CBN, NCC to intervene in banks’, Etisalat’s $1.7 billion loan case (Read full details)

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Apex bank meets telecoms’ firm, financial institutions today

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have agreed to intervene in the loan issue between Etisalat Nigeria and a consortium of commercial banks.

This resolution is coming on the heels of a planned takeover of the telecoms’ firm after it failed to repay the $1.7 billion medium term syndicated loan facility it got from 13 Nigerian banks in 2013.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umaru Danbatta, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele and teams from both agencies, met in Abuja yesterday where the apex bank agreed to intervene in the matter.

A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs of NCC, Tony Ojobo, said that the CBN agreed to invite Etisalat management and the banks to a meeting today towards finding an amicable resolution.

Ojobo said the NCC, as a regulator of the telecoms industry, had moved quickly to intervene earlier in the week by reaching out to the CBN to discuss the impact such a take-over will have on the industry.

He said the commission was worried about the fate of the over 20 million Etisalat subscribers and the wrong signals this may send to potential investors in the telecoms industry.

Meanwhile, Etisalat’s Head of Public Relations, Oluseyi Osuntedo, denied claims that they were picketed yesterday by some of the affected banks. “Discussions are on going. Nobody is taking up the company. We are not being picketed. The information is false,” she stated.

Also, The Guardian gathered that the CBN was invited because of its role as the apex bank as well as the only source to intervene on behalf of the consortium of banks with their foreign partners.

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Petroleum varsity’s project renews hope of local refining (Read full details)

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FUPRE plans to modify illegal refineries

From the nation’s academic community yesterday came hope of improved research leading to enhanced capacity in the local refining of petroleum products to meet domestic needs.

Indeed, the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State, said it was determined to make history as the first educational institution to build and run its own mini-refinery in the country.

With huge foreign reserves expended on the importation of petroleum products to augment consumption shortfalls, this novel move if replicated to gain volume has the potential to free funds for other pressing needs if successful. It will also create employment and development in the Niger Delta, thereby dousing recurring agitations.

Nigeria, the sixth largest producer of oil and gas and with a daily consumption of about 35 million litres of refined products, still grapples with local supplies, especially petrol and kerosene. It has continued to spend substantial part of its foreign reserves on importation. This is the simple most important factor that has put the naira under great pressure against other convertibles. The coming on stream of the varsity’s project will among other benefits help to deliver a strong local currency.

The four major refineries with the responsibilities of refining products have been operating far below their installed capacities, resulting in the scarcity of fuel most times.

On the proposed project, a former Executive Director at the Warri Refinery, Ezenwa Dennar, said: “It is possible for a university to build and maintain a refinery for educational purposes. But I think the question to ask is: to what scale? A university can build a refinery that can produce some litres to give the students an idea of how a refinery works.”

Commending the move, former President of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chinedu Okorokwo, urged the Federal Government to assist in its execution. He also called for regulations that encourage the establishment of more of such facilities nationwide.

He charged government to aggregate oil-producing communities and set up modular refineries of around 5,000 barrels for them to buy into.This, Okorokwo stressed, would mitigate capital flight, create jobs for the youths, thus discouraging the destruction of national assets.

He stressed the need for government to open the sector to private entrepreneurs who may also come with their ideas of how to make the refineries work better.

A professor of Technology Management at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Francis Ogbimi, urged government to support individual efforts in making the country self-sufficient in petroleum refining.

His words: “The mere adoption of deregulation and privatisation cannot build refineries and increase refining capacity. Increased production is the solution to low supply, not the adoption of ideologies like capitalism or socialism/communism.
 
“Only seven per cent of the nations in the world practise full deregulation of the sale of petrol. The United States of America does not practise full deregulation. The American government controls the price of petrol.”

In the meantime, FUPRE said it had concluded plans to modify all the illegal facilities that dot the oil-rich Niger Delta region by building safer modular and affordable refineries with the backing of government.

According to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akii Ibhadode, the hazard posed by the unlicensed facilities compelled the institution to assemble its team of engineers to develop a cleaner, safer and affordable modular refining system that could be assembled with local materials.

He advocated a drastic restructuring of the national mindset so that the fledging technologies deployed by illegal refiners could be modified for the good and development of the country.

However, an industry expert and one-time Manager (Strategy and Planning), Chevron Nigeria, Mr. Yemi Emiko, noted that the capital-intensive nature of a refinery might make it a tall dream for a Nigerian university to develop one. According to him, the project is possible if designed and built on a manageable scale.He stressed that the facility requires constant maintenance even at completion to allow for continuous and efficient functioning.

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Man City fail to fire in Stoke stalemate…See full details

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Manchester City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero (2nd L) reacts on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Stoke City at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 8, 2017. The game finished 0-0.<br />Paul ELLIS / AFP

Pep Guardiola saw his team squander the opportunity to gain ground on Premier League leaders Chelsea in a disappointing 0-0 draw with Stoke City at the Etihad on Wednesday.

It was a strangely subdued performance by City, the result perhaps of Guardiola having opted to rest David Silva and Raheem Sterling from his all-star cast of attacking talent.

But given the fact that City had the chance to close the gap to Chelsea to eight points and move above Tottenham into second place, Guardiola’s players were well below their best.

In fact, the best chances of the first period fell to Stoke, led by former City manager Mark Hughes, who were looking to improve on a record of defeats in five of their last six away games.

They could have been well on the way to that target after just five minutes when Eirk Pieters crossed from the left wing and Gael Clichy slipped as he attempted to mark Mame Biram Diouf on the six-yard line.

Fortunately for the City defender and the home supporters, Clichy still managed to provide an obstacle and Diouf’s shot lacked the power to beat Willy Caballero in goal.

Another good attack saw Saido Berahino, starting his first game for Stoke since his controversial transfer from West Brom, play in Ramadan Sobhi, who might have won a penalty had he gone down under a challenge from Nicolas Otamendi, but played on and had his cross cut out by the goalkeeper’s outstretched leg.

Soon after Phil Bardsley’s free-kick into the City area picked out the unmarked Bruno Martins Indi although the big Stoke defender was unable to control the ball.

As the half wore on City began to exert more control but without providing visiting keeper Lee Grant with too many moments of concern.

Aleksandar Kolarov came closest to scoring for City in that period with a superbly judged free-kick which rose and dipped over the Stoke wall and required Grant to punch away to safety.

But all too often City seemed to over-complicate their approach play and, with Silva watching from the bench and the rested Sterling not even in the squad, lacked their usual cutting edge.

Jesus Navas had a rare chance to provide quality service but his near-post cross was well handled by Grant and, in first-half injury time, Otamendi’s long ball looked about to be gathered by Kevin De Bruyne with just the keeper to beat but the ball ran beyond his reach.

Guardiola needed just 13 minutes of the second half to have seen enough and brought on Silva to replace the ineffective Navas.

Indeed, the situation might have been even worse but for a solid piece of defending from Otamendi who blocked an attempt from Berahino soon after the restart.

City’s frustration was growing, with Leroy Sane cautioned for simulation as he went to ground on the edge of the Stoke area although the German almost made amends on 54 minutes when he led a counter and set up Sergio Aguero for a shot which hit Pieters and flew over.

After Silva’s introduction City seemed to have more attacking threat with the Spaniard starting a move which ended with De Bruyne crossing to the penalty spot from where Sane’s mis-hit shot failed to test Grant.

City continued to improve with Yaya Toure shooting over, Sane almost turning in Aguero’s touch at the far post and Silva playing a superb one-two with Fernandinho and sending a low shot narrowly wide of the post.

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Eagles to test strength against Teranga Lions, Stallions…See full details

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Kelechi Iheanacho (second right), Alex Iwobi (right) and other Eagles in ecstasy after Iheanacho scored the second goal that sealed Super Eagles victory in Zambia during the World Cup qualifier, recently.

Super Eagles now have the opportunity to know their full potency, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has secured friendlies against the Teranga Lions of Senegal and Stallions of Burkina Faso.

The tune up matches are in preparation for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

According to the NFF, the senior male national team will be taking on Senegal on March 23 in London, and the game against Burkina Faso will be four days later, in alliance with the FIFA window break next month.

Senegal lost out in the quarter final of the last AFCON hosted by Gabon, while Burkina Faso got to the semi final of the competition. Both teams are seen as capable of giving Gernot Rohr-led team the needed test, as qualifications for the two competitions hot up.

Super Eagles Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, disclosed to supersport.com that the friendly games in the March window have been finalised after a bit of concern on which teams the Eagles will face.

“The two teams that the Super Eagles will play have been confirmed. Nigeria will face the Teranga Lions of Senegal on March 23rd and then meet Burkina Faso on the 27th,” Ibitoye said.

“Both games will be in London and it will provide us with a stern test as we prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.

“We had a few teams in mind, but we have finally received confirmation for Senegal and Burkina Faso. The Ghana deal didn’t work, presumably because they don’t have a coach now after Avram Grant resigned.

“But all have been settled now, Senegal and Burkina Faso will be the two teams the Eagles will face in the March FIFA window,” he added.

Nigeria is top of Group B of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with six points from two matches. The Super Eagles will also do battle with South Africa, Libya and Seychelles for a spot at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

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I’d prefer to stay at Arsenal, says Wenger…See full details

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Arsenal's French manager Arsene Wenger/ AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL

Arsene Wenger has revealed he wants to stay in football management long-term and has indicated for the first time he would like to extend his spell as Arsenal’s manager.

The Frenchman’s future is up in the air, with his contract expiring at the end of the season and events on the pitch exposing him to criticism from supporters.

Wenger said earlier this week he intends to continue working as a manager even if his 21-year reign at the Emirates Stadium comes to an end, but he says his preference would be to remain at Arsenal.

When asked about his future in the game, the 67-year-old told reporters: “If you have a team, maybe you can employ me.

“That’s not a threat. My preference is always to manage Arsenal. I think I have shown that. But I am adult enough to analyse the situation.”

Wenger’s latest low came last Wednesday when Arsenal were crushed 5-1 at Bayern Munich in the Champions League, leaving them on the brink of a seventh successive last-16 exit.

They are also 10 points below leaders Chelsea in the Premier League.

But Wenger believes he still has at least four years left in his managerial career and wants to work for longer than Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson, who was 71 when he retired in 2013.

“Ferguson has some other interests in life,” he said.

“He was older than I am today. He was four years older and retired at 71. I’m 67. Maybe (I’ll manage for) more, or maybe less. I don’t know. Everyone is different.

“I do not want to take anything away from Ferguson. He was an unbelievable manager, but had enough. I’m not at that stage.”

– ‘Blame culture’ –

Wenger also said this week he will make his decision on his future next month or in April, a change from his previous suggestion it would be at the end of the season.

Arsenal visit minnows Sutton United in the FA Cup on Monday and Wenger fears his side’s performance against Bayern was so abject it will take a long time for his squad to recover from it.

“It will never be quick,” he said. “We will keep that with us for our whole lives. But overall I still believe in life if you dwell too much on the past, you forget to prepare the future.

“You have to show that is part of a successful life. You have to deal with disappointments and focus 100 percent on what is in front of you and deal with that.”

Wenger refused to single out playmaker Mesut Ozil for any blame following the loss in his native Germany.

“When you have a heavy defeat like that, it’s difficult to come out on one individual because you look at the way we conceded goals and you can as well criticise some other players,” he said.

“But overall for every single player it is always to try to get up to the next level and he is like everybody else.

“I absolutely accept the situation and analyse it well. No matter how much we cry together, we will not change the result. The only thing we can do is win the next game.

“I would say it is more about character and being united. It is important you do not get in a blame culture and be united to respond well.”

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Shell to reduce cost, improve production in Nigeria

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PHOTO:AFP

Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has reiterated plans to continue to reduce cost of operation and improve production availability in Nigeria.

Shell’s Vice President, Nigeria and Gabon, Peter Costello, who made this declaration in the latest issue of the company’s in-house journal, expressed confident that the company can address the challenges in its operating environment and continue to deliver real value to all stakeholders.

He stated: “I know a lot of work has gone into driving costs down and improving our production availability and this must continue. We must understand the criticality of being competitive – we have to generate positive cash flow. No business can keep making a loss and still remain in business. If at the end of my time here, it can be said that we ran a safer, more competitive and better business than our competition, I will be a happy man,” he added.

He described Nigerians as resilient, saying, “I noticed resilient and committed our people are and this, in the face of extremely uncertain times.  Just imagine this, our business here is run by Nigerians. Our three main companies, SPDC. Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) and Shell Nigeria Gas are headed by Nigerians.

“Then there is the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) where we have a 25 per cent stake and are Technical Advisor, a world-class operation being run by Nigerians. So my role here is basically to build on the excellent platform for increased value in the Shell presence in Nigeria.

He believed the present challenges in the Nigeria’s oil and gas industry are surmountable. “Since I came here last year, I have a deep respect for our colleagues in the Niger Delta because they continue to demonstrate such dedication as they work to deliver our collective objectives in spite of the challenging conditions they have to operate in.

“Shortly after I arrived, we celebrated the Bonga team for making a U-turn in Bonga’s performance and winning the Upstream “Asset of the Year” award. The Erha (SNEPCo Non-Operated Venture) team also won the 2016 Global Development “Barrel Chasing Champion” award for initiating studies that enabled the Operator to turn around a large number of opportunities thereby increasing production and arresting a long-standing decline. Realising that I would be working with this calibre of people was very encouraging. To find such talent and passion in one group of people at the same time is rare.”

Speaking on the plans for 2017, Costello stated: “The ‘Fit-for-the-Future’ programme we have embarked on, underpinned by the continued Winning Ways of Working culture change should move us towards sustainable cost competitiveness and operational excellence as we keep a keen focus on our cash delivery. It must be clear to all that ‘improving the business is the Business.”

“In 2017, I am committed to meeting as many people in and outside of Shell as I can. In December, I connected with the young leaders and Shell Women’s Network groups and hope to continue holding such employee engagements across the business throughout this year. I am keen on keeping the conversation going. I want to hear from staff so we can share ideas on how we can keep our business winning! Finally, as I have said over and over, working safely continues to be our number one priority. Success will not mean a thing if we lose any one to achieve it.”

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lOHvOa

Bowie’s ‘Blackstar’ sweeps five Grammys

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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 12: (L-R) Musicians Jason Lindner, Mark Guiliana, Donny McCaslin, and Tim Lefebvre, co-winners of Best Alternative Music Album for 'Blackstar' (David Bowie), pose in the press room during The 59th GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on February 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images/AFP Frederick M. Brown / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP

“Blackstar,” the last album of late rock icon David Bowie — who enjoyed little recognition at the Grammys over his long career — on Sunday won five awards — a clean sweep for its five nominations.

Bowie, who was always more recognized in his native Britain than in his adopted home the United States, was controversially passed over for Album of the Year honors at this year’s Grammys.

But “Blackstar” won in its five categories — including Best Rock Song, Best Rock Performance, Best Alternative Music Album and best engineering on a non-classical album.

“Blackstar” also won Best Recording Package, for artist Jonathan Barnbrook.

Bowie released “Blackstar” on his 69th birthday in January 2016, just two days before he died from a previously undisclosed battle with cancer.

The album showed Bowie, famous for his chameleon-like skill in adapting to new genres, to be musically innovative until the end.

He collaborated on “Blackstar” with the avant-garde jazz saxophonist Donny McCaslin, whose instrument duels in the songs with Bowie’s voice.

“I’m a better artist and a better person for having known him,” an emotional McCaslin, wearing a “Blackstar” T-shirt under his suit, said as he accepted one of the awards.

McCaslin described Bowie as a warm person as well as a talented artist, saying the rocker at one point during their sessions emailed to say, “I haven’t had this much fun since my heart attack.”

Speaking later to reporters, McCaslin said that while it was impossible to know how Bowie would have reacted to the Grammys, the rocker had noticed the praise for “Blackstar.”

“When the press was hearing the album before it came out, I could see it meant a lot to him,” McCaslin said.

Kevin Killen, who shared the engineering Grammy for “Blackstar,” said that artists “don’t necessarily think about getting awards” when they record music.

“I’m surprised it’s taken this long for him to be recognized but that’s just the nature of how these events unfold,” Killen told reporters.

Bowie fans closely scanned “Blackstar” for lyrical clues that foreshadowed his death, with Bowie singing of unseen scars and of making peace with never again seeing the “English evergreens.”

Before Sunday, Bowie had won only a single Grammy, in a music video category, other than a career achievement award.

“Blackstar” was passed over for Album of the Year, whose nominees include pop celebrity Justin Bieber’s “Purpose.”

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2l9TDfR

Government officals, experts differ on $1b eurobond floatation (Read full details)

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Nigeria's finance minister Kemi Adeosun PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

Economists Seek Alternative Development Concept

Development economists and government officials were divided last week, over subscription of Nigeria’s $1b Eurobond issue, which was celebrated in government circles.

While some feel that given the size of the economy, it ought to have raised more than $1b, others believe the accumulation of more debt in hard currency would have negative implication on the economy, especially the ability to repay some years down the line and given the era of failing oil and other commodities prices globally.

Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, last Thursday, had joyfully announced that Nigeria’s US$1b Global Medium Term Note programme issued at a coupon interest rate of 7.875 percent, which will mature on February 16, 2032 with a bullet repayment of the principal, was hugely successful, having been over- subscribed by almost eight per cent, signifying investors’ confidence and appetite for investment in Nigeria.

Also commenting on the notes’ pricing, the Debt management office (DMO) Director General, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo said: “Nigeria is delighted to have successfully priced its third Eurobond issue. We have successfully extended the tenor of our borrowing programme in the international capital markets to 15 years, at a price that reflects belief in the quality of Nigeria’s cash flows and government.”

However, some economic and financial pundits have been reacting to the development with mixed feelings. Some of them are saying the $1b raised was just a flash in the pan and may not record the desired impact Nigeria is seeking in its recession era.

A development economist, Mr. Odilim Enwegbara, queried the country’s preference for Eurobond, which is more expensive, when it could have raised more funds at a cheaper rate from China and other sources. He observed that the $1b was nowhere near addressing Nigeria’s scarce foreign exchange challenges at the moment.

He would prefer that the funds so raised be dedicated to identified and specific projects for everybody to see, and not put it in a pool for the implementation of the budget, which may remain unaccounted for, as has been the practice in the country.

However, in a divergent view, another development economist and National Coordinator Fix Nigeria Campaign Organisation, Dr. Emmanuel Analiefo, declared that the attraction of the Eurobond issue debt of $1b was not the right thing for government to have done at the moment, as the implication would further compound her woes.

He told The Guardian that he said what government needed to do was seek fresh ideas from people outside government, which would produce an alternative development plan that would ultimately address the nation’s challenges on a permanent basis.

Analiefo explained that the issue was over-subscribed because the global community, particularly advanced countries, have so much money and they are looking for opportunity of where to invest them.

He said: “If they invest it here, it is a debt you owe them, and if you don’t pay them, at least you will be servicing it. By the time you service the debt for about 10 years, you would have paid for the initial sum and the money still remains, yielding profit for them. Of course, they have a system to guide their people as to where to invest in other countries, once they are satisfied that the opportunities are right. So, they have nothing to lose.

“But what should concern us is the implication for our own economy in the medium and long term, or even in the immediate term. The problem here is that this new loan is killing the economy gradually. In the next couple of years, the money to service the loan will be a problem, because the money generated from crude oil will not be enough to service the loan.“That is why I insist we don’t have any other option, unless we diversify the economy.”

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Sultan, Saraki urge prayers for Buhari (Read full details)

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President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki PHOTO: TWITTER/BUKOLA SARAKI

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, yesterday, called on Nigerians to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari’s safe return to the country.

The duo gave the charge in Ilorin, Kwara State, at the closing ceremony of the 31st Quranic Memorisation and Recitation Competition.“I use this opportunity to implore us all to continue to pray for this great country of ours. We don’t have any other country other than this. I also call on us to pray for the speedy recovery and good health of President Muhammadu Buhari, for him join us back home soon. I urge us to pray for the unity of this country; to pray for understanding,” the Senate President said.

He added: “It is my hope and prayers that as a country, we will continue to live in peace. We can always do that through teachings of the holy book.
Representing the Senate and indeed the National Assembly, let me seize this opportunity to reassure you that we will not be part of any institution that will pass any law that is against the teaching of the Holy Quran.

I want to assure you that we that are representing you will not do anything that would hurt you,” he added.Sultan Abubakar on his part urged “Nigerians to offer prayers to President Muhammadu Buhari, our governors and leaders for God to shine His light upon them for them to live aright. We should offer special prayers for the president for him to come back safely and continue to pilot the affairs of this country to greater heights.”

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Okocha ranked 33 in top 100 best foreign EPL players…See full details

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Former Super Eagles captain, Austin Okocha, is 33rd on the list of top 100 best foreign players to feature in the English Premier League, according to the ranking by the celebrated football magazine, FourFourTwo.

The attacking midfielder, who represented Bolton Wanderers for four seasons, was one of the foreign players, who added glamour to the EPL during his playing days in England.

According to the magazine, “Okocha almost single-handedly rescued Bolton from relegation trouble in his first season, netting crucial long-range goals and dazzling the Premier League with a string of outrageous skills and showboats that embarrassed a host of opponents.

“For half a season, he wasn’t far from being the best player in the league – even at Bolton,” the magazine said.

During his heydays at Bolton, Okocha won the BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2003 and 2004, and claimed the Premier League Player of the Month in November 2003.

Former Nigeria captain and Arsenal striker, Nwankwo Kanu and erstwhile Super Eagles forward, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, were also listed in the top 100 players. The two players were ranked lower than Okocha.

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Nigerians in Cameroun give tips on how to beat Lions in Limbe…See full details

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Cameroon's defender Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui holds up the trophy as the team celebrates beating Egypt 2-1 to win the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final football match between Egypt and Cameroon at the Stade de l'Amitie Sino-Gabonaise in Libreville on February 5, 2017. PHOTO: ISSOUF SANOGO / AFP

A Nigerian based in Cameroun, Samson Afejukwu was a regular caller in Super Falcons camp at the mountain and sea view Hotel Parliamentarian Flat in Buea, where the team played its group matches and semifinal tie during the 10th African Women’s Nations Cup, which Nigeria won last December.

Buea, a town with unpredictable weather condition, is in south-west region of Cameroon. It is about 15 kilometers drive to the 20,000 capacity Omisport Stadium in Limbe, where the Super Eagles will play their 2018 World Cup qualifier against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun in September this year.

The hill-top and ocean view Omisport complex, the first international stadium build in the South West Region of Cameroun, was the venue of the Group B opener between the Super Falcons and the girls from Mali last November, where the coach Florence Omagbemi-led team triumphed 6-0.

Nigeria will host the Indomitable Lions in Uyo on August 28 before travelling to Cameroun for the return fixture on September 2. The Eagles have six points and are on top of Group B from two games ahead of the Lions, who have two points, while Zambia and Algeria have only a point to show after two matches.

Afejukwu, a football enthusiast based in Limbe, Cameroun told The Guardian in a telephone chat yesterday there was nothing to worry about the Lions.

“The Lions of Cameroun are the new African champions, but I don’t see that making any difference in the World Cup qualifiers in September,” Afejukwu said.

“They were just lucky in Gabon and I want Nigerians back home to see it from that angle. Perhaps, if the Super Eagles were in Gabon, things wouldn’t have worked out smoothly for the Lions. This region can be very cold sometime, and I want the NFF to put it into consideration when preparing the team for the return leg. As I said, the Indomitable Lions are beatable here in Limbe because it is a no man’s land,” Afejukwu said.

Another Nigerian, Emmanuel Osubida, a trader at Buea town, said that it is a long time to go till August, and he strongly believe ‘many distractions’ might crop up in the camp of the Lions that may derail their World Cup aspiration.

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