Arteta vents frustration, anger after Arsenal stunned late by Leicester – Newstrends
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Arteta vents frustration, anger after Arsenal stunned late by Leicester

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he could not understand why officials ruled out Alexandre Lacazette’s first-half goal in the 1-0 defeat to Leicester.

Arteta was left bemused as to why Alexandre Lacazette’s early goal was disallowed in Arsenal’s defeat to Leicester.

The Gunners suffered their first home defeat to the Foxes in 47 years as Jamie Vardy came off the bench to seal a late 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal were left to rue the fourth-minute decision where Lacazette’s glancing header off the post was ruled out after Granit Xhaka was adjudged to have interfered with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel from an offside position.

Arteta was angry that this goal from Lacazette was disallowed after Granit Xhaka was deemed to be interfering with play when in an offside position

Speaking after the game, Arteta told Sky Sports: “I’m really disappointed. We had it in our hands in the first half and I don’t know how the hell the goal was disallowed.

“To be fair I was really pleased with the first half and the way we pressed and the aggression we showed against a team that are very capable of breaking that pressure and creating chances against you.

“In the second half and it was about being patient and waiting for the right moment against a team that wanted to defend really deep.

“They didn’t have any shots on target and they were just waiting for a mistake to go on the break, and the moment we had a minimal mistake with no pressure on the ball, trying to step in, they caught us with the space at our back and we lost the game.”

Asked if he’d received an explanation from referee Craig Pawson why Lacazette’s goal was disallowed, Arteta added: “No, I asked them [the officials] and they didn’t say anything.

“At the end of the day, if you cannot win it for any reason, you don’t lose it. We still had some moments after the goal, but we gave too many free-kicks away, we didn’t put the ball in the box enough and it’s something we have to improve for the future.”

To make the evening worse, Arsenal lost both David Luiz and Bukayo Saka to injury during the second half.

“We have lost a few players in the last week or so,” Arteta said. “David had a muscular problem and couldn’t carry on so we will have to assess him in the next 48 hours.”

Rodgers hails ‘world-class’ Vardy

Brendan Rodgers says his Leicester side executed their game plan perfectly, as they secured a 1-0 win away at Arsenal

Rodgers hailed the impact of Jamie Vardy as he came off the bench claim to clinch the victory while continuing his fine form against the Gunners.

It was Vardy’s 11th Premier League goal against Arsenal – only Wayne Rooney can boast more – and gave Leicester a win in a game where they had to soak up plenty of pressure from the hosts.

“Everyone talks about the goals he scores against Arsenal and the big teams but that’s why he’s a big player,” Rodgers said.

“He makes that big contribution in the biggest games and that shows you the level that he’s at. He’s a world-class striker and I’m very lucky to have him here.”

On the victory, which confirmed Leicester’s best start to a league campaign since 2001, Rodgers added, “I thought we deserved it [to win].

“We’re playing against a really good side whose movement is good, the set-up slightly different tonight as well, but I know they’ve got quality and the players that can run in behind. To come and keep a clean sheet and play with that quality and also calmness was really good.

“The boys were outstanding. Our idea is that you’re playing against top-quality players and you’ve got to deny them space.

“A lot of my teams always deny it at the top of the pitch, but you play against that quality and that speed, you’re set up slightly different. I thought the concentration, the ideas in the game from the players was executed it really well.”

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JUST IN: Tinubu confers national honours on fallen soldiers, approves house, scholarships for families 

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JUST IN: Tinubu confers national honours on fallen soldiers, approves house, scholarships for families 

President Bola Tinubu has conferred posthumous national honours on the four officers and 13 soldiers killed in Okuama, Delta State, on March 14, 2024.

The four officers have been accorded the Award of Member of the Order of Niger (MON) while the 13 courageous soldiers who also lost their lives were awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).

The President said that the Federal Government would provide a house in any part of the country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.

He also approved scholarships for all the children of the deceased up to the university level.

The President mandated the Military to, within the next 90 days, ensure that all the benefits of the departed are paid to their families.

Tinubu as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria spoke on Wednesday at the National Cemetery in Abuja during the burial of the fallen soldiers.

Tinubu stated that Nigeria owes the valiant soldiers and their families debt of gratitude.

The President vowed that those who committed the heinous crime of killing the officers and soldiers would not go unpunished, stressing, “We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice.”

The fallen heroes are as follows:

Lieutenant Colonel Ali

Major D.E Obi

Major S.D. Ashafa

Captain U. Zakari

Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu

Corporal Danbaba Yahaya

Corporal Kabir Bashir

Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim

Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna

Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi

Lance Corporal Bello Anas

Private Alhaji Isah

Private Clement Francis

Private Abubakar Ali

Private Adamu Ibrahim

Private Hamman Peter

Private Ibrahim Adamu

 

Part of Tinubu’s Speech

“It is with heavy heart that I join you today to commit to earth, the remains of our officers and men who died in the course of duty on 14 March 2024 in Okuama Community, Delta State.

“The officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats. Their sacrifice will be remembered and honoured for generations to come and their.

“On 14 March, Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, led three other officers and 13 soldiers to the Okuama Community to mediate in the lingering dispute with Okoloba Community.

“They went as peace makers and peace keepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.

“They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons. They were on a mission of peace.

“Before the dastardly attack, Lt. Colonel Ali, as the Chief of Army Staff briefed me, enjoyed great operational exploits; fighting terrorists and insurgents in the North East and North West before his deployment to the Niger Delta.

“Ali kept faith with his military calling till the end.

“On behalf of a grateful nation, we honour the sacrifice of Ali and the other gallant patriots who died that day. They will forever be remembered as heroes who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price.

“Each man now belongs to the hallowed list of servicemen and women who defended our country and protected their fellow Nigerians not minding the risk to their own lives.

“They have all been awarded posthumous national honours. The four gallant Officers have been accorded the Award of Member of the Order of Niger (MON). The thirteen courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been Awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic Medal.

“I commiserate with the families of our fallen heroes and the entire Armed Forces. I share in the pain and grief you carry today. It is my prayer that God will comfort all who are bereaved as a result of this tragedy.”

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Agents of destabilisation, subsidy losers fighting back – Tinubu

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Agents of destabilisation, subsidy losers fighting back – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu says agents of destabilisation and beneficiaries of the rested petrol subsidy are beginning to fight back.

He however vowed that his administration would defeat them and not abuse Nigerians’ trust in his administration.

The administration and indeed Nigerians are currently facing serious economic and security challenges.

Measures introduced so far to tackle the problems have not really yielded positive results.

The President spoke on Friday during a meeting with the Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House in Abuja.

The team was led by the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

Tinubu said that Nigeria would overcome the forces working to sabotage efforts at repositioning the economy.

These details are contained in a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

It quoted Tinubu as saying his administration was deploying resources to critical sectors and areas with significant impact for improved welfare of Nigerians, describing the nation’s treasury as sacrosanct.

He assured Nigerians that his government was working round the clock to improve their living conditions, and asked leaders at the grassroots to encourage citizens to get their National Identification Number (NIN) for planning, structuring interventions and to achieve their full integration into various relief programmes.

“As we are fighting corruption, smugglers and old subsidy beneficiaries, they most certainly will fight back,” Tinubu said.

He also said, “All those who falsified records and became losers with the subsidy (on petroleum products) removal, they will fight back.

“But we will defend our people. The treasury belongs to the people, and that sacred trust must not be abused.

“I urge the state chairmen that regardless of party affiliation, let us help citizens by mobilizing them for NIN registration.

“Not just PVCs. Some are poor Nigerians who have not experienced formal education and have no understanding of what NIN is and how it will benefit their lives. We must teach them. We must care for them.

“Without NIN, we cannot embark on social security interventions for the vulnerable. We will be making faulty moves without accurate data and iron-clad, digital intervention structures.

“I have established a committee of governors, and it is headed by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. It is working on what must be done to further lift our people.

“We need to give hope, and we are giving it to the country and our citizens. We are working hard, day and night, even though some agents of destabilization are present in the polity. Nigerians, with our focused support, shall defeat them.

“The programme of our government will be truly progressive; student loans, a national consumer credit system, and social welfare for the unemployed, as well as graduates. Every Nigerian will find a place of belonging in our country.

“In the eye of even the biggest hurricane, we will find that place of tranquility and prosperous harmony for the benefit of all. Nigerians will all partake on this national journey to prosperity.”

Speaking on the central role of agriculture in expanding and accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth, the President said that his government had already drawn up a blueprint for large-scale livestock farming, which will be activated soon.

He said, “We are bringing mechanized farming to the fore. Yesterday’s crisis will become today’s opportunity.

“Fertilizers are being supplied to farmers as we speak. Agriculture and economic diversification provide the answers to our problems.

“We will not continue to import food. We know how to turn lack into abundance, and the world will watch us do it again.”

Also speaking, Ganduje said the party was poised to establish a Progressive Institute of Policy and Development for the benefit of its members and the broader Nigerian public.

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FG secures $1.3bn for Kano-Maradi rail project

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FG secures $1.3bn for Kano-Maradi rail project

The Federal Government has secured $1.3bn funding for the Kano-Maradi railway project. Maradi is in Niger Republic.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Jamilu Ja’afaru, Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali.

The rail project was initiated by the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and performed the groundbreaking event in 2021. It is aimed at strengthening the economic and regional cooperation between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

Alkali recently said the rail project would be completed in 2025, with the earthworks reaching 80 per cent completion last year.

The latest statement from the ministry said, “The securing of $1.3bn for the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi Railway Project is a significant accomplishment.

“The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Fidet Okhiria, and a senior director with the African Development Bank, Muhammad Abdulrazak, have both endorsed the project as a catalyst for positive change, fostering economic growth and regional cooperation.”

The statement noted that the recent visit by the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation, Tang Zhigang, and his delegation, further bolstered optimism for the rail project’s potential to lay the groundwork for future prosperity between the two nations.

“The Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi rail line is a testament to our shared history and ambition for economic advancement. It will create a lasting legacy of wealth and opportunities for Nigeria and the Niger Republic,” Minister Alkali was quoted as saying.

“The Ministry of Transportation will continue to provide updates on this transformative venture, marking each achievement as we journey towards a brighter and more connected future,” the statement added.

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