Enyimba FC, at the weekend, beat Rahimo FC of Burkina Faso 5-0 in Aba and 5-1 on aggregate to progress to the next round of the CAF Champions League.

Against the odds, Enyimba Football Club of Aba swam against the tides and got to the shore; they did not play in front of their beloved fans but like coach Abd'llah said, they got the job "done clean."

Bellsnews' Assistant Editor, Bethel Kalu takes us through four lessons he gleaned from the victory in Aba.


1. Enyimba is the best team in Nigeria:

When it comes to playing personnel, Enyimba boast of the best legs in the league. In fact, they have been likened to Real Madrid of Spain. Based on this premise, it is not surprising that Enyimba signs the best legs in the country. Players consider it a privilege to play for Enyimba, who are Nigeria's most successful club.

Every new season, they fortify their team with players who were outstanding the previous season in the league, even from neighbor countries. The match against Rahimo FC demonstrated this submission.

Austin Oladapo, who has been pivotal to the success of Enyimba was out few days before the game. Defensive stalwart, Ifeanyi Anaemena battled with fitness, but Enyimba had capable replacements and hardly improvised. The competition for starting shirts in the team is healthy and the desire of every coach too.Their depth in squad gladdens the heart. Stanley Okorom came from the bench, got a stunning goal, and crowned it with a brilliant performance at right back. Surely, this team is the best in the land.


2. Coach Usman Abd'llah deserves commendation:

Coach Usman Abd'llah has shown bravery as a coach. When he was appointed as coach of Enyimba, many fans asked: "Usman who?" Now they know. He guided Enyimba to the semi-final of the CAF Confederations Cup, and led the Aba Elephants to win a record 8th league title.

Usman Abd'llah's bravery can be seen in the way he tinkers his team. For a coach who manages such a big team as Enyimba to succeed, he must be ready to take decisions that will favour the team without minding whose ox is gored.

Coach Abd'llah tweaked his team and altered the central defensive partnership of Nelson Ogbonnaya and Ifeanyi Anaemena. Instead, he chose Adebayo Abiodun to partner Ifeanyi Anaemena; that looked risky. However, it was the best he could do - to take the bold decision to keep a relatively unfit Anaemena on the bench. Nelson and Abiodun built an impenetrable wall that stiffled any direct attack from Rahimo FC.

Coach Abd'llah did not panic after losing 1-0 in Ouagadougou. His confidence was contagious and he followed it up by working assiduously to make sure his team delivered.

Coach Abd'llah's relationship with his players and his love for them yielded results. Which scenario could better explain the role he plays as a father than his touching reception of Chukwuka Onuwa, after the midfield maestro was substituted! He danced with him and gave him an embrace of approval. He was in effect saying: "Welcome, you did the job, perfectly."



3. Chukwuka Onuwa is the heart and soul of Enyimba's midfield:

Who has not heard? Chukwuka Onuwa is the Nigerian version of Luka Modric. The former MFM midfield artiste is a fan of Real Madrid midfield sensation, Luka Modric. Hence, he patterns his play to the world class midfielder. Last season, he was the favourite player of the fans. No wonder, the fans would always chant his name "Onuwa, Onuwa, Onuwa!" Whenever he was on the bench, fans would always want him to be introduced and when he comes on, they would raise the roof. He is a priceless pearl in midfield - the heart and soul of Enyimba's midfield. His passes are sensational and good for the heart, his vision has no rival. Onuwa does his creative job with ease, orchestrating defense splitting passes, and what the some may call "close-but-not-close" kind of passes - opponents see it but cannot touch it. He rotates in midfield like the earth's seamless orbit round the sun, turns to whichever degree he wants to and with two solid defensive midfielders behind him, he tears defenses apart.

Surely, Onuwa brought his best to the side on Sunday, even Rahimo FC officials had no option but to applaud him in their hearts.


4. Enyimba's attack is blistering:

http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/enyimba-5-0-rahimo-four-lessons-from-enyimbas-victory/

12 players who will represent Nigeria at the 2019 FIBA Men’s World Cup have been released.

The D’Tigers head coach, Alex Nwora made the final list known after their Peak Invitational Tournament victory against Poland and Montenegro.

Nwora listed Ike Diogu, a regular throughout the qualifying series alongside Ike Iroegbu, Benjamin Uzoh, Al Farouk Aminu, Zanna Talib and Stanley Okoye.

After series of impressive performances in the friendlies, Stockton Kings, Vincent Nnamdi booked a spot in the team alongside new kids on the block, Chimezie Metu, Jordan Nwora and Joshua Okogie.

2016/2017 EuroLeague championship winner and EuroLeague Final Four MVP, Ekpe Udoh will also be in line to make his debut for D’Tigers alongside Michael Eric

Nwora said the decision to drop Alade Aminu, Ike Nwamu and Deji Akindele who played major roles in the WC qualifiers was not an easy one.

“It was very hard pruning the team from 15 to 12 as required by FIBA. If I had my way, we would have registered all the 15 players for the World Cup because all these players have unique qualities that they bring to the team.”

Nwora who guided Nigeria to become the first country to qualify for the World Cup said expectations are high for the team to perform which has continued to motivate the entire team to go a step further.

“These are the best players we have at our disposal right now. We are very aware of expectations back home.

Recently, Nigeria currently ranked 33rd in the world defeated Dominican Republic (18th), Canada (23rd), Poland (25th) and Montenegro (28th) as part of their preparations for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Nigeria grouped alongside Argentina and Korea will start their world cup campaign against Russia on Saturday in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

*Edo Broadcasting Service remits N20m IGR in 7 months, engages external auditors for 2017, 2018 accounts*

The Edo State Broadcasting Service (EBS) has remitted a total of N20 million to the Edo State Government being revenue generated internally from December 18, 2018 to July 31, 2019.

The improved financial health of the station follows radical reforms instituted by the state government to reposition the media house for optimum service delivery.

Specifically, besides the improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the new management has vigorously pursued cost-effective measures by paying attention to serviceable equipment and blocking revenue leakages in the system.

In its July Report, Acting General Manager of the service, Mr Ransley Abu-Osagie, said that the outfit remitted a total of N20 million since he assumed management of the station, noting, “In revenue generation, EBS paid a total of N2,400,000 to IGR in July, 2019, thus making the total amount remitted to government N20 million since December 18, 2018 to July 13, 2019, that is, seven months and twelve days.”

He added that "the station engaged government-approved external auditors, Lucky Osawaru and co-firm to commence work on the station's 2017 and 2018 accounts."

He said the station deployed novel means to address issues with its transmission equipment and partnered with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (EBS) in addressing some of its power supply challenges.

According to him, “Repair work on GoTV (system) which was achieved in June was damaged by inclement weather. Steps are already being taken to re-launch on GoTV.”

Recall that Governor Obaseki embarked on an overhaul of EBS in its commitment to revamp the state-owned media enterprises.

The overhaul led to the appointment of new management that has turned the loss-making entity into a revenue-generating outfit.

The state government is completing processes for procurement of new equipment to improve the broadcasting service.

http://www.bellsnews.com/business-news/edo-broadcasting-service-remits-n20m-igr-in-7-months/

Enyimba's coach, Usman Abd'llah is relieved that his team has finally progressed to the next round of the CAF Champions League. The Aba Elephants smashed Rahimo FC 5-0 in Aba to progress 5-1 on aggregate.

"I am very relieved because you've seen the boys were very prepared because we worked very hard even though it wasn't easy.

Coach Abd'llah understands the importance of fitness to his players. The team played series of friendly games to keep themselves in shape and coach Abd'llah believes it finally yielded benefits.

"I think we should continue this work that we've been doing because we can see the profit in it. So the boys have to be super, super fit; that is the only way we can execute our own plans.

The match in Ouagadougou was difficult for the team as they narrowly escaped a heavy defeat thereby giving the team a feasible lifeline but heaped a mountain of pressure on Enyimba's technical crew. In an honest submission, Abd'llah says it was one of his most stressful games.

"It's one of the stressful matches I've had because having seen the match over there (in Ouagadougou), we were very lucky because it would have been tougher around here.

There are positives to pick from the victory apart from the goals, surely he took note of them all.

"So the good thing is we saw the team, we came back and worked on our weaknesses and finally you can see the job is done clean. We are happy.

"I think we still have work to do, we still have a lot. We can't be perfect. Every time we have to work."

Enyimba face Al Hilal of Sudan in the next round of the competition with their first leg tie in Aba on September 15.

http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/finally-the-job-is-done-enyimba-coach-usman-abdllah/

Enyimba FC of Aba this evening progressed to the next round of the CAF Champions with 5-0 defeat of Rahimo FC of Burkina Faso. The Aba Elephants lost the first leg in Ouagadougou but bounced back with a victory today.

The game started with Enyimba searching for an early goal but met stiff resistance from the Rahimo defense.

Rahimo were reduced to 10 men in the 9th minute when Zonon Issouf were shown a straight red card for an audacious tackle on Emmanuel Ampiah.

Enyimba quickly made the advantage count as they pressed harder for a goal and were almost rewarded in the 11th minute when Bala Reuben came close to scoring but watch as his low shot went some inches off the net. In the 20th minute, Stanley Dimgba was given a fine pass from the dazzling Onuwa but he shot wide from close range.

In the 24th minute, Stanley Dimgba thought he had given Enyimba the lead through a sublime curler but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Enyimba's goal came in the 31st minute when Bala was fouled just outside the 18-yard box and he stepped up to score from a low shot to the far left of the goalkeeper

In the second half, Stanley Okorom replaced Emmy Ampiah after the restart for a knock he received in the first half. Enyimba got their second goal in the 47th minute off a classic volley from Stanley Okorom outside the box.

Abdurahman Bashir came on for Samson in the 64th minute.

Enyimba pressed for more goals as Olisema's shot in the 69th minute came off the bar.

Enyimba finally took the game off the hands of Rahimo FC when Stanley Dimgba finished off a smooth Enyimba attack with a sublime curler.

In the 86th minute, Reuben Bala scored a freekick from 35 yards.

Enyimba finally took the game off Rahimo's hands in the 90th minute when Stanley Dimgba finished off a sumptuous assist from Okorom.


http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/cacl-enyimba-crush-rahimo-fc-5-0/

First National Team Goal: A Dream Come True. Emeka Chinonso - http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/first-national-team-goal-a-dream-come-true-emeka-chinonso/

Super Eagles and Leicester City midfield midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi will soon graduate with a business degree at De Monfort University, Leicester.

The Leicester City midfield maestro and EPL tackle specialist tries to strike a balance between education and football. In an interview with Skysports, Ndidi said that his teammates do not know he is an undergraduate. He 'sneaks' out of camp to attend lectures.

"I think they don't know yet, maybe they know now. But the first person that will come to know is Vardy."

The 22-year-old Ndidi is humble and tries to maintain a low profile when he is on campus. When asked about what she thinks about Wilfred Ndidi studying and playing football, a lady said: "He's so casual and it's a motivation for everybody."

Ndidi spoke about Leicester coach, Brendan Rogers and how he has brought confidence to the team.

"I am really excited because of the coach. This coach has given [the new players] and old players the confidence to play."

At the weekend when Chelsea hosted Leicester City at Stamford Bridge, Ndidi was the villain and hero as he had a hand in both goals scored on the day, the match ended 1-1.

Ndidi said he did not celebrate fully after scoring the equalizer but was angry at himself for the error in the first half which led to Chelsea taking the lead.

"For me, it was a mixed feeling. You know what happened in the beginning of the game. If that did not happen, I would then say it was really a great goal."

When asked about who his biggest critic was, his reply was simple, yet stunning: "I am my biggest critic."

Wilfred is already preparing for the future and life outside football. He says he wants to use his business degree to improve sports facilities for young footballers back home in Nigeria, when he retires


http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/wilfred-ndidi-set-to-graduate-from-de-monfort-university-leicester/

Wilfred Ndidi Set To Graduate From De Monfort University, Leicester - http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/wilfred-ndidi-set-to-graduate-from-de-monfort-university-leicester/

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Zaria, Kaduna State, pledged that his administration will continue to implement policies and execute people-oriented projects that will change the narrative for Nigerians.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Zaria Water Supply Expansion Project, President Buhari said the Federal Government, in spite of lean resources, spent N11.8 billion on the construction of the multipurpose 186.1 Million Cubic Meters Galma Dam as a contribution to the project.

''This project is the culmination of the joint efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Kaduna State Government, Islamic Development Bank and the African Development Bank.

''The multilateral nature of the funding for this project underscores the great importance the Kaduna State Government and the Federal Government attach to this project, which is designed to provide adequate water to the growing city of Zaria and its environs, '' President Buhari said.

Commending Governor Nasiru El Rufai of Kaduna State for completing the water project which had hitherto languished for years, the President said: ‘‘I am aware that the governor undertook to offset all outstanding payments to the contractor in 2015 which led to the resumption of construction activities at the 150 Million Litres-per- day water treatment plant.’’

The President equally praised the Kaduna State government for demonstrating an appreciable commitment to development through people-oriented projects.

''To our multilateral partners, the Islamic Development Bank and the African Development Bank, we are grateful for your part in providing the needed funding to undertake and complete the transmission mains, service reservoirs, booster stations and distribution network.

''We could not have done it without your contributions. We are hopeful that this partnership will continue as we seek to reach out to other communities, cities and states in Nigeria to provide water facilities and other essential services,'' he said.

The President challenged the Kaduna State Water Corporation, responsible for operating and maintaining the system, to live up to expectation, urging beneficiaries to be responsible citizens by ensuring vigilance over the facilities and payment for water consumed.

He noted that water infrastructure investments such as this one would serve for decades if they are well managed and well maintained.

''The project is partly funded by loans that will be repaid by coming generations. We should ensure that they are appreciative even as they continue to pay back the loans,'' the President said.

President Buhari, who congratulated ''the good people of Zaria for being the beneficiaries of such a timely and life-changing water project'', commended the contractors and consultants for the quality and timely delivery.

http://www.bellsnews.com/politics/buhari-promises-to-change-the-lives-of-nigerians/

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Zaria, Kaduna State, assured Nigerians that his administration will not rest until it delivers on its commitments on quality education, including investing more resources in the sector and providing a conducive learning environment in the academia.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Post Graduate Centre of Excellence built by the Central Bank of Nigeria at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the President said the Federal government have invested close to N1.3 trillion towards the development of the education sector in the past 4 years, excluding funds spent on overhead and personnel costs.

Commending the CBN for providing the Centre, sited at the Samaru campus of the institution, the President said:

‘‘By this exercise, we are building on the vision of the founder of this great institution, Late and great Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, who, as Premier of Northern Nigeria, established this institution almost six decades ago.

‘‘It is on record that this University has made giant contributions towards the development of our nation and we remain grateful to the Founder of this vision.’’

Expressing concern over the state of facilities in Nigerian universities, due to long years of perennial funding challenges, the President promised that his administration will continue to place premium on education at all levels.

‘‘It is no longer a secret that the state of facilities in our universities and other institutions of higher learning has not kept pace with the requirements of the ever-growing population of students and other stakeholders or with modern methods of learning.

‘‘This has largely been due to the perennial funding challenge over the years. As an administration, we are committed and determined to continue to fund our vital institutions, even in the face of limited financial resources.



‘‘Let me reiterate here that this administration places much premium on education at all levels, as it is the bedrock of society’s progress, and the way to overcome poverty,’’ he said.

The President expressed confidence that efforts at improving access to quality education in tertiary institutions will enable young Nigerians to make meaningful contributions towards the nation’s development.

‘‘The wealth of nations today is being shaped by investment in education rather than emphasis on mineral resources.

‘‘Investment in education is a critical factor in driving innovation, technological advancements and employment opportunities in advanced economies,’’ he said.

http://www.bellsnews.com/education/we-have-spent-1-3-trillion-on-education-president-buhari/

PRESS RELEASE

LET'S WORK HARD TO JUSTIFY MR. PRESIDENT'S CONFIDENCE, MINISTER CHARGES STAFF

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has charged the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture to work harder to justify the confidence of
President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Minister, who made the remarks in Abuja on Wednesday at his inaugural meeting with the Permanent Secretary and directors of the
ministry immediately after he was sworn in by the President, said his re-appointment and subsequent posting to the ministry is a mark of confidence reposed in him by the President.

“My charge to all of us is to please redouble our effort so that we can justify the confidence Mr. President has reposed in us. That Mr. President has reappointed and posted me back to this ministry is a measure of the confidence he has in me. So I think we all need to work hard.

“Let me express my joy at the prospect of working again with the Directors that I worked with in the last administration. Whatever success we had achieved was because of the cooperation and
collaboration of Directors who worked with us,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said he would continue to work very closely with the Permanent Secretary and the Directors in order to implement the core
mandate of the ministry.

“There must be synergy between the Minister and the Permanent Secretary and I must say that I have enjoyed very cordial working relationship with my Permanent Secretary, and I am very glad that that
relationship contributed in no small measure to the moderate success we achieved. We need your cooperation because we can’t do it alone,''
he said.

The Minister also thanked the Media team that worked with him in the past four years, saying the team did a lot to publicize the activities of the ministry.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Deaconess Grace Isu-Gekpe, expressed delight at the reappointment of Alhaji Mohammed and pledged the readiness of the management and staff of the ministry to support and cooperate with the Minister to enable him achieve his mandate.

“It’s actually been my desire to have you back sir. We are all very glad to have you back to continue where you stopped. There is a lot of work here and I believe that you will surely take this ministry to the
next level.

“I want to say welcome back to your family and all of us are ready to work with you to take this ministry and the whole nation, in areas of information and Culture, to the next level,” she said.


http://www.bellsnews.com/politics/lai-mohammed-charges-ministry-of-communication-staff-to-make-buhari-proud/

President Buhari has directed the SGF to monitor and report the progress of the implementation of government policies. He said: "My charge to the new Ministers, sworn into office today: Our primary business over the next four years is to work together towards delivering the results that the people of Nigeria expect from us.

We have a great opportunity as an Administration to build on the progress already made in order to fundamentally shift Nigeria’s trajectory on the path of steady growth and development.

I have directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to track progress against the commitments we have made. He is expected to report the process of implementation and outcome to the Federal Executive Council.

I must emphasize the importance of communication and harmony within our government. I charged the new Ministers to work in harmony with one another. There is certainly a price to pay when we ignore communication. In this Next Level we must do better.

To help our government achieve better coordination, I have asked the Ministers to ensure that all submissions for my attention and all meeting requests are channeled through the Chief of Staff; while all Federal Executive Council (FEC) matters be coordinated through the SGF.

The Federal Ministries have been further expanded to ensure effective service delivery. I am also pleased to note important reforms in the Cabinet Memorandum Review and Approval Process, all aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of decision-making and policy implementation."

http://www.bellsnews.com/politics/president-buhari-directs-sgf-to-track-progress-on-implementation-of-government-policies/

MINISTERS OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AND PORTFOLIOS

S/NO
STATE
NAME
PORTFOLIO

Abia
Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah
Minister of State Mines and Steel Development

Adamawa
Muhammadu Musa Bello
Minister of Federal Capital Territory

Akwa Ibom
Sen. Godswill Akpabio
Minister of Niger Delta

Anambra
Dr. Chris N. Ngige
Minister of Labour and Employment

Anambra
Sharon O. Ikeazor
Minister of State Environment

Bauchi
Adamu Adamu
Minister of Education

Bauchi
Amb. Mariam Y. Katagum
Minister of State Industry, Trade and Investment

Bayelsa
Timipre Sylva
Minister of State Petroleum Resource

Benue
Sen. George Akume
Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs

Borno
Mustapha Baba Shehuri
Minister of State Agriculture and Rural Development

Cross River
Goddy Jedy – Agba
Minister of State Power

Delta
Festus Keyamo, SAN
Minister of State Niger Delta

Ebonyi
Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu
Minister of Science and Technology

Edo
Dr. Osagie Ehanire
Minister of Health

Edo
Clement IKanade Agba
Minister of State Budget and National Planning

Ekiti
Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment

Enugu
Geoffrey Onyeama
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Gombe
Dr. Ali Isa Ibrahim Pantami
Minister of Communications

Imo
Emeka Nwajiuba
Minister of State Education

Jigawa
Engr. Suleiman H. Adamu
Minister of Water Resources

Kaduna
Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed
Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning

Kaduna
Dr. Muhammad Mahmoud
Minister of Environment

Kano
Sabo Nanono
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

Kano
Maj. Gen. (RTD) Bashir Salihi Magashi
Minister of Defence

Katsina
Mr. President
Minister of Petroleum Resources

Katsina
Sen. Hadi Sirika
Minister of Aviation

Kebbi
Abubakar Malami
Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice

Kogi
Ramatu Tijjani
Minister of State Federal Capital Territory

Kwara
Lai Mohammed
Minister of Information and Culture

Kwara
Gbemisola Saraki
Minister of State Transportation

Lagos
Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)
Minister of Works and Housing

Lagos
Sen. Adeleke O. Mamora
Minister of State Health

Nasarawa
Mohammed H. Abdullahi
Minister of State Science and Technology

Niger
Amb. Zubairu Dada
Minister of State Foreign Affairs

Ogun
Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite
Minister of Mines and Steel Development

Ondo
Sen. Tayo D. Alasoadura
Minister of State Labour and Employment

Osun
Rauf Aregbesola
Minister of Interior

Oyo
Sunday Dare
Minister of Youth and Sports

Plateau
Pauline Tallen
Minister of Women Affairs

Rivers
Rotimi Amaechi
Minister of Transportation

Sokoto
Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi
Minister of Police Affairs

Taraba
Eng. Saleh Mamman
Minister of Power

Yobe
Abubakar D. Aliyu
Minister of State Works and Housing

Zamfara
Sa’adiya Umar Farouk
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development


http://www.bellsnews.com/politics/names-of-ministers-appointed-by-president-buhari-and-their-portfolios/

With the transfer season in Europe still active, Crewe Alexandria has signed a Nigerian striker.


Breaking: Crew Alexandria signs Nigerian Striker from Midtjylland - http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/breaking-crew-alexandria-signs-nigerian-striker-from-midtjylland/

PRESIDENT BUHARI REPLACES HEADS OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved replacements for heads of Federal Government agencies that were recently appointed as ministers.

Sen. Basheer Garba Mohammed has been appointed Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons. He replaces Sadiya Umar Farouk.

Dr. Chioma Ejikeme has been appointed Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, replacing Sharon O. Ikeazor, while Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi is now Director General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency.

For Executive Commissioner (Stakeholder Management) Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), President Buhari has forwarded Adeleke Moronfolu Adewolu’s name to the Senate for confirmation as replacement for Sunday Akin Dare.

The appointments take immediate effect.

http://www.bellsnews.com/politics/president-buhari-replaces-heads-of-federal-agencies/

Enyimba football club of Aba will this weekend engage Rahimo FC of Burkina Faso in the second leg of their CAF Champions League qualifying game in Aba having lost the first leg to Rahimo FC in ouagadougou 2 weeks ago by 1-0.


Their Star midfielder has thoughts on the game.
Read more

http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/enyimba-will-punish-rahimo-nigerian-luka-modric/

Enyimba continued preparation for the return leg of their CAF Champions League with a resounding victory. Match report here

Enyimba 6-1 Destiny FC: Samson Obi’s hatrick sinks Destiny FC - http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/enyimba-6-1-destiny-fc-samson-obis-hatrick-sinks-destiny-fc/

For the record, the Enyimba stadium meets CAF standards in terms of pitch, stands, lighting and security.

The same CAF games have been played in the stadium for nearly two decades. The crux of the matter on ground is that CAF adopted new measures for inspection and approval from this season going forward.

These measures demand clubs to get new certifications from FIFA for pitch, lighting and security. The certificates would be valid for two years and have to be renewed.

In the past, a club makes a formal request for CAF inspection before the start of the competition. The inspectors show up, carry out their assessment before recommending the stadium for approval.

Now however, after making the usual request to CAF for inspection they responded that the certificates must first be submitted before their inspectors come down to Nigeria. This is part of their updated club licensing procedure, which Enyimba is fully committed to.

It should go without saying that there wasn't time to obtain all three certificates before Sunday's game. This is why, according to CAF, the fans would not be allowed into the stadium.

Before the group stage, all would be in place for the inspection and approval and the fans would be a part of the action.

CC. Farriel

http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/cacl-why-enyimba-will-play-behind-closed-doors-against-rahimo/

SPEECH BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR EDUCATION, STEPHEN ODO, Ph.D AT EBONYI STATE FLAG OFF/ LAUNCH OF BETTER EDUCATION SERVICE DELIVERY FOR ALL (BESDA) AT AKANU IBIAM INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, ABAKALIKI ON 19TH AUGUST, 2019.

PROTOCOL

I feel highly delighted and privileged to welcome you all to this all important education programme – the launch of Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) Programme for Result (P for R) in Ebonyi State.

We all remember that in 1996 when Ebonyi state was created, Ebonyi state was classified as educationally disadvantaged state. Today Ebonyi state has moved from educationally disadvantaged state to educationally competing state.

For instance in 2018, Ebonyi state came 10th in WAEC ranking of states in Nigeria in terms of performance. This can be attributed to the high premium placed on education by His Excellency, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, FNSE FNATE, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi state through free and compulsory education, massive infrastructure, reorientation, school feeding programme among other education incentives.

However, it appears that all efforts by His Excellency to bequeath qualitative education to all Ebonyi children have not received the desired response from parents, guardians, and care-givers who for one reason or the other still keep their children/wards at home or give them out as maids or house helps, or even allow them to hawk in the cities.

This scenario has led to unacceptable level of out of school children in the state especially when compared to other states in the South East. For instance, while South East recorded 11.3% out of school children in 2016/2017, Ebonyi State recorded 21.4% out of school children (MICS, 2016/2017). This figure is 90% higher than the zonal average.

The problem of Out-of-school children is both a national and a global concern. In Nigeria, about 10.5million children of school age are out of school (NPoPC, 2018/2019) about the highest in the world while UNICEF report of 2018 shows that one child out of every five out-of-school children globally is from Nigeria. This report is alarming.

Some of the most common reasons people give for this unfortunate development include lack of political will, financial constraints, ignorance on the part of parents/guardians, socio-cultural complexities, access to schools, physically challenged children, child labour, migration and orphanage. Fortunately for us in Ebonyi state, we have political will in excess supply. So all others barriers to children being in school will be completely taken care of. For the saying goes that where there is a will, there is a way.

Your Excellency, what we are witnessing today is your marshal plan, a multi-sectoral and holistic approach to tackling out-of-school children in Ebonyi state through the launch of Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA). BESDA is Ebonyi State-World Bank partnership programme aimed at increasing access for out-of-school children, improving literacy, and strengthening accountability for result. This programme which started in 20018 will end by 2022. This programme was based on 2015 Nigeria Education Data Survey (NEDS) report by National Population Commission where 17 states in Nigeria including Ebonyi were identified as states with high rate of out of school children.

Your Excellency, you decided that Ebonyi state has no business in the list of states with high rate of out of school children in Nigeria.

Today your Excellency is displaying uncommon commitment to building the most critical component of our infrastructure, the human infrastructure through Education for all. I can see your vision your Excellency.

By the launch of BESDA today, your vision is very clear. You want to reproduce yourself; you want Ebonyi state to produce world class engineers who will not only maintain the beautiful infrastructural edifices you are building across the state but those who will also find solutions to world engineering problems.

You want to produce top-notch medical doctors who will break world records in modern medicine and experts in space science. You want to produce youth who will not wait for government to employ them, but those who will be at the forefront in partnering with government in solving socio-economic problems through entrepreneurship. You want to produce academics that will be sought-after on the global arena.

You want to produce a new generation of Ebonyians who will be equal or even better players in the new world order - the knowledge economy; driven by science, technology and artificial intelligence (robotics).
With you on the driver’s seat, Your Excellency, Ebonyians are confident and our partners should be rest assured because you know our destination.

In this new vision and drive, what is required is unwavering commitment by all stakeholders- education managers, parents, children, community /village heads and all political leaders.

Starting from September 2019 every Ebonyi child of school age must be in school. Our target is to be in the top three in Nigeria and the first in South East in terms of best literate states in Nigeria. The education of Ebonyi child is the duty for all.

Once more, I welcome you all.
Thanks and God bless you.

http://www.bellsnews.com/uncategorized/ebonyi-state-government-unveils-besda-education-program/

President Muhammadu Buhari has showered praises on the victorious 2019 Women Afrobasket champions, the D’Tigress of Nigeria.

A release by Garba Shehu states that “President Buhari felicitates with national female basketball team, D’Tigress, for a highly impressive outing at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2019 in Dakar, Senegal, that saw them coasting home to victory at the finals, winning the hosts, 60-55.

President Buhari congratulates the D’Tigress for a remarkably synergized play that enabled them to outpace and outplay all the teams at the tournament to retain the title they won in 2017, further consolidating their position as African champions with four titles.

The President commends the team for discipline, maturity and focus all through the tournament, and deliberateness in promoting the Nigerian flag and accompanying virtues of resilience, persistence and dogged pursuit until victory was achieved.

President Buhari sends appreciation to all the officials and technical hands that guided the team to win the African title, urging them to remain focused in deploying such energy and talent in subsequent global tournaments.”

The team are expected back to the country after their dogged fight in the final.

http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/afrobasket-2019-president-buhari-praises-dtigress/

Enyimba FC of Aba defeated Delta Force 1-0 in Aba in final preparation for the return leg of their CAF Champions League game against Rahimo FC of Burkina Faso. The People's Elephants lost the first leg 1-0 in Ouagadougou and hopes to overturn the deficit in Aba.

The keenly contested encounter began on a bright note as both sides tested each other for size. In the 10th minute, it was Delta Force who got the first chance of the game after a slip from defender, Abayomi, gifted them a chance in the box but the shot went wide.

Enyimba however responded quickly with a smooth counter attack that brought Abdurahman Bashir face-to-face with the goalkeeper but his shot was blocked.

In the 16th minute, Bashir nodded over the bar from close range off a sumptuous cross from Andrew Abalogu. Enyimba went in search of the opening goal and were almost rewarded when the ever magnificent Onuwa watched his effort miss the net by few inches.

In the 26th minute, Reuben Bala's wonderful freekick from 30 yards away came off the woodwork as the fans applauded such artistry. Two minutes later, Reuben Bala produced another masterpiece, this time from 35 yards out as the smart Delta Force goalkeeper tipped his shot over the bar. In the 34th minute, Austin Oladapo dribbled into the box, unleashed a powerful shot that flew inches off the net.

The highly entertaining game took a different dimension in the second half when Delta Force came all out to get a goal but met strong resistance from the Enyimba defense who perfectly shielded Theophilus Afelokhai in goal.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 59th minute. Austin Oladapo expertly dispatched a sublime freekick from 25 yards, the goalkeeper, this time had no answers for that goal.

The entertaining game continued from end to end to the final whistle.

It was Enyimba's final preparatory game. With this victory against Delta Force, Enyimba have played 3 friendly games, scored 10 goals and conceded 3.

http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/enyimba-1-0-delta-force-oladapos-stunner-makes-the-difference/

In her usual way of reacting to football issues home and abroad, Nollywood actress Uche Jombo Rodriguez has reacted to FIFA’s Ban on former Super Eagle’s coach, Samson Siasia. In a tweet she posted recently, she described the ban as bad for ‘naija football’.

http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/fc-ifeanyi-uba-holds-open-screening-date-announced/

However, some fans have already reacted to her tweet with some saying it is deserved. Here are reactions below:

http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/nollywoods-uche-jombo-reacts-to-fifas-ban-on-siasia/

Enyimba FC of Aba defeated Wilbros FC of Port Harcourt 5-3 in a friendly game in preparation for their CAF Champions League game against Rahimo FC. The highly intense was played at the Enyimba stadium under the watchful eyes of coach Usman Abd'llah.

Both teams started the highly intense game on a bright note and it was Wilbros FC who opened the gates of goals in the 24th minute with a fine finish by Michael over Stanley Nwabili. The goal was a sting in the hearts of Enyimba who responded quickly. Reuben Bala finished a brilliant counter attacking move from Enyimba to draw the game level in the 25th minute. One minute later, Enyimba went in front for the first time off the a goal from former Remo Stars attacker, Victor Mbaoma.

Wilbros FC surged forward for an equalizer and were almost rewarded in the 32nd minute when they hit the bar with the Enyimba keeper well beaten.

In the 34th minute, Reuben Bala got his brace from the spot after a Wilbros player scored from the spot. Wilbros showed they were no pushovers as Michael got his brace when he pulled one back in the 35th minute with a brilliant volley in the box.

In the second half, Stanley Dimgba made it 4-2 for Enyimba. Wilbros FC bounced back immediately with a fine goal from Kay-Kay but Samson Obi took the game beyond their reach when he scored to make it 5-3 for Enyimba.

This is Enyimba's second friendly game. They will play another game on Sunday against Delta Force by 4pm

http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/cacl-enyimba-beat-wilbros-fc-5-3-in-aba/

cc: Mynd44

Pictures more at http://www.bellsnews.com/politics/president-buhari-commissions-nigerian-air-force-hospital-in-daura/

Pictures

President Muhammadu Buhari is on a working visit in his home state, Katsina. The President has been receiving dignitaries in Daura and has also been working.

Today, the President commissioned roads in Katsina and and the Nigerian Airforce Reference Hospital Daura on 15th Aug 2019.

Below are picture descriptions according to Femi Adesina:

Katsina Road 1: President Buhari with Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State and Deputy Governor Alh. Manir Yakubu as he commissions Kwanar Sabke-Dan Aunai-Dutsi road in Katsina State on 15th Aug 2019

NAF Hospital 1: President Buhari with R-L: Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, Perm Sec. Defence Mrs Nuratu Batagarawa, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar as he commissions Nigerian Airforce Reference Hospital Daura on 15th Aug 2019

http://www.bellsnews.com/politics/president-buhari-commissions-nigerian-air-force-hospital-in-daura/

Enyimba FC of Aba is leaving no stone unturned in making sure they overturn the 1-0 deficit they suffered in the hands of Rahimo FC of Burkina Faso in the CAF Champions League.

The team were expected to play Diamond FC of Calabar but the game was postponed to 8 am tomorrow due to a travel hitch Diamond FC experienced on the way.

The team had no option but to improvise and work on fitness and shaking off fatigue.

Shortly after their loss to Rahimo, coach Usman Abd'llah expressed optimism that his boys would rise to the occasion and overturn the 0-1 deficit the team suffered in Ouagadougou.

The training session was effectively done under the watchful eyes of Coach Abd'llah and his new assistant, Fatai Osho

http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/cacl-enyimba-intensifies-training-to-play-diamond-fc-in-friendly/

Flying Eagles midfielder, Adewale Oladoye,has expressed his readiness to shine at the 2019 African Games which begins this week. Coach Paul Aigbogun recently released a list of players to represent the country at the games and Oladoye was a deserved inclusion in the list.

Speaking to Bellsnews, the Water FC Academy player whose major international outing would be the African Games said he hoped to be a prominent member of the team.

He also bared his mind on what it feels like playing for the national team. “It is a dream come true, flying in the colours of our nation Nigeria.”

The midfielder further spoke about what he has to offer the team in general and his work rate.

“I will put in my very best.”

Oladoye thinks that the talent in the team and all the tactical and technical exercises at the training camp can spur them to glory.

“I believe that we have talented players in the team. We also have received quality technical lessons from the camping exercise. With these, we can achieve a wonderful result


http://www.bellsnews.com/uncategorized/playing-for-nigeria-is-a-dream-come-true-olawale-oladoye/

Sam Okwaraji: The Cost Of Dying For A Nation (30 Years Down The Miles)

By Nnamdi Elekwachi

Aba, Imo State, August 1989.

I was admitted at New Era Hospital in Aba, the first time I recall sufferig malaria. My eyes were heavy and my temperature high, so each time the Indian doctor came to my room for ward round check, my late mum interpreted between doctor and patient since I, being the latter, had no more than a smattering of the English language.

That year (1989), I was in primary 1 or 2, a little above a preschooler. But there was this fear deep down which had me ask my mother if I will die. She shut me up reminding me that my birthday was few days away, the sickbed, she said, was not ideal for natal celebrations. The fear instead did increase such that I would not sleep as I feared it might be my last hour.

I was gradually becoming aware of deaths within my neighbourhood. Chichi, had just died after writing her Junior WAEC and the whole residents of Cameroon road, where we lived, had gone to console the grieving mother. Again, our landlord would die after Chichi, but his was the most fearsome for before that death, an owl had perched on a window frame of our neighbours' where it hooted. We were chased indoors by elders who told us such was a bad omen, quite unsightly. It was not long before our landlord kicked the bucket.

The news came to my sickbed also that Sam Okwaraji slumped and died later in a World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Angola. I do not remember who broke it, but I began to ask myself what happens when people die after these several deaths. Okwaraji was a player everybody loved not just for being too fantastic alone but equally for his hair style. He wore dreadlocks, jerseyed in number 6 and sometimes 8. I would learn much later that for all the times Sam honoured the national invitation, he personally paid for his ticket fare and was about the most disciplined.

The news of the athlete's death was public that calendarists made a calendar of him lying supine where winged angels came to ferry him to the heavens. My mum bought one of the calendars for me and with approval of the hospital management hung same at the hospital's wall. Since I did not recover in time before my birthday, the calendar was a suitable souvenir or gift that lasted for over a year where it was later hung on the wall of our children's room after my discaherge much later.

Upon expiry, my grandmother ordered that the calendar be disposed of, but since there was this book folding exercise common among kids my age where calendars were used to cover or fold notebooks from mutilation and tearing, I used the calendar as a "thick cover" for my exercise book. This way, I was able to preserve Okwaraji, his memory and image postmortem for almost two years.

I remember how Okwaraji's family was promised the world, all or a huge part of which was abandoned if not broken. Only a statue at the Surulere Stadium stands as a totem for the hero who died in active national service. Once, the former governor Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola paid the mother of the late athlete a visit and made some cash donation.

With me drealuck was welcomed and because of Okwaraji, I would get to love the Cameroonian player Cyril Makanaki who like Sam wore dread, also played as a midfielder. Those who watched the 1990 World Cup hosted by Italy will recall Makanaki's exploits during that tournament. That love also went to Rudd Gullit of Holland, another midfielder with dreads. Again, had Okwaraji not slumped, many believed, Nigeria would have qualified for Italia 90. His death dealt a blow on our chances and like when in 1977 (my father told me), Odiye scored an own goal stopping Nigeria from making it to Argentina '88, Nigeria missed out of the mundial. It will take us 4 years to be in the next edition by 1994 in USA, thanks to Clememnce Westerhoorf.

Sam was patriotic to a fault and unfortunately, this has not paid off much. His was unrequited, unrewarded and unremembered patriotism. Those who today we see as our legends in the game had at one point or the other paid us back in our own coins. In 2000 when he captained the Dream Team II, Celestine Babayaro allegedly abandoned his command and flew back to London to serve his Chelsea FC because the then football administration, NFA, did not refund his ticket fare. The same ticket fare Okwaraji would not even take those days. Papilo who should have captained the same Dream Team II of 2000 indulged in truancy for reason best known to him. He later apologized and was forgiven. After his millions of dollars sank in a domestic bank here, Jay-Jay Okocha, it was alleged, skipped a game during the 2006 World Cup qualifier. The result, held many, was our ouster! That ouster took the same Angola against which side Okwaraji died to their first ever World Cup in Germany. I do not intend to make comparisons nor do I seek to diminish other athletes' patriotic zeal, no. They too had their genuine reasons and of this is history equally aware. After all, since Okwaraji died not much has been done for his family where he was the breadwinner, Ph.D student in University of Rome or so.

Our women those days, wore dread which they named and styled after the soccer athlete, Okwaraji.

Even in grassroots sports many have died who are largely forgotten. A certain Kano Pillars defender, Chinedu Udoji...

Read more: http://www.bellsnews.com/featured/sam-okwaraji-the-cost-of-dying-for-a-nation-30-years-down-the-miles/

Coach Usman Abdallah is confident that Enyimba will get a victory in Aba and progress to the next round of the CAF Champions League after a disapointing 1-0 loss to Rahimo FC. He acknowledges that it could have been if the People’s Elephants had conceded another goal.

“It’s not a good result for us but at the same time it’s not catastrophic because if we had lost by two goals or three then it would be a difficult situation.”

Enyimba opened their doors this season, hence the exit and influx of players to the side. Having had experience on the continent, coach Abdallah believes his boys will get better as they progress in the tournament.

“As you know we are all starting and results are always this way until we get ourselves into the competition where we get much fitter.”

http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/epl-transfer-drama-nigerian-replaces-luiz-at-chelsea/

Rahimo FC are a young side with exciting players who kept the Enyimba back four busy, with Afelokhai making important saves to keep Enyimba in the game. However, Enyimba have not had much action still struggle with fitness.

“They have a youthful and young team with very good mobility and good techniques and they are very fit.”

Just like he sounds always, confident, coach Abdallah says his boys will have to cancel the goal and score another in Aba.

“The goal came in with a deflection. We could have saved that goal but now we have to go back to Aba and cancel the goal and have to get another one more goal to seal the deal.

“We’ve seen the team now so the most important thing is to go back, sit down and work with what we’ve seen of the team.”

Enyimba FC will return to Aba to prepare for the crucial game to boost their chances of a victory at home

http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/coach-usman-abdallah-confident-of-enyimbas-victory-in-aba/