Int’l friendly: Finidi set to lead Super Eagles against Ghana, Mali – Newstrends
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Int’l friendly: Finidi set to lead Super Eagles against Ghana, Mali

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Super Eagles

Int’l friendly: Finidi set to lead Super Eagles against Ghana, Mali

Former Nigeria forward Finidi George will occupy the chief’s corner in the dugout when the Super Eagles confront West African arch-rivals Ghana in an international friendly in Marrakech on Friday.

A statement by Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Tuesday said George had been appointed by the NFF to hold the reins in the meantime.

A group of 22 players are expected to engage Ghana and Mali in this month’s international window.

“On Friday, George, from a family of football stars (elder brother Alari and younger brother Igeniwari of blessed memory were established players), will bellow instructions from the touchline.

“This is coming 21 months after he began to understudy Portuguese José Santos Peseiro, who led the Eagles to runners-up position at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year,” it said.

George, a former Ajax Amsterdam and Real Betis winger, made a scoring debut for Nigeria in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Burkina Faso at the National Stadium, Lagos on  July 27, 1991.

On his debut in 1991, George, who also featured for Calabar Rovers and Sharks FC in the domestic scene before heading to Europe, scored one and made four assists for legendary ‘goalsfather’ Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory).

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He also assisted the latter to score Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against Bulgaria in Dallas, USA on 19th June 1994.

Actually, George scored the goal that took Nigeria to her first FIFA World Cup finals, when he put Nigeria ahead against hosts Algeria in a crucial qualifier in Algiers on 8th October 1993.

The match eventually ended 1-1 and earned Nigeria a ticket to the finals in America.

The statement added that, as at Tuesday’s lunchtime, 12 of the 22 players expected had arrived in Morocco’s fourth-largest city.

It said that defenders Gabriel Osho and Tyronne Ebuehi, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi having been knocked out by injury.

“At the team’s Adam Park Hotel in Marrakech are goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Olorunleke Ojo, defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Jamilu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi and Benjamin Tanimo.

“Also are midfielders Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Alhassan Yusuf, and forwards Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sadiq Umar and Ademola Lookman.

“Others include goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Chidozie Awaziem, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi, and forward Kelechi Iheanacho were being expected in Marrakech by Tuesday.

“Only Turkey-based defender Bright Osayi-Samuel is being expected on Wednesday,” it stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the African vice champions will take on Ghana on Friday before confronting Les Aigles of Mali at the same Grand Stade de Marrakech on March 26.

Int’l friendly: Finidi set to lead Super Eagles against Ghana, Mali

(NAN)

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Confession of 85-year-old monarch: I intended killing my son, use boy parts for ritual

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Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin

Confession of 85-year-old monarch: I intended killing my son, use boy parts for ritual

The police in Lagos, recently, recorded a breakthrough by arresting 10 members of suspected criminals who specialize in exhuming body parts from cemeteries and killing human beings for rituals.

Among the arrested suspects was an 85-year-old traditional ruler in Benin Republic, Yusuf Lawal Muse, the son of a pastor said to be the kingpin, Ademola Akinlosota, 33, an Ifa priest, Sunday Badonu, aka Osekure, 25, his father, Vijamiya Badonu, an idol priest and Osetura’s father, Dada Trival, 33, Bale of Akalekumo in Badagry, Hunsu Segun,35, Balogun in Ogboni fraternity, Badagry, Amodu Wahab, aka Alhaji Bororo, 58, specialists in collecting human parts both fresh and dry, Kamolu Aderibigbe, 44, a trade-medical doctor in Ijedfodo and Muyibat Adesina, 49, the herbalist who uses human parts to prepare concoctions for people.

Crime Guard learned that the traditional ruler, Yusuf Lawal Muse is from Diasou in Benin Republic and is married to six women with 21 children. He reportedly relocated to Ibatefin-Ikpoka in Ogun state and later to Adodo in a same Ogun state where he lived with his wives and children until his arrest.

He told our reporter that he relocated to Ogun state after losing about 14 children in his domain and later married a new wife who gave birth to the son he wanted to kill and use his body parts.

His confession

The octogenarian told reporters that after getting married to their new wife, he wanted to have fun only to discover that she was already pregnant. According to him, I had no other alternative than to accept the child after birth and I named him Musa. While growing up, he became a torn in my flesh.

“He was into a lot of criminal activities, very stubborn, stealing, and even threatening to kill me. The whole thing came to a climax after he learnt that I wrote a will and excluded him. He then openly resorted to threatening to take my life. That was why I engaged people to kill him first and send his head, heart, fingers and hands to me for herbal purposes.

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“Unfortunately, after I contracted the people, they met with an Idol Priest whom I had planned to do business with in the past who, not only discouraged the people I hired but also leaked the plan to my son’s mother. On hearing this, his mother fled to another town with him and we were still discussing the issue when the police arrested me.”

Regrets

Looking remorseful, the octogenarian told Crime Guard,” I regret what I planned to do to my son. I have now realized that he is my son and he will bear children tomorrow in my name. My greatest worry now is that my people in Benin Republic have heard this ugly story. I am afraid they may dethrone me. I just don’t know what next to do than to appeal to God to forgive me.”

However, while the traditional ruler was confessing to the team of policemen from Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Special Squad Team 3, led by DSP Toyin Omosebi, it was learned that the leader of the ritualist’s gang, Ademola Akinlosotu, 33, son of a Pastor, opened up stating that he was the person contracted by the traditional ruler to kill his son. He reportedly also stated that before then, they were taking dismembered body parts, both dry and fresh, to the traditional ruler after killing their victims.

Confession of 85-year-old monarch: I intended killing my son, use boy parts for ritual

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2027: Politicians plotting to undermine Tinubu’s support base — Arewa group

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

2027: Politicians plotting to undermine Tinubu’s support base — Arewa group

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has voiced concerns about alleged attempts by certain politicians to undermine President Tinubu’s support base ahead of the 2027 reelection by interfering with his cabinet.

AYCF President General Yerima Shettima applauded President Tinubu’s administration for its accomplishments, attributing them to a dedicated team of ministers and officials who have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s progress.

Shettima highlighted the roles of several key figures in President Tinubu’s administration, including Femi Gbajamiala, the Chief of Staff, Yusuf Bicci, the Director-General of the State Security Service, Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, the Minister of Interior, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget, and Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence. He praised their contributions to governance, national security, infrastructure development, law enforcement, aviation, fiscal management, and military capabilities.

“First and foremost, Femi Gbajamiala, the Chief of Staff, has been instrumental in coordinating the President’s agenda and ensuring smooth communication and collaboration within the administration.

“His strategic leadership and organizational skills have streamlined decision-making processes and enhanced efficiency in governance. Gbajamiala’s professionalism and dedication make him a trusted advisor and confidant to President Tinubu.

“Yusuf Bicci, the Director-General of the State Security Service, has played a critical role in safeguarding national security and intelligence-gathering efforts.

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“His expertise and experience in counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence operations have been instrumental in protecting the nation from internal and external threats. Bicci’s unwavering commitment to national security makes him a key asset to the President’s administration.

“Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, has been instrumental in developing and improving infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory. His innovative projects and policies have transformed the FCT into a modern and dynamic city, attracting investments and creating opportunities for its residents. Wike’s commitment to excellence and ability to deliver results make him a valuable asset to the Tinubu administration.

“Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has been leading efforts to improve security and law enforcement in the country. His initiatives have led to a significant decrease in crime rates and enhanced the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens. Ojo’s dedication to protecting the nation and upholding the rule of law make him a key player in President Tinubu’s cabinet.

“Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, has been driving reforms and modernization efforts in the aviation sector. His initiatives have enhanced safety standards, improved infrastructure, and promoted efficiency in air travel. Keyamo’s vision for a world-class aviation industry in Nigeria has positioned the country as a regional hub for air transportation. His leadership and innovation make him a key player in President Tinubu’s administration,” Shettima said.

“Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget, has been instrumental in managing the nation’s finances and ensuring fiscal responsibility. His strategic planning and budgeting skills have helped steer the country towards economic stability and growth. Bagudu’s prudent financial management has earned him respect and admiration within the administration,” Shettima said.

As the 2027 reelection approaches, Shettima urged President Tinubu to maintain strong relationships with his key allies and supporters, relying on their dedication and expertise to navigate political adversity and sustain his administration’s progress.

2027: Politicians plotting to undermine Tinubu’s support base — Arewa group

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Fuel sells for N2,500/litre black market as scarcity persists

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Fuel sells for N2,500/litre black market as scarcity persists

Nigerians continue to bemoan the immense hardship they endure as a result of the statewide fuel shortage, which has made conducting business and other activities extremely challenging.

Commuters in Sokoto state said most filling stations are locked under the guise that they lack product to dispense, while black marketers are selling a litre of fuel between N2,000 and N2,500 across the metropolis, Channels TV reported.

Some residents, speaking with a reporter, called on the government to intervene to bring the situation under control so as not to degenerate.

They said the situation has started affecting business activities and making life difficult for people as the black market price of N2,500 per litre is becoming scarce, and this is bringing business and other activities to a standstill in the metropolis.

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Chronicle NG reported that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has blamed the fuel queues that have resurfaced in Lagos, Abuja, and other states of the Federation on “logistics issues.”

However, NNPC Limited declared that the issues had been resolved.

“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) wishes to clarify that the tightness in the supply of Premium Motor Spirit currently being experienced in some areas across the country is as a result of logistics issues and that they have been resolved,” the company said in a statement on Thursday evening.

“It also wishes to reiterate that the prices of petroleum products are not changing.”

NNPCL called on Nigerians to “avoid panic buying as there is a sufficiency of products in the country.”

Fuel sells for N2,500/litre black market as scarcity persists

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