AFCON 2013: Eagles’ll Overcome Zambia, Says Maigari

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Read Time:3 Minute, 5 Second

 President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari said on Thursday that he has no doubt the Super Eagles will overpower their Zambian counterparts when both teams clash at the Mbombela Stadium on Friday in the on-going 29th Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Speaking at his Emnotweni Hotel in Nelspruit as Nigeria football’s top hierarchy countenances Friday’s clash of titans, Maigari insisted that nothing had been lost and won by any of the teams in the group and that it would be like a fresh start on Friday evening.

“We have one goal for, one against and a point, just as each of the other three teams in the group. Yes, we would have loved to have the three points against Burkina Faso, moreso when we came so close to doing so, but football sometimes presents unexpected and dazzling conclusions.

“Nigerians don’t cry over spilt milk; it is not our attitude. So we take it that everyone is equal and nothing definite has happened in the group. Everyone is starting on a fresh note and the Super Eagles are ready to make hay.”

Nigeria confront the Africa champions days after a final-second blunder enabled the Etalons of Burkina Faso to earn a point in the two teams’ opening match of Group C.

The Chipolopolo were also a goal up and with one man advantage against the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia before conceding a second half equalizer at the same venue on Monday.

Nigeria football top officials are refusing to be bothered by a statement credited to Zambia Coach Herve Renard on the margin of the tournament, to the effect that the Eagles are ordinary.

“That statement has no weight; the young man was only playing mind games but our own Coach’s refusal to even dignify him with a reply shows uncommon maturity. I think such maturity by our players on the field on Friday will determine the match in our favour,” stated Chief Emeka Inyama, chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee.

Also speaking in Nelspruit, on arrival on Thursday, chairman of the NFF Technical Committee, Chris Green said: “Please tell Nigerians that there is nothing to worry about. The Super Eagles will be in business against the Zambians on Friday. I have spoken to Coach Keshi and he says there is no shaking. The Zambians will be out to prove that they are truly the champions of Africa, so the pressure will be on them.

“Our game plan and team selection will be key. But we will get both right,” pledged Green.

And despite Monday’s final-second error that cost Nigeria two precious points against Burkina Faso in Nelspruit, chairman of the House of Reps’ Committee on Sports, Honourable Godfrey Gaiya says he retains unwavering confidence in the Super Eagles.

The Eagles take the pitch against Cup holders Zambia at the Mbombela Stadium on Friday evening, with both teams tied at one point for and one goal for, one against after their first matches.

Gaiya, who also spoke in Nelspruit on Thursday evening, said Friday will be Nigeria’s day of glory and that the Eagles will not look back afterwards.

“Mistakes were made in the game against Burkina Faso but football is sometimes so unkind. However, those who work hard enough do reap in the end. The Super Eagles prepared very well for this competition thanks to the tireless efforts of the NFF leadership, and I believe they will live up to expectations on Friday.

“Zambia cannot stop Nigeria at this Africa Cup of Nations.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Afcon: We will get better before Eagles match – Ethiopia

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Read Time:1 Minute, 26 Second

Still basking in the euphoria of stunning African champions with a deserved 1-1 draw on Monday, Coach of the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia, Sewne Bishaw has promised an improved performance before their final Group C match against Nigeria next Tuesday.

While describing Zambia as a strong team, Bishaw said his little known side were going to get better with each game that they play in South Africa, adding that he expects Ethiopia to perform well against Burkina Faso and Nigeria, the other teams in the group.

“We are happy with our performance and I can assure you that we are going to get better before the matches against Burkina Faso (today) and Nigeria on Tuesday”, said Bishaw, who remains positive of a leading the team to the quarterfinal stage.

“We can get to the next round if we improve with each game played”, he said at the news conference held at th Mhobela Stadium in Nespruit.

On how his t10-man team managed to contain the Chipolopolo, Bishaw said he left one striker to attract Zambian defenders and this levelled the numbers on the rest of the pitch.

“That is why we dominated the midfield and scored,” he said.

On the sending off of goalkeeper Tasew Jemal Bushura, the coach said that was an undeserved decision by referee Castane Otogo.

“The goalkeeper had the right to come out. That should not have been a red card, but the referee’s decision has to be accepted,” he said.

On the violence reaction by Ethiopia fans to the red card, Bishaw said “that is normal, because they were reacting to something they did not like”.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Afcon: Atsu to shine for Black Stars

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Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah is of the opinion that 21-year old winger Christian Atsu will be a star performer at the 2013 African Cup of Nations.

The Porto FC player did not feature much against the Democratic Republic of Congo in a Group B match which ended 2-2 after after Ghana had led 2-0.

Appiah believes he will settle down soon and show why teams like Tottenham Hotspurs are chasing him.

“Atsu is one of the young talents that every Ghanaian relied on to start very well in such a competition,” Appiah told MTNfootball.

“Most of the time, you could be the best player in the world but once you go into a competition that you have not been in before, you may start slowly.

“I have been talking to him yesterday (Sunday) and today (Monday) and we need to raise his confidence level and psyche him up.

“And I believe that even though we did not have a good game yesterday (Sunday), along the line you will see the real Atsu.” 

Atsu is one of 10 players making their AFCON debut

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Afcon 2013: Eagles should respect us – Zambia

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Zambia coach Herve Renard has warned the Eagles to respect Chipolopolo as the defending champions of the Nations Cup before embarking on a wild goose chase of beating them.

Zambia and Nigeria stand on one point each after drawing 1-1 in their first matches against Ethiopia and Burkina Faso respectively.

“I’ve heard Nigerians boasting of beating us. They are entitled to their dreams but they should respect us as the defending champions.

We’ll settle scores today. I respect Nigeria because they have very talented individual players.

Zambia does not lack players, either. The Zambian team are ready to prove that their last victory was not a fluke and we are ready to go all the way to the finals”, he said.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Afcon 2013: Show your character against Zambia, Yobo tells Eagles

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Still seething over their 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso in their AFCON opener on Monday, Super Eagles Skipper, Joseph Yobo has told his teammates that they need to do better when they confront the Chipolopolo of Zambia Friday at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
Nigeria were denied the maximum points at the very end of a thrilling Group C opener against the Burkinabes, who netted in the 94th minute.

Like the first Group C match between Zambia and Ethiopia, this game ended 1-1 and leaves everyone on an equal footing.

Burkinabe substitute Alain Traore netted the all-important equaliser, nullifying Emmanuel Emenike’s 23rd minute strike for the Super Eagles, who also had a player sent off.

The result has not gone down well with the Eagles captain, who is gunning to take down the defending champions in today’s mouthwatering clash.

Speaking ahead of the heavyweight battle that neither team prays to draw or lose, the former Everton centre-back, urged his teammates to move on from the draw with the Burkinabes and come out with a win against the Zambians.

“We just have to win the game to move up. We did well against Burkina Faso, but conceding in the very last second was disappointing”, said Yobo, who wants the team to show character against Zambia, who he noted they were awa

“We have to show character in next game against Zambia. We know what to expect in the game because they are the defending champions and we respect them for that, they know what we can do as well and know what we will come for in the match.

“It will be a difficult game because both teams need the three points.”

 

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: President Goodluck Jonathan assures of steady power supply by year end

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Read Time:2 Minute, 6 Second

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigeria of a significant improvement in the level of power supply by the end of this year.

Speaking in an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, in Washington, Jonathan, however, disclosed that Nigeria’s power challenges can not be resolved over night, adding that it requires the completion of the overall power infrastructure before stable electricity can be guaranteed.

He maintained that money alone can not resolve the power crisis Nigeria is facing, stating that addressing the problems requires time and much effort.

He said the commitment of the government towards improving the level of power supply is yielding the desired results and majority of Nigerians can testify to that fact.

He said, “We have not got to where we should be and of course you know the power infrastructure is one investment that you must complete the chain before the bulb can light.

“You must generate, you must transmit, you must distribute. And even if you have the money and the political will to do so, you cannot do it over night.

“And we are working very hard, and I promise you that before the end of this year power will be really reasonably stable in Nigeria.

“This is something that has been a problem for years. So you cannot correct it overnight. It takes time, even if you have the money.

Responding to questions on the current state of power supply in Nigeria, Jonathan said, “I would have loved that you asked an ordinary Nigerian on the streets of Lagos, Abuja or any other city, the situation about power.

“That is one area that Nigerians are quite pleased with the government, that our commitment to improve power is working. So if you are saying something different I am really surprised. That is one area that even civil society members agreed that government has kept faith with its promise.”

Jonathan agreed with the fact that Nigeria is losing huge amount of money daily from crude oil stealing and solicited the support of the international community in helping Nigeria stem this nefarious activity.

When you talk about crude oil stealing, yes, I agree with you. Frankly speaking, we want the international community to support Nigeria. This is because this stolen crude is being bought by refineries abroad and they know the crude was stolen.

“The world must condemn what is wrong. The stolen crude is refined abroad, is not refined in Nigeria.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Afcon 2013: Ghana edge Mali 1-0

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Four-time cham-pions Ghana defeated Mali 1-0 Thursday to shoot to the top of Group B at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars have four points while Mali slipped to second place on three points.

Democratic Republic of Congo, who have collected one point, face pointless Niger later in the second game of a Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium double-header.

Ghana dominated this encounter with Mali lacking the firepower to trouble their opponents even after the introduction of fit-again West Ham striker Modibo Maiga.

Mubarak Wakaso put Ghana in front from the penalty spot in the 38th minute after the lively Emmanuel Agyeman Badu was brought down inside the box by experienced left-back Adama Tamboura.

Wakaso will miss his team’s final group game on Monday against Niger after he was booked for his celebration — his second caution of the competition.

This was the third time the west African countries clashed in the tournament within a year.

Ghana won a group game 2-0 in Gabon at the 2012 tournament before Mali gained revenge by winning 2-0 to clinch third place.

In a cautious first half, Ghana created more chances.

After eight minutes, Mali skipper Seydou Keita’s free kick from the top of the box, after goalkeeper Fatau Dauda handled outside his area, narrowly missed the target with the goalkeeper beaten.

Thereafter, it was Ghana all the way.

On 13 minutes, Black Stars skipper Asamoah Gyan saw his shot from inside the box blocked for a corner.

Badu’s header in the 32nd minute off a Wakaso free-kick came back off the foot of the post with Mali goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa beaten.

Mali began the second half brightly and veteran Keita just failed to connect with a clever chip by Mahamane Traore, who had a shot tipped over by Dauda.

A Wakaso free-kick was not far off target and a Gyan shot nearly caught the Mali goalkeeper napping.

Badu had a free-kick scrambled away for a corner and substitute Solomon Asante almost made an immediate impact when he latched on to a loose ball only to miss.

Four-time champions Ghana defeated Mali 1-0 Thursday to shoot to the top of Group B at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars have four points while Mali slipped to second place on three points.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Council of Chiefs of Supare in Akoko South West L.G.A suspends oba over rape

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THERE appears to be more troubles for the Olupare of Supare in Akoko South West Local Government area of the State, Oba Kasali Adejoro, as he has been suspended by the state Council of Chiefs over the allegation of rape leveled against him.

It would be recalled that Oba Adejoro was charged before Supare Magistrate Court  for allegedly rapping one of his subjects, Mrs. Comfort Awogbamila last year.

The State Council of Traditional Rulers said it suspended Oba Adejoro pending the outcome  of the  case at the law courts

According to a letter by the Chairman of the Council and the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, it directed the embattled monarch to stay away from the activities of the council.
The letter reads “the attention of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers has been drawn to the recent allegation against your good self and the on-going prosecution at both magistrate and high courts.

Following the on-going criminal proceeding, before the courts, you are advised to stay away from the activities and meetings of the council of Traditional Rulers until the criminal case are resolved in one way or the other.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Truck fire closes SH3 near Palmerston North

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Read Time:1 Minute, 49 Second

Firefighters battled a truck blaze this morning after aerosol cans onboard exploded into the air on a section of State Highway 3 near Palmerston North.

The truck driver, Hayden Hakaraia, pulled over on Rangitikei Line about 150m north of Hansens Line, just after 7am, after seeing flames coming out of the sides of his B-train curtainsider truck.

Chris Tuoro, who was along for the ride with his friend, said they had travelled from Auckland with a full load of packages and goods destined for Palmerston North, where they were to unload and pick up a new load to take back.

Neither man was injured and no other vehicles were involved.

Tuoro said they were alerted to the fire after seeing flames and burning pieces of flying debris coming out of the sides of the truck in the wing mirrors, so Hakaraia pulled over and they removed the trailer unit from the truck.

The only dangerous goods onboard were aerosol cans, some of which went shooting off into the air before fire crews arrived.

The fire must have been going for some time before they noticed it because he had been told there was a trail of burnt debris along the road behind them, he said.

The cause of the fire was yet to be determined, and Tuoro didn't know how it could have started either.

Helen Upson, from nearby Hanshi Kennels, said she heard two loud explosions that she thought were doors slamming shut.

When she went downstairs and saw her neighbour go past her house at speed, she followed him and saw the trailer unit up in flames.

She later realised the big bangs she heard were tyres exploding.

''The only thing I can think of is the brakes, but that shouldn't come up through the boards into the trailer,'' she said.

The fire was out about 8.30am, and fire services managed to stop it spreading to nearby vegetation.

Traffic diversions through Hansens Line and Newbury Line remained in place after it was extinguished while the scene was cleared.

Powerco were also called to the scene in case flames threatened nearby powerlines.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Arepo explosion, community has compromised – Abolurin, NSCDC boss

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Read Time:1 Minute, 32 Second

Director General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Dr. Ade Abolurin Thursday visited the scene of Wednesday explosion in Arepo, Ogun State accusing the community of aiding vandals who operate in the area.

The commandant who took a walk round the community discovered that pipes were laid from various houses to the stream where the NNPC pipelines are laid.

According to him, a good example is a storey building located at Frank Ogbor Close, where a pipe  was laid from the compound to the stream. He said vandals use most of the structures as cover to siphon petroleum products from the NNPC pipelines.

Although, no resident was found in the building and the pipes was razes as a result of the explosion, Abolurin said there were indications that vandals are hiding inside the uncompleted building to carry out their illegalities especially at nights.

He said, some house owners in the community have contravened the law by erecting structures in a pipeline prone area; not minding warnings from government that the place is a danger zone.

“Structures are not supposed to be erected around here; but as you can see, they even build their houses very close to the pipeline zones. Some of the houses are not yet occupied but there are indications that the vandals come during the night to carry out their nefarious activities, using the buildings as cover.

“As you can see, the NNPC has erected a sign board long time ago warning people of the dangers associating with erecting structures close to NNPC pipelines. But, the sign board had been pulled down and relocated; while residents have encroached the pipeline areas.”

Abolurin, thereby enjoined residents to cooperate with NSCDC by exposing the vandals saying there was no way the vandals could operate without the knowledge of the residents.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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