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New Tunisia coach Herve Renard emphasizes hard work over magic for World Cup turnaround
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
New Tunisia coach Herve Renard stated that only hard work and unity can save the team's World Cup campaign, emphasizing, "I am no wizard." Renard, 57, was appointed after Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed following a 5-1 defeat to Sweden. Lamouchi is the first coach in World Cup history to be sacked after one game. Renard, who has been nicknamed a "wizard" due to his past successes, including a 2-1 win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup as Saudi Arabia coach, has had only three days with the team. Tunisia faces Japan in Monterrey, Mexico, on Saturday. Renard highlighted the need for a perfect collective game and noted that the team is determined and seeking revenge. He stressed that determination is essential and that success in football comes from hard work. Renard, who declined to reveal his lineup, called for rigor, discipline, and collective play as the team's only strength against Japan, which recently drew 2-2 with the Netherlands.
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Super Eagles goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is reportedly open to extending his stay at Wrexham despite ongoing speculation about his future ahead of the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old is contracted to Wrexham until the end of the 2026/27 season, but an extension agreement has not yet been reached. Okonkwo, who joined Wrexham permanently after an initial loan from Arsenal, has become a key player for the club. Leicester City is reportedly monitoring his situation, but Okonkwo has stated his focus remains on helping Wrexham achieve promotion to the Premier League. Wrexham recently completed three consecutive promotions from the National League to the Championship, though they narrowly missed the playoffs last season. Okonkwo expressed his commitment to consistent performances for both club and country, having made his Super Eagles debut after switching allegiance from England to Nigeria. His recent comments suggest a strong commitment to Wrexham's promotion ambitions, which would be a setback for Leicester City's interest.
Gospel singer Faith Sani has launched her new project, 'Igala Medley,' which she describes as a culturally inspired musical piece combining faith, heritage, and worship. Sani stated that the Holy Spirit inspired the song, and she composed some choruses while others were written by her Igala sisters. She noted that the release is a deliberate message of hope during challenging national times, encouraging listeners to remain hopeful and trust in God for restoration. The video for 'Igala Medley' showcases her cultural identity through traditional Igala attire, dancers, and choreography, aiming to evoke joy and gratitude. Sani also mentioned that her background in church music, as a longtime choir member, instilled discipline, humility, teamwork, and the importance of using her voice to glorify God. She explained that 'Igala Medley' represents the convergence of her culture and faith, incorporating cultural elements while praising God. Sani, who was born Muslim, emphasized that her journey has led her to use her gift to praise God while celebrating her Igala heritage.
Must ReadEIB Global, the development branch of the European Investment Bank, has announced a €170m financial partnership with the Lagos State Waterways Authority to develop sustainable and efficient water transport in Lagos. This collaboration, the first between LASWA and EIB, makes EIB the largest funder of the Omi Eko Project. The project aims to improve urban mobility with socio-economic and environmental benefits for the population, aligning with the strategic Abidjan-Lagos corridor supported by the EU's Global Gateway Initiative. The plan includes implementing 15 structured ferry routes along 140 kilometers, linking 25 upgraded and expanded ferry terminals, and deploying 75 state-of-the-art electric vessels, each capable of carrying up to 440 passengers. These vessels are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. Once fully implemented, the project is projected to increase waterborne transport in Lagos from less than one percent to eight percent by 2032, in line with the Lagos State Transport Master Plan. The project will also improve accessibility for underserved waterfront communities and offer time and cost savings for commuters. The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, both expressed commitment to the project's success. The EIB Vice-President, Mr Ambroise Fayolle, highlighted the project's role in developing safer, mor