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Author: Benson Ezugwu

  • Rangers FC adopt Green foot ladies ahead CAF champions league

    Rangers FC adopt Green foot ladies ahead CAF champions league

    Rangers

    By Benson Ezugwu

    Enugu, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Rangers International Football club of Enugu, said it has formed a technical partnership with Green Foot Ladies of Enugu, a female football team, through its sponsors and partners, Afrinvest.

    Norbert Okolie, the Media Officer of the club,  said this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Enugu.

    He said that through the partnership and collaboration, Rangers would provide comprehensive support to the team to boost the growth of women’s football in the state.

    “This partnership underscores our commitment to promoting inclusivity, excellence and opportunity in the sports we love.

    “Together, we aim to nurture talent, enhance skills and elevate the profile of women’s football in Enugu State and beyond, ‘ Okolie said.

    The media officer said that having a female team was part of the requirements by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), to feature in the Champions league.

    “We can say that Rangers have adopted Green foot ladies as our team in fulfillment of the rules by CAF for teams to play in the Champions league, ” he said.

    He disclosed that Rangers have been doing much for the women’s team like providing kits, offering them training ground and other technical assistance.

    NAN reports that the flying antelopes last weekend emerged champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after defeating Gombe United 2-1 at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos.

    The team thus qualified to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF champion’s league. (NAN)

    (www.nannews.ng)

    BEN/GOM/JPE

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    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Joseph Edeh

  • Great achievers FC win 2023/24 Enugu FA league

    Great achievers FC win 2023/24 Enugu FA league

    League

    By Benson Ezugwu

    Enugu, June 21, 2024 (NAN)  Great Achievers Football club of Enugu, on Thursday won the 2023/24 Enugu State Football Association (FA) League.

    The team defeated Inter FC of Enugu 3-2 through penalties.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match was played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

    The first 45 minutes ended with a goal apiece while the second half could not produce any goal.

    After the regulation time the match was decided on penalties.

    The Chairman of the Enugu State Football Association, Tony Ugwu commended the winners and other participating teams for their gallantry.

    “I am happy with the quality of the game. It shows that Great Archievers can represent the state in other stages of the game,” he said.

    He said that the winners will go home with N500, 000 prize momey in addition to the trophy, while the second and third runners up, FC Inter and Disdent FC, will get N300, 000 and N200,000.

    Also speaking, the coach of the team, Michael Onyeukwu, commended his players for their dedication and precision on goal.

    “I am so happy; it’s not easy to defeat defending champions.

    “I thank God; my players and our fans for this victory, ” he said.

     

    NAN reports that with the victory, Great Archievers have qualified to play in the Nigeria Nationwide League.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    BEN/JPE

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    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Police nab Vigilante man, one other for allegedly culpable homicide in Adamawa

     

    Killing

     

    By Ibrahim Kado

     

    Yola, June 21, 2024 (NAN)The Nigerian Police, Adamawa Command has arrested two men over alleged murder and fraud.

     

    The command’s Spokesperson,SP Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed their arrest in a statement issued in Yola on Friday.

     

    Nguroje said, one of the suspects, a 31-year old Mali Bori, was arrested for allegedly firing and killing two men, Emmanuel Shehu and Almond Shehu, both residents of Bori village, Koma District of Jada Local Government Area(LGA).

     

    “The suspect had a dispute with the Victims over a farm located at Bori, in Jada LGA, which resulted into a fight.

     

    “During the altercation, he used his Dane gun and shot the victims leading to their unfortunate dead”, he said.

     

    According to Nguroje, investigations are on going.

     

    According him, the other suspect, a 36- year old Aliyu Yakubu, a resident of Jalingo Daddawa village in Hong LGA, is being held for alleged fraud murder of one Bassey Isah.

     

    He said on June 13, the suspect deceived and dishonestly obtained by fraud from the victim three bags of maize, under the pretense that he would print and produce Naira notes for him.

     

    “The suspect further demanded and received from the Victim a Toyota Starlet car, a Motorcycle, and a Carry Go tricycle, promising to make him rich over night.

     

    “The suspect then took the victim to a forest, where he brutally struck him with an iron rod and buried him.”

     

    Nguroje said that the suspect volunteered confessional statement to the allegations and would be charged to court for Culpable Homicide (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    IMK/KOO

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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

    08065757860

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Online media killing our businesses–newspaper vendors lament

     

    Online
    By Benson Ezugwu
    Enugu, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Newspaper vendors and sales representatives of some print media houses in Enugu say their businesses are at the edge due to the infiltration of the online media.
    In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday, they said that the infiltration of online media has led to drastic reduction on sales of hard copies
    They also sited the current economic challenges in the country as worsening the situation.
    Mr Emmanuel Okeke, who said he has been in the business for over 30 years, described the situation as very bad.
    “I have been in this business for over 30 years, built a house with it and married and raised children with the business but since I joined the business, I have never had it so bad.
    “Things started declining as the online media crept into the business, as many of the readers now enjoy reading on their mobile phones, ” he said.
    Okeke said he was now relying more on real estate business as an agent to feed his family.
    A sales representative of one of the leading newspapers in Nigeria, told NAN on the condition of anonymity, that the lack of patronage was affecting even the company negatively.
    “Before I used to receive 500 copies of the newspaper and sometimes you cannot find unsold at the end of the day but today I receive less than 100 copies and 70 per cent is unsold,” he said.
    According to him, while the advent of online media started the declining fortunes of hard copies, the current hardship had worsened the whole situation.
    “Since the advent of online media, people no longer read hard copies, before you see someone buying newspaper unless he had an advert or change of name.
    “The situation has been made worse by the current hardship, people prefer to use their money to find food than to read newspaper; so, it’s as bad as that,” he said.
    The rep also disclosed that the rising cost of printing materials also led  to declining fortunes of newspapers.
    “Now newsprint used to cost N600,000 and N700,000 a rim but today it has risen to between N1.5 million and N1.6 million, due to the unstable foreign exchange market, ” he said.
    Another vendor, Mrs Agnes Ezeora, said that many newspapers that she was their agent  in Enugu had gone online.
    “All the papers have gone online and no longer hard copy; so, I am just doing nothing at the moment.
    “Before I used to go to the Airport daily for supply, I supply 50 copies of only This Day, and supply other national dailies as well, but today I don’t go anywhere,” she said.
    Ezeora said that she had resorted to selling provisions to make ends meet.
    “I can no longer rely on the business, instead I am now combining it with selling of provision store to survive, ” she said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that many old vendors at the popular Edinburgh Street Enugu, have joined property and house agents to make ends meet. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).
    BEN/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • NPFL: Rangers defeat Bendel Insurance 2-0 in Enugu

    NPFL
    By Benson Ezugwu
    Enugu, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Rangers International FC of Enugu on Sunday defeated Bendel Insurance FC of Benin 2-0 in the Week 37 of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).

    The match was played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu saw

    Rangers scored their first goal in the 32nd minutes through a free kick by Kenechukwu Agu.

    The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the Flying Antelopes.

    The home team sealed victory in the 64th minutes through a goal scored by Ikenna Nwobodo.

    By the win Rangers, with 67 points, look good to be crowned as Champions of the 2023/2024 NPFL.

    In his reaction, an elated Rangers’ Coach, Fidelis Illechukwu, said: ”We are the champions; we are the champions of 2023/2024 NFFL. It’s not easy to be a champion.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    BEN/DOE
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    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • Beyond Limits FA emerge champions of NNL Super 8

    NNL
    By Benson Ezugwu
    Enugu, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Beyond Limits Football Academy of Ikenne in Ogun on Thursday in Enugu emerged champions of the 2023/2024 Nigeria National League (NNL) after winning the Super 8 competition.
    In an entertaining encounter at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, the Academy boys defeated Nasarawa United of Lafia 4-3 after a penalty kicks shootout to win the competition.

    After 90 minutes of regulation time, the match ended two goals apiece for both sides to settle for penalty kicks.

    Farouk Ogundare put Beyond Limits Academy ahead in the 30th minute of the first half, while Anas Yusuf equalised shorty after to end the half 1-1.
    On resumption of second half, Ayodele Adesina put the Academy boys ahead in the 47th minute while in the 75th minute Moses Peter equalised for Nasarawa United.
    Farouk Ogundare of Beyond Limits was later chosen the most valuable player of the tournament.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that after the final matches of the tournament, four clubsides booked their places in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
    These are Beyond Limits, Nasarawa United, Ikorodu City FC and El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri.(NAN) (www nannews.ng)
    BEN/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • NNL Super 8: Nasarawa United beat Sokoto United 1-0

    NNL Super 8: Nasarawa United beat Sokoto United 2-1
    NNL
    By Benson Ezugwu

    Enugu , June 10, 2024 (NAN) Nasarawa United Football club of Lafia defeated Sokoto United  2-1 in the ongoing Nigerian National League (NNL) Super 8 playoffs.

    The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the match was played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Monday.
    By this victory, Nasarawa United  have six points having won their first  match against Elkanemi Warriors 1-0.
    United who was relegated to the NNL last season,  came from behind to outscore Sokoto United in a grilling encounter of the Northern conference in the second match of the day.
    In the second northern conference game,  Elkanemi Warriors defeated Sporting Supreme of Abuja 2-1
    Elkanemi  and Sporting Supreme who now have three points going into their last matches.
    Elkanemi will play Sokoto united in their last match while Sporting will take on  Nasarawa United.
    Earlier in the Southern conference, Madiba FC of Lagos defeated Inter FC also of Lagos 2-1 to remain in contention after losing to Ikorodu United in their first match.
    In the second match of the day Beyond Limits FC of Abeokuta and Ikorodu United FC played a pulsating 1-1 draw. (NAN) (www.nabnews.ng)
    BEN/JPE
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    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • NPFL: Rangers, Eyimba FC match abandoned

     

    Derby
    By Benson Ezugwu
    Enugu,  June 9, 2024 (NAN) The week 35 star match of the  Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) between Rangers International of Enugu and Eyimba of Aba was abandoned by the visitors.
    The Oriental derby played on Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu,  was abandoned after Rangers was awarded a penalty in the 107th minute of play.
    Eyimba players protested the penalty  and when the centre referee stood his ground,  Eyimba players walked out of the pitch and refused to come back to continue play.
    After waiting for Eyimba players to return to the pitch, the referee positioned the ball at the spot only for some fans at the stand, suspected to be Eyimba fans, to start  throwing objects into the field.
    The referee and the Rangers players became afraid and ran for their safety while the missiles continued to fly into pitch.
    The fans overpowered the stadium stewards and invaded the pitch of play, thus bringing the game to an abrupt end.
    NAN reports that the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, with 25,000 capacity, was full with about 40,000 spectators.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that at the time of the incident, the game was goalless.(NAN)
    BEN/JPE
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    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Group donates N2m to victims of Ogige Nsukka Market demolition

    Group donates N2m to victims of Ogige Nsukka Market demolition

    Foundation
    By Benson Ezugwu
    Enugu, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Ikechukwu Ezeugwu Foundation, on Friday, donated N2 million to the victims of the recent demolition of stalls in Ogige Market, Nsukka.

    The Founder and Director General of the foundation, Dr Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, said the donation was  made on the auspices of the “Ogige Nsukka Traders Support Fund, a call for empathy”.

    Ezeugwu, who is the immediate past Majority Leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, said that the gesture was to cushion the effect of the demolition on the traders.

    “Most of us are aware of the recent development at the Ogige Market,  Nsukka.

    “The affected traders are in a state of despondency.

    “In order to demonstrate our love for them in practical, measurable and verifiable terms, I am appealing for financial assistance on their behalf in order to assuage their plight.

    “On behalf of Ikechukwu Ezeugwu Foundation, I have made a donation of N2 million only to kick-start this drive.

    “This effort will help them to stabilise emotionally even before  the money we are able to raise is given to them and before they are compensated by the government,” Ezeugwu said.

    He further said that he was aware that the leadership of the market was working with the government agencies to ensure a seamless verification of the affected shop owners.

    “This is with a view to doing the needful within the shortest possible time,” he said.

    Ezeugwu appealed to other good spirited individuals and groups to come to the aid of the victims to enable them to recommence their means of livelihood.

    “May God reward you abundantly and always meet you at your point of need as you make your donations, notwithstanding the economic realities we are presently facing in our country.

    Also, the Chairperson of the Ogige Market Traders Association, Mrs Ngozi Ozioko, said that the demolition took a big toll on the lives of the affected traders.

    Ozioko claimed that no fewer than 1800 affected shop owners were allegedly given only 72 hours to vacate their shops without compensation or alternative shops.

    “We want the government to do something very urgently to resettle the traders, ” she said.

    A victim of the demolition, Mr Ikechukwu Agbo, however, alleged that the market leaders were informed about the exercise about eight months ago.

    “The government said it informed our leaders about the development since eight months ago but nobody told us until they came last week and gave us 72 hours,” Agbo said.

    NAN reports that the State Government recently embarked on the demolition of some market stalls and structures to pave the way for its proposed transport terminals in the capital city. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    BEN/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

     

     

  • Christian Chukwu mourns team mate, Stanley Okoronkwo

    Christian Chukwu mourns team mate, Stanley Okoronkwo

    Okoronkwo
    By Benson Ezugwu
    Enugu, June 4, 2024 (NAN), Christian Chukwu, former Green Eagles Captain and Rangers International, has described the death of team mate, Stanley Okoronkwo, as a sad loss.
    Chukwu said this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Enugu.
    “The death of Stanley is a sad loss; very painful and we will miss him, ” he said.
    Chukwu said he and other club mates would sorely miss Okoronkwo.
    Also, a staunch fan of Rangers International and a personal friend of Okoronkwo, Mr Onyema Nwachukwu, described the ace midfield maestro as a gentleman both off and on the field of play.
    “He played clean hence he was nicknamed Stainless on the field and off the field.  He was a complete gentleman, ” Nwachukwu said.
    Also speaking, the former chairman of Rangers Supporters club in the 70s, Hyginus Ilonu, lamented the death of Okoronkwo.
    According to him, Okoronkwo was his close friend including his entire family.
    “After playing football you cannot see any stain in his jersey.
    “When he wanted to dribble he made it clean and he was always gentle off and in the pitch of the field, ” he said.
    Ilonu described late Okoronkwo as one of Rangers best player ever.
    NAN reports that Okoronkwo joined Rangers International in 1974 and retired in 1979, after Rangers won the then African Cup Winners Cup in 1977.
    NAN reports that the former player died on Monday after a brief illness in Enugu. (NAN) (www.nannews. ng)
    BEN/MNA
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    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu