Home Blog Page 888

Manchester City treble valued at £280m over £210m club purchase price in 2008

Dotun OMISAKIN
-
0
Manchester City treble valued at £280m over £210m club purchase price in 2008

MANCHESTER City won the treble – English Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League –  in the 2022/2023 football calendar for the first time.

A breakdown of the financial reward of the three titles showed that Manchester City earned an estimated £180 million for winning their fifth Premier League title in six seasons.

They won £3.9 million for defeating Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

With the lone goal victory in Istanbul, Turkey, against Inter Milan in the Champions League final, Manchester City smiled to the bank with the sum of £95 million, which is the prize money for winning their first Champions League.

By calculations, the club’s total prize money by winning the treble is valued at £280 million, which is a £70 million difference from the £210 million sum that Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan bought Manchester City in 2008.

Sheikh Mansour had bought Manchester City through the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), an investment company for the Abu Dhabi royal family.

Manchester City’s fortune since Mansour’s ownership

Manchester City have gained extensive transformation since the assumption of Mansour as the owner.

Since 2008, they have risen to become the dominant force in English football, with the club winning seven Premier League titles in the past 12 years and five of the last six.

The fortune of the club can not be divorced from the spending spree that has enabled them to attract some of the best players in the game. Such top players include Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.

Also, his investment over 15 years in the club has resulted in a new training ground for the club and the expansion of the Etihad Stadium.

The club owner was seen at his first Manchester City game since 2010, in the Champions League final against Inter Milan.

Manchester City coaches and their wins since 2008

MARK HUGHES. 04/06/2008 – 19/12/2009
Hughes took charge of Manchester City under the new ownership. In Hughes’ first season with Manchester City, he led the club to a 10th-place finish and the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup.
ROBERTO MANCINI. 19/12/2009 – 13/05/2013.

He started his managerial stint in English football for the first time with Manchester City after spells in Italy with Inter Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina.

Mancini guided City to 5th place in the Barclays Premier League in 2009/10, their highest-ever Premier League finish. This resulted in European qualification for the first time since 1978 due to their league position.

More success was to follow for both Mancini and Manchester City. As a result of their fine league form, he was awarded the Manager of the Month award for December. The club ended a 35-year spell without a major trophy with a FA Cup final victory over Stoke City at Wembley.

Joyous Manchester City also went on to secure a place in the Champions League group stages by clinching a third spot in the Barclays Premier League, their highest league finish since 1977.

Another fantastic season followed in 2011/12, as Mancini guided City to the Barclays Premier League title, and they were crowned champions for the first time in 44 years.

After he departed from Manchester City, he joined Galatasaray in the 2013/14 season before he returned to Inter during the 2014/15 season.

MANUEL PELLEGRINI. 14/06/2013 – 15/05/2016.

He moved to Manchester City in 2013 and proved himself by winning the title in his first season.

With the likes of Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Edin Dzeko scoring freely, City netted more than 150 goals in all competitions on their way to winning the Premier League and League Cup.

Over the next two seasons, Pellegrini’s City finished in the top four and reached the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, adding a second League Cup in 2016. He left the club in 2016.

PEP GUARDIOLA. 01/07/2016 – current

Since his arrival at the Etihad in 2016, Guardiola has won five Premier Leagues, masterminded a domestic treble in 2019 and guided City to 100 points, the only team to do so in the Premier League era in the 2017-18 season.

Despite all that success, the Champions League had been a tale of failure and near-misses, including losing the 2021 final against Chelsea in Porto.

Winning the Champions League on Saturday, June 10, 2023, adds to Guardiola’s long list of football trophies.

Subsidy removal: Kwara approves buses for tertiary students, workers

Ijeoma OPARA
-
0
Subsidy removal: Kwara approves buses for tertiary students, workers

KWARA state governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has approved the provision of buses to support the transportation of students and workers in tertiary institutions within Ilorin.

The governor’s chief press secretary (CPS), Rafiu Ajakaiye, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, June 11.

“From Wednesday, June 14, some large buses will be deployed to transport students of public tertiary institutions within the metropolis, including those going to the Kwara State University campus at Malete.

“Further details will be released by the coordinating Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs),” the CPS noted.

Ajakaiye also noted that the state government would continue to take steps to ease the fuel subsidy removal effect on residents.

Following the declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that fuel subsidy “is gone”, and the consequent hike of petrol pump price by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCLtd), there has been a surge in transport fares across the country, leaving commuters in agony.

In most parts of the country, transport costs rose by at least 50 per cent. The ICIR reported that residents had resorted to trekking long distances to conserve transport costs, while motorists suffered from low patronage.

 The Kwara state government had reduced work days for its staff from five times to thrice a week following the surge in transportation costs.

The Head of Service, Susan Oluwole, directed heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to work out a format indicating the alternating work days for each worker under them.

Oluwole warned workers against abusing the gesture, noting that her office would intensify monitoring MDAs in the state government.

The Oyo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Joshua Adekanye advised Nigerians to embrace using bicycles as alternative means of transportation due to the fare surge across the country.

“Use of bicycle is economically cheap because the cost of a bicycle is not as expensive as using a car or motorcycle,” Adekanye said.

Tinubu to address Nigerians on Monday June 12

Beloved JOHN
-
0
Tinubu to address Nigerians on Monday June 12

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu will be addressing the nation in a broadcast on Monday, June 12. 

According to a statement issued on Sunday, June 11 by the State House director of information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, the president will address the nation at 7am to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day.

“Television, radio stations, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and Radio Nigeria for the broadcast,” he asked.

In 2019, former President Mohammed Buhari, designated June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day. Before then Nigeria was celebrating Democracy Day on May 29.

But Buhari directed that the celebration be marked on June 12 in honour of Moshood Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election, which was held on the same date.

June 12 has always been significant to Nigerians, many of whom refer to the election as the most peaceful and credible poll ever held in the country.

Police arrest bandits’ informant, 11 others in FCT

Mustapha USMAN
-
1
Police arrest bandits’ informant, 11 others in FCT

THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has arrested a wanted logistic supplier and informant to a kidnapping and banditry group terrorising the FCT and its environs.

The 25-year-old suspect, Mohammed Hamza, popularly known as Auta,  was arrested by the anti-kidnapping unit of the command at the Mongoro Forest. 

A statement by the command on Saturday, June 10, explained that the suspect had been on the wanted list of the Force allegedly for his involvement in supplying firearms, ammunition and other weapons to criminals in their various hideouts in the forests using a motorcycle. 

The command stated it recovered three AK47 rifles, 32 live ammunitions, six locally made firearms, food items, and an unregistered Boxer motorcycle from the suspect.

According to the statement, investigations were being intensified to identify and cut off the criminal supply chain, as well as arrest other members of the gang. 

The command said it also arrested 11 other criminal suspects for various crimes, including illegal possession of firearms, illegal fabrication and production of small arms and light weapons, and armed robbery.

The statement added, “The suspects –  Daniel Williams, 51; Mohammed Yusuf, 41; Abdulrasheed Abdullahi, 26; and Aminu Mohammed, 41, all male – were intercepted and arrested in the Zuba area of the FCT by operatives of the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB).”

The statement said that four locally made firearms and one live cartridge were recovered from the suspects.

The police said its preliminary investigations revealed that the gang was involved in fabricating and producing small and light weapons locally.

“Also the operatives of Utako Divisional Police Headquarters on 07/06/2023 at about 1900hrs, following a tip-off actionable intelligence, arrested eight suspected armed robbers at one Amala Garden in Utako. Following the arrest, three firearms of different calibre, knives and hard drugs were recovered from them.

“The suspects are Sani Ibrahim, male, 41 yrs old from Gere LGA of  Borno State; Yusuf Ilyasu, 25, male, aka Tablet, an ex-convict from Plateau State; Awala Lawal, male, 22, from Kano State, an escapee of Kuje prison; Hassan Daudo, male, 34, from Borno State; Abbass Gidado, male,18, from Katsina state; Shamsu Haibu, 35, from Kano state; Sani Suleiman, male, 37; from Kano state; and one Shehu Jimoh, male, 26, an ex-convict from Kogi State,” the statement read.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Police Command, Haruna G. Garba, reiterated, in the statement, his commitment to crush all crimes and criminality within the FCT, warning all criminal elements to steer clear of the FCT and its environs.

“The CP equally enjoined the public to be law abiding, and be vigilant to enable them swiftly render distress/complaints through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883, while the Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) desk, could be reached on 0902 222 2352,” it added.

 

Gov Soludo makes false claim about steel company as first in South-East

Marcus FATUNMOLE
-
0
Gov Soludo makes false claim about steel company as first in South-East

ON Friday, June 9, Anambra State Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo inaugurated a firm, Milton Steel Manufacturing, in the state.

At the occasion, Soludo said the company was the first steel production firm in the entire South-East region.

“Today, I commissioned Milton Steel Manufacturing Company founded by Hon. Innocent Ojike (Ojicam), who is also the company’s majority shareholder.

“The company, which is the first steel facility in the south-east of Nigeria, is located in Awkuzu, Oyi LGA. It will manufacture rods and steel of all sizes, one of the basic resource required for full industrialization,” the governor said in a message published on his Facebook page.

READ ALSO:

ICIR trains North-Central, South-East journalists on data, investigative journalism

Ohanaeze condemns alleged killing of South-East youths by security agents

Early arrival of election materials, voting observed in South-East

Sit-at-home: South-East micro businesses lost estimated N4.6trn in 52 weeks – investigation

The ICIR reports that the region, currently battling insecurity, is one of Nigeria’s economic hubs. Among other reports it has done on insecurity in the South-East, this organisation, in a two-part investigation, in January, exposed how the region pays a heavy price for insecurity.

A section of Milton Steel Manufacturing company. Photo credit: Governor Soludo

Speaking on the unveiling of Milton Steel Manufacturing Company, Soludo said his administration’s objective was to transition from a primarily informal commercial sector to an industrialised one, a technology hub, and a spot for leisure and entertainment.

His words, “As a government, we stand ready to provide every assistance. We have signed an agreement with EEDC (Enugu Electricity Distribution Company) to provide the state with 24-hour electricity. We will put in necessary infrastructure to make this happen now that power is on the concurrent list.

Another section of Milton Steel Manufacturing. Photo credit: Governor Soludo

“My primary responsibility as a governor is to serve as the chief marketing officer for everything produced in Anambra. The best way to create jobs is to buy items made in the state. When you buy products made in the diaspora, you are creating jobs in other countries.

“I am here to celebrate three things: the company, industry, and the homeland consciousness of the founder. This is another reminder to Ndi Anambra in diaspora and, indeed the world, that Anambra is ready for business.”

Meanwhile, The ICIR objects to his claim that the company he inaugurated was the first steel producer in the South-East.

Claim:Soludo says Milton Steel Manufacturing is the first steel production company in the South-East.

He published the claim on his Facebook Page, which has over 248,000 followers.

Many of his followers lauded his action and speech.

A screenshot of Soludo’s Facebook Page where his follower lauded him over the post

The Findings

The findings show that other steel production firms operated in the South-East, including Anambra State, before the inauguration of Milton Steel.

One of the firms is Emeife Industries Ltd (EIL). This firm is based in Onitsha, one of Anambra’s major cities.

Speaking with The ICIR on Saturday, June 10, the EIL’s business development manager, Okafor Nkemdirim, said the firm had been operating since 2006, distributing its products across Nigeria.

Similarly, Izundu Wire and Steel Industry still operates partially in Anambra State, where it is located, according to its chairman, Nwakibia Inno Izundu.

The ICIR reporter contacted Izundu on the telephone on Saturday, June 10. He disagreed with Soludo’s claim but said expatriates make business difficult for them, and the government was not helping local industries.

He said, “The Chinese people have taken everything from us. Our government doesn’t want to help us. They like to help foreigners.”

He said things were difficult for the local firms, and they work at a slow pace.

Another company contacted by The ICIR in the state is Danchris Steel Rods Company. An official who did not give his name at the firm said the firm existed but was not working.

According to the company’s profile on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), it was registered on April 29, 2019.

Other platforms keeping companies’ records in Nigeria showed the firm has RC number 2875888.

Meanwhile, a source at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), who pleaded anonymity, said, “There is no steel plant currently operating in the South-East, but there were some before,” which are now moribund.

The Verdict:

The governor’s claim that Milton Steel Manufacturing is the first steel facility in the South-East is false. The ICIR reports that steel production companies operated in the region before the launch of the new firm.

What lawyers say about Emefiele’s suspension

Ehime ALEX
-
1
What lawyers say about Emefiele’s suspension

THE suspension of Godwin Emefiele as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has drawn the attention of some lawyers on the interpretation of Section 11 of the CBN Act 2007, which is the clause about the removal of a CBN governor.

President Bola Tinubu had suspended Emefiele on Saturday, June 10, as CBN governor and directed him to immediately hand over to the Deputy Governor, Operations Directorate, Folashodun Shonubi.

Section 11 of the CBN Act 2007 deals with the circumstances under which the CBN governor might cease to hold office, David Ogebe, a lawyer, explained to The ICIR.

READ ALSO:
Major controversies that trailed Emefiele’s tenure as CBN Governor

Nigerian banks, Afrexim, others provided 50% debt finance for $18.5bn Dangote refinery project – Emefiele

DSS confirms Emefiele’s arrest

Tinubu suspends CBN governor Emefiele

He said Section 11(2)(f), in particular, empowers the President to “remove” the CBN governor from office, however, with the approval of a two-thirds majority of the Senate.

“What is not, however, clear from this provision is, whether the removal ought to start by way of suspension of the CBN Governor,” Ogebe pointed out.

“If one were to apply the canon of interpretation that states that the express mention of one thing is the exclusion of another, Ogebe said, one may perhaps conclude that since the word suspension is not mentioned in the Act, then any suspension by Mr President other than outright removal is unlawful.”

“That position becomes more convincing given the fact that the alleged suspension has no prior backing or approval of a two-thirds majority of the Senate as contemplated by Section 11(2)(f) of the CBN Act,” he added.

Another legal practitioner, Sasi Jaja, argued that by virtue of Section 11 of the CBN Act, the President cannot remove the CBN governor without recourse to two-thirds of the Senate.

“It appears that the Act seeks institutional independence of the CBN, which cannot be guaranteed without the security of tenure of the governor.”

“However, according to the Federal Hìgh Court, Abuja, in the case of Sanusi Lamido v. President & Ors. (2014), the President can exercise disciplinary control over the Governor of the CBN, which includes suspension of the governor. The decision of the court was not appealed,” Jaja explained.

The issue surrounding the interpretation of the Act on the removal of the CBN governor has not been correctly interpreted since the last time Sanusi Lamido, a former CBN governor, was suspended and later removed from office, Kazeem Bello, a global development economist, added his voice to the controversy.

Bello said, “Now we can confirm that the Federal Government of Nigeria may have had reasonable evidence of misconduct or impropriety against his office to have taken such action.

“The matter should, therefore, be left alone until the government brings evidence of such misconduct to the public to justify the current investigation against him. We have to await the subsequent actions of the government on this to get the details of why he was placed on suspension.”

He noted that Tinubu had set the tone for its financial priorities from day one, and it does not appear that those priorities might sink well with some CBN elements.

To him, there was nothing unusual about Emefiele’s suspension as similar developments happen elsewhere, including in the United States of America.

“Incoming Presidents in the US always want to work with a Treasury Chief whose thinking and ideologies align with their financial and economic ideology, he said.

Bello recalled that in 2016 after former president, Muhammadu Buhari, assumed office, Emefiele was one of the first people the former president was advised to remove.

But he survived and remained in office throughout the tenure of the Buhari’s administration.

The ICIR reports the Department of State Services (DSS) on Saturday, June 10, confirmed arresting and detaining Emefiele.

CBN Act 2007: Disqualification and cessation of appointment

The portion of the CBN Act on the removal of CBN governor
The portion of the CBN Act on the removal of CBN governor
  1. – (1) A person shall not remain a Governor, Deputy Governor or Director of the Bank if he is –

(a) a member of any Federal or State legislative house; or

(b) a Director, officer or employee of any bank licensed under the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act.

(2) The Governor, Deputy Governor or Director shall cease to hold office in the Bank if he –

(a) becomes of unsound mind or, owing to ill health, is incapable of carrying out his duties;

(b) is convicted of any criminal offence by a court of competent jurisdiction except for traffic offences or contempt proceedings arising in connection with the execution or intended execution of any power or duty conferred under this Act or the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act;

(c) is guilty of a serious misconduct in relation to his duties under this Act;

(d) is disqualified or suspended from practicing his profession in Nigeria by order of a competent authority made in respect of him personally;

(e) becomes bankrupt;

(f) is removed by the President:

Provided that the removal of the Governor shall be supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed.

Bandits kill 50 farmers, displace many in Niger state

Beloved JOHN
-
1
Bandits kill 50 farmers, displace many in Niger state

BANDITS’ attacks in several communities across the Rafi local government area, Niger state, have reportedly led to the death of over 50 farmers.

The attacks occurred consistently for three days, forcing several villagers out of their homes.

According to a report by Daily Trust, the attacks started on Wednesday, June 7 and lasted till Saturday, June 10, as the bandits moved from community to community.

READ ALSO:
Again bandits attack Southern Kaduna, kill eight residents

Troops kill 11 bandits, recover weapons in Kaduna

Maritime ‘Bandits’: ‘Agberos’ rake in N2.16bn revenue annually from Lagos ports corridor (2)

Maritime ‘Bandits’: Lagos government looks away as touting, extortion thrive at Apapa Ports corridor [1]

The last violent attack occurred between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. It affected five communities, and a yet-to-be specified number of villagers died as a result.

The attacks have worsened the humanitarian crisis in the Rafi LGA.

Since the attacks began, several women and children have been displaced.

Those already displaced are relocating to Kagara, the headquarters of Rafi LGA, abandoning their villages for bandits.

According to one of the residents, Abdullahi Usman, the bandit group had over 100 members.

He said they rode on motorcycles, invading many villages without resistance or challenges.

“It’s true that bandits have resumed attacks with full force. We have not had it easy in the last two weeks, but the situation has worsened since Wednesday.

“As I speak, bandits have taken over most parts of Rafi LGA. They had been in Kusherki Community since around 2 pm on Friday; they spent the night in Garin-Zara Community and rustled hundreds of cattle, goats and rams, and killed an unspecified number of people,” Daily Trust quoted him to have said.

When The ICIR contacted the Niger state police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, to speak on the incident, he asked for time to verify.

He said, “Let me verify and get back to you.”

READ ALSO:

However, as of the time of filing this report, Abiodun was yet to respond.

In northwest and north central Nigeria, bandits continue to ravage communities, kidnapping, killing and looting the villagers.

The bandits operate in different groups, announcing their arrival through motorcycles. According to the Zamfara state governor, Bello Matawalle, over 30,000 bandits are operating across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kaduna.

DSS confirms Emefiele’s arrest

Ehime ALEX
-
0
DSS confirms Emefiele’s arrest

THE Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the arrest of Godwin Emefiele, who President Bola Tinubu suspended on Friday, June 9 as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor.

Emefiele’s arrest was confirmed by the public relations officer of the DSS, Peter Afunaya, in a tweet posted on the DSS official Twitter handle on Saturday, June 10.

It read, “The Department of State Services (DSS) at this moment confirms that Mr Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is now in its custody for some investigative reasons.

READ ALSO:

Tinubu suspends CBN governor Emefiele

Naira Scarcity: Ngige, Emefiele, NLC meet over planned strike

Photo does not show Mamman Daura giving orders to Emefiele

“The public, particularly the Media, is enjoined to apply utmost caution in the reportage and narratives concerning this.”

The ICIR reports that President Tinubu suspended Emefiele with immediate effect and directed him to hand over the affairs of his office to the deputy governor, operations directorate, Folashodun Shonubi.

Tinubu’s suspension of Emefiele was contained in a press release by Willie Bassey, director of information, office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), dated Friday, June 9.

The secret police did not state or give any reason why Emeiele was arrested. However, it many not be unconnected with the allegations the DSS had placed against him.

DSS had last year attempted to arrest Emefiele, accusing him of financing terrorism, aiding and abetting terrorism, and committing other economic crimes.

DSS takes Godwin Emefiele into custody after suspension as CBN governor. Source: Channels TV
DSS takes Godwin Emefiele into custody after suspension as CBN governor. Source: Channels TV

The DSS alleged that Emefiele funded the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) with the resources he raised for his failed presidential bid on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The agency also accused him of fraud, money laundering, round tripping and conferment of financial benefit to self and others.

On December 7, 2022, the DSS filed an ex-parte motion at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking permission to arrest, probe and detain Emefiele.

However, on December 9, 2022, the court declined the application.

The chief judge, Justice J.T. Tsoho, ruled that the DSS did not provide concrete evidence to substantiate its claims that Emefiele was involved in terrorism financing and economic crimes.

According to the court, such an application should have been accompanied by presidential approval because of the grave implications for the economy if the CBN governor was arrested and detained.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari did not give his consent for Emefiele’s arrest till he left office on May 29.

 

Ebonyi gets first female SSG

Ijeoma OPARA
-
0
Ebonyi gets first female SSG

EBONYI state governor Francis Nwifuru has appointed Grace Umezurike as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Umezurike is the first female to be so appointed in the state.

In a statement by the governor’s chief press secretary (CPS) Monday Uzor on Friday, June 9, Nwifuru said the appointment would take immediate effect.

The new SSG will be sworn in on Tuesday, June 13.

Umezuruike is a professor of Philosophy and Religion at Ebonyi State University, Abakiliki.

Although Nigeria has a National Gender Policy (NGP), female representation in top political offices is still unimpressive.

The NGP was introduced to enhance women’s representation in governance, and recommends that women fill up 35 per cent of appointive positions in the country for more inclusion in political, economic and social areas of decision-making.

It was also described by the immediate past president of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari as a road map for promoting the rights and equality of females, which would be implemented under his administration to hasten the mainstreaming of women.

The 35 per cent affirmative action was not implemented under Buhari, and is yet to be achieved across the country.

However, Ebonyi state also got its first female deputy governor Patricia Obila following the 2023 governorship elections.

Obila was a two-term vice-chairman of Afikpo North Local Government Area (LGA) before she was selected as running mate by the governor.

Note: This report was edited to remove the sentence that says she is the wife of David Umezurike. 

D’Tigress to begin title defence at 2023 Women’s Afrobasket July 28

Dotun OMISAKIN
-
0
D’Tigress to begin title defence at 2023 Women’s Afrobasket July 28

Nigeria’s women basketball national team, D’Tigress, the defending champions of the Women’s Afro-basket Championship, will begin the defence of their title in July against DR Congo and Egypt in Group D.

At the draw ceremony held on Friday, June 9 in Maputo, Mozambique, the groups for the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket were confirmed at the ongoing 18th FIBA Africa General Assembly.

The 12-nation tournament will be held at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 28 to August 6.

The group format

Teams were divided into four groups of three each, with tournament hosts Rwanda drawn in Group A.
Ten countries had their places confirmed in the 12-nation showpiece.

The remaining two slots will be determined at a later date. FIBA Africa will attribute one wildcard, while the last ticket will be determined through a qualifier involving one team from Zone 2 and teams from Zone 3.

The wildcard team will be added to Group B, while the representative from Zones 2 (Guinea) and 3 will play in Group A alongside hosts Rwanda and Angola.

Afrobasket
Afrobasket

Group phase matches

In the first phase, each team will take on the two opponents in its respective group in a one-leg game.

The winners of each group will advance directly to the quarter-final, with the best four second and third teams taking the remaining places in the quarter finals.

A member of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) media team, Maxwell Kumoye, assured that the federation would ensure better preparation for the D’Tigress.

“The Afrobasket championship is a premium event and we have the best amazons, so we are prepared to win the title,” Kumoye told The ICIR.

1...887888889...3,440Page 888 of 3,440