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Australia beat Zambia in 11-goal thriller

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Australia beat Zambia in 11-goal thriller

Australia produced an incredible comeback to overturn a three-goal deficit and beat Zambia 6-5 in the Olympic women’s football on Sunday, as World Cup holders Spain secured a quarter-final berth and Japan stunned Brazil.

The Australians got off to a terrible start in Group B with a 3-0 defeat by Germany in their opening game and appeared to be heading for a second straight loss when they trailed Zambia 5-2 early in the second half in Nice.

But the Matildas came roaring back and won an 11-goal thriller thanks to Michelle Heyman’s 90th-minute strike in an unforgettable match.

It was a shocking collapse by Zambia, for whom Barbra Banda opened the scoring in the first minute and went on to net a hat-trick, with Racheal Kundananji scoring twice.

Alanna Kennedy quickly cancelled out Banda’s opener, only for Kundananji to restore Zambia’s lead before Banda made it 3-1.

Hayley Raso pulled one back but Banda scrambled in to complete her hat-trick just before the break and make it 4-2.

Kundananji then headed in for 5-2 on 56 minutes, but defensive gifts by Zambia handed last year’s World Cup semi-finalists a way back into the contest.

Lushomo Mweemba played a clearance from her own line off goalkeeper Ngambo Musole and into the net for an own goal, and the ‘keeper then fumbled in a Steph Catley free-kick for 5-4.

Catley converted a penalty for 5-5 and Heyman ran through for the winner.

Record four-time gold medallists the United States take on Germany in Marseille later in the same group.

• Japan late show –

Spain’s all-star side beat Nigeria 1-0 for their second straight victory in Group C, with former Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas scoring a late free-kick to decide the game in Nantes.

The world champions are now certain to at the very least be one of the best third-placed sides and will be in the quarter-finals.

Earlier in the same group, Momoko Tanikawa scored a stunning 96th-minute winner as Japan netted twice in injury time to come from behind and beat Brazil 2-1 in Paris.

Japan, the 2012 silver medallists, were staring at a second straight defeat in Group C that would have left them in serious danger of a first-round exit after Jhennifer put Brazil ahead early in the second half.

But captain Saki Kumagai rolled in a 92nd-minute penalty to equalise at the Parc des Princes before 19-year-old substitute Tanikawa’s incredible first-time shot from 30 metres sailed over the goalkeeper and in for the winner.

It was a remarkable comeback by Japan, for whom Mina Tanaka had a penalty saved in the first half with the game goalless.

The result means Japan and Brazil — silver medallists in 2004 and 2008 — are now level on three points after two matches.

Colombia beat New Zealand 2-0 in Lyon in Group A, in which hosts France play reigning Olympic champions Canada later.

The Canadians are in turmoil after being deducted six points on Saturday for the spying scandal which led to coach Bev Priestman being suspended for a year by FIFA.

AFP.

UK’s LH Telecommunication acquires 95% stake in 9mobile

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9mobile plans repositioning amid debt allegations

A UK-based company, LH Telecommunication Limited, has acquired a majority stake in Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited, the parent company of 9mobile.

According to a statement on Sunday by the company, the acquisition, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, allows a new board to take over the struggling telecom operator.

Although the deal’s financial terms were not disclosed, the company indicated that the takeover is subject to regulatory approvals.

“The investment, approved by the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), the senior lender to 9mobile in May 2023, has resulted in a change in control of 9mobile in favour of the new investor by the issuance of new shares amounting to 95.5 per cent of 9mobile to the new investor in consideration for the injection of fresh capital into the company,” the board said.

The new ownership structure is expected to bring stability and fresh investment to the company, enabling it to compete more effectively in Nigeria’s highly competitive telecom market.

The new board will be chaired by Thomas Etuh, with Nahim Ibraheem and Femi Edun joining as new members.

Additionally, the UK firm has nominated diverse individuals to the board, including a former senator, Daisy Danjuma, Michael Ikpoki, Ibrahim Puri, Gloria Danjuma, and Emmanuel Etuh.

Obafemi Banigbe was appointed the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer to lead the company through its transition phase and drive its recovery.

The new CEO, Banigbe, whose appointment was previously announced a few weeks ago, is expected to bring his extensive experience at the C-suite level and a profound understanding of the African business landscape.

9mobile, formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria, was acquired by Teleology Holdings with high hopes of turning it around but has continued to struggle in the Nigerian market.

The operator has faced customer attrition, losing subscribers from its peak of 22 million in October 2016 to just over 15 million in November 2018.

Six years later, the operator trails behind with 11.7 million voice subscribers and 3.3 million internet users, according to the National Bureau of Statistics Telecoms Data released early this month.

Kogi PDP suspends ward congress indefinitely as thugs invade secretariat

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Why PDP lost 2023 gov poll in Cross River — Chairman

The Senator Danjuma Laah-led Kogi State Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has suspended the state ward congress of the party earlier scheduled for Saturday.

The caretaker committee explained that the decision to suspend the ward congress became necessary when hoodlums invaded the state secretariat and made away with sensitive electoral materials.

According to a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the committee, Dayo Akande, on Sunday, the decision was taken in collaboration with the congress committee chairman, Boyelayefa Debeleme.

According to the statement, the impersonators came with an 18-seater bus and other vehicles without any means of identification.

“All these happened in the presence of the INEC observer. These unauthorised persons went away with all sensitive materials meant for the congress across the 239 wards of the 21 LGA wards of the state,” the statement read.

The committee condemned the act and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission as well as other institutions to disregard any purported result that might emanate from the illegal exercise.

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Minister warns against hunger protest, says promoters faceless

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Minister warns against hunger protest, says promoters faceless

The Minister of the Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, has called on youths in the Niger Delta Development area to shun the planned nationwide protest on August 1.

Momoh said most of the promoters of the protest are faceless individuals who reside outside the country, pointing out that they aim to destroy Nigeria.

Momoh made the call while speaking to newsmen in Bera Community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State when he accompanied his counterpart in the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal to the area to commission water projects.

Momoh stated, “Wherever I find myself, I have always sent that message. And yesterday, even in the traditional rulers’ house and in the public field, I made it clear that August 1st is suspected to be a date when faceless individuals want to protest. I don’t think of anybody who is from this area, Ogoni would participate.

“And the entire Niger Delta should not have anything to do with it (protest) because the people who are planning it, they are faceless. They are not residents of Nigeria. Most of them are outside the country.

“They want to destroy your country while they are there living in comfort zones. So we should not allow the youth of our area to have anything to do with the protests. Because of the protests, you know how it starts, but you don’t know how it ends.

“You saw the EndSARs in Lagos. You can see the massive destruction that was done to Lagos. If the economy of Lagos is not a very strong one, in fact, it will be very difficult for them to recover.

“And imagine, allowing such a protest to happen in places like this, and even in Port Harcourt and the Niger Delta region, who is going to lose? We are the ones who are going to lose. We are not as strong as Lagos.”

While noting that it goes beyond President Tinubu, the Minister added, “What is being planned now is how to disrupt Nigeria, and to let you know that there is no country today, an adverse nation, that would want Nigeria to make progress.

“So I think, let me use this opportunity to appeal to the entire masses, particularly the traditional rulers, the youth, and the women, not to allow themselves to be deceived by anybody,” Momoh said.

Momoh recalled that sometime in 2011, some people had said that by 2015 the country was going to collapse, saying the purveyors did every manipulation to see that Nigeria did not survive but failed.

He said, “Has Nigeria not survived? So they are surprised that a lot of progress has been made in this country. And we should not give them an opportunity.

“And as the fourth estate of the realm, it is your duty and your responsibility, in your analysis, to continue to tell the whole world that this type of protest is not necessary, it’s irrelevant, and it will not do anybody any good. Therefore, since I’m in Ogoni land, I want to appeal to the youth of Ogoni.

“They should take time to see what is being done in their respective domains. And let some of them, at least those contractors, and the chairman of the Board of Trustees, I’m sure, from time to time, organize some of the youth groups, take some of them, let them go around and see what is happening. At that time, they will be convinced that the HIPREP (the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project) is working.

“As far as I’m concerned, now that I’m here, I can make bold to say that HIPREP is working, and they are doing what they are supposed to do.”

Man stabs wife to death over infidelity in Ekiti

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Police deploy 4,200 policemen ahead of hunger protest in FCT

Tragedy struck in Ado-Ekiti as Onipede Dare reportedly stabbed his wife, Kumapayi Arinola, to death over alleged infidelity.

The incident occurred on Saturday, July 27, at Christ Avenue, in the Adebayo area of Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State.

A resident, preferring anonymity, disclosed to newsmen that the tragic event unfolded on Saturday morning.

Another source revealed that before the altercation, the couple had sent their older child on an errand and locked their apartment door, leaving their younger child, about five years old, inside.

Onipede, a law enforcement agent, and his wife, who worked in a chemist shop, reportedly attacked each other with sharp objects, though it is unclear whether knives or bottles were used.

A source recounted, “They locked themselves up inside their apartment with their younger child. The man confronted the deceased over allegations of cheating, leading to a fight and ultimately, her being fatally stabbed.

“When neighbours couldn’t break down the door, some removed part of the building’s ceiling to gain entry. They found the couple with injuries all over their bodies. The woman was unconscious and was rushed to the hospital but died before arrival.”

The matter was reported to the police, and Onipede was taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment under police supervision.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Mr. Sunday Abutu, stated, “We received the information from their children. The incident happened on Saturday, 27/4/24. The police have launched an investigation into the matter.”

Video footage posted on Instagram by Celebrity Gist Blog (celebritygist_1) sighted by According Online on Sunday, showed policemen from Igede Divisional Headquarters at the scene.

The blog post read, “A gruesome incident has shaken the community of Igede-Ekiti, leaving residents in shock and disbelief. A man, who had been separated from his ex-wife, stabbed her to death before taking his own life in a tragic turn of events.”

The community remains in shock as investigations continue.

Kano names Ahmed Musa Sports ambassador, new Pillars FC board

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Kano names Ahmed Musa Sports ambassador, new Pillars FC board

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the appointment of a new management team for Kano Pillars Football Club.

This followed the recent expiration and subsequent dissolution of the previous Kano Pillars Football Club management board.

The governor stated this in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, on Sunday.

The new board members will serve for an interim period of one year, with the potential for renewal, based on the team’s performance in the upcoming seasons.

The new board has Ali Umar (Nayara Mai Samba), as the Chairman, and Salisu Kosawa as an Honorary member.

Others who will serve as members include Yusuf Danladi (Andy Cole), Nasiru Bello, Muhammad Ibrahim (Hassan West), Muhammad Usman, and Muhammad Gwarzo.

Also, Mustapha Dankura, Ahmad Musbahu, Rabiu Abdullahi and Usman Naisa, while Abubakar Yamalash and Ismail Tangalash are to serve as Media Director and Deputy Media Director respectively.

The governor expressed confidence that these individuals will deploy their wealth of knowledge and experiences that will be instrumental in managing and overseeing the affairs of Kano Pillars FC.

The new board is expected to work closely with the state Ministry of Youth and Sports alongside other relevant stakeholders in the sports industry to promote Kano Pillars FC.

Also, the governor approved the appointment of Nigerian Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa, as the Kano State Sports Ambassador.

Nigeria can’t afford another #EndSARS unrest -Delta monarch 

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Nigeria can't afford another #EndSARS unrest -Delta monarch 

The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, King Obukowho Udurhie 1, has appealed to Nigerians to shelve the planned nationwide protest in the interest of the nation.

He also called on President Bola Tinubu to address the concerns raised by the nation’s youths.

“We cannot afford another #ENDSARS unrest now, considering the current state of our nation,” the monarch said in statement titled “Nationwide Hunger Protest: My appeal to Nigerian youths”, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri, Delta State on Sunday.

The monarch noted with concern that the hunger in the land and growing insecurity across regions should bother Nigeria, stressing the need for constructive means rather than resorting to protests.

He, however, stated that he was worried that a mass protest at this critical time will not do the nation any good, rather than lead to further national disorder.

He called for dialogue as a means of resolving the crisis in the land, stressing that “our collective decision to work for sustainable peace by addressing growing insecurities should be our top national discourse”.

The statement partly reads, “Anything that will further divide the country should be discouraged by the government, which should work out modalities to address the critical hunger in our land. Mass protests cannot and should not be provoked as an option to address the needs of the masses.

“Peace and dialogue remain the win-win choice over mass protests that can easily be hijacked by the depraved. Let peace and unity reign supreme in our dear land.

“I plead with Mr. President and Nigerians to address the core issues of hunger and the deep disconnect that exists between ordinary Nigerians and the ruling class.

“As a revered traditional ruler in this country, I know it is a constitutional right of every Nigerian, as enshrined in our constitution, to protest. I also know there is hunger, insecurity, and unemployment. But as a veteran journalist and media manager with over three decades of experience, the signals out there clearly indicate that another nationwide protest will plunge this nation into more economic mess and insecurity.”

He appealed to youths to shelve the planned protest in the interest of the nation while also calling on the President to address the concerns raised by the youth.

“I plead with Mr. President and Nigerians to address the core issues of hunger and the deep disconnect that exists between ordinary Nigerians and the ruling class.

“We cannot afford another #ENDSARS unrest now, considering the current state of our nation. Our collective decision to work for sustainable peace by addressing growing insecurities should be our top national discourse.

“As a royal father who has been at the forefront of advocating for the creation of jobs, the establishment of companies, revamping the agricultural sector, and the building of a prosperous nation, amongst others, for our Nigerian youths, I know your demands are germane and are a true reflection of the current economic reality in the country,” he urged.

NAF dismantles 12 illegal refining sites in Abia, Rivers

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed 12 illegal refining sites across Abia and Rivers states following a series of targeted airstrikes.
The operation was conducted after surveillance by NAF operatives uncovered active illegal refining sites in the regions. According to a statement from the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, AVM Edward Buba, the strikes led to the demolition of 12 refining sites and two reservoirs on July 26, 2024.
“In efforts aimed at minimizing the activities of oil thieves and other economic saboteurs, Nigerian Air Force aircraft under Operation Delta Safe, on July 26, 2024, carried out several strikes that led to the destruction of 12 illegal refining sites and 2 reservoirs located in Abia and Rivers states,” Buba said.
Three of the destroyed sites were located in Umueze, Abia State. “In Umueze in Abia State, armed reconnaissance undertaken by the aircraft revealed several illegal refining sites situated in many fenced households,” Buba explained. “This information was subsequently relayed to ground troops for further exploitation and necessary action. Heading towards Owaza, three illegal refining sites were observed hidden under thick vegetation, which were subsequently destroyed.”
Read also: Super Falcons lose against world champions Spain
Following the operation in Abia, the NAF crew moved to Komkom and Okoloma in Rivers State, where they dismantled nine refining sites and two reservoirs. “Thereafter, the crew followed the river line down to Komkom and Okoloma in Rivers State, where nine illegal refining sites and two reservoirs were discovered and destroyed. In total, 12 illegal refining sites and two reservoirs were destroyed,” Buba noted.
Buba also pointed out that the presence of refining sites within fenced living areas highlights the sophistication of the illegal refining operations, suggesting that airstrikes alone may not be sufficient to address the issue fully.
He cautioned those involved in illegal refining, particularly in residential areas, about the associated dangers. “Those engaged in these acts, especially in fenced living environments, are again reminded of their danger to human lives and health as well as the environment,” Buba said.
He assured that reconnaissance missions and the destruction of illegal refining sites would continue until crude oil theft and economic sabotage are significantly reduced. “Be that as it may, armed reconnaissance missions, as well as the destruction of illegal refining sites, will continue unabated until crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage are reduced to the barest minimum,” Buba concluded.
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Mass protest: Southeast students will not participate – NANS VP Ahaneku

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Ahead of the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 across the country, the National Vice President, Special Duties, of the National Association of Nigeria Students, NANS, Nzubechi Valentine Ahaneku, has said that students from the Southeast region are not going to participate in the protest, saying that it is not going to address the issues facing them.
He made his position known in a chat with TVN in Owerri.
The NANS VP said that not joining the protest does not mean that all is well with students in the region but rather that they are trying to avoid what may drag the students body into a situation that will be difficult to extricate itself from.
Ahaneku asserted that students can carry out protests, which they can control, to register their grievances over federal government’s negligence concerning their affairs rather than partake in an act that may turn against them.
“Embarking on a protest where we are not part of those who planned it and whose outcome you cannot predict could be dangerous on the side of the students. Even though the protest may be genuine, it can be hijacked,” he said.
He further stated that students will not like to indulge in any act that could disrupt their academic process, which may hurt the future of their education, maintaining that there are still other ways to draw the government’s attention to its responsibilities.
On the issue of the student loan scheme by the federal government, the student activist stated that institutions in the southeast have yet to access the grant.
His words: “Federal and state institutions in the Southeast region are yet to indicate if they have received any loans, and we are closely watching.”
Mass protest: Southeast students will not participate – NANS VP Ahaneku

Falcons qualification slim after 1-0 loss to Spain

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Oshoala, Ajibade lead Falcons attack against Spain

The Super Falcons of Nigeria lost their Group C match against Spain by 1-0 on Sunday evening.

The game was the second for both sides in the ongoing Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football tournament in France.

Spain’s Alexia Putellas secured the victory with an 85th-minute direct free kick, which caught Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Nnadozie, off guard.

With the win, La Roja have cemented a place in the quarterfinals of the tourney with a match left to face Brazil on Wednesday.

The Falcons had their chances but failed to convert any as team captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, lost a one-on-one chance at goal.

Tonight’s loss puts the Falcons at the bottom of the table with zero points, having lost their first match by 1-0 to Brazil.

Nigeria’s next game will be against Japan on Wednesday as the chances of qualification remain slim.

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