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Nigeria's electoral commission will postpone Feb. 14 presidential and legislative elections for six weeks to give a new multinational force time to secure northeastern areas under the sway of Boko Haram, an official close to the commission told The Associated Press on Saturday.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Everybody na oga on election day...Activista Urges Nigerians To Troop Out And Vote
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A group of youths have urged Nigerians to come out en-mass and vote during elections. The young minds under the aegis of Activista Nigeria took to Lagos streets today sensitising Lagosians on the need to collect their Permanent Voter's Card and ensure that they vote for a candidate of their choice during the upcoming elections.
The youths who took their campaign to Ojuelegba, Yaba axis of Lagos were a cross section of young professionals, entrepreneurs and students of various higher institutions across the state. The group gathered at the Lagos State University School of Communication between Yaba and Ojuelegba from where they stormed different streets in their agitation for citizens to participate during elections by voting.
Speaking with BlackBox Nigeria, the Coordinator of the group; Ewebiyi Keye James disclosed that they decided to organise the campaign because a whole lot of people *disenfranchise themselves thereby giving room for possible rigging during elections. He also urged Nigerians especially young people to shun electoral violence and malpractices which are the bane of credible elections in Nigeria.
"It is not enough to condemn the government and complain about lack of basic amenities, electricity and other when we don't vote. Its high time we made politicians know we own the power and can always vote them out when their policies are anti-people", Ewebiyi said further.
Ewebiyi also noted that the rally which is supported by ActionAid Nigeria and UKaid will also hold in Benue, Kogi, Ondo, Bauchi State and FCT, Abuja.
Activista is ActionAid International's global youth network involving more than 250 ActionAid partners and thousands of volunteers in more than 25 countries, focusing on youth campaigning through mobilization and engagement of youth on local, national and international level.
A group of youths have urged Nigerians to come out en-mass and vote during elections. The young minds under the aegis of Activista Nigeria took to Lagos streets today sensitising Lagosians on the need to collect their Permanent Voter's Card and ensure that they vote for a candidate of their choice during the upcoming elections.
The youths who took their campaign to Ojuelegba, Yaba axis of Lagos were a cross section of young professionals, entrepreneurs and students of various higher institutions across the state. The group gathered at the Lagos State University School of Communication between Yaba and Ojuelegba from where they stormed different streets in their agitation for citizens to participate during elections by voting.
Speaking with BlackBox Nigeria, the Coordinator of the group; Ewebiyi Keye James disclosed that they decided to organise the campaign because a whole lot of people *disenfranchise themselves thereby giving room for possible rigging during elections. He also urged Nigerians especially young people to shun electoral violence and malpractices which are the bane of credible elections in Nigeria.
"It is not enough to condemn the government and complain about lack of basic amenities, electricity and other when we don't vote. Its high time we made politicians know we own the power and can always vote them out when their policies are anti-people", Ewebiyi said further.
Ewebiyi also noted that the rally which is supported by ActionAid Nigeria and UKaid will also hold in Benue, Kogi, Ondo, Bauchi State and FCT, Abuja.
Activista is ActionAid International's global youth network involving more than 250 ActionAid partners and thousands of volunteers in more than 25 countries, focusing on youth campaigning through mobilization and engagement of youth on local, national and international level.
@blackboxupdate
Drama! 21 RECs Reject Election Postponement, 16 Support...INEC in dilemma
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Twenty one Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, have rejected a proposal to postpone Nigeria's general elections billed for February 14 and 28.
In a vote conducted Saturday by the INEC chairman, Attahiru Jega, after he met with political parties and the civil society, 21 RECs said the elections should continue as planned while 16 others voted in support of a reschedule.
Nigeria has 37 RECs, each for a state and the Federal Capital, Abuja.
The outcome of the vote came as Nigerians await INEC's decision on whether the elections are moved or not.
Civil Society leaders said Mr. Jega had told them at their meeting that the commission was under pressure to postpone the polls after all security agencies, including the military and the police, warned that they will only support polls held at least six weeks after the current dates.
Jibrin Ibrahim, a senior fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD, in Abuja, who was at the meeting, said Mr. Jega told the meeting that security operatives told INEC that they were commencing a six weeks special operations against Boko Haram insurgents in the north eastern corridors of the country and would rather not be distracted by the elections.
Mr. Jega announced that the security forces also said the operations are due to commence on February 14, the date INEC had planned for the presidential and federal legislative elections.
Earlier, 17 political parties out of the total 28 voted in support of an extension.
The opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, has rejected any plan to postpone the election saying such calls are sponsored by President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling party to stave their imminent defeat at the polls.
It is not clear what the commission's eventual decision would be with the latest voting pattern by the RECs.
Mr. Jega is expected to brief the media any moment from now.
Premium TimesIn a vote conducted Saturday by the INEC chairman, Attahiru Jega, after he met with political parties and the civil society, 21 RECs said the elections should continue as planned while 16 others voted in support of a reschedule.
Nigeria has 37 RECs, each for a state and the Federal Capital, Abuja.
The outcome of the vote came as Nigerians await INEC's decision on whether the elections are moved or not.
Civil Society leaders said Mr. Jega had told them at their meeting that the commission was under pressure to postpone the polls after all security agencies, including the military and the police, warned that they will only support polls held at least six weeks after the current dates.
Jibrin Ibrahim, a senior fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD, in Abuja, who was at the meeting, said Mr. Jega told the meeting that security operatives told INEC that they were commencing a six weeks special operations against Boko Haram insurgents in the north eastern corridors of the country and would rather not be distracted by the elections.
Mr. Jega announced that the security forces also said the operations are due to commence on February 14, the date INEC had planned for the presidential and federal legislative elections.
Earlier, 17 political parties out of the total 28 voted in support of an extension.
The opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, has rejected any plan to postpone the election saying such calls are sponsored by President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling party to stave their imminent defeat at the polls.
It is not clear what the commission's eventual decision would be with the latest voting pattern by the RECs.
Mr. Jega is expected to brief the media any moment from now.
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Dbanj, Banky W Named Ciroc Ambassadors
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Two of Nigeria's finest pop stars, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo known as D'banj and E.M.E boss, Olubankole Wellington, also known as Banky W, have just added more honour and endorsement to their profile.
They have been unveiled as brand ambassadors of leading ultra-premium vodka, Ciroc.
At a special event held on Friday at Intercontinental Hotels in Victoria Island, Lagos, the duo were unveiled by Joe Nazel, the head of Ciroc Nigeria, who disclosed that the choice of both stars as the face of the premium drink took him and his team at least 6 months in planning and to arrive at the point of unveiling today.
While Banky W looks to have been at a number of events hosted or sponsored by Ciroc in recent times, like the blue stone party at Ibiza, Spain in 2014, the announcement of D'banj is a new one that might just be down to his brand power and influence on the Nigerian music scene.
They have been unveiled as brand ambassadors of leading ultra-premium vodka, Ciroc.
At a special event held on Friday at Intercontinental Hotels in Victoria Island, Lagos, the duo were unveiled by Joe Nazel, the head of Ciroc Nigeria, who disclosed that the choice of both stars as the face of the premium drink took him and his team at least 6 months in planning and to arrive at the point of unveiling today.
While Banky W looks to have been at a number of events hosted or sponsored by Ciroc in recent times, like the blue stone party at Ibiza, Spain in 2014, the announcement of D'banj is a new one that might just be down to his brand power and influence on the Nigerian music scene.
@blackboxupdate
Ghana Vows To Defeat Ivory Coast
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BY MOSES ADEYEMI
Ghanian midfielder Andre Ayew has assured Ghana are ready to take on Ivory Coast in the final of this year's Africa Cup of Nations in Bata,
Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
It will be a repeat of Senegal '92, where the Elephants won 11-10 on penalties. And with Ivory Coast's star-studded side, they are favourites to win the trophy for the second time in their history.
But the Marseille talisman disagrees with that assertion. "Both teams have a chance of winning the match, so it will be very important for us to rest and recuperate before the game," the 24 year old toldfifa.com .
We have a day less than Côte d'Ivoire and would have preferred to have more time to prepare, but a final is a final and we will be ready.
We will do everything in our power to bring the trophy. There is no word to describe how much we want to win the trophy," Ayew opined.
He added: "People are questioning whether we are ready to lift the trophy again after so many years, but if we were not ready, we would not have beaten Equatorial Guinea in the semi-finals. We are ready."
Yemme_blaq
Ghanian midfielder Andre Ayew has assured Ghana are ready to take on Ivory Coast in the final of this year's Africa Cup of Nations in Bata,
Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
It will be a repeat of Senegal '92, where the Elephants won 11-10 on penalties. And with Ivory Coast's star-studded side, they are favourites to win the trophy for the second time in their history.
But the Marseille talisman disagrees with that assertion. "Both teams have a chance of winning the match, so it will be very important for us to rest and recuperate before the game," the 24 year old toldfifa.com .
We have a day less than Côte d'Ivoire and would have preferred to have more time to prepare, but a final is a final and we will be ready.
We will do everything in our power to bring the trophy. There is no word to describe how much we want to win the trophy," Ayew opined.
He added: "People are questioning whether we are ready to lift the trophy again after so many years, but if we were not ready, we would not have beaten Equatorial Guinea in the semi-finals. We are ready."
Yemme_blaq
@blackboxupdate
Nigerian Boyfriends Kick Against Election Postponement..."It is a welcome development"-Girlfriends react
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The National Association of Nigerian Boyfriends (NANB) has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Atahiru Jega to ignore all calls for the postponement of the February 14 Presidential election. Speaking exclusively with BBN in Lagos, the Public Relations Officer of NANB; Mr. Farrouk Oyebanjo, a perennial bachelor disclosed that it was wrong and undemocratic for such calls to be welcomed. He further said that those who were calling for the postponement were enemies of the country. "We, Nigerian Boyfriends have decided to concentrate on the coming elections and to ensure that things move smoothly. Any postponement is in bad faith because we insist that there mustn't be movement that day election or no elections" -Oyebanjo stated.
In a swift reaction, Miss Motunrayo Gbadebo spokeswoman for the Association of Sincere Girl Friends(ASGF) said it is a misplaced priority in the first instance for INEC to have put the election on February 14th adjudged by all to be lover's day.
"INEC's action is unjustifiable and against the tenet of true love, patriotism and gender mainstreaming. Postponing the election would not only position INEC as an unbiased umpire, it would solidify a lot of fiddling relationships thereby making men responsible to their girlfriends . Postponing the election is a welcome development for the development of true love for the country," she said.
Pls note: This report is OFFrecord
However, this year's Valentine's day can still be a memorable one for you and your spouse as you can now place a special order for Cakes to be delivered to your partners anywhere within Lagos between Feb12th and 13th. Call Wura on 07055326823 08028838270, adebayo_wuraola@yahoo.com
NB: Delivery would be extended to Feb14 if the Presidential election is postponed.
@blackboxupdate
The National Association of Nigerian Boyfriends (NANB) has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Atahiru Jega to ignore all calls for the postponement of the February 14 Presidential election. Speaking exclusively with BBN in Lagos, the Public Relations Officer of NANB; Mr. Farrouk Oyebanjo, a perennial bachelor disclosed that it was wrong and undemocratic for such calls to be welcomed. He further said that those who were calling for the postponement were enemies of the country. "We, Nigerian Boyfriends have decided to concentrate on the coming elections and to ensure that things move smoothly. Any postponement is in bad faith because we insist that there mustn't be movement that day election or no elections" -Oyebanjo stated.
In a swift reaction, Miss Motunrayo Gbadebo spokeswoman for the Association of Sincere Girl Friends(ASGF) said it is a misplaced priority in the first instance for INEC to have put the election on February 14th adjudged by all to be lover's day.
"INEC's action is unjustifiable and against the tenet of true love, patriotism and gender mainstreaming. Postponing the election would not only position INEC as an unbiased umpire, it would solidify a lot of fiddling relationships thereby making men responsible to their girlfriends . Postponing the election is a welcome development for the development of true love for the country," she said.
Pls note: This report is OFFrecord
However, this year's Valentine's day can still be a memorable one for you and your spouse as you can now place a special order for Cakes to be delivered to your partners anywhere within Lagos between Feb12th and 13th. Call Wura on 07055326823 08028838270, adebayo_wuraola@yahoo.com
NB: Delivery would be extended to Feb14 if the Presidential election is postponed.
@blackboxupdate
Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone.
Breaking! Why February Election Must Be Postponed –Jega
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Attahiru Jega, has concluded a brief meeting with 25 civil society groups in Abuja Saturday informing them that all security agencies in the country have indicated to him, in writing, that they are not available to support the elections planned for February 14
Mr. Jega who had an earlier meeting with political parties is rounding up another meeting with his 36 resident commissioners now on what will amount to an INEC position on whether to postpone or go ahead with the elections.
Insiders at the meeting said “its pretty much a done deal at this point that the lections will be postponed” and many of the attendees told PREMIUM TIMES they were shell-shocked and depressed at what they characterize as “a clear case of political blackmail of the state against civil society.”
Jibrin Ibrahim, a leading African election expert and senior fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD, in Abuja, who was at the meeting, said Mr. Jega told the meeting that security operatives from all the agencies told INEC that they were commencing a six weeks special operations against Boko Haram insurgents in the north eastern corridors of the country and would rather not be distracted by the elections.
Mr. Jega announced that the security forces also said the operations are due to commence on February 14, the date INEC had planned for the presidential and other federal elections.
This decision, by the security forces, successfully renders INEC’s hitherto insistence to go ahead with the elections a risky venture.
To even collect ballot papers from their storage in the Central bank for the elections will still require security escort, which apparently is now unavailable in the light of the move by the security forces.
PremiumTimes
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Breaking! Protest hit Abuja, Lagos Over Election Postponement
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BlackBox can report that protests have broken out in the nation's capital of Abuja over news which floated in ealier today that the election might be postponed.
Unconfirmed reports further revealed that asides Abuja, protests have also broken out in Lagos over the news that there might be possible postponement of the elections.
The opposition All Progressive Congress has also described the purported postponement as a ploy to frustrate INEC Chair, Professor Attahiru Jega out of office.
The opposition All Progressive Congress has also described the purported postponement as a ploy to frustrate INEC Chair, Professor Attahiru Jega out of office.
Professor Jega BBN gathered is set to address newsmen later this evening at 5pm
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Controversy Follows Election Postponement In Nigeria
Millions could be disenfranchised if the voting went ahead while the Islamic extremists hold a large swath of the northeast and commit mayhem that has driven 1.5 million people from their homes.
A major offensive with warplanes and ground troops from Chad and Nigeria already has forced the insurgents from a dozen towns and villages in the past 10 days. Even greater military strikes by more countries are planned.
The official who is knowledgeable of the discussions said the Independent National Electoral Commission will announce the postponement at a news conference later Saturday. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
Officials in President Goodluck Jonathan's administration had been calling for a postponement, which is opposed by an opposition coalition fielding his chief rival, former military dictator Muhammadu Buhari.
Supporters of both sides are threatening violence if their candidate does not win. Some 800 people were killed in riots in the mainly Muslim north after Buhari, a Muslim, lost 2011 elections to Jonathan, a Christian from the south.
A postponement also will give electoral officials more time to deliver some 30 million voter cards. The commission had said the non-delivery of cards to nearly half of the 68.8 million registered voters was not a good reason to delay the vote.
However, INEC reacting to the news as at the time of filing this report said it has not postpone the election and that it is still at a meeting with Civil Society Organisations.
Posting on its official twitter handle @inecnigeria, the electoral umpire wrote,"
INEC has not made any official announcement about Feb. 14th polls. Meetings still ongoing. INEC currently meeting with political parties, meeting with civil society organisations coming up shortly #Nigeriadecides."
Update...
INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega to address a pressconference by 5pm.
APC said the purported postponement is a delibrate attempt to frustrate Attahiru Jega out at the electoral umpire Chair.
Reports reaching BBN have it that protests have broken out in Abuja and Lagos over the news that there might be possible postponement of the elections.
A protest in #Abuja over possible postponement of #Nigeria's elections
INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega to address a pressconference by 5pm.
APC said the purported postponement is a delibrate attempt to frustrate Attahiru Jega out at the electoral umpire Chair.
Reports reaching BBN have it that protests have broken out in Abuja and Lagos over the news that there might be possible postponement of the elections.
A protest in #Abuja over possible postponement of #Nigeria's elections
Ghana Must Go -African Footballer Of The Year Insists
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He has been waiting for this moment for long and now that it is upon the continent, he just cannot wait to be through with it. That is the story of four-time CAF African player of the year winner, Yaya Toure, who is on the cusp of history, as he leads out the Ivorians for the final match of the 2015 AFCON against Ghana tomorrow in Malabo.
For all his heroics on the pitch, winning laurels upon laurels from Spain to England, the towering Manchester City midfielder is yet to win the biggest prize in African football, the AFCON title.
But all that can become history tomorrow when the the two west African giants face off in a match that observers have dubbed fantasy football.
Toure scored an eye-popping goal in the 3-1 spanking of D.R. Congo in the semifinals, his only goal of the tournament and with about 24 hours to the kickoff of the final match, the former Barcelona star has told reporters that the Elephants will trample on their enterprising Ghanaian foes.
"We just want to get this match done with. A lot is being said of this game but the way I see it is that we are going to face a great battle from Ghana but I am sure that we would win this battle.
"Ghana are a great side but I don't think that they can stop our drive for the title. They must go for us to come out tops", added Toure.
For all his heroics on the pitch, winning laurels upon laurels from Spain to England, the towering Manchester City midfielder is yet to win the biggest prize in African football, the AFCON title.
But all that can become history tomorrow when the the two west African giants face off in a match that observers have dubbed fantasy football.
Toure scored an eye-popping goal in the 3-1 spanking of D.R. Congo in the semifinals, his only goal of the tournament and with about 24 hours to the kickoff of the final match, the former Barcelona star has told reporters that the Elephants will trample on their enterprising Ghanaian foes.
"We just want to get this match done with. A lot is being said of this game but the way I see it is that we are going to face a great battle from Ghana but I am sure that we would win this battle.
"Ghana are a great side but I don't think that they can stop our drive for the title. They must go for us to come out tops", added Toure.
@blackboxupdate
"THE TRUTH IS I WOULD LOVE TO PUNCH IBRAHIMOVIC"
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BY MOSES ADEYEMI
One of the most experienced defender in recent times, Fanni said ibrahimovic portrays a lot of arrogance on the field.
Rod Fanni has hit out at Zlatan Ibrahimovic and has revealed that there have been a few instances where he was close to punching the Paris Saint-Germain striker.
The Sweden international often makes headlines for his controversial behaviour both on and off the pitch, yet Fanni feels the 33-year-old is only playing a role in order to get attention.
"I have had the desire to throw a punch at Ibrahimovic more than once," Fanni was quoted as saying by Le Parisien .
"We have said things to each other in English that I can not repeat in public...He is playing a role with his arrogant behaviour and he is doing it very well. They should give him an Oscar for it. "He can be very annoying out there on the pitch, but that is a role he is playing. I know some PSG players and they all tell me that he is not really like that." he said.
Yemme_blaq
BY MOSES ADEYEMI
One of the most experienced defender in recent times, Fanni said ibrahimovic portrays a lot of arrogance on the field.
Rod Fanni has hit out at Zlatan Ibrahimovic and has revealed that there have been a few instances where he was close to punching the Paris Saint-Germain striker.
The Sweden international often makes headlines for his controversial behaviour both on and off the pitch, yet Fanni feels the 33-year-old is only playing a role in order to get attention.
"I have had the desire to throw a punch at Ibrahimovic more than once," Fanni was quoted as saying by Le Parisien .
"We have said things to each other in English that I can not repeat in public...He is playing a role with his arrogant behaviour and he is doing it very well. They should give him an Oscar for it. "He can be very annoying out there on the pitch, but that is a role he is playing. I know some PSG players and they all tell me that he is not really like that." he said.
Yemme_blaq
@blackboxupdate
AFCON'15: Its a West African Final Again as Ghana faces Cote D'ivoire
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Ghana will be out to end their 33-year wait for a fifth continental title when they face Ivory Coast in the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Bata, Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
The Black Stars defeated hosts Equatorial Guinea 3-0 in Thursday's semifinal, which was marred by crowd violence to set up a dream final against Ivory Coast. The Elephants beat DR Congo 3-1 in the first semifinal on Wednesday to secure a place in the final for the third time in the last nine years.
Ghana won the tournament in 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982, while Ivory Coast have won the title only once – in Senegal in 1992 – incidentally at the Blacks Stars' expense.
The star-studded Elephants led by Didier Drogba were beaten by Egypt on penalties in the final of the 2006 edition hosted by the North Africans. They also lost on penalties to Zambia in the final of the tournament co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea in 2012.
Ghana, who lost 1-0 to Egypt in the final of the 2010 AFCON in Angola, placed fourth in 2012 and 2013 respectively.
Ghana coach Avram Grant said on Friday that the Black Stars would win in Bata on Sunday.
"It is good to be in the final. Before the tournament, nobody gave us a chance. Everyone talked about the other teams. Now we are in the final and we want to win," the former Chelsea manager told AFP.
Meanwhile, coach Florent Ibenge says DR Congo do not have "the slightest fear" about playing at the Malabo Stadium where crowd violence marred an Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, AFP reports.
The Congolese are scheduled to face hosts Equatorial Guinea Saturday at the 15,000-capacity Estadio de Malabo in a third-place play-off.
Ibenge said, "We are only thinking about football and winning the game.
"We know things happen in football, but these incidents are tiny in relation to the number of games staged around the world."
The Black Stars defeated hosts Equatorial Guinea 3-0 in Thursday's semifinal, which was marred by crowd violence to set up a dream final against Ivory Coast. The Elephants beat DR Congo 3-1 in the first semifinal on Wednesday to secure a place in the final for the third time in the last nine years.
Ghana won the tournament in 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982, while Ivory Coast have won the title only once – in Senegal in 1992 – incidentally at the Blacks Stars' expense.
The star-studded Elephants led by Didier Drogba were beaten by Egypt on penalties in the final of the 2006 edition hosted by the North Africans. They also lost on penalties to Zambia in the final of the tournament co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea in 2012.
Ghana, who lost 1-0 to Egypt in the final of the 2010 AFCON in Angola, placed fourth in 2012 and 2013 respectively.
Ghana coach Avram Grant said on Friday that the Black Stars would win in Bata on Sunday.
"It is good to be in the final. Before the tournament, nobody gave us a chance. Everyone talked about the other teams. Now we are in the final and we want to win," the former Chelsea manager told AFP.
Meanwhile, coach Florent Ibenge says DR Congo do not have "the slightest fear" about playing at the Malabo Stadium where crowd violence marred an Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, AFP reports.
The Congolese are scheduled to face hosts Equatorial Guinea Saturday at the 15,000-capacity Estadio de Malabo in a third-place play-off.
Ibenge said, "We are only thinking about football and winning the game.
"We know things happen in football, but these incidents are tiny in relation to the number of games staged around the world."
@blackboxupdate
Yakubu is in great shape -New Manager Claims
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Reading boss Steve Clarke has revealed why he signed a former Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni within the January transfer window. Clarke believes that his new signing is in "decent shape."
The Royals sprung a surprise on transfer deadline day when they snapped up the 32-year-old former Everton and Portsmouth striker on a free transfer.
Having completed pre-season training with his previous club in Qatar, Yakubu could even be in contention for an immediate debut against Wolves on Saturday.
Clarke said, "He's had a bit of football lately in the form of friendly matches.
"He's come in and done some training with us and looks in decent shape. I don't think it will take too long to get him up to speed and hopefully he can give us that little bit extra that we're looking for.
"I've been looking at our games recently where we've had a lot of possession in forward areas and couldn't find the killer touch. Until Monday, you're searching the world markets for someone that can do that and then suddenly I got a call saying Yakubu was available.
"The most important thing for us is that we get him quickly integrated into the group and that he starts to make contributions to us as soon as possible."
Yakubu joined the English team as a free agent having left Qatari side Al Rayyan.
'The Yak', as he is called, said after the signing, "The Yak arrive in Reading, I am ready to go and ready to give everything. Common the Yak is ready to go."
He spent nine years in England between 2003 and 2012, starting off at Portsmouth. He also played for Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn Rovers before he left for Chinese team Guangzhou Evergrande in 2012. Yakubu has a reputable record as the highest ever scoring African in England with 138 goals from 346 appearances, 96 of which were scored in the English Premiership. The statistics puts him ahead of Ivory Coast and Africa great, Didier Drogba.
Yakubu scored three goals in eight appearances for Al Rayyan and joined fellow Nigerian, Hope Akpan, as Reading moves to beat relegation.
The Royals sprung a surprise on transfer deadline day when they snapped up the 32-year-old former Everton and Portsmouth striker on a free transfer.
Having completed pre-season training with his previous club in Qatar, Yakubu could even be in contention for an immediate debut against Wolves on Saturday.
Clarke said, "He's had a bit of football lately in the form of friendly matches.
"He's come in and done some training with us and looks in decent shape. I don't think it will take too long to get him up to speed and hopefully he can give us that little bit extra that we're looking for.
"I've been looking at our games recently where we've had a lot of possession in forward areas and couldn't find the killer touch. Until Monday, you're searching the world markets for someone that can do that and then suddenly I got a call saying Yakubu was available.
"The most important thing for us is that we get him quickly integrated into the group and that he starts to make contributions to us as soon as possible."
Yakubu joined the English team as a free agent having left Qatari side Al Rayyan.
'The Yak', as he is called, said after the signing, "The Yak arrive in Reading, I am ready to go and ready to give everything. Common the Yak is ready to go."
He spent nine years in England between 2003 and 2012, starting off at Portsmouth. He also played for Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn Rovers before he left for Chinese team Guangzhou Evergrande in 2012. Yakubu has a reputable record as the highest ever scoring African in England with 138 goals from 346 appearances, 96 of which were scored in the English Premiership. The statistics puts him ahead of Ivory Coast and Africa great, Didier Drogba.
Yakubu scored three goals in eight appearances for Al Rayyan and joined fellow Nigerian, Hope Akpan, as Reading moves to beat relegation.
@blackboxupdate
Keshi Joins English Premiership Side
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Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has given a hint that one of his winter signings, Keshi Anderson will be included in the squad for Saturday's trip to Leicester City.
The 19-year-old joined Palace on deadline day from Barton Rovers, and though he has no direct links with Nigeria, sharing the same name with erstwhile Super Eagles Stephen Keshi has seen many generate so much interest in the youngster who before now was playing in Southern League Division One Central – seven tiers below the top flight.
The striker has scored 19 goals for Rovers this season and a six-minute hat-trick against Palace in a trial match for Brentford convinced Pardew to make his move.
"Six minutes isn't bad is it? He's just got a chance, that's what it is," the Palace manager said.
"It's an opportunity for him, he trained with us today and I've put him in the squad for Saturday. It'll be good experience for him to come to see what goes on and his headlights are still full on.
"I told him to forget where he has come from, to forget about the fee. He's now a Crystal Palace footballer and he'll be classed the same as Jordon Mutch who has cost £4.5m.
"Keshi is a player that came to our attention very late – there was a little bit of interest in him from other clubs. He played against us and just caught our eye.
"It's a great opportunity for him and a similar route that I took myself (joining Palace from non-league) so he'll have great, sympathetic eyes from me looking for him to progress."
Palace suffered a lone goal defeat at home last weekend against Everton and they will hope to shake that off to record a good result over Leicester who are currently bottom of the log.
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has given a hint that one of his winter signings, Keshi Anderson will be included in the squad for Saturday's trip to Leicester City.
The 19-year-old joined Palace on deadline day from Barton Rovers, and though he has no direct links with Nigeria, sharing the same name with erstwhile Super Eagles Stephen Keshi has seen many generate so much interest in the youngster who before now was playing in Southern League Division One Central – seven tiers below the top flight.
The striker has scored 19 goals for Rovers this season and a six-minute hat-trick against Palace in a trial match for Brentford convinced Pardew to make his move.
"Six minutes isn't bad is it? He's just got a chance, that's what it is," the Palace manager said.
"It's an opportunity for him, he trained with us today and I've put him in the squad for Saturday. It'll be good experience for him to come to see what goes on and his headlights are still full on.
"I told him to forget where he has come from, to forget about the fee. He's now a Crystal Palace footballer and he'll be classed the same as Jordon Mutch who has cost £4.5m.
"Keshi is a player that came to our attention very late – there was a little bit of interest in him from other clubs. He played against us and just caught our eye.
"It's a great opportunity for him and a similar route that I took myself (joining Palace from non-league) so he'll have great, sympathetic eyes from me looking for him to progress."
Palace suffered a lone goal defeat at home last weekend against Everton and they will hope to shake that off to record a good result over Leicester who are currently bottom of the log.
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Super Falcons Star Gets Coaching Job...to function as player-coach
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Super Falcons forward, Perpetua Nkwocha, has signed a contract with Swedish second division side, Clemensnas IF, as a player-coach.
The 38-year-old forward left Swedish Ladies side, Sunnana SK, where she had been playing since 2007, in January to join to the lower league side after her contract with them expired at the end of the 2014 season.
The club announced on their website on Monday, "Clemensnäs IF welcomes Perpetua Nkwocha, "Peppe" as coach of the ladies DIV2.
"We are very pleased and proud that Peppe wants to start as player-coach of our association. We look forward to the coming season."
Nkwocha, who was recently given the Swedish citizenship, was part of the Falcons team to the 2014 African Women's Championship in Namibia where the four-time African Woman Player of the Year led the team to win their seventh title.
She has made 32 appearances for Nigeria scoring nine goals.
The 38-year-old forward left Swedish Ladies side, Sunnana SK, where she had been playing since 2007, in January to join to the lower league side after her contract with them expired at the end of the 2014 season.
The club announced on their website on Monday, "Clemensnäs IF welcomes Perpetua Nkwocha, "Peppe" as coach of the ladies DIV2.
"We are very pleased and proud that Peppe wants to start as player-coach of our association. We look forward to the coming season."
Nkwocha, who was recently given the Swedish citizenship, was part of the Falcons team to the 2014 African Women's Championship in Namibia where the four-time African Woman Player of the Year led the team to win their seventh title.
She has made 32 appearances for Nigeria scoring nine goals.
@blackboxupdate
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