Explains Why Osimhen Struggled At 2023 AFCON

 

Former Super Eagles of Nigeria assistant coach, Emmanuel Amuneke has explained that Victor Osimhen struggled at the 2023 AFCON because he was made to be too involved in defensive duties.

Victor Osimhen, who scored ten goals during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, managed to record just one goal throughout the tournament, as three of his other goals were cancelled after VAR interventions.

He was also seen limping towards the end of almost every game at the tournament, especially in the final against Ivory Coast on Sunday, February 11, which the hosts won with a 2-1 scoreline.

In his analysis of Victor Osimhen’s performance at the tournament, Amuneke, who discovered and nurtured the 25-year-old Napoli striker in the under-17 phase of his career, argued that the team’s defensive pattern at the 2023 AFCON didn’t work for Osimhen.

“You know in this AFCON, Osimhen spent a lot of time helping the team to defend, and when you have a striker that is so dangerous, move a lot, and then at the end of the day he is coming to defend. I think it reduces his quality”, Amuneke told News Central TV..

“Osimhen is a player that when you look at him, moves a lot and needs players that can actually, you know, give him those balls into spaces where he can become effective and functional.”

He added, “Chukwueze and Simon Moses likewise but of course, you must have players that can complement the effort of these players.”

Meanwhile, Amuneke, who was Super Eagles assistant coach under Austine Eguavoen during the 2021 AFCON, in which Nigeria finished in the round of 16, had said he is ready to head the team.

The current coach of the team, Jose Peseiro, is out of contract, and he expects the Nigeria Football Federation to extend his stay with the team, having accomplished the ultimatum of reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 AFCON.

However, there is a lot of push for the Portuguese tactician to be sacked due to his defensive style of football, which is believed to be one of the reasons Nigeria lost to Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON final.

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the future of Jose Peseiro, most football pundits believe Amuneke should be appointed to replace the Portuguese tactician.

While reacting to that in an interview with Central Television, Amuneke said: “I am a Nigerian, all my life I have served Nigeria as a player. If Nigerians now find me fit to add value to the team, of course, it is a welcome development.

“But for now it is not necessary to talk about this issue.

“We have to support the team and other Nigerians, they are going through a lot of sadness.

“We all want the best for our country, the best for our football. This has to be respected.”

Yetunde Kuti, the wife of Nigerian musician Seun Kuti, has shared the challenges she faced when deciding to marry into the Kuti family.

In an interview with Yourviewtvc, Yetunde reveals her family’s concerns and misconceptions.

The singer’s wife, shared that despite her family’s reservations about her marrying Seun Kuti, she defied their warnings and married the singer.

During the interview, Yetunde disclosed that her family held preconceived notions about her husband based on the polygamous history of Seun’s father, Fela Kuti.

According to her, her relatives warned her that if she married Seun Kuti, she would be just one of his 35 wives, comparing it to Fela Kuti’s marriages.

Despite the warnings, Yetunde emphasized that she chose to challenge societal stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding marriage.


In her words;

I have always had the idea of not wanting to be married, and my family was expecting me not to get married, especially to Seun. I grew up with people whose marriages were not stable and looked at it from their perspective, and I realized that everybody has their own reasons why their marriages didn’t work, and people can’t just continue like that.”

“There’s a sacrifice that one has to make, but some people don’t want to make the sacrifice. My family said my life would end if I married Seun Kuti and that I would just be one of his 35 wives. They said his father married many wives and that he would marry more than him.”

Nigerian singer, Ewaoluwa Olatunji, known as Ewa Cole, has filed a lawsuit against filmmaker Funke Akindele and music executive Abdulrasheed ‘JJC Skillz’ for alleged copyright infringement of her songs in the film ‘She Must Be Obeyed’, produced by SceneOne Entertainment and co-directed by Akindele and JJC Skillz.

The series, featuring Nancy Isime, Abdulateef Adedimeji, Akah Nnani, Veeiye, Waje, Patience Ozokwo, Rachael Okonkwo, and Mike Ezuronye, streamed on Prime Video.

Through her legal representative Adewale Williams, Ewa Cole claimed ownership of the songs ‘Opoor’ and ‘Bhad Garl’, reproduced without her permission in the series.


The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, also names Tony Ugiagbe (Topage), Waje, Veeiye, Amazon Web Services Nigeria Ltd. (BoomPlay), Amazon Web Services Inc., and Apple Inc. as defendants.

Ewa Cole alleges that ‘Bhad Gyal’ and ‘Opoor’ were reproduced by Waje and Veeiye after Topage, the song producer, informed her of their rejection.

She contended that the songs were used without authorization and without crediting her, constituting copyright infringement.

The suit reads:


“Sometime in June 2021, Our Client was contacted by one Mr Fony a.k.a Tony Age to produce soundtracks for the movie “She Must Be Obeyed” series being produced by Scene One production, Funke Akindele and her crew at that material time. The movie starred several celebrities like Veeiye (as Tito); Waje (as X-cite)}; Shaffy Belfo as Iya Siyanbola, amongst others,” the petition reads.

“Our brief revealed that after writing and recording the two songs, “Bhad Gyal” and “OPOOR” in a music studio with the aid of Mr. Tony a.k.a Tony Age (who was working with the “She Muse Be Obeyed” crew as that time), she handed over the tracks to him with the understanding that Funke Akindele and her crew will reach out to her for payments and recognition.

“After weeks of waiting, Our Client received the sad news that her songs had been rejected and would no longer be deployed in the production of the series only for Our Client to shockingly discover thereafter that she has been lied to and scammed, and that her songs were in fact REPRODUCED by Waje and Veeiye and deployed for the production of the said movie without Our Client’s permission or approval or any credit to her. As a matter of fact, the “Bhad Gyal’ song was mimed by Waje while on stage in the movie, whilst the OPOOR song ran through the background of the entirety of the series.

“The “She Must Be Obeyed” series released in September 2023 and premiered by Amazon Prime Video is now been watched round the globe and generating several revenues for Amazon, Apple Music, BoomPlay, Funke Akindele, and her crew without even the least recognition of Our Client as the author of those songs.”

Ewa Cole is also demanding N300 million in damages for the alleged infringement of her work.

She asked that the court grant a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from further copyrighting, performing, or reproducing her musical works.

She also prayed that the court would order the defendants to share 45 percent of the profits made in the use, performance, reproduction, and distribution of the two songs.

Last modified on Tuesday, 13 February 2024 16:32
Comedian and media personality, Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, aka Nedu, has confirmed that he has remarried.
 
He disclosed this in the latest episode of the Offair Show.
 
He, however, did not reveal the identity of his new wife or when the marriage took place.
 
“I am married. My second marriage. My first marriage ended, obviously, it’s everywhere on the internet.
 
“My first marriage didn’t end because I cheated. I’m not going to talk about why it ended because it’s my private life. I’m not going to talk about it,” Nedu said.
 
It would be recalled that the actor’s first marriage ended in 2018 after he accused his ex-wife, Uzoamaka, of paternity fraud.
 
[NaijaTimes]

The Nigerian film industry, affectionately known as Nollywood, has been producing compelling stories that resonate not just across Africa but globally.

With its vibrant storytelling, rich cultural narratives, and diverse genres, Nollywood has firmly established itself on the world cinema stage.

Among the platforms showcasing this rich cinematic landscape, Netflix offers a selection of Nigerian movies catering to a wide range of tastes. Moreover, with CyberGhost Smart TV VPNs, viewers worldwide can easily access this treasure trove of Nollywood content on Netflix, overcoming geographical restrictions and ensuring they don’t miss out on the latest hits.

This technological advancement bridges the gap between global audiences and Nollywood’s captivating stories, further solidifying the industry’s international appeal.

Here are some standout Nollywood movies currently trending on Netflix that promise to entertain, enlighten, and captivate audiences worldwide.


  1. The Black Book

Directed by Editi Effiong, “The Black Book” is a gripping crime thriller featuring Richard Mofe-Damijo in a powerful performance as a retired military man seeking justice for his son, who is victimized by corrupt law enforcement.

This feature directorial debut weaves a tale of vengeance and resilience, showcasing the lengths a father will go to protect his family.


  1. Citation

Directed by Kunle Afolayan, “Citation” is a powerful film that tackles the serious issue of sex-for-grades in Nigerian higher education institutions. Starring Temi Otedola in her debut movie role, the film has catapulted her into Nollywood stardom, showcasing her exceptional acting skills alongside an impressive cast including Jimmy Jean-Louis, Ini Edo, and Gabriel Afolayan. “Citation” follows the story of Moremi, a bright Master’s student who stands up against her lecturer’s sexual advances, setting off a chain of events that challenge the systemic injustices within the academic world.

Otedola’s performance is compelling and convincing, marking her as a talent to watch in the industry. The film’s success on Netflix, becoming the sixth most-watched movie worldwide at its release, is a testament to its impactful storytelling and the global resonance of its message against sexual harassment in educational settings.


  1. Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman

“Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman” is a compelling cinematic masterpiece that transports viewers to the 1940s Oyo Empire, exploring a tapestry of emotions, humour, and tragic role reversals against the backdrop of ancient beliefs and the encroachment of post-modern Western influences.

Inspired by actual events, the story centres on Elesin Oba, the king’s chief horseman, whose duty is to commit ritual suicide to accompany the deceased Alaafin to the ancestor realm.

However, on the eve of fulfilling this sacred obligation, Elesin Oba succumbs to the temptations of beauty and desire, a fateful decision that disrupts a vital spiritual and generational transaction.

 

  1. The Rise of Igbinogun

An epic story of rebellion and heroism, “The Rise of Igbinogun” follows a warrior who becomes a legend by defying the oppressive forces of the king’s guards.

This film is a thrilling adventure into the heart of sacrifice and the fight for justice, starring Akin Lewis and Shaffy Bello.


  1. Shanty Town

Set in the underbelly of Lagos, “Shanty Town” tells the story of courtesan Jackie, played by Ini Edo, navigating the dangerous waters of drug kingpins and corruption in a bid for freedom. This narrative is a raw, unfiltered look at survival and ambition in one of the world’s most bustling cities.

 

  1. Aníkúlápó

Kunle Afolayan’s “Aníkúlápó” stands as a testament to the director’s illustrious status in Nollywood, nearly achieving the elusive goal of a perfect film.

This dramatic folklore, rich in passion and betrayal, weaves an almost two-hour tale of love, hate, deceit, jealousy, and covetousness, engaging audiences with intrigue, suspense, anger, and empathy.

Unlike many Nollywood productions that suffer from inconsistent storytelling and performances, “Aníkúlápó” excels with its portrayal of deeply flawed, painfully human characters.

Kunle Remi shines as Saro, the lead male character, whose actions set the tragic plot in motion amidst a backdrop of mysticism.

The film is further elevated by the stellar performances of Bimbo Ademoye, Taiwo Hassan, Sola Sobowale, Mr Macaroni, and Eyiyemi Afolayan, blurring the lines between heroes and villains and making it a compelling cinematic experience that captivates from start to finish.


  1. Ijakumo

“Ijakumo” weaves a complex love, deception, and redemption narrative centred around a pastor who leads a double life. Kunle Remi’s portrayal of a man caught between his duties, desires, and the consequences of his past actions is both nuanced and captivating.

The film explores the themes of forgiveness, the complexities of human nature, and the possibility of second chances, making it a thought-provoking addition to the Nollywood repertoire on Netflix.

Nollywood continues to thrive, offering uniquely Nigerian stories yet universally relatable. These films on Netflix represent just a fraction of the talent and creativity flourishing within Nigeria’s film industry.

Whether you’re drawn to heart-wrenching dramas, epic adventures, or thrilling crime stories, Nollywood has something special for you.

[Nairametrics]

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has received Premier League directors and owners’ test approval for his 25 per cent purchase of Manchester United.

 

A deal will be completed within days as the Football Association signs off a final agreement after Ratcliffe extended his purchase offer until the end of this week.

United’s Class A shares rose more than six per cent to $21 (£16.57) in post-market trading after the tender offer deadline was extended to Friday from Tuesday.

Club filings to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) overnight confirmed the league has privately approved the deal.

A Premier League statement confirming the decision is only expected once Ratcliffe completes, however, which is likely next week.

Filings confirmed there was no doubt as far as United’s shareholding set-up is concerned that the Ratcliffe deal will be done. By February 9, around 36.7 per cent of the outstanding Class A Shares had been “been validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) pursuant to the Offer,” the documents confirm.

 

Premier League approval for the deal is confirmed in the filing’s offer terms.

“Premier League Approval” has “already been obtained”, the document confirms, but the Football Association Approval is still awaited.

 

Ratcliffe, 71, has agreed to gain complete control of football operations as part of his deal for a minority shareholding but the Glazers have since agreed that Ineos should have a broader influence encompassing key decisions across the business.

Telegraph Sport detailed last week how plans include eventually creating a “Wembley of the North” under an ambitious 90,000-seater redevelopment of Old Trafford.

The Ratcliffe deal is now all-but-done after an extraordinary saga which saw the Glazers first start exploring a sale in Nov 2022.

A bump in share values overnight erased losses from earlier in the trading day on Monday amid speculation over whether the offer would be extended. In December, Ratcliffe agreed to buy the stake by allowing investors to swap about one-quarter of their Class A stock holdings for $33 per share, well above the current market price.

As of the close of Friday, 19.4 million shares had been validly tendered, according to the regulatory filing – which means Ratcliffe has already passed the threshold to complete his deal.

United’s American owners are set for a cash windfall of around £715 million from the sale of B shares to Ratcliffe. That eye-watering sum adds to earnings of around £465 million through past sales of A shares and around £150 million in dividend payments.

However, it was announced in previous regulatory filing that there will be no dividends paid for at least three years under Ratcliffe’s deal with the Glazers.

 

United were acquired by the Glazers for around £790 million in a hostile takeover in 2005, since when around £1 billion has been sucked out of the club in debt repayment, interest and management fees to service the leveraged buyout.

In addition to purchasing the Glazer shares, Ratcliffe – through his Isle of Man investment vehicle Trawlers Ltd – is buying up to 25 per cent of Class A shares at the same $33 per share price so as to minimise any risk of legal action from other minority shareholders such as Eminence Capital, Lindsell Train and Ariel Investments.

 

The deal values United’s equity at around $5.4 billion and gives the club an overall enterprise value of $6.3 billion, almost £5 billion.

Ratcliffe has also pledged an additional $300 million (£237 million) to invest in Old Trafford and infrastructure needs. The Oldham-born billionaire will have first refusal for a period of 12 months if the Glazers opted to sell more B shares in the future.

Equally, “drag-along” rights included in the deal mean Ratcliffe would be obliged to sell his shares subject to him receiving a $33 per share cash offer from the Glazers should they decide on a full sale 18 months from now.

A drag-along right is a provision or clause in an agreement that enables a majority shareholder to force a minority shareholder to join in the sale of the company.

[Leadership]

Pastor Jimmy Odukoya offers invaluable advice to single ladies, urging them not to settle for “potential” when it comes to choosing a life partner.

In a recent sermon, Pastor Jimmy, The senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church , emphasized on the importance of marrying someone who already has their life in order and is actively working towards their goals.

Pastor Odukoya urges women to prioritize stability in their relationships, rather than hoping for someone to change or improve in the future.


He highlighted that a woman should not look for a wealthy partner; instead, she should look for someone who is Kinetic.

As he presented the concept of kinetics in relation to his sermon, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya defined kinetics as people who are active and pursuing their goals.

He continued by stating that since dreaming is free, many people are able to dream. Nevertheless, what counts is the effort that must be made into making those dreams come true.

Hear him:

Last modified on Tuesday, 13 February 2024 15:33

Jose Peseiro has expressed sadness at Nigeria’s failure to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Ivory Coast.

Peseiro beat all odds, including financial constraints and injuries to key players to lead the Super Eagles to the final of the 2203 AFCON.

Peseiro’s men were unbeaten in six games, drawing against Equatorial Guinea and securing victories over Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, Angola, and South Africa to reach the final.

 

However, they lost 2-1 against the host in the final on Sunday.

In a tweet via his X account, Peseiro also said the Super Eagles are very proud of the tournament they played.

“We are sad for not having been able to win this title for Nigeria. But we are very proud of the tournament we played,” Peseiro, who is currently out of contract, tweeted.

“Guys, only we know how much we suffered and fought to have reached this final. I can’t find the words to thank everyone for what we did and achieved. I am grateful.”

[DailyPost]

The Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc on Monday announced the appointment of Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.

This announcement came following the death of the firm’s former Group Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, who died on Friday in a helicopter crash.

Wigwe died alongside his wife, son, and a former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in a helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border, United States of America.

Wigwe was appointed Access Holdings GCEO on March 28, 2022.

Prior to her appointment, Agbede was the company’s most senior founding Executive Director in charge of Business Support.

Below are 10 things to know about her:

  •  Agbede holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos in 1990.
  •  Agbede started her professional career in 1992 at Guaranty Trust Bank.
  • She has served in various capacities within the Commercial Banking and Operations functions rising to the position of Manager in 2001.
  • In 2002, she bagged a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Cranfield University UK.
  • In 2003, She became the Chief Executive Officer of JKG Limited, a business consulting outfit.
  • Agbede joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General.
  • She has nearly three decades of professional experience cutting across banking and business consultancy services.
  • She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.
  • Between 2010 and 2022, the acting GCEO was the Bank’s Head, Group Human Resources.
  • In 2022, she was appointed the company’s founding Executive Director, Business Support.

[Punch]

The President Bola Tinubu-led administration has stated that Nigeria "is a very very poor country, to be honest and our wealth is overestimated."

The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Mr Bayo Onanuga, stated this on Monday when he appeared on Arise News TV’s programme.


Meanwhile, some workers in different federal establishments across the country had lamented the delay in the payment of their January salary, describing the action of the government as insensitive considering the current economic situation in the country.

However, Onanuga also denied the claim.

He explained that there was a challenge with the platform being used to disburse the salaries.

Onanuga described Nigeria as a “very very poor” country, given its low per capita income, compared to other African nations.

He said; “The office of the AGF has said there is a challenge with the platform being used to disburse the salaries.

“According to a briefing I got this morning, yes, salaries were delayed, but all federal workers have been paid,” he stated.

“Nigeria is a very very poor country, to be honest. I think our wealth is overestimated,”

“I think we have a poor estimation of the wealth of the country, we are a very poor country.”

The presidential aide asserted that with the removal of subsidies on petrol and the unification of the exchange rate, the administration “is hoping that the pressure on our finances will reduce.”A

Media

Last modified on Tuesday, 13 February 2024 08:47