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Tedesco frustrated by VAR drama after Belgium shocking loss

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Tedesco frustrated by VAR drama after Belgium shocking loss

Belgium head coach, Domenico Tedesco admitted he was frustrated by the controversial VAR decision that condemned his side to a shock 1-0 defeat against Slovakia in their Euro 2024 opener on Monday.

Tedesco’s team were rocked by Ivan Schranz’s seventh-minute goal in Frankfurt, but would have escaped with a draw if Romelu Lukaku’s late strike had been allowed to stand.

After missing a host of chances earlier in the Group E clash, Lukaku fired home from Lois Openda’s cross in the 86th minute.

But the striker’s celebrations were dramatically curtained with the players in position to restart the game as VAR ruled Openda had handled after being shoved into the ball earlier in the attack.

Lukaku also had an earlier goal disallowed for offside when he slotted home from Amadou Onana’s header.

“It’s tough to speak. If we had won I could tell you more about my opinion. But we lost and I want to be seen as a fair manager so I don’t say anything,” Tedesco said.

“We have to trust these guys. I trust the VAR. If they decide it’s handball, we have to accept it.”

Slovakia are 45 spots below third-placed Belgium in FIFA’s world rankings.

But Belgium have made a habit of underachieving at major tournaments and once again they are in danger of wasting the potential of their talented squad.

The Belgians’ first defeat in 15 games ended Tedesco’s unbeaten run since he replaced Roberto Martinez.

“For me it hurts a lot tonight. I don’t want to point the finger at people. You can be sure we will speak about many things but we will do it interally and not through the media,” Tedesco said.

“I knew we would lose one day but unfortunately it was today. Honestly there is not much I can say to the team to improve.

“We created many chances, big chances. Of course if we take one, then it makes the game easier.”

On Lukaku’s remarkably profligate performance, he added, “Romelu has been playing for Belgium for a long time. He knows how to score goals, I don’t need to tell him that. He is a top class player with great character.”

Belgium face Romania, 3-0 winners against Ukraine on Monday, in a crucial clash on Saturday.

Another loss would likely end Belgium’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages and Tedesco said, “Naturally everyone is disappointed but you can harness that. You can make use of it.

“I always said our group would be very tricky and shouldn’t assume that we will go through.”

AFP

Plateau gov faults attack on task force officials

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Plateau gov faults attack on task force officials

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Monday, condemned the attack by some criminal elements on the task force officials responsible for enforcing Executive Order 003.

The incident occurred at the Bukuru market in Jos South Local Government Area, where lawless individuals assaulted members of the joint task force and set cars ablaze including houses.

In a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor said the task force was mandated to regulate buildings and vehicular traffic within the Greater Jos master plan.

According to Mutfwang, the market was designated by the government to accommodate lawful business activities with an appeal to street vendors to relocate accordingly.

Highlighting the broader purpose of Executive Order 003, Mutfwang clarified that its intent was to safeguard Jos from deterioration into a slum and a haven for criminal activities.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with law-abiding citizens across all divides to foster peace and unity in the state.

Bere statement said, “The governor lamented the reckless behavior of the attackers, who wielded dangerous weapons to inflict harm and loot shops, resulting in the destruction of vehicles owned by innocent traders. Tragically, one of the suspects fatally shot his accomplice during the chaos.

“Governor Mutfwang condemned the incident as entirely avoidable, questioning the motives of those who flouted Executive Order 003 and resorted to violence against law-abiding citizens.

“He called on security agencies to swiftly apprehend all perpetrators and ensure that they face justice without delay. He reiterated the State government’s unwavering resolve to confront troublemakers decisively.

“Governor Mutfwang appealed to religious and community leaders in the affected area, to guide their followers against unlawful conduct and implement measures to thwart criminal elements who may exploit the situation to cause disorder.

“Governor Mutfwang expressed appreciation to all security agencies for their dedication and urged them to intensify efforts to restore calm amidst the current challenges. He sympathised with members of the public whose vehicles and other properties were vandalized as a result of the incident”

I’ll run inclusive government, says Okpebholo

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I’ll run inclusive government, says Okpebholo

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, says he will run an inclusive government when elected in the September 21 governorship election.

Okpebholo stated this on the sideline of a flag off of a medical mission by the Niger Delta Development Commission in Akamkpa, Cross River on Monday.

The Senator representing Edo Central in the 10th Assembly and a member of the Senate Committee on NDDC, also noted that he will adopt a bottom-top approach to running the affairs of the state.

According to him, unlike what is currently obtainable in the governance of the state, his administration will be practically driven.

‘‘It will be a governance that the people can relate with, a true people’s government in the real sense,” he said.

The APC candidate, who bemoaned the lack of infrastructural development across the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo, promised to re-enact Adams Oshiomhole infrastructural revolution.

He said that an emergency would be declared on roads, schools, and health infrastructure in the state.

“We are set for that. We will be taking a holistic approach to correct the decayed roads, schools, and health infrastructure that have been left unattended.

“If the Obaseki-led administration had built upon what the government of Adams Oshiomhole did, Edo would have been competing with a state like Lagos in terms of development.

“Our mission is to, from day one, hit the ground running and make Edo a better place. A place we can actually call our own, a place that everybody will be happy to see,” he stated.

(NAN)

Rivers police ready to tackle brewing crisis over LG chairmen’s tenure expiration – Disu

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Rivers police ready to tackle brewing crisis over LG chairmen’s tenure expiration – Disu

The Rivers State Police Command has assured residents of its readiness to handle any situation that may arise from the impending expiration of local government chairmen’s tenure in the state.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, warned individuals against taking the law into their hands, stressing that anyone found doing so would face the full wrath of the law.
With tension building across the 23 local government areas, Disu urged parents to caution their children against getting involved in the crisis. He vowed that the police would protect all government property and human life, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.
Disu said, “My job as a policeman is to protect lives and properties. And that is what we have gone out to do since morning. We are aware of the crisis that has to do with the tenure of the local government chairmen and we have gotten one court order or the other. And the Court of Appeal has given an order for everybody to exercise restraints till the 20th of this month — just three days. So we expect everybody to respect it and not take laws into their hands and allow peace to continue as it is.”
Read also: President Tinubu to attend inauguration of South Africa’s Ramaphosa
He added, “Sincerely, you know our officers have been out for the past three days. I just finished addressing them and I thank them for the good job they have done. They have been out since 4 a.m., and they just came back. We are not taking it lightly, we are ready to go.
“Our officers have been on a show of force and we have had additional men given to us from the Headquarters. This is just to assure members of the public that we are ready to do our jobs of protecting lives and properties.”
The Police Commissioner emphasized, “We have warned anybody who would want to take laws into their hands. I want to use this opportunity to talk to parents to call their children to order. Talk to them so that their children will not be used as cannon folds in this crisis. Everything that has to do with government property and every human being in this community would be protected.”
The post Rivers police ready to tackle brewing crisis over LG chairmen’s tenure expiration – Disu appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

President Tinubu to attend inauguration of South Africa’s Ramaphosa

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President Tinubu to attend inauguration of South Africa’s Ramaphosa

President Bola Tinubu is set to depart Lagos on Tuesday for Pretoria, South Africa, to attend the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa, according to a statement released on Monday by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.
Tinubu’s attendance at the ceremony demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with South Africa, Ngelale added.
This event marks Ramaphosa’s re-election for a second term, following a historic coalition government formed by the African National Congress (ANC) and opposition parties.
The ANC, which led the anti-apartheid struggle, won only 40% of the vote in the May 29 general election, losing its absolute majority in parliament for the first time. However, the party successfully formed a government of national unity through a coalition deal.
Read also: Hoodlums resist urban renewal, set cars, houses ablaze in Jos
Tinubu’s presence at the inauguration ceremony underscores the importance of Nigeria-South Africa relations, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and regional security.
The two nations have a long-standing relationship, with South Africa being one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners.
During his visit, Tinubu is expected to hold bilateral talks with Ramaphosa, focusing on issues such as economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and regional integration. The two leaders will also discuss pressing global issues, including climate change, poverty, and inequality.
After the ceremony, Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria, bringing back valuable insights and opportunities for further collaboration between the two nations.
The post President Tinubu to attend inauguration of South Africa’s Ramaphosa appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Kano gov unveils 85-km road

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Kano gov unveils 85-km road

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, on Monday flag off of 85 kilometre network of roads including a bridge valued at over N21 billion.

The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, in a press statement said the projects were aimed towards redefining rural landscapes and enhancing the livelihoods of the populace.

The statement read, “The epicenter of this transformative initiative includes a 70 kilometre expanse of the bridge from Madobi to Madobi town, linking Yako to Kafin Mai Yaki and culminating in Kiru.

“This venture underscores the commitment to bolster transportation infrastructure crucial for agricultural and economic growth in rural Kano.

Additionally, a second project featuring a 15km road and a 200-metre bridge from Madobi town to Kubarachi to Kura showcases the governor’s profound dedication to catalysing progress across the semi-urban and rural areas,” the statement added.

In a ceremony graced by distinguished guests, including the eminent national leader and former NNPP presidential candidate, the governor articulated a bold timeline, assuring completion of the projects within 18 and 24 months respectively.

Governor Yusuf’s vision aims not only to bridge urban-rural divides but also to cultivate sustainable economic pathways, thus curbing rural-urban migration and fostering prosperity in the hinterlands.

During the event, former Kano state Governor Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso delivered a resounding endorsement of governor Yusuf’s governance, applauding the electorate for choosing wisely in the previous elections

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Many feared killed as gunmen attack Anambra communities

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Many feared killed as gunmen attack Anambra communities

There was palpable tension in the Nnewi community in Nnewi North Local Government Area as well as the Nnobi community in Idemili South LGA of Anambra State when yet-to-be-identified gunmen invaded both communities on Monday.

A yet-to-be-confirmed number of persons were feared killed, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries during both attacks.

Sources in the areas said several persons sustained varying degrees of injuries as the assailants suspected to be enforcing the Monday sit-at-home exercise, shot indiscriminately into the air when they arrived.

It was gathered that tragedy first struck in the industrial town of Nnewi when the unknown gunmen arrived in the community at about 11 am, killing a vigilante commander (name withheld).

The sources said, “The gunmen arrived in three vehicles and went straight to a popular hotel at Nnewichi(name withheld). One of the persons in the hotel at the time they attacked was abducted by the gunmen. The gunmen shot sporadically into the ground while the bullets were flying all around the hotel’s premises. Mobile phones and other valuables were collected from the victims the gunmen met in the hotel.

“The vigilante commander who is popularly known as “Tallest” after hearing about the incident, gave the hoodlums a hot chase. But when the gunmen noticed that the vigilante commander was pursuing them, they shot at him at a point at Nnobi in Idemili South LGA of the state.

“The development forced many people who tried to brave the sit-at-home directive to quickly close their shops and run home.”

Similarly, the hoodlums, who were said to also invade the Nnobi community in a black Landcruiser SUV, opened fire on the vigilante operatives, leaving two of the security operatives, seriously injured.

Eyewitnesses in the area narrated that the gunmen proceeded to a burial ceremony and also shot dead two other persons.

The sources said, “They later drove to Afor Nnobi and shot dead three security personnel before getting to Ahuda where one other person was killed. The injured persons were rushed to a hospital in Nnewi(name withheld), where they are receiving medical attention.

When our correspondent contacted the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, he confirmed that there was an attack, but said he was yet to get the full details of what happened as of the time of filling this report.

Ikenga, however, promised to update members of the public with the relevant information in due time.

Why I dumped APC for LP – Anambra gov aspirant

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Why I dumped APC for LP – Anambra gov aspirant

A Labour Party aspirant in the 2025 Anambra State governorship election, Paul Orajiaka, has hailed the 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi. Orajiaka, during an interactive session with journalists in Awka, on Monday, described Obi as a symbol of value, integrity, morals, and decency. He disclosed that he left the All Progressives Congress

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Hoodlums resist urban renewal, set cars, houses ablaze in Jos

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Hoodlums resist urban renewal, set cars, houses ablaze in Jos

A violent uprising erupted in the Bukuru metropolis, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday afternoon, as hoodlums suspected to be against the Jos city renewal drive of the state government led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, set several cars and houses ablaze.
The hoodlums, who were heavily armed, attacked passersby, injuring many, and resisted officials of the Jos City Renewal Committee who had gone to clear a site in the Bukuru community. The officials were reportedly pelted with stones, and their vehicles vandalized.
A resident, Usman Ibrahim, who witnessed the incident, described the chaos: “It was this afternoon in the Bukuru community around 2 pm. We saw some officials of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board arrive in the community and move to a site they had earlier cleared before.
“As soon as they began to mark the site, some hoodlums emerged and started throwing stones at the officials, saying they would not allow any project in the area. Before you knew it, they started burning cars parked along the road and attacking innocent passers-by. They also set some houses ablaze.”
Read also: Former President Obasanjo visits First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in celebration of Sallah
The violence spread quickly, with the hoodlums rampaging through the community, burning cars and houses, and attacking anyone in their path. The situation was brought under control by the quick deployment of security agents, who restored order and prevented further destruction.
Residents of the community condemned the hoodlums’ action, urging the government and security agents to take decisive action against those trying to breach the peace.
“This kind of violence is unacceptable,” said one resident. “We urge the government to take action against those responsible and ensure that peace is maintained in our community.”
The state Police Command spokesman, Alabo Alfred, confirmed the incident and said an investigation had commenced.
“Yes, we are aware of the incident in Bukuru. Our men have been deployed to the community. We are investigating the cause of the problem and will take appropriate action against those responsible.”
The incident comes after Governor Mutfwang signed an Executive Order to control illegal building erection and traffic in the state.
The General Manager of JMDB, Hart Bankat, said the order aimed to ensure the implementation of the Greater Jos Master plan and prevent building collapse in the state.
“Executive Order No. 003, 2024 became imperative considering the indiscriminate manner in which buildings were being erected and traffic control abysmally degenerated within the Greater Jos Master plan, as well as the prevalence of building collapse in the state,” Bankat said.
The post Hoodlums resist urban renewal, set cars, houses ablaze in Jos appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Schranz strikes as underdogs Slovakia beat Belgium

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Schranz strikes as underdogs Slovakia beat Belgium

Slovakia caused the first upset at Euro 2024 as Ivan Schranz fired the underdogs to a 1-0 win against Belgium on Monday.

Francesco Calzona’s side are 45 spots below third-placed Belgium in FIFA’s world rankings.

But they made a mockery of the supposed quality gap between the teams with a courageous performance in Frankfurt.

Calzona, who also served as Napoli’s interim boss in the second half of last season, had admitted he would be “delighted” with a draw.

The Italian got more than he could have dreamed of as Schranz left Belgium reeling after ending his nine-game international goal drought.

Romelu Lukaku missed a host of chances for Belgium and had a late equaliser controversially disallowed by VAR.

Slovakia’s unexpected victory blew Group E wide open, just hours after Romania beat Ukraine 3-0 in Monday’s other match in that pool.

It was a bitter loss for Belgium, who are in danger of once again failing to fulfil their potential at a major tournament.

Belgium’s golden generation has lost much of its lustre since they crashed out of the 2022 World Cup in the group stage.

The Red Devils fell at the quarter-finals in the last two editions of the European Championship, making a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup the highwater mark of a talented but underachieving team once hailed as a potential dynasty.

Dominic Tedesco was appointed to replace Roberto Martinez in February 2023 and led Belgium on a 14-match unbeaten run heading into the Euros.

Before what was billed as a last hurrah for Belgium’s veteran stars, Kevin De Bruyne had insisted they were ready to do “something good” in Germany.

But instead, they reverted to type with a spluttering display that put them under intense pressure to beat Romania in their second group game on Saturday.

 

– Lukaku misery –

Playing in a Belgian record 11th game at major tournaments, Lukaku should have bagged his 86th goal for his country in the second minute.

Jeremy Doku turned adroitly on the halfway line and accelerated menacingly into the Slovakia penalty area, where his cross was poked toward Lukaku by De Bruyne.

Lukaku looked certain to score but his close-range effort was straight at Slovakia keeper Martin Dubravka.

He threatened again moments later, only to let Doku’s pass run away from him after bearing down on goal.

Slovakia punished Lukaku’s profligacy to take the lead in the seventh minute.

Doku was culpable with a wayward pass as he tried to clear, allowing Robert Bozenick to cleverly backheel the ball to Juraj Kucka.

Koen Casteels saved Kucka’s strike but could do nothing about the rebound as Schranz fired home from an acute angle.

Lukaku endured a nightmare evening and he again took a woefully heavy touch to waste a good chance from Yannick Carrasco’s raking pass.

Belgium’s angst increased in the 56th minute when Lukaku was denied by Dubravka’s near-post save.

From the resulting corner, Amadou Onana looped a header over Dubravka and Lukaku slid in to score from a yard out, only for his celebrations to be curtailed as VAR ruled he was offside.

Belgium laid siege to the Slovakia goal but Dubravka saved well from Trossard and Lukaku volleyed into the side-netting before Johan Bakayoko’s shot was cleared off the line by David Hancko.

And in a fitting coda to a day to forget for Belgium, Lukaku blasted home in the 86th minute but saw the goal disallowed for handball by Lois Openda in the build-up.

AFP

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