Why NFF is unhappy with Keshi – Inyama

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The subtle battle between Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi and his employers, the Nigeria Football Federation may blow into a full scale war when the absentee coach returns from his trip to Carlifonia, USA.

On return, Keshi is bound to meet a charged atmosphere which has been incensed by his alleged absence from the April 10 technical committee meeting in which he was expected to discuss Eagles’ busy schedule in May, June and July.

To start with, sources at the Glass House hinted that the NFF will issue Keshi, a query for failing to attend Wednesday’s technical and development committee meeting in Abuja.

The Nigerian coach was in Lagos this week to take delivery of two cars promised him by Globacom chairman, Mike Adenuga Jr.

But Keshi, 51, left for California in the United States of America (USA) to see his family, leaving executive members of the federation furious.

Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Emeka Inyama, told journalists in Abuja that Keshi will have to explain to his employers why he was absent from the meeting with the federation’s technical and development committee.

“The federation officially invited Keshi to discuss with the technical committee on some salient issues affecting the team. These include his recent issues with captain of the team, Joseph Yobo as well as Osaze Odemwingie.

Also, the technical committee wants to know his programmes for the (Fifa) Confederations Cup and the World Cup qualifiers. But he didn’t show up.

“Yet we know he was in Lagos to take delivery of the cars given to him by Chief  Mike Adenuga  before leaving the country. Yes he had booked his flight to leave the country but I’m also a regular traveller and I don’t think spending $120 (about N19,000) to reschedule his flight would be too much.

“The federation will be demanding a lot of explanation from him because this is serious business and a national business too,” said Inyama.

Keshi guided Nigeria to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa in February this year but fell out with the federation even before the final.

Keshi raged because he found out how he would have been sacked if he failed. His actions and comments painted the federation in bad light and nobody gave the federation any credit for the success in South Africa.

The African champions will start off their busy schedule with an international friendly with Mexico in Houston on May 31 before making trips to Kenya and Namibia in June for the 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are drawn in Group B with Tahiti, Uruguay and world champions, Spain.

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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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Nigerian MMA Fighter Dies After Fight in Canada

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Read Time:2 Minute, 46 Second

All Felix Pablo Elochukwu wanted was a shot to represent Canada in the UFC.So, the 35-year-old mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from Hamilton packed a bag and headed to Port Huron, Mich., for his amateur debut on Saturday.Tragically, his first match would be his last.

The Nigerian-born athlete died after the third round when the fight was stopped because he was unable to defend himself from his opponent. He initially showed no signs of serious injury, but later became unresponsive.

Paramedics couldn’t revive him and he was taken to hospital. It’s not clear whether he died in the ambulance or at the health centre. “I remember seeing him a few weeks ago when we were celebrating his birthday, and he was actually talking about this fight,” said Elochukwu’s friend, Jerry Igenu, in a phone interview from New Brunswick Tuesday.“He was very optimistic. He thought this was going to be his breakthrough match and he would move up to the next level. He wanted to fight for Canada.”

Another friend, Nnamdi Orakwue, from Toronto, said Elochukwu came to Canada from Nigeria as a student at Memorial University of Newfoundland. In 2012, he moved to Hamilton because it was known as a tight-knit community where he could train at the highly regarded Joslin’s Martial Arts and be a part of the Ontario MMA scene.“He’s a straight-up guy,” Orakwue, 34, said. “He had a huge heart. I don’t think he felt he would have had enough support in Canada to grow his fighting career, so Michigan was there for him to make a name for himself.”

A spokesman for Joslin’s could not be reached Tuesday, but media reports peg Elochukwu as a 265-pound heavyweight with a blue belt in Brazlian Jiu-Jitsu and say he was a three-time gold medal winner on the local grappling circuit.Elochukwu was close to his family — his mother, father and sister — who still reside in Nigeria, Orakwue said. He recently asked him to help send them a care package consisting of a watch, a pair of shoes, and a handbag.

Igenu, 32, said to the best of his knowledge, his friend didn’t have any medical problems that would put him in jeopardy in the ring.
“He’s one of the guys you love to hang out with,” he added. “People that know him from back home — he always led a very active life. He loves boxing and fighting. He’s got passion.”According to Sportsnet, the first two rounds of the bout consisted primarily of grappling exchanges. However, Elochukwu showed signs of fatigue going into the third round. His opponent achieved full mount and began delivering “soft” hammer fists.The event was staged by the Amateur Fighting Club, which confirmed the tragic news on its Facebook page.“Last night’s event, April 6th, we lost a member of our MMA family and we would like to take this time to honour him,” the message said.An autopsy was conducted Sunday, but a cause of death has yet to be determined.

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 Football Federation backs Keshi call-ups

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Read Time:1 Minute, 48 Second

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have thrown their weight behind coach Stephen Keshi over his call-ups.

Keshi has come under criticisms by some big players of the Super Eagles following their exclusion from the Eagles last World Cup qualifier against Kenya.

“We appointed Keshi for the Super Eagles job and we have resolved to give him a free hand to pick the players he deems fit to prosecute matches and thus far his selections have produced results,” a top NFF official stated.

The NFF technical committee have been mandated to mediate in a presumed looming dressing room crisis involving coach Keshi and his players.

“We are going to look at the issues objectively. A coach is a coach and is in charge of the team and can decide the players who could best play a game for him.” NFF technical committee chairman Chris Green told MTNFootball.com

“However, when players begin to complain and senior players for that matter, there is need for us mediate because the team can only achieve more when they are united. I remember how we resolved the issue of former coach Samson Siasia and Osaze Odemwingie.”

He added: “Our concern is not to fan the ego of anyone, but for peace to reign in the Eagles. We appointed Keshi for this job and we believe in his ability, therefore we must do everything to make sure his job is easy and void of whatever distraction,” Green added.

He also hinted that his committee which is expected to meet on Tuesday in Abuja would look beyond the Keshi vs Yobo issue.

“It’s not just the current issue between Keshi and Yobo, we are going to evolve a holistic approach to address other issues raised by other players. These players are Nigerians and have served the country and we don’t want them feeling they have been abandoned. Even if it would take us visiting these players in their clubs, we would do so.”

Osaze Odemwingie, Emmanuel Emenike, Danny Shittu and very recently Joseph Yobo have complained of being abandoned by the national team.

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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Mikel Obi targets a double with Chelsea

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Nigeria international Mikel Obi hopes to help Chelsea win the FA Cup and Europa League this season.

He also wishes to qualify his London club to feature in next season’s Champions League.

Chelsea are currently third on the English Premier League table with 58 points from 31 games.

“My target every season is to win trophies and qualify for the Champions League, nothing has changed. I still want them. We are in contention for two trophies, Europa and FA Cup, which I believe we can win,” Mikel told MTNFootball.com

“We are also third in the league as we want to play Champions League next season. “I am used to winning trophies and I don’t think I won’t win any this season. The Champions League is also a must for us.”

Mikel added: “We know it will be tough, it won’t be easy, but we are on course and in good position to achieve these targets.”

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: Odibo commends Gov. Uduaghan for hosting AYAC Warri 2013

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Former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Delta State,,  Barrister Moses Odibo has declared that the hosting of the African Youth Athletics Championship  has broken the siege mentality in Warri and appealed to Governor Uduaghan to sustain the tempo of activities at the Warri Stadium.

Speaking with journalist at the Warri International Stadium, venue of the AYAC  WARRI  2013 events, Odibo said prior to the event, it was like Warri was under  stay at home siege but  the competition has removed that negative approach to what Warri means to the citizenry especially Deltans.

According to him, there was this  semblance  of  self imposed curfew……but that has disappeared within the last few days and thus, commended the Governor for hosting the Championship.

He described the hosting of the Sports event as an assurance to outsiders that Delta and indeed Warri is safe to do any business. and host international events of  this nature.

“ The  habit of sitting at home in the evenings has been broken and people now move.”

Over 30 Countries came here for the Sports event and so far, so good, the whole thing has  gone well. The Sports event has changed the siege mentality and I want to commend  Governor Uduaghan for hosting the event it is  a very healthy development to Warri City and the people  are happy for it’ said Odibo.

Odibo also commended the Local Organising Committee for a job well done and that, they have proved the skeptics wrong that good thing cannot come out of Delta State, they exceeded all set international standards

And the Local Organising Committee has proven that our culture of   Enviable hospitality is still very much in existence. We need more of these events in Warri. This is the peaceful Warri that we grew up to meet and I am happy that things are getting better  everyday.

Odibo further said that the hosting of the event is impacting positively on the youths and want them to seize the opportunity presented by this event to change their orientation.

“ I have read so many good things about this event from various countries and I can say that it has done a lot for us. The youths must seize this opportunity to change their orientation that Sports can take you to the highest level.” said an elated Odibo. We  have to also thank God for a successful  hosting.

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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CAF Cup: Heartland in trouble

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Rochas Okorocha’s heart is not deep in the land of his state’s club and that has resulted in the state Heartland have found themselves today in the CAF Cup.

The club arrived Gabon Saturday, the day of their CAF Confederation Cup match with Union Sportif Bitam.

They scurried to Gabon in two small chartered aircraft on the day of the match but on getting to Libreville they learnt that they had been walked over at Bitam.

They won the first leg 2-1 in Owerri.

The Nigerian club have now petitioned CAF, hoping that the match could be rescheduled.

They may have a good case considering their visa and flight hitches in Nigeria. But the fact

remains that the state government led by interest in running a football club and this compounded their CAF Cup campaign.

A member of the Nigeria Football Federation said the following from Abuja yesterday: ‘’We are not happy with Imo State government because Heartland are representing Nigeria in the CAF Cup and their state government doesn’t appear to have interest in the club.

We know that the government does not release money in time to the club. We know that their remuneration is very poor. They receive N8m monthly and this is for salaries, bonuses, trips to league venues all over the country etc. Their counterparts receive more than N20 monthly. Heartland players take keke (Tricycle) to training because they don’t have a bus.

The governor promised to buy a bus for them two years ago but he has not redeemed it. Even after winning the FA Cup back to back, the club still suffers terrible government neglect. Government was said to have released money for the CAF Cup  three or four  days to the day of the match and this did not help them to plan well.

The Government of Rochas Okorocha has clearly shown they are not interested in football and the people of Imo State should understand this.”

After 18 years without a title Heartland welcomed Okorocha with the FA Cup in 2011 and won it again last year. They have won the Charity Cup back to back, a Super Cup  with two continental tickets all in the past three seasons. That is the club that cannot boast of a bus and their players take to Keke for training.

Okorocha has not made them a Champions league outfit.

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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Chelsea hit back to upstage Di Canio

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Read Time:2 Minute, 58 Second

Chelsea came from behind to beat Sunderland 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and deny Paolo Di Canio a sensational start in his first game as a Premier League manager.

Chelsea’s victory, in a game that witnessed two own goals, saw them climb above both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur into third place, while Sunderland remain just a point above the relegation zone.

Appointed as the successor to Martin O’Neill amid a whirlwind of controversy over his alleged fascist sympathies, Di Canio had dominated the British sporting headlines in the build-up to the game.

The Italian, who this week denied he was a fascist, saw his side take the lead on the stroke of half-time when Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta inadvertently hooked John O’Shea’s header into his own goal.

Di Canio had drafted Matthew Kilgallon into his starting line-up but the centre-back accidentally gifted Chelsea an equaliser in the 47th minute when he diverted Oscar’s pass past visiting goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

Branislav Ivanovic completed the Chelsea comeback 10 minutes into the second half but his strike was similarly fortuitous, David Luiz’s strike cannoning off him and trundling into the bottom-right corner.

Earlier, Gylfi Sigurdsson snatched a late equaliser as Tottenham denied Champions League qualification rivals Everton victory in a 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane.

Spurs went into the game aiming to tighten their grip on third place and they took the lead after just 34 seconds when a stretching Emmanuel Adebayor toed Jan Vertonghen’s cross past Tim Howard.

However, Phil Jagielka equalised in the 15th minute, rising to nod Leighton Baines’ corner between the legs of Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Kevin Mirallas then put the visitors in front eight minutes into the second half with a goal to rival his strike in last weekend’s 1-0 win at Stoke City.

The Belgian picked up the ball in the inside-right channel and weaved past three opposing players before planting a shot in the bottom-left corner.

David Moyes’ side were within sight of a fourth straight league win, only for Sigurdsson to tap home an equaliser in the 87th minute after Adebayor’s shot came back off the post.

Tottenham finish the weekend in the fourth and final Champions League qualifying place, but although they are two points above Arsenal and six points clear of Everton, both their pursuers have games in hand.

Liverpool’s bid for a European berth faltered as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at home to West Ham United.

Brendan Rodgers’ side lost Stewart Downing to injury in the first half at Anfield and their best chance saw a Steven Gerrard effort blocked on the line by James Tomkins.

West Ham might even have snatched victory at the death, but Jack Collison’s header was kneed off the line by Lucas Leiva.

The result meant Liverpool remained in seventh place, but they are now seven points outside the European qualifying places having played a game more than both fifth-place Arsenal and sixth-place Everton.

Elsewhere, Papiss Cisse struck in injury time to earn Newcastle United a 1-0 win at home to Fulham that lifted Alan Pardew’s side six points clear of the bottom three.

Later on Sunday, second-bottom Queens Park Rangers host third-bottom Wigan Athletic in a game that could prove pivotal to both sides’ chances of escaping the drop.

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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Serena Williams Thrashes Venus in Charleston Semis

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Read Time:1 Minute, 28 Second

Serena Williams thrashed her sister Venus in the first meeting between the American siblings since 2009 at the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, USA. The world number one and defending champion beat her elder sister, ranked 24th, 6-1 6-2 to reach the final. Serena, 31, has now won 14 of her 24 matches against 32-year-old Venus, including the last five.

The Williams sisters had last met on tour when Serena beat Venus in the final of the season-ending WTA in 2009. Both players have since struggled with illness and injuries, but in the last year Serena has stormed back to the top of the game, while Venus has also fought her way back from outside the top 100.

Heavy rain in the South Carolina city earlier in the week left both women having to play twice on Friday, and Serena came out of the blocks much the sharper, a rasping cross-court forehand pass setting up an early break point that Venus handed over with a double fault. The first set flew by in just 22 minutes and Serena quickly moved 2-0 up in the second, breaking once more as she sealed victory in just 54 minutes.

“It’s really exciting,” Serena said of playing her sister on tour again. “Especially since we both had to play so much tennis yesterday, it’s definitely hard on our bodies. We’re doing great, and we knew at least one of us was going to be in the finals tomorrow.”

She added: “I feel great on the clay, I love sliding and I really look forward to not only tomorrow’s match but the rest of the clay-court season.”

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: Super Eagles Star, Okey Isima begins final journey home April 27

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Read Time:2 Minute, 49 Second

All is now set for the final burial of the late Super Eagles star Okey Isima, who died early last month after a brief illness. until his demise, okey Isima was a member of the victorious Super Eagles that won the prestigious African cup of Nations in 1980, first time in the history of Nigeria football.

In order to give Late  Isima a befitting burial, former Super Eagles midfielder, Arthur Ebunam, now Special Adviser on sports to Governor Peter Obi of Anambra state, disclosed that ex-Eagles players based in the United States are making serious plans to pay their last respect to their team mate, friend and colleague, adding that some of them will be at home for the burial.

According to him: “It is very painful that Nigeria is losing yet another ex-footballer, Okey Isima, a man that has done this country proud both on the local and International scene. Okey is somebody I know very well, we started life together as players, played for different clubs in Nigeria including the senior national team the the Green Eagles ever before traveling to the States.

Right there in the US, we never left each other, until he decided to return home. So when the news of his death came to me, I could not believe my ears. I was in shock for days. He is somebody that cannot be forgotten so soon by friends, brothers and colleagues. But as people would say, life goes on brother.

And the world is a. stage, once you complete your own circle, you give way to others. I think Okey has lived a fulfilled life and the entire country will keep remembering him for his contributions to the development of football in Nigeria and Africa.” he said soberly

The former US –based sports consultant said the family of the late player has fixed April 27, 2013 for his burial at his country home in Nsugbe,  Anambra state.

“As a friend , I can reliably tell you that the family of Isima, has decided on April 27 as the date for the burial. His younger brother  told me this in confidence before he left for his base in South Africa. He said they decided to pick April 27 so that they can have enough time to prepare for it, adding that the family, friends and well wishers made up their minds to give the former football star a good burial as the last respect they can give to their fiend and colleague. He said that they have also written the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) notifying them of the burial date and plan”, the Special Adviser  said.

Mr. Ebunam, who is also the spokesman of the USA based Ex- Internationals, said the American-based Ex- Eagles stars are making serious arrangement to support the family financially, stressing that the team is led by Ike Ofoje.

“Some of our colleagues based in the States are making serious plans for the event,, they are fully ready to give the family financial support, and it is most likely that a delegation led by Ike Ofoje, will be around for the ceremony. Anambra state Sports ministry will also send a delegation, and the Eastern – based All Stars led by our Chairman, Christian Chukwu will also play a major role.”

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: Don’t disunite Eagles, Chukwu tells Yobo, Keshi

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Read Time:2 Minute, 33 Second

Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Christian Chukwu has called on Joseph Yobo, current captain of the team  and coach Stephen Keshi who led the team to a victorious run at the last Africa Cup of Nations to sheath their sword, stressing that their on-going feud could spell doom for the national team.

Yobo and Keshi have been engaged in a war of words over the omission of the longest serving member of the Eagles from the list of World Cup qualifiers and series of other matches including friendlies and the  Confederations Cup in Brazil in June.

Chukwu said: “I expected more maturity from the captain and the coach. There is no need for what I will describe as a press war.  If there was any issue, I reckon that it should be sorted out amicably for the betterment of the team. Yobo should have called Keshi to find out why he was not in the team. And I expected Keshi to have explained to his captain why he was dropped.

Yobo is still an important member of the team. He will come in handy in the mobilization of the players, but he should not expect to be in the field all the time. The decision for him to play or not squarely rests with coach.

The Eagles cannot afford this kind of distraction after they won the Nations Cup in South Africa. The team must be united more than ever, this kind of bickering is capable of breeding disunity,” said Chukwu who captained the Eagles to their first Nations Cup win in 1980. As a coach he led the team to a third place finish at the 2004 Nations Cup in Tunisia.

Yobo with 94 appearances for the national team was used sparingly by Keshi during the Nations Cup in South Africa.

In his defence, Keshi said that “The truth is that Kenneth Omeruo and Godfrey Oboabona playing in the central defence have been doing well. So calling Yobo for a game like that of Kenya and then dropping him to the bench or out of the team would be demeaning to him.”

But Yobo would not take that excuse and insisted that he has been disrespected by Keshi.

“I have been with the national team for more than 10 years, I don’t expect to play every game if I can’t give my all. But [Keshi’s] attitude was quite disappointing. I’ve never demanded special treatment, only to be given the same respect I’ve given to all my coaches and the country.

“I won’t be around forever but we need to halt the sad exit episodes. When you treat older players badly the younger ones are witnessing a terrible trend.”

Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and the team’s deputy captain also spoke in the same respect. He said it was depressing that Yobo could be treated with levity after all his contributions to the team.

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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