The Confederation of African Football has appointed match officials from Togo to take charge of the 8th African Nations Championship qualifying match between the senior B teams of Ghana and Nigeria, scheduled for the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, 22nd December 2024.

The engagement is the first leg of the qualifying fixture between both teams, with the second and concluding leg to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, 28th December.

Aklesso Gnama will be in the role of referee, with compatriots Jonathan Ahonto Koffi, Wassiou Tchamolla Ourotou and Kossi Fabrice Senyo as assistant 1, assistant 2 and fourth official respectively.

Ivan Gator Brown from Liberia will serve as commissioner while Beninoise official Hugues Alain Adjovi will be in the role of referee assessor.

For the return leg in Uyo, Moroccans Hamza El Fariq, Abdessamad Abertoune, Zakaria Bouchtaoui and Hicham Temsamani will work as referee, assistant 1, assistant 2 and fourth official respectively, with Prince Kai Saquee from Sierra Leone as commissioner and Miboti Moise from the Democratic Republic of Congo as referee assessor. The game in Accra will commence at 4pm Ghana time (5pm in Nigeria) while the return leg will kick off at 5pm.

The winner on aggregate will qualify for the 8th African Nations Championship finals, to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania – which will use the event as dress rehearsal to test-run facilities and equipment for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals they have been selected to host.

The tournament will hold 1st – 28th February, 2025.

PREVIOUS CHAN FINALS & HOST NATIONS 2009: Cote d’Ivoire2011: Sudan2014: South Africa2016: Rwanda2018: Morocco2021: Cameroon2023: Algeria2025: Kenya/Uganda/Tanzania

The Nigerian Super Eagles have experienced a significant dip in the latest FIFA men’s rankings, falling eight places to 44th globally.

The rankings were released on Thursday via FIFA’s official website, marking a challenging period for the three-time African champions.Previously positioned 36th in the world, the Super Eagles also slid from fourth to fifth place on the African continent.

This decline reflects a challenging month for the team, which failed to secure a win in its two matches during November.

The West African side recorded one draw and one loss, contributing to their fall in the rankings.Despite Nigeria’s drop, other African powerhouses have maintained their positions, with Morocco retaining the top spot on the continent.

The Atlas Lions, who achieved a historic semi-final finish at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, continue to demonstrate consistency. Following Morocco are Senegal in second place, Algeria in third, and Egypt, which climbed to fourth, ahead of Nigeria.

The Super Eagles’ performances in November highlighted key areas for improvement.

They first played out a draw in a friendly match before suffering a defeat in a crucial game, which dented their prospects in both the rankings and team morale.

Analysts have pointed to tactical inefficiencies and defensive lapses as contributing factors to the team’s recent struggles.

This decline in ranking is a cause for concern for many Nigerian football enthusiasts.

The Super Eagles are traditionally one of Africa’s strongest teams, boasting a rich history that includes three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles.

However, inconsistent results and an inability to deliver in crucial moments have raised questions about the team’s readiness for upcoming tournaments, including the next AFCON.

On the brighter side, this ranking update could serve as a wake-up call for the team and coaching staff.

With preparations for major tournaments underway, the Super Eagles have an opportunity to regroup, address weaknesses, and rediscover their winning form.

A strong showing in future international matches could help the team regain its footing in the global rankings.Globally, the FIFA rankings continue to be dominated by elite teams from Europe and South America.

African teams like Morocco and Senegal, however, have shown that the gap is narrowing, providing inspiration for the Super Eagles to rise again.

Fans will be eagerly watching to see how Nigeria responds to this setback in the coming months.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday warmly received Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the historic Invalides memorial complex in Paris.

This marked the first official state visit by a Nigerian president to France in over two decades, symbolizing a renewed focus on strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.

The visit commenced with a formal ceremony in the courtyard of the Invalides, where the two countries’ national anthems echoed across the iconic landmark.

Tinubu’s two-day trip aims to foster economic partnerships between France and Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous country.

The meeting comes at a crucial time for both nations.

France, under Macron’s leadership, has sought to redefine its relationship with African nations since his election in 2017.

This effort has taken on greater urgency following a series of military coups and growing anti-French sentiment in several former colonies, which have significantly reduced Paris’s influence in Africa.

Nigeria, on the other hand, faces economic challenges, including skyrocketing inflation and surging food prices, which make foreign investments and partnerships essential for its recovery and growth.

Macron’s office emphasized that the visit presents a significant opportunity to deepen the already dynamic relationship between France and Nigeria.

Paris is particularly keen on strengthening ties with English-speaking African nations, a strategy designed to diversify its partnerships on the continent amid strained relations with some Francophone countries.

Nigeria, with its vast market potential, natural resources, and youthful population, represents a strategic partner for France’s renewed focus on Africa.

Tinubu’s administration has prioritized economic reforms and is actively seeking foreign investment to address Nigeria’s fiscal deficits and infrastructure gaps.

The president’s visit underscores his government’s commitment to building international partnerships to drive economic recovery and create opportunities for Nigerians.Macron and Tinubu are expected to hold discussions on a wide range of issues, including trade, security, and climate change.

Both leaders will also explore opportunities to enhance bilateral trade and investments, with a particular focus on sectors such as energy, technology, and agriculture.

This historic visit not only signifies a new chapter in France-Nigeria relations but also highlights the shifting dynamics of global diplomacy in Africa.

By strengthening ties with Nigeria, France hopes to bolster its relevance on the continent, while Nigeria looks to leverage the partnership for economic advancement.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has described Liverpool as his team’s “most difficult” opponent in the UEFA Champions League, following their 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The Italian tactician acknowledged the strength of the Premier League giants and credited them for their deserved victory in a fiercely contested encounter.

The match saw Liverpool emerge victorious with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo. Ancelotti’s side struggled to break through the relentless Liverpool defense in a game marked by high-intensity play and dramatic moments.

Both Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah missed penalties, adding further intrigue to a thrilling night of European football.

Reflecting on the performance, Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with his team’s effort despite the loss. Speaking to Movistar after the game, he admitted that facing Liverpool at Anfield posed a unique challenge.

“It was a difficult match, as we knew it would be,” Ancelotti remarked. “Anfield is the most difficult stadium in Europe to play in, and Liverpool proved once again why they are such a formidable opponent.

”Ancelotti praised his players for their competitive spirit but noted that the turning point came after the penalty, which disrupted Real Madrid’s rhythm.

“We competed well until the penalty incident,” he explained. “However, after that, we dropped a bit in level.

It was a moment where we needed to stay sharp, but it affected our momentum.

On the counter-attacks, we could have been more effective and created better opportunities.

”Despite the disappointment of the loss, Ancelotti remained optimistic about his team’s overall performance. “I liked the team’s attitude and effort,” he said. “Competing at this level against Liverpool, the most difficult rival in Europe, is always a challenge.

They played with intensity, and in the end, they deserved to win.

”Liverpool’s victory underlined their ability to perform on the grandest stage, with Mac Allister’s strike showcasing his technical brilliance and Gakpo continuing his impressive form in front of goal. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will need to regroup and address areas of improvement as they prepare for the remainder of their European campaign.

For Ancelotti, the loss serves as a reminder of the high standards required to compete at this level, particularly against a team like Liverpool, renowned for their energy, discipline, and home advantage at Anfield. Both teams are expected to remain contenders in the competition, setting the stage for more dramatic encounters in the future.

The President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, has refuted claims made by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, regarding the pricing of petrol supplied by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Earlier, Dr. Obele announced that petrol from the NNPCL was priced N75 higher per litre than the N970 offered by the Dangote Refinery.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Gillis-Harry clarified that the State-owned oil company had not made any announcements concerning a new price for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

He emphasized that Obele’s assertion did not reflect the position of either the NNPCL or PETROAN.

He stated, “No new price for PMS has been released by the NNPC Port Harcourt Refinery.”Gillis-Harry expressed optimism about the resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery, which began production on Tuesday after years of rehabilitation.

The refinery has started dispatching petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and kerosene, to the market, with other products expected to follow soon.

This development is seen as a significant step towards improving domestic fuel supply and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.

Addressing the pricing concerns, the PETROAN president clarified that members of the association were purchasing PMS at rates determined by the old pricing template while awaiting an official announcement of new prices by the NNPCL.

He also reassured Nigerians that any forthcoming price changes would be aimed at ensuring affordability and addressing the challenges in the petroleum downstream sector.

“We are excited that the production and loading of refined petroleum products have commenced at the Port Harcourt Refinery,” Gillis-Harry said.

“We are expectant that soon, the price of PMS will be stated by NNPC to the benefit of Nigerians.”Gillis-Harry’s statement aligns with the broader optimism surrounding the operational resumption of the Port Harcourt Refinery, which had been non-functional for several years.

The refinery’s rehabilitation is a key component of Nigeria’s strategy to bolster domestic refining capacity, reduce the strain of fuel importation on foreign exchange reserves, and stabilize local petroleum product prices.

Observers believe the resumption of production at the refinery and its potential to provide competitively priced fuel products could significantly impact the market.

However, the clarification from Gillis-Harry underscores the importance of avoiding premature or misleading statements that might create unnecessary confusion or speculation among stakeholders and consumers.

Nigerian police used excessive force against protesters during the nationwide #Endbadgovernance demonstrations between 1-10 August, killing at least 24 people in the states of Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa and Niger, Amnesty International said in a briefing published today.

“Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #Endbadgovernance Protests” documents the violent crackdown on peaceful protests against rampant corruption and economic hardship. Those killed included 20 young people, an older person and two children.

In all cases, the victims were shot by the police, firing live ammunition at close range often at the head or torso, suggesting that officers were shooting to kill. Two survivors suffered injuries after being shot by police in the arm and legs, others were suffocated by the indiscriminate use of tear gas.

“People in Nigeria witnessed unbelievable lawlessness as security personnel fired live ammunition at protesters. The death toll could be higher than 24 because of the authorities’ apparent desperate efforts to cover up the atrocities. Peaceful protest over government policies is now a matter of life and death in Nigeria,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

“The Nigerian authorities must hold the police and other security agencies to account for unleashing deadly force on people who did not constitute an imminent threat to lives. It is shocking that police have engaged in flagrant denials of wrongdoing despite public evidence to the contrary, and this speaks to their utter disregard for the sanctity of human lives.

“President Bola Tinubu and his government must conduct prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent and effective investigations into the allegations of human rights violations during the #Endbadgovernance protests, and ensure that those suspected to be responsible are identified and brought to justice in fair trials. Nigerian authorities must ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims and their families.”

In Kano, 12 people were killed at Rijiyar Lemo and Kofar Nasarawa. In Jigawa state, 3 people were killed at Hadejia, while 1 person was killed at Kofar Sauri, Katsina state. In Kaduna state, a minor was killed by a solider in Zaria while police killed one person in Kaduna. In Maiduguri, 3 people were killed at A.A. Kime Filling Station at Bolori Junction. In Niger state, at least, 3 people were killed along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.

Between 12-17 August 2024, Amnesty International carried out field research in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states. Evidence gathered includes videos and photographs, as well as accounts from eyewitnesses, medical workers and victims’ relatives, friends, and acquaintances on the ground.

Eyewitnesses told Amnesty International in Kano, Dutse, Katsina, and Minna that the protests were largely peaceful when they began in the morning of 1 August, but the mood abruptly changed when police attacked the protesters by firing live ammunition and tear gas. The excessive use of force by the police against protesters contravenes international human rights standards, including the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.

Those who expressed support for the protests on social media were attacked and many were arbitrarily arrested either by the police or the Department of State Services (DSS).

Khalid Aminu was arrested by the DSS in Kaduna during the protest. He told Amnesty International that: “I was tortured for over 60 days and the torture started right from the point of arrest. The DSS operatives beat me and other protesters with sticks and iron cables. They poured water on me. I am yet to fully recover from these atrocities.” Michael Adaramoye (widely known as Lenin) was detained for two months for being part of the protest in Abuja.

Despite overwhelming evidence, including eyewitness accounts, videos, medical records, testimonies of the parents of victims and survivors, and photographs, the police have consistently denied involvement in the killings, dismissing them as “fake news” or attributing them to “unknown gunmen.”

“The Nigeria Police Force’s denial of the killings of protesters is a disturbing trend that undermines trust, perpetuates impunity, and exacerbates the cycle of violence. It also adds to the agony of the families whose loved ones were killed,” said Isa Sanusi.

“The brutal crackdown on the #Endbadgovernance protests is a clear manifestation of Nigerian authorities’ failure to respect and ensure the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. From restricting protesters to certain places in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt to attacks on journalists, the Nigerian police once again shows that nothing has changed about its disregard for human rights and the rule of law.”

As international human rights standards make clear, in the dispersal of assemblies that are unlawful but non-violent, law enforcement officials shall avoid the use of force or, where that is not practicable, shall restrict such force to the minimum extent necessary. In the dispersal of violent assemblies, law enforcement officials may use firearms only when less dangerous means are not practicable and only to the minimum extent necessary. Intentional lethal use of firearms may only be made when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life.

“The Nigerian authorities must end this cycle of impunity and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims and survivors. Deadly crackdowns on peaceful protests must end in compliance with Nigeria’s national and international legal obligations. Authorities must immediately release those detained simply for participating in the #Endbadgovernance protests,” said Isa Sanusi

Between 1-10 August people took to the streets across in Nigeria in peaceful protests against the rising cost of living and reports of endemic corruption. Apart from concerted efforts to stop the protests from taking place, desperate measures were taken by the authorities to punish the protesters. The Nigeria Police Force denied allegations of excessive use of force and dismissed calls for an investigation. Over 1,200 people were detained and over 146 people – including minors were arraigned and charged with treasonable felony.