Nigeria’s renowned striker, Victor Osimhen, faces uncertainty for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against South Africa on Wednesday, having not traveled with the Super Eagles squad from Abidjan to Bouake on Monday night. As per the team’s Media Officer, Babafemi Raji, Osimhen remained in Abidjan due to abdominal discomfort, confirmed by the medical team. A dedicated medical professional is closely monitoring his condition in Abidjan. The hope is that Osimhen may join the team in Bouake before 5 pm on Tuesday if he receives clearance from the medical team by Tuesday morning. The situation adds an element of…
Author: Prince Ade ADe
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially prohibited the use of US Dollars for domestic transactions within the country. The announcement, conveyed through a press release signed by Ibrahim Mu’azu, Director of Corporate Communications, underscores concerns about the increasing prevalence of foreign currency usage for local goods and services. In the release, the CBN reiterates the legal status of the Naira as the exclusive legal tender in the country, citing the provisions of the CBN Act of 2007. According to the Act, currency notes issued by the bank are the sole accepted means of payment within Nigeria. Violating this…
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has implemented a ban on alcoholic beverages produced in sachets and PET bottles with a capacity less than 200ml. Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the Agency, revealed this decision during a media briefing in Abuja on Monday. Adeyeye explained that the ban resulted from a multilateral committee’s agreement, outlining a phased approach. Production was to be reduced by 50 percent by 2020, leading to a complete ban on January 31, 2024. The five-year window granted to manufacturers began in 2018 and concluded on the specified date.Enforcement of the…
Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez faces a prolonged absence until at least April following knee ligament damage sustained in the 3-0 victory over West Ham. The defender, recovering from a previous foot injury, limped off during his third league game, attempting to shield the ball from Hammers’ Vladimir Coufal. Having spent over three months recovering from a foot injury, the 26-year-old’s return to action was short-lived. Although the club ruled out the need for surgery, Martinez is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of eight weeks. A club statement expressed wishes for a speedy recovery, anticipating his return later in…
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, anticipates the Super Eagles’ semi-final clash with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, expressing familiarity with the opposition due to his stint at the South African club. Nwabali, quoted by thenff.com, foresees an intriguing encounter in Bouake, highlighting the personal significance of facing familiar adversaries. Having conceded only once in five games in Cote d’Ivoire, Nwabali’s confidence adds to the narrative of the 15th full international level meeting between Nigeria and South Africa. With seven wins for Nigeria in the previous 14 matches, including five draws and two victories for South Africa, Wednesday’s game carries historical weight.…
Arsenal reduced Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to two points after a deserved victory in a tense encounter at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners knew defeat was unthinkable and their cause was helped hugely by two errors from Liverpool’s normally reliable keeper Alisson, who gifted Arsenal the goals that ensured three crucial points. It sparked joyous scenes at the final whistle as Arsenal condemned Liverpool to only their second league defeat this season, their first since a highly controversial loss at Tottenham in late September. Arsenal were rewarded for a lightning start when Bukayo Saka gave them…
Inter Milan went four points clear at the top of Serie A with a win over Juventus that was decided by a Federico Gatti own goal. A cross from the right bounced off Gatti’s chest in the 37th minute to put Inter ahead. Federico Dimarco’s low ball behind the defence put Inter’s Marcus Thuram through on goal but he was denied by a last-ditch tackle from Gleison Bremer. Inter have a game in hand over second-placed Juve and third-placed AC Milan. The visitors to the San Siro had their chances, Dusan Vlahovic missing a gilt-edged opportunity for the Bianconeri when…
MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host the 2026 World Cup final on 19th July, while Azteca Stadium in Mexico City will stage the opening group game on the 11th of June. Mexico is one of three countries co-hosting the expanded 48-team tournament along with USA and Canada which will last a record 39 days. They have hosted two World Cups in 1970 and 1986, while the US hosted in 1994. Canada are first-time hosts and their opening game is in Toronto on 12 June. The United States will play their opening match at So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles also…
Atletico Madrid scored an injury-time equaliser to rescue a point from their derby with La Liga leaders Real Madrid. Brahim Diaz pounced on a heavy touch from Koke and clipped the ball past Jan Oblak from close range to give Real the opening goal. Stefan Savic had a leveller ruled out for offside after heading in Antoine Griezmann’s corner. But Marcos Llorente did salvage a point when he headed in from Memphis Depay’s flick-on with seconds left. Brahim had been a last-minute addition to the team after Vinicius Jr was injured in the warm-up and thought he had scored the…
The Nigerian Under-17 female national team defeated their Central African Republic counterparts 6 nil in the first leg of their second round World Cup qualifiers. The match was played in the Reunification Stadium, Douala, Cameroon on Sunday. The Flamingos scored four times in the first half to assert their superiority before adding two more goals in the second period. The Central African Republic holds international matches in Cameroon due to the absence of a FIFA-approved stadium in their country. Harmony Chidi and Shakirat Moshood led the girls with two goals apiece, with Prisca Nwachukwu and Etim Edidiong adding a goal…