Category Archives: NEWS

NEWS, SPORT

Cricket U-19 World Cup Qualifier- Nigeria Sets to Face Rwanda

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Rising stars of Nigerian cricket aim for World Cup berth as they prepare to take on East African rivals

Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket team, the Junior Female Yellow Greens, is set for a high-stakes encounter against Rwanda in the semi-finals of the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 U-19 World Cup Africa Qualifier (Division 1) on Saturday. This much-anticipated match is a key step in determining which African teams will qualify for the upcoming World Cup in Malaysia.

The Nigerian team secured their place in the semi-finals after a dominant performance in Group B, sealing their qualification with a game to spare on Monday. Their impressive form continued as they claimed the top spot in the group following a commanding 86-run victory over Malawi on Wednesday. This win set up the crucial semi-final clash against Rwanda, who finished second in Group A.

Zimbabwe, which finished second behind Nigeria in Group B, will take on Uganda in the other semi-final. Both teams are battling for the final spot in the tournament’s final, which offers a ticket to the global stage.

The winner of the Africa Qualifier will earn Africa’s second and final spot in the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 U-19 World Cup, joining South Africa, who have already secured their place as one of the top finishers from the previous World Cup. The competition has been intense, with each team vying for a coveted position in the global event to be held in Malaysia.

For Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens, this semi-final match represents a crucial opportunity to showcase their growth and potential in international cricket, as they aim to carry the hopes of the nation onto the world stage.

LIFESTYLE, NEWS

Dupe Olusola Launches Next Generation Foundation

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Philanthropic Fund Targets vulnerable Children with Multiyear Scholarship Program

Dupe Olusola, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc, has officially launched the Next Generation Foundation (NGF), a philanthropic initiative focused on improving the lives of vulnerable children through access to quality education. Olusola, a long-time advocate for social impact, aims to leverage the foundation as a means of extending her commitment to empowering others, driven by her strong belief in the life-changing power of education.

Vision for Educational Equity

The NGF’s core mission is to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to access quality education and, consequently, a pathway to a better future. By addressing barriers that keep children out of school, the foundation aims to bridge the educational gap in Nigeria, a country that faces one of the largest out-of-school populations in the world.

Speaking on her motivation to establish the foundation, Olusola expressed her deep conviction about the role education plays in changing lives:
“Education changes lives, it opens doors to a future filled with opportunities, particularly for children who might otherwise be left behind. Nigeria faces one of the highest out-of-school populations globally. With the NGF, I hope we can make a meaningful difference in changing that.”

50 by 50 Project: A Lifeline for 50 Vulnerable Children

In celebration of her 50th birthday, Olusola has introduced the foundation’s flagship program, the “50 by 50 Project.” The initiative, set to commence in the 2024/2025 academic session, is a multiyear scholarship program designed to provide comprehensive support for 50 children aged six to 18 from low-income families.

Through the project, these children will receive free tuition, books, school uniforms, access to nutrition programs, healthcare services, and mentorship. The project will initially be rolled out across three key locations: the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, and Ogun states. The program’s success will be bolstered through partnerships with leading social impact organizations that specialize in education and child welfare.

NEWS, SPORT

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania Sets To Co-Hosts CHAN 2025

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as the co-hosts for the 2025 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN). This prestigious tournament, exclusively featuring players from domestic leagues across Africa, will take place from February 1st to 28th, 2025.

CAF has yet to finalize the host stadiums and training facilities for the competition, but further details are expected soon. The tournament will mark a significant milestone as it will be the first time three East African nations jointly host CHAN, showcasing the region’s growing prominence in African football.

Qualification Path and Tournament Format

The journey to the 2025 CHAN will commence with the first round of qualifiers set for the weekends of October 25-27 and November 1-3, 2024. The second round of qualifiers will follow on December 20-22 and December 27-29, 2024.

The tournament will feature 19 teams, an increase from previous editions. The qualification slots have been distributed among CAF’s regional zones as follows:

–West African Football Union (WAFU) Zones A and B: Three teams each

– Union of North African Football (UNAF): Three teams

– Central African Football Federations’ Union (UNIFFAC): Three teams

– Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA): Three teams

– Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA): Three teams, with the hosts receiving an additional slot

The CECAFA zone, which includes Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will have one more team qualifying alongside the three co-hosts, making it a unique opportunity for East African football to shine on the continental stage. While the host nations are automatically qualified, they will also participate in the qualifiers, and the CECAFA team with the best performance will secure an additional spot in the final tournament.

This expansion to 19 teams provides a broader representation across Africa, further enhancing the competitive nature of the CHAN tournament.

A Historic Event for East Africa

The decision to host the tournament across three countries highlights CAF’s confidence in the East African region’s footballing infrastructure and ability to stage a high-profile event. This will be a landmark occasion for Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, offering a platform to develop local talent and boost the region’s football reputation.

As preparations begin, excitement is already building across the continent as teams gear up for qualification, with anticipation of an unforgettable tournament in February 2025.

CAF

NEWS, SPORT

Media Accreditation Application for CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2024 now open

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The media accreditation application window for the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2024 is now open.

The accreditation window will close on Saturday, 04 October 2024.

The sixth edition of the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations will take place from 19 to 26 October 2024 in Hurghada, Egypt.

The event will feature Egypt (hosts), Senegal, Ghana, Morocco, Tanzania, Mauritania, Mozambique and Malawi.

Media interested in covering the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2024 can apply via the CAF Media Channel.

CAF

NEWS, SPORT

Anthony Joshua Earns Millions Despite Knockout Loss to Daniel Dubois

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In a dramatic heavyweight clash at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua suffered a fifth-round knockout loss to fellow Brit Daniel Dubois. Despite the defeat, Joshua is set to walk away with significantly higher earnings than Dubois, highlighting his star power in the boxing world.

According to reports Joshua was guaranteed £6 million simply for stepping into the ring. Depending on pay-per-view sales, his total earnings could soar to an impressive £25 million. In contrast, Dubois, who shocked many with his victory over the veteran fighter, secured a guaranteed purse of £3.5 million, with the potential to rise to £10 million.

At 34, Joshua’s ability to command such substantial sums despite the loss is a testament to his enduring popularity and influence in the sport. His fan base remains among the largest in boxing, and the fight drew record-breaking attention. Turki Alalshikh, a key promoter of the event, claimed an attendance of “more than 98,128” fans, setting a new benchmark for British boxing matches.

After the bout, Joshua, now with four career losses, took to Instagram to address his supporters. In a video posted on Monday, he thanked his fans and expressed his determination to continue his boxing career, despite mounting calls for his retirement.

“We came up short, but we’ve got to look at all the positives, and that’s the mindset we have to have—a positive one, always,” Joshua said. “Look at what we’ve achieved in the space of 11 years. I want to thank everyone who’s been riding with me. What a rollercoaster journey! But you know what the problem is? It’s far from over yet.”

Meanwhile, Dubois’ victory has skyrocketed him to the top of the heavyweight division, positioning him as a potential contender for marquee fights against elite opponents like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. A rematch with Joshua also looms as a possibility, given the high stakes and fan interest.

While Joshua reflects on his next steps, Dubois’ future seems brighter than ever, with major fights likely on the horizon as he cements his place among the heavyweight elite.

NEWS

VeryDarkMan Defies EFCC: “I Won’t Honour Your Invitation, It Makes No Sense”

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Nigerian social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known widely as VeryDarkMan, has announced that he will not honor an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding his allegations against the popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky.

https://twitter.com/storm9ja/status/1838648785850737023

In a video shared on social media on Wednesday, VeryDarkMan expressed his distrust of the EFCC and questioned the rationale behind the agency’s request for him to appear at their Lagos office, considering that he does not reside in Lagos, and the EFCC’s headquarters is located in Abuja. He further urged the EFCC to investigate its own officers and to summon Bobrisky to Abuja for questioning.

The controversy stems from an earlier accusation made by VeryDarkMan, who alleged that Bobrisky had bribed EFCC officials with ₦15 million to quash a money laundering investigation against him. These claims prompted the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to order an immediate investigation. Both Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan were subsequently invited to the EFCC’s Lagos office for questioning.

https://twitter.com/VeryDarkMan/status/1838976633208000875

However, in his response, VeryDarkMan made it clear that he would not comply with the invitation, citing concerns about his safety and lack of trust in the agency. He emphasized that the EFCC should first scrutinize its own officers before summoning him.

“Before you (EFCC) invite someone like me, do a deep investigation on your officers first. When you get the result from your officers who handled Bobrisky’s file, then you can invite me,” he stated.

He also questioned why he was being asked to appear in Lagos when the EFCC’s headquarters is in Abuja, insisting that Bobrisky should be invited to the capital instead.

“Lastly, why I would not go to Lagos is that I don’t have ₦15 million to pay for anything. I don’t have any godfather anywhere and I don’t want to be framed. I don’t trust you and I won’t go to Lagos,” he added.

The standoff between VeryDarkMan and the EFCC has sparked significant public interest, with many awaiting further developments on the high-profile case involving Bobrisky and the allegations of corruption within the anti-graft agency.

MUSIC, NEWS

2baba Celebrates 48th Birthday

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Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, celebrates his birthday today, September 18, 1975. The Nigerian singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist has left an indelible mark on Africa’s music scenene.

Renowned for his vocal prowess, profound lyrics, and enduring career, 2Baba is hailed as one of Africa’s musical icons. His solo debut album, Face2Face, featuring the hit “African Queen,” revolutionized Nigerian pop music in the 2000s, garnering widespread acclaim across the continent and beyond.

Having claimed the inaugural MTV EMA Best African Act award in 2005, 2Baba stands as one of Nigeria’s most decorated musicians, boasting a legacy of accolades that solidify his status as a trailblazer in the industry.

MUSIC, NEWS

Wizkid Launches ‘Morayo’ Era with Fresh Track Featuring Brent Faiyaz

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Wizkid Gears Up for ‘Morayo’ Album with Debut Single Featuring Brent Faiyaz

Nigeria’s Afrobeats artist, Wizkid, is poised to unveil the initial track from his forthcoming album ‘Morayo’. The much-anticipated single from his sixth album, ‘Morayo’, has been revealed after eager anticipation.

On September 17, 2024, Wizkid excitedly shared on social media the news of his collaboration with American R&B sensation Brent Faiyaz in a new song titled ‘Pieces Of My Heart’, scheduled for release on Friday, September 20, 2024. This announcement coincides with the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Wizkid’s second album, which featured the chart-topping hit ‘Ojuelegba’.

Fans worldwide have been honouring the album and its iconic tracks that significantly contributed to the international recognition of Nigerian music. 

wizkid

‘Piece of My Heart’ is Wizkid’s inaugural release of 2024, foallowing his recent guest appearances on DJ Tunez’s ‘Apala Disco’ remix and Shenseea’s ‘Work Me Out’.

This single heralds the ‘Morayo’ era, an album named in tribute to Wizkid’s late mother, who passed away in 2023. Wizkid has described this upcoming album as his most exceptional work to date, and the collaboration with Brent Faiyaz offers a glimpse into the musical journey fans can expect from this highly anticipated project.