News
U-23 AFCON Qualifier: Nigeria Beats Mali 3-2 …Algeria Holds Egypt 1-1
After scoring three unreplied goals in the first half, Nigeria had to hang on to beat Mali 3-2 in their opening U23 AFCON Group B match in Mbour, Senegal, yesterday night.
This was the classic game of two halves – Nigeria cruised in the first 45 minutes to score three goals, but they were bested by Mali after the interval and had to hold out till the very last minute to stop a remarkable comeback by the boys from Bamako.
The win means Nigeria shoot to the top of the standings with three points after Algeria and Egypt played out a 1-1 draw in the opening match in Mbour earlier yesterday.
Tunisia-based Junior Ajayi netted a brace, while Usman Mohammed was also on target for Dream Team VI all in the first half.
However, after the interval, Mali fought back to score twice for this encounter to go all the way to a nail-biting end.
Adama Niane scored from the penalty spot after 55 minutes after he was fouled inside the box by Oghenekaro Etebo.
And 10 minutes later, Souleyman Sissoko got Mali their second goal when he drove through the Nigeria defence before he slotted past the goalkeeper.
But before their second-half goals Mali had carved out the better chances in front of goal after the first whistle and could even have scored within the first minute, but Adama Traore’s effort came off the crossbar and back into play.
Nigeria soaked the pressure, before they finally got going to score almost against the run of play in the 16th minute, when Ajayi stylishly back heeled home after a superb run down the right flank by the impressive Stanley Dimgba.
Mali continued to chase the game but it was Nigeria who doubled their lead after 34 minutes, when Usman Mohammed turned in a loose ball from inside the box after a great cut-back by Sincere Seth.
But just a minute after this second goal, Nigeria goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel produced a big save when he blocked at point-blank range the dangerous Adama Traore.
Mali also threatened to pull a goal back five minutes to the interval, but again Daniel was alert to cut out the danger at the feet of Niane.
In first half stoppage time, Junior Ajayi made it 3-0 after Mali goalkeeper Diarra failed to hold a powerful shot fired by skipper Azubuike Okechukwu from the edge of the box.
But it was a completely different ball game in the second period as Nigeria were camped in their own half and Mali attacked in search of goals and were rewarded with two, which were just shy of earning them a share of the points on the day.
Meanwhile, Algeria and Egypt played to a 1-1 draw in their opening 2015 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations clash at the Stade Caroline Faye in Mbour, Senegal yesterday.
The result leaves the North African giants on a point apiece with games against Mali and perennial powerhouse Nigeria to come.
Egypt, who have qualified for the Olympics on 11 previous occasions – the most of any team from the African continent – opened the scoring against the run of play in the 54th minute.
Mohamed Saleh picked out Kahraba, who directed a pin-point header past the Algerian goalkeeper at his near post.
This prompted a response from the ‘Fennec Foxes’, who leveled matters through the impressive Zinedine Ferhat on 68 minutes.
The USM Alger attacker, who tormented the Egyptian defence throughout the encounter, blazed past his marker before sending a low shot into the corner of the net from outside the area.
Both teams had an opportunity to win it late on, with Ben Taharm missing a glorious chance in the 84th minute. Having done all the spadework himself, the Algerian number 10 failed to supply the finishing touch to a terrific run.
Pharaohs midfielder Mamdouh Elsayed then saw his free-kick attempt tipped over the crossbar in second-half stoppage time as the two teams settled for a point apiece.
Algeria have only qualified for the Olympics on one single occasion, back in 1980.
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi