Cote d’Ivoire forward, Sebastien Haller has said the Super Eagles will face a different Elephants side on Sunday.
The two teams will clash in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan.
Nigeria defeated the hosts 1-0 earlier in the competition.
Centre-back William Troost-Ekong scored the decisive goal from the spot in the second half.
Haller is however upbeat they can beat the Super Eagles this time around.
“It’s an advantage to both Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire because we faced each other in the group stage so we know each other well,” the striker said at a press conference on Saturday.
“However, the approach to a knock-out game will be different from a group stage game.”
As curtain draws on the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in Ivory Coast, with the Super Eagles of Nigeria facing the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, airfare to the West African country has hit the rooftop, dashing the hope of many Nigerians who planned to fly to the country to watch the match, check by Daily Trust on Sunday reveals.
Daily Trust on Sunday reports that there has been an outcry over the high airfare to Abidjan, which is less than one hour, 30 minutes from Lagos.
Nigeria’s Air Peace, Asky and Air Côte d’Ivoire, are few of the airlines flying to Abidjan.
Checks by our correspondent revealed that a one-way ticket from the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) costs between N890,000 to N1.2million, while a return ticket costs over N2m, depending on the airline.
A check on the website of Asky yesterday showed that a one-way fare is 1,229,811 for Sunday’s flight when the final match would be played, while the same flight costs N890,000.
On Air Côte d’Ivoire, the flight was priced at $913, which is over N1.3m at N1,450 to a dollar.
Yesterday, a Professor of Law, Joy Ezeilo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), decried the price of flight ticket to Abidjan, saying she dreamt of watching the AFCON match live but was shocked with the price of the return ticket, which is estimated at over N2.1m.
She wrote, “I am dreaming of watching AFCON 2024 live and I enquired about flights to Abidjan to watch our Super Eagles play in the final. I believed that Ivory Coast, being so close (an hour and 35 minutes) wouldn’t cost me too much. However, my travel agent of over 20 years sent me a price quotation of N2,183,000.00, which was a huge shock. I did the math and realised that I would need to save my five months’ salary as a Professor of Law on the last professional step to buy one return ticket to a West African country.
“This is a sad reflection of our current economic realities. Please refrain from attempting to convert to US dollars, it is extremely depressing and demystifying of a full professor position. This will push the resolve of brilliant young ones we are training and mentoring to take over from us farther away from the classrooms to becoming political aspirants/election delegates.
She, however, pointed out that she had made an alternative plan which includes recharging her DSTV at N19,800, and to buy 20 litres of fuel to generate power because they didn’t have electricity during the semifinal match.
“The struggle continues! Good luck to our Super Eagles! You are in my thoughts and prayers,” she stated.
However, an aviation management consultant, Babatunde Adeniji, said with the huge demand for flight to Abidjan, the value of a seat on the route also increased.
“Demand and supply of must-watch mean that each seat becomes so much more valuable. The demand and supply principle states that because of this final match, which is coming up just once, the value of your seat has gone up. If you throw a bid now on a 120-seat aircraft for all Nigerians to bid for seats, you know some people would bid much more than this amount you are even talking about, and that’s what is happening with ticketing,” he said.
[DailyPost]
Access Holdings PLC has reacted to the reported death of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe.
As reported by The Eagle Online, Wigwe, his wife and son died in a helicopter crash in the United States of America.
Reacting to the news, Access Holdings PLC said it had been receiving enquiries on the helicopter crash.
It, however, asked for patience as it was also working with authorities in the United States of America for details.
It spoke in a message issued in the early hours of Monday.
The message, titled: “Important announcement,” said: “We have received numerous enquiries concerning an airplane crash in the USA.
“Presently, we lack specific information; however we are actively collaborating with US authorities who will furnish updates.
“Your understanding and support are valued, and we commit to keeping you informed promptly as we receive updates on the situation.”
Chief Abimbola Ogunbanjo was a leading corporate lawyer and boardroom guru. Former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) Plc, Ogunbanjo led the transformation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) from a non-profit, member-based organisation into a public limited liability company, with its shares publicly quoted for all investors to participate in the ownership of the country’s oldest securities exchange.
The conversion of the then NSE, otherwise known as demutualisation, birthed the NGX Group as a non-operating holding group and the separation of the trading and regulatory arms of the Exchange.
A versatile corporate lawyer, Ogunbanjo led the emergent NGX Group in its formative years between 2021 and 2022. He had served as the President of the National Council of the NSE from 2017 to 2021.The late Ogunbanjo was credited with several landmark initiatives at the Exchange, including the launch of West Africa’s first Exchange Traded Derivatives market.
He was born to the family of Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, a foremost corporate lawyer, industrialist and philanthropist, who passed away late last year. Until his death, Abimbola Ogunbanjo was Managing Partner of the renowned corporate law firm of Chris Ogunbanjo LP (Solicitors), his family’s iconic law firm.
Abimbola Ogunbanjo was a director on the boards of many other companies including Beta Glass Plc, GTL Registrars Limited, AIICO Insurance Plc, ConocoPhillips Limited, Chris Ogunbanjo Foundation and the Advisory Board of the University of Buckingham Centre for Extractive Studies among others.
A registered Nigerian capital market consultant, Ogunbanjo is a member of the International Bar Association, Nigerian Bar Association and Institute of Petroleum.
A philanthropist and dedicated social worker, Ogunbanjo was Global Ambassador for the Cervical Cancer-Free Nigeria (CCFN) campaign, an initiative of the Global Oncology (GO), a US-based non-profit organisation supported by Standford University.
He was conferred with the traditional title of Bamofin of Erunwon Ijebu Kingdom in veneration of his legal acumen. The late Ogunbanjo was also conferred with national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
[TheNation]
After a month of intense competition, a new champion will be crowned later today (Sunday) as the curtains are drawn on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations when host Ivory Coast rekindles their rivalry with Nigeria in the final of the tournament at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
The final, which kicks off at 9 pm Nigerian time, will be a rematch of both teams’ Group A encounter earlier in the tournament where the Super Eagles emerged victorious by a lone goal on matchday two, but today’s game offers both teams the chance to lift the trophy.
Following their 1-0 win in the group stages over Ivory Coast, Nigeria will be looking to beat the same opponents twice in an AFCON tournament for the first time since 2006, when they beat Senegal in the group stage and third-place play-off.
The Eagles are seeking their fourth AFCON title, while the Ivoirians aim to win Africa’s biggest continental football showpiece for a third time on home soil, having last won the continental title nine years earlier.
The Elephants’ 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau on matchday 1 proved crucial, with the three points won from that game just enough to take them to the round of 16 as one of the four best third-place finishers after losing to Nigeria and then Equatorial Guinea. The latter crushed Ivory Coast 4-0 to inflict their heaviest ever home and Nations Cup defeat, which sealed their coach Jean-Louis Gasset’s fate.
But much has changed for the Ivory Coast since then under new coach Emerse Fae, with the hosts surmounting obstacles when hope seemed to be lost and they now appear to have momentum just like Jose Peseiro’s Eagles heading into the decider in Abidjan later tonight.
The Ivoirians edged defending champions Senegal 5-4 on penalties after extra time scores ended 1-1 in the round of 16, beat Mali 2-1 in the quarter-final and the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in last Wednesday’s semi-final.
For the Eagles, they made their way to the final on the back of solid defending, conceding only two goals and keeping four clean sheets in their victories over the Ivoirians (1-0), Guinea-Bissau (1-0), Cameroon (2-0) and Angola (1-0).
In the semi-finals, their 4-2 win over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa via penalties came down to the outstanding defending before the shootout with on-field captain William Troost-Ekong and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerging as the heroes for the team, coming to the fore during multiple moments of pressure.
The duo alongside Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi, who is a doubt, will have to hold their nerves one more time in the final against an Ivorian side seeking redemption in front of their home fans.
According to Ivory Coast coach, Fae, both teams are on the same level and Sunday’s final offers the Elephants an opportunity to prove their class once again despite their group-stage loss to Nigeria.
“The fact that Nigeria had beaten us is a good thing because we know whom we are up against,” he said in Saturday’s pre-match conference monitored by our correspondent.
He added, “How we prepare for the match with our players is critical. I think that the Eagles and ourselves are at the same level.
“We have a great opportunity tomorrow (Sunday) and we are 90 minutes away from adding a third star to the Ivorian jersey. The teams are on equal footing, psychologically.”
He also added that the game would be won from a tactical perspective.
He added, “As the competition has progressed, the Nigerian team has gained strength. We had a very difficult journey at the beginning, but we gained momentum from the round of 16 against Senegal.
“Like any high-level match, like any final, it will come down to the details. We will be patient. We will not rush. We will focus on starting the match well and be patient to unsettle them.”
Nigeria coach, Jose Peseiro, also speaking ahead of the much-anticipated final, hopes to win the AFCON title in his first attempt.
“Playing a final is always important,” he said.
He said, “This is my first AFCON. Some were saying it’s been special, and I can attest to that. The emotions in Africa are very special. All of this, in my opinion, is a great way to learn and I would love to win it with the Nigerian team tomorrow (Sunday).
“It is crucial to find a balance. We have a great squad of players that want to win this for Nigeria. Some are newcomers to the squad but have played in other competitions. Football brings a lot of emotion, more than any sport, and this is important for Nigeria.”
Peseiro also added that the team would be aiming to win the final for the Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, who is aiming for a second AFCON title.
Musa, who has not featured at the tournament in Ivory Coast, has been an important player for the squad, according to Peseiro.
The manager said, “Musa is much more than a player.
“He helps us a lot. He advises and informs me about many things. Up to now, he has done so many things. He has won the AFCON. He is the captain and I want to win the AFCON tomorrow so that I can see Musa lift this trophy.”
Should Peseiro go on to win the AFCON for Nigeria on Sunday, the Portuguese will become the third foreigner to win the continental title for Nigeria after Otto Gloria in 1980 and Clemens Westerhof in 1994.
Ekong, who by his admission almost didn’t make the squad for the tournament and was close to quitting international football after being overlooked for a year, expects the final to be a classic.
He also added that lifting the AFCON trophy would be an “amazing” moment for him and the country, noting that it would be time to deliver on Sunday.
Ekong said, “It will not be a tea party, and we won’t be going out there with a teacup. We will work hard and fight hard for the trophy.
“You dream about moments like that. I’ve seen it so many times. And I’ve closed my eyes. To be there on Sunday and have the chance to do that will be amazing.”
Ekong, a top contender for the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, has scored four of his five shots on target at the AFCON overall for Nigeria, converting two penalties at this tourney.
According to Opta, he’s one of only four Nigerians to score two penalties at a single AFCON, along with Samuel Ojebode (1976), Austin Okocha (2004), and Victor Moses (2013).
Making his third appearance at the AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast, having featured at the 2019 edition in Egypt and the 2022 tournament in Cameroon, Ekong will be aiming to join the elite list of Nigerian defenders like Christian Chukwu, Keshi and Joseph Yobo to have lifted the AFCON trophy for the country.
Ex-stars back Eagles
Meanwhile, former players of the Eagles have urged the team to make history for themselves by winning the AFCON final.
According to former Eagles striker, Brown Ideye, the Eagles have proved all their doubters wrong with their displays.
Ranked 42nd in the world and sixth in Africa, not much was expected from Peseiro’s team after some underwhelming results before the tournament.
“I never believed in this team,” Ideye, an AFCON winner in 2013 told BBC.
“Their form before the tournament and injuries to key players gave no one any hope but they’ve proved many of us wrong by reaching the final. I’m proud of them and I’m backing them to beat Ivory Coast again,” he added.
Former Eagles forward, Osaze Odemwinge, who starred at four AFCON tournaments in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010, also believes that the Eagles have an advantage over their host in terms of talent.
“Hopefully, history repeats itself and we beat them again,” Osaze told Channels TV in an interview monitored by our correspondent.
He stated, “We have the edge emotionally and mentally because we know we have already had a good performance against them with the support of the crowd.
“We have the talents and we have a team better than them. If we match them physically, they cannot match us for skill, and that would be my hope that all these skills you know come out in the game because we want to unlock their defence.
He also hoped the Eagles would exploit the weaknesses in the Ivorian team.
Fans dream victory
Elsewhere, some Nigerian football fans on X expect the Eagles to lift their fourth African title at the expense of their hosts.
Ayodeji Adegbenro wrote, via his handle @Mike_ThePundit, “My birthday is on Sunday (today), the same day the Eagles eye another AFCON trophy. Let’s bring this home, Nigeria. Win the trophy for this boy on his AFCON debut.”
Nigerian music artist, Phillip Kayode Moses, popularly known as Pheelz, also shares optimism over the chances of the Eagles winning the AFCON trophy.
He urged Stanley Nwabali to keep another clean sheet.
He wrote, “I’m confident of the Eagles winning the AFCON. Nwabali stay strong in goal so we don’t concede. The likes of Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong and Samuel Chukweze have impressed me.”
Another music star, Stanley Omah Didia, fondly known as Omah Lay, expressed enthusiasm and hope for another Eagles win, believing the triumph would be a significant moment in Nigerian football.
He made this known during a conversation with West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma.
In a video shared by the West London club on X, Omah Lay said, “It’s amazing; you can see how crazy the people are going. You can see how everybody is jumping around. I’m hopeful that this is going to be the year Nigeria wins the AFCON. The world is going to shake.”
Another X user, @oladan07, wrote that Nigeria’s rival Ghana won’t be spared should the Eagles go on to win the title. She wrote, “That ending was superb. We will cook Ghana after winning the AFCON on Sunday. Bring it home boys.”
@Sundayvibe also tweeted, “I don’t expect anything less than another win. The Eagles have everything to beat Ivory Coast so #bring it home Eagles.”
Shettima leads delegation
At the behest of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima will be in attendance at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan to lead a presidential delegation to the final and cheer the Eagles to victory.
Shettima, who was in the Ivorian capital to represent Tinubu at the semi-final between the Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, departed Abuja on Saturday for the Ivorian capital once again, a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed.
The statement is titled. ‘VP Shettima leads FG’s delegation to Super Eagles’ AFCON finals’.
“Recognising the unifying power of football and the immense role the Super Eagles play in fostering national pride and unity, the President believes that Vice-President Shettima’s presence at the finals alongside the delegation is a testament to the government’s unwavering support for the team and its dedication to their success,” Nkwocha said.
He also noted that the match would rekindle the memories of Nigeria’s 1-0 victory in the group stage secured through Troost-Ekong’s penalty kick.
The Federal Government called on all Nigerians at home and abroad to unite in support of the Super Eagles and create a wave of national pride that would propel the team to glory.
Health advisories
The Lagos State Ministry of Health has issued a health advisory to all residents ahead of the AFCON final.
No fewer than five Nigerians have reportedly died while watching the penalty shoot-out between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the semi-final match in Bouaké on Wednesday.
A statement released by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, on Saturday, gave some tips to help citizens prioritise their health and well-being while enjoying football matches or other intense activities.
The statement, which was posted on the Lagos State Government’s X handle, X| followlasg, outlined the tips as follows:
- Know your limits: Understand your physical limitations and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions before engaging in activities that could potentially exacerbate them.
- Stay hydrated and nourished: Crowded, poorly ventilated and hot environments should be avoided with attention to good hydration. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and ensure you drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods to keep your body fuelled and hydrated, especially during prolonged periods of sitting and watching the game.
- Take regular breaks: Stand up, stretch, and move around periodically to prevent stiffness and promote blood circulation. This can also help maintain alertness and prevent fatigue.
- Maintain good posture: Sit in a comfortable chair with proper back support and avoid slouching to reduce strain on your muscles and spine.
- Stay calm and relaxed: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness to manage stress and emotions during intense moments in the game.
- Be prepared for emergencies: Familiarise yourself with the location of medical facilities and emergency exits at the venue, and know how to access help quickly if needed. Contact the Lagos Emergency Medical Team, LASAMBUS, at 767 or 112 toll-free line in case of a medical emergency.
The commissioner also urged viewing centres to ensure that venues, where football matches would be watched, had adequate medical facilities and trained personnel on hand to respond swiftly in cases of emergencies.
He also advised residents to seek prompt medical attention if they experienced any unusual symptoms or discomfort.
Similarly, the Nigerian Cardiac Society, on Saturday, cautioned Nigerians to avoid getting overly excited during the AFCON final and other sporting and emotional events.
The society in a statement in Ilorin, Kwara State, which was jointly signed by the National President, Prof Augustine Odili, Secretary-General and Publicity Secretary, Prof Chizindu Alinkor and Prof Abiodun Akintunde, commiserated with the families of those whose death was linked to the AFCON semi-final match played on Wednesday.
The society, however, warned that sports and other emotional events could trigger arrhythmias, heart attacks, and strokes in those with underlying heart conditions.
The statement read in part, “The society notes with utmost concern the several reported cases of sudden deaths among Nigerians both at home and abroad directly or indirectly.
“We wish to commiserate with the immediate families of the deceased and the country at large and pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
“The reported deaths of at least four (five) individuals occurring during the match leaves much to be desired on the cardiovascular health of Nigerians.”
The society added that it could not authoritatively confirm the exact causes of death in the situations without prejudice.
They explained that it was their duty to call the attention of Nigerians to the very possibility that sudden death often occurs either in the presence/absence of risk factors.
The experts explained that many of the risk factors were highly prevalent among Nigerians and were also poorly controlled.
They described sudden death as a natural, unexpected fatal event occurring within one hour from the onset of symptoms in an apparently healthy subject, or in one whose disease was not so severe to predict such an abrupt outcome.
The statement added, “Sudden cardiac death can be defined as death resulting from abrupt loss of cardiac function with or without previous heart disease unexpected within one hour of onset of symptoms.
“About 50 per cent of all deaths from heart diseases are sudden regardless of the aetiology.
“It has also been shown that 89 per cent of all sudden cardiac deaths occur outside the hospital and less that 40 per cent are witnessed.”
The surgeons stated that the causes of sudden death were as varied as its presentation, including complications of hypertension, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, valvular disorders, and pulmonary thromboembolism, among others.
They explained further that the risk factors for heart disease were many, including lack of physical exercise, smoking tobacco, consuming alcohol, eating unhealthy diets rich in salt and saturated fats, and low in fresh fruits and vegetables.
The experts added, “Other risk factors include high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood lipids/cholesterol (dyslipidaemia), overweight and obesity, and diabetes mellitus.
“Hypertension is the most common risk factor for heart disease and stroke in Nigeria.”
[Punch]
The die is cast and Super Eagles players have all resolved to redouble their efforts to win the AFCON trophy today.
While charging his team on positives, attitudes, and right mentality, coach Jose Peseiro told the players he desires the trophy more than them.
He reminded them of the love Nigerians have shown the team since they arrived in Abidjan. The Super Eagles remain the biggest team the Portuguese coach has handled.
He had only previously handled two lowly-rated national teams – Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Peseiro’s other jobs were being assistant to other coaches and handling clubs in the fourthtier Portuguese league.
As a player, he was a secondtier striker in Portugal and he said in an interview on UK’s Sky Sport: “I did not play at a high level.” His coaching career took a turn after promotion to the top flight with Nacional. A job offer that set him on a different trajectory. Legendary Portuguese coach, Carlos Queiroz made him his assistant at Real Madrid in 2003. That was Jose Peseiro’s biggest moment.
[Vanguard]
Super Eagles coach, José Peseiro, has declared that the players will not be intimidated by the atmosphere when Nigeria takes on hosts Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, on Sunday.
Ivory Coast will be out for a revenge after they were beaten 1-0 by the Super Eagles on matchday two in Group A.
The Super Eagles are now focused on winning their fourth AFCON title while the Elephants are seeking to lay hands on their third title.
Peseiro, who addressed the press on Saturday ahead of the crunch final revealed that his team won’t be intimidated by the harsh atmosphere.
“I think it is good. The stadium will be full, fantastic atmosphere. One final, my players, me, and all my staff prefer to play in a full stadium with a good atmosphere,” Peseiro told reporters.
“Even sometimes, they try to shout at us, not the football but it is a good atmosphere to play in the final, only need to concentrate on what must do on the pitch, our task, job, demand, commitment, sacrifice, spirit, and what we must do in each moment of the game to manage our mental balance, before the match, along the match.
“It is for our players to put effort when the people around push for Côte d’Ivoire, you don’t feel the opposite when they push for the opponent but if you want to play, you need to play with the same enthusiasm and motivation, because you want to win this AFCON, no favorite for tomorrow but you want to win this AFCON.”
[DailyPost]
The CEO of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, has been feared killed in a chopper crash in California.
He was reportedly on board with about five others believed to be his wife, son and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), when the helicopter crashed.
Sources said the chopper was headed to Las Vegas when it crashed near a border city between Nevada and California on Friday night.
Here are things to know about Access Holdings CEO, Herbert Wigwe
1. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe CON was born on August 15, 1966.
2. He was a Nigerian banker and entrepreneur.
3. He was the CEO of Access Holdings Plc, traded as Access Corporation until his death.
4. Herbert was the Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank plc, one of Nigeria’s top five banking institutions, after succeeding his business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede in January 2014 till April 2022.
5. Wigwe has a degree in accountancy from the University of Nigeria, an MA in Banking and Finance from the University College of North Wales (now Bangor), an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of London,
6. He was also an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Management Program.
7. Wigwe started his career at Coopers & Lybrand, Lagos as a management consultant, later qualifying as a chartered accountant.
8. After a stint at Capital Bank, he joined GTBank where he spent over a decade working in corporate and institutional banking, rising to become the executive director in charge of institutional banking.
9. In 2002, Wigwe and his business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede bought into what was then a small commercial bank, Access Bank – at the time, the 65th largest of the 89 banks in the country.
10. On February 10, 2024, he was reportedly involved in chopper crash that killed him, his wife, his son and a yet-to-be-identified Nigerian.
[TheNation]
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has set up a viewing centre at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the state capital, for residents to watch the final African Cup of Nations match.
The match which will take place on Sunday is between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, the host country.
In a statement on Saturday, the governor’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, said the viewing centre is tagged “Solution viewing centre”, adding that it will be opened by 7 pm on Sunday.
Aburime said it is the governor’s way of supporting the Super Eagles and also encouraging residents to come out to cheer their team during the match.
He said there will be free drinks and popcorn for viewers, adding that Ekwueme Square was selected as the location of the viewing centre because of its space.
The statement read, “Aside from the spacious viewing centre located at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, there will be side attractions which include a Disc Jockey (DJ) on stage, free popcorn and liquid to go with for everyone, guest appearances and many more.
“Soludo has consistently expressed his support for the Super Eagles and urges them to bring home the coveted cup.
“Like every Nigerian, the governor understands that football is one aspect of Nigerian life that does not know tribe, gender or class.
“Both the low and high express joy and happiness freely when their team flops or does well without restrictions.”
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will battle the Elephants of Ivory Coast in the final of the ongoing AFCON in Abidjan on Sunday.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday defeated the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 in penalties to reach the African Cup of Nations finals.
The Eagles secured a penalty after African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was brought down in the box by Mothobi Mvala (South Africa) at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Ivory Coast.
[Punch]
In its renewed bid to support sports tourism in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, the Project Fly with Us Afrika has unveiled the Face of Africa Sports and Tourism Awards ASTA. This was done at Sofitel Hotel Ivoire, Cote Divoire.
Project Fly with Us Afrika began operation in 2022 with Destination Travels and Tours, recently it became more focused on Sports tourism, recognising and appreciating those who have carved a niche for themselves in the sporting world either as professionals, organisers or ardent supporters of sports and tourism in Africa.
According to the brain behind the Project Fly Afrika initiative, Ambassador Peace Onuiri, the ASTA awards currently taking place in Cote D'Ivoire is the first of its kind and slating to hold during the AFCON 23 football tournament.
He said, this is to show that the organisation is passionate about projecting the impact of sport tourism and rekindling the love of sports, whilst promoting sport and tourism destinations in Africa
Amb. Onuiri informed that during the ongoing Africa Cup of nations, the organisation had so far presented awards of Honours to the Nigeria Football Association, (NFF), President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau and Africa Football Legend, Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha for their indelible contributions to the growth and development of Soccer in Nigeria and Africa, noting that the recipients also won 2 tickets each for a luxurious tour of East Africa Safari, coming up in few weeks.
Amb. Onuiri further revealed that logistics arrangements were also made for those flying to Cote D'Ivoire to cheer the Nigerian Super Eagles to victory in form of round trip flights, luxurious accommodations, guranteed tickets for up-close match experience, as well as guided tours to immerse guest in the whole local atmosphere of the city.
She noted that it was not just about the match experience but a celebration of culture, camaraderie laced with unforgettable moments to be cherished for long afterwards.
Amb. Onuiri implored well meaning individuals and corporate bodies to key into the initiative by supporting in any possible way, saying it would not only promote the industry but also go a long way in promoting Nigeria as the 'Giant of Africa' where sporting and tourism activities are concerned.
L-R: Boluwaji Matthews of Oyo State Broadcasting Corporation, Ayo Ibidapo of the NFF media, Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha, former Super Eagles Striker, Ambassador Peace Onuiri of the Project Fly with Us Afrika and other members of her Media team during the Presentation of the Face of Africa Sports and Tourism Awards ASTA to Okocha at the ongoing 2024 African Cup of Nations in Cote D'Ivoire.
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The Super Eagles of Nigeria will tackle the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in the 34th Africa Cup of Nations Final on Sunday.
Ahead of the potentially explosive encounter, here is the fact file of 2024 Africa Cup of Nations finalists Nigeria:
Path to final: Group A – Equatorial Guinea 1-1, Ivory Coast 1-0, Guinea-Bissau 1-0; Last 16 – Cameroon 2-0; Quarter-final – Angola 1-0; Semi-final – South Africa 1-1 (4-2 penalties)
Scorers: 3 – Ademola Lookman, 2 – William Troost-Ekong, 1 – Victor Osimhen, own goal – Opa Sangante (GNB)
Rankings: 6 Africa, 42 world
Captain: William Troost-Ekong
Coach: Jose Peseiro (POR)
Previous appearances: 19
Best placing: Champions 1980, 1994, 2013
Record win: South Africa 4-0 (2004)
Record losses: Sudan 0-4 (1963), Algeria 1-5 (1990)
Nickname: Super Eagles
Squad
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Chippa Utd/RSA), Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba), Francis Uzoho (Omonia/CYP)
Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem, Bruno Onyemaechi (both Boavista/POR), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Semi Ajayi (West Brom/ENG), Calvin Bassey (Fulham/ENG), Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa/TUR), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce/TUR), Zaidu Sanusi (Porto/POR), William Troost-Ekong (PAOK/GRE)
Midfielders: Joe Aribo (Southampton/ENG), Alex Iwobi (Fulham/ENG), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge/BEL), Frank Onyeka (Brentford/ENG), Alhaasan Yusuf (Royal Antwerp/BEL)
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan/ITA), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester/ENG), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta/ITA), Terem Moffi (Nice/FRA), Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor/TUR), Victor Osimhen (Napoli/ITA), Moses Simon (Nantes/FRA), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor/TUR)
[DailyTrust]
From the pre-show at the Peacock Theatre to the main event at the Crypto.com Arena, the 66th edition of the Grammys, which was held on Sunday, February 4, 2024, was laden with drama.
DAILY POST takes a look at some of the events that defined the 2024 Grammys.
Nicki Minaj’s Prank
The Recording Academy sparked controversy after it appeared to have pranked rapper Nicki Minaj – the Grammy organisers announced ‘Barbie World’ by Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice as the winner of the Best Rap Song category on their website and social media handles but later deleted it.
The organisers made a new announcement, flaunting Killer Mike’s ‘Scientists & Engineers’ as the rightful winner without any statement or apology for their initial error which angered fans of Nicki Minaj who hasn’t won a Grammy in over two decades of her career. The development means that Nicki Minaj is yet to have a Grammy to her name.
Jay-Z’s Outburst
American hip-hop legend, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter appeared to have called out the Grammy organisers while receiving the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the 2024 Grammys at the Crypto.com Arena, in Los Angeles, on Sunday.
Using his wife, Beyoncé’s Album of the Year snub as a case study, Jay-Z criticised the Recording Academy’s sense of judgment, pointing out that despite Beyoncé being the most awarded person in the Grammy’s history with a total of 32 awards, she has never won the Album of the Year category.
The Roc Nation boss said, “She [Beyoncé] has more Grammys than everyone and never won album of the year. So even by your own metrics, that doesn’t work. Think about that. Most Grammys never won Album of the Year. That doesn’t work.”
He went on to accuse the Grammy organisers of “robbing” some nominees and awarding undeserving recipients.
“Some of you are going to go home tonight and feel like you’ve been robbed. Some of you may get robbed. Some of you don’t belong in the category.
“Sorry, when I get nervous, I tell the truth,” Jay-Z said.
Killer Mike’s Arrest
Rapper, Killer Mike was arrested shortly after winning three golden gramophones at the 66th Grammys on Sunday night.
Chris Gardner, a senior staff writer for Hollywood Reporter, revealed via X that the rapper was “taken away handcuffs,” in the Crypto.com arena during the telecast for the main categories.
According to a statement by the Los Angeles Police Department, Mike Killer was booked for misdemeanour battery after being detained and questioned at the Grammys.
The statement added that the rapper was in the process of being released around the time the Grammys ended.
Nigeria’s Miss Out
The poor outing of Nigerian artists at the 66th Grammys appeared to be one of the major talking points from the event.
DAILY POST reports that the Nigerian quintet of Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Davido, Asake, and Olamide were snubbed at the 66th Grammys on Sunday, with Tyla, the only non-Nigerian nominee in the maiden Best African Music Performance category, picking up the award.
Davido and Burna Boy also lost their nominations for the Best Global Music Album and Best Global Music Performance categories.
Burna Boy lost his nomination in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category as well.
Nigerian artists’ Grammy loss angered many of their compatriots, with some alleging that they were deliberately snubbed in a bid to suppress the buzzing Nigerian Afrobeats genre while others called for a boycott of the Grammys.
Davido’s hypeman, Special Spesh accused the Grammy organisers of trying to control African music, vowing that Africans won’t give them the power to downplay Afrobeats or any other African genre.
“We won’t give you the power to dumb Afrobeats down or Afrofusion or anything African!
“That’s (white) America’s problem! When things start to take over and get massive they always want a part then try to have a say then try to control,” Spesh wrote via Instagram.
Similarly, British-Nigerian media personality, Adesope Olajide, aka Shopsydoo, called for Africans, especially Nigerians to boycott the Grammys, accusing the Recording Academy of using Nigerian artists for promotion.
Speaking via an Instagram live session, Shopsydoo claimed that the Recording Academy does not care about African music, stressing that the Grammy band playing Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s ‘Water’ after ‘Water’ when South African singer, Tyla was announced as the winner of the inaugural Best African Music Performance category, was enough reason that the Grammy doesn’t have a clue about African music.
[DailyPost]
Some players in the Nigerian football team recently got pranked by content creator, Napi.
In the clip circulating online, the man dressed tattered with holes in his trousers with no footwear and carried a piece of luggage on his shoulder.
He tried to frighten the players by getting close to them and in turn capture their reaction.
He pulled the prank on Moffi, Omeruo, and other players who all reacted differently.
However, Osimhen’s reaction got the attention of many. The Napoli striker who was about to get off the elevator was shocked upon seeing the man waiting at the entrance. Osimhen who obviously didn’t want to risk it simply retrogressed as he chose an alternate floor to alight.
Reacting to the clip
@amara_shuga wrote: “This is not prank,this is nonsense this should be allowed in hotels and reservation centers,deep down those players are not even liking it that much.”
@jeff3xl wrote: “Victor think say na Ivory Coast send devil come ????????????????????????????????.”
sossiofficial wrote: “Osimhen bombastic side eye na real street ????.”
shegs16 wrote: “So all these boys wey Dey shout no gree for anybody, na only for field ????????????????.”
dike_writes wrote: “Osimhen think say village people don show????.”
domingo_loso wrote: “Osimhen no waste time. E move, he elevated.”
iamwillsteel wrote: “Osimhen be like “na u dem send to injure me, not today”
jennyadams101 wrote: “Oshimhen belike shey na eyes dey pain abi watin be this????????????????”
tinacharlez wrote: “I no blame Osimehen abeg. Make mad man no go bite am ????????”
Watch the video below:
Media
BBNaija Lockdown Season 5 winner, Laycon has shared a deeply personal and challenging experience from his past, recounting a time when he had to soak garri with toilet water.
The reality star recounted a time in 2013 when he faced extreme hunger, leading him to use toilet water to soak garri.
Laycon disclosed that during that particular weekend, he found himself alone in his wing, battling severe hunger pangs with no resources at his disposal.
He emphasized the intensity of his hunger, stating, “I wasn’t hungry o, I was starving.”
With no money and no other options available, Laycon resorted to using the water from the toilet tap at Shodeinde Hostel to soak garri.
In his own words, Laycon shared the grim details of the incident.
“One of my lowest lows was using Shodeinde Hostel toilet water to soak garri in 2013. I was alone in my wing that weekend, and I was starving. I wasn’t hungry o, I was starving. So I soaked Garri with no sugar and used toilet tap water to drink it… as I Dey soak the garri, water dey commot for my eyes,”
See below;
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