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Govt Unveils New Jerseys For Edo Queen, Bendel Insurance, Introduces Sports In Primary, Secondary Schools Curriculum

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The Edo State Government says it has introduced sports as part of the curriculum in primary and secondary schools across the state as a fundamental step to cultivate young talents.

The governor of the state, Mr Godwin Obaseki who was represented by his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, disclosed this at the New Festival Hall of the Government House, Benin City at a ceremony to unveil new Jerseys for the state’s football clubs, Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance.

INFO DAILY reports that a Nigerian construction firm, Peculiar Ultimate Concern Limited is sponsoring the female Team, Edo Queens while Sterling Bank is sponsoring it’s male counterpart, Bendel Insurance.

He said the Godwin Obaseki led adminstration has been working on providing enabling environment that will ensuring the organized private sector takes over the exclusive funding of sport, particularly football as the case in other parts of the world.

The Deputy Governor told the gathering that the administration was plotting a graph that would ensure that sport funding in the state was taking over by the Private sector.

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Now our graph is at between 90-10 and 80-20, but we are working towards a situation where the graph will be 10-90, meaning that government would only be responsible for 10% of the funding and the Private sector 90% until we achieve a situation where full value of the game is maximally explored, not just as entertainment, as viable commercial and income generating tool”.

He added: “In developing sports in Edo State, we have made it part of the curriculum in our primary and secondary schools. In our public schools, we will dedicate Wednesdays for sporting activities. It will also be part of the continuous assessment in our schools. The era for sports scholarship is back to Edo State.”

The Managing Director, Peculiar Ultimate Concern Limited Company, Engr Lanre Adeleke, who alongside his wife, Barrister Adeleke was at the unveiling of the new Jersey told the gathering that the sponsorship of the women’s football club was to further establish the company’s belief that patronage of the nation’s local content would not only reduce unemployment, but would also douse youth unrest and enhance the image of the country in the international space.

Engr Adeleke believed that apart from this, “the sponsorship of a women football team by our company; which is purely Nigerian in all sense, is another major avenue to build capacity of women, show that women could do more unimaginable exploits and accelerate national development with their contributions in sport, academic and politics among others if given the opportunity”.

READ ALSO: NPFL: Bendel Insurance Outclass Akwa United In Season Opener

The Managing Director of Peculiar Ultimate Concern Limited also lauded the Edo State government under Governor Godwin Obaseki for his resolve to promote sport for development.

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On his part, the Executive Director of Sterling Bank, Mr Tunde Adeola said the Bank would continue to invest in Bendel Insurance football team because the bank believed in its capacity to for quality football.

The unveiling ceremony was witnessed by the secretary to Edo State Government, Hon Osarodin Ogie Esq, Chairman of the State Sport Commission, Hon Yusuf Alli, and Edo State Chief Judge, Hon Justice Joe Acha among other dignitaries including Ex-internationals and football enthusiasts.

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Why We Lost Against Mali – Finidi George

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Super Eagles interim coach, Finidi George has provided insights into why his team lost to the Eagles of Mali in an international friendly match held in Marrakech, Morocco.

Super Eagles interim coach, Finidi George has provided insights into why his team lost to the Eagles of Mali in an international friendly match held in Marrakech, Morocco.

The Super Eagles suffered a 2-0 loss to Mali on Tuesday, with Finidi attributing the defeat to costly errors made by his team.

The Enyimba gaffer rued the missed chances in the game, but applauded the boys for their dominant performance.

READ ALSO: PHOTOS: Nike Unveils Super Eagles 2024/25 Jersey

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Finidi George said, “It was not a bad game. Good intensity. We created a couple of chances, but we could not score. And in games like this, if you don’t score, and make mistakes, you will be punished. Lost one. We were not outplayed.

“In the first game as well, we did so well. I would have loved a different result, but that’s not the case. If you look at the performance of the players, it is commendable.”

The Super Eagles will now shift their attention to the June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

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Messi Reveals When He’ll Retire From Football

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Iconic Argentine footballer, Lionel Messi, recently discussed retirement on the Big Time Podcast, shedding light on his future plans as he navigates the twilight of his career.

Since joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Messi has contributed 16 goals and seven assists in 19 appearances across competitions.

However, the 36-year-old has also grappled with injury issues, leading to concerns about his longevity in the sport.

Reflecting on his retirement plans, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasized his self-awareness, acknowledging that he evaluates his performances critically.

READ ALSO: Messi Hits 500 League Goals As Inter Miami Cruise Past Orlando

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Messi expressed his readiness to step away from the game when he feels he can no longer perform at his best or derive enjoyment from playing, regardless of his age.

“I am very self critical of myself, I know when I’m good, when I’m bad, when I play well and when I play badly. When I feel it’s time to take that step, I will take it without thinking about age,” Messi said.

“I know that moment I feel I am no longer ready to perform, that I am no longer enjoying myself or helping my teammates.”

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Brazil’s Gabigol Handed Two-year Ban For Anti-doping ‘Fraud’

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Flamengo’s international forward Gabriel Barbosa was suspended for two years on Monday for attempted fraud during a doping test, a Brazilian sports court said.

Known as Gabigol, the 27-year-old Brazilian was alleged to have been uncooperative during a surprise doping test at club headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.

The punishment, which can be appealed, is backdated to April 8 last year, when the events occurred.

He failed to comply with the schedule, disrespected the doping officers and refused to obey instructions, local media said.

READ ALSO: Court Dismisses Suit Seeking To Stop Elections, Examinations On Saturday

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“The aforementioned athlete was tried today by the Full Court of Sports Anti-Doping and, by majority, it was decided that a violation of the anti-doping rule of fraud had occurred,” the court said in a statement sent to AFP.

Gabigol subsequently hit back on social media, saying “I never tried to obstruct or defraud any test.”

I am confident I will be found innocent at the highest court,” he added.

Flamengo said in a statement it would support its player and assist with his appeal “because there was no type of fraud”.

READ ALSO: Three Feared Killed In Delta Auto Crash

On the testing day, Gabigol’s teammates underwent testing in the morning while he ignored a request to be present and attended after lunchtime, according to the accusation.

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When he finally arrived to be tested, he reportedly became upset because an officer escorted him to the bathroom.

Furthermore, he did not respect the sample collection protocol, according to the accusation.

A key figure in Flamengo’s 2019 domestic league and Copa Libertadores titles, Gabigol has consistently denied having tried to cheat in the test.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Nigerian Lady Set To Drive From London To Lagos

“The Flamengo player has confirmed that the test has been carried out and the result was negative,” his lawyer said in December, when the allegations first surfaced.

“In view of this information, there is nothing that could compromise or violate the protocol,” the lawyer added.

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Gabigol had disappointing spells at Portugal’s Benfica as well as at Inter Milan in Italy having come through Santos’ academy, before joining Flamengo in 2019.

His return to form for Flamengo earned him call-ups to the Brazil squad and he made the last of his 18 international appearances in January 2022.

Gabigol’s contract with Flamengo expires in December.

 

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