Nigeria will play in the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Super Falcons played out a 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland on Monday to confirm their place.

The closest Randy Waldrum’s ladies came to grabbing a goal was when Uchenna Kanu’s header was pushed onto the bar by Irish goalkeeper, Courtney Brosnan.

Nigeria finishes runners-up in Group with five points, after winning one game and drawing two.

Australia claimed the top spot thanks to their 4-0 thrashing of Canada.

Ex-Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has taken a swipe at politicians in the country.

She claimed politicians know why democracy is collapsing at an alarming rate, urging them to stop acting surprised when things like Niger happen.

In a post via her verified Twitter handle on Monday, the former Minister lamented that democracy is sadly in crisis worldwide.

She questioned if politicians were ready to admit their massive failures had grossly eroded state capabilities and their legitimacy, losing the trust of their citizens.

She wrote, “It is a fact that democracy is sadly in crisis all over the world.

“However, democracy is not just struggling but collapsing at an alarming rate in our own West African neighbourhood.

“Our politicians know why.

“They know and should stop acting surprised when things like Niger happen.

“The question therefore is, ‘are politicians ready to face the truth that stares them in the face and admit their massive failures which have grossly eroded state capabilities and lost them legitimacy and trust of their citizens?’”

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating alleged jobs racketeering by Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) says it has received petitions against 39 MDAs over allegations of job racketeering and other infractions.

The Chairman of the committee, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi stated this in an opening remarks at the resumed sitting of the Committee on Monday.

The committee was set up by the House to investigate the MDAs, parastatals and tertiary institutions involved in the alleged mismanagement of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Gagdi said, some of the MDAs include the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Office of the Head of Service, Budget office, IPPIS, Federal Civil Service Commission and others.

The chairman said the committee would in line with it’s mandate engage over 600 MDAs to unearth the extent of the malfeasance in the federal civil service.

Recall that at the last sitting of the committee on Wednesday, there were allegations and counter allegations between the Chairman, Federal Character Commission (FCC), Muheeba Dankaka and some commissioners over job racketeering.

The Lagos state government says six animals in the state have been confirmed to have anthrax disease.

Anthrax is an infection caused by the spore-forming bacteria, Bacillus anthracis. It typically affects ruminants such as cows, sheep, and goats.

It is a zoonotic disease — transmissible from contaminated animals to humans.

Humans can get infected if they handle or are involved in the slaughter of a sick animal, or are in contact with contaminated animal products.

Making the announcement in a statement on Sunday, Olatokunbo Emokpae, the permanent secretary, ministry of agriculture, said the cases were discovered during surveillance of animals on Lagos Island and Agege.

According to NAN, Emokpae said the animals have been confiscated, burnt and buried, to prevent the spread of the disease.

She said no case of human infection has either been identified or reported since the discovery of anthrax disease in Lagos.

She added that human and animal surveillance have been stepped up and free vaccination has been intensified.

“Animal owners should take advantage of the exercise by coming forward with their herd for inoculation,” the statement reads.

‘“Please report cases of symptoms in animals to the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Director of Veterinary Services via telephone on 08023427594, 08180703010 or contact the Veterinary Epidemiologist on 08023328244.”

Loyalists of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have begun moves to expel the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The moves to expel Wike from the party gathered momentum last Saturday, days after he was nominated by President Bola Tinubu as a minister.

According to TheCable, a meeting hosted by Atiku, and attended by elders and stakeholders of the party who are his loyalists discussed ways to cut down Wike’s power extensively.

The meeting which lasted over two hours was held at the residence of a chieftain of the PDP and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, in Maitama, Abuja.

It was gathered that the meeting had in attendance former Delta State Governor and 2023 PDP presidential running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, the suspended party chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, and other party leaders.

Most of the attendees rooted for Wike’s expulsion, but some feared that it may further divide the PDP and lead to rationalisation.

It was also learned that that the meeting was called to discuss how to make one of the ex-governors succeed Iyorchia Ayu as the PDP National Chairman.

Some of the former governors who attended the meeting were Babangida Aliyu (Niger State), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto), and Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano).

Also at the meeting with Atiku were seven serving governors of the party. They were Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State (Atiku’s state), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) and Lawal Dauda (Zamfara).

A lucrative €130m bid from Al-Hilal for Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen has been reject.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has turned down the offer after the Saudi side approached Napoli with the substantial sum.

This move comes after their initial interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe was met with a cold response, leading them to explore other options.

Osimhen, who played a crucial role in Napoli’s triumphant Scudetto-winning campaign last season, has garnered significant interest from various quarters. The Italian club clinched the Serie A title for the first time in over three decades, with Osimhen’s stellar performances in the forefront.

As per reports from Il Mattino via TMW, Al-Hilal presented their bid to De Laurentiis, putting forth the sum of €130m for the Nigerian international. However, Napoli swiftly declined the proposal, indicating their unwillingness to part ways with the talented striker during this summer transfer window. Instead, Napoli is focusing on securing Osimhen’s future at the club by negotiating a new long-term contract. They value the player at approximately €200m.

The 26-year-old forward made his mark in the Serie A last season, finishing as the league’s top scorer with an impressive 26 goals in just 32 appearances. His remarkable achievement earned him the prestigious Golden Boot award, making him the first African player to claim this accolade in the league’s history.

The Saudi Pro League has seen a significant influx of players from Europe this summer all following in the path set by Cristiano Ronaldo who made his move in December of 2022

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will make a broadcast to the nation on Monday, July 31, 2023 at 7 pm.

Television, radio stations and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and Radio Nigeria for the broadcast.

Dele Alake
Special Adviser to the President
(Special duties, Communications & Strategy)
July 31, 2023

West Africa’s regional economic bloc threatened a military intervention to remove the leader of a coup in Niger unless the junta reinstates the nation’s democratically elected president.

The warning by the Economic Community of West African States came after thousands of people rallied in the capital, Niamey, on Sunday in support of the junta and staged a protest at the French Embassy in the centre of the city. France, the former colonial power in Niger, said it will retaliate if any of its citizens are attacked.

Ecowas, as the bloc is known, imposed sanctions on Niger on Sunday, including closing air and land borders , freezing the nation’s assets at the regional central bank, and halting energy transactions. It demanded the immediate release and return to power of President Mohamed Bazoum, and said it was treating his detention by the coup leaders as a “hostage situation” for which it would hold them responsible.

“In the event that the authority’s demands are not met within one week, we will take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the republic of Niger,” the bloc said in a statement after a meeting in Abuja, the capital of neighboring Nigeria. “Such measures may include the use of force.”

Read more: What’s Driving Coups in Niger and Across West Africa?: QuickTake

Any military intervention by Ecowas would be the first since the bloc deployed troops in Gambia in January 2017, when President Yahya Jammeh refused to step down after losing a presidential election in December 2016. Jammeh relinquished power shortly before the troops entered the nation’s capital.

Niger is considerably larger than Gambia and would require the coordination of troops from Ecowas’s 15 member states, stretching from Nigeria to Mauritania. The bloc’s defense chiefs of staff are to meet “immediately” to discuss the potential military intervention, it said. 

Chad’s military ruler, Interim President Mahamat Deby Itno, was in Niamey on Sunday to meet the junta leaders and help resolve the crisis that began on July 26, when the presidential guard led by General Abdourahamane Tiani detained Bazoum. Tiani declared himself Niger’s new leader two days later. 

The coup leaders, who are believed to be backed by all the segments of the security forces, have so far ignored previous calls by Ecowas, the African Union, the US and France to release Bazoum and return to their barracks. Previous sanctions imposed by Ecowas on junta leaders in countries including Mali and Burkina Faso failed to overturn coups in those countries.

Read more: Six Things We Know About Niger’s New Military Leader

Niger has long been a key ally to the European Union and the US in the global fight against jihadists in the region. It receives almost $2 billion in annual development aid, according to the World Bank.

France, which has 1,500 troops stationed in Niger, said it had suspended aid that amounted to €120 million ($132 million) last year. The EU, which has committed €503 million in development aid from 2021-2024, has announced “the immediate cessation of budget support” and security cooperation.

France has uranium mines in Niger operated by companies including Orano SA. Niger was the world’s seventh-largest producer of the metal last year, though its output has more than halved in the past decade, according to the World Nuclear Association.

US security and development assistance was also “in jeopardy,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a press conference on Saturday.

Read more: US Mulls Freezing Aid to Niger as Coup Condemnation Grows 

Niger has been considered a reliable partner to the West in Africa’s Sahel region, which has experienced persistent political and economic instability. France and the US maintain bases in the country as part of international efforts to fight jihadists, while the EU sees it as an ally in its efforts to tackle illegal immigration from Africa.

The coup in Niger creates a belt of military-run countries that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, many of which are less friendly with the West than they are with Russia, which has made inroads in the region in recent years partly through the Wagner Group.

[Bloomberg]

Welcome to our live coverage of the highly anticipated clash between Nigeria and the Republic of Ireland at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Nigerian national women’s football team, the Super Falcons, are riding a wave of confidence as they seek to extend their impressive six-match unbeaten streak.

Since the 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in the Revelation Cup five months ago, the Super Falcons are yet to taste defeat in any match afterwards.

Now, Coach Randy Waldrum’s squad faces off against Ireland in their final group game in what promises to be an enthralling encounter.

Against all odds, the nine-time African champions have defied expectations in Group B, emerging as the leaders heading into this crucial match.

After securing a well-deserved draw against Canada and delivering a thrilling victory over co-hosts Australia, the Super Falcons find themselves on the brink of qualification for the Round of 16.

While Nigeria boasts an illustrious history as one of only seven countries to have participated in every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since its inception in 1991, this tournament marks Ireland’s maiden appearance on the global stage.

Despite facing elimination after consecutive losses to Canada and Australia, the Green and Whites will undoubtedly be eager to salvage some pride as they face the formidable Nigerian side.

The Super Falcons know their fate lies in their own hands, and they will be keen to build on their impressive performances.

Coach Randy Waldrum’s charges are expected to unleash their attacking prowess and play with utmost determination to secure a convincing victory and qualify for the Round of 16 in style.

Stay with PREMIUM TIMES for live updates as we bring you minute-by-minute coverage of what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m. Stay tuned for all the action!

Nigeria Starting XI
Nigeria: Chiamaka Nnadozie (GK), Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale, Toni Payne, Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe, Uchenna Kanu, Blessing Demehin, Rasheedat Ajibade, Halimatu Ayinde, Michelle Alozie.

The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met in an Extraordinary Session in Abuja, Nigeria on 30th July 2023, under the chairmanship of H.E. Bola Ahmed TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority.

The Extraordinary Summit was convened in response to the latest political developments in the Republic of Niger since the 26 th July 2023 coup d’état Present at the Summit were the following Heads of State and Government and mandated representatives:

• H.E. Patrice TALON, President of the Republic of Benin.
• H.E. Alassane OUATTARA, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
• H.E. Adama BARROW, President of the Republic of The Gambia.
• H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO, President of the Republic of Ghana.

• H.E. Umaro Sissoco EMBALO, President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau.
• H.E. Bola Ahmed TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• H.E. Macky SALL, President of the Republic of Senegal.
• H.E. Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE, President of the Togolese Republic.
• H.E. Rui Alberto DE FIGUEIREDO SOARES, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration of the Republic of Cabo Verde.

• H.E. Amb. Dee-Maxwell SOAH KEMAYAH, Sn, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia.3

• H.E. Rupert DAVIES, High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS, Republic of Sierra Leone.

• The Representative of President Bazoum, Republic of Niger.

The Summit was also attended by:

• H.E. Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission.
• H.E. Moussa Faki MAHAMAT, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
• H.E. Leonardo Santos SIMÃO, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General For West Africa and the Sahel and Head of UNOWAS

• H.E. Abdoulaye DIOP, President of UEMOA Commission

The Authority, having:

Received the Memorandum of the President of the ECOWAS Commission on the political situation in the Republic of Niger; Extensively discussed the latest developments in the Republic of Niger that have been marked by an attempted overthrow by members of the Presidential Guard of the Constitutional order in the Republic of Niger and the illegal detention of the legitimate Head of State His Excellency President Muhammed Bazoum as well as members of his family and government;

Recalled, with appreciation, the immediate steps that HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chair of Authority, has taken in the form of statements, communiquės, mission and consultations with regional, continental, and world leaders;

Taken cognizance of the condemnation of the attempted coup and the illegal detention of President Bazoum and members of his family and government by the neighbouring countries, the African Union, United Nations, European Union, United States of America, China, Russia, la Francophonie, the Commonwealth, the OIC and other partners;

Recalled the principle of Zero tolerance for unconstitutional change of government as enshrined in the ECOWAS and African Union Protocols and other instruments;

Resolve as follows:

• Affirm that His Excellency President Mohamed BAZOUM remains the legitimate elected President and Head of State of The Republic of Niger recognized by ECOWAS, the African Union and the International community; In this regards, only official acts of President Bazoum or his duly mandated officials will be recognized by ECOWAS;
• Condemn in the strongest terms the attempted overthrow of constitutional order in Niger and the illegal detention of His Excellency President Mohamed Bazoum, President and Head of State of Niger, as well as members of his family and Government;
• Call for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum as President and Head of State of the Republic of Niger, and for the full restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger;
• Reject any form of resignation that may purportedly come from His Excellency President Mohamed Bazoum;e. Consider the illegal detention of President Bazoum as a hostage situation and hold the authors of the attempted coup d’état solely and fully responsible for the safety and security of His Excellency President Mohamed Bazoum, as well as members of his family and Government;
• In the event the Authority’s demands are not met within one week, take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force; To this effect, the Chiefs of defense staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately;
• Hold accountable all those responsible for violence and terror against lives and properties of innocent citizens and residents;
• Condemn the pronouncement of support by foreign governments and foreign private military contractors;
• Express appreciation to the various governments and partners for their stance and solidarity with ECOWAS;
• Appoint and dispatch a special representative of the Chair of the Authority to Niger immediately to deliver the demands of the Authority;
• In the meantime, the following measures are to be applied with immediate effect:

1. Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger;
2. Institution of ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger;
3. Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger;
4. Freeze of all service transaction including utility services;
5. Freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks;
6. Freeze of assets of the Niger State and the State Enterprises and Parastatals in Commercial Banks;
7. Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly, EBID and BOAD;
8. Travel ban and asset freeze for the military officials involved in the coup attempt. The same applies to their family members and the civilians who accept to participate in any institutions or government established by these military officials;
9. Calls on WAEMU and all other regional bodies to implement this decision.

• Express appreciation to His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the manner in which he has been conducting the affairs of the community since his election as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority.

Done at Abuja, this 30th day of July 2023.

FOR THE AUTHORITY