Global stocks sank Wednesday after US President Donald Trump said he was not satisfied with talks that are aimed at averting a trade war with China. Equities were also dented by poor eurozone economic data, and as Trump cast doubt on a planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. “Trump (is) continuing to drive uncertainty over global trade,” said analyst Joshua Mahony at trading firm IG. “European markets are following their Asian counterparts lower, as a pessimistic tone from Trump is compounded by downbeat economic data,” he added. Markets had surged Monday after US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He said they had agreed to pull back from imposing threatened tariffs on billions of dollars of goods, and continue talks on a variety of trade issues. However, Trump has declared that he was “not satisfied” with the status of the talks, fuelling worries that the world’s top two economies could still slug out an economically pain...
Meanwhile, in order to boost their morale, the Eagles were paid a courtesy visit by the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, along side the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Chief Obinna Ogba and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick, member of the House of Representatives, Edward Gyang Pwajok, and NFF Technical Director, Bitrus Bewarang.
While appreciating the team, Dalung told the players to bring smiles to the nation by winning the cup.
“Our President is a sports loving President and he is following everything that is going on here. I can tell you honestly that he is waiting eagerly to receive you after this tournament must have ended and you have won the trophy.
“Always remember that you are carrying the hopes and aspirations of 180 million, football-passionate people. So be ready to fight for your country on the pitch and make your people happy.
“Don’t be distracted. Everything you need has been provided as the NFF president has said, so it is now left to you to show that desire and hunger to succeed,” he said.
In his remarks, Pinnick assured the team of prompt payment of their match bonuses, as the minister has made everything available.
“He (minister) has also ensured that we have your monies, that is bonuses, allowances for this competition from the first game to the final game on February 4. So, the ball is now in your court.
“As a federation, the NFF is very proud of you and what you have done so far. We believe in you. We know you can make history and win this tournament for Nigeria for the first time.
“Please stay focused, determined and disciplined. Give your 100 per cent and even more to make sure this trophy goes to Nigeria,” Pinnick said.
The Captain of the CHAN Eagles, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, then, promised on behalf of the team that the players are ready to do the nation proud with their slogan: “Operation Do Nigeria Proud.”
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