Medical Consultant dies during Nigeria vs Argentina Match: Marcus Rojo and Lionel Messi after Rojo volleyed the winner against Super eagles
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Dr Emeka Ogah, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA), has confirmed the death of one its consultants, Dr Canice Ebirim on Tuesday during the Super Eagles and Argentina match.
Ogah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that reports reaching him suggested that Ebirim died within the period of the match.
The CMD said that he received the news of his death at about 9 p.m. while the match was ongoing.
Ogah said that a friend of the deceased informed him that Ebirim started behaving funny within that period.
“Ebirim’s friend said that the deceased started moving suspiciously and solicited for assistance which made him intervene and take him (Ebirim) to the hospital.
“Efforts made to revive him at our hospital proved abortive as he died but we would liaise with his family to conduct an autopsy.
“We are surprised at his death because he consulted at the hospital on Tuesday. We have to wait till autopsy is conducted to draw further conclusions,” he said.
A friend of the deceased, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that Ebirim resided in Owerri with his family and only visited FETHA during his clinic days.
“He was a dedicated and lively fellow who will surely be missed by his family, friends and associates,” he said.
FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) and some Nigerians believe Super Eagles made the continent proud despite their World Cup ouster.
A 1-2 loss to Argentina in the last group D game at Saint Petersburg stadium sent the team to a third place with three points behind their South American counterparts with four points.
Lionel Messi’s captained side will join group leaders Croatia with nine points in the knockout stages while debutants Iceland will head home with a point alongside Gernot Rohr tutored side.
On her Twitter handle @fatma_Samoura urged the team to hold its head high.
“…To the Nigerian side be proud, be strong, hold your heads high! You have not only lifted the spirits of your country but made it very proud of you,” she tweeted.
CAF also added that the team had made them proud.
‘”Hard Luck @NGSuperEgles .. You did a great job and really made us proud. Celebrate Africa,” it said on CAF_online, its twitter account.
Some Nigerian politicians also took to their twitter handles to laud the team.
Ben Murray Bruce : “Great game @NGSuperEagles. The score line doesn’t fluctuate the position of our hearts. We won together, we lost together. We remain proud of you guys”.
Atiku Abubakar: “We gave our all. The boys can hold their heads high. Thank you @NGSuperEagles”.
Bukola Saraki: ” A great performance by our @NGSuperEagles. We fought a good fight. However, you win some, you lose some. Raise your heads up, you inspired all 180 million of us. Thank you”.
With Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia out of the World Cup, Senegal, the only African nation left, will take on Columbia in their last group H game on Thursday. (NAN)
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, has commended the team and urged Coach Gernot Rohr to build for better days after their heartbreaking exit from the Russia 2018 World Cup on Tuesday.
Nigeria were dumped out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after they lost 2-1 to Argentina at Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Argentina scraped through to the Round of 16 after Lionel Messi broke his drought at the tournament to give the two-time world champions the lead in the 13th minute.
It was the fifth time the Nigeria team was losing to Argentina at the World Cup.
Victor Moses restored parity for the Super Eagles from the spot after Javier Mascherano was adjudged to have fouled Leon Balogun in the box.
Marcos Rojo scored a stunning late winner three minutes from time to send Jorge Sampaoli’s side to the next round.
Nigeria finished third in Group D with three points, one adrift of Argentina who nicked second spot with the victory.
However, Enyeama tweeted on Wednesday “Naija forever. Win or lose. Qualify or eliminated.#WeAreNigeria we build for better days.”
Also, former Nigerian captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, admitted that the Super Eagles lost to Argentina due to “limited experience.”
He said “Uzoho kept us in the game with the saves he made in the second half. We panicked in the first half,” as he analysed the game on SuperSport.
Okocha added that “We were not clear to keep more players in attack. We were limited in terms of experience.
“It was a gift from Mascherano but then I thought we started the second half better. We got ourselves in better places. It was a fantastic penalty from Moses but I think we should have put them under more pressure.”
On the controversial penalty denied the Super Eagles, the former Bolton Wanderers playmaker said the Nigerian team did not put more pressure on the referee.
Marcos Rojo handled the ball in the box involuntarily and the referee viewed it on VAR but ruled it out.
“Nobody appealed under the referee. We know what the Argentines are like. Rojo got away with one.”
On Wilfred Ndidi’s chance in the 76th minute, Okocha said: “he had more time to keep the ball down to take a good shot.
“Scoring is not his thing but I feel he should have kept the ball a close more to take a better shot.”
On Odion Ighalo’s miss, Okocha’s said: “it was a glorious chance, the ball sat down well for him. If I was Ighalo, I would try to force a save from the goalkeeper. If you don’t hit the target you don’t get your job done.”
Ighalo extended his goal drought to eight games. The Changchun Yatai striker has scored four goals in 21 games for the Super Eagles.
On the late goal the team conceded, the former PSG play maker added: “We’ve seen so many late goals in this tournament. Poor defending. Moses reacted late. I have seen him deal with that at Chelsea. I can’t fault the effort of the player the gave their best.
“It was going to be tough for us and it lived up to that and it went to the last three minutes, but I think we have to look at the bigger picture. Most of these players it was the first time.
“For the manager he did well. It’s about continutiy. We don’t have to point fingers at anyone,” he said. (NAN)
Some football fans on Tuesday in Abuja expressed disappointment with the Super Eagles’ World Cup exit following the team’s 1-2 loss to Argentina in their final group game at St Petersburg, Russia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the result meant Nigeria failed to reach the knockout stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup after finishing third in Group D with three points from three games.
A cross section of football enthusiasts who spoke to NAN at the Abuja World Cup Festival, holding at the Druz Resort in Maitama, noted that the Super Eagles were the architects of their misfortune.
Aniekan Udom, a businessman said the Eagles were presented with a rare and great opportunity to beat psychologically demoralised Argentine side but failed to convert their chances at goal.
“This was a rare opportunity for the Eagles to have qualified to the next round but it was quite unfortunate that they blew it.
“They squandered so many goal scoring chances. Even when they drew level, they decided to retreat and defend too early rather than continuing to apply pressure.
“Dropping deep against a very experienced Argentine side was a very costly error and it was only a matter of time for their opponents to get the result they so badly needed,” he said.
Lekan Akinola, an Accountant, said that the Eagles showed too much respect for the Argentines, adding that their opponents were there for the taking.
“We could have easily beaten this Argentine side if only we had taken our chances. Our opponents had their backs to the wall and were there.
“They came all out to play and left a lot of spaces at the back that we could have exploited and punished them but our attacking line failed to deliver when it mattered most.
“Kelechi Ihenacho was not in the game and even substitute Odion Ighalo and Oghenekaro Etebo were disappointing as they missed a lot of guilt-edge chances,” he said.
Tosin Ola, a public servant, on his part said that in spite of the loss, the Eagles gave a good account of themselves, adding that there were a lot of positives the team would be taking from their World Cup experience in Russia.
“In my opinion, I think the Super Eagles campaign at the World Cup was not a bad one.
“The team gave a good account of themselves and performed creditably well against a technically and tactically better opponents in their group.
“They have a young squad and one for the future. If the current crop of young talents are kept together and well-nurtured, including Coach Gernot Rohr and his technical crew, I think they will indeed do well at their next outing.
“It’s unfortunate it had to end like this as they were just four minutes away from a place in the round of 16, but paid the price for their lack of experience,” he said.
In the same vein, Kefas Ropshik, an automobile entrepreneur corroborated Ola’s view, adding that the Russia 2018 World Cup came to early for the young Eagles squad.
“I strongly believe that this young team is one for the future. They will be much more prepared come 2022 in Qatar.
“One could clearly see that there is a lot of talent and energy in the them, but the experience was what was missing. They lost gallantly to a better side.
“Argentina is one of the most successful national football teams in the world, having won two World Cups in 1978 and 1986.
“They boast of world class players such as Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria as well as Lionel Messi who decided to turn up today.
“We all knew that a draw would have been a good enough result for the Eagles but some of us predicted 2-1 in favour of the Eagles but unfortunately the scoreline went the other way,” he said. (NAN)
Mrs Aisha Buhari has bagged the “Woman of Valour” award of the Nigerian Women Association of Georgia (NWAG) for her support to women, girls and children.
The award was given at the 18th Annual Awards Banquet at Atlanta, where she was applauded for her efforts at protecting the poor and vulnerable in the society.
Founded in 2000, NWAG is a group of accomplished Nigerian women, residing in the State of Georgia that combines efforts to impact on the lives of Nigerians at the home and in the diaspora.
President of the association, Dr Stella Etta, said Aisha Buhari “has used her position as the First Lady to bring global attention to and campaign for laws that protect women, girls and children’’.
Stella Etta
“This is especially on issues of forced marriages, sexual abuse of children and human trafficking.
“She takes time out to visit the poor and the oppressed such as meeting with mothers of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls and the six-month-old victim of the violation, Khadijah Bashir, in Kano State,’’ Etta said.
The association also noted Mrs Buhari’s advocacy for equal rights, respect and access to education for women and girls, adding that she advocates against child marriage before the age of 17.
“These noble and humanitarian causes won her local and international acclaims, as well as from housewives who have been shut out of opportunities because of lack of access to education.
“She ensured that women issues were represented in her husband’s election platform, promising that his administration would give top priority to women’s health and education and equal opportunities to contribute towards nation building.’’
In her acceptance speech, Mrs Buhari in a recorded video message to the event said the recognition would spur her to do more for the less-privileged.
She commended NWAG for promoting Nigeria’s image internationally.
“The award, will spur me to do more.
“I, therefore, call on others to work harder on the negative health and the economic outlaws of women.
“Thank you all for projecting the good image of Nigeria in various areas of endeavour.
“I dedicate this award to the women and children of Nigeria,’’ Mrs Buhari said.
Other award recipients included an African-American, Dr Gloria Herndon; a gender advocate, Dr Elisha Attai; and a philanthropist, Dr Mohammed Ladan.
Herndon, the first female black official at the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, who also taught Economics at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, was presented with ‘Friend of Nigeria’ award.
Attai, President of African Women in Leadership Conference, won the ‘Vanguard Award’ while Ladan, a philanthropist who promotes education among indigent students in Northern Nigeria, won the ‘Unsung Hero’ award.
Mrs Florence Okafor, a dedicated member of the association also emerged the 2018 Member of the Year Award.
Consul-General of Nigeria in Atlanta, Mr Kayode Laro, commended the organisation for living up to its vision and mission.
He remarked that the activities of the association since its establishment “are highly commendable’’.
Laro lauded the group’s contributions to Nigeria, particularly, in the areas of support to orphanages, scholarship scheme, annual medical missions and shipment of medical supplies to hospitals in Nigeria.
He also commended the association for promoting Nigerian culture in Metro Atlanta Schools and its milestone million-dollar project – Nigeria Centre for Arts, Culture and Empowerment in Georgia.
“Our culture is part of what defines us as Nigerians and the more our American friends know about it the better they will know and understand us.
“NWAG’s collaboration with other non-profit organisations involved in charity work for the benefit of the needy is highly commendable,’’ Laro said in his speech read by Mr Innocent Iwejuo, Consul, Information and Economics.
The event was attended by officials from the Nigerian Missions in New York, Atlanta and non-profit organisations from across the U.S. (NAN)
President Muhammadu Buhari departs for Jos Plateau state over killings
President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in Jos, the Plateau State capital, where he is expected to meet with representatives of communities affected by the latest violence in the State.
This was disclosed on the president’s verified Twitter handle @Mbuhari.
President Buhari, who flew into Jos from Calabar, the Cross River State capital, was received on arrival at the Yakubu Gowon, Airport, Jos, at 3: 20 p.m, by Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the President’s visit is coming on the heels of the visit by his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was in the state capital on Monday to meet with leaders and representatives of communities affected by the violence.
‘‘We must condemn killings of any kind. It doesn’t matter whether these killings are by herdsmen killing villagers, or whether it is villagers, who in one way or the other have killed others, including herdsmen,’’ Osinbajo said on Monday during his meeting with local representatives, held at the Government House, Jos.
Osinbajo, who heralded the President’s visit, pledged that the Federal government will ensure that perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to book.
NAN reports that at the Government House in Jos, Buhari is scheduled to hold an interactive session with traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, representatives of youth and women groups and security chiefs, including the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.
Marcus Rojo and Lionel Messi after Rojo volleyed the winner against Nigeria’s Super Eagles
By Olawale Alabi/ St Petersburg (Russia) & Olanrewaju Akojede/Lagos
Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director, Tunde Disu, has said that hard luck was responsible for Nigeria’s ouster from the ongoing World Cup in Russia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles lost1-2 loss to La Albiceleste of Argentina in their last Group D match at St. Petersburg on Tuesday.
An emotional Disu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Gernot Rohr-tutored side deserved to win barring the last minute goal by Marcus Rojo.
Victor Moses after scoring the equaliserMoses celebrates goal with acrobatics
NAN reports that the Super Eagles narrowly lost to Argentina by two well taken goals by Lionel Messi and a last gap shot by Rojo, while Victor Moses scored Nigeria’s goal through a penalty kick.
“Hard luck caused the Eagles loss to Argentina; I think we did not deserve to lose the game by all standards.
“The Eagles played to the best of their abilities save some players, the coach ought to have removed during the match, one of whom was Moses.
“The coach should have replaced Moses to bring on a more vibrant Alex Iwobi. Moses looked tired and was not marking anyone towards the tail of the match.
“In all, I think it was a good outing for us because Argentina has the experience to beat Nigeria at any given time; only that we showed the world that we are no push over,’’ he said.
Disu told NAN that the Eagles should hold their heads high as they did not have the worst campaign after all.
“The Eagles should not be too sad about this, they played a more experienced side with quality players and they still held their own.
Messi opens scoring for Argentina: He was named Man of the Match
“It is a loss for us, yet it is a good outing at the World Cup,’’ he said.
NAN reports that Nigeria has never defeated Argentina in all the five encounters they have had at the World Cup, starting from the USA ’94 edition.
In that encounter, the Diego Maradona-captained squad beat the Super Eagles 2-1 in a keenly contested match, where Nigeria drew the first blood through a Samson Siasia’s goal.
But the Argentines eventually brought their guile and skill to bear on the Super Eagles who were playing for the first time ever at the FIFA World Cup
Argentina beat Nigeria again 2-1 to advance into the second round in Russia.
The match had begun tentatively, and Lionel Messi brought it into life when he scored his first Russia 2018 goal in fine fashion to give Argentina a deserved 1-0 half-time lead.
Ever Banega lifted over a retreating Nigerian defenceline for Messi to brilliantly control with his thigh and edge past Kenneth Omeruo before striking home in the 14th minute with his right.
Argentina had been lacklustre in their first two games and were on the verge of an embarrassing exit, but they did what was needed to keep the Nigerian side in check.
Messi could have extended the lead in the 32nd minute, when Banega almost inspired a second goal for the Argentines.
Banega put Angel Di Maria clear, and the winger was brought down by Leon Balogun for a free kick.
His free kick from the edge of the penalty box was pushed into the far upright and back into play by goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.
They steadfastly held on to their lead as the Eagles struggled to stay in the game and probably draw level.
But a Javier Mascherano foul on Balogun resulted in a penalty kick which Victor Moses utilised to equalise for Nigeria in the 51st minute, for the Eagles to spring to life.
Nigeria thereafter wasted several chances to add a second, with their offensive still blunt in spite of the 46th minute substitution of Kelechi Iheanacho for Odion Ighalo.
But as the clock wound down, Argentina surged forward in their number, getting succour from an unlikely source in Manchester United central defender Rojo.
Nigeria were just minutes away from joining group leaders Croatia in the second round before Rojo superbly volleyed home a Gabriel Mercado cross from the right.
Croatia advance as Group D winners with the maximum nine points after beating Iceland 2-1 in the group’s other match, and will now face Denmark in the second round.
Argentina go on to face France in the next round, having finished second in the group with four points.
Maradona hit by blood pressure after Nigeria, Argentina match
Maradona hit by low blood pressure after Nigeria-Argentina match
Argentina great Diego Maradona appeared to need help to walk after watching his national team dramatically beat Nigeria to survive in the World Cup, according to a video clip posted on Twitter.
Argentine media, including newspaper La Nacion, said Maradona was treated for low blood pressure in the stadium and was able to leave normally shortly afterwards.
In the video posted by Fernando Schwartz, a well-known sports journalist in Mexico, a man can be seen helping Maradona to stay on his feet as he was led away from his seat overlooking the pitch and into an adjacent room.
A photograph also posted on Twitter appeared to show two medical staff attending to Maradona.
Maradona needed help after Nigeria-Argentina match
Earlier, he had been captured by television cameras flicking his middle fingers toward the crowd and celebrating wildly as Argentina beat Nigeria 2-1 with the winner coming minutes before the South Americans would have been eliminated from the finals.
The Argentine website of sports broadcaster ESPN said Maradona was taken to hospital. But other Argentine media described the incident as only a scare.
A spokesman for World Cup organizers FIFA said Maradona had left the stadium but could not provide further comment.
A spokesman for Argentina’s football association could not immediately be reached.
Maradona, who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title, has battled cocaine addiction in the past. In 2015, he underwent a gastric bypass operation.
The Plateau Youth Council (PSYC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently review the security strategies in Plateau to forestall killings in the state.
Mr Gongden Othniel, Deputy Chairman of the council, made the call at a news conference ?on Tuesday in Jos.
Othniel said the present security structure on ground in the state, since 2001, should be reviewed, adding that the people of the state had lost confidence in it.
“The presence of security agencies under a climate of mistrust from the communities who are currently vulnerable and helpless is not good for the state-citizen relationship.
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“The perpetrators of the heinous crime are getting bolder by the day due to the weak responses by the security agencies, this act has eroded the people’s confidence in the security structure, “he said.
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He also called for the formation of a Civilian Joint Task Force as applicable in the North-East with a view to helping the conventional security? agencies on ground.
Otahniel called on the state government to empower members of the Operation Rainbow to enable them perform their duty proactively. ?
He also urged plateau youths to eschew violence and guard their various communities. (NAN)
