Ima Elijah

<h3>In a significant blow to global food stability, Russia has terminated its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, an agreement that allowed Ukraine to export its grain by sea. </h3>

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation and former Nigerian Finance Minister, expressed her deep disappointment at the termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. In a tweet, she highlighted the importance of this trade route for global food prices and its impact on vulnerable populations, including the poor people and poor countries who are likely to be hardest hit by the disruption.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Deeply disappointed at the termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative &amp; the interruption of the grain trade from Ukraine. I share UN SG <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@antonioguterres</a>’ regret &amp; concern. Black Sea trade in food, feed &amp; fertilizer is critical to the stability of global food prices. Sad to say…&mdash; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) <a href="https://twitter.com/NOIweala/status/1680975199691329537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h3>About the Black Sea Grain Initiative</h3>

The Black Sea Grain Initiative was an agreement that allowed Ukraine to export its grain by sea through the Black Sea region. It was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey and aimed to facilitate the trade of grain, food, feed, and fertiliser from Ukraine to international markets.

Ukraine is one of the world's major producers and exporters of grain, particularly wheat and maize, and its grain exports are essential for meeting the food demands of many countries around the world.

By providing a reliable trade route for Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea region, the initiative ensured a steady and predictable supply of grain to international markets. This stability in grain supply helped to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in agricultural production and weather-related events in other parts of the world. When there is a steady flow of grain from a major exporter like Ukraine, it can serve as a buffer against food crises and price spikes in times of global shortages.

Food production in Nigeria has been experiencing shocking decline in the last 3 years. Dataphyte's report revealed that between Q1 2020 and Q1 2022, crop production has declined by 47.2%. This can be credited to the fact that the gran producing regions have struggled with insecurity and flooding disasters.

In the bid to be proactive and mitigate the impact of these issues, early this year, Nigeria signed the “Grains from Ukraine” project, would see Nigeria receiving grain imports from the war torn eastern European country Ukraine;

According to Nairametrics, this information was disclosed by “the Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Mykola Solskyi, who led a delegation to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, and his Agriculture and Rural Development counterpart, Mohammad Abubakar, in Abuja.”

In light of the deal the former minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammed Abubakar, noted that the establishment of grain hubs in the country are already in effect.

“...I can say that over 30% of our agricultural businesses are with Ukraine, especially in the area of wheat, fertiliser and other grains. And this I can assure you will continue to improve our relationship,”&nbsp;the minister said.

Nigeria, like many other countries in Africa and the Middle East, relies on imports of food commodities to meet its domestic demand. The Black Sea region has played a crucial role in facilitating the flow of grain and other food items to these regions, particularly via Ukraine's exports. With the termination of the agreement, there is a growing concern that food prices could become more volatile and increase in Nigeria, potentially leading to food crisis.

Read More: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/business/how-the-nigerian-food-economy-will-be-affected-by-the-russia-ukraine-pulse-explainer/4z13n8w">How the Nigerian food economy will be affected by the Russia-Ukraine war [Pulse Explainer] </a>

Ukraine is one of the world's major producers and exporters of grain, particularly wheat and maize, and its grain exports are essential for meeting the food demands of many countries around the world [Unsplash]

In a significant blow to global food stability, Russia has terminated its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, an agreement that allowed Ukraine to export its grain by sea

Grain price to hike in Nigeria as Russia halts trade deal with Ukraine

Precious 'Mamazeus' Nwogu

The list which includes President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shockingly names Hollywood star Morgan Freeman, a move that's got social media buzzing.

Freeman was described on the list as: "a well-known film actor who in September 2017 recorded a video message accusing Russia of conspiring against the United States and calling for a fight against our country." It added that the actor "accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of using 'cyber warfare to attack democracies around the world,' and to his 'sworn enemy, the United States.'"

Is there a 2017 video?

Yes, there is! In 2017 the 84-year-old actor headlined a video by Committee to Investigate Russia, a nonprofit aiming to spread information about Russia’s role in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

In the introductory video, Freeman likened Russia's alleged influence on the elections to a movie script featuring a former KJB spy who sets out on a revenge mission. The actor ultimately accused Russia of continued attacks on America's democracy describing the U.S as being 'at War'.

"We need our president to speak directly to us and tell us the truth," Morgan says referring to former President Donald Trump. "We need him to sit behind the desk in the Oval Office and say ‘My fellow Americans, during this past election, we came under attack by the Russian government.'”

The infamous Russophobia list also features deceased politicians such as former Senator John McCain, R-Ariz.;&nbsp;Senator Harry Reid, D-Nev;&nbsp;and former deputy director of the&nbsp;Defense Intelligence Agency Melissa Drisko.

The actor joins the list of nearly 1000 Americans permanently banned from visiting Russia

Why is Morgan Freeman permanently banned from visiting Russia?

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Steve Dede

<h1>Super Eagles boss Gernot Rohr has praised his team’s first-half performance against Ukraine in a friendly that ended 2-2 on Tuesday, September 10. </h1>

The Super Eagles scored two goals through <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/ukraine-2-vs-2-nigeria-aribo-osimhen-score-for-super-eagles-in-an-exciting-draw/0hz976t" link="null">Joe Aribo and Victor Osimhen</a> in a dominant first half to go into halftime two goals up.

New Super Eagles boy Joe Aribo scored for Nigeria in that friendly game (Instagram/jaribo)

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/ukraine-2-vs-2-nigeria-super-eagles-players-rating-from-the-exciting-friendly-game/nlzyjpg">How Super Eagles players fared against Ukraine</a>

The Ukrainians, however, bounced back and grabbed a draw.

Despite the collapse in the second half, Rohr is proud of the performance of his boys and said the first 45 minutes was the best he ever had with the Super Eagles.

“More than the result, it's the kind of football we played. It was the best 45 minutes I ever played with Nigeria,” Rohr said in a video shared on Super Eagles official Youtube channel.

“For a friendly, it was a high-level game and we have lots of satisfaction with the new players, especially Aribo who scored the first goal.

“Our strikers with the quickness, wingers, midfield and even behind. We know that eight players from AFCON were not here and we had to replace them.”

“This team is the youngest I ever coach in Nigeria, with an average age of 22.8,” Rohr also said.

“Huge satisfaction especially against one of the best teams in Europe actually. They are the leaders in their group for qualification (Euro 2020). They also had some U20 champions in the match. It was an interesting game for us.”

Gernot Rohr wants friendly games against African countries to prepare for AFCON 2021 qualifiers (Instagram/Super Eagles)

Also in the video, Rohr urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to arrange friendly games against African teams ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier where Nigeria will face the Republic of Benin, Sierra Leone and Lesotho in Group L.

‘We have to play against African teams because in the qualifiers we face African teams,” Rohr said.

“We have to get used to African football. Today was European football and high-level football. Now we have to go back to Africa or play in Europe against African teams.

“We need to prepare against African teams.”

The Super Eagles will next face Brazil in a friendly on Sunday, October 13.

Victor Osimhen (Instagram/Victor Osimhen)

Rohr was impressed with the way the Super Eagles dominated Ukraine in the first leg of that friendly.

‘Best 45 minutes I ever played with Nigeria,’ Super Eagles boss praises first-half performance against Ukraine

<h1>Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has praised midfielder Joe Aribo for his impressive debut for the Super Eagles in their 2-2 draw with Ukraine on Tuesday, September 10. </h1>

Called up for the first time to the Super Eagles, Joe Aribo was thrown straight into the action and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/joe-aribo-delighted-with-his-debut-goal-in-nigerias-2-2-draw-with-ukraine/mee2eck" link="null">scored in the fourth minute to give Nigeria the lead</a> at the Dnipro Arena in Ukraine.

Aside from his goal, the 23-year-old was very impressive in his first game for the Super Eagles to prove that he will be an important player for the national team in the future.

His club manager Gerrard is delighted for him and believes his call-up to the national team was as a result of his form with Rangers.

“I just spoke to Joe, he was on a recovery day today. He is in a fantastic place, smiling away,” Gerrard told newsmen in his Thursday, September 12 press conference ahead of his side’s game against Livingston on Saturday, September 14.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🎥 Gerrard: &quot;Congratulations to him, his first game and he manages to get a goal. He was rewarded for his form as a Rangers player&quot;. The manager spoke about <a href="https://twitter.com/J_Aribo19?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@J_Aribo19</a> after he scored on his <a href="https://twitter.com/NGSuperEagles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NGSuperEagles</a> debut. <a href="https://t.co/RCFOd3HuXR">pic.twitter.com/RCFOd3HuXR</a>&mdash; Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/RangersFC/status/1172179990164754432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/ukraine-2-vs-2-nigeria-super-eagles-players-rating-from-the-exciting-friendly-game/nlzyjpg">How Aribo performed against Ukraine</a>

“Congratulations to him. You know in his first game, he manages to get a goal and he was rewarded for his form as a Rangers player.

“It’s his first call-up, so he shows you that he is in the right place. He’s playing at the right level, European football and at last, he’s been recognized as an international player now, he has been rewarded with his first game, gets his first goal and he should be in a good place.”

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Steven Gerrard reckons Joe Aribo is in “the right place” after the midfielder won his first Nigeria cap and scored his first international goal in midweek. Read more from the boss 📲 <a href="https://t.co/NBZg01iWlg">https://t.co/NBZg01iWlg</a> <a href="https://t.co/Jq3TPnR5kE">pic.twitter.com/Jq3TPnR5kE</a>&mdash; Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/RangersFC/status/1172434769029713920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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They were questions about Joe Aribo’s decision to opt for a move to Rangers instead of staying back in the English Championship with Charlton Athletic but his manager believes he is in the right place.

“He is in the right place, trust me. They must be watching him since he came to Rangers, they must be happy with him playing in the Europa League games in front of 51, 000 people,” Gerrard said.

“The people in charge now for the Nigerian national team know that he can play in big football games. I don’t know many players in the championship playing for Nigeria.”

Gerrard says Joe Aribo's call-up was a reward for his good form for Rangers.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard praises Joe Aribo after his impressive Super Eagles debut

<h1>Gernot Rohr divided opinions after the Super Eagles’ campaign at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) where Nigeria finished third with the bronze medal. It was far from a convincing campaign from the Super Eagles who played without urgency and fluidity. </h1>

Rohr’s critics wanted him gone while the opposite camp believed he had done well with the Super Eagles who were still a work in progress.

Super Eagles of Nigeria managed a third-place finish at AFCON 2019  (CAF)

The Franco-German remains in charge of the Super Eagles who have entered a new era. With the exits of former captain Mikel Obi and Odion Ighalo who finished as the highest goalscorer at AFCON 2019, Rohr has been handed a window to usher in players for this era.

With some exciting young names in action, Rohr’s Super Eagles played out a 2-2 draw with Ukraine in a friendly game on Tuesday, September 10 with a performance that showed lots of promise for the new era.

Replacing Ighalo was one of the tasks that the new era presented for Rohr and after some unconvincing performances from Paul Onuachu, Rohr went for Victor Osimhen who had started his debut season brightly in France with Lille.

Victor Osimhen showed he can be Super Eagles No. 9 for a long time  (Instagram/Victor Osimhen)

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/ukraine-2-vs-2-nigeria-super-eagles-players-rating-from-the-exciting-friendly-game/nlzyjpg">How Super Eagles players fared against Ukraine</a>

Osimhen was almost perfect against Ukraine, tormenting the defence all through his stay on the pitch with his pace, movement and hold-up play. Even more exciting, he was part of a fluid front-four that included Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Samuel Kalu.

Playing from the wings, Chukwueze and Kalu offered pace and penetration and along with Iwobi, they had enough pace and trickery to get past the Ukrainian defence several times.

In a frenetic first half, the quadruplets ran the Ukrainian defence to the ground. At every attack, they went forward with pace and incision that was so pleasing to see.

Joe Aribo, the midfielder who was making his debut also caught the eye with his energy, drive and penetrative runs into the opposition penalty box. His late runs into the box gave him the <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/joe-aribo-delighted-with-his-debut-goal-in-nigerias-2-2-draw-with-ukraine/mee2eck">goal in the fourth minute </a>and he should have scored again in the first half if not for a smart save by the Ukrainian goalkeeper.

Joe Aribo had a dream debut with a goal against Ukraine (Instagram/jaribo)

He also made a case for a place in the Super Eagles with his impressive outing although he failed in his role to protect the defence from midfield. This was Super Eagles’ biggest weakness from the game on Tuesday.

Oghenekaro Etebo from the defensive midfield role failed to protect the back four. Both Etebo and Aribo didn’t show positional discipline to close down the Ukrainians who had lots of spaces. Rohr would seek solace in the fact that he was without Wilfred Ndidi who is one of the best defensive midfielders in world football.

The deficiencies in defence can also be overlooked with the fact that Rohr was without three of his top defenders. Semi Ajayi was tried out in central defence alongside William Troost-Ekong but the West Brom man was heavily exposed.

Semi Ajayi wasn't convincing in defence against Ukraine (Instagram/Semi Ajayi)

Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was brilliant in the game, his best in the Super Eagles shirt but ultimately, it is the performance of the front-four that has had everyone excited with what's to come.

Of course, they are far from the finished product. Still very young and raw, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Kalu and Osimhen could struggle against experienced and top oppositions, but as they showed against Ukraine, they possess the skills and talent to do great things with the Super Eagles.

For their inexperience, Rohr has the time to work with them. With no major tournament until 2021, the Super Eagles can keep fine-tuning with good friendly games like the one against Ukraine.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over to you.

The Super Eagles showed enough for everyone to be excited with what's to come.

Lots of positives for Super Eagles as new era kicks off with the 2-2 draw against Ukraine

<h1>Super Eagles new boy Joe Aribo was very delighted with his debut goal for Nigeria in their with Ukraine in a friendly game played on Tuesday, September 10. </h1>

The newly called up Super Eagles player was thrown straight into action for his debut and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/ukraine-2-vs-2-nigeria-aribo-osimhen-score-for-super-eagles-in-an-exciting-draw/0hz976t" link="null">scored just four minutes into the game</a>.

Playing in central defence, Joe Aribo was on from start to finish in the game and also impressed with his performance on the night.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/ukraine-2-vs-2-nigeria-super-eagles-players-rating-from-the-exciting-friendly-game/nlzyjpg">How Joe Aribo performed against Ukraine</a>

“Buzzing to make my debut for SuperEagles, ” the Rangers midfielder said on social media.

“Unfortunate with the result but (I am) happy to score on my debut, a special day for me &amp; my family and one I’ll remember. Thank you God.”

After Joe Aribo’s goal, Victor Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s goal to give the Super Eagles a 2-0 lead at halftime.

Ukraine, however, fought back in the second half to grab a 2-2 draw.

Joe Aribo was very impressive in his debut for the Super Eagles and also scored.

Joe Aribo: Super Eagles new boy delighted with his debut goal in Nigeria’s 2-2 draw with Ukraine

<h1>Debutant Joe Aribo and striker Victor Osimhen both scored in the first half as the Super Eagles of Nigeria got a 2-2 draw against Ukraine in Dnipro. </h1>

Aribo scored as early as the third minute before Osimhen got his first Super Eagles goal in the 34th minute from the penalty spot.

Nigeria went into halftime with a 2-0 lead after a dominant first but could not keep the lead which they surrendered in the second half.

In a game of two halves, the Ukrainians dominated the Super Eagles and got came back to draw the game 2-2.

Super Eagles boss gave newly called up Aribo a start in his first game for Nigeria and the Rangers midfielder had a dream debut with a fourth-minute goal.

It was, however, the fine combination of Samuel Kalu and Alex Iwobi that created the goal for the Super Eagles. Kalu started the move, dribbling past a couple of defenders before a shot pass to Iwobi whose cutback found Aribo to finish for Nigeria’s goal.

The Super Eagles took control of the game and should have doubled their lead three minutes later. Osimhen beat his marker with a swift turn close to the centre circle and played in Samuel Chukwueze who was free on goal but the effort of the Villarreal man was saved by the goalkeeper.

Ukraine got past the Super Eagles defence in the 11th minute but goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was quick off his line to stop Júnior Moraes from getting on a pass.

The Super Eagles were more dangerous on the counter-attack and in the 22nd minute, Iwobi played a delicate cross to Aribo whose header was tipped over by the Ukrainian goalkeeper.

In the 32nd minute, the Super Eagles got a penalty after Kalu was fouled in the Ukrainian box. Osimhen stepped up to convert the penalty for his first Super Eagles goal.

Just before halftime, Ukraine got a chance but Uzoho got his hands on a goal-bound effort to save.

The momentum shifted to the Ukrainians in the second half although the Super Eagles remained dangerous on the counter-attack.

Osimhen was torn in the flesh of the Ukrainian defence and in the 47th minute, he won the ball just outside the area and passed to Iwobi who could not direct his shot on target with the goalkeeper out of position.

Victor Osimhen scored Nigeria's second goal from the penalty spot in the 2-2 draw (Instagram/Victor Osimhen)

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/super-eagles-camp-opens-ahead-of-the-friendly-game-against-ukraine/2pflfnn">Details of Super Eagles camp before the game</a>

The Yellow-Blue of Ukraine grew stronger as the second half wore on and the Super Eagles kept retreating to protect their lead.

With Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko in the thick of things, Ukraine piled the press on the Super Eagles and in the 78th minute, they pulled a goal back.

Zinchenko picked up a pass in the Nigerian area and drove past Anderson Esiti before curling his effort past Uzoho for Ukraine’s first goal.

Ukraine fought back in the secodn half to force a 2-2 draw (Twitter/ffukraine)

Andriy Shevchenko’s men completed their comeback less than a minute later through Roman Yaremchuk.

Uzoho had done well to quickly rush off his line to clear a pass to Yaremchuk in the Super Eagles box but the ball struck the Ukrainian forward’s arm and rolled into the net.

The referee initially ruled out the goal for handball but later allowed it after consulting with his linesman who made the wrong decision.

2-2 it ended in a game of two halves at the Dnipro Arena.

Ukraine battled from 2-0 down to force a 2-2 draw at home against Nigeria.

Ukraine 2 Vs 2 Nigeria: Aribo, Osimhen score for Super Eagles in an exciting draw

<h1>Nigeria’s U23 team on Tuesday, September 10 trashed their Sudanese counterparts 5-0 in Asaba to grab a ticket to the 2019 Africa U23 Cup of Nations (AFCON). </h1>

After a 1-0 loss away in Sudan, the Olympic Eagles hosted Sudan at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

With the home crowd behind them, the Imama Amapakabo boys were on the front foot all through the game and got their goals through Ndifreke Effiong who netted a brace, Taiwo Awoniyi, Sunday Faleye and Sanusi Ibrahim to qualify for the 2019 U13 AFCON with a 5-1 aggregate score.

Taiwo Awoniyi was one of the scorers in Nigeria's big win  (Instagram/Taiwo Awoniyi)

Nigeria took the lead as early as the 10th minute through Liverpool star Awoniyi before Ndifereke doubled their lead in the 27th minute with a header.

As the Sudanese pressed for an away goal, Ndifreke scored again from close range from an Ebube Duru cross on 45 minutes.

Faleye made if 4-0 in the 60th minute before Ibrahim completed the rout with a fifth goal.

With this win, Nigeria are now through to the 2019 U23 AFCON in Egypt where they will be fighting for a top-two finish to qualify for the football event of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

The Olympic Eagles will continue their quest to 2020 Olympics at 2019 U23 AFCON.

Nigeria U23 beat Sudan 5-0 in Asaba to grab U23 AFCON ticket

<h1>The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have confirmed that the Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on Ukraine in a friendly game in September. </h1>

According to NFF boss Amaju Pinnick, the friendly game will take place on Tuesday, September 10 in Kyiv.

In a series of tweets, Pinnick said the friendly game is part of his administration’s initiative to expose more players to international football.

“We have secured a Grade A international friendly match for the Super Eagles against Ukraine in Kyiv, on the 10th of September,” Pinnick said on Twitter.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Finally, we have secured a Grade A international friendly match for the Super Eagles against the Ukraine in Kiev, on the 10th of September. It is part of our on-going drive to expose as many players as we can to global football, so this should be another springboard for our...&mdash; Amaju Melvin Pinnick (@PinnickAmaju) <a href="https://twitter.com/PinnickAmaju/status/1159751447791226880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“It is part of our on-going drive to expose as many players as we can to global football, so this should be another springboard for our young stars.”

Nigeria and Ukraine have never met on the senior level.

The friendly will be Super Eagles’ first game since they won bronze at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

The Super Eagles won five games at AFCON 2019 as they went all the way to win a record <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/super-eagles-of-nigeria-beat-tunisia-1-0-to-win-3rd-place-game-of-afcon-2019/9m05x06">eight bronze medal</a>.

The friendly will be Nigeria's first game after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

NFF confirm Nigeria Vs Ukraine friendly in September

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