The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued new guidelines for Deposit Money Banks regarding the deposit of foreign currency notes.
This directive was detailed in a circular issued by the Director of Currency Operations, Mohammed Solaja, and posted on the bank’s website on Friday.
The CBN specified that each bank is allowed a maximum daily deposit of $10 million in USD 100 and USD 50 notes.
These deposits can only be made at the CBN branches in Abuja and Lagos.
In the circular with reference number COD/DIR/INT/CIR/001/016, the apex bank directed that DMBs must notify the CBN in writing of their intention to make such deposits at least three working days in advance.
Additionally, for smaller denominations of $20 notes and below, the maximum daily deposit is set at $1 million.
“To deepen the foreign exchange market, boost liquidity, and attain convergence in the exchange rates of the parallel and official markets, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved that DMBs may deposit their excess foreign currency notes with Lagos and Abuja branches of the bank.
“The approval is a response to the increasing demand by DMBs to deposit their forex cash with CBN for onward credit to their off-shore accounts with correspondent banks”, CBN said.
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, has revealed that he had a sleepless night after his error cost the Super Eagles a place in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Recall that a few minutes into the second half, Youssef Msakni fired a shot from outside the penalty area, which Okoye should have done better with but couldn’t, and that resulted in a goal for Tunisia and led to Nigeria’s exit from the tournament.
His howler didn’t go down well with Nigerians, as they criticized him heavily on social media.
However, in a recent interview with OmaSports TV, the Udinese goalkeeper stated that the pain still exists in his mind.
“At that moment, I told myself I should have done better. It pains me till today, to be honest.
“You could see it was a mistake because I had to keep the ball out of the goal. If I want to play at Inter Milan, then I have to do better in such situations.
“I’ve been training hard, improving in the last two years because I don’t want things like that to happen again.
“Mistakes happen, last week, Manuel Neuer, who is one of the best, made a mistake. It’s part of the game, and it was hard for me as a young boy to go through it after it happened.
“I’m not just talking about what I read on social media, it’s more about the feeling of letting your teammates down, your family down, and letting your country down.
“At this stage, I’m not even reading the nonsense on social media anymore. Some people still talk bad about Cristiano Ronaldo despite his achievements.
“People will always say something bad about you. I know myself that I didn’t do good in that situation, and I know that I let my teammates and my country down in that situation.
“And I’m still to this day unhappy and sad about it, and I wish I could do differently, but it happened and I learned from my mistake.”
The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Executive Committee (“EXCO”) today announced the dates of Africa’s most popular and competitive football competition, the Africa Cup of Nations (“AFCON”) which will take place in Morocco.
The dates of the AFCON Morocco 2025 are:
Opening Match: Sunday 21 December 2025 Final Match: Sunday 18 January 2026 The CAF EXCO also announced the dates of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (“WAFCON”) which is growing exponentially and will also be hosted in Morocco.
The dates of the WAFCON Morocco 2024 are:
Opening Match: Saturday 5 July 2025 Final Match: Saturday 26 July 2025
The President of CAF Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “I am confident that the s
AFCON Morocco 2025 will be extremely successful and will be the best AFCON in the history of this competition. I am also impressed by the enormous growth of Women’s Football in Africa and I am expecting the WAFCON Morocco 2024 to be immensely successful.
The announcement of the dates of the AFCON Morocco 2025 took much longer than expected, as there were complex and at times challenging discussions with various interested parties, in the light of the extensive International and Domestic Match Calendars. CAF is committed to protecting and advancing the interests of African players, playing in football clubs in Europe and worldwide.
CAF is also committed to building mutually beneficial relationships with the ECA, UEFA, other Football Confederations and FIFA.
We will continue to make significant progress in developing and ensuring that African Football is globally competitive and amongst the best in the World.
CAF is grateful to King Mohamed VI of Morocco, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (“FRMF”), its President Fouzi Lekjaa, the Government and people of Morocco for hosting the AFCON Morocco 2025 and the WAFCON Morocco 2024.”
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football President Mr Fouzi Lekjaa said: “We hope that the AFCON Morocco 2025 will be the best event to honour Africa and Morocco will make available the best conditions to host the rest of Africa and the World.”
The CAF EXCO also resolved to host the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Kinshasa, DRC on Thursday 10 October 2024. Decisions were also taken to open bids to host:
The CAF Women’s Champions League 2024 The CAF U17 AFCON The CAF U20 AFCON The CAF Awards 2024
CAF has received attractive proposals from the Middle East for hosting the CAF Super Cup 2024 which will feature Egyptian giants, Al Ahly SC, Winners of the CAF Champions League and Zamalek SC, Winners of the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Administration and Control, Prof Moji Adeyeye, has urged Nigerians to refrain from storing cooked food in the refrigerator for more than three days.
Adeyeye warned that cooked food stored in the refrigerator for days is susceptible to contamination by disease-causing pathogens, key agents of foodborne diseases that can lead to death.
Adeyeye made this known in a statement on Tuesday signed by the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola.
Adeyeye, who said this in commemoration of the 2024 World Food Safety Day with the theme, ‘Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected’, urged stakeholders in the food supply chain to take deliberate actions to institute a food safety culture in their operations to mitigate food hazards and risks that could compromise food safety.
The World Food Safety Day celebrated annually on June 7 was established by the United Nations General Assembly task force in 2018 to raise awareness and encourage efforts to prevent, detect and address public health risks linked to unsafe food.
The statement partly read, “She however, urged Nigerians to refrain from storing cooked food in the refrigerator for more than three days, warning that cooked food stored in the refrigerator for days is susceptible to contamination by disease-causing pathogens, key agents of foodborne diseases that can lead to death.”
Adeyeye remarked that food safety is not only important for public health but a sine qua non for economic development and food security.
She noted that food safety is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone from producers to consumers needs to play their part to ensure food safety.
According to her, the campaign aims to promote global food safety awareness to strengthen efforts of preventing, detecting, and managing foodborne risks globally by highlighting the importance of being prepared for food safety incidents.
“Let us all stay true to the statements ‘food safety is everyone’s business’ and ‘food safety is a shared responsibility’ as we celebrate this year’s World Food Safety Day. Working together, we will continue to strengthen our food safety system, ensuring its resilience, robustness, and preparedness for the unexpected,” she said.
According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 600 million – almost one in 10 people in the world – fall ill after eating contaminated food, and 420,000 die every year, resulting in the loss of 33 million healthy life years.
WHO said $110bn is lost yearly in productivity and medical expenses resulting from unsafe food in low- and middle-income countries.
Also, the Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Mrs Eva Edwards, alerted that foodborne diseases are expensive, yet they are preventable.
Edwards emphasised the significance of food as a necessity for human life, stressing that it can also be a source of harm if not handled properly.
She stated that food safety emergency response must be anchored on a multisectoral, collaborative, integrated one-health approach across the health, agriculture, and environment sectors, the tiers of government including relevant external partners and non-governmental organisations.
‘’Let’s all play our part in promoting the culture of good hygiene practices in our homes, communities, and food establishments. Together we can ensure a safer and healthier food supply for everyone,” she noted.
For the second year in a row the COSAFA Cup will kick-off with a clash between Eswatini and Botswana, though on this occasion it will be at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha as the June 26-July 7 tournament gets under way.
The fixture at 15h00 CAT is a repeat of last year’s opener, where a goal from Lebogang Ditsele helped Botswana to a 1-0 win.
Hosts South Africa will meet Mozambique in the second Group A clash at the same venue, which has a 18h00 kick-off.
That is sure to be a feisty tie between the neighbours, and a fascinating fixture between two sides who love to attack.
Zimbabwe return to the prestigious regional showpiece competition for the first time since 2021 and open their Group B campaign against Comoros on June 27 (kick-off 15h00). That match will also be at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
There will be a heavyweight clash between record seven-time winners, and defending champions, Zambia when they take on East African guest nation Kenya on the same day at 18h00.
Kenya will be making their second COSAFA Cup appearance having debuted in 2013 when they went out in the pool stages.
Kenya will be the fifth highest ranked side in the tournament and have made a solid start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with a win and two draws from their four games to date.
The first games in Group C are also at the iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup venue as last year’s beaten finalists Lesotho take on Seychelles at 15h00 and Angola face-off against Namibia at 18h00.
After those games the action will switch to the Wolfson Stadium until the final round of group games that are played simultaneously when the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium returns as a venue.
It will remain the tournament host through the semifinals (July 5), bronze-medal match and final (both July 7).
Full Fixtures
DATEKO TIMEGROUPFIXTUREVENUE26/0615h00AEswatini vs BotswanaNelson Mandela Bay Stadium26/0618h00ASouth Africa vs MozambiqueNelson Mandela Bay Stadium27/0615h00BComoros vs ZimbabweNelson Mandela Bay Stadium27/0618h00BZambia vs KenyaNelson Mandela Bay Stadium28/0615h00CLesotho vs SeychellesNelson Mandela Bay Stadium28/0618h00CAngola vs NamibiaNelson Mandela Bay Stadium29/0612h00AMozambique vs EswatiniWolfson Stadium29/0615h00ASouth Africa vs BotswanaWolfson Stadium30/0612h00BKenya vs ComorosWolfson Stadium30/0615h00BZambia vs ZimbabweWolfson Stadium01/0712h00CAngola vs SeychellesWolfson Stadium01/0715h00CNamibia vs LesothoWolfson Stadium02/0712h00BKenya vs ZimbabweWolfson Stadium02/0712h00BComoros vs ZambiaNelson Mandela Bay Stadium02/0715h00AMozambique vs BotswanaWolfson Stadium02/0715h00ASouth Africa vs EswatiniNelson Mandela Bay Stadium03/0715h00CNamibia vs SeychellesWolfson Stadium03/0715h00CLesotho vs AngolaNelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Two men, Ugwu Chijioke and Ibrahim Adekunle, have been sentenced to 46 years in prison for impersonating operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and executing a fake court order.
According to a statement on X on Sunday, the duo were arrested in May 2021 at New Horizon Estate, Lekki, Lagos, following credible intelligence received by the commission.
At the time of their arrest, they were caught in the act of carrying out an illegal operation.
Items recovered from them at the point of arrest included fake EFCC identity cards, jackets, and a court order allegedly from Mushin Magistrate Court.
They were subsequently arraigned on October 12, 2021, by the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC on on a five-count charge, amended to include impersonation, attempted property fraud, possession of false documents, and unlawful wear of the EFCC uniform.
The suspects were arraigned before Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, where they pleaded guilty to the charges.
After their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, Abdulhamid Tukur, presented a review of the case facts, demonstrating their guilt.
Tukur then requested the court to deliver a guilty verdict and impose the corresponding sentences.
Justice Abike-Fadipe found them guilty as charged on counts one, two, three, four and five.
The defendants, who were given an opportunity to address the court, pleaded for mercy.
Delivering judgment, Justice Abike-Fadipe sentenced the defendants each to seven years on counts one to three each, one year on count four and eight months on count five.
The sentences are to run concurrently.
One of the counts reads: “ That you, Ugwu Pascal Chijioke and Ibrahim Sadiq Adekunle, on or about the 12th day of May, 2021 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, attempted to obtain property from one Oriyomi Johnson under the pretext that the “Chief Magistrate Court, Lagos State Judiciary, Mushin, Lagos” issued an Order to the effect that the property located at New Horizon Estate, Lekki- Ikate, Lagos be seized and the said apartment sealed pending the arrival of the said Oriyomi Johnson ,which representation you knew to be false and committed an offence of attempt to obtain property by false pretense contrary to Sections 8(b) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section11(3) of the same Act.”
Another count reads, “That you, Ugwu Pascal Chijioke and Ibrahim Sadiq Adekunle, on or about the 12th day of May, 2021 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court not being a person holding any office in or authority of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, wore a jacket bearing the official mark of the Commission ,which was calculated to convey the impression that you held such authority and committed an offence of unlawfully wearing the uniform of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission contrary to Section 79(1) (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.”
Finidi George has left his job as coach of the Super Eagles after just two games in charge of the team without a win.
Finidi George’s departure follows a 2-1 loss to Benin Republic on matchday 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, leaving the Super Eagles without a win in four games.
His exit was confirmed by former Eagles media officer, Toyin Ibitoye, on his X account on Saturday.
He wrote, “News just in. Finidi George #FinidiGeorge_FG has resigned from his #NGSuperEagles manager position.”
Also, a source within the NFF who confirmed the development stated that the federation is looking at employing another manager for the team. He also hinted that the federation is exploring the possibility of reducing the head coach’s salary.
The 53-year-old was unveiled as coach of the Super Eagles in May following the departure of Portuguese tactician Jose Peseiro at the end of the 2023 African Cup of Nations in February. However, in March, the former Enyimba boss took charge of the team interim for the doubleheader international friendly against Ghana and Mali.
We’ll ensure we qualify for the World Cup – NFF With Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Ibrahim Gusau, says the Federation will take all necessary steps to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The NFF boss said this on Thursday in Abuja, shortly after a closed-door meeting with the Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, to address Nigeria’s poor results in the qualifiers.
He said the NFF would continue to work closely with the sports ministry and other stakeholders to fashion out a winning template for the Super Eagles.
“It’s a very sad moment for Nigerian football. We cannot run away from that. But all I want to assure is that we are working tirelessly in conjunction with the minister to see that we come out with holistic measures that will change the face of the entire system so that we can move forward.
“Don’t forget, it is still possible, and I want to assure you that we are going to fight it to the latter and Nigeria will qualify for the World Cup.
“This is not something I will just say it now but very soon you are going to see major steps that NFF would come out with and by the grace of God, those measures that we are going to take will lead us to qualify for the next World Cup,” he said.
Hosts South Africa and Botswana will lock horns yet again in the most played fixture in COSAFA Cup history when the prestigious regional tournament is staged from June 26-July 7.
The draw for the 12 teams pitted the neighbours together for the ninth COSAFA Cup tournament in a row, with Botswana yet to win outright in any of their 12 previous meetings.
Mozambique and Eswatini make up the other sides in what is sure to be a hotly contested Group A.
Record seven-time winners Zambia will be looking to become the first team to win three COSAFA Cup titles in a row and also face a fascinating set of fixtures in Group B, which puts them against old foes Zimbabwe and Comoros. The fourth team in that pool will be confirmed in due course.
Last year’s runners-up Lesotho are in Group C along with three-time winners Angola, 2015 champions Namibia and Seychelles.
The pool games will be played from June 26-July 3, with the semifinals on July 5 and the final and third-place play-off to be staged two days later.
The format ensures each country will play a minimum of three games up to a maximum of five over the course of the competition. It also allows for an extra days’ rest between most pool games, a boost for player welfare.
The 22 previous editions of the COSAFA Cup have seen some great performances and incredible games that have been written into the folklore of Southern African football, but only five nations can claim to have lifted the coveted trophy.
Zambia went back-to-back in 2023 and now sit along at the top of the list of most titles with seven. That is one more than Zimbabwe, with South Africa (five), Angola (three) and Namibia (one) the only other teams to claim regional glory.
Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana and Lesotho have all been finalists twice, but ended up on the losing side on both occasions. Two-time guest nation Senegal are the only other national to reach the decider but lost to South Africa in 2021.
THE 2024 COSAFA CUP DRAW
GROUP A South Africa Mozambique Eswatini Botswana
GROUP B Zambia Team to be confirmed Comoros Zimbabwe
GROUP C Angola Namibia Lesotho Seychelles
All matches at this year’s COSAFA Cup will be broadcast live on our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@citysportng, and Afrique sports
The federal government has declared Monday and Tuesday, 17 and 18 June, public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
This was contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Aishetu Ndayako, on Friday in Abuja.
She stated that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the federal government, congratulated all Muslim Ummah at home and in the Diaspora.
He urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to imbibe the spirit of peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him).
Mr Tunji-Ojo also urged them to use the period to pray for unity, prosperity and the country’s stability.
The minister assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.
While wishing the Muslim Ummah a happy celebration, the minister advised all Nigerians to take responsibility in the resolve to hand over a prosperous Nigeria to our children.
Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, have secured their ticket to the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals after defeating their Liberian counterparts 2-0 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Friday.
CitySports reports that Nigeria had earlier defeated Liberia 4-1 in Monrovia in the final round, first leg encounter, bringing the aggregate to 6-1.
Chidi Harmony opened scoring for Nigeria three minutes into the game, when she outplayed the Liberian defence to put the ball beyond the goalkeeper, Makula Konneh, from a Shakirat Moshood crossing.
Peace Effiong was close to scoring in the 17th minute, while Moshood hit the crossbar in the 18th from 20 yards and also missed a goal from close range 10 minutes towards the end of first half.
Chidi made it two in the 58th minute when she placed the ball beyond Konneh’s reach as Nigeria seized the ball from a defensive slip-up by the visitors.
The 8th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals will be staged in the cities of Santiago de los Caballeros and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic on October 16 to November 3.
Bafana Bafana On A Revenge Mission, Super Eagles On Damage Control Mission
As matchday three of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF in group C continues, the Super Eagles of Nigeria host the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The match is assumed to be a clash of two varied missions.
Whilst the Bafana Bafana of South Africa would be looking forward to avenging their AFCON semi-final loss against Nigeria, the Super Eagles who have only secured two points from two games against lowly ranked teams would certainly want to make amend for their poor outings during the first two qualifying matches played before AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast.
We have therefore titled this preview, “The Clash of Two Varied Missions’
Live commentary below
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How to watch Nigeria vs South Africa Live | Watch Super Eagles vs Bafana Bafana live | South Africa vs Nigeria Live | Super Eagles vs South Africa | Nigeria vs Bafana Bafana | Nigeria vs. South Africa Preview | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | 2026 FIFA WCQ | Highlights ¦ Pre-Match conference
@Citysportng brings you the live, match day three qualifier between Nigeria and South Africa from MKO Abiola stadium.
— Nigéria x África do Sul ao vivo | Eliminatórias para a Copa do Mundo FIFA 2026 | Super Águias x Bafana Bafana — Qualifications pour la Coupe du Monde de la FIFA 2026 | Nigéria contre Afrique du Sud | Le choc de deux missions | Super Eagles
Bafana Bafana en mission de vengeance, Super Eagles en mission de contrôle des dégâts
La troisième journée de la série de qualification de la CAF pour la Coupe du Monde de la FIFA 2026 approche à grands pas.
Alors que les équipes se préparent à s’affronter pour avoir la chance de participer à la prochaine édition de la plus grande compétition de football au monde, CitySports NG analyse le match de la troisième journée entre les Super Eagles du Nigeria et les Bafana Bafana d’Afrique du Sud.
Le match prévu le 7 juillet au stade Godswill Akpabio, Uyo est censé être un affrontement de deux missions variées.
Alors que les Bafana Bafana d’Afrique du Sud seraient impatients de venger leur défaite en demi-finale de la CAN contre le Nigeria, les Super Eagles, qui n’ont obtenu que deux points en deux matches contre des équipes mal classées, voudraient certainement se racheter de leurs mauvaises sorties lors de la compétition. deux premiers matches de qualification disputés avant la CAN 2023 en Côte d’Ivoire.
Nous avons donc intitulé cet aperçu « Le choc de deux missions variées ».
N’oubliez pas de vous abonner et d’activer le bouton de notification pour plus de vidéos en direct et de mises à jour. — 2026 Ntlangu wa Khapu ya Misava ya FIFA | Nigeria na Afrika Dzonga | Ku Lwisana Ka Mission Timbirhi | Super Eagles na xipano xa Bafana Bafana
Bafana Bafana Eka Rhurho Wo Rihisela, Super Eagles Eka Rhurho Wo Lawula Ku Onhaka
— Umdlalo Wokuhlungela Indebe Yomhlaba ye-FIFA ka-2026 | Nigeria vs South Africa | Ukungqubuzana Kwezimishini Ezimbili | Super Eagles vs Bafana Bafana
Bafana Bafana Emkhankasweni Wokuziphindiselela, amaSuper Eagles On Demage Control Mission
Usuku lokufanisa lwesithathu ochungechungeni lokuhlungela i-CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup selufikile kithi.
The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation has assured depositors of Heritage Bank that theres no need for panic as it is already in the process of repaying depositors of the bank.
Bello Hassan, the Managing Director of NDIC disclosed this at a press briefing where he outlined the processes of repayment, insisting that the corporation will not take 30 days as stipulated by law but settle customers within one week.
Why CBN Revokes The Bank’s Operating License
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had announced that it has revoked the banking licence of Heritage Bank.
According to the Ag. Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, the revocation was done in accordance with its mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria.
She said: “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in accordance with its mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria and in exercise of its powers under Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Act (BOFIA) 2020, hereby revokes the licence of Heritage Bank Plc with immediate effect.”
Ali added that this action has become necessary due to the bank’s breach of Section 12 (1) of BOFIA, 2020.
The apex bank added that the Board and Management of the bank have not been able to improve the bank’s financial performance, a situation which constitutes a threat to financial stability.
Ali’s noted that this followed a period during which the CBN engaged with the bank and prescribed various supervisory steps intended to stem the decline.
She stressed: “Regrettably, the bank has continued to suffer and has no reasonable prospects of recovery, thereby making the revocation of the license the next necessary step.
“Consequently, the CBN has taken this action to strengthen public confidence in the banking system and ensure that the soundness of our financial system is not impaired.
NDIC Appointed Liquidator Of Heritage Bank
“The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) is hereby appointed as the Liquidator of the bank in accordance with Section 12 (2) of BOFIA, 2020.
In a statement issued by the Director, Communication & Public Affairs, Bashir Nuhu, the Corporation revealed that the depositors of the bank that have alternate accounts within the industry will be paid up to the insured amount of N5 million per depositor using their Bank Verification Number, BVN.
In the same vein, depositors with funds in excess of N5 million will be paid liquidation dividend upon realization of the bank’s assets and recovery of debts owed to the bank.
How Depositors Can Recover Thier Funds From Heritage Bank – NDIC Outline Processes
The statement added, “All depositors of the defunct bank without alternate bank account in the industry are advised to visit the nearest branch of the bank with proof of account ownership, verifiable means of identification such as driver’s license, permanent voter’s card, National Identity Card, together with their alternate account and Bank Verification Number, BVN, for the verification of their deposits and subsequent payment of insured sums.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended their industrial action – over a lack of consensus on a new minimum wage and the hike in electricity tariff – for one week.
The TUC president Festus Osifo confirmed this in Abuja on Tuesday after a joint extraordinary national executive council meeting of the unions.
“A joint NEC meeting of TUC/NLC has approved to relax the industrial action for one week with immediate effect,” Osifo told Channels Television.
A communique will be issued later, the labour chief said.
Both unions downed tools on Monday to register their grievances over the hike in electricity tariff and lack of consensus on a new minimum wage.
The development ground activities in critical sectors of the economy with schools, businesses, hospitals, and airports shut. The national grid was also shut down, throwing the nation into darkness.
Labour’s actions followed the expiration of the May 31 deadline for an agreement on a new minimum wage. They have been locked in negotiations with the Federal Government.
During the failed talks with the government, labour rejected three government offers, the latest being ₦60,000. The TUC and the NLC subsequently pulled out of negotiations, insisting on ₦494,000 as the new minimum wage.
But in a bid to halt the strike, the Federal Government and the labour leaders held an hours-long meeting that dovetailed into the night.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, the Minister of Labour and Employment (State) and her Information and National Orientation counterpart Mohammed Idris, TUC’s Osifo and the President of the NLC Joe Ajaero were among the persons present at the meeting.
At the end of the parley, though labour said NLC and TUC would meet to decide the next action, they reached some resolutions including the government’s resolve to pay above ₦60,000, and a regular meeting between the parties.
They also resolved “that no worker would be victimized as a result of the industrial action”.
Read full communique:
COMMUNIQUE OF THE JOINT NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) MEETING OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) AND TRADE UNION CONGRESS (TUC) HELD ON TUESDAY THE 4TH OF JUNE 2024 AT THE OLAITAN OYERINDE HALL, NLC’S NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA
Following the successful commencement of the indefinite nationwide strike action initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on June 3, 2024, the National Executive Councils (NEC) of both organizations convened a joint meeting to deliberate on the recent offer from the Federal Government of Nigeria concerning a higher national minimum wage at a meeting which lasted several hours yesterday. The NEC also reviewed the government’s position on other critical demands, particularly the reversal of the electricity tariff hike and the cessation of the discriminatory classification of electricity consumers into Bands.
The NEC-in-session further examined the circumstances behind our withdrawal from the Tripartite national minimum wage negotiation process within the context of the behaviour of the federal government towards the exercise and the content of the Understanding reached with organised Labour.
The NEC critically examined the following key issues: 1. The Federal Government’s proposal to commit to a higher national minimum wage. 2. The ongoing demands for the reversal of the electricity tariff hike back to N66/kwh. 3. The demand for the stoppage of the apartheid classification of electricity consumers into Bands. 4. The reasons for withdrawing from the Tripartite Committee for the Negotiation of the National Minimum Wage 5. The content of the memorandum of understanding reached with the Federal Government at the meeting of Monday, the 3rd of June, 2024
On the National Minimum Wage: The NEC-in-Session acknowledges the personal offer by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commit to a higher National Minimum Wage above the N60,000 (Sixty thousand Naira) on offer.
On Electricity Tariff Hike and Classification: The NEC-in-Session is deeply disappointed by the government’s silence and lack of concrete action regarding the reversal of the electricity tariff hike and the abolition of the apartheid classification of electricity consumers into Bands. The NEC reaffirms that these issues are critical to alleviating the financial burden on Nigerian workers and the general populace. The electricity tariff hike and discriminatory Band classification remain unacceptable and must be addressed alongside the wage increase.
On The Reason for Withdrawing from the Wage Setting Process: The NEC-insession frowned at the refusal of the federal government to go beyond the N60,000 (Six thousand Naira) at the ongoing national minimum wage negotiation exercise which compelled our withdrawal.
On The Agreement with the Federal Government: The NEC-in-session affirms that the federal government has agreed that their offer of N60,000 (Sixty thousand Naira) was not sufficient and has therefore shown commitment to making better Wage offer to Nigerian workers and reaching agreement on the same within one week.
In view of the deliberations, the NEC-in-session resolved as follows: 1. There is a greater need to create the right ambience for negotiation to continue unhindered. The indefinite nationwide strike action is therefore relaxed for One Week from today to allow the Federal Government commit to a concrete and acceptable National Minimum Wage; take definitive steps to reverse the electricity tariff hike back to N66/kwh and abolish the discriminatory classification of electricity consumers into Bands.
2. The NLC and TUC National Leadership are mandated to continue to maintain open channels of communication with the Federal Government to negotiate and secure favourable outcomes for Nigerian workers and people. 3. All affiliate unions and State Councils are therefore directed to Relax the indefinite nationwide strike and return to their respective workplaces immediately.
The NEC-in-Session expresses profound gratitude to Nigerian workers and the general public for their unwavering support and solidarity in this critical struggle for improved living and working conditions.
The NLC and TUC remain committed to pursuing all necessary actions to protect the rights and welfare of all Nigerian people and workers as we urge all to await further directives while the negotiation continues.
The Government of Germany has launched what it terms as ‘Opportunity Card‘ for skilled individuals outside the European Union (EU) to search for work opportunities in Germany.
The portal where applicants were asked to apply showed Nigeria as one of the countries of residence of intending applicants.
This was announced on Germany’s Federal Foreign Office Consular Services Portal on June 1, 2024.
The Opportunity Card is a residence permit that allows workers from third countries to enter Germany to seek employment.
Third countries are nations that are not part of the European Union.
About Opportunity Card The Opportunity Card is issued for a period of up to one year but if one finds qualified employment during one’s stay, such a person can obtain a subsequent residence permit for the purpose of further searching (follow-up Opportunity Card) or taking up gainful employment from the local foreigners’ authority in Germany.
The Government stated that when applying, one will need proof that his or her professional qualification is recognised by the state either in Germany or in the country in which it was obtained.
“Proof that you will be able to support yourself for the duration of your stay in Germany can be provided in the form of a blocked account or a declaration of commitment, for example. At least 1,027 euros per month (as of 2024) are generally required.
“During your stay for the purpose of finding a job, you have the opportunity to work up to 20 hours a week in a part-time job. In addition, you can take up trial jobs for up to two weeks at a time to familiarise yourself with potential jobs,” it added.
Eligibility
The following basic requirements must be fulfilled for the Opportunity Card on a points basis among others,
“Completion of a degree or at least two years of training that is recognised by the state in which it was obtained,
“German language skills at least at level A1 or English language skills at least at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR),
“Sufficient financial means to cover your living expenses for the duration of your stay in Germany.”
A Guide for Nigerians For Nigerian applicants, the German government advised they follow up on Germany’s diplomatic mission in Nigeria for a visa.
“You can only apply for your visa at the German mission responsible for you. The responsibility depends on the district in which you reside. If the online application is not available at your competent German mission, please apply for your visa on-site. You will find further information on the website of your German mission,” it stated.
The call by Germany is the latest among foreign countries’ search for expertise around the world.
Reports indicate a substantial increase in the number of Nigerian healthcare workers migrating to countries like the UK, Canada, and the US.
Banyana Banyana were held to a 1-1 draw by Senegal at the Stade Lat Dior on Saturday night after seeing their lead evaporate in the dying moments of the match. The reigning African champions looked on course for victory after Nthabiseng Majiya gave them the lead in the 67th-minute, but a 90th-minute penalty awarded to Senegal for an apparent handball allowed Mbayang Sow to step up and ensure the home side walked away with a share of the spoils.
Saturday night’s clash was the first of two friendlies between the two nations, with the second match set for Tuesday.
Senegal started the match brightly, leading to a nervy moment for Banyana in their own box before defender Karabo Dhlamini was able to avert the danger.
Sibulele Holweni had the first real chance for South Africa not long after but her shot lacked the power to trouble Senegal’s defensive lines.
Moments later, Kaylin Swart was forced into her first save following a good counterattacking move from the hosts, but she proved equal to the task.
The end-to-end battle continued, however, with Nthabiseng Majiya fashioning another opportunity for Banyana, before Swart was called on again, this time to save a goal-bound header.
After a goalless first half, Banyana thought they should have had a penalty early in the second stanza, but the referee waved play on.
Senegal had a great chance to open the scoring just before the hour mark following a defense-splitting pass, but the chance was wasted and instead it was Banyana who took the lead shortly after when Majiya smartly beat the offside trap and slotted the ball home.
Senegal tried to equalise 10 minutes from time via a free-kick in a dangerous area, but again Swart was there to make the save.
As the clock wound down, the South Africans looked destined for victory but regulation time expired Senegal were handed a somewhat contentious penalty following a scramble in the box and Mbayang made no mistake from the spot to ensure it ended 1-1 at the final whistle.
Super Falcons and Atletico Femeni forward, Rasheedat Ajibade, has begun learning the reintroduced national anthem a day after it was signed into law.
Recall Vanguard reported on Tuesday that, President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill seeking to return the old national anthem ‘Nigeria, We hail thee’ into law.
Video: ‘I no fit argue, I don start to dey learn am,’ Super Falcons star, Ajibade, plays new national anthem Super Falcons and Atletico Femeni forward, Rasheedat Ajibade, has begun learning the reintroduced national anthem a day after it was signed into law.
The decision has since sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media.
In the video shared on her TikTok on Wednesday, the Super Falcons captain was seen playing the anthem, as she tried to sing along.
She captioned the video, “I don start to dey learn my own; I no fit argue abeg, as this one na him be naija problem now.”
A suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory after spending 27 months in detention.
Kyari was detained following his arrest on February 14, 2022, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for alleged involvement with an international drug cartel.
Kyari, along with four members of the Police Intelligence Response Team—Sunday Ubia, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba, and John Nuhu—was arraigned on March 7, 2022.
Two suspected drug traffickers, Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne, who were arrested at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, were also charged.
While Kyari and the IRT members pleaded not guilty, Umeibe and Ezenwanne pleaded guilty and were convicted.
Despite multiple applications, Kyari’s requests for bail were repeatedly denied until a recent decision by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
On May 22, 2024, Judge Emeka Nwite, granted Kyari bail to allow him to conclude the burial rites of his mother, Yachilla Kyari, who died on May 5.
As part of his bail conditions, Kyari was required to deposit his passport with the court and report to the nearest NDLEA office during the bail period.
The court scheduled May 31, 2024, for the hearing on Kyari’s main application for bail about the drug trafficking charges.
Giving updates, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service of the Federal Capital Territory Command, Adamu Duza, confirmed to our correspondent on Friday night that Kyari met his bail conditions and was released on Friday.
Duza said, “DCP Kyari has perfected his bail conditions, and has since been released today.”
Justice Lifu agreed with the arguments of her lawyer that the offence with which Mrs Okoli was charged with was a bailable one.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has granted Chioma Okoli ₦5 million bail with two sureties in like sum over allegations bordering on her online commentary on Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste.
While admitting her to bail, Justice Lifu said that one of the sureties must be the defendant’s spouse or blood relative with a variable source of income and also residing within the jurisdiction of the court.
The judge ordered the sureties to deposit a passport photograph for each, and directed the defendant to also deposit her international passport, if any.
Justice Lifu agreed with the arguments of her lawyer that the offence with which Okoli was charged was a bailable one.
Justice Lifu further held that pursuant to Section 36 (5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The judge added that denying her bail is a wrong application of discretion which will amount to a pre-trial judgment and judicial rascality.
He equally based the ruling on the health status of Okoli.
He adjourned the matter until June 13 for further hearing.
Okoli is being charged over her online commentary on Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste which the police alleged violated the Cybercrime Act, 2015.
She was arraigned before Justice Lifu by the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police on a two-count charge bordering on cyber crime.
She pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
The police had in September 2023 arrested Mrs Okoli over claim in a review that a tomato paste she bought in a market tasted sugary.
The paste which she referred to in her review is the Nagiko tomato mix, which is manufactured by Erisco Foods Limited, Lagos.
She made her review in a post on her Facebook page “Chioma Egodi Jnr” on 17 September, 2023.
A few days after Okoli’s post, police operatives arrested her in Lagos and flew her to Abuja for interrogation following a complaint by Erisco Foods Limited.
Erisco Foods Limited had in statement described Okoli’s claim that the Nagiko tomato paste tastes sugary as “untrue and unfounded.”
Members of the organised labour, on Friday, declared a nationwide indefinite strike over the Federal Government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this at an ongoing press conference in Labour House, Abuja.
Ajaero said the strike would begin by midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
The President of the TUC Festus Osifo also announced the strike at a joint news conference with the leadership of the NLC in Abuja on Friday.
According to the labour leaders, the decision follows the expiration of an earlier request to the Federal Government to conclude all negotiations for a new minimum wage before the end of May.
“In light of this persistent inaction, we, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), hereby issue a notice of commencement of an indefinite nationwide strike to the Federal Government,” Osifo said.
“We reiterate that since the National Minimum Wage negotiation exercise has not been concluded and the agreed wage passed into law; the hike in electricity tariff has not been reversed and the categorization of consumers into Bands has not stopped as demanded; Nigerian workers are compelled by these failures to embark on an indefinite nationwide industrial action beginning on Monday, the 3rd of June, 2024 to press home our demands.”
The organised labour had once pulled out of the negotiation and rejected two Federal Government offers, the latest being N60,000.
As prices of fresh tomatoes have tripled in less than a month, many Nigerians now look for alternatives to the vegetable which is a major ingredient in the preparation of the country’s legendary jollof rice.
Tomato prices in Africa’s most populated nation, have jumped by 350 per cent to N45,000 for a 25kg basket as against N10,000 three weeks ago, while a big basket has surged to N120,000 from N40,000 in the period under review
Many households have now cut down on the consumption of jollof rice and other foods where fresh tomato is a key ingredient because of the sudden escalating prices
This price surge is hinged on a pest infestation called Tuta absoluta or Tomatoes Ebola affecting tomato crops in many major producing states around the country. Also, unconducive climate change is affecting the production output of the vegetable.
Carrots
In its blended form, carrots are a good alternative to fresh tomatoes. The vegetable not only has a sweet taste but can also give off the bright red colour of fresh tomatoes when used in large quantities.
It contains a load of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immunity, heart, kidney, and liver health, and provide other health benefits.
When mixed with peppers, carrots can give the reddish colour of fresh tomatoes in jollof rice and stews.
Carrots are sold for N200 and above, depending on location. They make a cheap alternative to fresh tomatoes.
Eggplant
While it might not give dishes the reddish colour customary to fresh tomatoes, eggplant is a good alternative to fresh tomatoes.
It contains a good amount of vitamins, minerals and fibre, and only a few calories. Eggplants make a fine sauce due to its thick consistency and sweet taste.
The fruit is a large egg-shaped berry with a glossy surface that varies in colour from dark purple to red, pink, yellowish, or white
It could be used for cooking stew that can be eaten with rice, yam, potatoes and plantain, among other dishes.
Eggplants are sold in many markets around Nigeria at a more affordable price than fresh tomatoes.
Beets
With its red colour, beets are another alternative for fresh tomatoes. When blended, beets can be added to different dishes ranging from salad as a colouring agent, to jollof rice and stews.
Beetroot juice has been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved blood flow, lower blood pressure, and increased exercise performance.
It is also not as expensive as fresh tomatoes and can function in the stead of fresh tomatoes, as well as contains a lot of beneficial nutrients to human health.
Beets are sold in many markets around the country.
WAFU A U20 Women’s Tournament ¦ Senegal Face Guinea Bissau In Final, Liberia Host Guinea
The U20 women’s national teams from Senegal and Guinea-Bissau will meet this Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the Lat Dior stadium in Thiès, in the final of the UFOA-A tournament.
Sex is an integral part of human life, an individual personality expressed. Knowing one’s sex language can lead to sexual desires, and bring you closer to your spouse.
Amputee AFCON | Morocco Crush Nigeria 6-2 To Reach Final
Cairo, Egypt: The Moroccan amputee football team has made history by qualifying for the final of the African Amputee Football Cup, currently taking place in Egypt. This remarkable feat comes after their crushing 6-2 victory over Nigeria in the semi-final match today.
The Golden Eaglets will entertain the baby Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in Saturday’s second Semi-Final match at the ongoing WAFU Zone B Championship in Accra Ghana.
The Nigerian U17 team are the defending champions and are coming into today’s game as group B winners.
The young Ivorians finished second behind Ghana’s Black Starlets in group A, having lost their first game by 5-1 to Ghana, but secured a maximum point against Benin Republic which was enough to take them through to this stage of the tournament.
The Baby Elephants lost to Nigeria at this stage of the last edition in Cape Coast to hand Nigeria the final ticket. Hence the two teams aren’t new to each other.
Whilst the Baby Elephants would be looking forward to eliminate that memory of 2022, the Golden Eaglets will fancy the chance of not only having the opportunity to retain their title, but to securing a ticket to the next CAF OF U17 African Cup of Nations.
Head-To-Head
Placing these two teams side by side based on their previous and recent meetings, the Baby Elephants have had the upper hands, winning three of such meetings, lost two and drew one.
At the last WAFU B U17 Boys Championship in Cape Coast, Nigeria triumphed 3-1 to reach the final of that year’s edition of the tournament. In 2021 the Golden Eaglets lost twice to the Baby Elephants, 0-1 in group stage and 2-3 during the final of that year’s edition of the tournament WAFU B U17 Boys tournament.
Similar situation played out at the 2017 edition where Ivory Coast defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the group stage but both teams played a 1-1 in the knockout stage.
Current Form & Prediction
Both teams started this tournament on a shaky and slow pace, with Nigeria being held to a goalless draw by Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast were humiliated by the host with a 5-1 spanking on match day one.
But they have since pick up the pieces and are here now vying for the qualifications to the next CAF AFCON and a chance to emerge winners of the WAFU B U17 Boys Championship.
Nigeria edge Niger by a lone goal in their second group game and went on to trash Togo 3-0 in the final group B game.
Ivory Coast secured maximum points via a 2-0 victory against Benin Republic on match day two.
Looking at history, their current form and style of play, both teams have what it takes to edge one another.
Hence, this is going to be a keenly contested game of football. But who will triumphed after 90 minutes.
We are predicting a Nigeria victory via spot kicks. Yes, we believe the match will go all the way to penalty kicks and Nigeria should carry the day.
Please note that predictions may differ from the actual outcome of the game.
How To Watch Nigeria vs Côte d’Ivoire Live
Nigeria 🇳🇬 vs Côte d’Ivoire U17 🇨🇮 Live
The match is scheduled for Saturday May 25, 2024 9PM GMT +1 at the Acra University stadium.
Preview ¦ Ghana U17 vs Burkina Faso U17 – Black Starlets On A Revenge Mission ¦ Watch Live
The National Under-17 team of Ghana, the Black Starlets, will face off with the young Stallions of Burkina Faso in what promises to be a make-or-break encounter in the first semi-final of the WAFU Zone B Under-17 championship on Saturday.
The new head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Finidi George, has announced a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic, Soccernet.ng reports.
The squad features 2023 Africa Cup of Nations’ standout performers like Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
However, the squad will be without captain Ahmed Musa, as well as the team’s vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong, who played a crucial role for the team at the AFCON tournament.
Meanwhile, there has also been a return of Maduka Okoye following his outstanding performance with Udinese FC, as well as German Bundesliga Rookie of The Year, Victor Boniface, who will be earning his first call up this year following an injury stint.
Defenders like Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Alhassan Yusuf, as well as forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, and Terem Moffi are not also left out.
For the first time, Remo Stars’ defender Sadiq Ismael has been called up, alongside Paul Onuachu who has been firing on all cylinders for Turkish side, Trabzonspor.
The Super Eagles will face South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7, with kickoff at 8 PM. They will then travel to Abidjan to take on Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Monday, June 10.
Full Squad List: Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has presented the letter of reinstatement to 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Presenting the letter on Friday, the governor said, “We return Sanusi out of conviction that he was victimized in 2019.
“We also return him as the rightful Emir of Kano, to continue the good job he was doing for the good of Kano People.”
Commenting on the legislative process that led to Sanusi’s reinstatement, the governor insisted, “Once a Bill is signed into law, it has become law and nobody can change that.”
“Your reappointment was guided by the collective belief and judgement of your competency, dedication and zeal for the development of Kano State and it’s environs.
“As you ascend the throne of the Kano Emirate of Kano State, you should be guided in your conducts by the teachings of Islam which you are known for,” he added.
Yusuf urged Sanusi to reunite the family of Ibrahim Dabo and also do more to ensure that Islamic sects are brought together as one worshipers of Allah.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the former commander of the Force Intelligence Response Team, DCP Abba Kyari, two weeks’ bail after 27 months in detention.
Kyari is expected to conclude his mother, Yachilla Kyari’s burial rites.
The court subsequently set Friday, May 31, for the determination of his bail application in the trial over drug-related charges filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency following his arrest over two years ago on February 14, 2022.
Recall that the mother died in the early hours of Sunday, May 5, 2024, and was survived by 10 children (five males and five females), including Abba, who is the eldest son.
While Abba Kyari was not able to attend his mother’s burial, residents of Borno State turned out in large numbers to pay their respects to Yachilla, who was buried according to Islamic rites the same day.
In 2022, the Police Service Commission suspended Kyari and two senior police officers — Sunday Ubua and James Bawa — named in a cocaine deal involving the suspended deputy commissioner of police.
“The Police Service Commission has suspended assistant commissioner of police, ACP Sunday Ubua and assistant superintendent of police, ASP James Bawa from the exercise of the powers and functions of their respective Offices with effect from Monday, 14th February 2022,” the PSC said in a statement.
The NDLEA had also declared Kyari wanted over alleged links with an international drug cartel.
Femi Babalola, spokesperson for the NDLEA, alleged that Kyari and his Intelligence Response Team arrested some drug traffickers who arrived in the country from Ethiopia with 25kg of cocaine but took 15kg of the seized substance for themselves.
The Golden Eaglets final Group B match against Togo today has been postponed till tomorrow as a result of an unplayable pitch caused by heavy rain in Accra, Ghana.
The game will be played from 9am at the Rugby at the University of Ghana.
The match was originally fixed for 5pm today.
This information was made known by team spokesman Francis Achi.
The other group game between Niger and Burkina Faso has also been postponed on account of the same reason and will also be played tomorrow simultaneously with the Eaglets match.
Heavy rain also caused another Group B match involving Togo and Niger to be postponed by a day.
Burkina Faso lead Group B with four points and a better goals difference than the Eaglets, who also have four points from two matches.
Hosts Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire have already qualified for the semifinals of the competition from Group A.
The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, has said that the Nigerian apex bank ordered Moniepoint, Kuda, Opay, Palmpay not to onboard more customers because of the allegations that the Fintech operators’ platforms are being used for illegal foreign exchange.
Cardoso added that the instruction not to onboard isn’t revocation of licenses but a a precautionary measure to block leakages.
He said, “CBN is not against fintechs and has not revoked the license of any fintech organization.”
Cardoso disclosed this in a communiqué from Tuesday’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Abuja.
The CBN Governor’s reaction comes weeks after the bank restricted OPay, Palmpay, Kuda Bank and Moniepoint from onboarding new customers over allegations of accounts being used for illicit foreign exchange transactions.
Cardoso stressed the need for CBN to strengthen financial regulations to check against leakages.
Cardoso added, “It’s our responsibility to ensure it (the banking system) remains sound, safe, and fit for purpose.”
Mauricio Pochettino has left Chelsea by mutual consent after just a season in charge.
Pochettino agreed to his departure with Chelsea late on Tuesday morning, following the club’s end-of-season review that started on Monday.
Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League in what was an improvement from the previous year.
However, all season long, there have been uncertainty around Pochettino’s future after a difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge.
The Argentine’s departure means that he spent one year of the two-year contract he signed last summer and is in line to pocket a significant compensation fee.
“Chelsea FC can confirm that the club and Mauricio Pochettino have mutually agreed to part ways,” Chelsea said in a statement.
In just two years under the ownership of an American consortium fronted by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly and private equity group Clearlake Capital, Chelsea have spent over £1 billion ($1.3 billion) on new players.
The vast majority of that outplay was spent on rising stars and Pochettino pointed to a lack of experience and a lengthy injury list for failing to achieve consistent results.
Chelsea lost the League Cup final 1-0 to Liverpool after extra-time and pushed Manchester City all the way before losing in the FA Cup semi-finals by the same score.
But there had been signs that Pochettino’s project was coming together in a run of five consecutive wins to end the season that ensured Chelsea will be in Europe next season.
They will qualify for the Europa League if Manchester United lose to City in the FA Cup final and the Conference League if the Red Devils shock the English champions.
“Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and sporting directors for the opportunity to be part of this football club’s history,” said Pochettino.
“The club is now well positioned to keep moving forward in the Premier League and Europe in the years to come.”
Chelsea sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “On behalf of everyone at Chelsea, we would like to express our gratitude to Mauricio for his service this season.
“He will be welcome back to Stamford Bridge any time and we wish him all the very best in his future coaching career.”
Afrobeats powerhouse Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, universally known as Burna Boy, is igniting the film industry with his bold new venture as an executive producer.
The multi-award-winning artist is diving into the world of cinema with an electrifying thriller titled 3 Cold Dishes.
This gripping film is a collaborative effort, co-produced alongside Ifind, Alma Productions, Asurf Films, Martian Network, and Black Mic Mac, a dynamic production company dedicated to spotlighting African and Middle Eastern talent.
Burna Boy’s foray into filmmaking is spearheaded by Spaceship Films, the production company he co-founded with his mother, the formidable Bose Ogulu, in 2015.
Known for their innovative and boundary-pushing projects, Spaceship Films is set to bring a fresh and compelling narrative to the big screen.
The film, 3 Cold Dishes, is under the masterful direction of Asurf Oluseyi, a visionary filmmaker who clinched the African Magic Viewer’s Choice Award (AMVCA) for Best Short Film in 2016 with A Day with Death.
In an interview, director Asurf Oluseyi described the upcoming thriller 3 Cold Dishes as a “testament to the strength and resilience of its characters” and an “African cinematic journey like no other.”
The film features an all-star cast of Nollywood’s finest, including Osas Ighodaro, Wale Ojo, Femi Jacobs, Ruby Akubueze, Brutus Richards, and Greg Ojefua. Additionally, the movie showcases international talent with Ivorian actors Fat Toure and Maud Guerard, as well as Senegalese stars Amelie Mbaye and Mentor Ba.
Liberia U-17 Women’s national football team triumphed over Senegal to set up a fourth and final round fixture of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against the Flamingos of Nigeria.
The Liberian girls stunned Senegal 2-0 in the second leg of their third round qualifier.
Louise Brown scored the curtain raiser for the home team late in the first half.
The hosts increased the pressure after the break and were rewarded for their impressive attacking display when Dalphine Glao added the second in the 54th minute.
The Flamingos thrashed Burkina Faso 7-1 on aggregate to earn a place in the next round.
The first leg of the final round between Liberia and Nigeria will take place in Monrovia, Liberia, on Saturday, June 8.
While the reverse fixture will hold at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja one week later.
Watch Flamingos 6-0 Thumping Of Burkina Faso Below:
Officers of the Nigeria Army have reportedly shut down Banex Plaza, a shopping complex located in the Wuse 2 area of the Abuja, following attacks on some soldiers over the weekend.
A trader at the nearby Emab Plaza, Mr Somto, confirmed this said, “Banex is locked down. We are not affected by it though. Some men of the Army are here”, he said.
According to the PUNCH a shop owner, who runs an Apple Products store, speaks on the condition of anonymity to confirm the development, adding that traders are still in talks with the Army.
“No, we are not open. You know because of the issue that happened, the Army has locked down the place. At each gate of Banex now, there is a Hilux vehicle, Army Hilux. They won’t even let you cross the place.
“But maybe between tomorrow and next, it will be open, we don’t know. We are still on it, having meetings with them,” he said.
The FCT Police Command on Saturday, deployed officers of the Intelligence Response Team to the area after a conflict ensued between traders and some soldiers on Saturday.
A viral video seen by our correspondent on X showed a multitude of civilians overpowering some soldiers during a free-for-all fight at Banex.
The FCT Police Command, in a statement by its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, later on Saturday night, said the police had restored peace in the affected area, adding that a buyer had gone with four soldiers to demand a refund, after the purchased phone developed faults, which the shop owner resisted.
“This action resulted in a confrontation and squabble with the military personnel. This development led some irate mobs to attack the military personnel which led to an uproar in the environs”, the statement read.
Meanwhile, personnel of the Nigeria Army, in a reprisal, reportedly stormed the plaza on Saturday evening, beating passersby and manning guards, while a circulating video also showed the soldiers punishing some individuals.
Man City win Premier League title for fourth consecutive year as Arsenal finished second
History is made by Manchester City, winning their fourth consecutive Premier League title with a dominant 3-1 win over West Ham.
No team has ever won the league four times in a row in the Premier League era, and the feat sends the City fans into ecstasy as they storm the field in celebration.
Foden scored twice to help Man City claim its eighth EPL championship in club history.
With a 3-1 win at home against West Ham on Sunday, the club has earned an unprecedented fourth consecutive English Premier League title.
It was its sixth championship in the past seven seasons, a feat never accomplished before.
Arsenal, despite its best season since “The Invincibles” went undefeated in 2003–04, fell just two points short in the table. The Gunners (28-5-5) won 2-1 at home against Everton on Sunday.
Phil Foden, voted EPL Player of the Season earlier this week, notched the first two goals for Manchester City (28-7-3), at the 2nd and 18th minute, respectively.
“I believe in scoring a bit too early,” said Foden of his early strike. He later added, “The second settled us a little bit.”
West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus’ incredible bicycle kick off a corner in the 42nd minute gave hope for Arsenal fans, but it wasn’t enough.
Manchester City put the game — and the season — away on Rodri’s goal in the 59th minute.
The result gives Manchester City eight EPL titles, the second most in history behind Manchester United’s 13.
It was also Pep Guardiola’s 12th league championship in 15 seasons as manager. His six English top-flight titles rank second all time behind only Sir Alex Ferguson (13).
Trophies That Man City Have Amassed In The Last Ten Season
The trophy cabinet at City has been very well stocked over the last decade. Here’s a look at the trophies City has won since the start of the 2013-14 season:
Seven Premier League titles
One Champions League title
Two FA Cups
Six League Cups
One Club World Cup
One UEFA Super Cup
Two FA Community Shields
Another Trophy On The Horizon For City
Today’s Premier League title might not be the last title Manchester City takes home this season. Earlier in the year, City took home the Fifa Club World Cup. In six days, the Citizens take on their cross-town rivals, Manchester United, in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
Watch Live Nigeria vs Niger | WAFU U17 Championship \ AFCONQ | MD2
The Nigerian Golden Eaglets have secured their first victory of the Accra 2024 WAFU B U17 Cup of Nations and AFCON qualifier by defeating Niger Republic 1-0 in Sunday’s second group B game.
Boxing - Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk - Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - May 19, 2024 Oleksandr Usyk celebrates with the belts after winning the fight to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion Action Images via CitySports NG
Video | How Oleksandr Usyk Defeated Tyson Fury To Emerge Undisputed Heavyweight Champions
Ukrainian heavyweight boxer, Oleksandr Usyk, defeated Tyson Fury by split decision on Saturday night to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, the first since Lennox Lewis.
British and WBC Champion, Tyson Fury, will be up against Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk for the heavyweight title unification bout in Saudi Arabia, later tonight.
Ring walks for the undisputed title fight will begin at 22:00 GMT and will soon be followed by the bout.
Usyk’s WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts will be on the line.
Fury will fight to add the Ukrainian’s titles to his WBC championship belt.
This is the first undisputed world heavyweight title championship since 1999 when Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield.
Eight undercard events will precede the main fight
FIFA U17 WWCQ | Nigeria vs Burkina Faso Preview | Flamingos On A Tricky Mission
Nigeria’s U17 Women’s national team, the Flamingos, are going into the second leg of the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup qualifier third-round on a very tight rope, having been held to a 1-1 draw by the Burkina Babes of Burkina Faso in the first leg last Thursday at Stade du 26, Bamako, Mali, the temporary home stadium of Burkina Faso national teams.
Portable To Release ‘Spiderman’ After Being Granted Bail Over G-Wagon Failed Debt
Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Portable, is back in the studio after his release from police custody following a disagreement with a car dealer over failed debt payment for his G-Wagon SUV.
