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Bola Tinubu Convey Confidence In peaceful, Secure W/Africa—-ECOWAS chairman Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence in the possibility of lasting peace, security and prosperity in the West African region.
He said this at the Extraordinary session of the Authority of Heads of States and Government on the Political, Peace and security in ECOWAS region in Abuja,  on Saturday.
Tinubu said the complexities of the issues facing the body necessitated a comprehensive and collaborative approach.
He stressed the importance of engaging in constructive dialogue, prudent judgment and unity toward sustainable peace, security and political stability in the region.
”I am confident that through our collective efforts and determination, we will navigate the challenges before us and chart a course toward a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa.
”Your presence today demonstrated your unflinching commitment to the sustenance of regional integration with all its ingredients for the promotion of good governance, peace, security, stability and socio-economic development.
”Once more, we are gathered here to address pressing developments in our sub-region surrounding peace and security as well as the political situations in the Republics of Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali.
”We must approach these issues with a sense of unity and commitment to the well-being of our people,” he said.
The President said  the challenges warrant concerted efforts and a deep sense of history to ensure the spirit of shared vision, solidarity and collective responsibilities.
He said that in spite of the region’s challenges, he was buoyed by the spirit of collective resolve that defined the ECOWAS community.
”In the course of this summit, therefore, we will receive a Memorandum from the ECOWAS Commission President on the peace, security and political situation in the region.
”The memorandum will give us an update on the current situation in the Republics of Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger.
”Our decisions must be guided by our commitment to safeguarding the constitutional order, upholding democratic principles, and promoting the social and economic well-being of the citizens of the aforementioned countries.”
He called for constructive deliberations to examine the actions taken by these countries and ensure that the citizens were not denied the benefits derived from regional integration initiatives.
”Let me underscore that these challenges, though daunting, present an opportunity for ECOWAS to reaffirm its commitment to the vision of our founding fathers and the principles underpinning our commitment to peace, security, and regional integration.
”We must stand united in our resolve to promote economic integration, democracy, and human rights, with a view to fostering sustainable development across all our member states.
”Times like we currently face in our sub region demand that we take difficult but courageous decisions that put the plight of our people at the centre of our deliberations.
”Democracy is nothing more than the political framework and the path to addressing the basic needs and aspirations of the people.”

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JUST IN: Crystal Palace Relegated to Conference League Amid Ownership Controversy

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Crystal Palace Relegated to Conference League

JUST IN: Crystal Palace Relegated to Conference League Amid Ownership Controversy—-Crystal Palace have been demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League next season by the UEFA governing body due to multi-club rules.

The governing body’s decision stems from Palace breaching its multi-club ownership rules and Uefa said the Eagles could appeal its ruling with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, could replace FA Cup winners Palace in the Europa League.

Eagle Football Holdings – owned by American businessman John Textor – holds stakes in Palace and Lyon, with Uefa rules stating that clubs owned, to a certain threshold of influence, by the same person or entity cannot compete in the same European competition.

Uefa’s rules set a deadline of 1 March 2025 to show proof of multi-club ownership restructuring – a deadline which Palace missed.

Palace argued Textor does not hold any decisive influence at the club, but Uefa have not accepted the Premier League side’s defence.

Lyon, who also qualified for next season’s Europa League, take precedence over Palace because of their higher league position.

The seven-time French champions finished sixth in Ligue 1, with Palace 12th in the Premier League but qualifying for European competition by winning the FA Cup.

Earlier this week Lyon won their appeal against relegation from Ligue 1 after they were demoted for financial reasons, which affected Palace’s chances of playing in the Europa League.

Had Lyon’s relegation been upheld, they had agreed with Uefa to be excluded from the Europa League, clearing the way for Palace to play in the competition.

English football has two allocated Europa League spots, with Aston Villa securing the other after finishing sixth in the Premier League.

Forest replace Palace in the Europa League after finishing seventh, with their Conference League spot going to the Eagles instead.

More to follow.

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João Pedro Nets Brace Against Boyhood Club Fluminense To Send Chelsea To FIFA Club World Cup Final

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João Pedro Nets Brace Against Boyhood Club Fluminense

João Pedro Nets Brace Against Boyhood Club Fluminense To Send Chelsea To FIFA Club World Cup Final—-João Pedro who joined the club 6 days ago in a deal worth £55m add-ons included marked his first start for Chelsea with a brilliant brace against his boyhood club, guiding the Blues to a 2–0 win over Fluminense in New Jersey and into the Club World Cup final.

The Brazilian forward, a product of Fluminense’s academy, found the net in both halves but chose not to celebrate either goal out of respect for his former side. Even so, he was unquestionably the standout performer on the night.

First-half control

Enzo Maresca’s side started the brighter of the two, controlling possession and applying steady pressure down both flanks with Pedro Neto particularly lively on the left.

The opening goal arrived on 18 minutes after Neto burst past his man and whipped in a dangerous ball. Thiago Silva’s clearance only reached João Pedro, who controlled well and rifled a stunning strike into the top corner.

Fluminense struggled to create clear chances but came close through Hércules, whose effort looked destined to level things up until Marc Cucurella popped up to clear off the line.

There was late first-half drama when a VAR check overturned a penalty decision for a handball against Trevoh Chalobah, much to the relief of the travelling Chelsea support.

João Pedro seals it

The second half followed a similar pattern: Chelsea in control, Fluminense looking for inspiration. The former Brighton forward delivered the killer blow just before the hour mark. Set free by Enzo Fernández on the counter, he shrugged off Ignácio, cut inside, and unleashed a fierce shot that clipped the underside of the bar before bulging the net. A thunderous finish to make it 2–0 and effectively end the contest.

The Blues rang the changes late on, with Reece James, Noni Madueke and Dewsbury-Hall among those introduced to see out the result.

There was a brief scare when Moisés Caicedo limped off after a knock to his heel, but initial signs suggest it’s nothing too serious.

The Brazilian side had a couple of half-chances in the closing stages – Everaldo tried an audacious bicycle kick and Keno caused the odd problem – but they couldn’t break Chelsea’s solid defensive shape.

Chelsea now await the winner of Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid, who square off on Wednesday, for Sunday’s final.

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