FIFA Women’s World Cup: CAF President sends message to Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa

FIFA Women’s World Cup: CAF President sends message to Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa

The 2023 FIFA World Cup is the first that will see three African nations qualify for the second round

The President of the Confederation of African Football, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, has congratulated Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa after they qualified for the Round of 16 of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Soccernet reports.

The 2023 World Cup has witnessed a lot of surprises. Some top countries like Germany, Brazil, Canada, and Italy were unexpectedly knocked out of the tournament in the first round, while other teams performed way beyond expectations.

This World Cup is also the first that has seen three African Nations qualify for the Round of 16. The Super Falcons advanced from Group B after finishing second with five points. It was also the first time that Nigeria did not lose a group-stage game.

Meanwhile, Morocco, who are debutants, also qualified from their group, which had Colombia, Korea, and Germany. They finished second in Group H after defeating Colombia in their final game.

Also, South Africa qualified for the second round for the first time as they finished second in Group G. They were the least-ranked country in the group, but they held their own and finished with four points.

Following their successes, Motsepe has praised the teams while noting that their performance is a signal of development in African football.

“CAF and the 54 African nations that are members of CAF congratulates the Women’s Teams of Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa for their historic and well-deserved qualification to the Round of 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023,” Mostepe said.

“The Super Falcons, the Atlas Lionesses and Banyana Banyana have made the people of Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa, as well as the people of the rest of the African continent, very proud with their outstanding performances and hard-earned victories at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023. 

“The future of Women’s football on the African Continent is bright.

“The victories and successes of the Nigerian, Moroccan and South African women’s teams will contribute significantly to the development and growth of women’s football in Africa.

“CAF wishes the Nigerian, Moroccan and South African women’s football teams everything of the best for their upcoming matches.”

For the next round, Nigeria will play England, South Africa will lock horns with Netherlands, and Morocco will face Spain.

How Lamido Yuguda-led SEC ‘Withholds’ Over 12bn Shareholders’ Funds for Years

How Lamido Yuguda-led SEC ‘Withholds’ Over 12bn Shareholders’ Funds for Years

By Bolaji Gbadamosi

Aggrieved voices in the capital market have accused the Lamido Yuguda-led Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of illegally withholding over N12 billion in investor funds in its care for years.

By law, the SEC is the capital market regulatory authority whose core functions include ensuring prompt payment of shareholders funds and instilling investors confidence in the market.

In April, while speaking in Abuja on the outcome of the first quarter Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting, Laimdo Yuguda, SEC’s director-general, had assured investors that the interest of shareholders would be protected during all transactions in the capital market.

He noted that protecting the interests of both majority and minority shareholders was the primary responsibility of the commission.

“Protection of investors is the central mandate of the commission and when the commission protects investors; we do not discriminate between minority and majority shareholders,” he had explained.

But recent revelations from shareholders and operators in the capital market about their ugly experiences are a stark contrast to the assurances.

The regulator under Yuguda’s watch is now being dragged for violating corporate governance, ethics and accountability codes, the same rules it should be upholding in the capital market.

Investigations by THECONSCIENCEng, a Nigerian online news platform, revealed that SEC has refused to pay shareholders of Dangote Flour Mills their accrued funds for over two years, citing countless administrative bottlenecks.

This is just as the affected shareholders had made several entreaties and appeals to the commission in order to get paid.

An aggrieved operator in the Nigerian capital market, who asked not to be named, described the difficulties experienced by shareholders of the former Dangote Flour Mills in the hand of the commission as unnecessary.

“In 2019, Dangote Flour Mills was acquired by Crown Flour Mills and under the terms of the acquisition, shareholders were to be paid the sum of N24 for every share of Dangote Flour Mills held,” the representative said.

“Under the terms of the scheme of arrangements of the acquisition the registrars, EDC Registrars Limited, was to pay the shareholders ab initio, and with a clause that all uncollected monies by shareholders should be transferred to the national investors protection funds by the registrars.

“The national investors protection funds was established by SEC in 2017 and they are to manage the monies.

“Since 2021, however, when the unclaimed money was transferred by EDC to SEC, shareholders who held shares of Dangote Flour Mills, have had excruciating difficulties in getting paid by SEC from the national investors protection funds.

“Many have written series of letters and made calls to registrar and SEC but all to no avail despite several assurances.”

He pleaded that hapless and innocent investors be paid all payments due to them.

“By its positioning, SEC should be the one offering succour and confidence to investors not the other way round,” he said.

“But where’s the protection from SEC when two years after collecting investors money, it has refused to release it? This is not a case of ponzi scheme victims paying for naivety, but a case of a regulator who should spearhead corporate governance and accountability.

“The SEC is wilfully denying people what is rightfully theirs. We have suffered in silence for two years and we hope to get succour very urgently.”

Multiple documents, including scheme of arrangement of contracts that backed up the aggrieved operators’ and shareholders’ claims, were sighted by TheConscience.

A section of one of the documents tagged ‘Plan for Untraceable Holders’, which binds all concerned parties together, states:

“Where scheme shareholders entitled to unclaimed monies remain untraceable twenty-four (24) months after the effective date, the registrar shall transfer all such unclaimed monies to the National Investors Protection Fund in accordance with the directive of the SEC.”

Few weeks ago, several media reports revealed that the commission has not audited its financial statements since 2014, a claim the commission later dismissed.

On July 26, TheConscience sent an email to SEC for comments on the matter, but it has not been responded to as of press time.

Bolaji Gbadamosi is the publisher of THECONSCIENCEng, and the National Vice-President, Nigeria Guild of Investigative Journalists.

Super Falcons’ Coach Randy Waldrum Calls for FIFA Recognition Amidst Stellar Performance at 2023 Women’s World Cup”

Super Falcons’ Coach Randy Waldrum Calls for FIFA Recognition Amidst Stellar Performance at 2023 Women’s World Cup”

Randy Waldrum, the head coach of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, believes that his team is not adequately appreciated by FIFA despite their achievements. The Super Falcons, with a record 11 African Women’s titles and consistent appearances at the Women’s World Cup since 1991, are ranked 40th in the world, lower than other teams without such accomplishments.

During the ongoing 2023 Women’s World Cup, the Super Falcons have showcased their strength by defeating co-hosts Australia, drawing with reigning Olympics champions Canada, and also holding higher-ranked Republic of Ireland to a draw.

Waldrum pointed out that the team’s current ranking does not reflect their true abilities, stating, “I think we’ve shown that we’re a better team than 40th in the world.”

Despite uncertainties surrounding his position as head coach, Waldrum revealed that he has been in contact with several Nigerian footballers based in the US who are eager to represent the Super Falcons. His appointment in 2020 allowed more American-born Nigerian footballers like Michelle Alozie, Esther Okoronkwo, Ifeoma Onumonu, Yewande Balogun, Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini, and Nicole Payne to join the team. Their presence has brought renewed cohesion to the squad, evident in their performance at the ongoing Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Moreover, Waldrum expressed excitement about connecting with young players from U-17 and U-20 teams, both in the US and England, who are interested in representing Nigeria at international levels, enhancing the team’s prospects further.

Despite the challenges, the Super Falcons continue to showcase their talent and determination as they face England in the round of 16 at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

2023 Women World Cup: Confirmed Round Of 16 Fixtures

SPORTS2023 Women World Cup: Confirmed Round Of 16 Fixture 

2023 Women World Cup: Confirmed Round Of 16 Fixtures (Full List)

All countries that made it to the round of 16 stages in the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand have been confirmed.

This follows the conclusion of matches in the group stage of the competition on Thursday.

In Thursday’s games, Morocco defeated Colombia 1-0, while South Korea drew 1-1 with Germany.

With the development, Colombia and Morocco join other countries that had earlier booked their slots in the round of 16 stage.

They are Nigeria, England, Denmark, Jamaica, South Africa, Japan, Spain, Sweden, United States, France, Australia, Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland.

The Round of 16 fixtures will commence on Saturday and would be played through Tuesday.

Below are the full Round of 16 fixtures and dates:

Switzerland vs Spain – Saturday

Japan vs Norway – Saturday,

Netherlands vs South Africa – Sunday

Sweden vs United States – Sunday

England vs Nigeria – Monday

Australia vs Denmark – Monday

Colombia vs Jamaica – Tuesday

France vs Morocco – Tuesday

Niger Coup: US govt commences evacuation of citizens

Niger Coup: US govt commences evacuation of citizens

The United States of America declared that it had ordered the temporary departure of non-emergency employees in Niger and their families.

In a statement by Matthew Miller, a Department of State spokesperson, the U.S. said: “Given ongoing developments in Niger and out of an abundance of caution, the Department of State is ordering the temporary departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from the U.S. Embassy in Niamey.”

The U.S. also updated its travel advisory, urging its citizens not to travel to the country.

The statement also stressed that the U.S. has no higher priority than the safety and security of its citizens overseas, including U.S. government personnel serving abroad.

Although the embassy in Niger remains open, it will only attend to limited and emergency services for U.S. citizens as routine consular services are suspended.

Miller also stressed that the U.S. remains committed to its relationship with the people of Niger and Nigerien democracy.

Reiterating the U.S.’s position on the coup, Miller declared that the U.S. rejects all efforts to overturn Niger’s constitutional order, and stands with the people of the country, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, and other international partners in support of democratic governance and respect for the rule of law and human rights.

Commending President Tinubu’s Leadership and Police Professionalism for a Peaceful Protest

Commending President Tinubu’s Leadership and Police Professionalism for a Peaceful Protest

In a remarkable turn of events, today’s organized labor protest unfolded without any violence, bloodshed, tear gas, or injury – a noteworthy accomplishment in a nation that has often witnessed tumultuous demonstrations.

We cannot overlook the commendable leadership exhibited by President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police, representing the Nigerian Police. Their role in ensuring a peaceful protest deserves recognition, marking a significant stride towards fostering harmonious coexistence and upholding democratic values.

This instance stands as a rarity in Nigeria’s history, showcasing exceptional leadership and responsible governance.

Anytime we want to kill terrorists, President would ask us to take permission from France but they were killing our soldiers-” Niger Republic coup leader

“Anytime we want to kill terrorists, President would ask us to take permission from France but they were killing our soldiers-” Niger Republic coup leader

Leader of last weekend’s military coup in Niger Republic, Major General Abdurrahman chiani has further explained why they had to overthrow the administration of President Mohammed Bazoum, saying among other things that any time the soldiers discover hideout of terrorists and want to bomb or kill them, the President would order them to seek clearance from France, even as the terrorists kill their soldiers without mercy.

It would be recalled that Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Authority of Heads of State and Government under the leadership of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, met in Abuja on Sunday and issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military to release and reinstate President Mohammed Bazoum as the legitimate Head of State and government of Niger.

Present at the meeting were Presidents Patrice Talon of Benin Republic, Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, Adama Barrow of The Gambia, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Umaro Embalo of Guinea Bissau, Macky Sall of Senegal and Faure Gnassingbé of Togo while Presidents of Cape Verde, Liberia, Niger and Sierra Leone were represented.

While reacting, General Abdurrahman chiani rejected the call and warned ECOWAS against military intervention, saying, “We want to once more remind ECOWAS or any other adventurer of our firm determination to defend our homeland.”

He warned against any military intervention in a statement read on Niger national television.

Je said- “The objective of the ECOWAS meeting is to approve a plan of aggression against Niger through an imminent military intervention in Niamey in collaboration with other African countries that are non-members of ECOWAS, and certain Western countries,” Aljazeera quoted the military spokesperson, Col. Amadou Abdramane, to have said.

Making further explanation on the matter, the interm president said that- “Some people think that the coup operation is a game،

But whether we like it or not, there’s no going back.

“There are two cases, if France and its allies try to attack us to liberate Bazoum, we will have to liquidate it even before the Westerners reach us. Those who want to rally, let’s do it now, otherwise, having understood that we succeeded, if they come, we will not give up, either kill them or go to jail.

“I’ll tell you a secret: We often located terrorists, but when we asked to rush to kill them, President Bazoum told us to ask permission from the French forces first.

But our soldiers were falling on the fronts and France did not pay attention to this.

“We decided to do the same as Mali and Burkina Faso because one of the largest nests of terrorists is located here, and the “Ahmed Koufa” of the Malians is also located here near the Mali / Niger border.

We are ready to form a partnership with Russia and rely a lot on Mali to achieve this.

I’m already old and so are the other generals, so if we die it will be for a good reason.

The young man will take power, as in Burkina Faso and Mali.

“France will be weaker than all that. Mali was right about these imperialists. PMany presidents here in Niger have received billions to spoil us, I myself have received offers but we have not given up, so be sure of one thing that will make us like Mali. If I wanted, I would have led the command but if I let the former chief of staff salivo Modi lead it is for a very good reason and I have my reasons.

“I ask the people of Niger to follow the example of Malians and Burkinabes,” he stated.