Headlines
Clash of the Titans: Eagles, Black Stars Renew Agelong Rivalry in Kumasi
Two African powerhouses Ghana and Nigeria go head-to-head in the first of their two-legged play-off tie at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi Friday (today), as the final battle for a place at the 2022 Qatar World Cup begins.
Both countries have endured a fierce rivalry since they first clashed in 1951, when Nigeria emerged winners with a 5-0 win, but that was one of the few times the Super Eagles had cause to celebrate. In the 56 games that followed, there have been 19 draws and Ghana claiming victory in 25 of the rest.
The Eagles haven’t recorded a win against their fierce rivals in their last four meetings, losing thrice with one draw, and will hope to put an end to the winless streak knowing that a win in Kumasi will brighten their qualification chances.
They head into today’s game unbeaten in all but one of their six games in the World Cup qualifiers, amassing 13 points to finish top of Group C, two points above runners-up Cape Verde.
Austin Eguavoen’s side will hope to return to winning ways after suffering a shocking 1-0 defeat to Tunisia at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon last month.
“The rivalry is not only about football, but it is also about politics, it is about jollof, about music, acting, fashion, everything,” Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, said.
“The last time we played against them in a friendly in Watford in 2011, it ended 0-0. But it was very tough, it was like a fight, on the pitch and outside.
“So, we know that this game is not going to be easy and we have to give everything we have in the first game before we come home.”
Prior to that defeat, the Eagles were on a six-game unbeaten run, claiming one draw and five wins.
Eguavoen will be without two key players Wilfred Ndidi, who suffered a knee injury and in-form Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, who contracted COVID-19, but will be glad to have forwards Victor Osimhen, Odion Ighalo, Dennis Emmanuel and new boy Ademola Lookman in the squad.
On their own part, Ghana head into this game buoyed by the form of vice-captain Thomas Partey. The midfielder has been in impressive form for Arsenal in the English Premier League and will be key to the Black Stars’ chances of defeating the star-studded Eagles.
But they are coming fresh from an underwhelming campaign at the AFCON, where they suffered a shock group-stage exit after picking up just one point from three games in Group C.
The Ghanaians will be led by interim manager Otto Addo, following the dismissal of Milovan Rajevac by the Ghana Football Association following their poor AFCON outing.
Ghana will be without influential captain Dede Ayew, who is suspended for the clash but he’s been handed a late boost after news emerged that Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew would be available for the game after testing negative for COVID-19.
The Punch
Headlines
Abiola Cannot Be Recognised As Former President; He Was Never Sworn-in – Gen Ishola Williams
By Eric Elezuo
One of the prime actors of the June 12, 1993 incidents, General Ishola Williams, has said that much as Chief MKO Abiola wrong was created having won the election, and denied victory, he cannot be recognized as a former President of Nigeria.
Gen Williams made his revelation while speaking as a guest on Channels television socio-political programme, Inside Source.
He maintained that only those who were sworn in that recognised as former presidents, and Abiola was never sworn in.
“Abiola cannot be recognised as former president because he was never sworn in.
The General, who said that he resigned from the army as a result of the wholesome reception given to General Sani Abacha, when he overthrew Chief Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government, contrary to expectation, also picked flaws in the narratives given by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, in his recently launched book, A Journey In Service.
Williams rose in the army to become the Commandant of Army Signals, Commander of Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, from where he resigned.
Headlines
Breaking: Supreme Court Recognises Martin Amaewhule As Rivers Assembly Speaker, Orders CBN to Stop Releasing Funds to State
By Eric Elezuo
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has in its ruling on Friday recognised Hon Martins Amaewhule as the authentic speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, mandating him to urgently resume sitting with elected members of the assembly.
The apex court also ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to stop releasing to the Rivers State government until a proper assembly is constituted.
Details soon…
Tension escalated at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday as impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa made a dramatic return to reclaim his position.
Accompanied by heavily armed men, Obasa stormed the Assembly complex in a bold move that has thrown the State’s legislature into turmoil.
In a stunning turn of events, security details assigned to the substantive Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, were abruptly withdrawn on Thursday morning, clearing the path for Obasa’s controversial comeback.
Sources revealed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) ordered the withdrawal of all security operatives attached to Meranda, leaving her exposed in the midst of an intensifying power struggle.
The Speaker’s Special Adviser on Information, Mr. Victor Ganzallo, expressed concern over the security vacuum created by the withdrawal of personnel.
“In the early hours of Thursday, we woke up to the startling news that all security details assigned to Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, had been withdrawn.
This includes the police and DSS officers, leaving her exposed to threats amid the ongoing speakership crisis,” Ganzallo stated.
He further called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the State’s Chief Security Officer, to intervene urgently to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order within the Assembly.
“The withdrawal of security personnel has left the Assembly naked and vulnerable at a critical time. Urgent action is needed to restore order,” he pleaded.
With the speakership battle taking a dramatic new turn, political watchers are keenly observing how the crisis will unfold in the coming days.
