Author: David Great

South Africa finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in the Ivory Coast, defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo 6-5 on penalties following a goalless draw at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Saturday. South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena missed the outside of the post with the first kick, and the next eight attempts were all successful, leaving DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba to score to win the game. But South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saved Mbemba’s effort was saved, taking the shootout into sudden death. Williams then saved again from Meschak Elia to win the tie. No extra…

Jude Bellingham scored twice as Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo added one apiece as Real Madrid recorded a 4-0 win over La Liga title contenders Girona on Saturday, extending the home side’s lead at the top of the table to five points. Girona, unbeaten in 15 league games since losing to Real in September, would have moved top of the standings with victory but stayed second behind Carlo Ancelotti’s men. “It was the best game of the season, all very good. the challenge increases the level of the team,” Ancelotti told a news conference. “Vinicius had a top game when he…

Qatar retained the Asian Cup crown after beating Jordan 3-1 on Saturday at Lusail Stadium where Akram Afif converted three penalties as the hosts won their second continental title. Jordan were playing in their first Asian Cup final and seeking their first major trophy, but it was Qatar who prevailed in front of 86,492 fans including Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Yazan Al-Naimat had briefly given Jordan hope when he netted an equaliser in the second half but their dreams were shattered when they conceded two more penalties, put away by Afif who…

General Jones Arogbofa (rtd), who served as Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Jonathan, has died. The cause of the death of the 72-year-old retired military general remains unknown as of the time of filing this report Confirming the death of the former chief of staff, media mogul, and former lawmaker, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce disclosed this via his X handle. “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Brigadier General Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa (Rtd), the former Chief of Staff, to former President Goodluck Jonathan. Tinubu’ aide blames moles as PDP demands N1bn memo probe “He was a…

Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League with a 3-1 win over Burnley at Anfield on Saturday, but they were made to battle by a brave visiting side before claiming all three points. Burnley began the brighter side but Liverpool took the lead in the 31st minute through a Diogo Jota header from a corner, before the visitors levelled just before the break when Dara O’Shea headed home. It was a much better home side in the second half, and seven minutes after the interval Luis Diaz dived to head home a Harvey Elliott ball across the goal.…

Erling Haaland returned to scoring ways with a brace to lift Manchester City to a 2-0 home victory over relegation-threatened Everton on Saturday and provisionally into top spot in the Premier League table. Haaland, who recently missed almost two months with a broken bone in his foot, netted his 15th and 16th of the season in the second half to break down some stubborn Everton resistance and go clear at the top of the Premier League scorers’ list. Haaland also added another record to his collection with the 23-year-old bagging 51 goals in 50 league starts — more goals in…

Nigeria is proposing that gas producers sell gas to local power plants in naira to ease dollar shortages following a second currency devaluation in less than a year, which is projected to raise expenses and make it difficult for businesses to pay. Nigeria has 24 gas power plants with a total production capacity of 11,434 megawatts, but only about one-third of that capacity is delivered to the grid due to gas supply concerns. “Proposing domestic gas payment in naira is a key step toward stability, aligning with our economy’s needs and promoting sustainable energy production,” Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu said…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has cleared all 12 governorship aspirants ahead of the party’s primary election billed for February 17. The contenders are vying for the party’s state gubernatorial ticket in the upcoming September 2024 governorship election. The APC announced that 12 aspirants will be participating in the screening process ahead of the party’s primary election. On Friday night, the party’s National Gubernatorial Aspirants Screening Committee, led by Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, vetted all 12 hopefuls. The screening took place from Thursday, February 8, to Friday, February 9, 2024. This was revealed by the APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman…

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced on Friday an imposition of a N10,505,286,072 fine deductible from annual allowed revenues of the 11 power distribution companies during the next tariff review as part of sanctions over their non-compliance with the capping of estimated bills for unmetered customers. The decision of NERC was made available in a notice seen by Chronicle NG in Abuja on Friday. The electricity regulator stated that the Discos billing of unmetered customers in their various franchise areas for 2023 revealed non-compliance with the monthly energy caps issued by the commission. “The public may recall that in…

The Nigerian Navy has arrested 10 persons suspected to be dealing in oil bunkering in Akwa Ibom. Commodore Madumom Ide, the commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee, disclosed this to journalists on Friday in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of the state. He said the navy arrested the suspects in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area on December 28, 2023. The commander added that the impounded vessel, codenamed “Motor Tanker Queen Hansal” contained products suspected to be crude oil. “Ten suspects were arrested—one captain and nine crew members—all Nigerians. Crude Oil Theft: Admiral urges Tinubu to blow up vessels,…