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Finidi George’s Resignation Will Limit Home-Based Players Making the Super Eagles, Says Sikiru Alimi

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9 months ago

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Alimi reflects on his impressive last season, readiness for new challenges with Remo Stars, and the impact of Finidi’s resignation on NPFL players making the Senior National Team.

Sikiru Alimi, the second-highest goal scorer in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) last season, recently spoke in an exclusive interview with Sports Boom.

Reflecting on his impressive last season, Alimi expressed his dedication to personal improvement and his readiness for new challenges with Remo Stars.

He also discussed the ongoing debate between home-based and foreign-based players, Nigeria’s potential in international tournaments, and the impact of Finidi’s resignation on NPFL players making the Senior National Team.

An Impressive Season of Hard Work and Dedication

Sikiru Alimi reflects on his remarkable performance last season with pride. “It was really an impressive season for me personally, which took lots of hard work and dedication,” he shares. His outstanding efforts on the field earned him recognition and set high expectations for the coming season.

Aiming for Greater Things Ahead

Looking forward to the new season, Alimi expresses his ambition and determination.

“Honestly, I’m really hoping for greater things ahead. I’m trying to get enough rest needed to resume back healthy and energized for the tasks ahead,” he told SportsBoom.com.

Alimi also emphasises the importance of consistent personal training to maintain peak performance.

“Of course, I have personal sessions to aid my performance every season, so the forthcoming season wouldn’t be an exception,” he explains.

The Home vs. Foreign-Based Players Debate

On the ongoing debate between home-based and foreign-based players, Alimi offers a balanced perspective, as someone who has been on both sides of the divide, in an illustrious career.

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“Honestly, it’s not the right thing to do making comparisons,” he says.

“There would definitely be lots of qualities from the foreign pros because of the quality of infrastructures, equipment, and technical teachings they are exposed to, compared to the home-based.”

He acknowledges the advantages foreign-based players have but stresses the unique strengths of home-based talents as well.

Nigeria’s Potential on the International Stage

Discussing Nigeria’s current generation of players, and qualification through the just released draws for Afcon 2025, Alimi is optimistic.

“With the current generation of players Nigeria possesses, I think we shouldn’t be having issues qualifying for various tournaments,” he asserts.

“With greater zeal, dedication, and patriotism, we should always be the Giant of Africa… Eventually, we will scale through our various groups.”

Facing AS FAR of Morocco: A Test of Grit

As Remo Stars gear up to face AS FAR of Morocco again in the CAF Champions League prelims, Alimi is confident but realistic.

“I think the lessons from previous CAF games are already enough to go all out this time around,” he reflects.

“The biggest challenge would be going to Rabat to cause an upset, which is never impossible. We are generally anticipating both legs.”

Faith in Remo Stars: Talent and Luck

Alimi expresses strong belief in his team’s capabilities.

“Honestly, I’m 100% certain with the calibre and abilities of the players Remo Stars possess,” he declares.

“All that is just needed is mother luck.” His confidence in his teammates’ skills and potential highlights the unity and strength within the team.

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Thoughts on Finidi’s Resignation from The National Team

On the topic of Finidi’s resignation, and what it bodes for NPFL players making the Senior National Team Squad, Alimi is candid yet hopeful.

“Honestly, it would affect call-ups for home-based players, unless the new coach proves otherwise,” he admits.

“Most expatriate coaches hired for the Super Eagles don’t follow the League, hence, don’t even know the players, or the quality of players the league has.”

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Nigeria to launch e-visa, digital cards

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6 hours ago

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April 10, 2025

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Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has said the Federal Government will launch an e-visa system and digital landing/exit cards to enhance national security.

He disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received a delegation led by the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

According to Keyamo, the e-visa system will enable applicants to submit visa requests online and upload required documents electronically.

He added that the manual landing and exit cards would be digitalised, requiring visitors to pre-fill their information before travelling to Nigeria.

“What we are doing here today reflects this government’s commitment to cooperation between ministries with overlapping mandates.

“Today is another example of inter-ministerial collaboration. This specifically concerns the introduction of the e-visa system,” he said.

He said further details would be given by Tunji-Ojo, and that relevant agencies such as Immigration, NCAA, and FAAN would fully support the initiative.

Keyamo emphasised that there was no objection to the programme, which primarily falls under the Interior Ministry.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior stated the automation system will commence on May 1.

He noted that the e-visa application will be free and is designed to simplify entry into Nigeria while boosting national security.

Tunji-Ojo explained the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will manage landing and exit cards, which travellers must complete online before boarding.

“Coordinating and issuing regulations to airlines is naturally the NCAA’s responsibility,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He revealed a central visa approval centre already exists at Immigration headquarters, with trained officers and integrated global criminal record checks.

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“Better background checks will be conducted for travellers entering Nigeria. We aim to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure a transparent visa process.

“Our goal is to open Nigeria’s borders without compromising security. Both Interior and Aviation ministries have critical roles in this,” he said. (NAN)

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Niger Dumps French, Adopts Hausa As National Language

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8 hours ago

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April 10, 2025

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Niger’s military government has officially made Hausa the country’s new national language, moving away from its colonial past where French played a central role.

The change was announced in a new charter released on March 31, published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.

According to the document, “The national language is Hausa,” and “the working languages are English and French.”

Hausa is already the most commonly spoken language across Niger, especially in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions.

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Most of the country’s about 26 million people understand and speak Hausa. In comparison, only around three million people, just 13 per cent, can speak French.

The new charter also officially lists nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as “the spoken languages of Niger.”

This language switch follows a national meeting held in February.

During that event, the military government received more support and General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader, was approved to stay in power for five more years.

Since taking over in a coup in July 2023, which removed the country’s civilian president, Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has been cutting off ties with France.

These actions include removing French troops from the country, ending diplomatic relations, and changing the names of roads and buildings that used to carry French names.

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, which also have military governments and used to be French colonies, are taking similar steps.

They’ve also withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a group similar to the Commonwealth that supports French-speaking nations.

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Alake, Ayankele to Lead Workshop on Illegal Mining

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20 hours ago

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April 9, 2025

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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Engr Dele Ayanleke, are expected to headline a national workshop aimed at addressing the growing challenges of illegal mining and mineral smuggling.

Scheduled to take place from 29 to 30 April 2025 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, the event is being organised by Allied Bond Consulting.

It is expected to bring together policymakers, security chiefs, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for securing mining sites and fostering sustainable development within mining communities.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ahmed Yahya, and the Workshop Coordinator, Willie Tawo, the organisers said the two-day event would focus on “articulating pragmatic strategies and proactive measures to combat the menace of illegal mining and smuggling.”

The workshop also aims to promote international best practices in mining operations, enhance security at mining sites, and explore how the sector can attract further investment and serve as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic diversification.

Participants will deliberate on creating a stable, secure environment for mining, promoting peaceful coexistence in host communities, and using the solid minerals sector as a platform for building the country’s industrial base.

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