The Nigeria, Ghana final qualifying fixture in the race to next year’s African Nations Championship ends a goalless draw in the first leg played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Super Eagles B held their Ghanaian counterparts to a goalless draw on Sunday at the final qualifying fixture in the race to next year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Ghana’s Black Galaxies dominated the first period with a string of opportunities, but they found Eagles’ rearguard marshalled by Captain Nduka Junior impenetrable.

Stephen Amankwoo found a leeway through the Eagles’ defence in the 15^th minute only to see his rising shot go inches wide of Henry Ozoemena’s goal-post.

Sikiru Alimi’s free-kick, with a minute to half time, also went over the sticks as the game became a ding-dong affair between the regional powerhouses.

The scoreless affair is the best result Nigeria have earned against Ghana away in any qualifying contest for the African Nations Championship, with the Eagles losing 2-3 to their hosts in 2008 and then getting spanked by two goals in 2022.

Both teams now look forward to the second leg of the fixture, set for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.

The winner on aggregate will represent WAFU B at the biennial championship reserved exclusively for professional footballers plying their trade in their country’s domestic leagues.

The eighth edition of the African Nations Championship will be hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28. (NAN)

Alhaji Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, says President Bola Tinubu has lifted the ban on mining in Zamfara to boost economic activities and raise the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

The minister made the disclosure at a dinner session organised to host stakeholders of All Progressives Congress (APC), Zamfara chapter held in Gusau on Sunday.

Matawalle said the rationale behind lifting the ban on mining was to attract both foreign and domestic investors in the area of solid minerals “which is abundant in the state”, and equally give opportunity to local businessmen to obtain license and engage in the exploration.

He observed that with exploration of gold and other solid minerals, the state IGR would certainly increase.

The minister said that the president had also made it as a policy that companies were to be established in the states where raw materials were based.

“By so doing, the indigenes of the states will have job opportunities and at the same time boost economic engagements, thereby improving their living standard,” he said.

Speaking on the Presidential Tax Reform, Matawalle said it was designed to raise more revenue for both federal and state governments by creating more economic advantages to citizens.

The minister reiterated the commitment of the federal government to the ongoing construction of a dual carriage road from Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State to Badagry in Lagos.

He said the road construction would no doubt open so many economic potentials for the Northerners. (NAN)

 The Police Command in Kaduna State said it  has enhanced security measures ahead of the yuletide festivities in the state.

The  Commissioner of Police, (CP), AIG Ibrahim Abdullahi, said this in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, on  Sunday in Kaduna.

Abdullahi also reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the festive season.

He said that proactive measures have been put in place to address potential security challenges and to reassure the citizens of their safety during the celebrations.

 Abdullahi said, “Major deployments of Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Anti Vice Section, CP Monitoring Unit and Operation Fushin Kada have all been made in strategic flash-points within the state.

The CP also urged the public to avoid actions that could disrupt peace and security of the state.

 “The youths are warned to refrain from the use of banned items like fireworks, knockouts, and any other materials capable of causing fear or unrest in the streets, “he said.

The CP also commended the collaborative efforts of the various stakeholders in promoting a harmonious atmosphere across the state.

He assured the public that the command would continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property, working tirelessly to prevent crimes and uphold peace.

“The Kaduna State Police Command wishes everyone a joyous and safe holiday season, “Abdullahi said.(NAN)