Ex England Youth International Among New Players In Super Eagles Squad For AFCON Qualifiers

Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Jose Peseiro has sent out letters of invitation to players for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers game against Sierra Leone, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Nigeria will take on Sierra Leone in the penultimate round of games in the AFCON qualifiers looking for a draw away in Freetown to secure a spot in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire.

We exclusively gathered that apart from Gent of Belgium forward Gift Orban who has been handed a maiden call up to the team after a blistering six months in Belgium, where he scored twenty goals in twenty games following his move from second division Norwegian side Stabæk, a former England youth international is also in the list.

Sources at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed to OwnGoalNigeria.com that the former England youth international who plays in the English Premier League got the all clear to play for Nigeria by FIFA two weeks ago.

He is said to be among one of the players who spoke with Peseiro while he was in England to watch and meet with the clubs of the players he has in his sights for the AFCON qualifiers.

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Tinubu, Lawan, Gbajabiamila parley over 10th NASS leadership positions

 

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday at the presidential villa met with Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila over the race to fill the presiding officer’s posts in the 10th National Assembly.

The meeting of the leadership of both chambers of the legislature with the president was followed by a separate one involving Tajudeen Abbas and Ben Kalu, both anointed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the speakership and deputy speakership, respectively, of the 10th House of Representatives.

Tinubu similarly met with the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, for the second time in barely 24 hours.

When he came to the villa on Wednesday, the anti-graft boss had told correspondents that he was there to brief the president.

Fielding questions after their meeting, Lawan affirmed that he gave his opinion to the President on how the leadership of the 10th Assembly should emerge.

He said he had never indicated interest to contest for the post of the senate president in the Assembly, saying that national interest and the interest of the legislature should be the guiding principles in the selection of its leaders.

The outgoing Senate President said: “What will inform the emergence will be the national interest, interest of the National Assembly, the legislature to together and therefore everybody matters in this process.

“We also believe that Mr President has been a senator himself and his vice president also having been a senator, this is something that they will always wish and pray for.

“As the chairman of the 9th National Assembly, I find it dutiful and necessary to work with all the major stakeholders especially the leadership of our country, Mr president particularly to give my necessary opinion and advice on how the new leadership of the National Assembly should emerge and what we need to do to ensure stability, productivity of the National Assembly and to ensure peaceful atmosphere between the legislature and the executive arm of government.

“We are getting somewhere and my prayer is we are able to resolve all the outstanding issues by the grace of God. And Mr President is positively disposed to everything being done smoothly.”

Lawan affirmed that against speculation, he never said he said he would contest the position in the 10th Senate, saying: “On a more serious note, I have never indicated interest to run for the office of the president of the senate in the 10 National Assembly.

“We have worked together with distinguished senators of the 9th national assembly and members of the House of Representatives to create a very clement environment for us to work.

“We have been productive, much more productive than any National Assembly. We have worked very closely with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and of course that helped the administration also.

“My prayer and wish and hope are that we are able to have a peaceful transition who are outgoing to a new set of leaders of the National Assembly and who will continue to unite everybody in the National Assembly, in the Senate.

“We want to have a leadership in the senate that will unite senators to work so well regardless of their political parties. The same thing in the House of Representatives.

“But the truth is I have never indicated interest to run but I have a responsibility to the Senate, the National Assembly has been in the National Assembly for 24 years now, especially when we have 70 per cent of members in the National Assembly, especially in the Senate who are new.

“Those of us who have been there longer owe everybody that responsibility to at least help mentor those who are new if we are not going to be presiding officers or principal positions.

“I don’t really wish to be one. I have played my part and I am happy that we have played our part, we have made a positive impact but of course, we have had our fair share of shortcomings but I can hold my head high on behalf of all my colleagues in the Senate and the National Assembly that this National Assembly have contributed to national development in no mean measure and have succeeded in getting very critical legislation passed and assented to by the former President.”

Also speaking to correspondents later, Abbas said they discussed issues facing the country with the president including the removal of petroleum subsidies.

The candidate, who represents Kaduna State, denied that the 9th House of Representatives was a rubber stamp, denying that his selection is meant to keep the House compromise.

He argued that the 9th Assembly has been the best in the history of Nigerian democracy in terms of cordial relationship with the Executive and what was achieved.

The speakership candidate assured that nobody can manipulate the 360 members of the House of Representatives.

Abbas said everything was being done to carry along members aggrieved over their selection for the posts, assuring that come June 13, all members of the House would speak as one.

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Bukayo Saka Arrives in Muritala Muhammed Airport In Lagos, Nigeria For an Event

Arsenal’s most valuable player, Bukayo Saka, was seen at an airport in Lagos, Nigeria to turn up for an event which was not disclosed.

The 21-year-old winger was welcomed by well-known England-based sports blogger Kelechi Anyikude.

He arrived at Muritala Muhammed Airport on May 31, 2023, dressing casually and putting on a broad smile as he waved to the fans.

He was greeted by many admirers and fans who kept shouting “Up Arsenal” as he was guided by the security. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr. Kelechi Anyikude (@kelechiafc)

The player was instrumental to Arsenal’s success this season.

Due to his remarkable performance, the club have tied him down to a five-year contract with an option for an additional year.

Nigerians tipped Saka to represent the country but chose to represent England and has been enjoying regular game with the team. 

Bukayo Saka Stats

The English winger has made 232 appearances, scored 60 goals, and created 57 assists so far in his football career. 

Saka has received 23 yellow cards and no red cards so far in his career. He made 61 appearances for his national team, England, scoring 16 goals.

Saka may, in the future, become England captain due to his consistency and performance for the country.

Bukayo Saka Injury history

In 2019/20 season, the player had a Knee injury that made him miss out for 12 days.

During 2020/21 season, the player was out for ten days missing just two matches. In 2021/22 season, the player had dead leg and was out for five days.

Bukayo Saka Personal Life

Saka is a committed Christian and he was thought the way of Christ by his parents who came to England In 2001. It was reported that he reads the bible every night.

His favourite footballer of all time is Thierry Henry who is Arsenal all time highest goal scorer.

He also takes Alexis Sanchez as a model who he copied his style of boot while he was a teenager. The winger said David Luiz helped him most of the time in his career.

He is currently dating a 22 years old lady named Tolami Benson. She is a Gunners fan. Both of them started dating since 2020.

Bukayo Saka Trophies 

Saka won the English FA Cup and Community Shield with Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.

Bukayo Saka Salary 

After signing a new deal, the player now earns £300,000 per week which is four times more than the previous salary of £70,000.

He will earn 75 million over the course of the contract signed. Saka is currently the eight highest paid player in the Premier League.

Bukayo Saka Net Worth

The 21 years old has a net worth of $4 million. There are going be an increase in the net worth in the coming years. 

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Dangote becomes 75th richest man in the world, makes N354.8bn in 24 hours

 

Nigerian business mogul, Aliko Dangote has become the 75th richest man in the world after making N354.8 billion in 24 hours.

Aliko Dangote who is known for being the richest man in Africa has made another achievement after making a whooping N354.8 billion in the space of 24 hours.

About a week ago, Dangote was ranked in the 80th position of the richest man in the world after he made N460BN in 24 hours and in the process, overtook two Russians, one Chinese, and an Indian on the billionaires’ list.

Bloomberg Billionaire Index reported last week that Dangote has maintained his position as the richest man in Africa for 12 consecutive years, with a net worth of $19.7 billion.

The fortune came from increased demand for Dangote Cement in Africa and it created an opportunity not only to fatten his account by $100 million but displace fellow billionaires.

After President Bola Tinubu was officially sworn in, there was a hike in the Nigeria Stock Exchange. This made the shares of Dangote Cement traded at N290 on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, following investors’ positive sentiments.

Uche Madubuogu, a financial analyst and banker, told Legit.ng that the Dangote Refinery could catapult him among the top 20 wealthiest men on earth.

Aliko Dangote refinery, Photo credit: Google. Source: Google

Madubuogu said: “We will not be shocked to see his wealth surge when the refinery begins to ship products by August.”

The financial analyst and banker, Madubuogu added that the refinery of Dangote which was recently launched holds an enormous promise to revitalize the Nigerian energy industry, especially the petrol import problem Nigeria has faced. “It will help Nigeria reduce dependence on imported petroleum drops. It might help eliminate petrol import,” he said.

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NNPC Announces New Fuel Price Across States

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has pegged the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as fuel or petrol, at N488 and N555 per litre at the peak.

This is coming hours after President Bola Tinubu announced an end to the removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria.

Naija News understands that NNPC stakeholders met on Wednesday morning. A resolution of the meeting by the management approved an upward review of the NNPC PMS pump price table for Mega/Standard/Leased Stations, instructing all marketers to adjust retail prices for the petroleum product across states.

Before now, there had been speculations that the fuel price would be determined at a later time. However, the new table of retail prices for different geopolitical zones of the country has been reeled out by the management instructing marketers to effect the changes immediately beginning from Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

“Please implement meter change as approved, effective today 31st May 2023. Wayne is to attend to all locations as relates to their area of coverage in our network,” a statement of the management obtained by Daily Independent reads.

According to the new price schedule, petrol will sell highest in Maiduguri and Damaturu at N557 per litre and N550 per litre in the rest of the Northeast zone.

Birnin Kebbi will buy petrol at N545 to lead prices in the Northwest zone. The average price in the North Central zone will be N537 per litre, except in Illorin, where it will sell for N515 per litre. Consumers in the Southeast will buy at an average of N520 per litre.

Apart from Uyo and Yenegoa, where petrol will now sell at N515 per litre, the rest of the Southsouth zone will get the product at N511 per litre.

Consumers in Lagos will buy the product at N488 per litre, while the rest of the Southwest zone will get the product at N500 per litre.

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BREAKING: APC Govs back Tinubu on subsidy removal, give strong reason

Say, Atiku, Obi also promised subsidy removal

Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja

Against the nationwide outrage following the phased withdrawal of fuel subsidy, governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC have thrown their weight behind the decision of President Bola Tinubu.

This was as they declared that the Tinubu-led administration is only implementing one of its campaign promises, adding however that measures would be put in place to cushion the effect shock of the withdrawal.

Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma made the declaration on Wednesday after meeting with the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee NWC of the party.

According to Uzodinma, the main opposition presidential candidates, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and Peter Obi of Labour Party LP also made promises to remove the subsidy because it had generally become unsustainable.

He said; “As a Forum, we are committed to the ideals of the government that is also our party. Because the federal government belongs to APC. It is an APC-led government and everything that is contained in the manifesto of our great party during our campaigns is meant to be done and carried out.

“On the issue of fuel subsidy, all the presidential candidates during the campaigns promised that they will remove fuel subsidy.

“The Buhari government before they left, made us know that fuel subsidy was no longer sustainable. What we are talking about now is the implementation process. How to implement the programme in a manner that it will not be too hard on the people and I think the government is working on it.

“I have confidence in the ability of the current president to navigate through the waters and take decisions that will be to the best interest of our people and the country as a nation”.

On the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, Uzodinma said that all the issues would be resolved at the right time.

“The President has not made proclamation for the National Assembly leadership to be inaugurated. And of course you know, APC is the majority party.

“At the right time, the party continues to convince and talk to stakeholders and collectively the issues will be resolved”, he stated.

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Europa League: Heartbreak for Mourinho as Sevilla win record seventh title

Despite the match ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, Sevilla triumphed 4-1 in the penalty shootout.

Sevilla

Sevilla has shattered Jose Mourinho's remarkable record of winning all his European club finals as they emerged victorious in the 2022/23 Europa League.

The Spanish side clinched the title after defeating Roma in a tense final that went to penalties at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.

Despite the match ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, Sevilla triumphed 4-1 in the penalty shootout.

The first half of the game lacked much excitement, with both teams neutralizing each other's attacks. Sevilla enjoyed the lion's share of possession but failed to truly test Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

It was Roma who broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, thanks to a superb through ball from Gianluca Mancini that found Paulo Dybala.

The Argentine striker calmly finished past Bono, giving Roma the lead heading into halftime.

However, Sevilla came out firing on all cylinders in the second half and found their equalizer just ten minutes in. Unfortunately for Mancini, who had been the provider for Roma's goal, he inadvertently turned Jesus Navas' excellent cross into his own net.

Sevilla then dominated the majority of the second half, but Roma had two golden opportunities to reclaim the lead. Roger Ibanez and Andrea Belotti both had clear chances but failed to convert, allowing Sevilla to stay level.

With neither team able to find a winner after 90 minutes, the game headed into extra time. However, the additional 30 minutes failed to produce much action, leaving the outcome to be decided by a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, both teams successfully converted their first penalties. However, Bono, the Sevilla goalkeeper, came up with crucial saves to deny Roma on their second and third attempts. This allowed Gonzalo Montiel to step up and score the winning penalty, mirroring his World Cup final heroics.

Sevilla's victory in the Europa League final further solidifies their status as the most successful team in the competition's history. The triumph also marks a fairytale ending for manager Jose Luis Mendilibar, who secured his first major trophy just over two months after taking charge from Jorge Sampaoli.

The defeat for Jose Mourinho and Roma ends his impeccable record of winning all his European club finals. It will undoubtedly be a bitter pill to swallow for the Portuguese manager, but Sevilla's triumph shines a spotlight on their resilience and ability to deliver on the big stage.

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