Ilamoye.

The Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, and members of his Exco monitored the exercise and expressed satisfaction with the level of participation. They urged the people to prioritize living a healthy life through consistent sanitation efforts.

After the exercise, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi commended law enforcement agents for their active involvement, noting that it contributed to achieving the objectives of environmental sanitation laws. The Director of Information and Civic Orientation, Bimbo Yusuf, reported the proceedings.

Addressing the people at Awo Ekiti, the Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Fatai Olatunji, emphasized the importance of cleaning the environment to eradicate epidemics, endemics, and prevent the invasion of pests, rodents, and other dangerous animals.

In Oke Uba, Erewa, Ijisu, and Awo Ekiti, the Vice Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Engr. Remi Alade, commended the large turnout of residents for the exercise. Responding to requests for Gino Bins at the market, Engr. Remi Alade assured that the administration led by Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi would address the people's needs.

Hon Adunbi Ayodele, the Leader of Legislative Arms, and other Senior Management Staff, including Mrs. Kofoworola Rotimi (Head of Local Government Administration), Prince Oladimeji Adegoke (Director of Administration), Mrs. Christiana Ogundele (Director of Finance), and Comr. Aina Festus (NULGE Chairman), joined the Chairman in monitoring. Law enforcement officers, including the Nigerian Police and Civil Defence Corps, were also present.

Expressing displeasure on the attitude of some people towards the exercise, the Director of Environmental Service, Mrs. Kehinde Abiodun, called on everyone to stay at home during the monthly exercise, emphasizing its importance for maintaining a clean environment.

Flooding: Ekiti Govt Warns Against Reckless Blocking of Waterways.

Flooding: Ekiti Govt Warns Against Reckless Blocking of Waterways.                                  .....Directs councils to enforce immediate desilting of canals.

The Ekiti State Government , has warned residents of the state against reckless blockage of waterways and ditches that could unleash erosion and flooding during the coming raining season.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, handed down the warning, in Ikere Ekiti, on Saturday, while monitoring the monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise in the council.

Areas visited included: Odo Oja, Oke- Osun, Gbolagun, Atiba, Eleyo, Sabo Odo-Oja, Kajola, among others.

Underscoring the significance of the exercise, the Deputy Governor, maintained that improved environmental sanitation can bring exponential improvement to life expectancy and reduce incidences of morbidity and mortality rates. 

Afuye, who was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habitat Adubiaro and other top government functionaries, told the residents that improved life expectancy is a function of environmental cleanliness and personal hygiene. 

Giving her observations about the level of compliance in the council , the number two citizen, frowned at indiscriminate dumping of refuse and sewages at Gbolagun area of NITEL in Uro Quarters, leading to the blockage of a canal that was responsible for erosional attack in the axis.

The Deputy Governor, who directed the Department of Environmental Services of Ikere West LCDA to hold a meeting with the landlords of the area, warned the residents to desist from such unwholesome act that could trigger environmental degradation and unwarranted disease breakout. 

Advising the environmental health officers to to always visit the inner cities to enforce cleanliness, she added that opening of shops, drinking joints, market centres and eateries during the exercise, was a flagrant violation of the sanitation law.

Based on complaints of perennial erosion and flooding in some sections of the town, Mrs Afuye, assured that axis being ravaged would be channelized to safeguard the lives and property of Ikere residents.

"I want all you to desilt all the blocked canals . It is wrong for people to dump refuse inside erosion canals, it was a common practice here in Ikere going by our observation, this must change, because this government won't allow any act that can lead to a breakout of diseases in any part of Ekiti".

Also speaking, the SSG, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, appealed to the residents to comply with all the directives given by the entourage to ensure cleanliness in the council.

"It is for your own good when your environment is clean, you wont fall sick and the money you ought to spend in sickness will be spent on profitable ventures". 

Being part of the measures to upscale compliance, the Chairman of the Ikere Local Government, Hon Egbejoda Adamolekun, appealed to the state government to constitute a mobile court to try offenders.

Adamolekun stated that this is best way to bring a downward trend to the level of non-compliance being witnessed in the council.

The local government boss revealed that the council, had pronounced the commencement of environmental sanitation exercise every Thursday, urging the residents to show understanding and embrace the exercise.

Those on her entourage were: Chairman of Ikere West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Rufus Olorunfemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Bamidele Arowosola, and other top government functionaries.