Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles forward, has been nominated for FIFA’s The Best Men’s Player of the Year award after a stellar season for club and country. The 24-year-old was named in the 12-man shortlist for the award alongside other European stars.

Osimhen had a campaign to remember as he led Napoli to the Scudetto and emulated Zlatan Ibrahimovic in winning the Capocannoniere in the same season for the first time since 2009. The striker was also the first African Capocannoniere and became Africa’s leading scorer in Serie A.

In addition to his performance at club level, the former Lille man was on fire for the Super Eagles despite not making it to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He scored 10 goals for Nigeria as they sealed their ticket to the 2024 AFCON in style, including a hat-trick against Sao Tome and Principe last time out.

Osimhen is the only African who was deemed worthy of being included on the shortlist and is joined by Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Rodri, Julian Alvarez, Marcelo Brozovic, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Declan Rice and Bernardo Silva.

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This comes after Osimhen was nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, and is another feather in the cap of the striker, who aims even higher. Voting is on for the award, and fans can vote for Victor Osimhen through this link.

The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, cannot force its members or Nigerians to join the party declaring that its attempt to foist one-party rule on Nigerians will fail.

The PDP made the declaration on Thursday in a communique delivered by its Board Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, after its 75th meeting in Abuja.

“The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), at its 75th meeting thoroughly reviewed the State of affairs of the nation and the Party and resolved as follows:

“The BoT is resolved to take urgent steps to resist the current manifest desperation by the APC to turn Nigeria into a One-Party State,” part of the communique read by Wabara, former Senate President read.

The communique further read, “The BoT restates its rejection of the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) in upholding the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the February 25, 2023, Presidential election, in spite of the evidence clearly pointing to the contrary.

“The BoT is also monitoring and studying the outcome of cases in various election courts with regards to their level of adherence and respect to the Rule of Law and evidence before such a court.

“The BoT commended the PDP Presidential Candidate, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, for following due process of the law in his quest to retrieve the Presidential Mandate freely given to him at the February 25, 2023 Presidential election.”

The PDP board expressed confidence in the Supreme Court to “ultimately and decisively right the wrongs and correct the manifest errors contained in the Judgment of the PEPC in the interest of the unity, stability and corporate existence of our Country.”

It lamented what it described as the excruciating hardship, worsening insecurity and a general sense of apprehension and despondency across the country “occasioned by the hasty implementation of ill-planned policies of the overtly insensitive APC administration.”

The BoT agonised what it further noted as the worsening state of the nation’s currency, the naira adding, “The BoT laments that the APC is pushing Nigerians to the wall and worry that the level of poverty and anger in the polity over the suppressive rule of the APC is capable of snowballing into a serious crisis if not urgently addressed.

“The BoT observed that the nation is currently in a precarious situation under the APC and Nigerians look unto the PDP for solution and direction at this time.

“The BoT assures Nigerians that despite the challenges, the PDP remains united, stronger and more determined to continue to lead the charge to rescue our democracy and return our nation to the path of credible elections, Rule of Law, national cohesion and economic prosperity.”

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has reinstated the Labour Party House of Representatives member, Ngozi Okolie, as the duly elected member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency elections.

The Appellate court on Thursday set aside the judgement of the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal which had declared Ndudi Elumelu of the People’s Democratic Party as winner of the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared that Okolie garnered 53,879 votes to defeat his closest rival and then incumbent representative, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, who polled 33,456 votes.

But the tribunal sacked Okolie on the grounds that the politician was not duly nominated by the Labour Party.

However, in its decision on Thursday, the appeal court overruled the tribunal.

It held that the LP candidate was validly nominated and sponsored contrary to the findings of the lower court.

Air Peace an airline based in Nigeria, has announced the acquisition of 10 Embraer E175 fleets while signing a bilateral maintenance agreement with the fleet company.

This means that the Embraer will assist in the setting up of its maintenance center in the country, where maintenance of the fleet will be carried out in the country.

Allen Onyema the Chief Executive Officer, of Air Peace said this at the Aviation Africa 2023 Summit monitored by THE WHISTLER in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the decision was based on the directive given to him by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, to drive the aviation sector forward while attracting investment through the maintenance policy.

He said, “In line with fleet modernization policy, we just signed a further acquisition, further order of 10 E175, with a stern order of five and five acquisition rights.

“The minister called me two weeks ago and said moving forward, any Nigerian airline that wants to bring in brand-new planes must also think of maintenance capabilities for those planes in-house and within Nigeria.

“He made it compulsory that if you are going into the acquisition, of more than 20 planes, you must show evidence that the original equipment manufacturer is going to support the setting up of a maintenance center here and for third parties here MOR. Now with the signature signed today, we have ordered 35 Embraer brand-new fleets.

“We have signed 30 before, of which five have been delivered already, the E2s. Part of the things we signed today is that Embraer is going to help set up the maintenance center in Nigeria and it will be set up with immediate effects. So, this decision will help our national reserves and help conserve the forex of airlines in Africa when this comes to fruition.”

Confirming the maintenance deal, Embraer management said the transaction is worth $ 300m while noting that delivery will begin in 2024.

Embraer said, “Ever since we started this relationship in 2017, it has been smooth and great, and today it’s a momentous day. This transaction costs $ 300m, with the airline moving forward.

“The first two aircraft will be delivered next year. The airline needs to grow. As the business moves forward, we need to work together, and the maintenance will create jobs and drive investment. And we will move forward with Air Peace to drive this growth”.

Also speaking at the event, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said the ministry will assist every local operator to develop.

Keyamo however warned that stringent measures are already in place, and any airline operator found not adhering to the safety rules of maintenance will be dealt with.

• Competition: Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A
• Date: Friday, 15th, September 2023
• Kickoff: 00:00 CEST
• Venue: Castelao (Fortaleza)

Corinthians will strive to put an end to their three-game winless streak across all competitions when they visit Fortaleza at Castelao in their Matchday 23 clash of the Brazilian Serie A on Friday.

After establishing a remarkable streak of five consecutive victories, dominating everything in their path in both the Copa Sudamericana and the Brazilian Serie A, Fortaleza hit a roadblock called Fluminense. Sadly, Leao do Pici entered their ten-day break due to international obligations on a sour note, suffering a 0-1 defeat to Fluzao with a late goal conceded in the 90+2 minute. Despite that setback, Fortaleza stands firm in eighth place with 32 points, trailing the Copa Libertadores qualification spots by only four points.

As for the guests, Corinthians seems to have put their nightmarish season start behind them, with the past few months showcasing evident signs of improvement. In their last fixture prior to the international break, Timao successfully resisted the onslaught from the reigning Brazilian champions, Palmeiras, securing a precious point in a goalless draw, 0-0. It was the third successive stalemate for the boys in black and white kits, continuing their climb up the table and now occupying 13th position with 26 points.

1. Fortaleza vs Corinthians Betting Tips: X2 (Double chance)

At first glance, it may seem like Fortaleza holds the upper hand in terms of form and the home advantage, but grabbing all the spoils against Corinthians is easier said than done. While Timao has been experiencing a drought in terms of victories (with only one win in their last six games), it's equally important to acknowledge that numerous opposing teams have been left scratching their heads in search of a way to overcome them, with just one defeat in their last 17 matches across all competitions.

It's intriguing how Vanderlei Luxemburgo's side has become experts in securing "X" results, recording their fourth draw in the last five matches, last time out against the reigning titleholders, Palmeiras. Furthermore, the teams that Fortaleza has recently triumphed over are a far cry from Corinthians' caliber.

Therefore, we maintain an optimistic outlook that Timao, with their sturdy style of football, will manage to secure at least a point from this visit.

The Chief Executive Officer of Arsenal Football Club, Vinai Venkatesham, has announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the 2023-2024 season.

Vinai Venkatesham became the CEO of Arsenal in 2020, about a season after Mikel Arteta was appointed the manager of the club.

Before he rose to the position of Arsenal’s CEO, the Indian-born British administrator who joined Arsenal in 2010, had served as the club’s Managing Director, and chief commercial officer.

Vinai Venkatesham has helped to stabilize the Gunners. Under his leadership, Arsenal won two Community Shields and contended for the Premier League title last season in which they finished second behind Manchester City.

While announcing his planned departure from the club after three years as the club’s CEO, Venkatesham revealed that he is leaving the club to face another challenge.

He said, “This was a tough decision, but it is time to pursue another challenge. Now is not the time for goodbyes as I remain focused until my last day and supporting a seamless transition.”

In reaction to the announcement, the co-chairman of the club, Josh Kroenke said: “The board is fully supportive of Vinai’s desire to pursue his next challenge.

“Whilst it is business as usual with everyone focused on the season ahead, we’d like to take this moment to thank him for his contribution and long service.

“Vinai will always be part of the Arsenal family and always welcome back at Emirates Stadium.

“Change and succession is something the club is well prepared for. The board remains committed to our strategy and will address leadership change as we continue to drive the club forward.”

[NaijaNews]

The National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Oyo State has ordered a re-run election for Saki West state constituency.

Recall that INEC had earlier declared Mr Shittu Ibrahim of the All Peoples Congress (APC) as winner of the state assembly election for the constituency held on March 18.

According to INEC, Ibrahim scored 13,692 votes, while Mr Julius Okedoyin, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 13,422 votes to finish second in the election.

Dissatisfied with the declaration, Okedoyin and the PDP headed to the tribunal alleging over-voting, irregularities and non-compliance with electoral guidelines.

In a unanimous ruling delivered by its chairman, Justice Jubril Anaja, the tribunal held that the petition had merit and that the petitioners proved their allegations beyond reasonable doubt.

Anaja ruled that the cancellation of results from Ward 6 Unit 7 and Ward 11 Unit 19 of the constituency with 1,285 voter cards collected, could substantially affect the outcome of the election.

The tribunal noted that whereas the declared winner led the petitioner by 270 votes in Ward 6, the number of voters disenfranchised was more than 1,000.

According to the tribunal, the more than 1,000 voters disenfranchised by INEC in the affected wards might have over-turned the result if they were allowed to vote.

“The certificate of return issued to the first respondent (Ibrahim) by INEC is hereby set aside pending the re-run election to determine the winner of the election for Saki West constituency.

“INEC is hereby ordered to conduct a re-run election in Ward 6, Unit 7 and Ward 11, Unit 19 within 90 days,’’ Anaja declared.

Reacting, Ibrahim’s counsel, Mr Sikiru Adewoye, said his client will file an appeal against the judgment of the tribunal.

However, the petitioners’ counsel, Mr Yusuf Ogunrinde, commended the tribunal for the judgement.

[Newsguru]

Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen will headline a 13-man shortlist for the Best FIFA Men’s Player Award 2023.

The Nigerian international, who has scored a total of 31 goals to help
clinch the Serie A title and reached the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League last season, was the only African player on the list of nominees for 2023 FIFA Men’s player award released on Thursday by the world soccer governing body.

The list is dominated by Manchester City FC’s 2022-23 treble-winning squad, while coach Pep Guardiola was also nominated for The Best FIFA Men’s Coach alongside four of his peers.

Osimhen has established himself as one of Europe’s deadliest marksmen and his outstanding goal-scoring statistics have not gone unnoticed to the eyes of Europe’s wealthiest clubs, with the likes of Manchester United, Bayern, and Chelsea all expressing an interest in acquiring his services in the near future.

Haaland’s Man City team-mates Julián Álvarez, Kevin De Bruyne, İlkay Gündoğan and Bernardo Silva joined him on the shortlist for impressive contributions to Pep Guardiola-treble-winning squad.

Kylian Mbappé also makes the list as well as Marcelo Brozović, Rodrigo, Hernández Cascante, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Declan Rice of Arsenal.

Performances at the record-breaking FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 were reflected in the Best FIFA Women’s Player nominees. Adidas Golden Ball winner Aitana Bonmatí leads a quartet of Spanish nominees. Four players from tournament runners-up England and a trio of Matildas – who were a victory away from reaching the final on home soil – are also part of a 16-player shortlist.

[Leadership]

Barcelona were dealt a blow on Thursday when the Spanish champions’ spending limit for the season was cut to 270 million euros ($290 million) by La Liga.

The Spanish top flight has strict spending controls that prevent clubs from continuing to overspend on player wages and transfers.

Barcelona’s previous limit was 649 million euros ($697 million), a figure inflated by the sale of future television rights income among a series of financial “levers” the club pulled.

The Catalans’ current level of salary expenditure is around 400 million euros ($429 million) per Spanish reports.

The punishment for exceeding the limit is being put under the division’s spending cap, in which Barcelona will only be allowed to use around 50 percent of income to improve their squad, until they make cuts to fall under the new limit.

The current situation means it is unlikely Barcelona will conduct significant transfer business in January, with further cuts needed if they are to be in a position to reinforce next summer.

This is despite the departures of Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Ousmane Dembele and several other players.

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen signed a new deal with the club in August until 2028, which allowed Barcelona to register new signings including loanees Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix.

“We have to thank him for restructuring his contract because it has allowed other players to register,” said club president Joan Laporta on Thursday.

La Liga president Javier Tebas said he did not know when Barcelona’s financial situation would return to normal.

“It depends on Barca and their business strategy,” Tebas told a news conference Thursday.

“Maybe they sell a great player and will take a giant step forward. We don’t know if they will.

“The whole medium and long-term strategy is set by the club, we don’t set it for them.”