ADEMOLA LOOKMAN CROWNED 2024 CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR

ADEMOLA LOOKMAN CROWNED 2024 CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman, has been named the CAF Footballer of the Year for the past year. Lookman was announced as the winner at an elaborate event in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday night. The Atalanta star won the prize ahead of Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. It has been an incredible year for Lookman, who became the first player to score a hat-trick in the Europa League/UEFA Cup final since 1975, netting the three goals within 26 minutes against Bayer Leverkusen. Lookman was included in the Team of the Year for the Europa League, and ended the season having had a direct hand in 18 top flight goals for La Dea. The 27-year-old was ranked the 14th best player during the Ballon d’Or gala on October 28.

FOR ME, NO MORE BEAUTY CONTEST – CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA

FOR ME, NO MORE BEAUTY CONTEST – CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA Miss Universe runner-up, Chidimma Adetshina, has announced her decision to quit pageantry. Speaking during a recent interview with Silverbird TV, Adetshina said pageantry has been a traumatic experience for her. She said she’s quitting for personal reasons and relocating to Nigeria from her estranged country, South Africa. “Finishing in the top 2 [at the Miss Universe competition] is still a shocker for me… Honestly, I am done. Pageantry was a real traumatic experience for me,” she said. “People still don’t understand how I felt. There were times when I almost quit during the Miss Universe contest. I’m really done with pageantry. I want to focus on myself and establish who I am. And forward my education as well.” After finishing as 1st runner-up at the Miss Universe competition, Adetshina was named Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. She won Miss Nigeria after withdrawing from the Miss South Africa contest after she attracted scrutiny over her nationality.

MISS UNIVERSE FIRST RUNNER UP, CHIDINMA ADETSHINA, THANKS NIGERIANS: AT MY LOWEST, YOU PICKED ME UP

MISS UNIVERSE FIRST RUNNER UP, CHIDINMA ADETSHINA, THANKS NIGERIANS: AT MY LOWEST, YOU PICKED ME UP Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the 73rd Miss Universe competition, has expressed deep gratitude to Nigerians and Africans for their support, which contributed to her historic achievement at Miss Universe 2024. During the final moments of the prestigious event at Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Sunday morning, a thrilling showdown unfolded between Adetshina and Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, as the two women vied for the coveted crown. In the end, Miss Denmark, Theilvig, claimed the title, succeeding Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua. Following the competition, Adetshina took to Instagram to share her appreciation. The beauty queen recalled how Nigerians supported her during her lowest, and how Africa as a continent taught her the power of unity in the pursuit of success. She wrote, “To Nigeria: THANK YOU is not enough for all the support you’ve shown. You picked me up when I was at my lowest. I’ve never opened up much but I was ready to give up on my life but you became my strength. On days I never wanted to fight you gave me the strength to fight. I’m so grateful for each and everyone for walking this journey with me. She also addressed the African continent, saying, “To Africa: thank you for showing your love and support. As much as I represent Nigeria, Africa fought for me. My voice, my story touched many and brought us together. This journey has taught me the power of Unity. I want us to live in a society where we can all accept and celebrate one another.” Chidimma Adetshina concluded by emphasising that this moment marks the beginning of her journey, not its end.

CHIDINMA ADETSHINA FIRST RUNNER UP AT MISS UNIVERSE CONTEST

NIGERIA’S CHIDINMA ADETSHINA FIRST RUNNER UP AT MISS UNIVERSE CONTEST Chidimma Adetshina, representing Nigeria, has finished as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe competition. The event took place in Mexico. The finale, held in the early hours of Sunday, was a tense and exciting moment as Chidimma stood alongside Denmark’s representative. Both contestants held their breath as they waited for the winner to be announced. In the end, Denmark claimed the crown. “The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment,” the organisers said on Instagram before the announcement of the winner. This year’s Miss Universe was one of the most competitive in recent memory. Contestants showcased not only their beauty but also their intelligence, talents, and cultural pride. The organisers openly admitted to it. Chidimma’s journey to the Miss Universe stage was one without no controversy. Earlier this year, she faced criticism and xenophobic attacks while participating in the Miss South Africa competition. Many questioned her eligibility due to her mixed heritage—born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother with Mozambican roots. The hostility forced Chidimma to withdraw from the Miss South Africa contest. She eventually accepted an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. In August, Chidimma competed at the event in Lagos and came out victorious.

PLATEAU UNITED FANS ATTACK, BEAT ENUGU RANGERS COACH, PLAYERS

PLATEAU UNITED FANS ATTACK, BEAT ENUGU RANGERS COACH, PLAYERS Some irate fans of Plateau United on Sunday evening attacked the team bus of Enugu Rangers after the Flying Antelopes held their football club to a goalless draw on the Match Day 11 of the 2024/2025 Nigerian Football League. This was disclosed by an official of the team, Felix Ifeanyi, who said the team’s bus and some of their players were attacked by the fans of the host team after the match. He said: “Today, just a draw in Jos, Plateau United fans ‘scatter’ (damaged) our bus and beat our players. The damage done to the bus alone can’t be repaired with nothing less than millions. Is this the league we wanted? It’s well anyway… God dey!!!” A picture obtained by SaharaReporters shows one of the assaulted players with a bloodied face. A press statement issued by the Enugu Rangers management revealed that the team has petitioned the appropriate authorities to probe the attack on their players and bus in Plateau. The statement reads: “We wish to inform you about the unfortunate incident that occurred during our match against Plateau United in Jos. “The attack on our team was unwarranted, and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure justice is served. A petition has been submitted to the relevant authorities, and we will not rest until this issue is thoroughly addressed and resolved.” Reacting, Plateau United management, in a separate statement, claimed that the attack on the visiting team occurred outside the stadium. The statement added that the host team should not be liable for the ugly incident. The statement reads: “At the Culmination of NPFL25 Match Day 11 game involving Plateau United FC and Rangers International of Enugu in Jos, viral photographs and videos flooded diverse media platforms showcasing an injured player of Rangers International of Enugu. “The Rangers team claimed fans of Plateau United FC attacked them using harmful pebbles, resulting in the injury of one player and destruction of property. “It must be stated that at the culmination of the Match Day 11 game, players and officials of Rangers International of Enugu departed the New Jos Stadium safely without any form of molestation. “More so, the technical team successfully held a post-match interview at the media conference room before departing. “On cross examination, reports say the visiting team had covered almost two kilometres off the stadium facility before the incident occurred. “While It remains unclear how and why the incident occurred, it is key to note that once the visiting team leaves the parameters of the stadium, security pulls off the grasp of the host team by virtue of jurisdiction. “While Plateau United FC condemns any form of hooliganism amongst its fan base, the club is insistent it knows nothing about the attack nor has anything to do with the accused persons that attacked. “According to Plateau United FC General Manager, Habila Hosea Mutla, ‘we are a peaceful club who believe in either of three outcomes when we step out for an encounter is to win, lose or draw’. “Hence, we will do everything within our powers to maintain law and order within the stadium perimeter.”

SOUTH AFRICAN GROUP LAUNCHES PETITION TO BAR CHIDINMA ADETSHINA FROM MISS UNIVERSE

SOUTH AFRICAN GROUP LAUNCHES PETITION TO BAR CHIDINMA ADETSHINA FROM MISS UNIVERSE A South African group, Progressive Forces, has launched a petition against Chidimma Adetshina from competing in the Miss Universe 2024. This comes after the arrival of Adetshina in Mexico on Wednesday. The newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria arrived in Mexico to represent the country at the 2024 edition of the global competition scheduled to be held in November. Chidimma Adetshina had faced criticism in South Africa during the announcement of her Miss South Africa contest. In response to the controversy, the South Africa Department of Home Affairs, DHA, said preliminary evidence suggests Chidimma’s mother committed fraud and identity theft. Following the allegations, she withdrew from the pageant and accepted an invitation to join the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. In the wake of the development, Progressive Forces of South Africa petitioned the organisers of the Miss Universe on Wednesday to prevent Chidimma from participating in the competition, arguing that her involvement could jeopardise the integrity of the Miss Universe brand. The petition has recorded over 1,000 signatures in 24 hours. “We are greatly concerned about Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Universe Nigeria, whose mother has been found guilty of committing identity fraud. “On the 29th of October, Home Affairs cancelled Chidimma Adetshina and her mother’s identities by court order. We are writing on behalf of everyone who stands for justice to plead with Miss Universe to cancel her entry,” the group wrote in its petition.

LIBYA TO APPEAL CAF VERDICT ON BOTCHED SUPER EAGLES AFCON QUALIFIERS

LIBYA TO APPEAL CAF VERDICT ON BOTCHED SUPER EAGLES AFCON QUALIFIERS Following the Confederation of African Football’s decision pertaining to the cancelled Africa Cup of Nations second leg qualifier against Nigeria, the Libya Football Federation (LFF), will appeal the decision to rule in favor of Nigeria. A source revealed to Brila.net that the LFF is preparing to contest the ruling, believing it does not accurately reflect the circumstances surrounding the forfeited match. The source indicated that Libya’s appeal is likely to be filed within the stipulated three-day window and will be handled discretely, without media fanfare. “They will respond to CAF with a special lawyer without any media show,” the source noted. On Saturday, an official by CAF confirmed that its Disciplinary Board found Libya guilty of breaching several regulations, resulting in the forfeiture of the October 15 match. The decision was made after the Nigerian team faced severe logistical challenges, including an unexpected diversion of their flight to Al-Abraq International Airport, where they were stranded for over 18 hours with no basic amenities. The LFF is now faced with the challenge of mounting a compelling case against CAF’s ruling. While the specifics of their appeal strategy remain unclear, it is evident that they are intent on reversing the decision that has placed them at the bottom of Group D in the AFCON qualifiers. Though it seems unlikely that the appeal will change the outcome, all eyes will be on CAF’s response as Libya prepares to take this step. The Federation’s reaction will determine whether they uphold their initial ruling or reconsider the circumstances of the match. The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for the ongoing qualification process, particularly for Nigeria, who currently needs only one more point to secure their place in the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

OUTRAGE AS TRIGGER-HAPPY POLICEMAN KILLS POPULAR ENUGU MUSICIAN

OUTRAGE AS TRIGGER-HAPPY POLICEMAN KILLS POPULAR ENUGU MUSICIAN Tension is high in Enugu, the Coal City capital, following the killing of a popular Ogene musician, Igbo Jah, by a Police officer attached to the Anti-Cult Unit of the Enugu State Police Command. Angry youths are setting bonfires at the Obiagu and Asata areas of the metropolis in protest. It was gathered that the musician was shot by an Anti-Cult Police operative, Friday night. Sources said the musician attended an event at the anti-cult office, during which a policeman shot him. Igbo Jah was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead on arrival. The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday by its spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe. According to him, “A male Police Inspector serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the Enugu State Police Command has been arrested and detained for the alleged murder of a male traditional Ogene musician, Okezie Chikezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah. “The incident occurred around 8:10 p.m. on October 25, 2024, at the Tactical Squad’s Headquarters. “The musician was reportedly leaving the Squad’s Headquarters after a friendly visit when, for reasons yet to be ascertained, the police officer fired his rifle, hitting the victim. “He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor. His body has been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.” Ndukwe added that “the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID to conduct a full-scale investigation that will facilitate prompt and appropriate disciplinary actions against the police officer. “The Commissioner empathises and consoles the victim’s family, friends, and associates, describing the unfortunate incident as unacceptable. He assures that the police officer and anyone else found culpable will be sanctioned in line with the law to serve as a deterrent. “CP Kanayo urges everyone connected to the victim to remain calm and cooperate with the police to ensure that justice is served.”

AFCON: CAF AWARDS NIGERIA 3 GOALS, 3 POINTS; FINES LIBYA $50,000

AFCON: CAF AWARDS NIGERIA 3 GOALS, 3 POINTS; FINES LIBYA $50,000 The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Nigeria a 3-0 win and full three points in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya. The governing body announced the verdict in a statement on Saturday. The Super Eagles faced significant challenges, including a redirected flight, over 18 hours of delays, and logistical issue during a trip for return leg of the 1-0 match in favour of Nigeria in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. A statement by CAF Disciplinary Board in its ruling on Saturday, signed by the chairman, Ousmane Kane, said the Disciplinary Board ruled met and decided as follows: “The Libya Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. “The match No. 87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October in Benghazi) declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0). “The Libya Football Federation is ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000. The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision. All other and further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed,” the statement said. The implication is that Nigeria is now poised to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with two matches to spare. The Eagles now have 10 points from four matches, four points better than second-placed Benin Republic, while Rwanda have five points. Bottom-placed Libya have only one point and are out of the running for qualification. After the 46th Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, had vowed that appropriate action would be taken on the issue. During his address, Motsepe who refrained from any detailed explanation on the incident, said CAF would no longer tolerate such instances across the continent. But he assured that “the process had been properly investigated and appropriate action would be taken”.

WE’RE BRINGING BRAZILIAN FESTIVAL TO ENUGU – ORGANISERS OF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

WE’RE BRINGING BRAZILIAN FESTIVAL TO ENUGU – ORGANISERS OF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Omu Resort, the organisers of the Enugu Christmas Festival has assured both residents and visitors of an unforgettable experience. Announcing its readiness to host the festival, which is expected to attract over a million attendees, Hari Ebelechukwu Ebinum, Project Coordinator for Enugu Christmas Festival, said the 25-day event packed with entertainment and culture will run between December 7th to December 31st, 2024. Ebinum said, “We are ready to deliver a unique blend of world-class entertainment and culture. We are bringing the Brazilian Carnival to Enugu State. “Enugu State used to be the first in many things. Several good things associated with the people of Enugu State have almost been forgotten and we are returning the treasures. We will bring back the legendary Atilogu dancers, highlife music, and many more. We have put all of these things in place, we are still doing more in readiness for the event. “Our artists are already confirming their attendance at the event. Some of the big names we are expecting are already excited, so we are almost good to go. We are expecting nothing less than a mega show, a one-of-a-kind event.” Also speaking on the forthcoming event, Emmanuella Osakwe, another member of the Enugu Christmas Festival planning committee noted that all venues for the event had been confirmed, adding that the musical artists who will perform at the festival have also been booked. “We have confirmed some of the artists including Prof. Festus Dokubo who is leading a 300-man orchestra. For the Afrobeat Night, we have already confirmed some artists. A masterpiece, a 500,000 Christmas lights glowing ball is already being built at the Naira Triangle. So, we are making serious progress and we are ahead of schedule,” Osakwe noted. The Enugu Christmas Festival will feature events such as “African Praise Night”, “Afrobeat Concerts”, “Highlife Performances”, a “Food Bazaar”, “Street Carnivals”, “Cultural Parades”, a “Festival of Dances”, “Art Exhibitions”, a “Phone Exhibition”, and a stunning “Fireworks Show”. Others include “Enugu Christmas Yadah”, a “Beer and Spirit Festival”, and the vibrant “Santa Street Storm”, where 100 Santas will distribute gifts to orphanages and less-privileged communities. The prestigious “Governor’s Red Ball” will cap off the festivities, bringing together investors, business leaders, and political figures for a night of celebration and awards. Omu Resort, the organisation responsible for putting the festival together is a distinguished corporate entity renowned in Africa for its prowess in creating spellbinding theme parks and delivering exceptional entertainment services.