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AFCON: We Will Defeat Guinea-Bissau For Nigerians — Victor Osimhen

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria, with four points already and second in Group A behind Equatorial Guinea on goal difference, are out to finish their group campaign on a high as group leaders at the 2023 AFCON on Monday (today), but they have been advised by ex-internationals and fans to thread carefully against their opponents, Guinea-Bissau.

The Super Eagles play the bottom-placed side at the Stade Félix Houphoüet-Boigny, Abidjan needing a win to go top of the table, given that Equatorial Guinea are unable to beat Ivory Coast in the other last game of the group.

After a 1-1 draw in their first game against Equatorial Guinea, Jose Peseiro’s men got their campaign back on track with a spirited 1-0 win over hosts Ivory Coast, while their opponents today, Guinea-Bissau, lost both of their games and are eliminated from the tournament.

Guinea-Bissau stunned the Super Eagles courtesy of a 1-0 win against the Super Eagles in Abuja during the qualifiers for the 2023 AFCON.

Eighteen players who featured in the defeat to the Wild Dogs March 24, 2023, including Osimhen, are with the team in Ivory Coast and are seeking revenge against the team coached by Baciro Cande.

Victor Osimhen, Super Eagles sticker, said the Eagles would study the tape of the loss to Guinea-Bissau and come up with a strategy to beat the fellow West Africans.

“We know them, we played them in the qualifying series. They are a dangerous team if you let them play,” Osimhen told reporters in Abidjan

“I think we’ll go back to the last game in which they won and then we’ll start the game and come up really strong against them. It’s not going to be an easy game but we’re ready to give everything for our fans and country to make them happy.”

Midfielder Alex Iwobi echoed Osimhen’s desire to give everything for the fans as he also promised the Eagles would win to make Nigerians happy.

“The sort of players we have will always create chances and we were able to get the one against Ivory Coast and if we are able to get at least one and defend well, we’ll win the game (against G-Bissau).

“Nigerians aren’t happy if you don’t win, for them to be happy you have to win, so, we are going to win to make them happy,” he said in an interview with journalist Osasu Obayiuwana on Sunday.

“We want to take the first place and for that, we must do battle. We must do what is necessary to accomplish our mission,” Eagles coach Jose Peseiro said at the pre-match conference at the Palais de la Culture in the Treichville area of Abidjan on Sunday.

Meanwhile, there have been reactions back home, ahead of the crucial tie.

Ex-international, Tijanii Babangida, an AFCON finalist on home soil in 2000, said, “Any of the three teams among Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast can qualify. So, the win is important but they must know there are no pushovers. It’s a competitive game and I expect them to grow in every game, regardless of the fact that they have won against us before.”

“I know we are going to play with caution, and again, if we could beat Ivory Coast, the morale is high but I know they will play with caution because we have a lot of experienced players in the team. So, it will be very good for them to top the group,” 2013 AFCON winner, Azubuike Egwwuekwe, noted.

Given theEagles inconsistent run under Peseiro, some fans are wary of the Wild Dogs.

“Let’s not underestimate a wounded team, besides, we don’t have to be in a hurry to win. Let’s calm down, hold the ball and the opportunities will come,” a fan, Adetuwo Suji, said.

If Nigeria finish top of the group, they are poised to face any best losing side from Group C, which could be Cameroon or even Algeria from Group D as well as Namibia, Tunisia or even South Africa from Group E in the round of 16.

A second-place finish will pair the Eagles against the second-place team from Group C, which is likely going to be Guinea, which beat Peseiro’s men 2-0 in a pre-tournament friendly in Abu Dhabi last week.

The most unlikely outcome is qualifying as one of the best losers, and that will be a date with the winners of Group B, Cape Verde.

Nigeria’s game against Guinea-Bissau kicks off at 6pm Nigerian time, simultaneously with the other game between Ivory Coast and Equatorial Guinea.

The last time the Eagles and Wild Dogs clashed at the AFCON (2022), the Eagles defeated their foes 2-0, thanks to second half goals from Umar Sadiq and Wiliam Troost-Ekong.

BIG STORY

JUST IN: Jigawa State Governor Loses 24-Yr-Old Son A Day After Mother’s Demise

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Tragically, just one day after the passing of his mother, Governor Namadi of Jigawa has now lost his 24-year-old son.

A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Hamisu Gumel, confirmed that the governor’s son sadly lost his life in a road accident on Thursday.

“To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.”

“With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, announces the passing of yet another member of his family; his dear son Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

“He departed this world this afternoon (Thursday, December 26th, 2024) as a result of a ghastly motor accident along Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road. “The burial rite is taking place at this moment in Kafin Hausa town, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

“A 24-year-old, late Abdulwahab is survived by his parents and many siblings. “To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.”

 

More to come…

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Sokoto Counters Military, Says 10 Civilians Accidentally Killed In Air Strike

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The Sokoto state government says no fewer than 10 civilians were killed when a military air strike targeted suspected terrorists in Gidan Bisa village, Silame LGA of the state.

Abubakar Bawa, press secretary to Ahmed Aliyu, governor of the state, wrote in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Bawa quoted Abubakar Rana, chairman of Silame LGA, as saying that the incident occurred around 6am on Christmas Day, when two military fighter jets “mistakenly” dropped bombs on the village.

Aliyu, who was accompanied by Aliyu Wamakko, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, and Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, minister of labour and employment, attended the funeral prayers for the victims.

Consoling the villagers, the governor described the incident as “unfortunate.”

“The military jets were on their mission to eliminate criminal armed groups terrorising the state and mistakenly bombed innocent people of this community,” he said.

“We consider this a mistake because the same military had on several occasions successfully raided many criminal hideouts in the state.”

Aliyu prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the deceased and strength for their families.

Muhammad Sifawa, secretary to the state government, announced a relief package of N20 million and 100 bags of assorted foodstuffs for the families of the deceased.

He also assured that the state government would cover the medical bills of the injured.

The military had denied reports of civilian casualties in the bombing.

Reports said air strikes conducted by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji, targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group, had inadvertently killed civilians in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities.

However, Abubakar Abdullahi, joint media coordinator for the operation, said the strikes targeted locations confirmed to be linked to the insurgents.

“All military operations are based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions to ensure precision and protect civilian lives,” Abdullahi said.

“The targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action.”

Olusola Akinboyewa, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, told TheCable that the missiles were launched following credible intelligence from multiple sources and confirmatory aerial surveillance.

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Adron Homes Celebrates Christmas With Customers, Reaffirms Commitment To Bridging Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

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As the world embraces the joy and warmth of the Christmas season, Adron Homes and Properties, Nigeria’s foremost real estate company, has extended heartfelt greetings to its esteemed customers while reaffirming its commitment to addressing the nation’s housing challenges.

In a message of gratitude and celebration, Adron Homes expressed deep appreciation to its customers for their trust and loyalty throughout 2024. The company highlighted its unwavering dedication to making incredible housing affordable for all Nigerians, in line with its mission of reducing the country’s housing deficit.

“Christmas is a time to celebrate family, unity, and gratitude,” the statement read. “As we reflect on the year, we are proud to have played a role in making homeownership a reality for thousands of Nigerians. Our vision is clear—to bridge the housing deficit by providing affordable, luxurious, and secure homes for all, regardless of income level.”

Adron Homes has continued to lead the real estate industry by implementing innovative solutions that make homeownership accessible, including flexible payment plans and cost-effective housing models tailored to meet diverse customer needs.

As part of its Christmas and end-of-the-year celebration, the company has launched a special festive promotions ‘Lemon Friday’ aimed at encouraging more Nigerians to join its growing community of homeowners.

“We remain committed to transforming dreams into reality. This is not just about building homes; it’s about building futures and creating opportunities for families to thrive in a space they can call their own,” the statement added.

Adron Homes extended warm wishes to all Nigerians and its global customers, urging them to embrace the season’s spirit of love and hope. “May your homes be filled with peace, joy, and prosperity this Christmas and beyond.”

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