FG redeems 28-year pledge, allocates houses to 1994 Super Eagles – Newstrends
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FG redeems 28-year pledge, allocates houses to 1994 Super Eagles

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3 years ago

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  • The commissioning of the houses completed under the National Housing Programme kicked off in Nasarawa State

The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the allocation of houses to 22 members of the 1994 Super Eagles in their various states, thereby fulfilling a pledge made to them 28 years ago by the then Federal Government.

President Buhari stated this in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Monday, March 7, 2022, during the commissioning of the completed homes under the administration’s National Housing Programme initiative.

The commissioning was the first in the series of formal commissioning lined up to take place in 34 States of the federation where Phase I of the houses has been completed.

Represented by the Minister of State for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Muhammed Abdullahi, President Buhari described the completion of the housing projects as a fulfillment of the promise of change that was made to the people by his administration.

The president also praised the Nasarawa State Government for providing the land for the project, describing it as one of the developmental possibilities that intergovernmental collaboration can produce.

Accordingly, he said that the provision of the housing estates across the country was informed by the government’s desire to achieve one of its primary objectives which are to improve the human condition.

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The president said that the housing projects provided contracts for the Micro, Small, and Medium businessmen and women who provided employment for people through the engagement of skilled and unskilled workers thereby unleashing a value chain of economic activities that have made a positive impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

“These are some of the people our country remains committed to move towards prosperity and away from poverty and we are already reaching them by providing opportunities for employment for those who were hitherto unemployed,” he said.

In his address, the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner of Works, Muhammed Idris, described the construction of the housing estate as a landmark achievement of the Federal Government in its effort to provide affordable and conducive accommodation for Nigerians.

The governor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the numerous federal projects undertaken through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

In a remark, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, represented by the Director of Public Building and Housing, Solomon Labafilo, stated that as the end of President Buhari’s tenure draws near, Nigerians will witness a season of completion when many projects will start to bear fruit.

He explained that 76 housing units under Phase One have been completed in Nasarawa State comprising 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units.

Mr Fashola said, “In terms of design, this project is the outcome of a national survey conducted by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to find out the type of houses Nigerians desire.”

He explained that the survey revealed a preference for bungalows in Northern Nigeria and flats in Southern Nigeria, adding that the survey also showed the need for space which is why the one-bedroom units are 60 – 70 square metres, two-bedroom units 76 – 103 square metres, and three-bedroom units have 110 – 137 square metres.

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Fashola said the housing units are offered to the public through the National Housing Portal at https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng/ to ensure that interested buyers are not inhibited by any artificial obstacle and allocations are made on the basis of those who apply and pay on a first-come-first-served basis.

The director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Chukwunwike Uzo, represented by the Zonal Director North Central, Valentine Nwaimo, informed the audience that the ministry is promoting local content in building construction in line with Executive Order 3 and 5.

Mr Uzo disclosed that at least 1,200 building contractors had been engaged under Phase I, II, and III of the housing programme since 2016, and over 14,500 and 50,140 direct and indirect jobs have been created.

He also said that during this period, the ministry is undertaking the construction of at least 6,000 housing units in 45 sites out of which 2,465 units have been completed in 35 States and the FCT.

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I will introduce attacking style to Super Eagles — Chelle

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13 hours ago

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January 13, 2025

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Super Eagles Coach, Éric Chelle

I will introduce attacking style to Super Eagles — Chelle

The new head coach of the Super Eagles, Éric Chelle, says football is about scoring, and he will introduce an attacking mentality to the senior men’s football national team.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chelle made the remarks during his official unveiling at a colourful ceremony inside the Media Conference Room of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Monday.

Chelle won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali in a playing career that also saw him playing for FC Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.

He told newsmen that he was excited to land the job of coaching one of Africa’s biggest football names.

“I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the NSC, and indeed all Nigerians for this big opportunity.

“Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job; I do not take this appointment for granted. I am elated and will do my utmost best.

“Football is about scoring goals, so I favour an attacking style.

“I know the expectations of Nigerians, and I will settle down and work diligently with my assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” he said.

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Ibrahim Gusau, the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), reiterated his call for Nigerians to come together and support the gaffer while promising that the football-ruling body will give Chelle all the support to succeed in his assignment.

Gusau said he was endeared by the confidence and surefootedness that Chelle has shown in their interactions over the past few days.

He said he was banking on him to galvanise the Super Eagles with the same go-go attitude to turn around their fortunes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.

“I see in the new head coach the right spirit and the right attitude, and I have faith that he will take the Super Eagles to the next level.

“He sees the job of leading the Super Eagles as his dream job, and that is a huge motivation in itself.

“Coach Chelle recognises and appreciates what is ahead of him, and he says he loves the challenge. We will be there giving him the necessary support all the way,” he said.

The NFF boss disclosed that the tactician had signed a two-year contract, with the option of another year if he qualifies the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

He also said that Chelle had also come into the job with three assistants and will work with the crew on ground to enhance the Super Eagles’ brand.

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He added that the new gaffer would, in the meantime, join the Super Eagles B team in Ikenne as they prepare for the upcoming 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN) and would play only a supervisory role.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko affirmed the NSC’s support for the Franco-Malian, stating that he was satisfied with the process that led to his recruitment by the NFF.

“Football is that one factor that unites all Nigerians and gives them tremendous joy.

“On our part, we are satisfied with the process leading to Mr Chelle’s appointment and will support the NFF to ensure he has the most conducive atmosphere to do his job.

“The task of earning the World Cup ticket is for everyone, as the government is fully ready to provide support, not in the form of any individual or group taking over the job of the NFF.

“The NFF is saddled with that responsibility; the government will only support it with resources. I wish Coach Chelle the very best in the job,” he said.

NAN reports that also present at the occasion were Anthony Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Grassroots Sports Development, and Sharif Inuwa, Chairman of the NFF Technical & Development Committee.

Others were Mohammed Sanusi, NFF General Secretary; Emmanuel Ikpeme, NFF Deputy General Secretary; Augustine Eguavoen, Technical Director; and NFF Congressmen Paul Edeh and Hassan Wada.

I will introduce attacking style to Super Eagles — Chelle

(NAN)

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Barcelona thrash Real Madrid 5-2 in Spanish Super Cup

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23 hours ago

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January 13, 2025

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Barcelona thrash Real Madrid 5-2 in Spanish Super Cup

Barcelona came from an early goal down to beat Real Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, scoring four goals in a dominant first half and surviving having their goalkeeper sent off to clinch a record-extending 15th trophy.

Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Alejandro Balde were all on target before halftime, after French forward Kylian Mbappe put Real in front in the fifth minute. Raphinha grabbed another in the second half while Rodrygo scored for Real.

Barcelona put in a clinical display to lift their first trophy in more than a year, having no silverware to show for last season.

“A goal for big clubs is always to win titles, that’s why we work hard. But now we have to show it in the next games,” Hansi Flick told a press conference after winning his first trophy as Barca coach.

“Real made many mistakes, and we knew how to take advantage of them to control the match.”

Barca prevented Real from winning their third title of the campaign, after they won the European Super Cup against Atalanta and beat Mexico’s Pachuca to the Intercontinental Cup last month.

“In the first half we didn’t play football, we hit long balls and that wasn’t the idea,” Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said.

“I told the players that they can lose games, but not in the way we played in the first half.”

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Mbappe earned an early advantage for the Spanish champions, finishing a solo run from around the halfway line with a shot inside the far post.

But what looked like a dream start quickly turned into a nightmare for Ancelotti’s men when Yamal levelled for Barca in the 22nd minute. Striker Lewandowski gave them the lead 14 minutes later from a penalty awarded for Eduardo Camavinga’s foul on Gavi.

Raphinha increased the advantage with a stunning header from a brilliant long cross by Jules Kounde in the 39th minute, and left back Balde added a fourth for Barca deep into stoppage time after nine minutes were added to the first half.

Yamal released Raphinha with a precise pass following Real’s miserable corner kick, before the Brazil forward left the ball to Balde who scored with a simple finish to restore Barcelona’s healthy lead.

Real started the second half with Rodrygo hitting the bar, sparking hopes of the hectic clash taking another turn.
But Raphinha quelled any sniff of a comeback when he made it 5-1 three minutes after the break, having slalomed past the Real defence.

Barca were left with 10 men when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sent off for fouling Mbappe in the 56th minute and Rodrygo beat substitute keeper Inaki Pena from the resulting free kick.

But Real, who hold a five-point advantage over Barca in LaLiga after 19 games, had no shots on goal after the penalty until Mbappe’s effort was denied by Pena in stoppage time.

Barcelona also lost defender Inigo Martinez before the half-hour mark through injury, with Ronald Araujo stepping in.

Barcelona and Real met in the competition’s final for third consecutive time, with Ancelotti’s side prevailing last year while Barca lifted the trophy in 2023.

Barcelona booked their spot in the final by winning 2-0 against current Spanish Cup holders Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals before Real beat last year’s Copa del Rey finalists Mallorca 3-0.

 

Barcelona thrash Real Madrid 5-2 in Spanish Super Cup

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10 Man United beat Arsenal on penalties in FA Cup

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23 hours ago

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January 13, 2025

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10 Man United beat Arsenal on penalties in FA Cup

Joshua Zirkzee scored the winning penalty as a 10-man Manchester United, Man United beat Arsenal in a thrilling encounter to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Man United had to play with 10 men for nearly an hour after Diogo Dalot was shown a second yellow card, having mistimed a tackle on Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino.

Man United took the lead through an excellent Bruno Fernandes goal in the 52nd minute, after Alejandro Garnacho took advantage of a Gabriel slip and crossed for Fernandes to curl the ball into the top corner.

Dalot was sent off in the 61st minute after his clumsy tackle and Arsenal were level just two minutes later when centre-back Gabriel volleyed in from inside the area.

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The Gunners then had a massive chance to take the lead when Kai Havertz was adjudged to have been brought down by Harry Maguire in the box and referee Andrew Madley awarded a penalty.

There was a delay in the spot-kick being taken after a melee in the box in which Maguire, Havertz and Gabriel were all booked.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard then stepped up but Altay Bayindir dived to his left to push away the ball and keep the scores level.

Mikel Arteta’s side had big chances through Declan Rice and Havertz again to win the game but could not beat the impressive Bayindir.

Man United were made to defend throughout extra time as Arsenal looked for ways to take the lead with their numerical advantage.

But Arteta’s side could not find a way through and Havertz had his penalty saved by Bayindir before Zirkzee sent David Raya the wrong way to win the shootout.

The result means Arsenal have exited the FA Cup in the third round for the third time in four seasons.

10 Man United beat Arsenal on penalties in FA Cup

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