Finidi George Resigns as Super Eagles coach

Finidi George, former head coach of the Super Eagles, has attributed his resignation to the decision of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to hire a foreign technical adviser.

Details from his resignation letter, published by The Eagleonline, reveal Finidi’s willingness to stay on despite the team’s underwhelming performance in his initial official matches.

He expressed confidence in his ability to get the Eagles back on track, even amidst their precarious situation due to a winless qualifying campaign.


Finidi’s tenure began with a challenging 1-1 draw against South Africa in Uyo.

Hopes for a quick turnaround were dashed by a disheartening 2-1 defeat to Benin in Abidjan, further complicating the Super Eagles’ position in Group C with only three points after four games.

“While the recent qualifying results haven’t been ideal,” Finidi wrote, “I remained committed to guiding our World Cup qualification campaign back on course.”
 

Deal Breaker

However, the NFF’s decision to appoint a foreign Technical Adviser indicated a lack of confidence in Finidi’s ability to secure the team’s World Cup qualification.


This move proved to be a deal breaker for Finidi, who was barely two months into his contract.

“Given the recent changes to the technical crew,” Finidi stated, “I believe it’s time for me to step aside.”

Despite his brief tenure, Finidi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.

“I am writing to inform you of my decision to step down as head coach of the Super Eagles. This decision is made in light of the recent changes to the team’s technical staff. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the entire NFF leadership, the sports ministry, and the Nigerian people for the chance to serve as the Super Eagles’ head coach. Please be assured of my unwavering support for the team, and I wish us all the best in the future,” he wrote.
 

Decorated player

A decorated player himself, Finidi was part of the revered ‘Golden Generation’ that triumphed in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and captivated audiences during Nigeria’s debut at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

He amassed 62 caps for Nigeria, participating in both the 1994 and 1998 World Cups. His trophy cabinet boasts gold, silver, and bronze medals from the 1992, 1994, 2000, and 2002 AFCON tournaments.

Finidi is also one of the very few Nigerian players to have lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy.

Prior to his appointment as manager of the national team, Finidi managed Enyimba International in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), leading them to the NPFL title in his second season.

By Tunde Eludini, Premium Times

Nigerian military kill terrorism kingpin, 36 other terrorists

A terrorism kingpin operating in Kaduna and other northern Nigeria states, Buharin Yadi, has been killed by Nigerian security forces.

The state’s Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, announced this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Aruwan said Mr Yadi was “one of the deadliest bandit leaders terrorising Northern Nigeria in the last decade, and has met his bitter end at the hands of security forces.

“The troops of Sector 6 Operation Whirl Punch rained down fire on the kingpin known as Buhari Alhaji Halidu (alias Buharin Yadi) and his cohorts, abruptly terminating their ignominious spell of terror.

“Halidu was neutralized in a fierce battle with the troops (under the coordination of their Commander, also the General Officer Commanding of One Division Nigerian Army, Major General MLD Saraso) which took place around Idasu forest at the boundaries between Giwa LGA of Kaduna State and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State”, Mr Aruwan said.

He said the troops began the covert operation in response to intelligence reports on terrorists’ movement from Samunaka, Saulawa area of Katsina State.

“On advancing to Samunaka, the troops found the settlement destroyed and cattle killed, evidence of recent criminal activity by the bandits.

“A ferocious battle quickly followed, as approaching terrorists were pounded with artillery rounds at Hayin Almajiri. The troops then fought bravely through an ambush, to attain their objective. Initial assessments indicate that at least 36 bandits were eliminated in the engagement”, Mr Aruwan said in the statement.

Mr Aruwan said It was eventually verified that one of those killed was Kachalla Buharin Yadi.

“The kingpin, Mr Halidu (also known as Buharin Yadi or Buhari Janar) and the brigands under his command had been unleashing terror on citizens in Kidandan/Galadimawa general areas of Giwa LGA, Sabon Birni/Kerawa general areas of Igabi LGA,” he added.

His reign of terror extended to Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State, and indeed some parts of Niger and Zamfara states, Mr Aruwan added.

“Buharin Yadi was involved in large-scale cattle rustling, arms trading and drug trafficking. He had led his gang in the pillaging of communities and the slaughter and kidnapping of thousands of citizens in Kaduna and neighboring states.

“The merciless bandit was also known to have links with other deadly terrorist groups in the North-east and North-west,” Mr Aruwan added.

He said the breakthrough brought to an end a manhunt by security forces for this terrorist, which stretched more than five years ago.

“The news of his demise spread like wildfire, triggering massive relief and widespread celebrations among locals spanning Kaduna and Katsina states”, he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Aruwan said Governor Uba Sani was delighted with the development.

He said the governor described it as a pointer to the bravery, pro-activeness and sheer efficiency of the troops involved.

“The Governor commended the GOC, Major General Saraso for his sterling leadership, and lauded the troops for the comprehensive victory. Governor Sani reassured security forces in Kaduna State of his unflinching support and the continued collaborative stance of the Government.

“Members of the public are hereby informed that some of the terrorists sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter. Citizens in the general area and beyond are therefore enjoined not to render assistance (medical or otherwise) to individuals carrying suspicious injuries, but to immediately report such to security agencies.

“The Kaduna State Security Operations Room is available 24 hours a day to receive reports of this nature on the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.

“Special operations against bandits continue in the general area. Citizens are urged to continue to volunteer supportive information to the security forces and the government”, the official stated.

By Abubakar Ahmadu Maishanu, Premium Times

President Tinubu jokes about fall during ceremony

 Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has made light of his fall during Wednesday’s Democracy Day ceremony, saying it was his Yoruba culture on display.

Mr Tinubu slipped and fell over at an official event to mark 25 years of democracy in the country.

The president, 72, fell as he climbed the steps on a vehicle which was supposed to take him around Eagle Square in the capital, Abuja.

He had to be helped to get back to his feet.

Later in the evening, while giving a speech at the banquet dinner organised as part of the day's events, the former Lagos state governor noted he was all over social media after falling.

“Early this morning, I had a swagger and it's on the social media. They're confused whether I was doing buga or doing babanriga [referring to two popular dance moves in Nigeria]," the president said.

"But it's a day to celebrate democracy while doing dobale [yoruba term for bowing to greet elders] for the day. I'm a traditional Yoruba boy, I did my dobale."

One of his aides described it as a "mild misstep" and said the president had been able to continue with the rest of the day's programme.

"He immediately went on with the ceremonial rounds. No issues,” wrote presidential aide Dada Olusegun on X.

Mr Tinubu’s closest challenger during last year’s election, Atiku Abubakar, expressed his sympathy.

“I sincerely sympathise with President Bola Tinubu over this unfortunate incident as he was set to review the parade on Democracy Day. I do hope that all is well with him,” he wrote on X.

Popular politician and activist Shehu Sani said it was no big deal, and that the incident showed the president was no different to anyone else.

“Not Just President Tinubu, anyone alive can trip and fall; it happened to President Biden and Fidel Castro. Presidents are human beings and mortals.”

X user Arinze Odira said the fall was "scary to watch".

Another Nigerian, Charles Awuzie, posted on Facebook that he got emotional after seeing the clip.

“Whether it is President Biden or President Tinubu, I usually feel hurt when a human gets hurt in the place of service. I wish the president well.”

While most Nigerians have expressed their sympathy and best wishes, for some it has reignited questions about his health, which were raised by his opponents during the campaign for last year's tightly contested election.

By Mansur Abubakar, BBC 

Related story: President Tinubu says economic reforms will continue despite hardships

Nigeria Gets $2.25 Billion Boost From World Bank

The World Bank approved $2.25 billion in funding to support Nigeria’s economic reform efforts, helping to boost the supply of hard currency on the local foreign-exchange market.

The fresh funds will support Africa’s largest oil producer’s efforts to stabilize the economy and assist the poor and most economically at risk, the Washington-based lender said in a statement on Thursday. It will also help the country raise non-oil revenues and safeguard oil revenues to promote fiscal sustainability and deliver quality public services, it said.

Nigeria has battled years of acute foreign-exchange shortages arising from low crude production and a lack of economic diversification. Since coming to office in May 2023, President Bola Tinubu has worked to address the scarcity with a series of reforms aimed at attracting foreign investors and boosting economic growth. They include the central bank clearing a $7 billion backlog of unmet foreign-exchange obligations to industries and foreigners, allowing the naira to trade more freely, increasing interest rates steeply and sharply adjusting gasoline prices to phase out a costly fuel subsidy.

“Nigeria’s concerted efforts to implement far-reaching macro-fiscal reforms place it on a new path which can stabilize its economy and lift its people out of poverty,” said Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank vice president for Western and Central Africa. “This financing package reinforces the World Bank’s strong partnership with Nigeria, and our support towards reinvigorating its economy and fast-tracking poverty reduction, which can serve as a beacon for Africa.”

Monique Vanek, Bloomberg

Video - Nigeria to invest $3.5 billion in the textile sector

Latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that textiles contributed a negative 1.75 percent to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2024, making it one of the under-performing industries in Nigeria. The government is counting on 3.5 billion dollars in investment secured late last month to turn things around.

CGTN

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