TheNewsGuru

Tag: Senegal

  • Breaking: Buhari departs Nigeria with entourage to Senegal

    President Muhammadu Buhari departed the country on Monday with an entourage to Dakar, Senegal, to attend the inauguration of Senegalese President, Macky Sall.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Presidential spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina made this known in a statement, saying Buhari’s attendance at the inauguration is on invitation by the host President.

    “On the invitation of his host, President Buhari, who is ECOWAS Chairman, will be Special Guest of Honour at the ceremonies to be attended by other African leaders at the Diamniadio Exhibition Centre on Tuesday.

    “The Nigerian leader will be accompanied by Governors Mohammed Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai and Tanko Al-Makura of Bauchi, Kaduna and Nasarawa States respectively.

    “Others on the Presidential entourage include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama; National Security Adviser, Maj-Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd); Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai, and other top government officials,” the statement read.

    According to the statement, President Buhari is expected back in the country at the end of the inauguration ceremonies.

  • Senegal elects new president Feb 24

    Senegal citizens are set to elect a president on Feb. 24, 2019 from five candidates, including incumbent and front-runner Macky Sall, an official said.

    Analysts believe President Sall, 57, has high chances of winning a second term, after two prominent opposition figures were barred from running.

    They are the former mayor of the capital Dakar, Khalifa Sall, and Karim Wade, a former minister and son of former President Abdoulaye Wade.

    Idrissa Seck, 59, a former prime minister (2002-2004) and candidate of the Rewmi party, now counts as Macky Sall’s main rival.

    Also in the running are opposition parliamentarian Ousmane Sonko of the Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF) party; El Hadj Sall, the leader of the Party of Unity and Gathering (PUR); and independent candidate Madicke Niang, a former foreign minister.

    Both Khalifa Sall, who has no family relation to the current president, and Karim Wade were barred in January by the Constitutional Council over their convictions for misuse of public funds.

    Khalifa Sall, one of Senegal’s most popular politicians, was in 2018 sentenced to five years in prison for corruption, a verdict he says was politically motivated.

    The 63-year-old’s attempt to appeal his sentence was denied.

    Karim Wade, 50, who had been groomed to succeed his father and was supposed to be the candidate of Senegal’s largest opposition party, the Senegalese Democratic Party, was in 2015 sentenced to six years in jail for “illicit enrichment” while working as a minister during his father’s presidency.

    A year later, President Sall pardoned Wade, who had been in detention since 2013.

    The two exclusions are likely to clear the path to Macky Sall’s re-election, analysts say.

    “The legal proceedings are regarded as being aimed at removing important rivals,” Paulin Toupane, Aissatou Kante and Adja Faye, analysts at African research organisation the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), said in a joint report.

    “As Feb. 24 approaches, suspicions persist and political tensions are rising,” the researchers said.

    Macky Sall has been leading the politically stable former French colony, which is often hailed as one of Africa’s model democracies, since 2012.

    During his first term in office, the flag-bearer of the ruling Benno Yakaar coalition has been lauded for implementing socio-economic reforms, including investment in infrastructure, education, the health sector and job creation.

    The government has been popular in Senegal for the social grants it has doled out to poor families, and this policy is likely to secure Macky Sall many votes in this year’s poll, particularly in rural areas.

    “Many beneficiaries are eager to profit from the promised social and infrastructure achievements of this programme’s second phase,” political Commentator, Omar Dieng, said,

    Senegalese voters will elect their president between 08:00 GMT and 18:00 GMT at more than 15,000 polling stations across the country.

    The poll will be monitored by observer missions from the EU, the AU and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Provisional results are expected within three days of the election. A candidate needs to garner more than 50 per cent of the votes to win in the first round.

  • Mali clinches first U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title

    Mali on Sunday defeated Senegal 3-2 on penalty kicks to claim their maiden Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title following a 1-1 stalemate at extra time in Niamey.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match played at the Stade General Seyni Kountche saw the Malians opening scoring in the 15th minute,

    This was after Boubacar Traore hammered home Hadji Drame’s delivery for Senegal to find themselves behind for the first time in the tournament.

    Senegal replied 17 minutes from normal time through FC Metz’s Amadou Ndiaye who volleyed in the equaliser from close range to force the match to extra time and then penalty kicks.

    Ndiaye, the tournament’s leading goalscorer, then missed his kick before teammate Ousseynou Niang also missed to hand Mali the advantage.

    The young Malians held their nerves in the pulsating shootout to hand Senegal their third successive defeat in the final.

    They converted their three consecutive penalty kicks through Traore, Lassana Ndiaye and Abdoulaye Diaby.

    NAN also reports that Senegal’s Ndiaye was handed the highest goal scorer award, while the Most Valuable Player award went to his compatriot Moussa Ndiaye.

    Senegal also won the Fair Play Award of the tournament.

    The biennial continental youth football tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) was in its 15th edition.

    It is for players aged 20 and below, and the 2019 edition had kicked off on Feb. 2.

  • Senegal beat Nigeria 6-1, wins fifth Beach Soccer AFCON title

    Senegal on Friday beat Nigeria 6-1 to claim their fifth Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations title.

    It is their fourth title in five years and it was the second time the Lions have beaten Nigeria to claim the title in two years – following an 8-2 win in the 2016 final in Lagos. Senegal also defeated Nigeria on penalties in the first match of the tournament, which held in Egypt.

    Hosts Egypt beat Morocco 3-2 to win the third place match. Both Nigeria and Senegal will represent Africa in the 2019 Beach Soccer World Cup in Paraguay.

    According to Beach Soccer Worldwide, Nigeria started on the front foot with record goalscorer Abu Azeez scoring his 104th goal in the colours of the country. But Senegal came back into the game as Mamour Diagne found the space to strike in the equaliser.

    Then Lansana Diassy, who had been in good form throughout the tournament, got his name on the score sheet too. He grabbed the lead for Senegal. However, the two sides ended the second period at each other’s throats.

    The Supersand Eagles capitulated in the third period – scoring no goal and conceding four to lose their bid for a third continental title.

    The Senegalese threw everything they had at the Nigerians and got the desired goals. The boosted offensive began with Babacar Fall, who increased the advantage to two goals with a fierce shot after goalkeeper Paul Dami came off his line.

    Then Raoul Mendy held off a defender and swivel to shoot – to make it four to Senegal. Mendy scored again moments later, twisting and turning away from two defenders to drive a low shot past Paul.

    AndDiagne ran onto a lay-off to power a first-time shot home to make it six with just a minute to go, the match was out of reach for Nigeria.

    Azeez ended the tournament with eight goals but lost the highest goalscorer’s award to Ivory Coast’s Assouan Eric, who finished with nine goals.

    Meanwhile, former captain of the team Isiaka Olawale has called for early preparations for the team ahead of the Paraguay 2019 World Cup.

    Olawale, who praised the team for their efforts at getting the ticket for the World Cup, said the team could spring a surprise if they prepare adequately for the tournament.

    “It is really good to see that the boys gave their all in Egypt and got to the final. They played against teams who have grown very strong in beach soccer and are becoming very difficult for Nigeria to beat,” he said.

    “I believe that the set of boys in the team now, have the passion and hunger to succeed and will give a good account of themselves at the World Cup next year. But they need to prepare well for the tournament.

    “Beach Soccer is different from normal football and it takes a lot of practice to become very good in it. I believe the team will have learnt from tournament and they will get better before the World Cup begins.

  • Saido Mane agrees long-term Liverpool deal

    Liverpool and Senegal forward Sadio Mane has agreed terms on a new long-term deal at Anfield.

    The 26-year-old joined the club from Southampton on a five-year contract in June 2016 for a fee of £34m.

    Since then he has gone on to make 89 appearances in all competitions for Jurgen Klopp’s side, scoring 40 goals.

    “I am very happy to extend my time at Liverpool. It is a great day for me and I have made the best decision in my career,” he said.

    Talks over the new deal, which is believed to run until 2023, were opened at the end of last season but have only been finalised now.

    “I am looking forward to everything – to helping the team, to helping the club achieve our dreams and, especially, to win trophies,” he added.

    “I’ve always said, when I knew I had a chance to come here I didn’t have to think twice. The right club in the right moment and with the right coach as well. I came here and was very happy.”

    Mane was voted the club’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year in his debut season and then scored 10 of his 20 goals last season in the Champions League as Liverpool reached the final.

    He went on to play for Senegal at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, scoring once in three outings.

    He was recently named on the 30-man shortlist for the 2018 Ballon d’Or and is among the five contenders for this year’s BBC African Footballer of the Year.

  • Liverpool’s Mane sends 300 shirts to his hometown

    Sadio Mane has gifted 300 Liverpool shirts to locals in his hometown in Senegal, so they can wear them during the Champions League final.

    The 26-year-old forward, who grew up in Bambali in the West African country, made the generous gesture before the Reds’ clash with 12-time winners Real Madrid on Saturday.

    “There are 2,000 in the village. I bought 300 Liverpool jerseys to send to the people in the village, so the fans can wear to watch the final,” said Mane.

    “My mum and my uncle, they are all going to be watching.

    “Nobody in the village will work this day. I will be going back in the summer after the World Cup and hopefully I will be showing everyone a (winners’) medal.”

    The village, where his family still live, is where Mane watched Liverpool’s famous comeback over AC Milan in the 2005 final – at the age of 13.

    “I remember AC Milan v Liverpool. Three-nil down, then 3-3 and penalties. This was a big memory for me,” said Mane, who revealed he was a Barcelona fan at the time.

    “If you had said then I would be playing the final I would say it is something incredible in my life. Hopefully we are going to win.”

    BBC

  • Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal golfers storm Benue for Mark @ 70

    …As Otukpo agog for former Senate President

    About 300 golfers from Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal are competing for honours at the Otukpo Golf and Country club, Benue state in the Pro Am golf championship organized by the Nigerian Golf Federation(NGF)to commemorate the 70th birthday of the immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark.

    Born on April 8, 1948 in Otukpo, Benue state, the former Senate President commemorates his 70th birthday on Sunday April 8, 2018.

    At least 120 professional golfers teed – off for a share of the N7million purse prize as Mike Ubi of Air Assault Golf club, Port Harcourt edged out Sunday Olapade from Maicon Golf club Ada, Osun state via “sudden Death” victory after both players tied at three under.

    Emos Korblah from Ghana and Samba Jiang from Senegal are among top contenders for honours at the weeklong championship.

    More than 150 Amateur golfers are playing over 36 holes in two days split into morning and evening tee off times.

    Performing the tee off ceremony yesterday, Senator Mark stated:” words cannot capture the expression of my feelings today . I’m honoured and satisfied with the large turn out of golfers and guests . It is impressive”.

    The former Senate helmsman further assured of his unwavering commitment towards the development of golf in Nigeria especially at the junior category.

    He noted the exploits of the Otukpo International Golf Academy in global championships so far as a needed impetus for professional golf development in Nigeria.

    According to Mark, “Students of the academy have constantly been participating in international championships, competing with some of the best in the world, sharpening their skills and becoming the good ambassadors of Nigeria”.

    Elder statesman and chairman, Board of Trustees IBB Golf and Country club, General I.B. M. Haruna (rtd) and former Kogi state governor , Captain Idris Wada led Abuja contingent to the tournament.

    All the golf clubs in Nigeria as well as Achimota in Ghana are participating in the championship.


    The Pro Am golf tournament will be climaxed with a thanksgiving mass on Sunday (8/4/18) at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Otukpo, Benue state.

  • Senegalese singer detained for condemning President Sall

    Renowned Senegalese singer, Amy Colle Dieng is in police detention over offensive comments shared online criticizing President Macky Sall on the organization of recent elections.

    The singer was arrested on Thursday without stipulating why,but audio of her lashing out at the president has been creating a social media outrage.

     

    Dieng was also said to have declared her support for ex-president Abdoulaye Wade, who stood as an opposition candidate in last Sunday’s legislative elections. According to reports, she criticized administrative errors which marred the vote.

     

     

  • Herdsmen wreaking havoc in Nigeria are from Senegal, Mali – Northern governors

    The Northern Governor’s Forum, NGF, has said Fulani herdsmen attacking Nigerians are from neighbouring Senegal and Mali.

    The forum however resolved t o work with relevant authorities and stakeholders to secure the nations borders and also ensure registration of all Fulani immigrants entering the country to rear cattle.

    The Chairman of the Forum, Kashim Shettima of Borno, disclosed this to journalists at the end of the forum’s meeting in Kaduna, on Tuesday

    In Shettima’s words: “We also mapped out new strategies that would be used by the local Fulani herdsmen to rear their cattle without having to move across the country.”

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the chairman emphasised the need for every Nigerian to see security as his or her business, pointing out that the nation would remain backward if there was no peace.

    On the indigene/settler dichotomy, the governor said that there was a push by the forum towards national integration and cohesion so that every Nigerian could conveniently settle in any part of the country without suffering any form of discrimination.

    “Some of the past governors of Kano State, like the late Sabo Bakin Zawo, from Niger, and Ibrahim Shekarau, from Borno, were not indigenes technically, but were assimilated and even attained the highest office in Kano,” he observed.

    He acknowledged that the country was experiencing lots of challenges, particularly in the northern region, but expressed optimism that things would get better.

    The joint meeting, which had northern traditional council of emirs and chiefs in attendance, discussed issues of insecurity, the management of common assets and measures to move the region to greater heights.

     

     

    NAN