SportsDay 26-01-2023

2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France FIFA Launches Digital Skills Initiative For Member-Associations I’m Not Intimidated By Ronaldo’s Presence In Saudi League –Ighalo Cameroon Coach Still In Shock Over CHAN Exit Djokovic Makes Quick Work Of Rublev To Reach 10th Aussie Open Semis Osimhen Transfer Deal: Napoli Face Points Deduction T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022 47 Sports SportsDay International sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline Africa's Elite Sports Daily Day N50 Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France 2 Vol. 1 No 049 ISSN 23543043 Wednesday December 14, 2022 Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Delta Govt Caution FG, Others, Against Blackmails Over 13 Percent Derivation 2 Funds 9 Qatar 2022 World Cup Super Stars & Super Flops Ogunbote Says Process Of Building Formidable Shooting Stars Ongoing Kenyan TwoTime Olympic Champion Cheats Death In Plane Crash 3 5 3 NSF 2022: Edo PS Restates Commitment To Grassroots Sports Development As Continggent Returns 6 Vol. 1 No.088 ISSN 23543043 Thursday January 26, 2023 N50 27 Teams Jostle For 2023 FCT Football Pre-season Competition 6 NFF To Stop Club Chairmen From Heading League Bodies 5 5 2023: Jandor is God Anointed Candidate For Lagos State ––Bishop Awe 10 3 3 Atiku, Stakeholders Commend Okowa Over Input To Creative Industry 4 7 2 Super Eagles Coach May Not Last Under Present NFF Board’2

2 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France BENJAMIN AMOGU   There are indications that Coach Jose Peseiro of the Super Eagles would not last in his job as the manager of the three times African champions. According to a source from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) who spoke on anonymity while commenting on the position of the football house regarding the performance of the Portuguese, the leadership of the NFF is still watching the performance of the former Venezuelan manager, as well as other managers of the various national teams. The source noted that the last thing the present board would tolerate is anything that would further plunge football in the country into disrepute, saying that the Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF is very much desirous of making the best of its time as the head of Nigerian football, with emphasis on carving a niche for the present board. “It’s not as if the coach is being pressured or under any form of pressure but I can tell you that he may not last as the coach if the result will not be coming,” the source hinted our correspondent. “You can see the transformation going on in the league and that will show you that the present board want to leave a lasting legacy and all the national teams are also involved. “The coach has not done anything to warrant being under attack but I can tell you that if he does not measure up, definitely he will leave; after all that is part of the job. “The only thing that may keep him if he is not getting the result will be the severance issue because it will have a lot to do with money but I can tell you as a matter of fact that the present NFF board won’t hesitate to shove aside any non-performing coach of the national team, including those in the age grade teams,” the source, a long time member of football administration in the country, said. Meanwhile, Coach Peseiro was engaged after Nigeria failed to perform at the last African Cup of Nation in Egypt and also failed to qualify for the last World Cup in Qatar. Since his engagement, he has not been particularly fantastic with losses and cameo wins as the coach of the Super Eagles. SportsNEWS 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline PORTSDAY, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2022 Portugal got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 3-2 win over Ghana at Stadium 974. Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score in five different World Cups, his penalty giving his side the lead. Andre Ayew then equalised for Ghana, before Joao Felix and Rafael Leao gave Portugal the win. Portugal dominated territory and ball in a tedious opening 45, the two chances they creates falling to Ronaldo. The first one slipped away thanks to a poor first touch and the second went begging when he headed wide having done all the hard work in climbing to meet a cross. Eurosport reports that things were much better after the break, Portugal handed the lead for a foul that just wasn’t, Mohammed Salisu on Ronaldo. Ronaldo slammed home from the post, but Ghana, inspired by Mohammed Kudus, soon equalised through Ayew. Otto Addo, though, opted to take off both his strikers and within seconds, Portugal were 3-1in front, Bruno Fernandes creating goals for Felix and Ayew that put this team in control of Group H and a gloss on the scoreline that their performance did not really deserve. Then, just when it seemed like Ghana had given up, Osman Bukari scored a livener, but despite nine added minutes, Portugal hung on for the win. Ghana were always going to sit deep, pack central areas and hope for a draw, so it also made no sense that Santoa picked Otavio and Ruben Neves when one of the two would’ve done. Then he could've included another attacking player, making Portugal a far better and more watchable outfit. Yes, they sneaked away with a win in the end, but Santos is still in danger of wasting another tournament. SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Benedict Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Marketing Pelumi Adele Emeka Emmanuel. Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS Ronaldo Sets World Cup Record As Ghana Grabs Africa’s First Goals Rosemary Omoh Biz. Devt Cameroon Stretches World Cup Losing Streak To Eight Games Chukwueze The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon could not hold their own against Switzerland on Thursday despite dominating the first half of their World Cup game. Losing 1-0 after the Swiss scored in the second half, the former African champions extended their World Cup losing woes. The 1-0 defeat was their eighth successive loss that the team has recorded at the World Cup. The indomitable Lions last won a World Cup match when they defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 at the Saitama Stadium in Japan on 6 June 2002. Samuel Eto’o, now the president of Cameroon football governing body scored the solatary goal to be the last player to score a winning goal for Cameroon at the World Cup. At South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014, Cameroon lost all their six matches as well as their last match at the 2002 World Cup. Sportsvillagesquare reports that losing streak was further switched on by Breel Embolo who scored for Switzerland in the 48th minute. 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline PORTSDAY, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2022 Portugal got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 3-2 win over Ghana at Stadium 974. Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score in five different World Cups, his penalty giving his side the lead. Andre Ayew then equalised for Ghana, before Joao Felix and Rafael Leao gave Portugal the win. Portugal dominated territory and ball in a tedious opening 45, the two chances they creates falling to Ronaldo. The first one slipped away thanks to a poor first touch and the second went begging when he headed wide having done all the hard work in climbing to meet a cross. Eurosport reports that things were much better after the break, Portugal handed the lead for a foul that just wasn’t, Mohammed Salisu on Ronaldo. Ronaldo slammed home from the post, but Ghana, inspired by Mohammed Kudus, soon equalised through Ayew. Otto Addo, though, opted to take off both his strikers and within seconds, Portugal were 3-1in front, Bruno Fernandes creating goals for Felix and Ayew that put this team in control of Group H and a gloss on the scoreline that their performance did not really deserve. Then, just when it seemed like Ghana had given up, Osman Bukari scored a livener, but despite nine added minutes, Portugal hung on for the win. Ghana were always going to sit deep, pack central areas and hope for a draw, so it also made no sense that Santoa picked Otavio and Ruben Neves when one of the two would’ve done. Then he could've included another attacking player, making Portugal a far better and more watchable outfit. Yes, they sneaked away with a win in the end, but Santos is still in danger of wasting another tournament. SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Benedict Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Marketing Pelumi Adele Emeka Emmanuel. Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS Ronaldo Sets World Cup Record As Ghana Grabs Africa’s First Goals Rosemary Omoh Biz. Devt Cameroon Stretches World Cup Losing Streak To Eight Games Chukwueze The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon could not hold their own against Switzerland on Thursday despite dominating the first half of their World Cup game. Losing 1-0 after the Swiss scored in the second half, the former African champions extended their World Cup losing woes. The 1-0 defeat was their eighth successive loss that the team has recorded at the World Cup. The indomitable Lions last won a World Cup match when they defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 at the Saitama Stadium in Japan on 6 June 2002. Samuel Eto’o, now the president of Cameroon football governing body scored the solatary goal to be the last player to score a winning goal for Cameroon at the World Cup. At South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014, Cameroon lost all their six matches as well as their last match at the 2002 World Cup. Sportsvillagesquare reports that losing streak was further switched on by Breel Embolo who scored for Switzerland in the 48th minute. F IFA has launched FIFA Digital Skills, an educational programme designed to develop the expertise of professionals in the global football community on all things digital, through a dedicated e-learning platform and a series of live masterclasses. As administrative and business activities continue to develop due to emerging technologies, the programme will be a crucial tool for member associations seeking to hone their skills in many areas. Representatives from FIFA’s 211 member associations now have access to masterclasses from some of the world’s biggest and most innovative brands. Through the platform’s peerto-peer learning function, users can also host tailored sessions focused on their own experiences. From best practice case studies from football stakeholders to analyses of the latest technological trends from the brands driving the digital revolution, FIFA Digital Skills aims to leverage the power of the digital world to maximise the strategic and operational effectiveness of those running the game globally. “As the world changes around us, we need to invest in people so that they are better placed to embrace the future,” said FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer, Kenny JeanMarie. “We are proud to launch a platform that will be a one-stop resource for member associations, allowing them to access valuable information and encourage learning as part of the football community in the area of digital. I am proud that we are providing this platform, and that the member associations will be contributing to the process by sharing their success stories to benefit us all.” FIFA’s Director of Strategy, Digital and FIFA+, Charlotte Burr, added: “The FIFA Digital Skills initiative is powered by FIFA +, our world-class digital destination for football fandom. “We already have nearly 100 MAs on board and more than 400 participants learning and sharing their experiences, and we want to continue to use FIFA+ as a platform to give the entire world of football a voice, telling their stories and bringing their beautiful game to light. “The FIFA Digital Skills initiative will provide best practices from experts and organisations for the 211 MAs to develop their digital capabilities to appeal to future fans and, ultimately, grow football for all.” In support of FIFA’s commitment to strengthening football professionals’ competencies worldwide and exploring new technologies that can positively impact the game and the wider industry, the initiative complements the wide-ranging educational products and services available to FIFA’s member associations. FIFA Digital Skills’ unique offering aims to provide a 360-degree view of digital’s role in enhancing football across all levels of the game – from grassroots to the elite. Having launched at the end of 2022, participants from across the globe have had the opportunity to engage with the programme and take their digital skills to the next level. “I really appreciated the FIFA Digital Skills initiative because it’s a whole package of how to successfully create a great digital marketing plan and strategy for our association,” commented Fatouma-Degan Mohamed Idriss, Djiboutian Football Association. “We had a wonderful time and learnt very valuable lessons,” added Ahmad Abuzaid, Jordan Football Association. “Great experience, the case studies allowed us to see in a practical way the points to improve in our digital strategy and the templates allowed us to review the entire marketing strategy of the federation for more efficiency,” said Franchelle Bijou Boutamba Mouyabi, Gabonese Football Federation. Super Eagles Coach May Not Last Under Present NFF Board’ Rosemary Omoh Ag. General Manager Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Benedict Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harocurt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi –Benin Edo/Delta Bureau Chief Olivia Ekpe Biz Devt Manager 08055151150 +13013187781 08097639574 01-4585477 FIFA Launches Digital Skills Initiative For Member-Associations

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, 3 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France SportsNEWS The Naples Public Prosecutor’s Office has reportedly requested a six-month extension for their investigation into the transfer of Victor Osimhen from Lille to Napoli. The Nigerian forward joined the Partenopei in September 2020 from the Ligue 1 outfit in a deal worth €72m, plus €10m in various addons. Prosecutor Francesco De Falco, working alongside Assistant Prosecutor Sergio Amato, believes that Napoli may have produced false communications in their financial statements for July 2020 to June 2021, based on that Osimhen transfer. Should new evidence emerge, sporting proceedings could be reopened against the Partenopei, similar to the situation Juventus are currently dealing with. €20m of that figure was made up through player exchanges, leading to questions surrounding the true values of backup goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis and youngsters Claudio Manzi, Luigi Liguori and Ciro Palmieri, who were part of the Osimhen deal. Greek goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis, who was 35 at the time of the deal, was valued at around €21m alongside youth players Claudio Manzi, Luigi Liguori and Ciro Palmieri, all of whom have since left Lille. S uper Eagles and Al Hilal striker Odion ighalo has made it known that he’s not intimidated by the presence of Christiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Professional League. The Portuguese international Joined Al Nassr in a massive deal worth $200M per year with other commercial benefits. Despite confirming That Ronald is the most prolific striker in football and the greatest of all time, the former Nigerian forward insists that he’s not disturbed by Ronaldo’s presence in the Saudi league. “Ronald is a legend, he is the best for me he is the Greatest of all time. I’ve Much respect and admiration for him. Ighalo stated in an exclusive interview with Nigerian Journalist Oma Akatugba. “He is going to play in his team, I will play in mine, and I’m going to score goals .” “ I wish him all the best, but I will do my job and we will see how it goes,” Ighalo concluded. I’m Not Intimidated By Ronaldo’s Presence In Saudi League ––Ighalo Osimhen Transfer Deal: Napoli Face Points Deduction

2 4 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France SportsNEWS Novak Djokovic raced into a 10th semifinal at the Australian Open on Wednesday night, charging past Andrey Rublev 6-1 6-2 6-4 under the lights in breezy Melbourne. Thus, Djokovic will meet maiden Grand Slam semifinalist Tommy Paul on Friday for the first time. Paul, ranked 35th, narrowly missed a seeding; the American won his quarterfinal in four sets over compatriot Ben Sheltonearlier on Wednesday. The Serb’s trademark returns punished Rublev, as did his change of direction and countering from the baseline. And when pushed on serve, Djokovic often responded with unreturnable serves – including second-serve aces. The performance came after Djokovic overcame Australia’s Alex de Minaur in similarly overpowering fashion in the round of 16. “Very close to the performance of two nights ago,” Djokovic told interviewer Jim Courier on court afterward. “Cannot be happier with my tennis. Been playing very solid from the back of the court.” Djokovic and Rublev couldn’t have made the quarterfinals in more contrasting fashion. The Serb said there were no issues with his tender left hamstring in the fourth round – and it showed. Djokovic smacked winners and smothered de Minaur, cruising in straight sets without facing a break point. Meanwhile, Rublev saved two match points on serve at 5-6 in the fifth set and later edged Holger Rune in a fifth-set tiebreak. When a net-cord return winner from Rublev at 10-9 sealed proceedings, one couldn’t help but ponder if this could be the fifth-seed’s time. Djokovic won both their previous hard-court matches, but Rublev did beat the 21-time Grand Slam winner in Serbia on clay last April. But beating Djokovic at his second home – Rod Laver Arena – loomed as a much tougher task. The thick tape on Djokovic’s upper left leg could be a constant at AO 23; the strapping was there again. Rublev’s laser-like groundstrokes figured to test Djokovic’s hamstring because of the quick bursts required to counter such strikes. However, Djokovic often dictated himself. Rublev almost dropped serve in his first service game but did so in his next service game from 40-15, double-faulting long. Djokovic broke open the set with another break, and perhaps it relaxed him a tad too much. He faced his first two break points at 5-1. To the frustration of Rublev, two fine first serves quashed the danger. Djokovic repeated the trick early in the second when behind 15-30 and thwarted a break chance at 3-2 with yet another potent delivery. However, Rublev earned a second opportunity, and this time benefited from a second serve with less pace. But Djokovic defended, then capped a 15-shot rally with a forehand winner and huge roar. It was all going wrong for Rublev. He wears his heart on his sleeve and is humourous in his dealings with reporters, which make him likeable. But reasons to smile were few and far between against Djokovic. He took out his frustration when ripping a forehand return as Djokovic opted to sprinkle in a serve and volley on a first set point at 40-15. It was one of three straight forehand winners, but Djokovic would save a break point with, predictably, a winner. Djokovic Makes Quick Work Of Rublev To Reach 10th Aussie Open Semis

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, 5 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France Cameroon coach, Saidou Alioum, has been left dumbstruck following his side’s exit from the ongoing TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2022 on Tuesday. The Intermediate Lions conceded an Ousseini Soumaila Badamassi free-kick in the 69th minute that gave Niger a 1-0 lead and despite trying to find an equalizer for the remaining part of the game, Cameroon were denied any chances. “We expected that this would be a difficult game. We have lost and are eliminated. I am speechless. We knew that we had to get a good result and now we have lost and that is it about that,” a distraught Alioum told the media at the post-match press conference at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran, Algeria. “We tried to attack, and we failed to score. Niger defended very well. We tried to use both wings and sometimes, it worked but we did not make it count in front of goal. Niger got a free-kick and they scored. We kept fighting until the very last play of the game. In football, you must have hope. This is why I made the changes that I made. It was not our game. Niger deserved the win. We congratulate them and wish them the best.” Cameroon finished as secondplaced in the three-team Group E at the seventh edition of the continental tournament organized for locally based players. SportsFeatures BENJAMIN AMOGU   Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, the president of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has said that henceforth, club chairmen would no longer be allowed to head the various league bodies or even become members of the board. Gusau noted that this is part of his effort in trying to rebuild the various national leagues and attract the investors and sponsorship. He disclosed even if elections were to come up in the nearest future, the various leagues will be headed by independent people and not club chairmen as the practise in the past. “We want to build confidence in our league and let it be govern by independent minds who are football lovers. “It is not appropriate to make club chairmen head of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), Nigerian National League (NNL), Nigerian League One (NLO) and the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL).” According to him, “rebuilding and rejuvenating our domestic league is top on our agenda as this will attract more sponsors and followers. “Nigerians are beginning to accept and embrace all the steps we are embarking upon, and they are begining to develop interest in following the league. They have also been commending us for the steps so far taken,” he added. He said the leagues are currently undergoing rebranding process which is geared to building more confidence. “There are some silent Nigerian billionaires who are football ‘crazy’ and are ready to fork out any amount if we convince them that their money will be well spent. “If such people can fly to Europe at weekends to watch matches, we believe they can contribute more to our leagues if given the opportunities,” Gusau said. On the threat by total promotions that they will drag the NPFL to court over some contract entered into by the former board the League Management Company LMC, Gusau said that as far is he is concerned there is no existing contract with them as their contract had expired with the last board. NFF To Stop Club Chairmen From Heading League Bodies Cameroon Coach Still In Shock Over CHAN Exit

2 6 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France NATIONAL NEWS 27 Teams Jostle For 2023 FCT Football Pre-season Competition 2 7 teams will vie for honors at the 2023 FCT Football Preseason Tournament. In the draws held on Wednesday at the FCT FA Secretariat, Area 10 Garki Abuja, the teams were grouped into six groups Group A have the likes of EFCC FC, De Royal Stars FC, Future Guaranteed FC, Lugbe United and Federal. Fire Service FC In Group B NAF FC, Daniel FC, Galadima FC and Nurudeen FC will slug it out Mailantarki Care FC, NYSC FC, Ejike Ugboaja FC, FC International and Sun Sport Academy will settle scores in Group C Group D will have City FC, WACO FA, Tikitaka FC and IB Sports Dreams jostling for the two available slots In Group E FWC Champions FC will try Ejele FA, Triple Treat FC, Camp United and Capital city FC for size Group F have Like-Minds FC, Pride FC, Kairosbolt SA, and Fountain SA testing each other for size. The tournament will begin Friday 27 January 2023.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, 7 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France NEWS VICTORIA BENEDICT   Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said that the PDP grew Nigeria’s economy between 1999 and 2015 and made it the largest in Africa, but lamented that the All Progressives Congress (APC) destroyed it with its inept leadership. Atiku promised that if voted into office, his administration would change the security architecture of the country and grow the economy. He gave the assurance at the party’s Presidential Campaign in Delta held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, on Tuesday. He said that with adequate security and right economic policies, a PDP administration led by him, would attract Foreign Direct Investment that would grow the nation’s economy, adding security of the country was paramount because no nation could develop without security. The PDP presidential candidate, who told Delta people that the team was not in the state to campaign, said: “We are here to show our gratitude and appreciation to say that we are with you in all respects because of the support we have received from you from 1999 to date. “All through my political journey, Delta state has always supported me and I want to promise you that I shall not betray the trust of Delta and the entire Niger Delta. “That is why in my modest appreciation, I chose one of you as my vice presidential candidate and you know that a running mate is always a stepping stone. “Therefore, it is up to you to show your support by giving APC Destroyed Nigerian Economy Built By PDP, Says Atiku Governor Okowa the massive support to enable us to rescue and rebuild our dear country.” On his policy document, the PDP Presidential flag bearer stated that his administration would pay attention to developing the education sector, and promised that under his watch, strikes by members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) would be eradicated. “The Niger Delta and other parts of the country will benefit from our resource control and restructuring agenda because it is our intention to devolve more powers to the states and local governments to tackle peculiar challenges facing the people. “The APC government has disunited Nigeria in all aspects and it is our commitment to restore the unity of this country by ensuring that every part of this country has a sense of belonging. “You must believe in PDP because as a party we built the biggest economy in Africa until the APC came and destroyed it in 2015. “Why vote for the same party that has suffered us in the last seven years plus? Let us vote them out to unite and rebuild our country again,” he said. The Vice-Presidential Candidate of the party and Governor of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa, said that Atiku knew how to address the socio-economic challenges bedevilling the country and urged the people to vote for the party. According to him, we all know that the APC-led Federal Government brought poverty to the nation; they destroyed our economy to the extent that Nigerians are now hungry, without food to eat. “How can a bag of rice be sold for almost N50, 000? It is only Atiku that can solve the problems in the country because when the PDP took over the reins of power in 1999, Atiku and Obasanjo were able to restore the nation’s lost glory. “Atiku has assured Nigerians that he will revive the economy of the country and reposition it for optimum productivity in all sectors of the Nigerian economy. “For over 20 years, Atiku has been advocating for the restructuring of Nigeria where states and local governments will get more money that will stimulate growth and development and this is what we want in the Niger Delta. “Atiku has also promised that his administration, if elected, will put in place, a constitutional framework that will enable states to have State Police so as to stem the tide of insecurity in the country. “Atiku is an experienced politician that has the capacity and pedigree to reset the country and I call on all eligible voters in the state to ensure that they have their PVCs to enable them vote in the forthcoming general elections,” Okowa stated. National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, on his part, congratulated Deltans for the choice of Okowa as VicePresidential Candidate and lauded previous governors of the state for their contributions to the growth and development of the state. He called on sons and daughters of the state to vote massively for all PDP candidates in the general elections. The rally recorded the defection of many members of APC in the state, including the State Secretary, Nick Ovuakporie, to the PDP. The party also got the endorsement of the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone B, led by the Zonal Coordinator, Great Tamarapreye. The students said the endorsement was in recognition of Okowa’s efforts in establishing three new universities in the state and ensuring that lecturers in the institutions were on duty while ASUU was on nationwide strike for eight months. The rally was attended by former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, former President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki; Governors Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa. Earlier, Atiku had held a meeting with traditional rulers in Delta, at their Secretariat in Asaba, and assured that if elected, he would ensure that clear constitutional roles were given to monarchs in the country. 2023: Jandor is God Anointed Candidate For Lagos State ––Bishop Awe OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, LAGOS   A former chaplain of the Chapel of Light, Alausa, Bishop Awe, has prophesied that the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, aka JANDOR will be the next governor of Lagos state. Speaking at the one year remembrance of Chief Mrs Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya in Lagos on Wednesday, Bishop Awe said he deliberately gave JANDOR the passage he read in the Bible during the service. He, however, explained that when JANDOR might have been sworn-in, after winning the elections people will also remember this day. He said; “I was the former chaplain of Chapel of Light, Alausa and the portion I gave JANDOR in the Bible to read has to do with the promise of God which will come to pass in his life in the next few months.” The programme which was organised by JANDOR to celebrate his late supporter also featured some Muslim clerics who prayed for the family of Mrs Adeniran-Ogunsanya The late Mrs Adeniran-Ogunsanya was a staunch supporter of JANDOR, who followed him everywhere while alive. Deputy governorship candidate, Ms Funke Akindele was emotional when she was asked to speak about the late Mrs Adeniran-Ogunsanya. Funke, who delved into how she was invited by JANDOR to join the PDP in the quest to give Lagosians a ‘fresh breath of life’, says she believes in the popular saying, ‘ Qui sera sera’. “Whatever will be will be. I want to celebrate her. I want to also celebrate her children and I pray that God will give me the grace to assist them in whatever capacity.” She said.

2 8 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France NEWS OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, LAGOS   Ogun State Government has tasked chairmen in the 20 Local Government Areas of the State, to intensify efforts at improving their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and not solely rely on the Federal or State Government for funds. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat stated this at the January 2023 edition of the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting at Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta. Hon. Hamzat said the move becomes necessary to enable them to have more funds both from allocations and IGR to execute beneficial projects at the grassroots, noting that the excess fund in the recent time needed to be increased in fulfillment of their mandate to their people. The Commissioner said the Ministry would continue to ensure funds accruable to Local Governments were well utilised, stating that its Inspectorate and Monitoring department had commenced monitoring exercise, to make project execution conform with the required standard. In his presentation, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor and Commissioner for Finance Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, represented by the Permanent Secretary and AccountantGeneral of the State Treasury, Mr. Babatunde Aregbesola, disclosed that a total sum of N7,661,239,092.01 was received as December 2022 Allocation for the 20 Local Government Areas in the State, which emanated from Statutory Revenue, Value Added Taxes (VAT), Exchange Gain, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) and Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P). Okubadejo said a sum of N7,221,233,073.00 would be used to pay the first-line charges, which include: Primary School Teachers’ Salary, Local Government Staff Salary, Pensions, Traditional Councils, other Payment of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Arears, Statutory Payment to Local Government Service Commission, Release to Local Government and other charges, adding that it excluded PAYE and five percent Bond on Pension amounting to a total sum of N314,164,709.56, which are yet to be effected, while the sum of N754,170,728.57 remains as gross surplus for the month. Contributing, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Kolawole Fagbohun urged the Chairmen to make judicious use of funds available at their disposal, embarking on projects that could improve the lots of their people. Ogun Tasks LG Chairmen On Improved Revenue Generation OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, LAGOS   As Political Parties intensify campaigns for the fast approaching 2023 General Elections, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Ali Biu has for the umpteenth time cautioned all road users, including campaign convoy drivers to avoid speeding, recklessness on wheels and drive in conformity with established road traffic regulations so as to avoid incidences of road traffic crashes. The Corps Marshal stated this while reacting to the series of crashes that have occurred since the commencement of the electioneering campaigns involving political party convoys and other convoys which has led to preventable loss of lives. Dauda Biu registered his dissatisfaction while stating that despite repeated warnings, cautions and appeals that the Corps has made to these drivers, they still violate established laws, drive against speed limit and engage in reckless driving behaviours that are in total contradiction to best road use practice. He however appreciated the orderly manner with which some of the motorists conducted their political engagements in strict adherence to road traffic rules. According to him, the Corps is determined to entrench ease of movement and safety for vehicular and human traffic as Commanding Officers have been directed to enhance visibility of patrol teams in identified strategic locations. Towards this, the Corps has commenced the deployment of more operational vehicles and manpower to combat envisioned traffic gridlocks that would be occasioned by series of political activities geared towards the oncoming general elections. Corps’ Marshal Reiterate Warning Against Reckless Driving, Excessive Speed By Convoy Drivers

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, 9 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France BY FRED EDOREH   Lately, some members of Delta Unity Group said they decamped from the PDP to the APC and that got Senator Ovie Omo-Agege “balubabluuing” that he has scored a tsunami against Delta PDP. In actuality, it was a non-event to be best described as a mutual delusive denial of reality. The so-called decampees were led by Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, and Rt. Hon. Olisa Imegwu amongst others. Agege ought to have known that they were already personae non gratae in the PDP but, true to character, he enjoys wallowing in selfdeception in his illusory pursuit of the Governorship of Delta State. That was how, in the 2021 Isoko South Constituency 1 House of Assembly bye-election, he boasted so much of upstaging the PDP, possibly by Federal might. He was particularly upbeat that with the then State APC Chairman, Prophet Jones Erue, and the former House of Representatives contestant, Joel Onowakpor being from there, the APC will steamroll the ballot. He slept in Isoko on the eve of the election. The PDP only threw one Odogwu Emakpor (I Have A Dream) at them and Agege left Isoko thoroughly disgraced as the APC scored just two votes in their State Chairman’s unit. Besides his own vote, the community is still searching for who offered the APC the second vote. Agege has never forgiven Erue since then, including allegedly masterminding his removal from the list of persons nominated for the NDDC board and ensuring that the Isoko nation never got anything from the APC Federal Government, from projects to appointments to contract patronage for even its members. This explains why the State APC Secretary, Otunba Nick Ovuakporie, has decamped to the PDP leaving the APC secretariat in a hollow few weeks to the elections. Having learned nothing from that disgrace, Agege is at it again, making fluff about a band of bitter persons desperately seeking political rehabilitation. To be clear about who they are, where they are from, and what their motive is, the group comprises five categories of people: Those who had long benefited from the PDP and the State Government but had long lost political value because of their self conduct which is unbecoming of true leaders; those who were no longer getting contracts and are hungry; those who lost out in the 2022 PDP primaries but are unable, in their sense of entitlement, to accept the reality that political positions would rotate at different times to other persons and constituencies too; those who are simply jealous of Sheriff Oborevwori because he does not strut in the misguided selfconceit and arrogance with which they carry themselves; and those who genuinely supported Olorogun David Edevbie in the PDP primaries and were apprehensive that the party leadership might discriminate against them. Many in the latter category, understanding that the primary was a contest in which only one candidate was bound to emerge, that the political and legal process had taken full courses from the State congress to a logical conclusion at the Supreme Court, and, being informed and civilised democrats, have since found their way back and have been fully re-integrated into the mainstream of the party, with even the Chief Coordinator now a Deputy Director in the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, while the bitter few in the other categories have chosen to carry on their political life in bitterness. Interestingly, many of the bitter elements were never really openly there for Edevbie in the run-up to the primaries, many could not even muster one single delegate for him from their wards while those who contested for various positions in the primaries, with a few exceptions, were simply evasive all through. From the period of consultations to campaigns and by May 25, 2022, when the State Congress was held, there was nothing like DUG. They all only converged around Edevbie after his initial victory in the suit against Oborevwori at the Federal High Court. They had hoped that the verdict would be sustained at the upper courts to enable them to seize the reins of the party and governance of the State queueing behind him. They had declared that they were supporting him as a matter of respect for the rule of law, following the verdict of the FHC but, curiously, when he finally lost at the Supreme Court, they no longer wanted to respect the rule of law that vindicated Sheriff. In their duplicity, they started talking about negotiations or seeking another direction. They had tried so much to drag the name and influence of Chief James Ibori into their scheme, but how would the party concede to the terms of persons who have lurked irredeemably in disruptive bitterness and had been long actively out of the party? Everybody knows Monday Igbuya. He was the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. He was impeached in 2017 by 22 of 29 members. He has never forgiven Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Sheriff who succeeded him as Speaker and was unanimously re-elected in 2019. In fact, grieving over his impeachment, he reportedly brought thugs to disrupt the commissioning of road projects in Sapele by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in 2017. He was chased back by party faithful led by Sheriff Oborevwori and Micheal Diden. He had hoped that with Ibori’s return, Okowa would be forced to compel the House to lift his suspension and reinstate him as Speaker but Ibori would not associate with the conduct he displayed. Since then, he had been groping in political lurch. Daniel Reyenieju was several times a member of the House of Representatives for Warri Federal Constituency. He was defeated in the 2019 primary by Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, the Akatigbi-Ayeola of Warri Kingdom (a.k.a. Ojogbojo). Unhappy with his defeat, Reyenieju opted out of the PDP to join the SDP which gave him ticket to confront Ereyitomi again in the main election. Like in the primary, Ereyitomi defeated him again. Rt. Hon. Olisa Imegwu was also at different times a member representing Ndokwa East State Constituency, Speaker of the House of Assembly, and member representing Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. His people removed him for Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai in the 2011 elections. He went to court but later discarded the suit. He attempted to stage a comeback in 2019 but achieved no headway. That also left him in a political lurch. While they kept wimping, they refused to acknowledge that they were indeed rejected by their people. In his usual self-delusion, those are the faux Agege is celebrating as having decamped from the PDP to help his bloated ambition. For those who are still pained because they lost in the last primaries, we can only sympathise with them if they do not recognise that they have enjoyed good times and, as life happens, some other persons must also take their place. The whole comedy of Agege’s new journeymen reminds one of Shakespeare’s creation named Sergeant Falstaff, a dishonest, cowardly, boastful, narcissistic rogue enjoyed as a dramatic personae for his craftiness and deceptive repartee. Alas, characters in plays are not real people, just like the DUG band of rancorous and deluded beings. NEWS Omo-Agege And DUG: A Case Study Of Illusion And Mutual Delusion VICTORIA BENEDICT   Police in Delta State said they have raided various criminal hideouts in the state and arrested many suspected criminals. According to the Police, the arrested suspects include a cultist, his sponsor, as well as a fourman fraud syndicate. Fifteen different Automated Teller Machine(ATM) cards were also recovered from the fraudsters. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, said this in a statement made available to journalists in Asaba on Wednesday. Edafe said that sequel to the cult clashes in Sapele, Oghara and some other parts of the state, “The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Ari Muhammed Ali, deployed tactical teams to Sapele Local Government Area to restore sanity to the affected areas. “Consequently, on the January 23, 2023, at about 8pm, acting on credible intelligence over an alleged sponsor of Aro Bagger cult group and also an active member of the group, a combined team of the Command Special Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) and men of Operation Delta Hawk, stormed a hotel while trailing the suspects and arrested one Joseph Ologbo, 37 years old, of Otor Community in Sapele Local Government Area, said to be a renowned suspected financer and member of Aro Bagger cult group.” According to him, “When search was extended to his fully tinted Toyota Tundra Van, one unlicensed pump action gun, two live cartridges, one expended cartridge, and an Aro Bagger cult regalia were recovered.” He added that the suspect had made useful statements and would be charged to court upon completion of the investigation. In another development, Edafe, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said that on January 22, 2023 at about 8am, operatives of Decoy Squad led by ASP Julius Robinson, while acting on a credible intelligence on a syndicate, who specializes in defrauding unsuspecting victims of their hard earned money, stormed Ogwashi-Uku Town and arrested the following suspects: Allison Louis, a 27-year-old a native of Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Sunday David, 22, a native of Otukpo, Benue State, Peter Akagbai, 20 years old, from Umuokwe Quarters of Ogwashi-Uku and Chibuzor Elumeze, 23, from Ogbenta-Obi Quarters in Ogwashi-Uku.” The Police image-maker said that exhibits recovered from the syndicate include one tricycle, 15 different bank ATM cards, among others. He added that during the investigation, the suspects confessed to a series of fraud committed within Ogwashi-Uku and Asaba metropolis with POS operators and filling stations as their major victims. “The suspects stated that they go to filling stations, POS operators and super markets, purchase items and also make withdrawals with the ATM cards and then call their banks and give a false complaint that the transaction was not successful. “The banks without due investigation will then wrongly debit the victims and credit the accounts of the suspects. “They have so far defrauded their various victims several millions of naira. Investigation is ongoing,” Edafe said. Police Raid Criminals In Delta, Burst 419 Syndicates, Arrest Cultists, Others, Recover ATM Cards

2 10 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France NEWS Atiku, Stakeholders Commend Okowa Over Input To Creative Industry VICTORIA BENEDICT   Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and stakeholders in the creative industry have commended Vice Presidential candidate of the party and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, for his massive contributions to the growth and development of the tourism sector in the country. Atiku gave the commendation on Wednesday in Asaba while inaugurating Asaba Leisure Park and Film Village built by Okowa and named after the late Mrs. Mariam Babangida, and indigene of the Asaba. He said that only the PDP government could partner the creative industry to harness potential inherent in it, while urging stakeholders to back the party in the general elections. “What makes this event special is the naming of this place after Mrs. Mariam Babangida. This is because she was a lady who introduced very historic important programmes in the lives of our women; particularly, rural women. “For those of you who are not old enough to remember, she was the founder and initiator of Better Life For Rural Women. We want to commend her for that contributions and since she departed this life, Better Life For Rural Women and indeed other women, has been on the decline. “About a month and half ago, I had a meeting with the leadership of the creative industry in Lagos. It was a very extensive meeting and I reminded them that it was the last PDP govermnment that made available N100 billion to be accessed by the creative industry. “I am not sure now that the money had been accessed by the industry since the PDP left government. So for the creative industry to make progress, they need to have a partnership that believes in the future and the contributions of the industry to our economy. “I would, therefore, like to draw the attention of the leadership and members of the creative industry that your best partner in the development and advancement of the industry is a PDP-led government. “So, let me call on you again and your members to make sure that this opportunity that would be available to Nigerians next month, that you play active role, to ensure the return of the PDP to government. “I want to pledge to you that if you elect PDP in the next election, we will go with you, so that you can access the N100 billion that would be available to you for the promotion of the creative industry. “Therefore, I congratulate the government and people of Delta State for being pacesetters in the development of the creative industry,” Atiku stated. Earlier, Governor Okowa had said that the Leisure Park, which had facilities for recreation and a zoo, with different species of animals, was named Mariam Babangida Leisure Park; in recognition of her contributions to Asaba community and the society. He commended Nollywood and the creative industry for their inputs leading to the construction of a Film Village alongside the Leisure Park and Zoo, adding that Delta State had become the next tourism destination in the country. “We decided to name the Leisure Park after our great mother, the late Mrs. Mariam Babangida, because of the impact she made on humanity and the Asaba community and I am glad that her son, Mohammed Babangida, is here today to witness this inauguration of the facility named after his beloved mother.” In his remarks, Babangida commended the state government for the honour and recognition of their mother, adding that her legacies would continue to live long after her passing. Creative industry stakeholders including Zeb Ejiro; Tony Akposheri; Ali Baba; Francis Agoda, among others, commended Governor Okowa for giving them an edifice to practice their profession.