AFRICAN

Chelsea legend and Nigeria captain Mikel retires from international football

Published

5 years ago

July 19, 2019

FAB.NG

Nigeria finished third at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament, beating Tunisia in the third place match on Wednesday.
The only Chelsea player (for now, anyway) to be involved was defender Kenneth Omeruo, who’s had himself an excellent tournament. Alongside former Chelsea prospect Ola Aina, Omeruo was one of the many younger Super Eagles (Super Fledglings?) who took on important roles this summer.
And that’s in part what has motivated Chelsea legend Mikel John Obi to call curtains on his international career. Mikel was part of the squad but featured in just 2 of the 7 games. The baton had already been passed; today he just made it official.

“Egypt is a country where I’ve started and have finished my National career. In 2006 I played my first official championship for my Country. 2019 African Cup of Nations marks my last championship for National Team with Super Eagles.
“My national career started in 2003 under 17 World Cup and I’m grateful for the national team for placing me on the world arena and giving me an opportunity to show my skill and have an incredible National and International career.
“At the age of 32 it’s time for me to retire from the National team and let the youth take over, who’ve done an amazing job securing a bronze medal at AFCON 2019.
“Thank you to all my Nigerian supporters and to my Country for all the trust, support and love you’ve shown me over the past 15 years.”
-John Obi Mikel; Source: Instagram

While most players consider it an honor to represent their nation, for Mikel it also served as the springboard to a legendary career with Chelsea.
After all, it was at the U17 World Cup in 2003 that he first was noticed (and changing his named from Michael to Mikel, thanks to a clerical error). His talent was confirmed at the U20 World Cup in 2005, when he came a close second to a certain Lionel Messi in both the final and in the voting for the tournament’s best player.

By then he was knee-deep in the transfer controversy between Norwegian side Lyn, Manchester United, and Chelsea. A year later, when the dust had settled, Mikel pulled on the Blue shirt, and the rest, as they say, is history.
While he may be done on the international scene — which includes a 2013 ACN winners’ medal and an Olympic bronze from 2016 (which practically ended his Chelsea career at the same time) — Mikel’s still going strong in his club career. He recently joined Trabzonspor on a two-year deal, after a recent spell at Middlesbrough.

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AFRICAN

The Only 4 African Countries That Have Won Miss Universe Title

Published

2 weeks ago

December 7, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

African Countries That Have Won Miss Universe Title | fab.ng

While many African countries have sent representatives to the pageant, only a few have managed to clinch the coveted Miss Universe crown.

The Miss Universe pageant is one of the most prestigious beauty pageants worldwide. It has been a stage for countless beautiful women to showcase their elegance, intelligence, and talent.

1. South Africa

South Africa is the African country with the most Miss Universe wins. This stunning nation has produced four Miss Universe winners:

Margaret Gardiner (1978)
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (2017)
Zozibini Tunzi (2019)
Andrea Meza (2020)

These South African beauties have not only captivated the world with their beauty but have also used their platforms to advocate for important social causes.

2. Namibia

Namibia, a small country in Southern Africa, has also made its mark on the Miss Universe stage.

Michelle McLean won the Miss Universe title in 1992.

This stunning Namibian beauty brought pride to her nation and continues to be an inspiration to many.

3. Angola

Angola, a country rich in culture and natural beauty, has also produced a Miss Universe winner.

Leila Lopes was crowned Miss Universe in 2011.

Her win marked a significant moment for Angola and showcased the beauty and talent of African women.

4. Botswana

Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, may be small, but it has produced one of the most iconic Miss Universe winners.

Ntsepa Motsepe won the Miss Universe title in 1999.

Her win was a surprise to many, but it solidified Botswana’s place in the pageant world.

These four African countries – South Africa, Namibia, Angola, and Botswana – have proven that African beauty is truly global.

They have inspired countless young women across the continent and beyond to dream big and pursue their passions.

As the Miss Universe pageant continues to evolve, we can only hope to see more African countries adding their names to this prestigious list.

Check here for more articles.

AFRICAN

See The Trailer For “Two Of A Kind” Starring Rita Dominic

Published

1 month ago

November 15, 2024

Reporter

Two Of A Kind Starring Rita Dominic; See Trailer | fab.ng

The official trailer for “Two of a Kind” has now launched, marking the latest directorial work from acclaimed filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso.

Leading Nollywood actress Rita Dominic leads the cast in this new production. The film completed its primary filming phase earlier this year.

The star also shared the film’s trailer with her followers through her Instagram platform, generating excitement for the upcoming release.

“And drums roll! Here’s the official trailer for ‘Two Of A Kind’ featuring yours truly! One of the many things I like about #twoofakindfilm is, there are many young, budding, talented actors in it and they did their thing under the tutelage of acclaimed director @shirleyfmanso. Kudos to them!” the post said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rita Dominic-Anosike (@ritadominic)

Acclaimed Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso directed and wrote “Two of a Kind.” It centered on a heartbroken resort owner at the scenic Volta Lake Resort.

The owner opens her doors to host a young couple’s first wedding anniversary celebration. Her plans shift dramatically upon discovering their marriage faces imminent collapse.

The resort owner battles her personal grief while desperately trying to save the couple’s relationship. Their friends’ arrival creates additional tension, threatening to destroy the couple’s already fragile connection.

She faces her own emotional darkness in search of purpose, knowing failure could lead to complete self-destruction.

British audiences can experience this compelling drama in select UK cinemas starting Friday, November 29, 2024.

Ghanaian viewers will find the film at Silverbird Gh locations in West Hills Mall and Accra Mall from Friday, December 20, 2024.

The powerhouse Nigerian-Ghanaian cast features Rita Dominic, Gloria Osei Sarfo, Akrobeto Akwasi Boadi, Arion Amon, Gideon Kojo Boakye, Jessica Larny, Araba Dansowaa, Dean Louis, Chiderah David, Sena Fafali Ahiable, Michael Katahena, and Abla Sena.

Check out more movie updates here.

AFRICAN

Biennale College Cinema Announces Kenyan-Nigerian Project For Next Edition

Published

2 months ago

October 11, 2024

Reporter

1 Woman 1 Bra: Kenyan-Nigerian project | fab.ng

Biennale College Cinema in Venice has announced the Kenyan-Nigerian project, “1 Woman 1 Bra“. The director-producer duo, Vincho Nchogu and Josh Olaoluwa worked on the project. It is the only African project selected for the 13th edition of the festival. This marks a significant achievement for African cinema on the global stage.

“1 Woman 1 Bra” is among 12 projects chosen for the 2024/25 Biennale College Cinema.

These projects were unveiled during the 81st Venice International Film Festival. The teams, consisting of a director and a producer, will participate in an initial 10-day workshop in Venice. This workshop will take place from October 8 to 17, 2024.

Nchogu, the Kenyan director, and Olaoluwa, the Nigerian producer, will present their first feature film project at the workshop. Afterwards, four of the 12 projects will be selected to receive up to 200,000 Euros in production funding.

Furthermore, these four films will premiere at the 82nd Venice Film Festival in 2025. This opportunity is another milestone for Nchogu and Olaoluwa. Consequently, they have previously participated in the Red Sea Lodge and Torino Film Lab.

The Biennale College Cinema is an advanced training lab that opens doors for filmmakers worldwide. It provides a platform for emerging voices in cinema and offers valuable resources to bring creative visions to life.

Nine of the twelve projects were selected from the Biennale College Cinema – International competition. Meanwhile, the remaining three came from the Biennale College Cinema – Italy competition.

In addition to “1 Woman 1 Bra”, other notable projects include “Agnus Dei” by Massimiliano Camaiti, a second-time feature director, and producer Giovanna Nicolai. Another selected project, “Badland”, comes from first-time feature director Mounir Derbal and producer Lorenzo Fiuzzi. “Becoming Human” by director Polen Ly and producer Daniel Mattes also made the list.

Further selections include “Last Time, Again” by Chinese director Di Zhang and Canadian producer Beryl Liu, “Orange Peel” by Italian director Anita Rivaroli and producer Marco Mingolla, and “Saving The Day” by Turkish director Serhat Karaaslan and French producer Laura Dahout.

Indian director Nidhi Saxena and producer Vimukthi Jayasundara’s “Secret Of A Mountain Serpent” was also selected, along with “Summer 1999” by Vietnamese director Hang Luong Nguyen and producer Dinh Le Minh Trinh.

Other featured projects include “The Booking” by American director Gabriella Moses and producer Sarah Wharton, “The Family” by Ukrainian director Hanna Jalali and Iranian producer Moeinoddin Jalali, and “Vanishing Bones” by French director Simon Rieth and producer Inès Daïen Dasi.

Check out more updates here.