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France Vs Morocco: What French captain said about Atlas Lions -Anything can happen!

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Everybody knows that France are favourites in Wednesday’s semifinal clash with Atlas Lions of Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium, the magnificent edifice that hosted the opening ceremony of the ongoing World Cup.

However, followers of the game also know that at this stage of the World Cup anything can happen.

Any team that enjoys the benefits of their hard work and the benevolence such produces can not only be among the last two but also capable of winning the diadem. It is this belief and the wave from Arab world that have put everybody on the edge here in Qatar and beyond.

This is a World Cup full of surprises. This is the first World Cup in the Arab world, the first in the Middle East, the first time an African team would beat Brazil (Cameroun), the first time fans could watch two matches in a day (because of the proximity of the stadiums), the first World Cup one African country will maul down football giants – Belgium, Spain, Portugal – and the first time that same African country will reach semifinal.

And who says the surprise cannot continue? This is precisely why Hugo Lloris, the French captain who keeps for Tottenham said some hours ago that one would be making a mistake to assume that France would be coasting to the final with ease. A journalist had said that Morocco, having reached this far, would have nothing to lose against France. “I don’t think Morocco want to stop here (Semifinal). They want more victories. It’s all about heroism. They want more,” Hugo reacted in the last media interaction before the cracker.

There’s a feeling here that Morocco can continue the surprise song if they can stop Kylian Mbape. But was that not the mistake England made against France? Kyle Walker fared well marking Mbape but the French sensation sometimes moved away from the left flank, played deep and made good moves. That was how he created their first goal. Mbape may create goals for France if Morocco try to block him from running into their vital areas especially from the left where he usually plays. But can they? Whatever happens at Al Bayt, Morocco have done Africa proud. Getting to the semifinal of the World Cup in this style is a story that will be told and retold to generations. And they are not done yet. That’s the warning Hugo was sounding it while hoping they will successfully defend the World Cup. They are in Qatar as champions but Morocco have become the news here. Journalists are descending on African journalists at the media centre to speak on Morocco. More of their fans have stormed Qatar for the match against France.

The Arab world will be behind them. They are at home in Qatar. French fans will be many but Moroccan fans will be massive and noisy for the African heroes. Support from fans can motivate but may not win matches otherwise Peru would be here. Qatar fans are still missing them. Their last World qualifier last June was here against Australia. 30,000 fans from Peru sang, drummed and made the stadium warm for 90 minutes. Qatar fell in love with them. They won on the stands but lost on the pitch.

Fans wore long faces as they left the stadium. They wanted a repeat of their orchestra at the World Cup. Moroccan fans will outnumber those cheering France but the players will be the ones that will win the game. Morocco have a goal keeper, Yassine Bounou, who conceded only an own goal in regulation time here. He is a goal keeper that follows the ball in penalty shoot-outs rather than choose a side to dive to even before the kick like many goal keepers do. He will be a force against France. So will be Hakim Ziyech, Sofiane Boufal and captain Romain Saiss if he returns from injury.

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Kano Court Bars CBN from Withholding LG Funds

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A high court in Kano State has issued a permanent injunction restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from withholding funds allocated to the 44 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

Justice Ibrahim Musa-Muhammad delivered the ruling on Monday after an ex parte motion filed on November 1 by the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ibrahim Muhammed, and five others. The applicants sought to prevent the respondents from delaying or withholding allocations crucial to local governance.

Respondents in the case included the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), the CBN, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the 44 Kano LGAs, and commercial banks such as United Bank for Africa and Access Bank.

In November, the court had granted an interim order preventing the CBN and AGF from withholding funds. In his final judgment, Justice Musa-Muhammad ruled in favor of the applicants, affirming that they had established their case.

“The AGF, CBN, and RMAFC are duty-bound to disburse monthly allocations to the 44 LGAs as democratically elected councils,” the judge ruled, emphasizing that withholding the funds would violate the fundamental rights of residents.

Citing sections 33, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Articles 13, 19, 22, and 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the court reinforced the constitutional requirement that local government funds be disbursed without interference.

Legal analysts and stakeholders in Kano welcomed the ruling as a landmark decision. NULGE Chairman Ibrahim Muhammed hailed it as a victory for grassroots governance, stating, “This ruling ensures that local governments receive their rightful allocations without political or bureaucratic interference.”

Senior legal practitioner Barrister Amina Yusuf described the judgment as “a reinforcement of the principle of fiscal federalism,” stressing that local government allocations are a constitutional right, not a privilege.

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Ibadan North Bye-Election Aspirant, ‘Socrates’, Bags NANS Southwest Award

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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone-D (Southwest), the umbrella body representing students across Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States, has conferred an Award of Honour on one of its former leaders and a frontline aspirant in the forthcoming Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election, Hon. Monsuru Akintunde Adeyemo, popularly known as Socrates.

The prestigious recognition was bestowed during the NANS Zone-D inauguration ceremony held on Monday, February 10, 2025, at the FUOYE Part-time Centre, Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Ayegbaju, Ekiti State.

While presenting the award, Com. Owolewa Taiwo, NANS Zone-D Coordinator, lauded Adeyemo for his selfless leadership and unwavering commitment to the association and Nigerian students. He described him as a pro-people thinker who served meritoriously and empowered many.

“Our amiable leader, Sir! Indeed, we’re proud of you, and we want to say thank you for all you’ve done for Nigerian students and humanity in general,” Owolewa said.

“On behalf of myself, the executives, leaders here present, and the entire Nigerian students in Yoruba land, I present this Award of Honour to you, Sir, Hon. Monsuru Akintunde Adeyemo (Socrates), in recognition of your invaluable contributions and meritorious service to NANS Southwest (Zone D).

“You’re being honoured with much appreciation and gratitude. May you continually flourish. Congratulations!”

In his appreciation and solidarity message, the politician, Adeyemo who was represented by the immediate past NANS/JCC Chairman in Oyo State and the current NANS Zone-D Contact and Mobilisation Secretary, Comrade Ridwan Ademola Adegoke (Pa Solution), thanked the association for recognising his contributions to students and humanity.

Describing the honour as a challenge to do more, he reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people.

“Indeed, I dearly use this medium to appreciate the current leadership of NANS Zone-D, capaciously led by our own valued brother and esteemed comrade, Owolewa Taiwo. Thank you for this wonderful meritorious ‘Award of Honour’ that was bestowed on me in recognition of my invaluable contributions and meritorious service to NANS Southwest (Zone D) as a leader and former coordinator of the zone.

“I remain pro-people, and I promise to do more.

“I’m humbled by your encomiums and acts of honour. Of course, this award is a testament to my selfless service to the people, and it is dedicated to all my fellow constituents of Ibadan North Federal Constituency and all my supporters at home and in the diaspora. Thank you all.”

Adeyemo, a renowned pan-African activist and communication professional, has been a pillar of support for student activism and youth empowerment, making him a celebrated figure in the Nigerian student movement.

 

 

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Afenifere Chieftain, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Passes Away at 96

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Elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has passed away. The renowned nationalist died peacefully on Friday morning at his residence in Lekki, Lagos, at the age of 96.

His family confirmed the development in a statement, expressing gratitude for a life dedicated to the service of God, the nation, and humanity.

“With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation, and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo,” the statement read.

“The foremost nationalist, elder statesman, distinguished lawyer, very distinct politician, apostle of true federalism, former organising secretary of the Action Group, and national leader of Afenifere is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

“We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total, and this he fought for until he breathed his last.”

The family noted that consultations are ongoing with Pa Adebanjo’s associates, political allies, and various interest groups to plan a befitting funeral. Details of the burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at his Lagos residence (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1) and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Pa Adebanjo was a towering figure in Nigeria’s political history, known for his unwavering advocacy for true federalism, democracy, and justice. His passing marks the end of an era in Yoruba and Nigerian politics.

 

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