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Senegal, the reigning champions, are eliminated from AFCON

Tosin Ranks
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Senegal, the reigning champions, are eliminated from AFCON

The Teranga Lions of Senegal exited the African Cup of Nations after a dramatic penalty shootout loss, with Ivory Coast emerging victorious 5-4. Despite a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, Senegal’s Moussa Niakhate’s unfortunate penalty miss allowed the Ivorians to advance.

Senegal’s early lead came through Habib Diallo’s goal after four minutes, but Ivory Coast, led by substitute Franck Kessie, equalized with a late penalty.

The shootout heroics of Kessie secured The Elephants’ spot in the quarter-finals.

Despite a recent 4-0 loss, Ivory Coast’s home support remained strong.

French coach Jean-Louis Gasset was replaced by assistant Emerse Fae after the defeat to Equatorial Guinea.

The West African clash featured Senegal, dominant in the group stage, against Ivory Coast, who advanced as one of the third-best teams.

Senegal won Group D with nine points, while Ivory Coast secured the last quarter-final spot with three points and a negative goal difference.

Fae made strategic changes to Ivory Coast’s lineup, while Senegal altered their starting XI. Despite Senegal’s early lead, Ivory Coast gradually gained control, facing a resilient defense.

The defending champions couldn’t capitalize on their chances in the first half.

As the match intensified, Ivory Coast had more possession, but Senegal appeared dangerous.

A pivotal moment came in the 86th minute when Mendy’s foul led to a VAR-reviewed penalty, converted by Kessie.

The game extended to extra time, with both teams having opportunities, but Ivory Coast secured victory.

Notably, the introduction of Sebastien Haller and Mane’s efforts couldn’t alter the outcome.

The thrilling encounter showcased the resilience of both teams in this African football showdown.

Previewing AFCON: Cape Verde and Mauritania, the underdogs, pursue their dreams of clinching the title

Tosin Ranks
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0
Previewing AFCON: Cape Verde and Mauritania, the underdogs, pursue their dreams of clinching the title

In the upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations round of 16 clash on Monday, Cape Verde and Mauritania, both considered “surprise” teams, are set to face off after surpassing expectations in Ivory Coast.

Cape Verde’s coach, Bubista, acknowledges the challenge posed by Mauritania, praising their cohesion and quality.

Having topped Group B with powerhouses Ghana and Egypt, Bubista emphasizes the importance of a tactical approach against a team with a solid defense, particularly after Mauritania’s well-deserved victory against Algeria.

Mauritania’s coach, Amir Abdou, views Cape Verde as an attractive yet vulnerable opponent, aiming to exploit their tendency to both score and concede.

Both teams express confidence ahead of this significant match, with Cape Verde’s striker Tiago Correia highlighting the uniqueness of the occasion and a singular focus on victory.

Despite a challenging start, Mauritania’s defender Lamine Ba sees a new competition beginning and anticipates strong support from their fans.

Both nations recognize the rarity of the opportunity they’ve earned, with Abdou expressing confidence in his competitive group.

As Cape Verde and Mauritania pursue their AFCON dreams, the monumental clash is scheduled for today at 6 pm Nigerian time at the Félix Houphouët Boigny stadium in Abidjan.

Angola players receive monetary rewards and the latest iPhone 15 in preparation for the upcoming Super Eagles match

Tosin Ranks
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0
Angola players receive monetary rewards and the latest iPhone 15 in preparation for the upcoming Super Eagles match

In anticipation of their Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Nigeria this Friday, the Angola national team has received generous rewards.

Following their impressive 3-0 win over Namibia in the Round of 16, the players and coaching staff of the Palancas Negras were not only promised cash incentives for reaching the final but have already been gifted with both monetary and material rewards.

Banco Angolano de Investimento, an Angolan bank, has pledged to award each player and coach with a substantial sum of five million Kwanzas, equivalent to approximately N5.41 million.

Additionally, Aguinaldo Jaime, the President of the Board of Directors of UNITEL, a private Angolan mobile phone company, has presented an iPhone 15, complete with free calls, SMS, and internet for a year, to every member of the Angolan delegation in Cote d’Ivoire.

Further adding to the rewards, Sodiam EP has committed to a significant contribution of $250,000 for both the national team and technical staff if Angola secures a spot in the final of the 34th edition of the Nations Cup.

The clash between the Palancas Negras and the Super Eagles of Nigeria is set to take place at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 6 pm.

Notably, both teams enter this match with an undefeated record in the tournament, with Nigeria securing victories against Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, and the four-time champions Cameroon in the quarterfinals.

 

Nigeria is set to face Angola in the quarterfinals of the AFCON

Tosin Ranks
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0
Nigeria is set to face Angola in the quarterfinals of the AFCON

The upcoming clash in the AFCON 2023 Quarterfinals sees Nigeria set to take on Angola at 6 pm on Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

Ademola Lookman’s impressive double secured Nigeria’s victory over Cameroon, marking their unbeaten run in the tournament.

Jacinto Dala of Angola, confident after their 3-0 win against Namibia, asserts their deserving spot in the quarterfinals.

Notably, this marks Angola’s first quarterfinal appearance since 2008.

Dala, expressing satisfaction, said, “The commitment and involvement of all the players helped me win this man of the match.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s performance in Egypt 2019, the Super Eagles triumphed over Cameroon in a hard-fought 3-2 victory in the Round of 16.

Odion Ighalo’s brace and Alex Iwobi’s decisive goal secured their path to the quarterfinals.

A dramatic last-minute winner by William Troost-Ekong against South Africa set the stage for a semifinal clash against Algeria.

Despite Ighalo’s penalty, Algeria secured a 2-1 win, advancing to the final.

Nigeria claimed the third-place playoff with a 1-0 victory against Tunisia, courtesy of Odion Ighalo’s early goal.

 

Obi encourages the Super Eagles to intensify their efforts in facing Cameroon

Tosin Ranks
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0
Obi encourages the Super Eagles to intensify their efforts in facing Cameroon

The Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has encouraged the Super Eagles to intensify their efforts in today’s Africa Cup of Nations knockout match against Cameroon.

 

Expressing congratulations for reaching the round of 16, the former Anambra governor emphasized the players as national ambassadors carrying the hopes of the nation.

Despite challenges, Obi remains confident in Nigeria’s winning spirit and pledges support to the Super Eagles.

He expressed optimism for Nigeria’s promise and urged the team to make the country proud in the face of tough competition, especially against Cameroon, a historic rival with whom Nigeria has a dominant recent record.

The winner of this West African clash will advance to the quarterfinals, facing the winner of Angola vs Namibia, both teams vying to add to their AFCON trophy tallies. Nigeria seeks a 4th title, while Cameroon aims for a 6th.

 

Amusan breaks the 60m hurdles record in Africa that stood for 25 years

Tosin Ranks
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0
Amusan breaks the 60m hurdles record in Africa that stood for 25 years

Nigerian sprinter Tobi Amusan achieved a remarkable feat at the Astana Indoor Meet in Kazakhstan on Saturday, setting a new African women’s 60-metre hurdles indoor record with an impressive time of 7.77 seconds.

This performance not only secured her victory in the 60m hurdles final but also shattered the longstanding continental mark of 7.82 seconds held by fellow Nigerian Gloria Alozie since 1999.

At 26 years old, Amusan’s triumph marked Nigeria’s opening race of the 2023 athletic season, showcasing her resilience after facing challenges in the previous year.

Despite a provisional suspension before the World Championships for missed drug tests, she was later cleared.

Although she fell short in defending her 100m hurdles world title in Budapest, finishing sixth, Amusan concluded the year on a high note by clinching her third consecutive Diamond League trophy.

This new 60m hurdles record not only highlights Amusan’s individual achievements but also solidifies her role as a trailblazer for African female sprint hurdlers.

In 2022, she made history as the first Nigerian to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championship, breaking the women’s 100m hurdles world record on her way to that monumental triumph.

 

Sanusi supports the Central Bank of Nigeria in its decision to relocate departments

Tosin Ranks
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0
Sanusi supports the Central Bank of Nigeria in its decision to relocate departments

The ex-Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido, strongly supports the Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to relocate certain departments from Abuja to Lagos, deeming it as a prudent move.

He encourages the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, to stand firm against political pressures, emphasizing the strategic advantages of utilizing Lagos’ larger infrastructure capacity.

Sanusi dismisses opposition claims, labeling them as unnecessary, and highlights that the CBN should prioritize the principled decision rather than succumb to regional or religious pressures.

He draws from his own experience, having contemplated a similar move during his tenure as CBN governor.

Sanusi asserts that the relocation is a strategic necessity, challenging critics to reconsider their perspectives on the capacity and logistics involved.

 

The Chairman of EKEDC advocates for increased investments in the power sector

Tosin Ranks
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0
The Chairman of EKEDC advocates for increased investments in the power sector

Dr. Dere Otubu, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Eko Electricity Distribution Company, emphasized the need for increased investments in Nigeria’s power sector to meet the growing energy demands.

Speaking at a forum organized by the Nigeria-India Business Council in Abuja, Otubu underscored the vital role sustained investments play in ensuring a reliable power infrastructure.

He urged collaborative efforts between Nigeria and India to drive advancements in the energy sector and other areas.

Despite progress in reforming the electricity industry, Otubu stressed the necessity for more capital investment to expand generation, transmission, and distribution capacities.

Recognizing the challenges faced by the power sector, he emphasized the urgency of adopting innovative solutions, stating, “The power sector is the backbone of any thriving economy, and as Nigeria experiences dynamic growth, injecting more resources into power is imperative for desired and sustainable economic development.” Otubu highlighted the market opportunities, mentioning that only about 55% of Nigerians have access to electricity, indicating room for growth.

He appreciated the Nigeria-India Business Council’s trade mission, foreseeing a sustainable trade relationship between the two countries.

The current challenges in Nigeria’s power sector, attributed to low gas supply, have led to nationwide complaints about poor power supply for almost a month.

While the Federal Ministry of Power has not issued an official statement, the Transmission Company of Nigeria stated that efforts are being made to resolve the challenge within the electricity value chain.

NEITI has unveiled historical data, asserting its commitment to global transparency standards

Tosin Ranks
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0
NEITI has unveiled historical data, asserting its commitment to global transparency standards

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a global advocate for transparency in the oil and mining sectors, expressed concern on Friday over the outdated data released by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

EITI urged NEITI to improve the timeliness of its data, encouraging Nigerian journalists to hold both local and international transparency agencies accountable for prompt report releases.

During a press briefing in Abuja, Deputy Executive Director of EITI, Bady Balde, emphasized that NEITI’s 2021 reports were considered obsolete, pointing out the significant delay in releasing data.

Balde highlighted examples from other countries like Senegal, Zambia, and Norway, where more recent data had already been published.

Despite acknowledging challenges faced by NEITI, Balde insisted on the necessity of timely information and called for vigilance from the media.

He noted that NEITI, being the largest organization globally by staff, needed to enhance technical expertise, sharp analysis, and timely reporting.

In response, NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Ogbonnaya Orji, acknowledged local challenges contributing to delays but assured EITI of improvements.

He committed to publishing the 2022 and 2023 NEITI reports for the extractive sectors by September, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to learning from EITI’s delegation and implementing necessary changes to meet higher standards.

Billionaires exchange banter as Dangote welcomes Otedola to consider a corporate takeover

Tosin Ranks
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0
Billionaires exchange banter as Dangote welcomes Otedola to consider a corporate takeover

The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, extended a warm welcome to his friend and billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, encouraging him to explore the possibility of a corporate takeover of Dangote Cement.

Speaking at the Dangote Cement customers appreciation event in Lagos on Friday, Dangote acknowledged Otedola as the company’s “newest shareholder,” dispelling concerns by saying, “There are people who fear that he is going to do the same thing he did at Transcorp; I say he’s welcome.”

In a statement on Monday, Otedola confirmed his “significant acquisition of shares in Dangote Cement,” emphasizing the strategic nature of the investment.

He expressed confidence in Dangote Cement’s potential to contribute to Nigeria’s economic resilience, citing its unique position with two export terminals and pan-African presence.

Otedola’s previous involvement in Transcorp Plc in April 2023, where he acquired a 5.52% stake, had generated initial positivity.

However, the situation changed as he later sold the shares, revealing that his offer to buy Transcorp for N250bn was rejected.

Despite the turn of events, Otedola expressed his belief in healthy competition and market dynamics.

Meanwhile, Dangote Cement marked a significant milestone by becoming the first listed company to surpass N10tn in market capitalization during the week, closing trading on Friday at N11.827tn.

Aliko Dangote maintains a dominant 85% control of Dangote Cement.

 

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