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Super Eagles land in Oran, ready for ‘real’ battle with Algeria

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Super Eagles land in Oran, ready for ‘real’ battle with Algeria

The day for the Super Eagles’ real battle against the Fennecs of Algeria is here. Last week, Nigeria held Algeria’s home-based team to a 2-2 draw in a game originally meant for the Super Eagles B team.

The excuse for Nigeria’s inability to beat Algeria’s home-based team was that the Super Eagles just arrived in the North African country and were, therefore, not ready for the game. But after more than one week in Algeria, the Eagles are expected to be better prepared for the North Africans.

Yesterday, the Super Eagles arrived in Oran, the venue of today’s game, from Constantine, where they have been camped for the past week.

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In the first game against Algeria, Alex Iwobi and Cyriel Dessers scored for Nigeria, but they are set for a bigger battle as today’s opponents are of higher pedigree.

The team will be without vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong and key defensive midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, who have been ruled out by injury; but their absence offers an opportunity for other players to lay claim to first-team positions. Team captain Ahmed Musa and forwards Henry Onyekuru and Samuel Chukwueze are the others knocked out by injuries.

The Super Eagles have lost their last two games against Algeria and will want to correct the impression in some quarters that the Desert Foxes are the superior team.

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The game will kick off at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium, Oran by 8.00 p.m. Nigerian time.

Today’s clash will be only the third-ever friendly match between the Fennecs and the Super Eagles, with the two-time African champions edging a clash in Austria in October 2020 by the odd goal.

When both teams clashed in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Oran in September 2005, the Super Eagles ran out 5-2 winners.

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Meanwhile, Algeria defender, Abdelkader Bedrane, who sustained an injury against Syli Nationale of Guinea in a friendly on Friday, has been ruled out of the game.

The 30-year-old sprained his ankle in the encounter played at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium, Oran.

The centre-back has returned to his Saudi Arabia Professional Football League outfit, Damac as a result of the setback.

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Bedrane, who has been capped 10 times by two-time African champions, was part of the team that won the FIFA Arab Cup in 2021.

Looking forward to an interesting game today, Algeria’s coach, Djamel Belmadi, has confessed that the Desert Foxes have respect for the Super Eagles.

Belmadi is expected to blood some new players in the game against Nigeria, as he did against Guinea in the absence of Riyad Mahrez, Youcef Belaili and Aissa Mandi were only named amongst the substitutes.

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But he has promised to field a strong and competitive team against Nigeria.

“Nigeria is another game. We will try to get the whole group to play. The next game there will be more connection in our game because there will be players who are used to being there,” Belmadi said.

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Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed London in the early hours of Tuesday with the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.
On arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Katsina, Tinubu was received by Gov. Dikko Radda,  former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Tajudeen Abbas.
Others are Ministers, former governors, former and serving Senators, Alhaji Dahiru Managl,  former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NEC), amongst others.
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“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

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Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.

“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.

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Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.

“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.

Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.

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“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.

Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.

“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.

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On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.

The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.

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King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.

In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”

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He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”

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