Sports

AFCON 2023: Proactive Over South African Threat, Football Fans Urge FG

Published

1 year ago

February 6, 2024

Some Nigerian football fans have urged the Federal Government to take proactive measures, to protect the lives of Nigerians living in South Africa, following threats by some fans in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an advisory by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, advised Nigerians to be cautious of their movements, comments and maintain good conduct before, during and after the AFCON semifinal clash on Wednesday.

NAN reports that it made reference to alleged comments online from South Africans threatening Nigerians living in their country, should South Africa lose the match to Nigeria.

The fans spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Keffi Local government area of Nasarawa State.

Solomon Abari, former chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa State chapter, said football is not a do-or-die affair.

“If the situation is not checked, the essence of the AFCON tournament of fostering unity would be defeated.

“Africans should not be thinking in that direction because if they do, the whole essence of the tournament will be defeated,” he said.

Linus Oota, a football fan described the threat to innocent Nigerians for supporting their country as uncivilised and uncalled for.

“Sports particularly football, unites people. So if we have a match with them and they are threatening to attack our people, then those making those threats are uncivilized.

“This is a sporting activity that is supposed to unite and strengthen the bond between the two countries. For the Nigerian ambassador to be issuing advisory shows the seriousness of the matter,” he said.

He said that those issuing the threat have no confidence in the ability of the Bafana Bafana against the Super Eagles in the AFCON semi final clash.

“The match is yet to be played and they are acting this way. Does it mean they don’t trust their team?

“Have they foreseen that they are going to lose the match and then they are extending the anger to innocent Nigerians in South Africa.”

He called on the Nigerian government to issue a strong warning to the South African government to call their citizens to order.

Esther Akaa, Assistant Secretary, SWAN Nasarawa state chapter also called on the Nigerian government, through the High Commission, to take steps to protect Nigerians from any form of attack.

“This is the time for the Nigerian ambassador to sit up and ensure that Nigerians in South Africa are protected.

“The ambassador should liaise with the security outfits there to ensure Nigerians are not attacked after the match on Wednesday,” she said.

She urged those South Africans threatening Nigerians not to resort to violence but pray for their team to emerge victorious.
(NAN)

Related Topics:#AFCON #Super Eagles Bafanbafa

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PHOTO: Okocha Hosts Ex-coach Clemens Westerhof In Lagos

Published

2 days ago

August 2, 2025

Editor

Nigerian football icon Jay-Jay Okocha recently hosted his former Super Eagles coach, Clemens Westerhof, at his Lagos home.

Westerhof, who posted photos from the visit on Instagram on Friday, called it an “unforgettable night of my life” and thanked Okocha for his warm hospitality.

Westerhof, a Dutch national, managed the Nigerian national team from 1989 to 1994.

Under his leadership, the Super Eagles won their second Africa Cup of Nations title in 1994 and made their FIFA World Cup debut the same year, impressively topping a group that included Argentina, Bulgaria, and Greece.

Okocha made his national team debut during Westerhof’s tenure and later became one of Nigeria’s most iconic footballers.

Sports

Transfer: Atalanta Hold Lookman Back From Inter Milan Move

Published

3 days ago

August 1, 2025

Editor

Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has again told his Italian side, Atalanta, about his desire to leave this summer.

The camp of the Super Eagles’ forward conveyed the player’s decision to the club on Tuesday after Inter presented a written proposal of €42m plus €3m add-ons.

Atalanta are insisting on €50m valuation for the Nigerian international and there is no green light to the move as of now, according to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano.

Meanwhile, as earlier reported, Lookman’s international teammate, Victor Osimhen will land in Istanbul on Wednesday with medical scheduled for Thursday at Galatasaray.

Meanwhile, Álvaro Morata has been waiting for Osimhen’s arrival so as to leave the club and did not train with the team on Tuesday. The Spaniard wants to join Italian side, Como.

Ronano reports that Morata has no intention to stay at Galatasaray and is only keen on the Como move.

Sports

‘She Has Placed Edo On Global E-Sports Map’ – Enabulele Celebrates Bezi On New GWR Feat

Published

1 week ago

July 28, 2025

Editor

Edo State Sports Commission has applauded Bolade Bezi for her remarkable achievement in setting a new Guinness World Record in E-Sports.

Bezi completed an extraordinary marathon of 57 hours, 10 minutes, and 5 seconds playing the popular video game “God of War”.

The feat was officially recognized during a ceremony held at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, expressed admiration for Bezi’s resilience and groundbreaking accomplishment.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele congratulated Bezi and praised her determination, focus, and passion for E-Sports.

“I must celebrate Bolade Bezi for her commitment and dedication to setting this new world record.

“Since the event commenced on Friday, she has demonstrated unwavering resilience and passion for E-Sports,” Enabulele said.

He noted that the officially recorded gameplay time was 49 hours, 0 minutes, and 14 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by Peer Bresser and Jimmie Smets in Cologne, Germany, on November 8–9, 2017, which stood at 24 hours, 15 minutes.

“Bolade Bezi’s accomplishment in achieving the longest video game marathon in the hack-and-slash genre is truly commendable. She has not only shattered the previous record but also placed Edo State on the global E-Sports map,” he added.

Enabulele emphasized that the milestone is a source of immense pride for Edo State and Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting youth engagement in constructive ventures like E-Sports, which he described as powerful tools for personal growth and social development.

“This achievement aligns perfectly with our vision to inspire and empower our youth, steering them away from social vices and toward meaningful pursuits. It reflects the aspirations of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for sports development in Edo State,” he stated.

In her remarks, Bezi, a clinical physiologist, said her motivation for undertaking the intense marathon was to raise awareness about mental health, particularly depression and anxiety—two of the most widespread mental health issues today.

“This challenge was physically and mentally demanding. Sleep deprivation was the biggest obstacle, but I am grateful to God for making it possible. We are also using this platform to show that E-Sports is a viable and growing sport in Edo State,” she said.

Bezi expressed deep appreciation to Enabulele and the leadership of the Edo E-Sports Association, led by Ovebedaro Dean Bezi, for their unwavering support throughout her journey.