Jidefido's Posts
Nairaland Forum › Jidefido's Profile › Jidefido's Posts
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 (of 23 pages)
ademega:I often ask policemen for directions though I look at the demeanour of the officer before approaching |
Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has denied being paid the salaries owed him by the Nigeria Football Federation while giving more details why he decided to call it quits with the senior national team. Oliseh resigned last week after eight months in charge, citing contractual breaches and a lack of support from the NFF. Despite the NFF's claims that Oliseh's backlog of entitlements has been paid, he insists that he has not received payment. Oliseh also rates his time in charge as a success, despite the home-based Eagles failing to progress beyond the first round of the African Nations Championship in Rwanda. He has also left the Super Eagles trailing Egypt in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group. He, however, believes that he left a team anf system good enough to overcome the Pharaohs in the back-to-back qualifiers later in March. In an article on his blog, sundayoliseh.tv, Oliseh stated that despite his resignation, the current Eagles team are capable of beating Egypt both home and away. The full article is reproduced below <em> <strong>"In any Team sport,it is the dream of most athletes to not only play,Captain but also Coach their national teams.That feat I thank God to have blessed me with but last week, I had no other choice but to resign as Chief Coach of the Super eagles. "In eight months in Charge we have been blessed with spectacular results,14 games,1 official defeat and 1 from a friendly Game. Scoring 19 goals and conceding just 6. Climbing up 3 spots on the FIFA Ranking and all this achieved with a completely new and relatively young team. "So young, we were voted the world’s youngest team of 2015! "Why I Quit on the 25th Of February 2016. "I wrote an official demand letter to the Nigeria football federation through the General Secretary requesting payment of salaries and bonuses that were already long due and pending. In my said demand letter I listed 11 unpaid heads and articles. These 11 articles included demand for all sums dating back to July 2015. I therein also specified that I was willing to wait only up to the 25th February, 2016 before seeking means to get relief. "Owed wages and accommodation were just 2 of these eleven articles. "My letter was sent by email and by registered courier, both went unacknowledged nor honoured. "This type of silence had become the new trend and my said demand letter was ignored just as my other e mails in the past weeks seeking support to prepare for the Egypt game. "Our national team was at the point requiring that all energies and efforts should be directed at the oncoming qualifiers against Egypt and not at my employers initiating distractions for myself, the coaching crew and the players. "Typical of these distractions, and without notice to me and in breach of our working agreement, the NFF rather chose the path of holding sessions on dismissing my assistant TIJANI BABANGIDA. They never gave reason(s) for the sack of Babangida. "I had thought, hoped and counted on the NFF giving the magnitude of the Egypt game to have directed robust and committed efforts towards the said game, for example initiating its technical committee in procuring technical details that we had requested for since July 2015 on Egypt. "Again some luxuries could have been shelved by the NFF to accommodate the outstanding bonuses for the players of the earlier qualifiers as the owed bonuses had become an issue with the players. "As I have often been treated, along with my coaching crew and players it is pertinent to note that days after my resignation and contrary to The NFF official press release and numerous interviews and misrepresentations and outright falsehood, my bank has confirmed that no payments whatsoever as alleged by the NFF has been made to me. (as at as this afternoon of the 29thof February 2016). "I dare say that the NFF I know would have made public, evidence of the said payment. I leave to the imagination of the public what conducts of this nature would do to our players just before vital games as often was the case. "It is not in doubt neither did the NFF deny that my hallmark was my insistence on true professionalism, merit and an unflinching patriotic zeal to see the Nigerian national team to a higher level and my tenure brought progress to our dear national team. "It is obvious that the NFF is at a loss as regards what to say, as they have never had a Coach ask them to keep their job as they often frustrate and use people (coaches) for scapegoats for their own short comings. "My grandfather thought us to not seek to be loved by everyone(as it was not only impossible but a sign of weakness) but seek to be respected by most for honesty,hard work and a strong work ethic. "As a Nigerian I can assure you you should not fear the Egyptians.Egypt is a good team but definitely far from the Egypt of five years ago and our new assembled team is definitely better.If we play with the philosophy and players I have put on the ground, we will definitely beat Egypt home and away with a larger margin in Egypt! Remember we don’t concede easily anymore. "As stated in my resignation indicating my recourse to the termination clause as contained in our working agreement. I resigned due to numerous Contractual violations, lack of Support, Unpaid wages, Benefits to my players, Assistant Coaches and myself. "God bless Nigeria!" </strong></em> http://realworldofsport.com/2016/03/02/oliseh-reveals-more-details-why-he-resigned-as-super-eagles-coach/ |
tsephanyah:And I like fulani babes clean ones |
Really what has GEJ got to do with his ministers private life? I think the headline should be reviewed. That is not nice at all to GEJ |
Though I love Ronaldo, I must confess I admire Messi. Ronaldo just decided to stop dribbling and focus more on goal scoring |
"Messi defies the laws of anatomy, he must have an extra bone in his ankle." - Argentina's 1986 World Cup-winning coach Carlos Bilardo Lionel Messi is the current best player in the world, having won it a record five times and will surely be on the list again next year. No doubt about. He has no challenger apart from the usual suspect – Cristiano Ronaldo and maybe Neymar (a potential World best player). He officially burst into the scene in 2005 during the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship that took place in the Netherlands. He led Argentina to win the tournament where he emerged as the best player of the tournament ahead of Nigeria’s Mikel Obi and Taye Taiwo. He also won an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics beating Nigeria again. Lionel Messi developed his footballing instincts from Barcelona and has won several individual and team awards. He remains the only football player in history to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or five times, four of which he won consecutively, and the first player to win three European Golden Shoes. With Barcelona he has won seven La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles, as well as three Copa del Rey titles. Messi holds the records for most goals scored in La Liga (301), a La Liga season (50), a calendar year (91), a single season (73), a Champions League match (5), and most Champions League seasons (five). There is a certain goalkeeper who had boasted that they have the antidote to Messi’s extra ordinary skills. He probably must have thought that he would never be exposed by the magical player. That goal tender is Petr Cech of Arsenal. Messi had never scored against Cech in nine previous meetings and even crashed a penalty against the crossbar in the Nou Camp in 2012, right from his days at Chelsea and Cech had hoped to make it 10 but Messi had other plans. On 23rd of February 2016, Messi finally broke the jinx and scored against Cech. Not once but twice and was at a point close to making it three. What a way to end a record! He even ‘prostrated’ while trying to prevent him from scoring. In his elements, Messi can unlock a tight defence in a twinkle of an eye and make a world class defender look ordinary. Ask a Jerome Boateng and even Manuel Neuer afterwards. He practically ruined the life of Boateng during the first leg of the 2015 UEFA Champions League semifinal between Barcelona and the Germans. The Blaugrana won 3-0 in a brilliant night by the Argentine superstar, and perhaps his greatest moment in the match came in the second goal, when he did this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hjDINElwVc In an interview with ESPN FC, he didn't have any problem answering the question about the play, and he really thinks it's a funny moment. "That doesn't really affect me. I was laughing at myself. When you fall down or slip in a situation and somebody scores a goal, it's normal. These things happen; it happens to me, it happens to other players, I don't care about these things. "For me, he's the best player in the world. That's football. Sometimes you look bad or something happens. I'm a defender, that doesn't kill me or anything." Words can no longer describe this player who continues to produce earth shaking display. There have been cases where buses were parked to prevent him from conjuring his magic but he finds a way out just somehow. Former Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho had severally deployed either Sergio Ramos or Pepe in the midfield just to stop Messi in his tracks and most times, the tactics failed. As long as he is fit and wont retire, he will continue to break jinx, set records, scare out opponents and wow the footballing world. http://realworldofsport.com/2016/02/24/lionel-messi-the-jinx-breaker-the-nemesis-of-every-player-a-goal-keepers-nightmare/ |
shogz89:He has. On a flipside, he wants to marry a Naija babe |
Proud to say he is my younger one. Doing our family proud. Nice one cuzzo |
oshyno:Sunday Afolab committed suicide in prisons during obasanjo's reign. It's an open secret then during the national I'D scam or Siemens scandals not sure right now |
ShowYourCertificate:and you all believed that Adeyanju visited him in detention. bloody lie. if his lawyers were initially stopped from accessing him, its Adeyanju that will. Common guys, Adeyanju wrote that up without seeing him. adeyanju that PDP youths forum have accused of financial sleaze will have the liver to see Metuh |
French journalist and TV host Estelle Denis has made some eye popping allegations against Real Madrid footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo. Denis says Cristiano Ronaldo’s frequent trips in his private jet to Morocco is because he is in a gay relationship with kickboxer boxer Badr Hari and also claimed the superstar footballer has had cosmetic surgery on his nose. Denis’ comments followed a report that Ronaldo’s recent behaviour was “causing concern” at Real Madrid. It reported Ronaldo kept his plane at Torrejon de Ardoz Air Base, just outside Madrid, where David Beckham used to fly in and out of when he played for Real Madrid. Rabat is around 1,000 kilometres from Madrid, with a flight time of 1hour 45 minutes. In the Real Madrid dressing room there is great concern about Cristiano Ronaldo’s performances and his continual trips that he makes on board his recently-acquired private jet. “His most frequent trips are to Morocco where Badr Hari, the best friend and kick boxer he tends to spend much of his free time with, lives near to the capital Rabat.” During one of such trips, kick boxer Hari posted a photo on Facebook of him holding up Ronaldo. “Just married,” the caption said. “Always there to pick you up, bro.” Other snaps of the trip shared a candle-lit image of a traditional Moroccan meal, as well as a picture of the two sportsmen post “wedding”. Ronaldo has in the past denied being gay, saying he is content with his sexuality. Back in 2010, Lionel Messi’s arch rival supported Portugal’s decision to allow gay marriage. “As I am Portuguese, I try to keep myself informed about what is happening in my country,” he said at the time. “We must respect the choices of each other, because, after all, all citizens should have the same rights and responsibilities.” http://realworldofsport.com/2015/12/05/is-cristiano-ronaldo-gay/
|
LastSurvivor:The 'dullard' commisioned projects in Calabar |
osesology:We all know Wenger will never pay such huge amount as salary. That will be massive salary oooo. I think he earns about 300,000 pounds weekly. |
Khd95:You want to end his career prematurely ![]() |
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has reportedly demanded £600,000-a-week salary from Arsenal if he ever wants to leave Barcelona for the North London club. According to the Star, the four-time Ballon d’Or winner would prefer to move to Arsenal over either Manchester United or Manchester City if the Barcelona exit ever did come about. While Chelsea would also be interested if he were to become available, the Argentinian superstar would however prefer the Gunners according to the latest reports. Messi has been linked with a move away from Catalonia for several months after run ins with the Spanish tax authorities, though his demands are sure to price out any possible move away. He is currently earning over £14m-a-year with the reigning European champions but would seek out a deal that take his earnings to £18m-a-year after tax – which would extend his status as the world’s highest-paid player. The 28-year-old however admitted in an interview with Guillem Balague last month that he is not considering a transfer away from Barcelona at the moment. When quizzed over whether he could one day see himself playing in another league, he said: ” I don’t want to look too far ahead. I live for the moment and at this moment I am with Barcelona in the Spanish League where I have made my living and where I live very well.” Messi is currently out injured but has been backed to return to the Barcelona fold for this weekend’s clash with Real Madrid. It’s expected that Messi will be on the bench for the game after suffering a knee injury against Las Palmas at the end of September. He had been training with the club’s B team over the international break, but is expected to re-join first team training on Monday. http://realworldofsport.com/2015/11/16/lionel-messi-demands-600000-a-week-to-play-for-arsenal/ |
It's a pity that Olisa Metuh has lost the plot completely. What informed this that President Buhari Is not tapping into youths potentials? Must he reason upside or is there a missing bolt in his brains? Is it not the same Buhari that called them via Skpye. That Metuh should just go and sleep joor. Indeed he is the only nurse curing a comatose PDP. I don't usually comment but this got me very angry. |
Thank God he didnt bow to pressure to sack him and probably our boys wont be playing the finals tomorrow |
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amaju Pinnick has made a revelation that he was under immense pressure to sack the current Golden Eaglets Coach Emmanuel Amuneke. Amuneke and his team to the African championships held in Niger earlier in the year did not meet the expectations of many Nigerians and Pinnick revealed that he stuck to his gun to retain the former Barcelona star as the U-17 coach. “I’m extremely happy for Emmanuel Amuneke because he, along with other officials, have demonstrated that they are good fathers to you all and I’m glad that I was able to withstand the pressure to sack him when the team failed to win the African Championship trophy in Niger Republic. “Here in Chile, Emmanuel has shamed all the doubting Thomases but I don’t want you to forget that the most important match is against Mali on Sunday,” he said. This is a life-time opportunity for you to write your names in gold and you know how appreciative our country can be to winners and heroes. Sunday is the day to write your names into the history books,” Pinnick noted. The Eaglets finished fourth at the 11th African U-17 Championship in Niger Republic where Mali emerged as champions, while the duo of South Africa and Guinea also finished ahead of the Amuneke-tutored side. http://realworldofsport.com/2015/11/07/i-almost-sacked-amuneke-for-not-winning-african-championship-trophy-pinnick/ |
The annual Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index, a global ranking of countries according to the travel freedom that their citizens enjoy, has been released. The firm analyzes the visa regulations of all countries and territories in the world and presents an index which ranks each by the number of other countries that their citizens can travel to without having to obtain a visa. The index is produced in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association, which maintains the world’s largest database of travel information. Finland, Germany, Sweden, United States of America, and the United Kingdom grabbed the top five positions – their citizens can access 174 countries visa-free. The bottom spots went to Palestine, Pakistan, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. A UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) report stated that three-quarters of people in the world travelling to Europe need a visa. According to the latest Visa Openness Report by the UNWTO, 62% of the world’s population required a traditional visa, prior to departure, in 2014. A total of 19% of the world’s population was able to enter a destination without a visa, while 16% could receive a visa on arrival. To clue you in on the effects your passport can have, GoEuro analyzed passports from 50 countries around the world to discover which nationalities’ passports are the most useful in making your way around the globe. It ranked the passports based on visa free access as well as various other factors such as pricing, length of validity, and the amount of hours a citizen must work to obtain their passport. For more details http://www.theheraldng.com/green-passport-blues-nigeria-ranks-79th-on-global-visa-restrictions-index/
|
Michellla:Please tell them. Low self esteemed guys wont reason this way. |
Founded only Twenty five years ago, Guaranty Trust Bank has grown to become one of Nigeria’s foremost banks. She is Nigeria’s most profitable bank and one of her largest banks. A year before that, Tayo Aderinokun (Uncle T as he was fondly called) and Fola Adeola decided to form an organisation in which all its employees upheld the highest ethical and professional standards and provided excellent customer service. As cliché as this sounds today, Twenty five years ago, Nigerian banks were the epitome of poor customer service, lack of professionalism and questionable ethics. By this singular focus GTBank became the darling of many corporates and multinationals. When GTBank commenced operations, its excellent customer service culture and professionalism was unprecedented and helped to carve a niche for the bank in the industry. In the first 10 years of operating all managers were personally trained and mentored by the co-founders with particular focus on the Bank’s stance on ethical issues, customer service as well as equipping these managers with the requisite professional and technical tools needed to perform excellently. These managers and staff were privy to decisions taken by management and many a time, service development, lending decisions and customer related decisions were agreed on through highly interactive and cerebral group meetings. Despite potential gains and it being common market practice, GTBank refused to transact with unethical clients, thereby excluding a large chunk of business from its books, especially business from the Government sector. They did not even have a Public Sector Business Unit until after 8 years of operating. This stifled their ability to grow quickly in the beginning, however, there were able to successfully grow a brand that was synonymous with excellence on every front. In 15 years GTBank grew to become Nigeria’s most respected corporate bank with an enviable reputation for ethical conduct, customer service, professionalism and innovation. True to its mission statement, GTBank became a team driven to deliver the utmost in customer service and became synonymous with innovation, building excellence and superior financial performance and creating role models for society. At this point they could not grow bigger as a corporate bank and competition was thinning their margins as other banks had caught on to their strategy. Management decided it was time to re-strategize, but ruled out either a merger or an acquisition and so the decision was taken to grow organically to become a retail focused bank. The growth of the middle class in Nigeria was a major motivating factor for this decision, and like many other decisions they blazed the trail, seeing potential that other banks would only catch on to years later. They created products that helped with personal loans, mortgages, credit cards and long term savings products amongst others. Around this time the Central Bank of Nigeria announced measures raising the capital requirements for banks. There were 89 banks in operation at this time and only 11 were considered to be in excellent condition by CBN inspectors. Over the next two years 14 banks would wind up and the remainder would consolidate to become 25 banks. GTBank did not merge with nor acquire any bank. They searched for but did not find any bank with enough quality or one that represented their core values. In 2004, GTBank raised N11 billion from the capital market, enough to meet and surpass their capital requirements and enough to invest in their new retail focused drive. In September 1996, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc was listed as a publicly quoted company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and in that same year won the Nigerian Stock Exchange President’s Merit award and subsequently in the years 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. GTBank was granted a universal banking license in February 2000 and was later appointed a settlement bank by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2003. She also became the first Fitch AA- rated bank in Nigeria. In 2006, GTBank was accredited by the International Standards Organisation with ISO 9001, a mark of quality for service providers and the first by any Nigerian bank. In July 2007, GTBank became the first Nigerian company and the first African bank to be listed on the London Stock Exchange. She also became the first Nigerian financial institution to issue a US$350 million Eurobond and a US$750 million Global Depository Receipt (GDR) offer. In December 2009, GTBank successfully completed the first tranche of its US$200 million corporate bond and in May 2011 successfully launched the first non-sovereign benchmark bond from sub-Saharan Africa to the world. GTBank has branches in Nigeria, Cote dIvoire, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom and currently has an Asset Base in excess of N2 Trillion, shareholders funds of over N200 Billion with over 10,000 employees. GTBank made a profit of N98 billion for the 2014 financial year and is on course to double that this year. GTBank’s business ties extends across all continents with over 15 overseas correspondent banks and finance institutions which include HSBC, Citibank, Bank of China, JP Morgan Chase and Deutsche Bank, Afrexim Bank, and BNP Paribas. GTBank has always built attractive branches, which is line with its policy on improving the customer experience and its image as a provider of quality service. GTBank has unarguably the most aesthetically beautifully designed branches by any Nigerian bank. This helped them to attract customers from all classes of society. Despite their prompt service, GTBank branches across the nation are always full as most customers prefer to bank with GT despite the presence of other banks in close proximity. Over the years, GTBank has been able to lower considerably its operating expenses through the deployment of technology. They were the first Nigeria bank to spend a considerable amount of money on technological solutions, pre empting the banking technological shift. Today, the GTBank alternative banking channel is one of the most robust platforms in the banking industry and many Nigerian banks have copied the GTBank model. Only recently they introduced products such as GTEasySavers, GT Mobile transfer, and Airtime Top Up. These mobile banking products offer convenient ways for customers to access their accounts, potential customers to open new accounts using their mobile phones or smartphone devices, view their account balances, transaction history and transfer funds. The current Managing Director/CEO of the bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje said, “We will continue to leverage on technology to make banking, especially payments and transfers, faster, safer and more convenient for all our customers. This service addresses the electronic banking requirements of our customers, irrespective of their phone type”. Not only has GTBank revolutionized banking in Nigeria, GTBank has become the bank every bank wants to be. http://www.theheraldng.com/gtbank-the-envy-of-every-financial-institution-in-nigeria/ Cc lalatiscala
|
All these are speculations and far from the truth. The media sees this as a selling point. Tinubu is a major news headline and will sell papers. Let's look at it this way. What if Buhari purposely sent those names out to soothe them in the event they don't pass the screening? He will have the moral right to say I nominated you but Senate rejected you. And another list is sent to replace those that failed. High wired politics is being played. The media can't be in the meeting and the inner causes will not reveal outcome of meetings. There is no problems with Tinubu as per the list. Trust me on that |
World champion Lewis Hamilton moved level with Ayrton Senna on 41 GP victories and is now 48 points clear in the drivers’ championship with five races remaining Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday to equal the late Ayrton Senna’s tally of 41 Formula One victories and move 48 points clear of Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg with five races remaining. Rosberg took the chequered flag 18.9 seconds behind Hamilton with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, the winner in Singapore, finishing third in an exact repeat of last year’s top three at Suzuka. Hamilton now has 277 points to Rosberg’s 229 with Vettel dropping back on 218 but refusing to give up his championship hopes until mathematically ruled out. “It’s not done until it’s done. So, the chance is there — and what kind of racing driver would I be if I stopped believing?,” said the German. “You have to keep believing otherwise I guess it’s pointless rocking up and trying to fight.” Mercedes, who have now won 11 of 14 races, moved a step closer to retaining their constructors’ title with 506 points to Ferrari’s 337. https://realworldofsport./2015/09/28/hamilton-powers-to-victory-in-japanese-grand-prix/ |
Former Dortmund coach, Jurgen Klopp has told Liverpool he would gladly take the Anfield job – but only on his own terms – he is given the complete control of transfers The 48-year-old former Dortmund boss is on sabbatical after stepping down from his job in Germany last season. He has made it clear he would happily work for the five-time European champions as long as he the unanimous choice to do so and the club also scrap their transfer committee, according to the Daily Mail. Klopp is regarded alongside Carlo Ancelotti as prime candidates to replace Brendan Rodgers should owner John W Henry and the Fenway Sports Group decide to make a change. However, Rodgers’ inability to dictate his own transfer policy is something Klopp would not tolerate even if he does want to manager one of Europe’s top clubs. Having taken Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final, Klopp is in a strong negotiating position and could extend his break until the summer when Pep Guardiola leaves Bayern Munich. https://realworldofsport./2015/09/28/kloop-gives-liverpool-chiefs-conditions-to-take-over-as-coach/ |
May 29 or September 29? Poor facts |
Yomieluv:Amen oooo. May He bless our hustle, triple our income. #MightySupply |
Yomieluv:I can't even remember the last time we were ever complete in our house at the same time. Somebody must just be absent sha and am more of the culprit. It's even not possible now that my kid sister is married. |
Former Super Eagles defence strongman, Taribo West made a shocking confession recently. He revealed that during his football career days he used juju to play on the field. The ex-footballer turned pastor said he had a manager from Senegal and his manager would take him to several native doctors in Senegal where they will cut his tongue, hands and legs and then cook it. “I spend most of my time at home meditating. All I want to do is to keep spreading the gospel. In my own little way, I have been into evangelisation visiting places like Ughelli and within the Orile community, Ajegunle and so on. God has been kind during these visits to preach the gospel to people who are yet to receive Christ. We believe He will take us globally very soon,” Taribo said. It will be recalled that Super Eagles attacker, Brown Ideye came out and advised African players to stop using juju to enhance their playing prowess. “Your background experience counts. We turn to God to give us direction. I’m happy how far He has taken us. “The gospel is for the poor, rich and noble. Part of the gift God gave me is to reach out to the downtrodden. It is good if you can reach out to the downtrodden, preach the gospel to them and try to meet some of their needs through humanitarian services. I’m grateful to God for using me to spread the gospel across to these people,” he said. On getting to Europe, Taribo would find himself entangled in another life of charms and superstitious beliefs. A move from Auxerre to Milan saw him playing for rivals AC and Inter — one of few players to achieve the feat — in a three-year stint in Italy. With a new-found life of affluence, the big defender paid huge sums of money for him to be supplied charms to win games, protect him from career-threatening injuries and also to be foretold the results of matches before they were played. The 1998 UEFA Cup winner used to burn candles and hold a magical stone from Israel before games but he is bewildered that people are reluctant to publicly identify themselves with the practice, saying players and officials are deeply involved in the act. Taribo said, “Of course yes (I was involved). I don’t know why people decline to talk about their involvement with charms. Football has to do with a lot of powers. When there are big events, you look at the stadium, you see people, fans invoking all kinds of things; magicians are there, voodooists are there. “In my playing days, when I was ignorant, I used to get some mallams and babalawos (traditional doctors) to make charms for us, which we took to (national) camp. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. “In some clubs, before every game, the president or leader of the club will give you a lucky charm to play with. They will tell you to put it in your boots or socks and play. It’s their superstitious belief; that it can help them win matches. “There are some coaches who are connected to African magicians and soothsayers from Senegal, Burkina Faso, Zaire or even Nigeria. These people are consulted to give these coaches results of games even before the matches are played. “These people see strange things and they can tell you with their magic and charms, what the outcome of a match will be. People believe and use it. It works for those who believe in it. I saw it, I experienced it, I was with players that used it and I used it. So, why are people denying it? There are charms and rituals in football. It still exists.” When Patience Ikemefuna, an evangelist who lives in America paid Taribo a visit in Milan, it marked a new phase in the 1996 Olympic Games gold medallist’s life. Ikemefuna was perplexed when she discovered that Taribo was deeply involved in occultism. There were charms in his wardrobe and other parts of his apartment. Even though her host resisted initially, she convinced him and after several praying sessions, Taribo gave his life to Christ. Today, even though they are not biologically related, he refers to Ikemefuna as “my sister.” “God used her to change my life and ever since, my life has never been the same. I’m grateful to her. When I had an encounter with God and I became born again, I discovered that these powers were powerless. It was an avenue to collect money from us. There are lots of voodoo practices in football. If you are not with God, you have to be with the devil; with the devil they come with everything,” he added. What is the difference between life in Christ and one filled with charms? “You can’t compare,” he said. “When I was living that ignorant life, I was in darkness. In the darkness, the devil can give you what God can also give you, but he will give you without joy and peace. Eventually, you will end up in sorrow. But when you experience the joy of Christ, it adds no sorrow. “The joy of the Lord is not only my strength; it gives me everything I need in life. The love of Christ comes with freedom, success, favour, expansion and a better life. When you have all these, you have everlasting peace. That is why I am comfortable today and I’m happy how God has seen me thus far.” But being a pastor doesn’t mean he is free from temptations. In fact he realises that there are even tougher battles to fight as a cleric. “Temptation is permanent; it’s there every hour, every day but if you begin to study the Bible, there are principles that God has laid down for us. If you follow this, the devil will not keep you. “From my house to the bus stop, I may see a young girl not properly brought up, dressed half- naked walking on the streets. You will see temptation right there. But you have to pray for God’s grace to overcome the temptation.” After a career that has seen him play football in Nigeria, France, Italy, England, Germany, Yugoslavia, UAE and Iran, Taribo has seen it all and aptly names his church a shelter. He added, “We told ourselves to fast and ask God for a name for the ministry. In the process, a sister came up and said a voice told her that we should call the ministry Shelter in The Storm Miracle Ministries. That’s how we got the name. “During my journeys, God created a shelter for me and transferred me into that fold. There are lots of natural disasters everywhere in the world in these last days. There are crisis in Asia; there is terrorism and sectarian groups springing up. People are migrating from all over the world to Europe because of fear. In the midst of all these, God has created for everyone a shelter, where everything in your life will be restored again.” Even though he is no longer actively involved in the game, which gave him the good life and saw him resident in some of the world’s biggest cities, the Super Eagles — with whom he played two World Cups and two Africa Cup of Nations — is still very dear to Pastor Taribo West. “We need to pray for the team and I have taken it as an assignment to pray for the team. The national team is part of my body, it’s my family.” https://realworldofsport./2015/09/20/during-my-playing-days-i-used-juju-taribo/ |
175:In case you don't know, Buhari campaigned for him to be elected as AfDb president. He sent Atiku to lobby him. However, he was one of the few shining lights from GEJ's Govt and Buhari being who is, helped pushed his candidacy higher. |
