Viktor Maslov: The man who turned football into a marathon

Imagine being a player in the 1960s. You’ve just lit your fourth cigarette during half-time when a mad Soviet coach named Viktor Maslov suddenly decides that you have to run. All the time. Everywhere on the pitch. Welcome to the birth of pressing!

Maslov invented a tactic that made even the most hardy players gasp for breath. His idea? Why wait for the opponent to come to you when you can hunt them down like a pack of hungry wolves? Suddenly, football was transformed from a gentleman’s game to a survival race. Thank you, Maslov, for making millions of couch potatoes exhausted just by watching.

Valeriy Lobanovskyi: When Einstein met football

If you thought rocket science was complicated, wait until you meet Valeriy Lobanovskyi’s football philosophy. This former engineer decided to treat football players as equations in a huge, sweaty maths problem.

Lobanovskyi was so obsessed with numbers that he probably dreamed in binary code. He was using computers to analyse matches long before anyone knew what a computer was. The result? A Dynamo Kyiv team that played with a precision that made Swiss watchmakers envious.

Arrigo Sacchi: Zorro of the zone defence

At a time when Italian defence was synonymous with clinging to the opponent like an annoying cousin at a family party, Arrigo Sacchi came along and introduced the zone defence. Suddenly the defenders were moving in perfect synchronisation, like a ballet group with leg splints.

Sacchi’s AC Milan team was so well organised that rumour has it they also coordinated their toilet breaks. His tactics were so effective that opponents often felt caught in an invisible web. Who knew that something as boring as zoning could be so beautiful?

Egil “Drillo” Olsen: When football meets Viking tactics

While all other coaches were busy playing smart and technical, Norwegian Egil “Drillo” Olsen decided to channel his inner Viking. His tactics? Bomb long balls up the field and see what happens. It was like watching a bunch of Norwegians on a raid, only with football boots instead of axes.

Drillos Norway climbed to an incredible 2nd place in the FIFA rankings, proving that sometimes the best tactics are no tactics at all. Or maybe it was just that opponents were too confused to react to a style of play that resembled organised chaos.

Tony Pulis: The Houdini of throw-ins

Most coaches spend hours honing their corner kick routines. Tony Pulis thought, why stop there? Let’s make every throw-in an event! Under Pulis, Stoke City’s throw-ins became more feared than a penalty.

Pulis’ team could turn even the most innocent throw-in into a goal, like a magician’s trick. The opponents never knew if the ball would end up in the box, on goal, or maybe in the next town. It was like watching a mix of football and javelin throwing, but without the javelin.

The future of football: When the nerds inherit the earth

Time goes, and football becomes as structured as if the players were not humans, but androids with a set number of tasks they had to execute, without the right to make mistakes or the improvisation opportunity. Different ideas of tactical maestros, proven over the years are woven into one genius masterplan, with some details that don’t work that well being thrown away, adapted or improved.

But it’s thanks to the bold tactical moves and experiments of Maslov, Sacchi, Lobanovskyi and others we got the modern football as it is: robotic sometimes, yes, but still interesting, fast, full of athleticism and intriguing plot. Meaning everything why we fell in love in this sport.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Spokesperson of the Nigerian Police Force, has dismissed claims that the 33-year-old graduate, Erasmus Emeya, was tortured to death in their custody.

This comes after the mother of the deceased, Rebecca Emeya, in a recent interview on the Berekete Family show, alleged that Erasmus was tortured and killed at the Nyanya Police Station in Abuja.

However, the force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement released via X, denied claims that Erasmus was tortured to death.

According to him, the deceased was arrested for cultism and r*pe, stressing that an autopsy carried out on him revealed Erasmus died of asphyxiation and not torture.

Adejobi said the autopsy was done in the presence of the doctor(s) of the deceased family.

The statement read, “My attention has been drawn to this video. The matter is an old one and it has been decided. The FCT command handled the case. The autopsy report cleared the air on this. The boy, who was a cultist and arrested for alleged r*ping and killing of a young lady in the company of his friend, was never tortured by the police.

“The Force Headquarters was involved in the investigation then. Erasmus was a cultist who had been fingered in many crises and alleged killings of some innocent Nigerians in the area. He died of asphyxiation, according to the autopsy. Not torture, please. The autopsy was done in the presence of the doctor(s) of the deceased family.

“It’s unfortunate he died because the police even needed him to unravel some issues and pending cases in the area. May his soul rest in peace, while we urge Nigerians to always objective perception, understanding of cases, and view issues objectively before running down the police. We didn’t kill Erasmus.”

Abdulssamad Musa

Abdulssamad Musa, a 300-level student of the Federal University of Kashere, has been stabbed to death by a fellow student during an argument over a football match.

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, who confirmed the incident to Punch, said the suspect fled after the incident on Tuesday night, July 2, 2024.

“Football is supposed to be a unifier and not a cause of death,” he said.

According to him, 18-year-old Musa died from the injuries he sustained as his neighbours fled instead of providing first aid to him or seeking immediate medical assistance.

“It was initially an argument between the students who lived in the same compound, but it soon turned into a violent argument which led to a fight. As a result, one of them used a knife to stab the other student, Abdulsalam Musa, 18 years and a 300-level student of the criminology department, faculty of Social and Management Sciences,” the PPRO said.

Abdullahi disclosed that because the neighbours failed to provide Musa with the much-needed help at the critical time of the incident as they all ran away, abandoning him to his fate.

“No immediate help was rendered to the victim. Instead, they just tried to escape. The main accused ran away, but we have put up so many efforts, and by God’s grace, we will get him

“The accused was a 300 level student, who went on Industrial Attachment Training, but came to sit for his carryover exams

“Upon his coming back, the residents in the outside hostel where he resided accommodated him. It will interest you to know that they are all from Plateau State, so you can see the height of their relationship,” he added.

 He called on residents to desist from acts of violence.

“Avoid unnecessary arguments that may lead to fight. Football promotes peace and not death. The argument ensued after they finished watching the match.”
 

Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, has appealed to the members of the party to resolve their differences and work together in harmony.

The former Anambra governor made the call via his X account on Friday.

He stated that the party would emerge stronger if they were more united.

He stressed the need to move forward with a shared sense of purpose and vision.

Obi expressed confidence that the party would overcome the current crisis through open communication, empathy, and willingness to listen.

According to him, “We will successfully resolve our differences and emerge stronger and more united than ever. Our strength lies in greater unity for our common national good.

“I reiterate my earlier appeal for us to put aside our differences and work together in a spirit of harmony and mutual understanding.”
 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has stated that the Federal Government should be held responsible if it decides to embark on strike action because their demands have not been met.

This declaration was made during a protest rally organized by the University of Lagos branch of ASUU, which also saw significant participation from the university’s student body.

The rally, which emerged following a congress of the union members, vocalized strong support for ASUU’s stance on several unmet demands by the government.

Participants, including both lecturers and students, expressed their frustrations through various placards and chants denouncing the government’s neglect and insensitivity.

The procession concluded at the university’s main gate, where union executives outlined their grievances and sought public intervention.

At the heart of the union’s discontent are promises made by President Bola Tinubu, which, according to ASUU, have not been fulfilled.

“Despite a series of promises made by the current administration to address our demands, nothing has materialized thus far,” stated Prof. Kayode Adebayo, the branch chairman, during his address at the rally.

He emphasized that the union’s patience is wearing thin after years of protracted negotiations and unfulfilled commitments dating back to 2009.

Prof. Adebayo passionately appealed to parents and students to understand the union’s position and hold the government accountable for any potential disruptions in the academic calendar.

He stressed that the union’s potential decision to strike is a direct consequence of the government’s failure to meet agreed-upon demands, affecting not only the staff but the future of education for millions of Nigerian students.

He said, “The struggle is not only for the ASUU, but also for the university system. We no longer trust politicians, they promised and failed to fulfil. Don’t blame the union for another strike, hold the Federal Government responsible.”

The former branch chairman, Dr Dele Ashiru, said the protest was one of the union’s attempts to draw attention of the government to the numerous challenges facing the university system, and in particular, lecturers, whose take home pay cannot take them home.

He said, “We have written a series of letters to the government, met with the government officials, including the National Assembly, gone on strikes, and for 15 years, the issues have remained unresolved. As of today, the take home pay of a Nigerian professor is about N600,000, which is not up to what lawmakers use for lunch or dinner.

“The Federal Government must address our demands because we will not guarantee academic stability if it fails to implement them. We call on Tinubu’s administration to pay the withheld salaries, and outstanding earned academic allowances, stop payment of our salaries through IPPIS, pay deduction of third party dues and other demands of the union.

“We cannot guarantee smooth academic activities in our various campuses. If another round of strike should take place in the universities, the Federal Government should be held responsible. Our National Executive Council will certainly decide the next line of action.’’

A member of the union, Dr. Michael Oloyede, explained that university lecturers nationwide were facing challenges with many of them struggling to meet the needs of their families, and pay school fees and medical bills. “If strike is the language the Federal Government understands, we will give it to them. Lecturers cannot continue to teach with an empty stomach. The government should fulfil the agreement signed with ASUU. The union cannot be oppressed.’’

Sandra Iheuwa, the babymama of Ubi Franklin has lambasted a troll who wished death on Afrobeats star, Davido.

This comes after a video emerged showing Davido striking one of his bouncers during his recent wedding to Chioma, which sparked online outrage.

He was seen ranting to a man while trying to shield a young boy from the scene while Chioma stood behind him.

In response to the video, a troll wrote a horrible comment: “Davido must kpai” (meaning “Davido must die”). Sandra vehemently defended Davido, wishing that the troll and his descendants meet their doom first.

See the interaction below…

Nigerian actress, Sharon Ooja Nwoke has taken to her Instagram page to pen an appreciate note to her bestie and colleague, Bisola Aiyeola.

Sharon Ooja expressed her gratitude to Bisola Aiyeola for her role in her wedding to Ugo Nwoke.

Recall that Sharon Ooja’s wedding was followed by a series of accusations against her husband about his past marriages.

In a fresh development, Sharon Ooja made sure to show her appreciation for Bisola Aiyeola. Sharon described Bisola as a sister while expressing her love for her.

In a lengthy letter posted on her Instagram page, the new bride underlined her love for her closest friend, stating that Bisola is the type of person everyone needs in their corner.

She wrote;

“Friend after my own heart!!!! I love you so much!!! Thank you for all you’ do for me.. some friends truly stick closer our love is king, it’s real !!!!, the bible never lied !!! You are a sister to me beyond a best friend !!!! May God bless and keep you for me I adore you!!!! I wear my heart on my sleeves and I’m sooooooo strong at the same time that in itself is a heavy characteristic that not many can handle, because of how playful I am but you my friend can balance that out without flinching ….

“It’s how you can know where my head is without asking me … I love you so much !!! Thank you for helping me redefine friendships truly nothing is ever a write-off in life !! God bless you from the bottom of my heart!!! Your support is unwavering it’s strong and I don’t doubt you ever !!!!! I love you soooooo much May our friendship last forever !!! From me and my SON army !!! We love you ❤️❤️❤️ @iambisola ❤️ every girl needs you in their life ❤️”.

The Lagos head office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) situated in Awolowo Road, Ikoyi area, has been surrounded by a joint security team of heavily armed operatives.

The development is a result of a planned protest against the anti-graft commission.

Operatives of the Lagos State Anti-Crime Outfit – Rapid Response Squad (RRS), as well as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have taken over the surroundings and routes leading to the EFCC office, blocking the roads with patrol vans, heavy anti-riot gun trucks and Black Marias.

It was gathered that the protesters, under the tag – #ReformEFCC have outlined six key demands which will be submitted to various offices of the commission across the country.

Some of their demands include:

“Respect our fundamental human rights.

“Stop indiscriminate arrest and invasion of people’s homes.

“Stop destroying people’s properties in the name of sting operation.

“Stop the profiling of young Nigerians.

“Stop assaulting and manhandling Nigerians.”

It would be recalled that the EFCC had, earlier on Wednesday, raised an alarm about the planned protest, warning that it won’t allow any breakdown of law and order.

Again on Thursday, the EFCC alleged that a former governor and two ex-ministers are behind planned protests targeting the agency.

This claim was made by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, during a press briefing at the Strategic Communications Inter-agency Policy Committee in Abuja.

However, a Twitter user, @PidomNigeria said the protest is not sponsored by anyone and does not have a political undertone, but targeted at enforcing reforms in the EFCC.

The handle said: “This #ReformEFCC’s protest today is not sponsored by anyone, it’s not political, neither does it have any political undertone in it.

“It is purely a people centered organic peaceful protest, calling for a much needed reformation of EFCC, for a better performance. Anyone who is seen calling for Tinubu must go, or End APC at the protest venues, in order to give this peaceful protest a political coloration, will be handed over to the police by protesters.”
 

Afrobeats star, Davido and his wife, Chioma are currently on their honeymoon.

Recall the couple jetted out of the country following their high-profile wedding, which garnered significant attention in Nigeria and beyond.

They first travelled to the United States, which is believed to be their second home, for Davido’s performance at the BET Experience.

In a recent update, Davido revealed that they are now in Milan, Italy, as part of their honeymoon.

When a fan on X asked the singer how his honeymoon is going, he responded thus; “Well thank you … we Dey Milan like this.”

Adams Oshiomhole

The lawmaker representing Edo North senatorial district, Adams Oshiomhole has said that the Federal government prioritises the welfare of dogs over 80,000 inmates in correctional centres.

Oshiomhole stated this at a public lecture with the theme: ‘Nigeria Yesterday, Today and a Prosperous Future.’

He argued that correctional institutes were not meant to kill people but to correct wrong doers.

The senator lamented that 50 percent of those in prison are actually awaiting trial, adding that the law stipulates that one is innocent until proven guilty.

According to him,“We even take care of dogs better than Nigerian prisoners. The bad news is that out of the 80,000 prisoners, 50% are awaiting trials.

“In our laws you are presumed innocent until found guilty. Oppression is the name of the game. A person will tell you that I will teach you a lesson, and with the connection of the DPO he can teach you more lesson that you can ever imagined.”

Meanwhile, he frowned at the labeling of Nigeria and its currency as weak by foreign countries, stating that Nigeria should define its path and should not allow foreign profiling to soil the image of the country.

“In Nigeria, our people will go to the World Bank and they will tell us who we are. We are supposed to define who we are and not foreigners. And until we go back to this home-grown policy and damn the consequences of the world, because they are going to fight us, we will have problems.

“For us to secure the future, we must interrogate the immediate pass,” he added.