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Prosperity Cup 2025: Agbere FC Are Sagbama LGA Champions Again

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Prosperity Cup 2025: Agbere FC Are Sagbama LGA Champions Again

Agbere FC of Agbere on Monday came from a goal down to beat Indomitable Lion FC of Sagbama to retain the Sagbama Local Government Area title of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup.

In the final match that took place at the council field, Sagbama town, Agbere FC, the defending champions, outclassed Indomitable Lion FC by two goals to one to lift the trophy under watchful eyes of the local government chairperson, Hon. Mrs. Alice Tangi, councilors and political appointees in the area.

Kelvin Emmanuel put Indomitable Lion FC ahead on 27 minute from a well-placed effort to beat Agbere FC goalkeeper who was kept busy throughout the first half.
Having conceded a goal in the first half, Agbere FC came back more determined in the second stanza with relentless forays into their opponents goal area, which paid off in 60th minute with Chibuzor Maxwell leveling the scores..

Agbere FC made it 2-1 on 82 minutes through Gift Diri’s brilliant finish to send their supporters into wild jubilation.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of Sagbama Local Government Area, Hon. (Mrs.) Alice Tangi, noted that the governor’s unwavering passion for the development of sports in the state has given sports a new direction, stating that the continuous participation of youths in sports has drastically reduced crime rate across the state.

She expressed confidence that more players from the Prosperity Cup would represent the country in the future, pointing out that the people of Sagbama were pleased with the progress the tournament has recorded so far.

Agbere FC coach, Ughelli Kennedy in his post-match reaction, attributed his side’s poor performance in the first half to lack of understanding, stressing that the display of his team in the second half was a reflection of what his team can offer in the rest of the competition.

Coach of Indomitable FC, Anthony Abaluwa, blamed his team’s defeat on their wastefulness in front of goal, maintaining that they would have buried the game in the first half having dominated proceedings.

Champions Agbere FC smiled to the bank with the sum of one million naira (1,000,000) while second placed Indomitable Lion FC were rewarded with Five Hundred Thousand Naira (#500,000) for their effort.

Agbere FC, has by this feat, joined Adaka FC, Crusaders FC and Nembe City as champions of their respective LGA champions.

Attention now shifts to Ogbia Local Government Area on Tuesday 13th, 2025 as the defending LGA champions, Movers FC of Otuasega battles high-scoring Citiboi FC of Imiringi by 2.00p.m. at the Imiringi Township stadium.

Lagos Chairmanship Aspirant, Adelakun Abayomi Faults APC LG Primary Election, Wants Reversal 

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Lagos Chairmanship Aspirant, Adelakun Abayomi Faults APC LG Primary Election, Wants Reversal 

An aspirant for Igbogbo -Baiyeku LCDA in Lagos State, Adelakun Abayomi has said the Saturday primary election in the LCDA failed to meet expectations of the people, including delegates and aspirants. 

According to him, the process was shrouded in shenanigans and secrecy, noting that it was a rape on democratic principles which the leader of the party, President Bola Tinubu stands for.

Addressing a press conference supported by Ikorodu Concerned Leaders of APC, Abayomi called for cancellation of the primary election in Igbogbo -Baiyeku LCDA for a fresh exercise that will be transparent, open and devoid of interference by interested parties.

Below is the text of the press conference:

We the umbrella body of Concerned APC Leaders in Ikorodu local government area condemn the Saturday, May 12 conduct of APC primary election in Igbogbo -Baiyeku LCDA. 

We are deeply worried that at a time when our party both at the federal and local government level have continued to adopt transparency and openness to entrench democratic norms, so cannot be said of  Igbogbo -Baiyeku LCDA, where brigandage and rancour has been the order of the day as a result of imposition, impunity, recklessness and clear flouting of extant laws and electoral principles. 

To begin with, we are left at a loss on how 24 delegates were accredited as against 27 that ought to be accredited. That is not all, 26 people ended up voting, raising questions on how additional two people voted and how they came about. It raises a big question mark on the credibility of the process. 

It must also be clearly stated that during the sham called primary election, votes were cast in secret in a hall without the aspirants or agents witnessing it. Votes were suppose to be cast openly as witnessed during the national primary election held in Abuja but that was not the case in the last Saturday’s primary election in Igbogbo -Baiyeku LCDA. 

We were also shocked that in the 26 ballot papers displayed, all the 26 delegates have the same handwriting, when it is really impossible for two people to have the same handwriting. That again faults the credibility of the primary election in Igbogbo -Baiyeku LCDA. 

According to the election committee all the 26 votes voted for only 1 aspirant out of 4. How could this be possible? How can none of the four contestants secure a single vote out of the 26?

The remaining 3 aspirants didn’t get a single vote, whereas we came with different dedicated number of delegates. Apart from that, delegates were also sent out immediately after voting unlike what we witnessed at the presidential national primary election. It really fell below standard. 

The records are also there for everyone to see that some of the delegates that waited till the counting of vote registered their disappointment. They chanted “NO  I DIDN’T VOTE FOR THE PERSON DECLARED AS WINNER. Some were visibly in tears for our party because of flagrant and barefaced disrespect that the election committee displayed.

It also took the election committee 45 minutes to bring out the ballot boxes out for counting, after they had perfected their shenanigans. That is very sad for democracy. 

Agents were also not allowed access into the voting area. The purpose of each Aspirant taking an agent there was defeated because they were not allowed to witness the voting carried out secretly in a hall and NOT in the open.

We are calling on the leadership of our party to look into this rape on our democracy and reverse the election as it did not by any stretch of imagination reflect the collective will of delegates.

 

Prosperity Cup 2025: Nembe City FC Lifts Nembe LGA Championship Trophy

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Prosperity Cup 2025: Nembe City FC Lifts Nembe LGA Championship Trophy

Nembe City of Ogbolomabiri have emerged champions of Nembe Local Government Area in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup.

Nembe City pummeled Okoroba FC of Okoroba four nil to lift the Nembe Local Government championship trophy in an encounter watched by the local government chairman, Hon David Alagoa and other political appointees, at the Nembe City Stadium.

By the feat, Nembe City joins Crusaders FC of Ekeremor, Adaka FC of Kolokuma/Opokuma as champions of their various LGAs.

Ebinyo Victor put Nembe City in front three minutes into the game converting a cross from the right flank. Abraham Ayibaitari doubled the lead for the Nembe-based side on 14 minutes from a well-connected ball having started the encounter in an exhilarating fashion.

Forward Abraham Ayibaitari added another goal on 47 minutes from a well-delivered cross. When it seemed the encounter was going to end three nil, Abraham Ayibaitari compounded the woes of Okoroba FC on 82 minutes to record the second hat trick of the ongoing LGA finals.

Chairman of Nembe Local Government Area, Hon David Alagoa in his remarks, lauded the governor, Senator Douye Diri and the organisers of the tournament for the initiative, stating that it has helped in the discovery of budding talents from the nooks and crannies of the state.

He commended both sides for their determination and professionalism throughout the encounter, maintaining that he is upbeat that players from the tournament would represent the nation in the future, describing both teams as winners.

The council boss, who described sports, particularly football as a unifier, asserted that apart from the prize money and trophy, the showpiece has brought unity amongst the youths in the state.

Nembe City FC coach, Raphael Affagi attributed the victory to his team’s determination, pointing out that their target is to triumph at the state level when the round of 32 of the tournament commences.

Coach of Okoroba FC, Ekwere Itoro, said the tournament has exposed them to a better playing environment, stressing that their aim is to give Okoroba a community good representation.

Also, Nembe City FC captain, Monday Kuki, expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for the victory.

The Champions Nembe City got the sum of one million naira (#1,000,000) while second placed Okoroba FC smiled to the bank with five hundred thousand naira (#500,000).

The local government finals move to Sagbama Local Government Area on Monday, May 12th, 2025 by 2.00p.m. at the Sagbama Council Field as defending champions Agbere FC of Agbere battles Indomitable FC of Sagbama.

Sources Expose Multi-Billion Naira Corruption Ring Within NPA – Signalng

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The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), once Africa’s leading maritime hub, is now in freefall under Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho’s leadership.

What began as bureaucratic decay has rapidly devolved into systemic collapse, with insiders alleging the agency is now being run to bleed Nigeria’s economy dry.

Sources who spoke to Leaders.ng under anonymity say the NPA under Dantsoho has become a “fully monetized extortion enterprise,” with massive operational inefficiencies as cover for looting on a scale never before seen in the Authority’s history.

“Port efficiency has cratered: ships now wait up to 21 days to berth, while cargo dwell times exceed 45 days.

“Haulage costs at Apapa have soared to N900,000 per container, up from N250,000 just months ago, forcing shipping lines to impose the highest surcharges in West Africa. Meanwhile, cargo volumes have plummeted by half,” a source lamented.

At the core of the crisis is a monthly “tribute system” enforced by NPA leadership, where N160 million is allegedly remitted to the three senior officials.

The payments are reportedly skimmed from port operations budgets, leaving facilities without basic resources like diesel, medical supplies, or even air conditioning in staff offices.

The ED of Finance, described by insiders as “de facto CEO,” is said to have usurped decision-making entirely, ignoring the MD’s instructions and holding over 1,000 official files hostage, some for more than a year.

She is reportedly shielded by close ties to a serving minister and another high-ranking official in the presidency.

One of the most alarming revelations involves an “emergency” $25 million dredging contract for Warri Port, awarded without Federal Executive Council approval, in violation of procurement laws.

“Even legally awarded revenue collection contracts were abruptly revoked after contractors refused to pay bribes, including those previously certified by the Bureau of Public Procurement for handling Oil Terminal Dues and Pilotage Royalties,” a source revealed.

Insiders also reveal that promotions, transfers, and port postings now require payments to senior officials.

Staff morale is said to be at rock bottom, with offices lacking printer toner, fuel, and basic supplies.

Also, national port assets are currently uninsured due to deliberate sabotage designed to benefit politically connected actors.

Shockingly, the NPA’s London office has become a personal expense account for the MD and his proxies.

Records show luxury expenditures including:

£3,600 spent on iPhones at Apple Store (October 2024)
£2,000 at IKEA (April 2025)
Regular purchases at Harrods, Selfridges, and fine-dining outlets
£60,000 monthly “entertainment” allocation
£50,000 monthly rent for a luxury apartment

All expenditures are reportedly debited from the NPA’s Treasury Single Account, which receives over £500,000 monthly, while operations in Nigeria collapse.

Corruption has also deepened along port corridors. Truckers report illegal checkpoints between Apapa and Mile 2 have tripled, with bribes per truck now as high as N250,000. Ship calls have declined from over 2,000 to just above 1,000 per quarter.

The NPA’s revenue has dropped to barely N150 billion, while Nigeria’s ports have been blacklisted by the German Shipping Council and labelled “high-risk” by international insurers.

Dantsoho’s “leadership,” sources say, is marked by frequent absenteeism as he reportedly prioritizes a political ambition in Taraba over running the NPA.

Despite this, he engineered a “supplementary budget” exceeding the 2024 approved allocation, without Federal Ministry of Finance approval.

Dubious line items approved by the MD include:
N90 billion for Lekki tugboats
N40 billion for other ports’ tugboats
N46 billion for suspect dredging deals
N16 billion for pilot cutters
N15 billion for phantom VTS upgrades
All while recurrent expenditure overruns show signs of serious budgetary abuse.

International institutions have taken note. Nigeria has dropped 27 places on the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index under Dantsoho.

Shipping clearance times are now worse than in conflict zones like Yemen.

Maritime experts have also raised red flags over manipulated revenue figures, with internal inconsistencies in the NPA’s claimed N879 billion earnings for 2024 now under EFCC scrutiny.

To tighten his grip, Dantsoho allegedly carried out an unauthorized restructuring of the NPA’s organogram without clearance from the Head of Service clearance. He reportedly expanded top-level positions by 40%, further bloating payroll and choking efficiency.

“The tragedy is that Dantsoho, an insider who should have reformed the NPA, has institutionalized its decay. Every day this cabal remains in power costs Nigeria over $18 million in lost trade.

“This is not mere corruption, it is economic sabotage. If the government fails to act, it risks the total collapse of Nigeria’s maritime lifeline,” another source told Leaders.ng on the phone.

Efforts to reach the NPA, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and senior directors for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

https://www.signalng.com/sources-expose-multi-billion-naira-corruption-ring-within-npa/

Tinubu Wins With Resolution Of IMF Debt

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Tinubu Wins With Resolution Of IMF Debt

I commend His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the recent resolution of Nigeria’s outstanding debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

 

This significant accomplishment represents a substantial step towards strengthening Nigeria’s economic foundation and securing a more prosperous future for its citizens.

 

The successful negotiation and apparent settlement of this longstanding debt issue is expected to yield numerous positive outcomes.

 

It will not only contribute significantly to domestic economic growth and development, fostering job creation and attracting foreign investment, but will also enhance Nigeria’s credibility and standing within the international financial community.

 

This improved standing will undoubtedly unlock further opportunities for economic collaboration and development partnerships.

 

The President’s decisive action in addressing this complex challenge demonstrates strong leadership and a commitment to sustainable economic progress.

 

The anticipated positive repercussions on the quality of life for all Nigerians are significant and highly commendable.

 

We eagerly anticipate witnessing the positive transformations this achievement will bring across various sectors of Nigerian society.

 

 

Osunde Douglas Eseosa Esq

Legal Consultant, Employment Law, International Business Litigation, Criminal Defence Advocate and Corporate Law Lawyer

Barrister, Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria

LL. B (Hons.), LL.M. (USA), B.L.

White House Advisor to President Trump, Executive Member, National Republican Congressional Committee

Member, Republican National Committee Advisory Board/Executive Member.

Wike Schedules Two Weeks Of Project Commissioning To Mark Tinubu’s Anniversary

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Wike Schedules Two Weeks Of Project Commissioning To Mark Tinubu’s Anniversary

THANKS MR. PRESIDENT FOR HIS VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will unveil completed infrastructure projects within a two-week period to celebrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year anniversary.

FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Saturday, May 10, 2025, during a press briefing shortly after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in the Abuja city center.

Barrister Wike said the projects to be inaugurated cut across the Abuja city centre, the satellite towns and the rural areas, reflecting the FCTA’s commitment to inclusive development.

Key projects slated for commissioning, according to the Minister, include the Arterial Road N16, connecting Maitama and Katampe districts, the 16-kilometer OSEX II to Wasa service carriageway, linking Apo and Wasa districts, the Arterial Road N5 from Lifecamp Junction to Ring Road III, the renovated International Conference Centre (ICC), the Greater Abuja Water project and various rural roads.

The Minister said the commissioning of the projects will take two weeks, highlighting the magnitude of development achieved so far.

According to the Minister, “By next week, we will be able to provide all the projects that will be inaugurated during Mr. President’s second year in office. The Arterial Road N16 is one of them, OSEX to Wasa junction is also one of them. The International Conference Centre is another one. The N5 from Lifecamp junction to Ring Road III is another one. So, we will have so many roads, both rural, satellite towns and the city. Even the Greater Abuja Water project will also be another one that will be inaugurated. So, we have a lot of projects. It will take us about two weeks to inaugurate most of the projects”.

Barr. Wike attributed these achievements to the exemplary leadership of President Tinubu, stressing that he is proud to align with the President’s vision, which, he said, has brought first-class infrastructure to the FCT.

The Minister added that the Renewed Hope Agenda is working in the FCT, stressing that the transformation in the nation’s capital was clear for all to see and thanked the President for the opportunity to deliver the dividends of democracy to FCT residents.

He said, “I’m happy to identify with the leadership of Mr. President and that is what Nigeria needs. Mr. President has given first class infrastructure to Abuja. All of you can attest to the fact that indeed, Abuja has really changed and so we are happy for it and we want to thank God Almighty for providing the right leadership through Mr. President, to provide the dividends of democracy to the residents of Abuja. I don’t see why anybody will say Mr. President has not done well. We are happy that we have fulfilled the promises we have made”.

Speaking on the projects inspected, Barr. Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the contractor, China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), on the OSEX II to Wasa carriageway and the Arterial Road N16. He also noted the positive reception from residents, especially traders along the OSEX II to Wasa route.

Barrister Wike urged residents to take ownership of the infrastructure projects and protect them against vandalism. He said, “These projects are for the benefit of all, and we must work together to safeguard them..”.

The Minister also outlined plans for further development, including expanding water provision to satellite towns in Bwari, Karu, and Kubwa, continuing road construction and rehabilitation within the city, renovation of schools and enhancement of security measures.

He reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to provide the necessary infrastructure and ensure their sustainability in the FCT.

“Our priority is to improve the quality of life for all FCT residents, and we are dedicated to delivering projects that meet their needs and expectations”, he emphasized.

Pakistan Breaks Ceasefire Within Hours With Drone Attack On Srinagar.

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Pakistan Breaks Ceasefire Within Hours With Drone Attack On Srinagar.

Pakistan launched artillery shelling and drone activity along the International Border and LoC in multiple locations, violating the ceasefire agreement reached just hours earlier.

The Pakistan Army launched drones into Jammu and Kashmir and parts of Rajasthan shortly after the ceasefire was announced.

Swarm of drones targets multiple locations in
Pak’s escalation comes just hours after truce announcement
Border forces directed to respond with full force

Pakistan on Saturday violated the ceasefire agreement along the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC) at multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir — including Srinagar — as well as parts of Punjab and Rajasthan, just hours after both nations agreed to a truce. The Border Security Force (BSF) has been directed to respond with full force to any ceasefire violations, according to sources.

Three PDP Senators From Kebbi Meet President Tinubu, Declare Intent To Join APC

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Three PDP Senators From Kebbi Meet President Tinubu, Declare Intent To Join APC

Three serving senators from Kebbi State, elected on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have formally declared their intention to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

The lawmakers, Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Senator Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) were led to the meeting on Friday by the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

The high-profile defection is seen as a major political development in Kebbi State and comes amid ongoing realignments within the national political landscape.

Also present at the meeting were the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris; Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu.

The defection of the three senators is expected to bolster the APC’s influence in Kebbi State and the National Assembly ahead of future legislative and executive initiatives.

Prosperity Cup 2025: Crusaders FC Retain Ekeremor LGA Championship Title

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Prosperity Cup 2025: Crusaders FC Retain Ekeremor LGA Championship Title

Crusaders FC of Peretorugbene has been crowned 2025 champions of Ekeremor Local Government Area in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.

Crusaders FC beat Youbolobo FC of Agge one-nil to lift the trophy in an encounter decided at the Ayamasa field. Vincent Great’s late goal gave the Peretorugbene-based side the slim victory.

Crusaders FC have now joined Adaka FC of Kaiama, who defeated Sampou FC of Sampou by three goals to one to emerge champions in their local government final.

Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Hon. Onniye Isaac in a remarks, said he was pleased with the level of football artistry displayed, describing both sides as victors and urged them to give Ekeremor LGA a good representation when the round of 32 begins.

Hon. Onniye called on youths in the local government areas to see sports, particularly football as a veritable means of earning a living, describing football as big business.

He expressed appreciation with the governor, Senator Douye Diri and the organizers of the tournament for creating a platform for the youths to showcase their talents.

In post match interview with newsmen Crusaders FC’s Assistant coach, Nelson Abuwa stated that he was happy with the victory, adding that they would now shift their attention to the round of 32.

Head coach of Youbolobo FC, Nayo Ojay, said the LGA final has prepared their minds on what to expect in the round of 32 and beyond.

He, however, noted that he was excited to get to the final of the local government area championship for the first time in their history.

Champions Crusaders FC smiled home with the sum of one million naira (#1,000,000) while second placed Youbolobo FC got five hundred thousand naira (#500,000)

Action moves to Nembe Local Government Area on Saturday 10th of May, 2025 as Nembe City battles hard-fighting Okoroba FC by 2.00p.m. at the Nembe City Stadium, Nembe.

Prosperity Cup 2025: Afini Ladies Shock Favourites, Crystal Stars, as Golden Sun Sports Club Secure Semi Final Place

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Prosperity Cup 2025: Afini Ladies Shock Favourites, Crystal Stars, as Golden Sun Sports Club Secure Semi Final Place

Afini Ladies and Golden Sun Sports Club have joined Bayelsa Stars Queens and Ezuogha Soccer Academy in the semi finals of the women’s version of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup.

Afini Ladies beat Crystal Stars, one of the tournament’s favourites 3-1 on penalties after a one all draw in regulation time in an encounter decided at the Samson Siasia Studium, Yenagoa.

Last year’s highest goal scorer, Blessing Anderson broke the deadlock on 46 minutes after a beautiful team work.

The celebration did not last long as Agba Praise was brought down in the danger area and centre referee, Elisha Clifford wasted no time in pointing to the spot, and Praise, who scored a hat trick in her first game, stepped forward to send Afini Ladies goalkeeper the wrong way on 50 minutes.

Still basking in the euphoria of their thirteen nil drubbing of the Global Stars of Yenagoa in their opening tie of the tournament, Crystal Stars came into the game full of confidence having clinically taken their last opponents to the cleaners, but met their Waterloo against a technically disciplined Afini ladies FC.

The last quarter final game was more of a ‘one-way traffic, as Golden Sun Sports Club made light work of Bayelsa State College of Nursing Sciences, BYSCON Queens with a comfortable five nil triumph

Afuruku Anibarafa’s hat trick on 23, 28 and 58 minutes as well as Jessica Mark’s effort on 24 minutes, and captain Rebecca Iwowari’s header in the 31st minute ensured Golden Sun Sports Club completely overwhelmed BYSCON Queens.

With the quarter finals concluded, attention will now shift to the semi-finals, with Bayelsa Stars Queens facing Ezuogha Academy, while Afini Ladies will confront Golden Sun Sports Club as the women are now being separated from the girls.

Afini Ladies coach, Anthony Fouye who was filled with excitement, commended his girls for their doggedness and resilient spirit throughout the encounter, admitting that he was sceptical at the beginning following Crystal Stars intimidating scoreline in their previous match.

Crystal Stars Coach, Sese Ebimobowei said he was proud of his girls despite the disappointing result, blaming over confidence as the greatest undoing of his girls. He, however, gave an assurance that, they would return to the competition as a much improved team next year.

Also, Afini Ladies forward, Blessing Anderson, hailed her teammates for their determination, stating that her team would progress to the final of the tournament, which would be an improvement to their third place finish in last’s year edition.

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