Messi Continues To Generate Income For Barcelona

 Nigerianewslite

It’s been a couple of months since Lionel Messi departed FC Barcelona. However, the Spanish club continues to be connected with the Argentine forward through the financial side. 

According to AS, Barcelona still sells items related to Messi in its shops. For example, a signed captain’s armband sold for €643.5, a 2020-21 season jersey signed by Messi sold for €1,170, and even a jersey signed by Xavi Hernandez, Andrés Iniesta, and Messi at the cost of €2,950.

The official Barcelona store also continues to use the image of Messi in conjunction with that of other culés legends; such is the case of a kit from the 2013-14 season signed by the Argentine star, Xavi Hernández, and Iniesta. In this case, the price of the garment shoots up to €2,950

Messi left this past summer after Barcelona couldn’t afford to fit his contract under the La Liga wage salary cap. As a result, they had to part ways with their club legend. 

Nonetheless, the Argentine still ‘continues playing’ for Barca and helping his former team generate extra-sports income thanks to exploiting his image.

 Sport

EPL: Guardiola singles out two Super Eagles players after Man City defeat Leicester 6-3

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has hailed the Nigerian duo Kelechi Iheanacho and Ademola Lookman after their performances in Sunday’s Premier League clash.

City almost threw away a four-goal lead against Leicester, but went on to win 6-3 at the Etihad.

On Iheanacho’s return to Brendan Rodgers’ starting XI, he scored a goal and assisted two – one of which was Lookman’s.

Aside from his goal, Lookman’s runs kept the City backline in check. The former Everton star had five successful dribbles and won more than half of his duels.

Guardiola has now singled out the two Super Eagles forwards for their displays against his side.

They have big quality in transition, and then they changed shape,” Guardiola said after the game.

“Vestergaard is an excellent player, and when Tielemans and Maddison can play, they have lots of quality, with Kelechi and Lookman too.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU 💕

 Nigerianewslite

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU 💕

Am happy we made it together,many struggled to achieve one thing or the other, to meet up with one target or the other but they are not alive today to tell the story..

But you and I are alive in good health..., Happily... Cheerfully...

So ,it's a thing to thank God for.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU 💕

 

IMF borrowed from Nigeria in 1974 — Former Finance Minister

By Abdallah el-Kurebe

Sokoto — Minis- ter of Finance in the Second Republic, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, said yesterday the International Monetary Fund, IMF, borrowed money from Nigeria in 1974.

Alhaji, who revealed this when Senator Shehu Sani paid him a private visit in his residence in Sokoto, said he signed the loan agreement when he was Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance.

IMF

The former Finance Minister, who did not disclose the amount involved, said:  “I weep for Nigeria for what it has become today. The country has vast resources that if well harnessed, could lead the country     to greater heights.

’In 1974 when I was permanent secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance, the IMF approached us for a loan. I signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria. Unfortunately, today expenses of government have driven us into recession,’’ he said.

He added that Nigeria’s over-dependence on oil was the result of the economic problems the nation was plunged into.

He said: “Aside from oil and agriculture, Nigeria had industries that were earning foreign exchange for it. Agriculture and the industries were allowed to recede and when global fuel prices crashed, we are nowhere today.”

Alhaji further noted that the present 36 states were too many and had bred corruption, noting that government’s expenditure was on the high side.

He said:  “The more states we have, the more corruption there is. We should have between six and twelve states. We should cut our coat according to our size.”

On the Biafran agitation, the former Minister said Nigeria should remain united, noting “there is nothing better for us than a united Nigeria. We have potentials that could be harnessed and enjoyed together.”

 

Mourinho’s hand in Nigeria’s new foreign coach

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The Nigeria Football Federation will soon announce the appointment of a new foreign coach for the Super Eagles. The announcement could be made before the impending Africa Cup of Nations billed for Cameroon in January.

The new coach, whose identity is still being kept under wraps, was recommended to Nigeria by one of the best and most popular coaches in the world, Jose Mourinho.

Sports Nigerianewslite exclusively gathered that in his bid to get the best tactician for Nigeria, Pinnick who has never hidden his lack of confidence in Nigerian coaches, went in search of a capable hand who would replace sacked Gernot Rohr.

Our source informed that due to the backlash that followed Rohr’s poor performance with the Eagles, Pinnick didn’t want to take anything for granted, in his search for Rohr’s replacement.

“The NFF boss went as far as meeting with many respected names including the former Chelsea coach, Jose Mourinho to assist him in getting a good coach for Nigeria,” our source said.

“The speed and precision with which the NFF applied in securing a new coach could not have been possible without the role played by the ‘Special One’.”

Our source said the NFF President is not leaving anything to chance in his bid to ensure Nigeria’s flag is flown in Qatar 2022. “Qualification to the 2022 World Cup is top priority for NFF president Amaju Pinnick,” he said.

Pinnick, himself said as much when he explained that Rohr was booted out to avoid a “disaster”, which will actually be failure to feature at Qatar 2022 that will guarantee millions of US Dollars to the country.

Although the new coach is expected to be named before the AFCON, he is expected to be in Cameroon as a spectator. “He is expected to have a first hand knowledge of the team from the background while interim coach Austin Eguavoen pilots the campaign for Nigeria’s fourth continental title,” our source added.

Nigerianewslite News Nigeria

INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT REMAINS TOP ON MY LEGISLATIVE AGENDA, EKWUNIFE REASSURES

 INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT REMAINS TOP ON MY LEGISLATIVE AGENDA, EKWUNIFE REASSURES

- Flags Off St Theresa's Catholic Church Road, Nibo

By Linus Chukwuma

The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Uche Ekwunife, PhD, has reiterated that infrastructural development remains top of her legislative agenda, adding that she will continue to invest in road infrastructure to achieve economic prosperity. The Senator noted that infrastructural development was important for faster economic growth and alleviation of poverty.

Ekwunife, who spoke on Friday December 17, 2021, at the flag off of St. Theresa's Catholic Church Road, Nibo, Awka South LGA, noted that construction of rural roads would benefit Agriculture as farmers would be able to sell their products without stress of transporting to urban areas. The lawmaker pledged to continue to improve living conditions of the people through various people-focused legislative interventions.

The Chairman Senate Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation who was represented by a delegation of her project team led by former Managing Director of Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Chief Victor Okpoko noted that she attracted the road in order to fulfill her promise to the community. She noted that upon completion the project would boost commercial activities in the area.

Eulogizing the federal lawmaker, the Vicar of St. Theresa's Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Kenneth Kenechukwu Okafor described Ekwunife as a "talk and do" lawmaker who keeps to her political promises. He stated that the people of Anambra state have been echoing the positive impact of Ekwunife in the state.

Speaking further, the cleric on behalf of the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Dunu, and the entire Parishioners commended the lawmaker for her developmental strides across the district, praying God to grant her heart desires.

"When we were newly posted to this parish we heard that Ekwunife promised to construct this road and today we are excited and here to witness the flag-off ceremony", he concluded.

According to the Chairman of PDP ward II, Mr. Daniel Okpeke, we are here to witness the flag off of this crucial road, it is one of the campaign promises the Senator made to the good people of Anambra Central Senatorial District and we are delighted that it is a reality.

In her brief remarks, Mrs. Florence Ekwunife said that the road is a great project, adding that it will improve the socio-economic activities of the people of the community. She further noted that the federal lawmaker was doing a wonderful work in Nibo and would be supported to return to the National Assembly 

Engr. Tochukwu Kalu who spoke on behalf of the construction firm assured the community that the road would be completed within the time frame.

Ahead of the Conferment of Iyom Ifekaolaedo On Ekwunife By The Clan Head of Dunukofia Ancient Kingdom

 Ahead of the Conferment of Iyom Ifekaolaedo On Ekwunife By The Clan Head of Dunukofia Ancient Kingdom

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Today, December 18, 2021, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr Robert Chukwudilim Eze (Okofia IV), Igwe Ukpo and Clan head of Dunukofia Ancient Kingdom shall confer a prestigious Chieftaincy title of Iyom Ifekaolaedo on the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Uche Ekwunife, PhD.

The conferment which is part of the series of activities lined up for the 2021 Ofala festival of the respected Monarch will also see other distinguished personalities honoured by the community.

While Senator Ekwunife will receive the title of Iyom Ifekaolaedo, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state will be conferred the title Ifezulumba.

Other recipients include, PDP National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu, South East PDP Zonal Chairman, Chief Ali Odefa, Senator Sam Ohuabunwa amongst others.

The Ofala festival of the Dunukofia clan is a memorial ceremony for the remembrance of the day the traditional ruler of the community ascended the throne of his ancestors. The event also presents the opportunity for the King to pray for the progress of his subjects and protections against evil.

Historically, Dunukofia is both an LGA and a clan/dynasty with the King of Ukpo Kingdom occupying the position of the clan head. Also worthy of note is that the celebrated Philanthropist and Chairman of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, Prince Engr. Arthur Eze (Ozoigbondu) is a revered Prince of the community.

The conferment of Ifekaolaedo which literally means "SOMETHING MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD" on Ekwunife is without doubt a testimony of her extraordinary efforts towards community development. Senator Ekwunife's investments in human capital and infrastructural development have obviously not gone unnoticed. The recognition by Ukpo Kingdom is an honour well deserved.

Hail thee, the incoming Iyom Ifekaolaedo of the Ancient Ukpo Kingdom!

By Kingsley Ubani