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Real reason why we hired ex-Mali coach –NFF boss, Gusau

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
President of the Nigeria Football Federation Ibrahim Gusau is optimistic that ‘understanding of African football mentality’ by the new Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will help him deliver on the task of qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Chelle was unveiled on Monday at a brief ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja by the NFF, one week after his announcement as the 37th coach of the Super Eagles.
He was given a two-year deal with an option to extend by another year if he gets the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket.
NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau
NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau
During his unveiling, Gusau banked on the confidence that Chelle had shown in their interactions over the past few days, stating that the federation would give him the necessary support.
“Eric is here to work and I want to assure all Nigerians that if Eric can give us what happened in Mali, by the grace of God we are going to the World Cup,” Gusau said.
“There is no coach in the history of Nigerian football that didn’t have this kind of issue. Look at Westerhof, how did he come to Nigeria? What was his record of Bonfrère Jo when he came to Nigeria? But the key thing is we want somebody that understands the mentality of African football.
“We are ready to give him all the support that he needs to execute his job without hitches and I know we will get the results.”
Chelle’s assignment is due to commence fully in March when the 2026 World Cup qualifying series resumes in March.
The Super Eagles are currently fifth in their group with just three points after four matches and will face a trip to Rwanda on March 17 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 24.
Chelle won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali and coached clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne and MC Oran.
At the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, Chelle’s Mali came very close to a place in the semi-finals, losing to hosts and eventual winners 2-1 after extra time, after leading by a lone goal until the final minute of regulation time.
Punch
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Protests erupt in Plateau over incessant k!llings

Protests erupted in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Monday morning over the continued killings of indigenous residents by gunmen suspected to be Fulani militants.
The demonstrations, led by Christian leaders including the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Polycarp Lubo, commenced on Monday morning at the Fawvwei Junction community road, causing a heavy gridlock and stranding commuters.
The latest protest comes amid a surge in violent attacks by gunmen in various communities, with over 100 people killed in Bokkos and Bassa LGAS in the past two weeks.
“We are not happy over the continuous attacks and killings by gunmen in our communities. That’s why we have come out again to protest these happenings,” said Gyang Dalyop, one of the protesters.
Another protester, Hannatu Philip, called on the government to intervene before it spirals out of control.
The protesters brandishing placards with different inscriptions were seen marching towards the Rayfield Government House.
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Tinubu not your equal – Presidency replies Peter Obi’s ex-running mate, Datti

The Presidency has said the former Labour Party, LP, presidential running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed is no match for President Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare was reacting to Datti’s remark that he (Tinubu) would not run for the presidency in 2027.
The former LP running mate insisted that Tinubu’s time is up, adding that everything is there for the president and the ruling All Progressives Party, APC, to see that they lose in 2027.
Dismissing such remark, Dare likened Datti’s comment to the new year predictions of charlatan ‘prophets’ which never come through.
In a statement he signed, Dare said the likes of Peter Obi and Datti would have been president left for the latter’s theories.
According to Dare, Datti has chosen to venture into an unfamiliar terrain.
The statement reads partly: “Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed’s “illogical logic” was all over the place in his recent interview with a television channel.
“Listening to Yusuf Datti Baba- Ahmed spurn his postulations about the political future of Nigeria and that of the incumbent President is like listening to the new year predictions of charlatan ‘prophets’ which never come through. Yusuf Baba Ahmed and his co-traveller Peter Obi are indeed a “double whammy“ in the Nigerian political space.
“He chose to base his political calculations on President Bola Tinubu not winning a second term given his antecedents and because Nigerians will decide at the polls among other things. He conveniently avoided the substance of performance and capacity.
“Unfortunately, he chose to walk into a lane he was unfamiliar with and chose to confront a politician he is no match for.”
Similarly, the Presidency had also stressed that Tinubu will reveal his plans for a second term at the right time.
It said the APC 2027 presidential campaign billboards had no links to Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
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‘Conducting unfair election in 2027 will lead to Nigeria’s demise’ – Top Northern Politician Sends Warning To Tinubu

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former aide to Vice President Kashim Shettima has warned that any attempt by the government in power to manipulate the 2027 general elections will be resisted.
He also said that should the polls or its results be tampered with, this would create dire consequences for the country.
Baba-Ahmed said this in a viral video seen by 9NEWS NIGERIA.
The former leader of the Northern Elders Forum who just resigned his position as a presidential aide said conducting a bad election might lead to Nigeria’s end.
“Conducting a bad election in 2027 may lead to the end of Nigeria, I swear to God,” Baba-Ahmed said.
He further stated that elders from the Northern region would soon take a stand on the nation’s politics ahead of the 2027 election.
“There will be a time we will come out and say it’s okay, and it’s soon. This injustice is over. We know who we are,” he warned.
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