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Saudi Arabia to host 2034 World Cup.

World soccer’s governing body, FIFA has announced Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 World Cup. Meanwhile, the 2030 edition will be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with one-off matches in three South American countries; , namely; Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.

The decision was announced by FIFA President, Gianni Infantino at a virtual extraordinary Congress.

Commenting on the 2030 World Cup, Infantino said, “We are bringing football to more countries and the number of teams has not diluted the quality. It actually enhanced the opportunity . What better way to celebrate the 100th  anniversary in 2030 than to have the World Cup in six countries, in three continents, with 48 teams and 104 epic matches. The world will stand still and will celebrate the 100 years of the World Cup. Congratulations to all the bidders for putting up a great dossier, but I would like to put on record my big, big thank you to the six confederation presidents and to their teams.”

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 Health, News

Funke Akindele unveiled Un-Aids Ambassador

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), an innovative partnership that leads and inspires the world in achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support has announced the appointment of Funke Akindele, a multiple award-winning actress, movie producer and director, as its new National Goodwill Ambassador (GWA) for Nigeria.

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“Funke Akindele’s career took off with her role in the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored television series “I Need to Know”, which focused on adolescent reproductive health and rights, including HIV. Since then, she has captivated audiences worldwide, earning millions of fans and accolades for her unforgettable roles. Known as the “Queen of Box Office” in Nollywood, Funke holds the top three slots on the list of highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time, reflecting her prominence and influence in the industry.

Over the past two decades, Funke Akindele has consistently broken barriers and used her platform to amplify social impact issues, influence positive change, and champion causes that matter. As UNAIDS’ National Goodwill Ambassador, she will contribute to efforts aimed at eliminating vertical transmission of HIV, ending HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and promoting HIV prevention across Nigeria.” A statement on the organization’s website read.

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The movie actress confirmed the news on her official social media pages, “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed as @UNAIDS   @UnaidsNigeria  Goodwill Ambassador. I remain committed to using my voice and platform to support the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Let’s make a difference together and end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030!”

Dr Leopold Zekeng, UNAIDS Country Director for Nigeria added, “Her powerful voice, vast influence, and commitment to social change make her an invaluable ally in our efforts to combat HIV and support people living with HIV in Nigeria. We look forward to working with her to drive positive impact and progress in the fight against AIDS.”

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 Africa, Sports

CAF awards Nigeria 3 points and 3 goals, fines Libya $50,000 for airport incident.

The Confederation of African Football has announced a $50,000 fine for Libya and awarded Nigeria a 3-0 victory along with three points. This decision is coming after the Super Eagles Nigeria’s team endured a gruelling experience, being stranded at the Libyan airport for over 20 hours without food or drink before a game earlier this month.

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The Libya Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.  The match No.87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi) is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).  The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision.  All other and further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.

A statement from CAF reads below:

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 Sports

Nwankwo Kanu Set To Take Over As Chairman Of Enyimba FC.

Abia State governor, Alex Otti has reportedly appointed Super Eagles legend, Nwankwo Kanu as as the new Chairman of Enyimba FC of Aba. This development is coming days after the former board of the Peoples’ Elephant was dissolved by the Abia State Government.

He takes over Felix Anyansi-Agwu who leaves his role after 24 years, a period that has seen the team win 2 CAFCL titles, 2 CAF super cup titles, 9 NPFL titles and 4 Fed cup titles.

Kanu had a stellar football career that spanned about 20 years and saw him playing for sides like Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal. Some of his awards are two African Footballer of the Year awards (1996 & 1999) and two BBC African Footballer of the Year awards (1997 & 1999).

 

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 Entertainment

RMD, Kunle Afolayan, Jade Osiberu, others join Oscars’ Academy.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) on wednesday announced their invitations to 398 distinguished artists and executives to join the organization in 2023. According to them, membership selection is based on professional qualifications, with an ongoing commitment to representation, inclusion and equity.

5 filmmakers in Nigeria included;

  1. RMD — actor category
  2. Kunle Afolayan — writer category
  3. Shola Dada — writer category
  4. CJ “Fiery” Obasi — director category
  5. Jade Osiberu — producer category83223005_1105849176251978_511117000682574623_n“The Academy is proud to welcome these artists and professionals into our membership. They represent extraordinary global talent across cinematic disciplines, and have made a vital impact on the arts and sciences of motion pictures and on movie fans worldwide,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang.

Congratulations to them!

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 Sports

Yaya Toure takes up coaching role in Belgian League.

4-time African Footballer of the Year, Yaya Toure has taken up a coaching role in Belgian League. The former Manchester City midfielder,  Yaya Toure was named assistant manager at Belgian Pro League side Standard Liege on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old who moves on from his role in Tottenham, where he worked at the club’s academy for 18 months. He was  an assistant coach at Ukrainian First League side Olimpik Donetsk and Russian Premier League club Akhmat Grozny in 2021.

“I am delighted to share that I will be taking on the role of Assistant Coach at @Standard_RSCL. It’s an honour to join the club and I am looking forward to working with Head Coach, Carl Hoefkens! I would like to thank everyone at the Tottenham Hotspur academy for their support in the 18 months I spent with the club. A special media to Dean Rastrick, Chris Powell and all the young players. Thank you.” The Ivorian wrote on his Twitter page.

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 Uncategorized

N’Golo Kanté to join Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad.

Former Chelsea player, N’Golo Kanté has signed for Al-Ittihad! It’s the second big signing for the Saudi club after ex Real Madrid player, Karim Benzema.

He is expected to receive €25m salary per season until 2027 on a four-year €100m total fixed package. He also gets commercial deals & image rights. He will be presented in Saudi in July.

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“My dream was to become a footballer and to try and win trophies. Joining Chelsea was the perfect arrangement for me to achieve those dreams.” The French footballer said. The 32 year-old who has been touted as one of the most down to earth footballers in history made featured in 269 matches, scoring 13 goals and making 16 assist for Chelsea. His whose contract with the Blues ends in June.

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 Sports

UEFA bans Jose Mourinho.

Is Jose Mourinho the most controversial manager yet?

UEFA have banned Roma head coach, José Mourinho for four UEFA club competition matches for abusing referee Anthony Taylor at the Europa League final. The Portuguese allegedly confronted Taylor in a car park after his side’s penalty shoot-out loss after a 1-1 draw.

Roma were also fined 50,000 euros and banned from taking away fans to their next European match “for the lighting of fireworks, throwing of objects, acts of damage and crowd disturbances” and also fined 5,000 euros over the “improper conduct of their team”. They have been ordered to “contact the Hungarian Football Federation within 30 days” to agree a settlement regarding damages caused by their supporters in the stadium.

“We are appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse directed at Anthony and his family as he tries to make his way home from refereeing the UEFA Europa League final.” Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said.

 

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 Africa, Sports

Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan retires from football.

Go well legend!

Ghanaian football icon, Asamoah Gyan has hung his boots.  The 37 year-old tearfully revealed, “It’s time to tell everybody. It’s a very, very difficult moment. It is time to hang the jersey and boots in glory as I retire officially from active football. ’’ He continued, “A stage that is difficult in every footballer’s career, a moment all footballers do not wish but when nature dawns that this voice will keep echoing into the ears.” Image

Asamoah Gyan who scored 92 goals for the likes of Al-Ain, Stade Rennais, Sunderland & Modena made his international debut in 2003 as a 17-year-old, coming on as a substitute in a World Cup qualifier against Somalia. He made his final appearance for his nation 2019.

He played in seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, helping Ghana finish third in 2008 and as runners-up in the 2010 and 2015 editions. He also remains Africa’s top World Cup scorer.

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 English Premier League, Sports

UEFA bans West Ham fans.

UEFA have banned West Ham fans  for their next away game in European competition, with a further match suspended for two years for throwing of objects at Fiorentina players during the UEFA Europa Conference League final.

Asides the travel ban for their next two European away games. They have also been fined 45,000 for the incident and another 5,000 for the pitch invasion at the end of the match. That will be extended to two games should they be charged again by UEFA over the next two years.

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