Home Blog Page 1448

England captain Kane to miss Brazil clash

admin
-
0
England captain Kane to miss Brazil clash

England captain Harry Kane will miss Saturday’s friendly against Brazil and is “extremely doubtful” to face Belgium next week.

Kane suffered an ankle injury playing for Bayern Munich in their 5-2 win over Darmstadt last weekend and will not be risked for the meeting with Brazil at Wembley.

The former Tottenham striker also faces the possibility of missing Tuesday’s friendly against Belgium at Wembley

That will be the final match before England boss Gareth Southgate names his Euro 2024 squad, although Kane has no worries about his place on the flight to Germany in June.

Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson and Chelsea forward Cole Palmer remain with the England squad, but they are also sidelined by injuries for the sold-out clash against the Selecao.

Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka withdrew from Southgate’s squad due to injury on Thursday.

“Tomorrow no Harry Kane, no Jordan Henderson, no Cole Palmer,” England boss Southgate said.

“I would say Cole and Hendo have a better chance of Belgium than Harry. He’d be extremely doubtful for that.”

Kane’s absence is a blow but Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney now have a chance to stake their claim for the role as Euro understudy to England’s record goal-scorer.

Watkins has scored three goals in nine internationals, while Toney’s one England appearance came off the bench against Ukraine this time last year.

The Brentford striker began an eight-month Football Association ban shortly after and was recalled at the first opportunity.

•⁠ ⁠’Big opportunity’ –
“Well, that is a decision we will have to make because clearly a nine is a specialist position,” Southgate said when asked how many strikers he would take to the Euros.

“They have different attributes and that would depend a little bit on injury status in other positions in the squad and also having perhaps players that can play more than one role.

“I think both of them are aware that the opportunity is a big one. But they’re both in good form, they’ve both had time with us.

“Ollie’s been with us more recently, of course, and has done well in the games he’s played. He’s had a fabulous season for his club.

“Ivan since he’s come back into Brentford’s team has had the impact we expected him to, so they are two very good players.”

Despite the absentees, England are favourites to beat rebuilding Brazil in their first match under head coach Dorival Junior.

The Selecao have won 10 of their last 11 friendlies against European opposition but are looking to avoid losing four matches in a row since 2001.

“I’m reading that we’ve only beaten Brazil four times out of 26 games, something like that,” Southgate said.

“There are lots of matches against big opponents that we don’t have outstanding records against that this team have managed to beat – Italy twice being an example, Spain.

“So, it’s another opportunity for us to put a marker down, create a little bit more history for these boys.

“But also we’re going to be tested in every aspect of our game, and that’s going to be a great challenge for us.”

AFP

Flag change on new England football kit causes uproar

admin
-
0
Flag change on new England football kit causes uproar

The US sportswear giant altered the appearance of the Cross — the flag of England — using purple and blue horizontal stripes in what it called a “playful update” to the shirt ahead of Euro 2024, which starts in June.

Nike and the Football Association said the colours on the back of the collar — different from the traditional red cross on a white background — were inspired by the training kit worn by England’s 1966 World Cup winners.

But the decision has led to a furious backlash from some fans and former players, with leading politicians weighing in.

Sunak — a fan of Championship side Southampton — said he “prefers the original” England shirt.

“My general view is that when it comes to our national flags, we shouldn’t mess with them,” he told reporters. “Because they are a source of pride, identity, who we are, and they’re perfect as they are.”

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, whose remit includes sport, said the FA and its kit partner had failed to put supporters first.

“Our national heritage –- including St George’s Cross -– brings us together. Toying with it is pointless and unnecessary,” she said on X.

Keir Starmer, the leader of Britain’s main opposition Labour Party and an Arsenal supporter, called on Nike to “reconsider” its decision.

“I’m a big football fan, I go to England games, men and women’s games, and the flag is used by everybody. It is a unifier. It doesn’t need to be changed. We just need to be proud of it,” Starmer told the Sun newspaper.

No intention to offend

In a statement later on Friday, Nike said it “was never its intention to offend” but did not indicate any plans to change the kit design.

“We have been a proud partner of the FA since 2012 and understand the significance and importance of the St George’s Cross and it was never our intention to offend, given what it means to England fans,” it said.

“Together with the FA, the intention was to celebrate the heroes of 1966 and their achievements. The trim on the cuffs takes its cues from the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blues and reds topped with purple.

“The same colours also feature an interpretation of the flag on the back of the collar.”

England boss Gareth Southgate insisted the controversy had not affected their preparations for Saturday’s friendly with Brazil at Wembley.

“It has not taken anything away from what we’ve been preparing for all day,” Southgate said.

“It’s not been high on my list of priorities, but it depends which bit it is. I don’t know if the debate is about the St George’s flag needs to be on the England shirt because it hasn’t always been.

“The most important thing on the England shirt is our Three Lions because that is an iconic symbol. It is the thing that distinguishes us.

“Then I suppose what you’re asking is, should we be tampering with the cross of St George? If it is not a red cross and a white background, then it’s not a cross of St George anyway, so it is a hard question to answer.”

The FA said it was proud of the kit design, also referencing the 1966 link.

“It is not the first time that different coloured St George’s Cross-inspired designs have been used on England shirts,” said a spokesman.

The debate over the new design comes with British politics in the grip of so-called “culture war” issues, pitting proponents of “traditionalist” values, such as Sunak’s ruling Conservatives, against those with more liberal, “progressive” views.

AFP

40 died, over 100 injured in Moscow attack

admin
-
0
40 died, over 100 injured in Moscow attack

At least 40 people were killed and more than 100 injured in an attack Friday on a concert hall outside Moscow, Russia’s Federal Security Service said.

“According to preliminary information, 40 people were killed, and more than 100 were injured as a result of a terrorist attack in the Crocus City Hall,” the Interfax news agency reported, citing the FSB.

AFP

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

EFCC planning to rehabilitate convicted ‘Yahoo Boys’

admin
-
0
EFCC planning to rehabilitate convicted ‘Yahoo Boys’

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the anti-graft agency has plans to rehabilitate convicted internet fraudsters with lesser sentences.

According to a statement by the commission on Friday, Olukoyede spoke on Thursday when a delegation of the National Association of University Students led by its President, Obadi Marshal, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The EFCC boss noted that the rehabilitation would be a potent way of reorienting the minds of the convicts and redirecting their productive energies to positive endeavours.

Olukoyede said, “We have a plan to rehabilitate convicted internet fraudsters with lesser sentences. The plan is to work with the correctional centre to make them useful and more productive in society.”

He cautioned youths against indulging in internet crimes, stressing that the implications of such an act are grave.

He also cautioned students against forming parallel organisations to pursue similar interests.

The EFCC boss added, “When you think deeply, that tag ‘ex-convict’ is not a good thing. You can never tell where you will find yourself tomorrow, and they will want to profile you and discover that you are an ex-convict.

“So, it is even in the interest of the youth that the EFCC is doing what it is doing to prevent them from indulging in the heinous act of cybercrime.

“The issue of dichotomies of associations is disturbing. Regulate yourselves and the society will take you more seriously.”

Speaking earlier, Marshal said the visit was to build synergy with the EFCC in its fight against cybercrimes across Nigerian university campuses.

“The aim of our visit today is to see how we can synergize and partner with the EFCC in eradicating cybercrime in all the higher institutions of learning in the country,” he said.

“NAUS has never been part of it and will never support it, that is why we are at the EFCC to see how we can collaborate to end it. The onus is on us all to save our youths from taking part in it and to save our country.”

Princess of Wales, Catherine diagnosed with cancer

admin
-
0
Princess of Wales, Catherine diagnosed with cancer

Catherine, Princess of Wales, on Friday announced that she has cancer and is in the early stages of chemotherapy, asking for “time, space and privacy” as she completes her treatment.

Kate, as she is widely known, said the discovery of cancer, after successful abdominal surgery in January, was “a huge shock” but she was “well and getting stronger every day”.

The disclosure came after royal officials said in early February that King Charles III was being treated for cancer, forcing him to cancel all public engagements.

Charles said he was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did”, leading messages of support, including from UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the White House.

Like Charles, the 42-year-old princess, whose husband Prince William is heir to the throne, did not disclose the exact nature of the cancer.

But she described the last few months since she went into hospital as “incredibly tough” for her, William and their three young children.

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” she added in a video statement, filmed on Wednesday at Windsor, west of London, where they live.

“The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.

“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”

Preventative chemotherapy is given “after an operation to prevent recurrence”, said Shivan Sivakumar, associate professor in oncology at the University of Birmingham in central England.

“This is to attempt to destroy any circulating cancer cells,” he added.

Absence

Kate — one of the most photographed women in the world — is a central figure in the royal family and married Prince William, 41, in 2011.

She said it had taken them time to explain the situation to Prince George, aged 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis, “and to reassure them that I am going to be OK”.

“As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits,” she added.

Her Kensington Palace office said she was “focused on making a full recovery” and would return to official duties “when she is cleared to do so by her medical team”.

William, Kate and their children are seen as the modern face of the British royal family, and key to its future as it faces declining support among younger people and increasing republican sentiment.

She was last seen at a public engagement on December 25, when she joined the king and other senior royals at a Christmas Day church service.

Kensington Palace announced on January 17 that she was facing up to two weeks in hospital and several months’ recuperation following abdominal surgery.

She was not expected to be ready to return to public duties until after Easter on March 31, a statement at the time said.

Royal officials did not disclose the exact nature of her condition but said it was not cancer-related.

Charles diagnosis

That announcement came shortly before a separate statement from Buckingham Palace that 75-year-old Charles was to have surgery for a benign enlarged prostate.

He later spent three days at the same private hospital in central London. Officials then said in early February that tests had identified “a form of cancer”, without giving further details.

The king has cancelled all public engagements except audiences with the prime minister and ambassadors, and worked on official papers while undergoing treatment.

He has been photographed several times since then, and seen attending church.

But there has been rampant speculation online about Kate’s health and whereabouts, particularly online.

She was not seen arriving or leaving the hospital, and William was only spotted visiting once.

Rumours and gossip grew further on March 11, after she released a Mother’s Day photograph that was later found to have been digitally altered.

Kate, who has taken several official photographs that have been distributed to the media, apologised in a statement after leading news agencies, including AFP, pulled the image.

A week later, British media published new images of the princess walking with William at a farmers’ market near their Windsor home.

This week, there were claims that an attempt may have been made to access Kate’s confidential medical records, prompting a referral to the UK’s data protection watchdog.

AFP

Anambra not making expected progress under APGA

admin
-
0
Anambra not making expected progress under APGA

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, said Anambra State is not making the progress it is expected to make because it is not connected to the central government.

Ganduje, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma and other APC stalwarts are currently attending the APC South-East Colloquium taking place in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Friday.

The colloquium themed, ‘De-marginalisation of South-East zone and integration into national politics’, is being hosted by the Senator representing Anambra South, Ifeanyi Ubah.

Speaking during the event, Ganduje said, “We are most grateful to participate in this dialogue that affects the South-East region. The Ndigbo are an ingredient of national integration because they are mostly travelled across the country.

“Anambra is a strategic state in the South-East, but it is not making the progress that a state is expected to make because it is not connected to the central government and that is the missing link and it is not benefiting the state. From former Governors Peter Obi, Willie Obiano and now Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

“Governors are now using their connection with the central to better their state. Why should Anambra continue to live in isolation, what is the benefit for this? Even those who governed Anambra State quickly abandoned the party after they have governed the state, this is the height of selfishness.

“Anambra’s refusal to connect with the centre has denied the people of benefit and great infrastructure. Anambra has failed to transit and it is trapped. If you are not at the table, nobody will speak for you and that is the situation with Anambra since 1999. Anambra is the only state being ruled by the All Progressives Grand Alliance and the party has refused to grow.

“The South-West states were initially ruled by Alliance for Democracy in 1999, but later, they became ACN and by political sagacity of our leader who is the president today, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the South-West states continue to grow in strength, that is political dynamism. But APGA has continued to remain in one point and it shouldn’t continue like this.

“It is time for political celebration and we are hopeful that APC will take over Anambra through Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Anambra is the heartbeat of the South-East political zone and it is time for it to join the centre party for it to grow, we are to make sure that Anambra connects to the center. No more intimidation, Anambra is strategic to the Nigerian economy and it must connect to the centre.”

Also speaking, Uzodimma advised the South-East to key into the national integration of the APC.

Uzodimma explained that the colloquium is intended to stimulate the political party in the South-East and use it to better the region, adding that the time shall come when inventory will be taken.

“It is a thing of joy that the national leadership of the APC has acknowledged that the South-East is being marginalised. Having diagnosed this, the question is who is this doctor that will prescribe the medicine to adopt, I think the national leader of the party is here to do that.

“We must identify national integration, national cohesion, and national unity so that we can have a pan- Nigerian project. The South-East is yearning for a united Nigeria where equity and justice are the yardstick, and it means we must be in the room where decisions are taken.

“If we are committed to joining this programme and campaign for de-marginalisation, it means we must join the ruling political party. I think what we need is the process of precarious panacea to be part of the national consensus.

“Nigeria project today has no room for those who are in lamentation, it belongs to those who are pragmatic and they must adopt pragmatic approach, we must understand the political dynamism to navigate the terrain,” Uzodimma added.

The keynote speaker of the colloquium and the Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Esimone, who spoke on the theme, said lack of appreciation and outright denial of the rights of the south-east access into mainstream politics have continued because the region has failed to do the needful.

Esimone said, “Who is marginalising the South-East? The first culprit is the constitution. The second is a non credible census. Without a credible census, there won’t be room for equity. Equity has the potential to calm frayed nerves.

“The mismanagement of the three ‘Rs’ effectively laid the foundation for the marginalisation which the South-East faces today. Federal establishment is rare to find in the South-East while cities like Zaria and Lagos have more federal establishments than the whole South-East zone.

“One of the things that has caused self marginalisation is insecurity. It eases away investment into the region. Marginalisation can affect groups. It can affect sex. The current political calculation does not favour the South-East. It does not make sense that other geopolitical zones have six states while the South-East has five.”

Ogun promises to complete Agbado-Oke-Aro-Akute road after viral video

admin
-
0
Ogun promises to complete Agbado-Oke-Aro-Akute road after viral video

The Ogun State Government, on Friday, said it is already working on the rehabilitation of Agbado-Oke Aro-Akute road.

The government was reacting to a video that captured 500 pastors urging Governor Dapo Abiodun to rehabilitate the road in fulfillment of his re-election pledge.

In a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, on Friday, the state government, affirmed that it had never shirked its responsibilities in the area of road construction, having constructed over 600 kilometres of roads since coming on board in 2019.

It added that it had already completed half of the Alagbole-Sango Ota road and that the remaining axis was captured in this year’s budget.

It, however, added that the slight delay experienced in executing the project was due to budgetary issues and the spike in the cost of construction materials, saying that the constraints were being addressed.

The government also urged residents of the area to fulfill their tax obligations to the state and assist the government in delivering democratic dividends.

Akinsanya said: “With respect to completing the project to relieve the pains of our people and infuse a new lease of life into the area, we are on the same page with the clerics captured in the video demanding action on the road.

“It is the constitutional responsibility of the government to provide good roads for the people of Ogun State, and it is a fact that the Ogun State government under Prince Dapo Abiodun has invested heavily in roads.

“This particular road, Alagbole to Sango Ota, is about 32 km, and the government has already done 16 km out of it. More importantly, it is also captured in the 2024 budget.

“However, the budgetary provision based on the reality on the ground, particularly in relation to forex, is inadequate. The cost of asphalt, granite, and other materials has spiked, and so the government is looking for a way of bridging the cost gap. As we all know, a project initially billed to cost N1bn may cost more than double nowadays. Therefore, it requires a lot of reengineering.

“Rather than engage in subtle blackmail and character assassination, what we need are concerted efforts to put the economy back on track.

“The citizenry must also support the government in getting out of the economic quagmire by paying their taxes.

“Statistics show that most residents of the area are not captured in the tax net. They should support the government by paying their taxes when due to help them better.”

Improve security in schools, NSCDC boss tells officials

admin
-
0
Improve security in schools, NSCDC boss tells officials

The Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi, has directed state coordinators of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, Commanders of the Special Female Squad, and officers of the corps to intensify efforts towards protecting educational institutions across the country.

Audi stated this in a keynote address delivered at the corps national headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

Against the backdrop of the resurgence of mass abduction of pupils, the Federal Government said schools in 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are at risk of attacks by bandits and insurgents.

The states included Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Katsina, FCT, Kebbi, Sokoto, Plateau, Zamfara and three others.

No fewer than 465 pupils, teachers, and women abducted in the past weeks are still in the custody of their captors.

Fifteen pupils of an Islamiya school in Sokoto State were kidnapped two weeks ago, less than 72 hours after 287 schoolchildren and teachers were abducted from the LEA Primary School and the Government Secondary School both at Kuriga, in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Last week Friday, the Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, called on state governors to establish Safe School Response Coordination Centres to forestall attacks and kidnappings in schools.

The CG, in a statement signed by the NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, told the coordinators that a commensurate response must be developed to end the menace of attacks on schools.

“We have a lot of issues concerning schools in the country, and NSCDC is the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

“We cannot fold our hands to watch things going wrong without commensurate response to restore stability in our schools,” he emphasized.

Represented by the Deputy Commandant General in Charge of Administration, Adeyinka Ayinla, the CG re-echoed the need for all schools in the country to register with the centre.

In his remarks, the Commander of the NSSRCC, Hammed Abodunrin, explained that the centre was meant to ensure the safety of schools, adding that it gathers information from different locations and disseminates to where such information would be acted upon.

Abodunrin maintained that different security agencies with the mandate of protecting schools like Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, Armed Forces and Defence Intelligence Agency are all represented at the centre and called on schools in the country to ensure the passage of timely information to the centre for immediate response.

Immigration deploys 30 surveillance vans for border patrol

admin
-
0
Immigration deploys 30 surveillance vans for border patrol

The Nigeria Immigration Service on Friday said it was “rejigging” its border security formations for improved surveillance and patrol.

The newly-appointed Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mrs Kemi Nandap, revealed this when the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated 30 operational vehicles for border surveillance and patrol at the service headquarters, Abuja.

Nandap said, “This investment in border security will be complimented with a rejig of our border corps architecture to include agile sector commanders to carry out consistent surveillance and patrol of our border in line with our core mandate.”

Her statement follows the reopening of Nigeria’s border with neighbouring Niger Republic.

It also comes amid heightened terrorist activities in the country’s north where killings and kidnappings have occurred frequently.

The nation has been facing waves of abductions, attacks by suspected bandits and other violent crimes, reviving calls for the establishment of a multi-level policing system, including state police.

But Nandap emphasised the role of effective border surveillance and patrol in “safeguarding our sovereignty, protecting our citizens, preserving our economic prosperity as well as facilitating regular, safe, and orderly migration.”

SHe said the 30 surveillance vehicles “represent a concrete investment in our capacity, providing our dedicated officers with the tools needed to carry out their duties.”

The Immigration Chief said the acquisition of the vehicles underscores the service’s unwavering commitment to border security and its determination to stay one step ahead of those who seek to undermine Nigeria’s laws and threaten its safety.

“With enhanced mobility, our border patrol teams will be better equipped to detect and deter illegal activities, including smuggling of migrants, trafficking in persons and other transnational crimes,” she added.

She directed all NIS officers and men to diligently utilise and maintain the vehicles, take ownership and responsibility of securing the country’s borders and remain dogged and watchful.

“Have integrity and ensure that you do not partake in any acts that contravene our laws or tarnish the image of the Nigerian Immigration Service.

“We will not tolerate any compromise to the nation’s security. With that being said, I have faith in you all,” she affirmed.

Nandap thanked the Interior Minister, Tunji-Ojo for his unwavering support to the Nigeria Immigration Service “in achieving unprecedented heights of efficiency in Migration Management and Border Security.”

Dessers, Lookman’s goals secure friendly win over  Ghana

admin
-
0
Dessers, Lookman’s goals secure friendly win over  Ghana

Goals from Cyriel Dessers and substitute, Ademola Lookman helped the Super of Nigeria beat the Black Stars of Ghana 2-1 in an international friendly game played in Marrakech, Morrocco.

The Eagles, in their first game since finishing second at the African Cup of Nations in February, largely looked assured before a late penalty by Jordan Ayew reduced the deficit for the Ghanians

Details later…

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

1...1,4471,4481,449...2,849Page 1,448 of 2,849
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv