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FG abandons the NPFL’s League Management Company


The Federal Government has condemned its recognition of the League Management Company (LMC) as the Nigeria Professional Football League’s operator (NPFL).

Following the federal government’s declaration of the Shehu Dikko-led League Management Company (LMC) as an illegal body, banning it with immediate effect, a crisis appears to be brewing in Nigerian football. 

The federal government also directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to immediately revoke LMC’s operational license and form an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee the operation of the Nigerian elite league. 

The statement, signed by Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, went on to say that the League should be run by the current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the LMC until a proper Professional League Board is formed in accordance with the NFF Statutes. This decision was made due to the obvious anomaly (which is contrary to our football statutes or the laws of the land) in which a private company is given the mandate to manage or run the league indefinitely, without the full involvement and leadership of the clubs, and without any process to monitor the game’s progress and development. 

“As a result of the foregoing, and in order to save our domestic football from total collapse, the board of the LMC and the LMC as a body will no longer be recognized by the Federal Government as the operator of the Nigerian Professional Football League,” the FG said.

Issuing further order, the federal government noted that; “to avert further chaos in our domestic football, the NFF is advised to immediately withdraw the Licence given to the LMC and, in the meantime, set up an IMC, to include the current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the LMC to oversee the affairs of the League until a proper Professional League Board is constituted in accordance with the Statutes of the NFF.”

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Why is Apple getting rid of physical SIM cards?

The days of performing microsurgery with a paper clip to extract a tiny SIM card from a small tray in your iPhone may be coming to an end. 

Apple revealed this week at its closely watched press event that it will no longer use physical SIM cards and trays on its new iPhone 14 lineup in the United States. In its place, the company is adopting eSIMs, a digital alternative.

A SIM card is a unique identifier in every cell phone that allows it to connect to wireless networks and text and call. An eSIM is a “embedded” SIM card, or one that is hardwired into the phone itself. People typically change their SIM cards when switching carrier plans or traveling internationally and wishing to use a different service provider. 

Apple first introduced eSIM support on iPhones in 2018, promising that it would make it easier for customers to activate their cellular plans and use multiple phone numbers and carriers on the same device. Apple is now doubling down on this feature by removing the infrastructure required to support physical SIM cards from the iPhone 14. 

“With eSIM, you can quickly transfer an existing cellular plan or get a new cellular plan, all digitally,” Apple’s VP of iPhone marketing, Kaiann Drance, said at the event Wednesday.

Drance also emphasized how eSIM cards can make devices “more secure,” noting that “if your iPhone is lost or stolen, someone can’t remove the physical SIM card.” 

According to the Federal Communications Commission, eSIMs provide “significant security benefits.” According to the federal agency, some bad actors have been known to steal a physical SIM card and swap it into a different phone to gain access to someone’s information and reset their accounts. Because it “cannot be stolen without stealing the phone,” an eSIM card may reduce this risk. 

In theory, removing the SIM card slot could provide another benefit: more room for larger batteries or other phone features. That’s no small feat for a company like Apple, which is constantly striving to make its products thinner. 

While the removal of the SIM card slot is not as divisive as Apple’s decision to remove the headphone jack, it has sparked some debate on social media. 

Frequent international travelers, in particular, are accustomed to changing physical SIM cards in various locations and may visit locations where carriers do not yet support the use of eSIMs. In mainland China, for example, the iPhone 14 does not currently support eSIM.

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Brazil drop Jesus and Coutinho from squad for friendlies.

Both Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho were left out of Brazil’s squad for Friday’s friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia as Tite’s side prepares for the World Cup. 

Image source: Punch

The five-time world champions face Ghana on September 23 in the French city of Le Havre before facing Tunisia four days later at the Parc des Princes. 

Jesus, who joined Premier League leaders Arsenal from Manchester City this season, appeared 11 times for Brazil in World Cup qualifying without scoring. The tournament begins on November 20 in Qatar.

Coutinho, who has 21 international goals to his name, has had a slow start to the season with Steven Gerrard’s struggling Aston Villa.

Unsurprisingly, Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar is included in the squad and could play in Tunisia alongside PSG teammate Marquinhos. 

Brazil will begin their bid for a sixth World Cup against Serbia on November 24 in Lusail, followed by games against Switzerland and Cameroon in Group G.

Brazil’s team:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool/ENG), Ederson (Manchester City/ENG), Weverton (Palmeiras). 

Defenders: Danilo (Juventus/ITA), Alex Sandro (Juventus/ITA), Alex Telles (Sevilla/ESP), Marquinhos (PSG/FRA), Eder Militao (Real Madrid/ESP), Thiago Silva (Chelsea/ENG), Bremer (Juventus/ITA), Roger Ibanez (Roma, ITA). 

Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United/ENG), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle/ENG), Fred (Manchester United/ENG), Fabinho (Liverpool/ENG), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham/ENG), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo). 

Forwards: Antony (Manchester United/ENG), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool/ENG), Matheus Cunha (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Neymar (PSG/FRA), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona/ESP), Richarlison (Tottenham/ENG), Rodrygo (Real Madrid/ESP), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid/ESP). 

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Amusan wins the Diamond League trophy and establishes a new record.

Tobi Amusan, a record-holder from Nigeria who finished in 12.29 seconds to successfully retain her Diamond League title, set a new record on Thursday. 

At the Diamond League in Zurich this year, she took first place in the women’s 100-meter hurdles. 

Following the winner, Kendra Harrison of the United States and Britany Anderson of Jamaica came in second and third, respectively. 

At the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the 25-year-old had won the gold medal in the women’s 100-meter hurdles in August. 

This came after she ran the hurdles record down in the semifinals of the World Athletic Championship in 12.12 seconds.

With her wind speed display in Eugene, Oregon, Amusan became the first Nigerian to win a gold medal at the championship. 

She also ran a 12:57 to defend her African championship title. 

Amusan has been a role model for female athletes both at home and abroad.

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Real Sociedad defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League.

Real Sociedad defeated Manchester United 1-0 in their Europa League Group E opener on Thursday, following an impeccably observed tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. 

Before kickoff, Old Trafford fell silent to honor Her Majesty, who died earlier that day at the age of 96, and players from both teams wore black armbands in tribute to the monarch. 

According to Live Score, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was making his second start of the season, came close on several occasions for the hosts, who had only three shots on target throughout the game.

Mendez slotted home from 12 yards after substitute Lisandro Martinez had handled in the area, snapping the Red Devils’ four-game winning streak. 

United were clearly the better team in the first 30 minutes, but they failed to create any clear opportunities.

Ronaldo thought he had given his side the lead 10 minutes before the interval, but his powerful header was ruled out after he had strayed into an offside position.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese superstar inexplicably headed wide with the goal at his mercy immediately after the restart, before lashing just over from outside the penalty area.

La Real went ahead in the 58th minute when Mendez powered home from the spot after David Silva’s shot had struck Martinez’s arm.

Casemiro

Erik ten Hag brought on Bruno Fernandes at half-time, and Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho in the second half, but United were unable to find a way past the visitors’ stubborn backline in the closing stages.

After defeating FC Midtjylland in February 2016, United have not lost at home in 19 Europa League games, according to Live Score.

At the sixth attempt, La Real achieved their first victory in Europe over English opposition. 

On Sunday, both teams resume domestic play with La Real traveling to Getafe in LaLiga and United playing away at Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

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As king, Prince Charles replaces Queen Elizabeth.

Prince Charles || image source: KOAT

Buckingham Palace confirmed on Thursday that Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history and an icon instantly recognizable to billions of people worldwide, has passed away at the age of 96. 

Charles, Prince of Wales, the oldest of her four children and the oldest heir apparent in British history at 73, succeeds her as monarch right away. 

Following the palace’s Thursday announcement that doctors were “concerned” for the queen’s health and that she remain under medical monitoring, the queen passed away. 

Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, all of whom are now in their sixties and seventies, came to her Scottish Highland home, Balmoral. 

Charles’s sons, Prince William and his estranged brother Prince Harry, joined them.

Liz Truss was selected as the 15th prime minister of her reign two days earlier by the queen, who was photographed grinning but appearing elderly and using a walking stick. 

One image from the encounter that showed a dark purple bruise on the monarch’s right hand caused concern.

Following World War II, Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne at the young age of 25 in 1952, entering a political world stage dominated by leaders such as US president Dwight D. Eisenhower, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, and Mao Zedong of China. 

Her 70-year rule coincided with enormous social, political, and technological change spanning two centuries. 

The final ruins of Britain’s extensive empire fell. At home, Brexit rattled her kingdom’s underpinnings while her family dealt with a string of scandals.

She was the monarch and head of state of 14 former British colonies, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, and she maintained her popularity throughout. 

She also served as supreme ruler of the Church of England, the mother church of the global Anglican communion, and head of the 56-nation Commonwealth, which includes one-fourth of the world’s population. 

However, concerns will be raised about whether the British monarchy’s heyday has come to an end, how a centuries-old institution can survive in the present, and whether Charles will demand the same respect or rule in his mother’s shadow.

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Buckingham Palace has announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Buckingham has announced not long ago that Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch, died at the age of 96 at Balmoral, after reigning for 70 years. 

Her family gathered at her Scottish estate after health concerns arose earlier in the day. 

Since her accession to the throne in 1952, the Queen has witnessed enormous social change.

When the palace summoned all of Elizabeth’s children to her side, it was clear that the situation was dire. 

As it turns out, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were in the UK for events this week. Harry went to Balmoral. 

Her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms following her death. 

Prince Charles is the next in line to the throne, according to the royal succession. He would be crowned King, and Camilla would be titled Queen Consort. 

While Charles is widely expected to be the next monarch… There has been speculation that he may abdicate, making his eldest son, Prince William, the new King of England. 

Queen Elizabeth is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren, and even more great grandchildren, not to mention many extended Royal family members from all walks of life. 

She was 96 years old.

Image source: The Associated Press

This story is being updated, and more information will be available soon.

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TUSSLE FOR OWNERSHIP!! Who do you believe is the original owner of Machala, Carter Efe or Berri Tiga?

Carter Efe, a popular Nigerian comedian, is being dragged on social media by singer Berri Tiga over their Machala hit song, which was removed from all streaming platforms days ago. 

Tiga went on the internet and claimed that he wrote and sang Machala. This caused quite a stir on social media, with rumors spreading that Efe benched Tiga after the track ‘blew.’

Remember how Carter Efe and Tiga created the Machala song, which swept the entertainment industry and went viral? According to new reports, the two stars had a falling out over the song, with one party claiming the other was trying to take all the credit. 

Berri Tiga claims he wrote the Machala song from start to finish. The singer responded during an Instagram live session after some fans asked if he produced the song. He claims he is solely responsible for writing and singing the song. 

Tiga went on to say that he had no idea why the song had been removed from all streaming platforms. He said:

“I effing sang Machala. I wrote and I sang Macahala 100% bro. I wrote Machala, I sang Machala from the beginning to the end.”

Tweet source: Yabaleftonline

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Barcelona thrash Plzen thanks to a hat-trick from Lewandowski.

Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick in his first Champions League game for Barcelona, as Xavi Hernandez’s side defeated Viktoria Plzen 5-1 at the Camp Nou on Wednesday. 

Barca, who failed to advance past the group stage last season, also had Franck Kessie and Ferran Torres score in an impressive performance. 

Lewandowski has now scored eight goals in five appearances in all competitions for his new team. 

“I knew it was going to be important to adapt right from the first game here,” he told uefa.com 

“Today is my wife’s birthday, so the goals and the celebration were both for her.” It means a lot that she was in the stadium on her birthday. Something incredible for me.”

The five-time European champions will face more difficult tests in Group C, which also includes Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. 

Following Bayern’s 2-0 win at the San Siro, the Catalan giants visit the Allianz Arena next Tuesday in a true test of how far they have come in the last year. 

Kessie nodded the ball home in the 13th minute after Jules Kounde had headed Ousmane Dembele’s corner back across goal. 

It was the Ivorian midfielder’s first goal for the club since joining from AC Milan during the summer transfer window. 

Midway through the first half, Ansu Fati nearly doubled the lead, but his effort was saved by visiting goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek.

Plzen were awarded a penalty in the 25th minute after Andreas Christensen brought down Jhon Mosquera, but the referee reversed his decision after a VAR review and awarded Barca a free kick.

With his 87th goal in the Champions League and first for his new club, Lewandowski moved ahead of Karim Benzema into third place all-time. 

In the 34th minute, the 34-year-old curled a low shot into the bottom corner from just inside the area. Jan Sykora headed in Vaclav Jemelka’s cross shortly before the break to give the Czechs a lifeline. 

Plzen, on the other hand, couldn’t stay within a goal until halftime, when Lewandowski stooped unnoticed to head Dembele’s cross over the line.

In the 67th minute, Lewandowski completed his sixth Champions League hat-trick with a fine low strike from distance. 

“I’m not sure if Robert is the best striker in Europe, but he’s the best for us,” Xavi said. 

“He helps us play out, he presses, he brings us a lot of attack solutions.” Total maturity as a player, and absolutely stunning. He scored a hat-trick, but it was his teamwork that impressed me.” 

Xavi’s men added a fifth goal soon after, with Torres drilling a brilliant volley on the turn into the top corner from Dembele’s chipped pass. 

Plzen avoided further damage, but they face a difficult task in their remaining five group games, beginning with a home game against Inter.

Robert Lewandowski man of the match
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Napoli beats Liverpool 4-1 in the Champions League opener.

Wednesday’s opening Champions League group match saw Napoli defeat last season’s beaten finalists Liverpool 4-1, continuing Jurgen Klopp’s team’s unsettling start to the season. 

At the Stadio Maradona, Napoli pushed Liverpool aside with a frenzied first-half effort, and they rightfully led by three goals at the break. 

In the fifth minute, Piotr Zielinski opened the scoring from the penalty spot, and two more skillfully executed goals from Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Giovanni Simeone, making his Champions League debut, left Jurgen Klopp’s team facing a humiliating loss. 

The fourth goal was almost immediately added by Poland midfielder Zielinski to give Napoli the perfect start to Group A.

After a two-season hiatus, Luciano Spalletti’s club has returned to Europe’s elite tournament and is currently in second place, level with Ajax, who defeated Rangers in similar fashion. Napoli improved on a solid start to their domestic campaign, placing second in Serie A after five games, and will be buoyed by excellent showings from newcomers, especially explosive winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. 

Georgian Kvaratskhelia, who has already won over Napoli supporters with his dynamic wing play and eye for goal, had a significant impact despite playing for less than an hour. 

The Scots, meantime, have kept Liverpool off the bottom, and they are now focusing on trying to move up from seventh position in the Premier League.

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