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Afcon 2021: Draw pairs Nigeria with Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau

Gernot Rohr’s men have learned their opponents for the biennial African football showpiece as they chase a fourth crown

Nigeria will face Egypt in Group D of the preliminary round of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Gernot Rohr’s men, who enjoyed a smooth qualification campaign where they were unbeaten and finished top of their group, have also been tasked with matches against Sudan and Guinea Bissau.

The draw ceremony which served up plenty of interesting match-ups took place Tuesday evening at Yaounde Conference Centre, Cameroon.

Comoros, who are making their first appearance at the tournament, will have their hands full when they take on Senegal, Ghana and Gabon in Group C.

Algeria must negotiate their way past Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire in Group E if they hope to make it to the second round of the championship.

Elsewhere, Tunisia have been zoned alongside Mali, Mauritania, and Gambia in Group F.

The Super Eagles begin their quest for glory against the Pharaohs at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua on January 11.

The 33rd edition of the biennial African football showpiece was due to begin on January 9, 2021, however, it was pushed back to January 2022 due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic that crippled football-related activities.

Before the advent of Covid-19, the competition was moved from June-July 2021 dates to January 2022 due to the unfavourable climate in the West African country during the summer months.

Nigeria last won the championship in 2013 when they defeated Burkina Faso 1-0 in South Africa courtesy of Sunday Mba’s first-half strike.

The three-time African champions finished third at Egypt 2019 after defeating Tunisia in the third-place play-off at Al Salam Stadium, Cairo.

Check out the groups in full below.

Group A Group B
Cameroon Senegal
Burkina Faso Zimbabwe
Ethiopia Guinea
Cape Verde Malawi
Group C Group D
Senegal Nigeria
Ghana Egypt
Comoros Sudan
Gabon Guinea-Bissau
Group E Group F
Algeria Tunisia
Sierra Leone Mali
Equatorial Guinea Mauritania
Cote d’Ivoire Gambia

Take Up Arms To Protect Yourself From Bandit, Terrorists Attacks – Gov Bello Masari urges Residents

The governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari has urged residents of towns hit by bandit terrorists to seek weapons to protect themselves from attacks.

Masari made the remarks on Tuesday while paying a condolence visit to the families of 10 people killed by customs officials in the Jibia Local Government Area last week.

Katsina is one of the worst-hit states by the bandits and kidnappers in northwestern Nigeria.

On December 11, gunmen abducted 344 students from a secondary school in Kankara, Katsina State, and held them, hostage, for six days.

“We must intensify prayers with clean minds to seek God’s forgiveness and intervention.

“We must all rise up to counter the insecurity challenge, we must not seat and watch some people buying guns attacking our Houses, we too should buy the guns and protect ourselves,” he said.

The governor also instructed the people of the area not to accept any favours from the customs.

“What Customs operatives are doing is wrong, and therefore, unacceptable,” Governor Masari said.

“Do not succumb to any covert enticement from the customs service, no matter what they offer or promise to do for you.

“Whatever they want to do for you, let it be in the open, not in secret.

“If you accept any secret offer, then you will be truncating the government’s efforts to seek justice for you, but if you resist any untoward move, the organisation will then have to rethink its attitude towards its host community”. He concluded.

Jos Killing: Ondo Govt Visits Hausa/ Fulani Community In Akoko

The Ondo State Government delegation has met the Hausa Community in Ikaram Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government area of the state in order to douse the tension, following the killings of some Ondo State residents in Jos, Plateau State.

The residents, who were mostly Hausa/Fulani and few Yoruba who drove the five vehicles, were returning home after attending the annual ZIKR (Prayer Session) in Bauchi, to mark the commencement of the New Islamic year.

They were attacked by Irigwe militia along Rukuba road, Jos North local government area of the state on Saturday.

The Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who represented the governor on the delegation commiserated with the families of the deceased.
He said, “On this sad development, we are here to commensurate with you on the incidence of 14th August along Rukuba Road, Jos North LG.

“You are one of us… majority of you are born here, so you are not strangers in Ondo State. You stay, you live, you work here, and therefore, you are one of us.”

While condemning the incident, Aiyedatiwa appealed for calm as he assured victims and relatives of the attack that the Police are working round the clock with other security agencies to ensure that all perpetrators of the evil deeds are arrested and prosecuted.

“We call on you all to remain calm… religious and traditional leaders must impress on our people to exercise restraint and not take the laws into their own hands.

“Really, this is a sad development as we feel your pains and your sorrow. This is a complete mistake of identity, when our people passed through a wrong place at the wrong time.

“Our governor has been discussing with Plateau State Governor, and a number of arrests have been made as our State is ready to pursue the matter to logical conclusion. All the culprits will never go unpunished.”

While appealing for peace, the deputy governor appealed against retaliation.

At the event, the Akala of Ikaram, Oba (Commodore) Olamoyi Momodu (Retd), thanked the delegation for identifying with the community at the darkest hour.

Equally, the Seriki of Hausa Community in Akoko Land, Alhaji Muhammed Haladu, expressed their profound gratitude to the deputy governor and his team for visiting them.

BREAKING: Spray Naira Notes And Go to jail – Cbn threatens

The Central Bank of Nigeria has threatened to arrest and prosecute anyone who abuses the Nigerian Naira in Public.

The CBN issued a stern warning on Monday against spraying or stepping on the nation’s currency at public events.

The statement, signed by the Ag. Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Osita Nwanisobi, read: “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has again been drawn to the activities of persons, who flagrantly abuse the legal tender by hurling wads of Naira notes in the air and stamping on the currency at social functions.”

“There have also been cases where people mishandle the Naira, deface it, hawk the currency at parties and reject the currency in some instances. It should be stated that, contrary to the practice of these unpatriotic persons, it is neither cultural nor moral, for people to disrespect the currency which citizens trade in.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (As amended) stipulates that “spraying of, dancing or matching on the Naira or any note issued by the Bank during social occasions or otherwise howsoever shall constitute an abuse and defacing of the Naira or such note and shall be punishable under the law by fines or imprisonment or both.”

“Accordingly, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is collaborating with the Nigeria Police, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to address the unpatriotic practice.”

“We therefore warn Nigerians, particularly those at social functions such as birthdays, weddings and funerals, to desist from disrespecting the Naira or risk being arrested by law enforcement agencies. The Naira is our legal tender and symbol of national pride.”

Buhari Couldn’t Eat Food Due To Killing Of 25 Travellers In Jos – Isa Pantami

The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari could not eat on the day 25 people were killed in the Jos attack.

According to Daily Nigerian, Pantami disclosed this during a special visit to convey the president’s condolences to the people.

Recall that suspected militias killed not less than 25 Muslim travellers at Rukuba, Jos while returning from a religious assembly organised by Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi in Bauchi State.

The minister while conveying the message of the president said the Buhari was saddened by the killings such that he could not eat.

“The president had since directed that the perpetrators of the attack be fished out and prosecuted.”

“He spoke with top military brass on the issue. He had just returned from a journey, and as matter of fact the president could not even eat food,” Pantami added.

(VIDEO)Drama As Reverend Father Was Seen Locking Lips With His Female Students

Drama As Reverend Father Was Seen Locking Lips With His Female Students (Video)

Nigerians on social media have reacted to the video of a St Monica’s College of Education Reverend Father locking lips with some female students.
In the video that has gone viral, three students were seen lined up and taking turns to exchange kisses with the man of God behind a pulpit in the presence of a seemingly large congregation.

The act, which has been termed as a “holy kiss” among persons familiar with it, seeks to officially welcome new converts of the school to the body of Christ Jesus.

Wearing a green and white liturgical robe, the Reverend Father draws each of the students towards himself and plants his lips on theirs.

The students were seen cheering as the supposed consecrated activity goes on.

Watch the video below;

However, the video did not sit well with Nigerians as it was met with mixed reactions on social media. See some of the reactions below;

@jnrpope wrote; ‘What happend to the forehead……. I am a strong catholic and this is not our doctrine.’

@s.y.m.b.e.e.s wrote; ‘This is abuse especially for the last girl because it was obvious she never wanted it, what kind of rubbish is this?’

@the_adedunni wrote; ‘Omo this is so disturbing in every way’

@justverb_ wrote;’Not every pastor is a Christian.’

@gillian_differs wrote; ‘Aseju ni french kiss. Holy kiss ti wa okay’

@teey_g wrote; ‘The last girl is mortified.. why would you force “holy kiss” on a young lady, or any body..’

@yungbobbie_ wrote; ‘Only in GHENE. I tire for that place

How Buhari’s Minister Pantami Prayed, expressed Support For Taliban, Al Qaeda Victory In Afghanistan

The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, had in th 2000s prayer for victory for Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan.
Pantami, who has been accused of having links to terrorist groups, recently said he had denounced his allegiance to the Boko Haram.

It will be recalled that Taliban fighters had recently taken of Kabul and the presidency in Afghanistan.

The extremist group had also renamed the country ‘Islamic State of Afghanistan’, bringing to an end a twenty year old war which started when a US-led forces invaded the Middle East nation.

Pantami, back in his sermons in the 2000s, expressed support for the global extremist groups.

He said, “This jihad is an obligation for every single believer, especially in Nigeria… Oh God, give victory to the Taliban and to al-Qaeda (Allahumma’ nṣur Ṭālibān wa-tanẓīm al Qā‘ida).”

Also, in a 2019 academic document ‘Debating Boko Haram,’ Pantami had invited muslims, especially “Ahlus Sunna” (Salafis), to be sceptical of politicians and religious leaders calling for peace and understanding but they should retaliate with Jihad.

“This jihad is an obligation for every single believer, especially in Nigeria (hādhā jihād farḍ ‘ayn ‘ala kull Muslim wa-khuṣūṣan fī Nījīriyā),” he added.

Top journal publisher academia.edu published the research in March 2019.

The speech, which is about 20 minutes long, concluded with the prayer, “Oh God, give victory to the Taliban and to al-Qaeda (Allahumma’ nṣur Ṭālibān wa-tanẓīm alQā‘ida).”

“During his speech, Pantami is in tears, and his voice is often broken by sighs. The genuineness of his emotional response to what was, without doubt, a dramatic episode in the history of violent conflict in Plateau state is obvious,” said the report.

In another speech in 2006, Pantami offered his public condolences for the death of the leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, al-Zarqawi.

“May God have mercy on Aḥmad alFāḍil al-Khalayleh, raḥmatullāh’ alayhi. May God forgive his mistakes. He is a human being. He has certainly some mistakes in front of God, so may God forgive his mistakes. Who am I talking about? He is Abū Muṣ‘ab al-Zarqāwī.

“He was born in 1966 of the Christian era, that is forty years ago. […] After some time, he was given responsibility for a camp in Herat. It was the Commander of the Faithful (Amīr almu’minīn) Mollah Omar ‒ may God preserve him ‒ who personally gave him the authority to run this camp.”

The document noted Pantami as further saying, “To this date, in the community of the Prophet we have some awesome people, people of awesome faith, who follow the creed of the Sunna and thanks to whom the enemies of God are unable to find rest in this world.

“They have killed the Shaykh, the martyr Abdallah Yusuf Azzam ‒ may God have mercy on him ‒ but did the struggle end? They went on to strike Chechnya, and they killed many of them: did it end? […] Whenever one goes, another one comes, and he is even more awesome than the first,” Pantami added

Source: Naija News

People who should be in jail or in Exile are Always on campaign posters – Banky W

Singer Banky W has said the people who should be in jail or in exile are the ones seen on campaign posters during election season in Nigeria.

The singer who ran for House of Representatives on the platform of the Modern Democratic Party in 2019 said this on Nigeria Info FM’s Daily Digest programme monitored by The PUNCH on Tuesday.

He said his political ambition was driven by frustration with the political status quo and the plight of young Nigerians who don’t even know who their representatives in government are.

On why he ran for office, he said, “The first person I spoke to was my wife. I said we can’t sit around during election season and people who should be in jail or on exile are the ones on the campaign posters around and also the ones who keep getting into these powerful offices in the country.”

He said his wife expressed belief in his ambition but pointed out that politics is dirty and dangerous.

The singer continued, “I said, well, it will always be dirty and dangerous if everybody who is good, credible and with good interest at heart forever sits out of the process. This will leave the scum of the earth that we have here to occupy the seats and then we’ll turn around and complain that Nigeria is bad.”

He also spoke on why he didn’t run for office on a popular platform like the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party, or rely on a godfather

According to him, “The battle in Nigeria is not between APC and PDP, it’s between the political class and everybody else because APC and PDP tend to be the same. Their members are just jumping back and forth, and the parties don’t have ideologies per se, they are just platforms that people use to leapfrog into power.

“So, there was that frustration with the political status quo. Also, wanting to stand up for something, represent a different set of ideas and reach out to the younger generation that does not believe in either of those two platforms, to try and put ourselves together and push back against these things to show what is possible and what can be done.”

On the Independent National Electoral Commission deregistering the Modern Democratic Party, Banky W stated that it was a good thing.

He said, “I felt like there were too many political parties. Having 90 political parties is a little bit ridiculous. The deregistration forces us to either come together or start to infiltrate the major political parties and start to make those changes from within. But if you have over 90 platforms of people pushing, invariably we’ll just empower the two major parties to continue the way that they are.”

BREAKING: How IGP rejected Panel Report on Abba Kyari

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali reportedly rejected a report by a panel setup to investigate the indictment of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI.

According to Punch, the IGP rejected an earlier report submitted by the four-man Panel led by Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department, Joseph Egbunike.

It was earlier reported that Kyari got into trouble after a US court issued a warrant for his arrest over his alleged involvement in a $1.1m Internet fraud allegedly perpetrated by an Instagram influencer, Abbas Ramon, popularly known as Hushpuppi and four others; AbdulRahman Juma ; Vincent Kelly Chibuzo (Kelly); Rukayat Motunrayo Fashola; and Bolatito Agbabiaka.

The FBI claimed that Kyari detained Chibuzor at the behest of Hushpuppi for one month to enable the latter and his co-conspirators to fleece their Qatari victim of over $1m.

However, Kyari has appeared before the panel several times since it was setup and has fiercely defended himself against the allegations.

The Panel submitted a report to the IG last week but was rejected for being to ‘lenient’ on the Super Cop.

The panel resubmitted another report on Monday after the IGP expressed discomfort with panel’s earlier findings and recommendations.

Taliban Renames Country Islamic Emirate Of Afghanistan As US Evacuates Citizens, Others

The Taliban who recently seized power in Afghanistan has renamed it the ‘Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’.
The media had been filled with reports that many Afghans in a bid to leave the Middle East country had ran alongside a US military plane as it taxied on the runway while several clung to the side as the jet took off with Senior US military officials.

This online highlights the chaos the country is presently rocked with.

The US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 that ousted the insurgents from power did not succeed in completely removing the Taliban’s who had ran the country in the late 1990s.

According to CNN, hundreds of people poured onto the tarmac at Kabul’s international airport, desperately seeking a route out of Afghanistan on Monday after the Taliban’s sudden seizure of power sparked a chaotic Western withdrawal and brought to a crashing end the United States’ two-decade mission in the country.

Speaking yesterday, US President Joe Biden had stated that his country cannot continue to fight a war that Afghanistan are not ready to fight.

According to the president, measures are been put in place to ensure the safe evacuation of US officials and those residents that have been of great help to the US.

He disclosed that additional troops would be deployed to secure the Kabul international airport.