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Arsenal Second Leg ‘A Night Made For Real Madrid’

By
Joel
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0

Jude Bellingham believes the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal on Wednesday is “a night made for Real Madrid”.

The reigning European champions are aiming to overturn a 3-0 deficit from last week’s first leg in which they were well beaten at Emirates Stadium.

But Madrid midfielder Bellingham is confident his side can turn the tie around at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium , 20:00 BST, and add another chapter to the club’s illustrious European history.

“I’ve heard it a million times since last week, I’ve seen a million videos – it’s really motivating stuff”, the England international told a media conference yesterday.

“It’s a night that’s made for Real Madrid.

“A night that would go down in history but also something that people are familiar with around this part of this world. Hopefully we can add another special night”.

Real Madrid have lost by three or more goals in the first leg of a European knockout tie on five previous occasions.

The only time they came from behind to progress was in the 1975-76 European Cup, when they recovered from a 4-1 defeat by Derby County in the last 16 to win 5-1 at home and go through 6-5 on aggregate.

Barcelona reach Champions League semis despite 3-1 loss at Dortmund

By
Joel
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0

Five-time European champions Barcelona reached their first Champions League semi-final in six seasons with a 5-3 aggregate victory despite being beaten 3-1 by Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

Serhou Guirassy scored a hat-trick for Dortmund to condemn Barca to their first defeat across all competitions this year but it could not prevent the Catalans from reaching the last four.

Barcelona will play either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich, who face each other on Wednesday, in the last four.

“Dortmund did very well. We did not have our best day. I had a feeling something like that would happen today because I know the stadium well,” said Barcelona coach Hansi Flick.

“Things didn’t go too well for us but Dortmund played very well. But congratulations to my team, we’re in the semi-finals. We’re happy. I’m really happy for the team and the club.”

The visitors found themselves on the back foot from the start with Dortmund shooting out of the blocks as they attempted to bounce back from last week’s 4-0 first-leg loss.

Dortmund, who drew 2-2 against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga on Saturday, had two golden chances in the opening minutes before Guirassy’s chipped penalty in the 11th minute gave them a deserved lead.

FCT FA Mourns 1980 AFCON Winning Captain Chukuw

By
Joel
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0

Joel Ajayi 

The FCT Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Muhammed on behalf of the FCT Football family is expressing his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family and the Nigeria Football family over the demise of the 1980 AFCON winning Captain, Christian Chukwu, popularly known as Chairman Christian Chukwu who died at the age of 74 at his native home in Enugu on Saturday.

The FCT FA Chairman, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Muhammed, commiserates with the family over this sad death of Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, who later could ached the Nigeria Super Eagles years after winning the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations as Captain of the team.

Alhaji Adam Mouktar Muhammed described the demise of Christian Chukwu as great loss to not only football, but sports in general.

“This is coming to us in the FCT as a rude shock. Nigeria has lost a gem. A hero. A man who many see as an embodiment of strength, character and goals. He was very dedicated to sports growth and develop all his lifetime. He will surely be missed. 

“All we can say is that we pray that Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest. Grant his family and friends, and Nigeria football’s family the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

Late Christian Chukwu was in the Nigeria senior team that won bronze medals at the 1976 and 1978 AFCON finals in Ethiopia and Ghana respectively, before leading the squad to glory on home soil in 1980. He was named Player of the Tournament.

Born on 4th January 1951, Chukwu coached his darling club, Enugu Rangers (he played for only one club in his career) and then coached the senior national team of Kenya, nicknamed the Harambee Stars. He was named Head Coach of the Super Eagles in 2002, and led the team to finish third at the 2004 AFCON finals in Tunisia.

Defeated Villa eager to go again in Champions League

By
Joel
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0

Aston Villa threatened to pull off a stunning comeback against Paris St-Germain before going out of the Champions League on a dramatic night at Villa Park.

Villa were attempting to overturn a 3-1 deficit to reach the semi-final but their hopes looked in tatters when they were two goals down inside the first half-hour

Achraf Hakimi cashed in on Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez’s mistake to put PSG ahead, then Nuno Mendes doubled the French side’s lead to leave Villa needing to score at least four goals.

In a thunderous Villa Park atmosphere, Unai Emery’s team refused to yield and launched a magnificent response to put this hugely talented PSG side on the rack.

Youri Tielemans pulled one back after 34 minutes with a deflected shot before a second half of pure theatre unfolded in front a frenzied Villa Park.

Villa struck twice in two minutes to spark hopes of a remarkable revival, John McGinn scoring from 20 yards after 55 minutes before defender Ezri Konsa put them ahead on the night after fantastic work by Marcus Rashford.

And, as Villa’s belief grew, it took three crucial saves from PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to stop them drawing level in the tie.

He dived high to his left to magnificently claw away Rashford’s rising drive, then somehow turned out Tielemans’ header before saving at the feet of substitute Marco Asensio.

PSG managed to regain a measure of composure to hold on and will meet Arsenal or Real Madrid in the semi-final.

Gateway of Promise: NSC DG Commends Ogun State’s Readiness to Host 22nd National Sports Festival

By
Joel
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0

Commends Ogun State Government for commitment and high level of preparedness

The National Sports Commission, NSC has expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness of Ogun state ahead of the fast approaching 22nd edition of the National Sports festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, holding from May 16-30 2025.

The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade who doubles as the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, MOC, gave the remarks when he led a joint team of members of both the Local and Main Organising Committees, for the inspection of the facilities earmarked for the Games.

” This inspection is not only important because of the aesthetics but because technically we have been battling with what we want to do with Athletics and the throws in particular. But we have now agreed with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria,AFN, that the throws will take place at the MKO stadium because of the kind of Astroturf that has been put there, and that for me it’s the most gratifying thing about this inspection”.

” We really need to thank the State Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, for the kind of work that is ongoing with all the facilities. Now the entire gamut of athletics will now be done at the MKO stadium. And Inside the Stadium, the Governor has taken the issue of security to a whole new level with every Public Address System having a camera. The 360 environment of the stadium is covered with World Class cameras that can give real time pictures of activities”, he said.

The DG also led his team to inspect all other facilities including the Abeokuta Golf course where he assured of the commission’s commitment to assist with providing some of the needed equipment which he said will serve as legacies.

” I hope as we support you in all of these, the effect of what we are doing will also be felt by the indigent children who live around this golf course”.

All the facilities billed for the Games are currently wearing a new look with many of them almost ready for the start of what is expected to be one of the best organised Games in the history of the National Sports Festival.

The Inspection of facilities was concluded with a joint technical meeting of all Federation Secretaries , states director of Sports, members of both Local and main Organising Committees, as the National Sports Commission and the Ogun State Government put finishing touches to their bid of staging a World class Games.

The inspection of the facilities also coincided with the official unveiling of the Festival Logo, Theme song and Mascot with the Ogun State Government reassuring everyone of hosting a Premium event.

Nigeria Swimming Team Sets For Africa Junior Championship In Egypt 

By
Joel
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0

Joel Ajayi 

 National Swimming Camp for the 16th edition of the Africa Junior Championship in Egypt is officially opened. 

The Team is Camped in Lagos and trains at the National Stadium Swimming Pool Surulere Lagos.

Already in Camp are  

Stanley Ossai, Aidan Abili Dumuje, Adenubi Temidayo, Olaiya Timileyin, Demilade Akanbi and Tofunmi Ibidapo which consist of the Locally based athletes who are under the watchful eyes of Coach Yellow Yeiwah, who have done so much for Nigeria both as an Olympian and a veteran swimmer for Nigeria and have  won several medal medals for Nigeria at the international stage.

While the other players in Diaspora are also going through intense preparations in the UK to ensure podium success in Egypt. 

They include Abduljaba Adama, Angelo Nnaji, Ayobami Akindele Kashope Obatoyinbo as well as Omolola Akinsanmi, Atinuke Alfred, Boluwatife Alfred and Eva Omodara Annoyed 

The Africa Junior Championship will be held from  April 28 – May 4, 2025.

Fears Of  CBEX Crashing Trigger Looting  In Ibadan Offices, Other Cities

By
Joel
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0

From Rotimi Asher,  Lagos 

Offices of a popular Ponzi scheme operator, CBEX, in Ibadan and a few other places in Nigeria have been looted by some aggrieved investors.

This followed news that the company has shut down its services, with funds of several investors trapped.

Last week, there were speculations that CBEX has crashed following the inability of members to withdraw their funds.

The company quickly dispelled this, noting that it locked the wallets of its investors because of the bonuses gifted members, which must be used for trading before withdrawal.

CBEX, thereafter, assured that from yesterday, April 15, 2025, members of the Ponzi scheme would be able to withdraw their funds without ease.

However, on Monday, it was gathered that funds in the accounts of investors were wiped off, with a notice to members that they would only be access their money upon the payment of a reactivation fee, a similar pattern of other defunct operators.

“All accounts need to undergo the following verification steps to ensure their authenticity.

“For accounts with funds below $1,000 before any losses, a deposit of $100 is required.

“For accounts with funds exceeding $1,000, a deposit of $200 is required.

“Additionally, please keep your deposit receipts to ensure you can prove the authenticity of the account during future withdrawal reviews”, the message from CBEX stated.

This development shattered the hopes of some investors, triggering a looting spree of the company’s offices.

Some videos of the internet showed moments some irate youth stormed the Ibadan office of the organisation, carting away with some valuables, including office items and others.

Many Nigerians have expressed shock at the level of acceptance of the Ponzi scheme in the country despite the harrowing experience of MMM some years ago.

AljazirahNigeria reports that some weeks ago, a similar Ponzi scheme operator, Cheersway, went away with investors’ funds after it claimed its platform was hacked.

Just like CBEX, it asked members to pay a reactivation fee of their exact level, which ranges from $50, $150, $400, and $1,000, to have access to their money, but most of those who paid were never granted any access until the company folded up.

Also, those who invested in a new investment vehicle it came up with, TikTok Shop, could not receive their capital and return-on-investment as promised.

It later assured investors that it would move them to a new company established last month known as C&P Capital, noting that they would get their funds back after the new organisation makes profit, probably after two years of operations.

FCCPC Seals Shops Over Sale Of Local Rice As Foreign Brands In Abuja

By
Joel
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0

By Dickson Pat 

Officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission ,FCCPC, have raided the Utako market in Abuja, sealing several shops over the alleged buying and selling of local rice re-bagged as foreign brands by market cartels.

The operation, which took place yesterday, was carried out with the support of police officers and other security operatives monitored by AljazirahNigeria.

FCCPC officials targeted shop owners selling rice brands like Royal Stallion and Mama Gold, asserting that intelligence gathered indicated these companies had ceased importing their rice brands into Nigeria as far back as 2015.

It is observed that more than five large shops stocked with various bags of rice were sealed during the raid, and the owners were directed to report to the FCCPC headquarters for investigation.

Explaining the development in a press interview, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, Director of the Surveillance and Investigation Department at FCCPC, said that intelligence indicated a trend of re-bagging local rice as foreign brands.

According to her, intelligence from foreign brand owners also confirmed that these foreign rice brands are no longer available in the Nigerian market.

“The Commission has resolved to carry out this ongoing operation to confirm and validate reports that local rice is being packaged as imported rice”, she explained.

Standing beside a sealed shop, Mrs. Adeyinka emphasized that due to Nigerians’ preference for foreign rice despite it no longer being imported market cartels have allegedly resorted to re-bagging local rice and selling it as foreign. “This is exploitative. It is against consumer economic interests”, she said.

She noted that instead of consumers buying local rice as it is, they are being misled into purchasing it in imported-branded bags.

“They are not imported. They are not from Thailand. In fact, for Mama Gold, all exports ceased as far back as 2015. This is 2025, and yet, as you heard from the testimony of a trader, he is aware that those sizes are no longer sold. That’s why we’re here”, she said.

She added that due process would be followed, and the implicated products would be confiscated by the federal government.

“We will follow the trail to identify those producing and branding local rice with foreign labels that no longer exist in the market. The brand owners have already publicly announced they are no longer distributing in Nigeria. However, due to brand recognition, these cartels continue to exploit consumers”, she added.

She assured the public that the Commission will continue to remove such products from the market.

She warned sellers to ensure they are sourcing their stock from Nigerian mills or authorized distributors/importers of foreign brands.

“We have administrative penalties and fines under our law”, she said, noting that any resistance by traders or refusal to cooperate with investigators will result in prosecution.

Speaking to the press, Igwenma Alex, secretary of the Utako Market Shop Ownership/Traders Association, claimed that rice sellers had full stock and were unaware that the foreign brands had been banned.

“When something is banned, shouldn’t awareness be created for Nigerians? So that they know it’s now considered counterfeit? Even when you ban something, it’s not just about the traders—you’re protecting the entire nation”, he said.

He argued that both consumers and sellers lacked awareness of the development.

One of the traders whose shop was sealed by the FCCPC, told the press that if he knew those rice products were banned or are no longer in the market, he would not have bought it.

He stressed that he buys his goods from Kaduna Road and Kano.

Under Section 125 of the FCCPA, businesses are prohibited from making false or deceptive representations about product attributes to consumers.

Section 138 reinforces this by holding manufacturers, importers, distributors, and suppliers accountable for breaches of implied obligations, including product claims.

‘N29m Electricity Bill Crazy’ — Lagos Deputy Gov Cries Out

By
Joel
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0

By Rotimi Asher Lagos 

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has raised the alarm over an astronomical increase in his electricity bill from ₦2.7m in March to a staggering ₦29m in April.

Speaking during a roundtable in Victoria Island on Monday, Hamzat expressed frustration over the billing hike and the utility company’s refusal to install a prepaid meter, despite his payment for one.

The event, which was a collaboration between the Rural Electrification Agency ,REA, and the Lagos State Government, centred on a memorandum of understanding aimed at bringing electricity to underserved rural communities in the state.

Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the gathering, Hamzat criticised the electricity provider for what he described as “crazy billing”. He stressed the need for urgent reforms in the sector.

“People who are trying to survive, and the common denominator for them is power. They don’t have power. There are billing challenges. In fact, I’m a very good example.

“Last month, in my house, or the state house that I live in, the bill was N2.7m last month. This month, Eko DisCo sent us a bill of 29m. I sent it to the Commissioner for Energy. It’s crazy. I actually procured a meter. I bought a meter to say, ’Look, don’t give estimated billing. I bought the meter, but to convert it is wahala”, Hamzat lamented.

He recounted the experience of a consumer in the Coker Aguda area of the state who was billed N2.8m, despite having a rent of only N2m.

“There’s a place called Coker Aguda in Surulere, and people came to me, and I was asking them to calm down. A man’s rent in a year is about N2m; they gave him a bill of N2.8m for electricity. How can the bill be more than the man’s rent for a year? Those are the challenges that we have”, Hamzat stated. “Our people are suffering because of estimated billing”, he added.

The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, announced that certain communities have been selected to benefit from the agency’s rural electrification programme.

He added that the agency would require approval from the Lagos State Government to construct an 8-megawatt floating solar power plant at the University of Lagos.

FG Gazettes AfCFTA ECOWAS Tariffs Implementation

By
Joel
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0

By Aliyu Galadima 

Federal Government has gazette and transmitted the ECOWAS schedule of tariff offers for trade in goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area to its secretariat.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said this through a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

Oduwole said that the move was ahead of the 16th meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers ,COM, responsible for trade, held in Kinshasa, DRC, on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in regional trade integration.

According to her, this agreement establishes zero duties on 90% of tariff lines for trade in goods, enhancing Nigeria’s market competitiveness and expanding trade opportunities across Africa.

“Nigerian goods are now competitively positioned in the African market, ensuring greater business access and profitability.

“President Bola Tinubu signed the ECOWAS Schedule of Tariff Offers, which reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to regional trade expansion.

“This step under the AfCFTA framework strengthens Nigeria’s role in shaping the future of intra-African trade and boosting exports competitiveness.

“Furthermore, it enables the seamless shipment of goods to and from Nigeria, unlocking new opportunities for businesses, manufacturers, and exporters.

“Implications of Nigeria’s ECOWAS Tariff offer the gazetting of the schedule of tariff concessions is expected to yield significant benefits”, she said.

The Minister said that the benefits included boosting economic growth and job creation by reducing trade barriers and strengthening regional integration and trade relations through enhanced economic ties.

She added that it would also support Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises ,SMEs, by lowering costs and encouraging market expansion.

“Furthermore, Nigeria’s commitment to AfCFTA implementation makes it an attractive destination for foreign and intra-African investment, reinforcing its role as a trade hub in West Africa.

“However, stronger engagement is required from African trade ministers to address other types of barriers, including non-tariff barriers that could hinder market access.

“Additionally, improving productive capacity and ensuring compliance with international standards remain imperative to maximise the benefits of the AfCFTA.

“Nigeria is open for business. The gazetting and transmission of the ECOWAS schedule of tariffs to the AfCFTA Secretariat signals Nigeria’s readiness for trade under the agreement”.

Oduwole said that the milestone would enable Nigerian exporters to leverage preferential tariff access across African markets, positioning Nigeria as a key player in regional and global trade.

She added that the development would also underscore Nigeria’s dedication to leveraging Africa’s single market for economic transformation.

“After initiating its first shipment under AfCFTA in July 2024, Nigeria has solidified its leadership in regional trade and integration with the formal gazetting of the schedule of tariffs for trade in goods.

”This is to ensure that Nigerian goods can access other markets competitively and profitably.

“This reciprocal trade arrangement aligns with the directive of the 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in February 2022.

”As a result, other AfCFTA State Parties can now accept consignments from Nigeria under the agreement.

”Under its preferred classification, Nigeria’s tariff reductions for trade in goods follow a phased approach over 10 years beginning in 2021.

“By 2025, the fifth year of AfCFTA implementation, a 50 per cent tariff reduction on NGN, implemented at a rate of 10% per year, should immediately affect goods in trade with least developed countries in Africa.

”For trade with developing countries on the continent, Nigeria retains the flexibility of complete tariff elimination ,0%, effectively immediately under AfCFTA, applying a 20% reduction annually.

”The gazetting announcement follows the AfCFTA digital trade mandate announced in February in Addis Ababa.

“The president, however, received a commendation for his work on digital trade, further reinforcing the country’s commitment to regional and continental trade integration.

”As a digital trade co-champion, Nigeria is advancing seamless trade facilitation and cross-border commerce, ensuring businesses, especially SMEs, can fully benefit from AfCFTA’s framework”, she said.

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