Sports
Drink Plenty Of Water, Stay Relaxed – Lagos Government Issues Health Advisory Ahead Of AFCON Final
The Lagos State Ministry of Health has issued a health advisory to all residents ahead of the much anticipated African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday.
In the aftermath of the match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana of South Africa during the semifinal match in Bouaké, on Wednesday, SaharaReporters had reported that no fewer than five Nigerians dead after watching the match.
A statement released by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, on Saturday, outlined some tips to help citizens prioritise their health and well-being while enjoying football matches or any other intense activities.
The statement outlined the tips as follows: “Know Your Limits: Understand your physical limitations and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions before engaging in activities that could potentially exacerbate them.
“Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Crowded poorly ventilated hot environments should be avoided with attention to good hydration. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and ensure you drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods to keep your body fueled and hydrated, especially during prolonged periods of sitting and watching the game.
“Take Regular Breaks: Stand up, stretch, and move around periodically to prevent stiffness and promote circulation. This can also help maintain alertness and prevent fatigue. Maintain Good Posture: Sit in a comfortable chair with proper back support and avoid slouching to reduce strain on your muscles and spine.
“Stay Calm and Relaxed: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness to manage stress and emotions during intense moments in the game.
“Be Prepared for Emergencies: Familiarise yourself with the location of medical facilities and emergency exits at the venue, and know how to access help quickly if needed. Contact the Lagos Emergency Medical Team, LASAMBUS, at 767 or 112 toll-free line in case of a medical emergency.”
In the statement, the commissioner also urged viewing centres to ensure that venues where football matches are watched have adequate medical facilities and trained personnel on hand to respond swiftly in case of emergencies.
It also advised residents to seek prompt medical attention if they experience any unusual symptoms or discomfort.
Sports
From Junk Food To Nigerian Fufu With Ewedu Soup : How My Mum Introduces Fufu To Me, Transformed My Game On The Pitch – Ademola Lookman
Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, the winner of the Africa Player of the Year award at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco.
Lookman was the biggest winner at a star-studded 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, as Africa’s best performers for the year were honoured.
Ademola Lookman reflects on a pivotal moment in his life as a Nigerian growing up in the UK.
According to him,”During my childhood in the UK, I often found myself indulging in convenient junk food. It was quick and easy, but not exactly nourishing.
“One day, when I was around ten years old, my mum came to watch me play soccer with my friends. After the game, she noticed that I was frequently knocked down by the other kids when we battled for the ball.
With a concerned look, she said to me, ‘Ademola, my son, I’m not pleased with how easily you fall during the game. You’re a Nigerian, and you should possess the stamina that comes with that heritage.’
The very next day, my mother introduced me to Fufu (Nigeria Food). At first, I was put off by its strong smell, but when paired with ewedu soup, I began to appreciate it. Before long, I noticed a remarkable boost in my stamina.
Looking back, I can’t help but wonder how I would have made it this far without embracing Fufu. I will always carry the pride of representing Nigeria,”he said.
Super Eagles interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has undergone a successful surgery in Belgium after several delays. The procedure had been postponed multiple times due to his busy schedule with the team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers campaign.
Eguavoen played a key role in leading the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in November. However, health issues kept him away from the 2024 CHAN qualifiers against Ghana. In his absence, assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede has taken over responsibilities, guiding the home-based Super Eagles.
In the first leg of the CHAN qualifier in Accra, the Eagles secured a goalless draw, setting up a decisive second leg. The team returned to Nigeria on Tuesday and arrived in Uyo, where they are preparing to host the Black Galaxies at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday, December 28.
Assistant coach Ogunmodede expressed optimism about the upcoming match, emphasizing the importance of a win to secure the team’s place in CHAN 2024. Preparations began immediately upon their arrival, with the squad scheduled for their first training session at the stadium’s practice pitch on Tuesday night, December 24.
The Super Eagles aim to leverage home advantage to achieve victory in this crucial encounter.
Raheem Sterling will be sidelined for the next few days, dealing Arsenal yet another serious injury blow.
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, revealed this and acknowledged that the England attacker had suffered a knee injury.
“Raheem Sterling will also be out for weeks. He’s suffered an injury, it’s his knee,” Arteta told reporters as quoted by Fabrizio Roman.
“He will be assessed again in the next days to understand how long he will be out.”
Bukayo Saka would be out due to injury, Arteta has previously stated.
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