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Morocco hope to extend Africa’s fairy-tale to final

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Morocco hope to extend Africa’s fairy-tale to final

Morocco, which have become the neutral fans’ favourite to win the Qatar 2022 World Cup, will, today, bid to continue their unexpected march to football heaven when they meet defending champions, France, in the second semifinal of the competition.

Unknown to many and unrated by top pundits before the competition began on December 20, the Atlas Lions have won, through their performances against Spain and Portugal, the hearts of neutral fans at this Copa du Mundo.

The world’s 22nd-ranked team have travelled deeper into this competition than any African or Arab nation has done before. Now, they are two wins away from lifting a football World Cup trophy.

The Atlas Lions are yet to be beaten at this year’s tournament and they have conceded just once – an own-goal against Canada in the group stages.

Among the list of casualties are Belgium, which finished as the third best team at the last World Cup in Russia four years ago; 2010 champions, Spain and 2016 European champions, Portugal. They drew with 2018 finalists, Croatia, in the group stage.

And today, they will battle with reigning champions, France, who are among the best-rated teams still standing.

If they manage to overcome France, coach Walid Regragui’s side will be just a step away from joining a select group of countries to win the World Cup.

Since the inception of the World Cup in the 1930s, only eight countries have won the competition. These include Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Italy, Germany, France, England and Spain.

Optimism is surging through Regragui’s team that they can join this elite group.

Regragui has assured that Morocco will adopt the same tactics against France as they have throughout the tournament.

Defence has been one of Morocco’s strongest points with the Atlas Lions conceding just one goal in five matches.

They will meet a France looking to become the World Cup’s first back-to-champions since Brazil in 1962.

In speedster, Mbappe, France has a striker capable of unlocking any defence at the World Cup. His five goals make him the tournament’s leading scorer. Apart from Mbappe, there are also the dangerous Oliver Giroud, whose head is the most dangerous among the strikers at the competition. And then, France also has Antoine Griezmann, a veteran that has added midfield artistry to his armoury.

Despite the threat posed by France, Regragui is confident his players will not only reach Sunday’s final, but also have enough quality to win it.

“In one press conference three or four matches ago, I was asked if we could win the World Cup. And I said, ‘Why not?’ We can dream. Why shouldn’t we dream? If you don’t dream, you don’t get anywhere,” Regragui said after his team’s victory over Portugal.

“It doesn’t cost you anything to have dreams. European countries have been used to winning the World Cup,” he added, describing his side as the “Rocky Balboa” of this year’s tournament.

While Moroccan players are sweating to bring glory to their country, the kingdom has provided nine free planes to ferry fans to support the team.

Tens of thousands of supporters have arrived in Qatar ahead of the Atlas Lions’ last-16 clash and again before the quarterfinal.

According to Aljazeera, they created a raucous atmosphere during the matches and today’s clash at the Al Bayt Stadium is expected to feel like a home match for the North African side.

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FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving

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Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.

He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.

The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.

He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.

“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.

“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”

He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.

Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.

He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.

He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.

At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”

“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”

Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.

“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.

In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.

As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.

“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.

Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”

While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.

“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.

The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.

The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.

Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.

Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”

Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.

Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”

The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.

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