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How African footballers make money for cousins, in-laws to enjoy, by Mikel Obi

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John Mikel Obi

Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfield maestro, John Mikel Obi, has lamented that African footballers do not enjoy the wealth they labour for, as their extended families and relatives who overwhelm them with financial burdens are the most beneficiaries of their hard-earned money.

Mikel said the pressure was on the footballers on the African continent to shoulder the responsibilities of both their nuclear and extended families, adding that it has been a silent cry they all endure.

The 36-year-old former Nigerian skipper said that sometimes they hardly cater for themselves after they settle the financial problems of their relatives, stating that, “When you make money, it’s not yours.”

Mikel revealed this while appearing on the latest episode of Vibes with 5 podcast with former Manchester United and England legend, Rio Ferdiannd, as he added that the majority of them as African footballers do not talk about this challenge.

He said, “We come from Africa, and this is something that I don’t think we speak a lot about. When you make money, it’s not your money. You have all these relatives, cousins, and others asking for money.

“Then your sisters get married to some guy who just wants to get married into John Obi Mikel’s family because then “my life is sorted”. You send money to your sister; the money goes to him, and he does whatever he does with it. This is something nobody knows about.

“So you get your salary, and you put some aside for this person; put this aside for that person; put this aside for mom and dad. Before you know it, where is it? You get nothing.”

Mikel also decried the trending problematic issue of Africans who give birth to many children without the economic and financial muscles to nurture them, thus becoming the responsibilities of the African athletes.

He said, “They keep having so many kids, and you look at it and ask the question, “You have this many kids; who is going to look after them?” Then you realise it’s you. They look out for you to look after the kids, the husband, and the husband’s family. And it becomes really and absolutely crazy. For them, you owe them that; that is the culture. I was talking to Osimhen the other day, and he said the same thing.”

He said he was in the same position until he resolved to end it about five years ago, on the advice of his agent.

“So sometimes you have to be strong and say enough is enough. I don’t care. For me, that was five years ago; I say no more. Because I’ve been doing this since I started playing football,” he said.

“The reaction is that you become the bad guy. They stop answering your phone calls. They don’t call you to ask about you; they only call to ask for money.

“My agent told me, ‘Mikel, you can’t be doing this. You’re killing yourself, and you’re killing them. Because all you do is give them, and they get so comfortable that they expect you to do that for the rest of your life. And I came to that point five years ago, where I stopped.”

“They will give you this thing, whereby if you don’t do it, they say, “We’re going to the press.” What? After all that I’ve done for you guys?”

Culled from Daily Trust

 

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CAF Champions League: Okpebholo backs Edo Queens for Semifinal Spot

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Monday Okpebholo

As Edo Queens prepare for a crucial face-off with South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the ongoing 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a heartfelt message of support, rallying the team to victory.
The match, set for Saturday, November 16 in Casablanca, Morocco, will determine whether the Queens advance to the semifinals.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Fred Itua in a statement quoted Okpebholo to have praised the Queens’ achievements, acknowledging the determination and hard work that has kept them at the top of Group B.
He assured the team of his administration’s unwavering backing. “I want our girls to know that we are fully behind them,” the governor stated.
“They have nothing to worry about — their state and nation stand solidly with them. We want them to defeat Sundowns on Saturday and make Edo State and Nigeria proud.”

Okpebholo also expressed confidence that the Queens could go on to win the tournament, promising that his administration will prioritize sports development across Edo State.
“Go ahead and win the cup and bring it to your fatherland. Sports will surely receive the attention it deserves under my government,” he affirmed.

Edo Queens, champions of the Nigeria Women Premier League, began their CAF campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank, with goals from Emem Essien, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Goodness Osigwe.
A goalless draw with Egypt’s Masar FC kept them at the top of Group B, positioning them for a semifinal berth if they secure a win or draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The much-anticipated showdown is scheduled to kick off at 6 pm local time on Saturday.

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At National Transporters Games Mascot Unveiling, speakers highlight transporters contribution to economy

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National Transporters Games Mascot

**Say games aim to transform negative perception of Transport Sector

As the maiden National Transporters’ Games billed for December 2024 draws closer, the unveiling of the Mascot for the games which took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Thursday evening highlighted the event’s goal of fostering national unity among stakeholders in Nigeria’s transport sector.
Scheduled to be hosted in Ogun State, the games are designed to encourage collaboration and camaraderie among participants.

The unveiling ceremony, attended by key officials and industry representatives, showcased a mascot symbolizing strength and teamwork.
Senator Prince Gbolahan Dada, a prominent advocate for the event, emphasized that the competition, themed ‘Unity in Motion, Strength in Diversity,’ aims not only to promote national cohesion but also to enhance the economic viability of the transport system.

He emphasized the crucial role of transporters in Nigeria’s economy highlighting the need to challenge negative perceptions associated with transport workers.

Dada stressed that transporters are essential contributors to economic stability, pointing out that a one-day strike by transport unions could lead to widespread disruption.
He called for a repositioning of transporters as vital partners in driving economic growth.
He said the games marked a significant collaboration between the private sector and government, noting the importance of using sports as a unifying force within communities.
He recalled the legacy of Rashidi Yekini, a former transporter and national football hero, to illustrate the untapped potential within the sector.

With Nigeria’s vast population, the senator urged for a focus on nurturing local talents and creating opportunities for business growth through improved partnerships in sports and transportation.
He reiterated the importance of enhancing transport networks and ensuring the well-being of drivers, advocating for safe resting places and greater collaboration with law enforcement.

Senator Dada’s address is a call to action to honor and support transporters, reinforcing their pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
National Coordinator of the National Transporters games, Wale Shodeinde outlined the event’s structure, revealing that athletes from eight transport organizations will compete in six sports: football, draughts, athletics, table tennis, swimming, and Ayo.
Shodeinde explained that the decision to unveil the mascot in the northern part of the country, while holding competitions in the south, underscored the event’s commitment to national unity. He assured attendees that the next edition will be hosted in the north.
He said the games are targeted at reshaping the narrative around transport workers in Nigeria. “This groundbreaking event, set for December, is poised to be the first of its kind in Nigeria and potentially in Africa.
Shodeinde expressed gratitude for the federal government’s support in organizing the event, which wl bring together 12 national transport unions across the country.
He highlighted the importance of fostering unity among transport workers, emphasizing that sports can serve as a powerful unifying force.
“The games will feature various competitions and will be hosted in different regions”
Shodeinde affirmed that the initiative is not just about sports but also about enhancing the image of transporters, who have often faced negative perceptions.
He acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders, including the National Association of Road Transport Owners and the National Union of Road Transport Workers, in making this event a reality.
The event aimed to promote national cohesion and celebrate the contributions of transport workers to the economy.
The unveiling of the mascot marks a significant step towards the upcoming games, which are expected to showcase the talent and dedication of transport workers while promoting unity across the sector.

Shodeinde concluded by urging the media to help convey the importance of the National Transporters Games, asserting that this initiative is here to stay and will play a vital role in transforming the narrative surrounding the transport sector in Nigeria.

Also in attendance, Honourable Solomon Bamola, Chairman of Miss Football Nigeria, highlighted the significant economic implications of the games, noting the opportunity to reshape public perceptions of transport workers.

The National Transporters’ Games are set to serve as a pivotal platform for enhancing unity and collaboration within Nigeria’s transport sector, promising a bright future for its participants and the industry at large.

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T2Bet Unveils Innovative Online Betting Platform to Engage Users, Boost Earnings

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In a groundbreaking move for the online betting industry, T2bet has launched a new segment of its platform, allowing users to engage in a diverse range of betting options across 4,000 games daily.
This innovative offering, presented by CEO Theo Ubani, is aimed to enhance user experience by combining gaming and potential earnings in a fun and secure environment.

During a recent press briefing in Abuja, Ubani emphasized the platform’s commitment to redefining the online betting landscape. “For the first time, users can bet on a wide variety of games, not just limited to football or premier leagues. This is a unique opportunity for fun and gaming while having the potential to win real money,” he stated.

The platform stands out by addressing common pain points experienced by users in the betting industry, particularly concerning payout delays. Users can create a secure wallet on the platform, with funds automatically linked to their accounts for swift payouts. Ubani reassured attendees that T2bet is collaborating with reputable international providers, ensuring the reliability and security of transactions.

“Our goal is to not only create a fun environment but also to add value to the economy,” Ubani remarked. “We’re bringing new solutions to existing market challenges, including the need for faster payments and more engaging betting experiences.”

Another key feature of T2bet is its affiliate program, which allows individuals to earn money by driving traffic to the platform. By participating as affiliates, users can earn income by referring others, creating a potential income stream without needing significant investments or prior experience.

Ubani pointed out that the platform is accessible to everyone, with betting options starting as low as 15 Naira. “Even a small deposit can turn into substantial earnings,” he explained. “If you bet 15 Naira and win, your return could be substantial, making this an exciting opportunity for users to engage and potentially benefit financially.”

The platform also offers extensive online resources for new users, including guides and tutorials to help them navigate their betting options. “We’ve designed this platform to be user-friendly and educational,” Ubani noted. “Once users log in, they will find everything they need to make informed decisions and enjoy their experience.”

With a vision to reshape the online gaming experience, T2Bet is set to lead the way in the industry by providing an engaging, fun, and secure environment for users.
The official launch of the platform is expected to generate excitement among both seasoned bettors and newcomers alike, paving the way for a new era in online gaming.

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