The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) today announced new media rights and TV agreements for the 2024/25 CAF Interclub Competitions following a successful bidding process for the pay-TV (English) and Free to Air (all languages) in Sub-Saharan African territory.
The rights include African football’s premium Club competitions: TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2024/25, TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25, CAF Women’s Champions League 2024 and TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup 2025.
CAF reached agreements with SuperSport International for the PayTV rights (in English) South African Broadcasting Corporation (“SABC”) and Azam Media for the Free to Air (“FTA”) rights.
The CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “The exponential growth and global competitiveness of football in Africa has resulted in substantial interest from major African and international broadcasters in African Football. SuperSport, SABC and Azam Media have been participating competitively in the CAF Media Rights bids. CAF welcomes them all as partners, joining a number of CAF’s Media Rights holders. We are committed to ensuring that CAF’s Competitions including its Broadcast products are world-class.”
The TV Audiences during the 2023/24 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League grew by over 25% in North Africa while East Africa and Southern Africa saw growth of over 40% in both TV Audiences and digital engagement.
After over a decade of trailblazing in the Nigerian music scene, rap legend Phyno is set to make a highly anticipated comeback with his latest single, “Time of My Life.” Teaming up with UK rising star Arrdee, the track is expected to be a standout collaboration, blending Phyno’s unmistakable style with Arrdee’s dynamic flow. As both artists bring their unique sounds together, fans are gearing up for what promises to be a major moment for both the Nigerian and UK rap landscapes.
A Cultural and Linguistic Fusion
In “Time of My Life,” Phyno showcases his ongoing commitment to promoting his culture through music. The track effortlessly blends English with his native Southern Nigerian dialect, Igbo, paying homage to his roots while appealing to a global audience. The song serves as a celebration of identity and heritage, with Phyno seamlessly switching between languages to deliver his message.
Arrdee, known for his meteoric rise in the UK rap scene, complements Phyno’s lyrical prowess with his energetic flow. He even pays tribute to Phyno’s Igbo heritage by incorporating a few lines in the language, adding depth and cultural resonance to the collaboration. The track brims with confidence and braggadocio, showcasing both artists’ lyrical mastery and self-assuredness.
The chemistry between Phyno and Arrdee shines throughout “Time of My Life,” making it an anthem of empowerment and self-confidence. Phyno’s signature sound, combined with Arrdee’s youthful energy, results in a bold and infectious track that highlights the duo’s effortless synergy. The song’s high-energy vibe and cross-continental collaboration set the stage for the release of Phyno’s highly anticipated fifth studio album, *Full Time Job*.
With over a decade of success, Phyno remains dedicated to expanding his reach on the global stage. Known for merging genres while staying true to his roots, he continues to push boundaries with each new project. “Time of My Life” marks the beginning of his latest musical chapter, with a clear focus on cementing his influence on the international music scene.
The release of “Time of My Life” follows Phyno’s earlier hit single “Do I,” which was recently remixed with Grammy-winning Nigerian megastar Burna Boy. As fans eagerly await the release of *Full Time Job* later in October, Phyno’s latest offering sets the tone for what promises to be an impactful era in his already stellar career.
Konate scores first Premier League goal; Salah secures victory with penalty
Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League table after a 2-1 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium on Saturday. The Reds, under manager Arne Slot, now have 15 points from six matches, putting them one point ahead of both Manchester City and Arsenal. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton remains at the bottom of the table, with just one point to their name.
Konate and Salah Deliver for Liverpool
Defender Ibrahima Konate scored his first-ever Premier League goal in first-half injury time, heading in a precise cross from Diogo Jota. Konate’s goal gave Liverpool a crucial advantage going into the break, as they looked to assert their dominance at the top of the table.
Konate celebrates first EPL goal with style
However, Wolves capitalized on a momentary lapse from Konate to level the score in the 56th minute. The French defender misjudged a ball near the goal line, allowing Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen to keep it in play. Rayan Aït-Nouri seized the opportunity, tapping in from close range to bring Wolves back into the game.
Just five minutes later, Liverpool responded. A foul by Wolves defender Nelson Semedo on Jota in the penalty area led to Mohamed Salah coolly converting from the spot, sending goalkeeper Sam Johnstone the wrong way. The goal put Liverpool back in front and silenced the Molineux crowd.
Slot Cautious Despite Top Spot
After the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot was pleased but remained measured in his response to the early success.
“Feels good (to be top), you want to be up there but it doesn’t tell me that much at the moment,” Slot told *Sky Sports*. “If you look at Wolves, they are down in the table but played much better than that today. After 19 games, it’ll tell me something, but not after six.”
Gravenberch and Szoboszlai Shine for the Reds
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch continued his strong start to the season, putting in an impressive display. After the game, the Dutchman spoke about his ambitions and his delight at the trust shown in him by Slot.
“I think a team like Liverpool has to be in the top four for sure; we keep pushing, we keep pushing, but it’s really early,” Gravenberch told *Sky Sports*. “This season I wanted to show myself again and I am really happy. He (Slot) put me in the starting 11 and gave me a lot of confidence.”
Dominik Szoboszlai, another standout performer for Liverpool, had a brilliant chance to score in the first half. However, his point-blank effort was denied by Johnstone after connecting with a cross from Andy Robertson.
Late Chances and Table Implications
Liverpool pressed for a third goal in the dying minutes of the match, with Konate narrowly missing another header from a corner and Curtis Jones having a low shot saved by Johnstone after a neat exchange with Salah.
Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table could be short-lived, as Aston Villa have the chance to join them on points on Sunday with a win at Ipswich Town. Villa trails Liverpool on goal difference, 10-3, but a victory would see them match the Reds’ point tally.
Current production at 1.7 million barrels daily, with hopes of expansion
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has expressed confidence that the country can achieve a daily crude oil production of three million barrels. Nigeria’s current output stands at 1.7 million barrels per day, but with collective efforts from various stakeholders, the company believes this ambitious target is within reach.
Optimism Rooted in Government Support
Speaking at a Stakeholders Engagement Session with journalists covering the National Assembly, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO), Mr. Olufemi Soneye, emphasized that political support from the government is a key driver of this goal. He credited President Bola Tinubu for taking decisive action to address the major challenges hampering oil production, particularly oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Soneye explained that the President’s directives to security agencies have already resulted in a significant increase in production, from a low of 1.4 million barrels per day to the current 1.7 million. With continued commitment from all relevant players, Soneye believes production can be further boosted.
“Three million barrels of oil production per day is achievable in Nigeria if all the stakeholders work in synergy for that purpose,” he said. “From the security agencies, both government and private-owned, to oil companies and host communities, the collective effort is essential.”
Security and Private Sector Collaboration to Drive Growth
NNPCL’s optimism is tied to improved collaboration among security agencies and the involvement of private security firms in tackling oil theft. Soneye highlighted that the country’s production once dropped to as low as 900,000 barrels per day, but renewed efforts from the military and private actors helped reverse this decline.
“At that time, we felt Nigeria was in serious trouble with oil theft. However, the intensity of the war against this menace has allayed our fears,” Soneye said, expressing hope for further production increases.
Crude Oil Theft: A Continuing Threat
Despite the optimistic outlook, the issue of crude oil theft remains a major concern. In a presentation on the economic impact of oil theft, NNPC Deputy Manager of the Command-and-Control Centre, Murtala Muhammad, revealed that over 8,000 illegal refineries and 5,800 illegal oil pipeline connections have been detected and destroyed in the past six months alone.
Muhammad identified key hotspots for oil theft, listing Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, and Abia states as areas of particular concern.
Nation-Building and Responsible Reporting
In a related presentation, Professor Taiye Obateru spoke on the critical role of responsible journalism in national development. During his lecture titled “Balancing Reporting and Nation Building: The Role of National Assembly Press Corps,” he stressed the importance of fairness and national interest in media coverage, urging journalists to contribute positively to Nigeria’s progress by reporting objectively on issues like oil production and theft.
As Nigeria continues its fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, NNPCL’s goal of achieving three million barrels of oil production per day stands as a beacon of hope for the country’s energy sector and economic stability.
The Junior Female Greens, have qualified for the 2025 ICC U-19 T20 World Cup. The team clinched the Africa Qualifier Division 1 title in Kigali, Rwanda, after an intense final against Zimbabwe on Sunday. This achievement guarantees their place in the upcoming tournament, set to be held in Malaysia.
Nigeria’s Unbeaten Run
The final, held at the Gahanga Cricket Oval, was a dramatic encounter that ended in Nigeria’s favor. At the time of the stoppage, Zimbabwe were chasing Nigeria’s total of 77 runs, having posted 19 runs for the loss of one wicket in just 2.3 overs. Nigeria finished at the top of the qualifier standings, maintaining an unbeaten record throughout the tournament.
This success marks only the second time Nigeria has qualified for a cricket World Cup, following the men’s U-19 team’s groundbreaking qualification for the 2019 World Cup in South Africa.
Tough Battle Against Zimbabwe
The final was the second time Nigeria faced Zimbabwe during the tournament. In the group stages, the Junior Female Greens narrowly defeated Zimbabwe by one wicket in a nail-biting contest. That victory set the tone for what was expected to be another tough encounter against the test-playing nation.
Nigeria’s captain, Lucky Piety, won the toss and chose to bat first in the final, a decision that quickly became challenging as Zimbabwe’s bowlers put on an impressive display. Victory Igbinedion led the Nigerian side with 23 runs from 18 balls, helping her team scrape together 77 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. Zimbabwe started strong in the second innings, but failed to secure a comeback.
Group C Awaits Nigeria at the World Cup
With this victory, Nigeria now looks ahead to the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, which will take place from January 18 to February 2, 2025. Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside cricket powerhouses New Zealand, South Africa, and Samoa.
India, the reigning champions, will be defending their title in the second edition of the tournament, which promises to feature some of the best emerging talent in women’s cricket.
Nigerian table tennis icon, Quadri Aruna on Sunday made a bright start to his World Table Tennis China Smash by defeating Benedek Olah 3-1 (13-11, 11-5,12-10, 11-7) in a round of 64 match at Shijingshan Shougang Park, Beijing, China.
The world number 19 thus progressed to the round of 32 of the tournament with $2m prize money, which runs from September 26 to October 6.
The 39-year-old, whose highest world ranking stands at 10, making him the first African player to be ranked in the top 10 in the world, looks to make up for his dismal outing at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where he got eliminated in the round of 64 in men’s singles table tennis by Eduard Ionescu of Romania in a comeback game of 4-3.
Sun Yingsha Dominates Bajor in Women’s Singles
Top-seeded Chinese paddler Sun Yingsha defeated Natalia Bajor of Poland 11-7, 11-1, 11-8 to cruise into the women’s singles last 32 as the main draw of World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash kicked off on Sunday.
The opening ceremony of WTT China Smash was staged ahead of the match between Sun and Bajor. A famous song “Welcome to Beijing,” written for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, brought the atmosphere in the venue to the climax.
The 27-year-old Bajor took an upper hand at the beginning of the first set before Sun adjusted quickly to rally past and seal an 11-7 win. In the following two sets, the Chinese favourite maintained the momentum and clinched the victory in straight sets.
“This is the first time for Beijing to host WTT Smash. I feel pretty good in the first-round match with the warm support from the crowd. I hope to make progress match after match to further improve my performance,”Sun, 23, said after the game.
Chelsea secured a decisive victory against Brighton, marking a significant achievement in their recent Premier League campaign under new manager Enzo Maresca. The match, held at Stamford Bridge, showcased Chelsea’s offensive prowess, with the team continuing to build momentum in the league.
Impressive Record
Since Maresca took over, Chelsea has experienced a notable turnaround, achieving four wins, one draw, and one defeat. This strong performance has revitalized the team’s standings and instilled confidence among players and fans alike.
In just six matches, Chelsea has netted an impressive 15 goals. This offensive output highlights the effectiveness of Maresca’s tactics and the team’s ability to create scoring opportunities. The players have responded well to the new system, demonstrating both skill and determination on the pitch.
Looking Ahead
As Chelsea continues to adapt under Maresca’s leadership, the team aims to build on this momentum in the upcoming fixtures. The blend of fresh talent suggests a promising future for the club as they strive for higher positions in the league standings.
Manchester City Drops Points in Draw Against Newcastle
Stalemate with Newcastle
Manchester City faced a frustrating 1-1 draw against Newcastle United today, causing them to lose vital ground in the Premier League title race. The result leaves City with 14 points, a setback for the league leaders.
In contrast, Arsenal took full advantage of City’s slip-up, securing a convincing 4-2 victory over Leicester City. This win boosts Arsenal’s position in the standings, intensifying the competition at the top of the table.
Cole Palmer Makes Premier League History with Four First-Half Goals
Historic Achievement
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer made headlines today by becoming the first player in Premier League history to score four goals in a single first half. His remarkable performance came against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Enzo Maresca: “I know Cole Palmer from many years ago, I had him at Manchester City in the U23”, tells BBC.
“The best thing is the way he is as a human is the same way”.
“This doesn’t change his life and that is the best thing for him”.
Dominant First Half
Palmer’s four-goal feat showcased his exceptional talent and finishing ability, contributing significantly to Chelsea’s commanding lead. The stunning display not only highlights his potential but also cements his place in Premier League lore.
Impact on Chelsea’s Season
This historic achievement further emphasizes Chelsea’s offensive resurgence under manager Enzo Maresca, as the team continues to build momentum in the league. Palmer’s performance will undoubtedly be a focal point as Chelsea aims for continued success in the season ahead.
Hamid Abbo and Adekunbi Usman have emerged the winners of the 2024 IBB Past Captains/Past Lady Captains Special Appreciation tournament held at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
The Special Appreciation Kitty organised by the IBB Ladies Golf Section had no fewer than 200 golfers participating and slugging it out at the event.
Abbo played 37 stable ford points to clinch the highest prize in the past Captain’s category, while Usman played 37 points to emerge the winner in the past lady Captain’s category.
An elated Usman who was a lady captain of the club in 2015 said that she was surprised and delighted to have won against all odds.
“Unbelievably! When I started this morning, I never knew that I was going to come out tops at the end.
“My first, second and third hole was good. But when I got to the fourth hole, it became a different thing, and I told myself that there was no need to feel any pressure.
“I chose rather to just enjoy the game and continue, and that was what took me through from hole four up to hole 18.
“So, I was so surprised to hear my name that night as the winner,” she said.
In the Auxiliary award category, D. Mamza won the prize for the longest drive ladies with a distance of 159 metres, while Adamu Salisu won the longest drive men with a distance of 252 metres.
Faridah Wada won the nearest the pin ladies’ prize with a distance of 8.8 feet on hole 12, while Bamidele Obiniyi won the nearest pin prize for men with a distance of 3.1 feet.
Dame Julie Donli who is the Lady Captain of the Club and host of the event said the decision to celebrate the past Captains was borne out of the need to appreciate those who had made an impact and left an indelible mark in the club.
She said the Ladies Golf section Committee felt it was imperative to celebrate the past Captains and past Lady Captains of the club because it was a continum.
“We are building from where they stopped. There are alot of things that we learnt from them and they still give us alot of advice from time to time.
“So, we felt that Captains come and go. There are some who made an impact while they were here and some of their impacts are still being sustained.
“People like that are very special to us and so we decided that it was time for us to celebrate our past captains and past lady captains and that was informed our decision,” Donli said.
Similarly, Ibrahim Babayo, the Captain of the club said the idea behind the Kitty was to appreciate the past Captains and past Lady Captains for their selfless service to the club.
“As you know, any service rendered by any Executive member of this club is voluntary. There is no remuneration whatsoever for your services rendered to the club.
“So, this is our own little way of showing appreciation,” he said.
Babayo noted that the scheduling and hosting of the Kitty by the ladies section within the week of the Independence tournament has helped to add glamour to the tournament.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to all the deserved winners in the different categories as well as the rendetion of lovely tunes by Sir Shina Peters, which made everyone dance filled with an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie.
After a demanding week, Friday night is the perfect time to unwind and reconnect with friends or family. Many people look forward to grabbing dinner at a favorite restaurant, enjoying a laid-back evening at home with a good movie, or catching up with friends over drinks. This time serves as a crucial transition from the workweek, allowing for relaxation and enjoyment.
Saturday often starts with a leisurely morning, perhaps sleeping in or savoring a delicious breakfast. The day can be spent engaging in hobbies, exploring local attractions, or simply relaxing at home. Many people take the opportunity to catch up on errands, spend time in nature, or visit friends and family. This day is all about rejuvenation and doing what brings joy.
Sunday: Preparation and Reflection
Sunday tends to have a more reflective tone. It may begin with a peaceful morning routine, followed by a mix of relaxation and preparation for the upcoming week. This can include meal prepping, organizing tasks, or engaging in self-care activities. Sunday evenings are often reserved for winding down and setting intentions for the week ahead, ensuring a smooth transition back to work.
Conclusion: Balancing Work and Life
Overall, a Friday night and weekend after a long week of work are essential for recharging and fostering connections. They provide a valuable opportunity to shift focus from professional responsibilities to personal well-being and enjoyment, ultimately creating a balanced life.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has emphasized that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life are crucial for their physical development and brain growth. During this period, the foundation for a child’s long-term health, education, and productivity is established.
This key message was delivered by Mrs. Abigail Nyam, Nutrition Officer at the UNICEF Field Office in Kano, northern Nigeria, during a media dialogue held in Zaria on Thursday. The event was organized to engage news and programs managers from radio and television stations in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina States.
The Role of Maternal and Child Nutrition
Mrs. Nyam highlighted that the nutrition a woman receives during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as the nurturing care a baby receives in the first two years of life, are critical for a healthy future. She stressed that maternal and child health are determinants of a child’s potential to grow and thrive. Poor nutrition in the first 1,000 days can result in irreversible damage to a child’s developing brain and body.
“Failure to achieve proper growth during this period is associated with long-term consequences, including limitations in schooling, productivity, and income potential,” Nyam explained.
Consequences of Poor Nutrition in Early Life
Nyam further elaborated that up to 80% of brain growth and maturation occur by the age of two. Inadequate nutrition during this period can lead to a greater risk of non-communicable diseases later in life, such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and osteoporosis. These conditions often result in lifelong medical expenses and reduced quality of life.
“The first 1,000 days are a time of tremendous potential and enormous vulnerability. How well—or how poorly—mothers and children are nourished during this period has a profound impact on a child’s future,” she said.
According to UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2010 report, under nutrition contributes to more than one-third of child deaths globally.
WHO Guidelines on Infant Nutrition
Mrs. Nyam also underscored the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations on optimal infant feeding practices. These include initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth and exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months. After six months, timely and appropriate complementary feeding should be introduced alongside continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond.
Introduction of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS)
UNICEF is also advocating for the introduction of Multiple Micro nutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women as a means to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria. Mrs. Nyam described MMS as a vital intervention for addressing anemia in pregnant women worldwide.
“MMS is a once-a-day pill that contains 13 to 15 essential vitamins and minerals for pregnant and nursing women, helping to meet micronutrient requirements that are not fulfilled by poor diets. It is safe, effective, affordable, and cost-efficient, and it has proven to be more effective than Iron and Folic Acid alone in improving maternal nutrition,” she said.
Engaging the Media for Child Advocacy
Earlier in the event, Mr. Samuel Kaalu, Communication Officer at the UNICEF Field Office in Kano, explained the objective of the media dialogue. According to Kaalu, the event aimed to engage journalists from Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina States on key advocacy priorities related to child development. The media plays a crucial role in creating awareness about the importance of the first 1,000 days in a child’s survival and promoting other UNICEF activities.
The dialogue provided a platform for media professionals to better understand and communicate the significance of early childhood nutrition and development in the broader context of UNICEF’s mission in Nigeria.
