It’s difficult to definitively rank the top African footballers of all time, as there have been many great players from the continent over the years. However, here are some of the most notable and influential:
George Weah – from Liberia, he won the Ballon d’Or in 1995 and was the first African player to win the award.
Samuel Eto’o – from Cameroon, he won the African Player of the Year award four times and scored over 300 goals in his career.
Abedi Pele – from Ghana, he won three African Player of the Year awards and was a key player for Marseille during their success in the early 1990s.
Roger Milla – from Cameroon, he was a star of the 1990 World Cup and scored four goals in the tournament.
Didier Drogba – from Ivory Coast, he is the all-time top scorer for his national team and won four Premier League titles with Chelsea.
Jay-Jay Okocha – from Nigeria, he was known for his incredible dribbling skills and was a fan favorite during his time at Bolton Wanderers.
Yaya Toure – from Ivory Coast, he won the African Player of the Year award four times and was a key player for Manchester City during their successful years.
Rashidi Yekini – from Nigeria, he is the all-time top scorer for the Nigerian national team and scored the country’s first-ever goal in a World Cup.
Mahmoud El-Khatib – from Egypt, he was a star of the 1980s and helped lead his club team, Al Ahly, to many domestic and international titles.
Rabah Madjer – from Algeria, he scored a crucial goal in the 1987 European Cup final for his team, Porto, and was a key player for Algeria during the 1982 World Cup.
Honorable mentions: Hossam Hassan (Egypt), Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria), Michael Essien (Ghana), Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia), Thomas N’Kono (Cameroon).
Don Lemon is a prominent American journalist, author, and television news anchor who worked for CNN until he was unceremoniously laid off Monday, April 2023.
Here are 20 facts about his life and career:
Don Lemon was born on March 1, 1966, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
His full name is Don Carlton Lemon.
Lemon graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in broadcast journalism.
Lemon began his career as a weekend anchor for WBRC in Birmingham, Alabama.
He later worked as a reporter and anchor for WCAU in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and WNBC in New York City.
Lemon joined CNN in 2006 as a correspondent.
He became the anchor of CNN Tonight in 2014.
Lemon has covered a range of major news stories during his career, including Hurricane Katrina, the Charleston church shooting, and the 2020 presidential election.
In 2018, Lemon was named as one of Time’s 100 most influential people.
He has written several books, including “Transparent,” which discusses his life as a gay black man in America.
Lemon has been outspoken about social and political issues, including racism, police brutality, and LGBTQ+ rights.
In 2019, he received the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism.
Lemon has been criticized for some of his comments on air, including calling white men the biggest terror threat in the United States and comparing Trump supporters to drug addicts.
He has also been praised for his honesty and candor, particularly in discussing his own experiences with racism and homophobia.
Lemon has been in a relationship with Tim Malone, a real estate agent, since 2016. They announced their engagement in 2019.
In December 2021, CNN announced that Lemon’s contract had not been renewed and he had been terminated from the network.
The decision to terminate Lemon’s contract was reportedly related to his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19, which is a requirement for all CNN employees.
Lemon has not publicly commented on his termination, but he has expressed skepticism about the COVID-19 vaccine in the past.
Since leaving CNN, Lemon has not announced any new job opportunities, but he has been active on social media and has made several appearances on other news programs.
Lemon has a large following on social media, with over 1.5 million followers on Twitter and over 900,000 followers on Instagram.
The Ghanaian capital Accra formally took over as the 2023 World Book Capital of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) from the Mexican city of Guadalajara on Monday.
“Books and reading are essential to us all, as a source of information, questions and emotions, to get us close with the world,”
Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay said at the launching ceremony for the 2023 World Book Capital along with Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He added that the choice of Accra as the 2023 World Book Capital was a call for action to support reading among all people and remove the barriers to reading on the African continent.
While reading some books with some school children at the ceremony, Akufo-Addo said: “The World Book Capital is more than a reading campaign.
It is an opportunity for the government and international partners to leverage these diverse linkages, to culture and education to deepen our collective actions to make progress on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.”
“It is also a catalyst for investment in Ghana’s creative and cultural sector that will enable this growing sector to provide more decent jobs for our young people,” the president added.
According to UNESCO, “The application from Accra also includes a strong human rights dimension, which aims to raise public awareness about freedom of information and expression, building on its own promotion of these rights as well as its involvement in World Press Freedom Day.
Cities designated as UNESCO World Book Capital undertake to promote books and reading for all ages and population groups, within and across national borders, and to organize a programme of activities for the year.”
As the twenty-third city to bear the title since 2001, Accra follows Guadalajara (2022) and Tbilisi (2021). Past capitals include Madrid (2001), Alexandria (2002), New Delhi (2003), Anvers (2004), Montreal (2005), Turin (2006), Bogota (2007), Amsterdam (2008), Beirut (2009), Ljubljana (2010), Buenos Aires (2011), Erevan (2012), Bangkok (2013), Port Harcourt (2014), Incheon (2015), Wroclaw (2016), Conakry (2017), Athens (2018), Sharjah, (2019) and Kuala Lumpur (2020).
At exactly 4.17p.m., when the doors of the private jet that brought the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, swung open, an elated Tinubu emerged with his two arms raised to acknowledge greetings from the relieved supporters.
Betraying neither signs of ill-health nor fatigue, the president-elect yesterday returned to Nigeria after an overseas vacation that lasted five weeks. The waiting audience of supporters went into frenzy with exultant joy that dispelled earlier suspense and tension caused by Tinubu’s failure to arrive by 2:00 p.m., as earlier announced by the secretary of the recently-dissolved Presidential Campaign Council, James Faleke.
Tinubu appealed to his overwhelming supporters to allow him rest upon his return to the country. Addressing the elated crowd, Tinubu said he would be taking some rest, and will then see them all on Tuesday.
The President-elect also said that after a long time, he would like to eat some amala, a Yoruba delicacy.
“I’m happy to be back. I have rested, I’m refreshed and I’m ready for the task ahead. Forget about what the rumour mill may have told you. I’m strong, very strong.”
Asked about his plans for the country, he said he had been consulting and planning with a view to putting together a strong team, so he could hit the ground running once he assumes office on May 29.
“I am extremely excited to be back home after my trip to Europe. I am hale and hearty. I am preparing for inauguration on May 29, and consulting with those who will be part of the new government,” he said.
Tinubu was accompanied by his wife, Remi Tinubu, and son, Seyi Tinubu.
Recall that Tinubu travelled out of the country on March 21, a day after the first and second runners-up of the presidential election, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, filed petitions challenging his return as winner of the February 25 poll.
The richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangote, is reportedly close to sealing a deal to purchase a French team, Valenciennes FC.
The French media outlet, Entreprendre, claimed that the Nigerian, the 86th richest man in the world, would initially take over the 60 per cent stake of the Eddy Zdziech family and would thereafter look to gain full control of the club, which was established in 1913.
The 110-year-old cub has spent an equal amount of time playing in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, having played 40 seasons in the first division and 36 seasons in the second division. They have never won the first division, but have won Ligue 2 on two occasions. Valenciennes have also won the Championnat National and the Championnat de France amateur in 2005 and 1998, respectively.
Some notable former players of the club include Argentina 1986 World Cup winner Jorge Burruchaga, Cameroon legend Roger Milla, former Senegal national team coach Bruno Metsu, and former France national team star Jean-Pierre Papin.
With six games until the end of the Ligue 2 season, Valenciennes currently lie 15th in the table, with 37 points from 32 games, and three points clear of the relegation zone.
An acquisition by Dangote might propel them to the next level by signing the best legs and revitalising the team as a whole, but the club’s main priority would be retaining their Ligue 2 status.
Dangote had in the past tried to buy a controlling share in Arsenal, most notably in 2010, but his bid was unsuccessful.
Israel Adesanya is a Nigerian-New Zealand professional kickboxer who is also a mixed martial artist and ex-boxer.
Israel Adesanya’s full name
His full name is Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya.
Age
Israel Adesanya was born on July 22, 1989. He is currently 33 years old and will be 34-year-old by July 22, 2023.
Tribe
Adesanya was born in Lagos, a southwestern state in Nigeria. Some reports claimed he traced his roots to Odogbolu in Ogun State.
Family
Parents
His father’s name is Oluwafemi. He is an accountant, and his mother, Taiwo, is a nurse.
Wife
At the time of writing, Adesanya is not married, and there is presently no report of his children.
Education
Adesanya attended Chrisland School, Opebi, and enrolled in its Taekwondo after-school club until his mother removed him due to an injury.
In 1999, he relocated to Ghana with his family for 10 months, but due to his parents wanting their children to receive a well-recognised higher education, he settled in Rotorua, New Zealand, at age 10 and attended Rotorua Boys’ High School.
Adesanya was not interested in sports during high school; instead he was interested in Japanese anime such as Death Note and the manga series Naruto.
Adesanya was bullied during his high school years and attributes the mistreatment he experienced to his decision to pursue martial arts later in life.
Following high school graduation, Adesanya enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Computer Design at the Universal College of Learning in Whanganui.
At the age of 18, he started training in kickboxing, after being inspired by the Muay Thai film Ong-Bak.
Two years later Adesanya made the decision to cease his studies in pursuit of a career in kickboxing and went on to amass an amateur record of 32–0 before turning professional and fighting in China.
Career
Before taking up fighting, Adesanya regularly competed in dance competitions across New Zealand.
Early beginnings
In May 2010, Adesanya won the first fight of his seven-fight winning streak, defeating Tim Atonio by unanimous decision.
He won his next six fights, fighting almost exclusively with Wu Lin Feng in China. His winning streak earned him a place in the 2014 Kunlun Fight 80 kg tournament, held during Kunlun Fight 2. He lost the semifinal bout against Simon Marcus by an extra round split decision.
Adesanya afterwards made his Glory debut at Glory 15, when he faced Filip Verlinden. Verlinden won the fight by unanimous decision.
The two of them fought a rematch at Glory of Heroes 3, two years after their first fight, with Adesanya winning a unanimous decision.
Adesanya participated in the King in the Ring Cruiserweights II tournament of the regional circuit in New Zealand.
In the quarterfinal, he beat Slava Alexeichik by unanimous decision, in the semifinal he beat Pati Afoa by knockout and won the tournament with a knockout of Jamie Eades. Six months later, he took part in the 2015 Cruiserweights III tournament.
He scored technical knockouts of Kim Loudon and Mark Timms in the quarterfinal and semifinal bouts respectively, before winning the tournament for the second time with a first-round knockout of Pati Afoa.
Moving up in weight, Adesanya participated in the 2015 The Heavyweights III, as well. He defeated Nase Foai by TKO in the quarterfinal and Dan Roberts by KO in the semifinal, before facing Jamie Eades in the finals. The two had previously met in the final of the 2014 Cruiserweight tournament. Adesanya won the tournament final by unanimous decision.
Glory Middleweight Championship
Adesanya won five of his next six fights, including victories over Yousri Belgaroui[35] and Bogdan Stoica.
His loss came at the hands of future GLORY Middleweight champion Alex Pereira, who won by unanimous decision.
Adesanya participated in the 2016 Glory Middleweight Contender Tournament. He defeated Robert Thomas by unanimous decision in the semifinals, and won the tournament with a split decision victory over Yousri Belgaroui.
He fought Jason Wilnis for the Glory Middleweight championship at Glory 37: Los Angeles. Wilnis won the fight by unanimous decision, although the result was considered controversial.
His last kickboxing fight, before transitioning to mixed martial arts, was a rematch with Alex Pereira at Glory of Heroes 7. Pereira won the fight by knockout, after dropping Adesanya with a short left hook in the third round.
Adesanya in April 2023 defeated Pereira to reclaim the 185lb middleweight title just five months after he lost it to Pereira, who has previously beaten him twice in kickboxing.
Net worth and source of wealth
There is no reputable source for the estimation of Israel Adesanya’s net worth. Meanwhile, according to some online reports, his net worth is between $4 million to $10 million.
Controversy
In February 2020, Adesanya came under fire for comments made at the UFC 248 pre-fight press conference, where he said he would make opponent Yoel Romero “crumble like the Twin Towers”, referencing the September 11 attacks.
The following day, Adesanya made an apology on his Instagram page, saying “I was simply rambling and my brain worked faster than my mouth in a moment to choose the wrong euphemism. You speak on the mic enough times and you’re bound to miss the mark with some bars. I did on this one and for that I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful in future with my words.”
On 25 March 2021, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Sport, Grant Robertson, spoke out against Adesanya’s “flippant comments” on his Instagram “Bro, I will fuckin’ rape you” aimed at fellow UFC middleweight fighter, Kevin Holland. Robertson commented “I’m sure Israel understands that, I believe he has deleted the tweet in question. It will be up to the UFC as to what they do. But I would certainly be making clear to him [Adesanya], and to anybody actually, that we have to take rape seriously. It’s not an issue that anyone should be making jokes or flippant comments about at all.”
On 16 November 2022, Adesanya was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City for the possession of brass knuckles.
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.
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Medical and specialist doctors under the auspices of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, on Monday, called on the attention of the President-elect, Ahmed Tinubu to the needed reforms in the country’s healthcare delivery system.
In a congratulatory message to Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, jointly signed by the President, Dr. Victor Makanjuola, and Secretary General, Dr Yemi Raji, they noted that the current health system is faced with challenges of big funding gaps, infrastructure deficits, and a demoralised workforce.
They noted that the poor motivation of healthcare workers has resulted in the emigration of Nigeria’s scarce healthcare workforce to more developed countries.
The doctors stressed that urgent attention from the new administration would be required for any meaningful hope of redemption.
The statement further stated: “Committed operationalisation of the existing health-related laws such as the National Health Act 2014 and the recently enacted National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, Act 2022 has the potential to significantly close the existing funding gaps needed for expanding access to care by the majority of Nigerians pursuant to the attainment of the lofty goal of Universal Health Coverage, UHC.
“We look forward with an unwavering hope that your tenure will usher in an era of exponential growth and development for Nigeria.
“Your Excellency, we wish to assure you of our Associations’ availability for constructive and patriotic engagement with your Administration over most of Nigeria’s health system challenges.
“We look forward to working with your government and other groups with similar goals towards transforming our health sector into a model for other countries to copy. We wish to congratulate you on your election as the next President of our dear country, Nigeria.
“Your victory at the 25 February 2023 poll testifies to the confidence that Nigerians have in your ability to turn around the fortunes of our country for the better. It is our hope that you will draw from the vast experience you have garnered over time, in both the public and private sectors and particularly your outstanding performance as the Executive Governor of a modern Lagos State, as you get set to build the Nigeria of our dreams.
“It is evident that you will be inheriting the leadership of a country deeply divided along religious and ethnic lines. It is our belief that you will draw from your trademark tolerant and egalitarian disposition to pull our country together and leverage our diversity as a springboard for a resilient, strong, and united country – with an emerging country that will become a fountain of peace, development, and social justice.”
Acting Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), DCP Ahmed Musa, on Monday, held a meeting with traditional rulers from both the Hausa and Gbagyi communities in Gwarinpa, Abuja.
The meeting was aimed at brokering peace between the two groups and discussing ways to collaborate in order to keep youths in check and oust troubleshooters in the area.
A statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, explained that the meeting was held at the Commissioner’s office in the Command Headquarters in response to a “mild tension” that arose along Gwarinpa 3rd Avenue due to a squabble between some Hausa and Gbagyi youths on Saturday.
According to her, the traditional rulers and the Acting Commissioner of Police discussed ways to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
They also explored ways to foster better relationships between the two communities and promote peaceful coexistence.
Adeh also spoke on the number of casualties recorded during the clash.
“The fracas between the two groups which caused the grievous wounding of two (2) youths who were conveyed to the hospital where one was eventually declared dead after attempts to attend to his wounds failed, led to the arrest of one suspect who is currently assisting the Police in their investigations to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the affray,” she said.
The PPRO added that following the incident, the police deployed operatives to the affected areas to douse the tension and effect arrests.
Farmers in the Akure North Council area of Ondo state, have raised the alarm that their lives are in danger following an incessant attack by suspected Herdsmen.
They alleged that the herdsmen have threatened to displace them and take over their farmlands.
The spokesperson for the aggrieved farmers, Samuel Olowolafe, told newsmen in Akure, that the herdsmen have continued to wreak havoc in the community without any challenge.
Olowolafe said that they have lost their loved ones and properties worthy of millions of naira to the incessant attacks by the hoodlums.
“What really happened to us at the weekend was that these Fulani herdsmen wanted to take over our farmland, they came with guns and other dangerous weapons to attack us at the midnight and they carted away our properties, including, phones, and foodstuffs among others.
“They do perpetuate their devilish act in the midnight. We are calling on the state government and the security agencies to please come to our aid, our lives are in danger, and the government should please provide adequate security for us at Powerline and Ago-Oyinbo at Ala Forest Reserve.
He explained that the community, which is dominated by farmers, has come under heavy attack on several occasions and that they are now helpless.
Olowolafe narrated how the herdsmen attacked a local farmer on his farmland a few days ago in the community and macheted severally.
“They (herdsmen) came at the weekend again and attacked us, shooting sporadically. .
“The attacks continue, still continue till today ( Monday) they always carry out the attacks at night and in the early morning.
They carted away our food, destroyed our farm products, and even machete people to the extent that they landed in the hospital.
According to him, the marauders are already planning to take over the community by driving residents away from their homes.
Olowolafe, therefore appealed to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, to ask the Amotekun and other security agencies of government to relocate to the area and flush out the rampaging herdsmen.
President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has landed in Nigeria. Recall that NewsWireNGR had, earlier today, reported that Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria today, ahead of the May 29 inauguration.
Tinubu’s return to Nigeria was confirmed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga on Monday.
Recall that Tinubu, according to a statement signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman, had travelled abroad to rest and plan his transition programme ahead of the May 29, 2023 inauguration, after a very exhaustive campaign and election season.
Rahman had said, “The president-elect decided to take a break after the hectic campaign and election season to rest in Paris and London, preparatory to going to Saudi Arabia for Umrah (Lesser Hajj) and the Ramadan Fasting that begins Thursday.”
According to him, while away, Tinubu would use the opportunity to plan his transition programme before his return to Nigeria.
He enjoined the media to stop publishing rumours and unsubstantiated claims and to always seek clarifications from the office of the president-elect.
Vice President elect Kashim Shettima and governors at the airport reception for President elect Tinubu pic.twitter.com/P2S6mzXDcW
Last year June, I got the shocker of my life when my daughter was diagnosed with sickle cell disease. To us, this is an unimaginable reality, as I have earlier done genotype tests twice before marriage
I was diagnosed as AA on both occasions.
How can my daughter be SS? This question drove us crazy. Unfortunately, I was misdiagnosed as AA instead of AS on both occasions. My family was thrown into confusion and trauma due to the negligence of some medical practitioners.
My wife and I had to separate until we were told about chorionic villus sampling (CVS), also known as prenatal diagnosis. This is expensive and has its risks, an option we had no choice but to embrace rather than separating.
However, I have been looking for permanent solutions for my daughter. Living with sickle cell anaemia is extremely tough. One of the worst things that can happen to a parent is seeing your child in excruciating pain and not being able to help or do anything to relieve their pain or in the worst-case scenario, experience the death of your own child!
The only known cure for sickle cell disease is Bone Marrow Transplant. Since I learned of this, I have been saving up to help save my daughter. Unfortunately, I am still far off the required cost.
This is why I am appealing to the public to come to my aid and support my daughter in her Bone Marrow Transplant journey.
I am giving my all to save this child, and I will be putting my life on hold to ensure this comes to reality.
Please kindly support and donate as willing as you can afford. God bless you as you do
Hi,
I will really appreciate it if you would share or donate to this GoFundMe [https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-husseinah-get-a-bone-marrow-transplant],
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says the average price of 5kg of cooking gas is most expensive in Kwara and cheapest in Rivers state when the price is compared across states of the nation.
According to the Bureau’s “Cooking Gas Price Watch’’ for March 2023 released on Monday in Abuja, generally, the price increased from N4,600.57 recorded in February to N4,610.48 in March.
The report said the March 2023 price represented a 0.22 per cent increase, compared to what was obtained in February 2023.
It said on a year-on-year basis, the increase was 22.03 per cent from N3,778.30 recorded in March 2022.
On state profile analysis, the report showed that Kwara recorded the highest average price of N4,962.87 for 5kg cooking gas, followed by Abuja at N4,940.00, and Adamawa at N4,915.00.
It said on the other hand, Rivers recorded the lowest price at N4,204.45, followed by Abia and Anambra at N4,220.15 and N4,232.75, respectively.
Analysis by zone showed that the North-Central recorded the highest average retail price of N4,872.20, followed by the North-West at N4,651.93.
“The South-East recorded the lowest average retail price at N4,441.55,” the NBS said.
The report said the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas rose by 0.09 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N10,253.39 in February 2023 to N10,262.56 in March 2023.
“On a year-on-year basis, this rose by 34.72 per cent from N7,617.71 recorded in March 2022 to N10,262.56 in March 2023.”
State profile analysis showed that Jigawa recorded the highest average retail price of N11,687.00 for 12.5kg cooking gas, followed by Akwa Ibom at N10,880.20 and Cross River at N10,810.65.
On the other hand, the report showed that the lowest average price for 12.5kg of cooking gas was recorded in Ebonyi at N9,500.00, followed by Yobe and Gombe with N9,600.00 and N9,766.67, respectively.
Analysis by zone showed that the South-South recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas at N10,507.72, followed by the North-West at N10,435.35.
The report said the North-East recorded the lowest price of refining 12.5kg cooking gas at N9,808.50.
However, the average retail price per litre of kerosene dropped to N1,142.46 in March 2023 on a month-on-month basis, showing a decline of 2.68 per cent, compared to N1,173.89 recorded in February 2023.
According to its National Kerosene Price Watch for March 2023, on a year-on-year basis, the average retail price per litre of kerosene rose by 102.37 per cent from N564.55 in March 2022.
On state profile analysis, the report showed the highest average price per litre of kerosene in March 2023 was recorded in Adamawa at N1,595.24, followed by Abuja at N1,368.52 and Bauchi at N1,314.58.
“On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Jigawa at N916.67, followed by Kaduna at N955.00 and Edo at N957.14.”
The NBS said the analysis further showed that the North-East recorded the highest average retail price per litre of Kerosene at N1,256.59, followed by the South-East at N1,248.68.
It said the North-West recorded the lowest average retail price per litre of kerosene at N981.47.
The report said the average retail price per gallon of Kerosene paid by consumers in March 2023 was N4,105.25, indicating a 4.56 per cent increase from N3,926.23 recorded in February 2023.
“On a year-on-year basis, the average price per gallon of kerosene increased by 104.07 per cent from N2,011.70 recorded in March 2022.
