by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Sep 10, 2018 | Articles, Entertainment |
The Nigerian Amputee football federation, after being banned from international competition for 5 years for non-payment of the WAAF affiliation fees, are now qualified to feature at the 2018 world cup tournament.
This ban has no doubt dealt a blow to the special football team, and an indication that very little support has been given to the special football competition by the football body.
Thankfully, the ban has been lifted and the special Amputee team are scheduled to feature at the 2018 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico in October. The Nigeria team are to feature along side Russia, Brazil, El Salvado in group E.
Amputee football is an disabled sport played with seven players on each team. Outfield players have lower extremity amputations, and goalkeepers have an upper extremity amputation.
The handlers of the Amputee Super Eagles Team coach Victor Nwewe and Gbenga Dosunmu, is confident that the team is self motivated, and will certainly put up a good record at the mundial. He is certain that with the needed support from the football body, the Super Eagles will perform excellently.
The captain of the Amputee team, Prince Yomi Bamgbopa has expressed confidence in his team, and he is optimistic that they will make Nigeria proud. He commended the efforts of the football body in ensuring that Nigeria regained her membership with the World Association of Amputee Football Federation (WAAF)
For the President of the NAAF, Suleiman Isah, the return of the Nigerian Amputee squad to the international stage is a welcome development, and a good omen for the country. In his words, he said, “This is the beginning of many good things to come as a form of reshaping poor state of this great sport and lives of the footballer that were practically neglected.
He continued, “The journey to this achievement was not easy, but my happiness is that we have regained our membership with the parent body and will now be part of their activities.”
He added that the participation in the World Cup would serve as an exposure to the footballers and opportunity to boost the nation’s profile at the global level.
According to the NAAF Ambassador, Abayomi Fashoro, “Nigeria has a chance to develop the huge potential of the Amputee football, and bring it at par with football federations like Russia, Turkey, England to mention a few. The football body therefore, should provide sports facilities that would help improve the players, and promote the game.”
Greatmark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Sep 8, 2018 | Articles, Entertainment, Lifestyles |
“I look unto you oooh answer my call ohh (Answer My Call Oooh) Baba God o! (Pick up the call) Emi naa fe wa Range Rover (I want to ride Range Rover) Dangote olori meji ( like, Dangote, I want to be rich) Pick up the call. Na beg i dey beg o (I’m begging)…”
The song of the sensational hip hop artist, Adekunle Kosoko (a.k.a Adekunle Gold) has spurred me to write this piece. Looking at this topic, the first thing that comes to mind is a passionate plea for God’s blessings. It reveals the deep desire of a person who desperately needs divine intervention in attaining the good life. It is a heartfelt plea for God to pick up the call and prevent further delay in making him wealthy and accomplished like notable persons in the society.
How do you feel when you are trying to reach out to someone through your mobile phone and you find difficulties getting connected? Frustrated! Irated or pissed!? It’s very annoying and can be very frustrating when you cannot connect especially in a situation of dire need.
Yea, it can be really bad, sometimes with our network providers, you just experience annoying network failures. I’ve once been close to someone and I dialed his number and was told it is unavailable yet his phone was on and network signals were up. Anyway, we all benefit from the use of the mobile telephony as well as also suffers the effect of poor connections which maybe due to many factors including weather condition, natural disasters or technical faults to mention a few.
I haven’t seen a man who has a phone and wants to make calls and yet has not subscribed to a network. For instance, you can make calls with your mobile phones if you don’t have a SIM card that identifies you with a network provider. It’s impossible! You must have a line registered with a telecom service provider to be able to make or receive calls.
Even if a person lives very close to a telecom base station of a particular subscriber, and he is not registered on its network he can never make or receive calls. Such a person can go to anywhere to complain that he doesn’t benefit a thing from the network, he certainly has no case. In fact he maybe considered insane! He might even own the most expensive handset, if he is not connected to a service, he’s definitely on his own.
In the same vein, if you are not securely connected to God, your call will not be connected to him. Though, he is not deaf, yet will not only not answer you but you will also not be able to hear from him. He only answers and speaks to those who have his Spirit (The SIM card) in them. The Holy Spirit is the guaranty that you are his and that you are connected with him on the same frequency’.
The anger of God burns against the unrighteous daily but the righteous he shows Favour. Although he answers the prayers of a sinner who is willing to repent and follow God, but the disobedient and ungodly will not find Favour in God except he turns to him.
Some people actually blame God for their misfortunes, while some other thinks that if God is good he should have helped solve their problems even without them asking. Some argue that since God knows one’s heart why then can’t be provide one’s heart desires. Others have thought that if God is omnipotent why can’t he stop evil from happening to us. Why must he wait till we pray to him?
Same way you cannot possibly blame the telephone service providers for not being able to make or receive calls without you being an identified subscriber, it’s same way you cannot get God to bless you if you are not identified with him. You may exist but without a relationship with him you are actually not living.
You needn’t struggle with making calls if you’ve got a sim card and you are registered with the telephone service provider. Even though there may sometimes be bad connections, you are still assured that connections will be restored as soon as the barrier is taken away.
On the contrary, with God there’s never any network failure. Prayer is the telephone to God—you speak to him and he reveals his mind to you through his living word. Even when you get disconnected by sin, God is merciful to restore you back and connect you to the heavenly frequency.
Alright, pick up your phone now and call God. Be sure you’re connected and trust me, you’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
Also read: MR BASSEY, THE MISERABLE WARRIOR!
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by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Sep 8, 2018 | Articles, Entertainment |
It is amazing to see how talents can win divine applause. Kylian Mpappe, the 19 year old French football forward and the winner of The World Cup Best Young Player award is said to have donated 100% of his pay to charity.
Motivated by the victory of France at the just concluded Russia 2018 World Cup, the amazing striker and the PSG star is to donate $203k ($29 per game) and his $305k bonus to charity organizations. I’m so thrilled by this kind gesture and love for people. This act will certainly put smiles on the faces of many indigent people as well as make God glad for his unsearchable gift to mpappe.
Our talents are given to us by God for the purpose of making profits for our benefits as well as for the benefits of humanity and ultimately for the glory of our maker, God. Every man is gifted with one special ability or the other, and as a matter of fact, no man is giftless.
We are all beautifully and wonderfully made with divine abilities and talents to make our sojourn on earth worthwhile and of course help our co-existence. Whether in sports and entertainment, business, the arts, science and technology, religious or secular, whatever special abilities we have been given, God expects goodly results that would make the world a better place.
However, we should be careful not to make our talents a tool in the hand of Satan, for nothing good comes from him. A purposeful and fulfilling talent glorifies God, while a mis-used talent displeases Him and of course offers no benefit to humanity.
Sport is a global entertainment and a potent unifying game that brings many differing minds together irrespective of tribe, color or language. Football is the most watched sport with many talented players displaying their skills for the enjoyment of millions of enthusiasts worldwide. The passion and support for the game is amazing and to many countries represented in the periodic 
, the most coveted trophy is much desirous.
There are many others who have donated to charity and continues to do so but who may not be mentioned in this piece. However, I will mention a few: Christian Ronaldo is said to be on the top list of charitable sports stars. As reported by the Daily Telegraph, “Cristiano Ronaldo tops list of world’s most charitable sports stars. The Real Madrid star beats Serena Williams, John Cena, Neymar, LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Hector Bellerin, and Dan Carter to title of world’s most charitable sports star. Likewise, some of our African players who donates to charity include, Kano Nwankwo, Michael Esien, Didier Drogba to mention a few.
Ronaldo was quoted to have said, “My father always taught me that when you help other people, then God will give you double, And that’s what has really happened to me. When I have helped other people who are in need, God has helped me more.” This is simply an acknowledgement that God endowed him with talents not just for his own benefit, but also for the good of others. God is proud of such lives who are not sufficient in themselves but honor Him as their sufficiency.
Let me also mention that many of these players, and even some who may not be in the list of top charity sport stars have often acknowledged God publicly whenever they score goals, or win titles. Lionel Messi in his usual manner of celebrating goals would make the sign of the cross and raise his fingers up to heaven in acknowledgment of God the giver of his amazing talents.
This is also the manner of many Brazilian players: Kaka, Neymar, to mention a few. I remember after a World Cup victory, when Kaka and few other Brazilian players revealed their underwear T-shirt inscribed with, “I belong to Jesus!” I was inspired not because I am a Christian but because God was acknowledged as the giver of good things! I’m sure God was very pleased with such acts.
There are some other players, like Mane and Salam of Liverpool F.C, who would bow to the ground in the Islamic way, in appreciation of God. I was really inspired by the celebration style of the Colombian star, Mina when scored the equalizer against England at the 93rd minute, at Russia 2018. Whist he was been cheered by the spectators, with hand signs he shifted accolades to God by pointing to heaven and gesticulating that people should know the goal was only possible because God made it so. Rather than bask in the euphoria of the moment, he shifted attention to God who is deserving, advising the spectators that it wasn’t him, but God.
You are also talented! You’re not an evolutional freak; you’re divinely and uniquely wired with talents and possibilities. There’s a gifting in you that must be properly used for your benefit, for the good of others and ultimately for the glory of God. There’s nothing you have that has not been given to you by God, and you are accountable to him. Therefore, humble yourself under God’s mighty hand, acknowledge him in all that you do and never assume you know it all! (Proverbs 3:6; I Peter 5:7).
Celebrate your talents; be selfless, serve humanity, worship God! You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
Also read: https://yeswearewinning.com/2018/09/07/the-god-called-messi/#more-4373
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Sep 7, 2018 | Articles, Entertainment |
The god called Messi
From the mouth of babes and sucklings echoes the name, “Messi!!!” The frail and fragile grandmas and grandpas, the youthful and the old, all shout “Messi!”, and thousands of fans sing his praise uncontrollably. “Messi is football and football is Messi. The atmosphere was electric and the 99,000 capacity stadium was almost filled to capacity.
It was an evening of beautiful football with Barcelona playing at home against Huesda football club. Not only that the Huesda FC was a lesser opposition but the knowledge that Lionel Messi would be on the pitch was enough motivation. For fans and football enthusiasts, paying over €100 for the ticket, and traveling a long distance to the Camp Nou would definitely not be an issue.
“Messi is god, as a person and even more as a player.” I didn’t appreciate this statement made by Samuel Eto’o until I watched the devotion and love for Messi being displayed by fans and spectators on the field over and over again.
Carlos Tevez was quoted saying, “Messi, he is from another planet.” True to Carlos Tevez’s statement, Messi is the main point of reference and the key man in the whole Barça team. This was evident in all the acholades and ovations that is bestowed on Messi in and out of the pitch both by fans, members of his team and coaches.
The 31 years old Argentina- born Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini is no doubt one of the world’s best player of the round-leather game. He remains a legend and a true definition of a football idol! He is undoubtedly a football star! For more on Lionel Messy click: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Messi
As I made my way to the Camp Nou, located at the outskirts of the city of Barcelona, I was full of expectations as I had eagerly looked forward to seeing the match. At some point I was confused about the direction to Collblanc, which is supposed to be my final metro stop.
While I stood to wonder which way I should go, I saw a large crowd of football enthusiasts wearing the Barca jerseys and moving towards same direction. I immediate joined them and followed confidently knowing that I was in the right direction . On arrival at the Collblanc subway station, I didn’t need anyone to direct me. I just joined the company of Jersy-wearing football enthusiasts to the stadium. It was only a 5 minutes walk from the train station.
The loudest applauds in the stadium was when Messi was with the ball and the loudest pity was when he was fouled! You could feel the passion and love for him. He’s adored, greatly cherished. The devotion to him is amazing, nothing short of a god! You would see the spectators at the side of the corner stood up to hail him as he walked to take a corner kick. For more of Messi’s Praise click: https://en.m.wikiquote.org/wiki/Lionel_Messi
The rousing ovation is ecstatic! The adoration is celestial. And as I watch on I began to wonder if many of these people would adorn God in this manner. The jerseys won by many fans were those of Messi! He’s the idol of Barcelona. I’m very sure he will be immortalized as the greatest player baca has ever had.
In 2012, Javier Mascherano said of Messi, “ Although he may not be human, it’s good that Messi still thinks he is.” In spite of being adorned as the best player in the world, Messi does not take this glory to himself. For this, I’m glad! This is evident in how he offers thanks to the God of heaven whenever he scores.
This should serve as a lesson to the teaming fans and spectators that Messi is only a gifted tool in the hand of God to entertain humanity with the game of football. This ought to be the attitude of every gifted persons.
We all belong to God and he has endowed each of us with specific and unique talents that should be used for our profits, and edification of others, and ultimately to the glory of our creator. We have been given diverse gifts and divine abilities. Therefore, we should make every efforts to use them rightly and in such a way that God will be pleased with us, and we will be a blessing to humanity.
What is in your hand? Use it; stretch yourself beyond your limit, because there’s a potential in you. You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
You may also read: WHEN TALENTS WINS DIVINE APPLAUSE
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by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Aug 8, 2018 | Articles, Entertainment |
I bet you you wouldn’t know that spot on Katampe hill is the center of Nigeria unless someone had told you. What would have been an ultimate search experience for me turned out to be an easy task because my friend who had earlier visited led me to that spot.
Geographical Center of Nigeria
It’s really very shameful and disappointing that there’s no unique landmark to symbolize the geographical center of Nigeria. This I consider very absurd and a failure of the government in harnessing our rich eco-tourism potentials.
Katampe Hill is a granite outcrop and one of Abuja’s highest points. A panoramic view from the top of the katampe hill gives another beautiful side attraction you would love to experience. The Aso Radio is strategically located at the top of the hill providing a clear radio signal up to Niger state.
Any foreign tourist or an adventurous person would love to visit a landmark like the geographical center of a city or country. If I happen to visit any city where the center of the country is located, I would certainly want to see the center of such city. This spot should of course be an endearing monument for any tourist. But sadly, the Katampe hill has nothing attractive to endear tourists to its beautiful structure. I have seen how some countries symbolize their geographical centers: America, France, Europe to mention few built a unique monument around their center to attract tourists and to give a brief history of such phenomenon. But Nigeria’s geographical center is unadorned.
Like I mentioned in my previous article, “The Zuma Rock is sad!”, ‘the relevant authorities should promote, as well as create the enabling environment for private investors to develop the ecotourism potential of our beautiful country in order to reduce dependency on Crude oil.’
The geographical center of Nigeria should be a monument, and tourists attraction site that would endear many to Katampe hill, and of course to the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.
The Government needs to, as a matter of urgency and priority develop the eco-tourism potentials of the country. We need to promote our natural endowments and make Nigeria top on the holiday destinations of many tourists.
Nigeria is blessed!
Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
