NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
NSC pledges to prioritise athletes’ welfare
Sports

NSC pledges to prioritise athletes’ welfare

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

The National Sports Commission (NSC) says it will continue to implement policies that prioritise the welfare of Nigerian athletes.

NSC Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, gave the assurance in Abuja when a delegation from the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) paid him a courtesy visit.

Dikko outlined the Commission’s plans, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate, to improve the welfare of athletes.

“What I say to one, I say to all. You are here as representatives of Nigerian footballers, but I will address the needs of every Nigerian athlete across all sports.

“The welfare of athletes will not be compromised under this administration. We are already implementing strategies aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We will continue to prioritise the welfare of athletes, both past and present, and leverage sports as a tool for national unity, youth empowerment, and economic development,” he said.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity within the players’ union.

He stressed that factional interests must not overshadow the shared goal of advocating for the welfare of Nigerian football players and athletes in general.

“As far back as 2003, Tijani Babangida here can confirm, I had worked towards introducing a pension scheme for professional footballers and athletes in Nigeria.

“This vision remains critical under the current NSC agenda.

“There must be collaboration and solidarity among all stakeholders because a united sports sector is essential for achieving sustainable growth and success,” Dikko added.

The NSC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to fostering partnerships, implementing policies, and driving initiatives that will enhance the welfare and global competitiveness of Nigerian athletes.

Earlier, the President of PFAN and ex-International, Tijani Babangida, praised Dikko’s appointment and commended President Tinubu for entrusting the leadership of Nigerian sports to a seasoned technocrat.

Babangida urged the Chairman to address pressing issues, particularly the challenge of factionalism within the players’ union.

He assured him of their unwavering support as he implements transformational reforms in Nigerian sports.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PFAN delegation included the Secretary-General, Edema Fuludu, as well as Clement Temile, Magaji Alhassan, and Rotimi Michaels. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Chelle: Interesting facts about new Super Eagles gaffer
Sports

Chelle: Interesting facts about new Super Eagles gaffer

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Tuesday appointed former Malian coach, Éric Sékou Chelle, as Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

Chelle, who hails from Mali, makes history as the first non-Nigerian African to coach the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The 47-year-old French-Malian coach was born on Nov. 11, 1977, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, but raised in France by his French father and Malian mother.

During his playing days, he was a central defender who plied his trade in France for clubs such as Martigues (1998-2003), Valenciennes (2003-2008), Lens (2008-2011), Istres (2011-2013), and Chamois Niortais (2013-2014).

The hard-tackling defender earned five caps for the Les Aigles (The Eagles) of Mali during his short spell with the national team between 2004 and 2006.

After his playing career, Chelle took up coaching, managing lower division clubs in France such as GS Consolat (France amateur league), FC Martigues (Ligue 2), Boulogne (Championnat National), and MC Oran (Algerian Ligue).

He was appointed head coach of the Mali national team in May 2022. He guided them to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by Côte d’Ivoire from Jan. 13 to Feb. 11, 2024.

His journey with the Malian national team ended when he was dismissed by Mali’s football body in June 2024, days after his team were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Madagascar in a Group I World Cup qualifier in Johannesburg.

The gaffer will now take over from Austine Eguavoen who has been interim coach of the Super Eagles since Finidi Finidi George resigned in June 2024.

Chelle takes over a Nigerian team in a precarious position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The three-time African champions are currently fifth in Group C of the qualifiers, with just three points after four games.

His first games in charge of the Super Eagles will be in March against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the next round of World Cup qualifiers.

Chelle will also be in charge of the Super Eagles B team at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) slated for Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28.

Chelle’s managerial career reflects a record of 67 wins, 40 draws, and 41 losses, earning him a win per centage of 45.27 per cent. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

NFF appoints Chelle as Super Eagles’ new Head Coach
Sports

NFF appoints Chelle as Super Eagles’ new Head Coach

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By Victor Okoye

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of the country’s senior men national football team, the Super Eagles.

Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, disclosed in a statement that the Federation’s Executive Committee endorsed the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee for Chelle’s appointment.

“At its meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee had recommended the appointment of the former Coach of the senior men national team of Mali as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

“This recommendation was on Tuesday endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee,” he said.

Chelle, who won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali and coached clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne and MC Oran, has been Head Coach of the Aiglons since 2022.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Côte d’Ivoire in February 2024, Mali came very close to the semi-finals.

They lost 2-1 after extra time to hosts and eventual winners Côte d’Ivoire, who also beat Nigeria 2-1 in the final.

This was after they had led by a lone goal until the final minute of regulation time.

The 47-year-old Chelle featured for Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais in France during his playing career.

Olajire added that Chelle’s appointment was with immediate effect, as he has the responsibility of guiding the Super Eagles to earn a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

NAN reports that the next round of matches —- Match Days 5 and 6 —— are in March, with Nigeria needing wins to return to contention for a qualification ticket.(NAN)

(Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Olawale Alabi)

Rivers eager to host Public Service Games again, says HOS
General News , Sports

Rivers eager to host Public Service Games again, says HOS

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By Victor Okoye

Dr George Nwaeke, the Head of Service (HOS) of Rivers State, says the state government is eager to host a top-notch Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) again.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FEPSGA is an annual sports competition between Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the Federal Public Service.

It aims to enhance the physical well-being of public servants and encourage sportsmanship in the Service.

Rivers hosted the recently concluded 43rd edition of FEPSGA in Port Harcourt.

The game christened ‘Simplified Rivers 2024’ held between Nov. 27 to Dec. 5 with no fewer than 10, 000 athletes and officials taking part in about 16 sporting events.

Nwaeke, who doubled as the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Games told NAN that it was an honour for the state to have hosted the Games.

He added that the governor, Siminalayi Fubara and the good people of Rivers State were desirous of hosting the Games again, due to it’s unifying platform.

“This is not the first time Rivers State is hosting the Public Service Games. Before now, we hosted it under the leadership of Sir Dr Peter Odili.

“So, hosting FEPSGA this year (2024) put us amongst the exclusive list of just two states that have hosted at least twice in the history of the Games, and it is our desire to further break the record as the only state to host the Games thrice.

“We are indeed proud and fulfilled to have hosted a hitch-free world-class event, while providing a secure and conducive environment for the overall success of the Games,” he said.

He noted that the Games brought together participants from across Nigeria to compete in the spirit of unity and camaraderie, while describing Rivers as a land of peace, hospitality, and rich cultural heritage.

Nwaeke added that the economic impact of the Games were enormous for petty traders and residents of the state.

“For example, the small business owners who usually sold 10 plates of food a day, were now selling 1,000 plates of food a day.

“For the photographers, for those selling water, infact for any little thing our people sold or were engaged in which was of economic benefit, their businesses blossomed and they more than quadrupled their turnovers and profits,” he said.

The HOS stressed that hosting FEPSGA as a state was beyond winning of medals, adding that the platform also gave the state a rare opportunity of telling its story.

“You know that civil service run the economy and everything in a state or country, as the case may be.

“The bulk of the people who run the Nigerian economy were in Port Harcourt. We had the opportunity to have all the people that take action in Nigeria.

“So, to us, it was like we had first contact with the people that were running the country. By interacting with these people, we were highly motivated and eager to improve our capacity as civil servants in the state after the Games,” he said.

On his assessment of the standard of the Games, he said the facilities, equipment, athletes performance as well as officiating in the various sports were world standard.

“Everything was very well organised, but as hosts we cannot really give a good assessment of ourselves as we are rather the ones to be assessed.

“When we looked at the state of our sporting facilities in the state, we realised that a lot of things were not taken seriously.

“So, we had to quickly swing into action to revamp and renovate the facilities and sports venues at the various locations which had being abandoned for a long time by the previous government,” he said.

Nwaeke revealed that he also ensured that the athletes that represented the state were all certified public servants working in Rivers State.

He stressed that he maintained zero tolerance for the use of mercenaries to compete in the Games.

“Generally, people that know me, know that I am a very fair person and one that believes in transparency and hard work.

“Beyond that, I saw the Games as an opportunity for our workers to personally engage in physical and mental exercises in order for us to improve and build a healthy workforce rather than winning medals at all costs,” he added.

 Nwaeke said that Rivers was open to investors and will continue to upgrade it’s facilities to host both local and international events. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Dikko splashes N10m on Super Eagles B for CHAN qualification
Sports

Dikko splashes N10m on Super Eagles B for CHAN qualification

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has fulfilled a personal promise of N10 million donation to the Super Eagles B team for qualifying for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The home-based Eagles defeated Ghana’s Black Galaxies 3-1 on Saturday in Uyo to secure qualification for the CHAN slated for Feb. 2025 in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, had initially expressed the intention to personally reward the team for a win.

However, in a remarkable display of leadership, Dikko interceded, insisting on taking up the gesture himself.

“Before the game, I made a personal pledge to reward the team if they emerged victorious.

“When I shared this with the NSC chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, he immediately applauded the idea but insisted that he would make the donation himself as a sign of solidarity and appreciation for the players’ efforts,” Olopade said.

NAN reports  that the CHAN Eagles delivered a stellar performance in front of an electrified crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Sodiq Ismaila opened scoring in the 18th minute, followed swiftly by goals from Nduka Junior and Saviour Isaac in the 21st and 25th minutes, respectively.

Ghana got their consolation goal through Stephen Amenkona in the 71st minute of the game.

The last time the Super Eagles qualified for the CHAN was in 2018.

The 2025 CHAN tournament, which exclusively features players competing in Africa, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28, 2025. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Mark Longyen

Tinubu to revitalise sports economy through NSC – Dikko
Sports

Tinubu to revitalise sports economy through NSC – Dikko

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By Patrick Anaso

President Bola Tinubu has taken a significant step to elevate the nation’s sports sector by prioritising its professional management, through the National Sports Commission (NSC), to foster a sustainable sports economy.

Malam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of NSC, said this during a Virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

Dikko said that by this arrangement, the government had initiated a shift from competition-focused, to development-driven strategies, aimed at ensuring commitment to grassroots sports development.

This, he said would help in identifying talents.

“With the government pledging to enhance infrastructure, including a high-performance centre and upgraded facilities, stakeholders across the sports community are urged to collaborate in this transformative vision,” he said.

According to Dikko, the key elements of this new approach will include dedicated budget provisions that will also benefit NOC for the first time in as many years.

“With the inclusion, NOC will be in a position to execute the building of its permanent headquarters in Abuja.

“The Committee will also be in a position to support the preparations ahead of the 2028 Olympics, and support the grassroots sports programmes too,” Dikko said.

The NSC Chairman said that the planned initiatives would also aim at not only creating jobs but would also reposition sports as a critical component of Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape, ensuring a robust and thriving sports industry.

Mustapha Ibaraf, President, Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), on his part, said it had doubled its scholarship budget.

Ibaraf, who was represented at the virtual NOC AGM, by the Director of Finance in the establishment, Dr Jonathan Dyagas, said that more Nigerian athletes and other African athletes would receive scholarships ahead of the Los Angeles Games, LA28.

The ANOCA president said that the African Olympic body was happy that recipients of its previous scholarships made it to the Paris 2024 Games.

Earlier, Habu Gumel commended members of the Olympic family for attending the AGM even in virtual space

“The AGM is a statutory obligation as prescribed in the constitution of the NOC.”

He also commended the Executive Committee and the Board for sustaining the annual reunion of the family.

Gumel said that the AGM presented an opportunity to review the activities of the year and present an audited account of the NOC, as well as unveil plans and programmes over the next couple of years.

The focus of the upcoming years would include the Islamic Solidarity Games in October 2025 and the Youth Olympic Games to be staged from Oct. 31 to Nov. 13, 2026 in Dakar, Senegal.

“The Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow in 2026, the African Games in 2027 before the Olympic Games of Los Angeles in 2028.

“The Youth Games are critical development events that will help to eliminate the recycling of old athletes for major Games due to a lack of challenges,” Gumel said.

According to Gumel the preceding Games are planned to ultimately hold before the Olympic Games in 2028 to help prepare nations for the ultimate Games of Olympiad.

He particularly welcomed on board, Shehu Dikko, the newly appointed Chairman of the NSC and the Director General, Dr Bukola Olopade, for attending the AGM.

Gumel also welcomed the presidents of Sports Direct Federations and other delegates that attended the meeting. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

FCT FA boss mandates committee to investigate by-election incident
Sports

FCT FA boss mandates committee to investigate by-election incident

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Chairman of the FCT Football Association (FCT FA), Mouktar Mohammed has directed the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee to investigate the ugly incident at the recently concluded FCT FA by-election.

Mohammed said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was a chaotic incident at the November by-election into the vacant first Vice-chairmanship position.

The FCT FA boss said the investigation underscores the FA’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and the highest ethical standards in all its activities.

“The integrity of our association and the trust of our stakeholders depend on how we address issues of concern.

“This investigation is crucial not just to understand what transpired but also to reinforce the principles of accountability and fairness in FCT football governance.

“I urge all parties to cooperate fully with the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee in their work,” he said.

NAN reports that the terms of reference of the committee include; to conduct a detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including gathering facts, testimonies, and evidence from all relevant parties.

The committee is to establish the roles and responsibilities of individuals or groups involved in the incident.

The committee is also to determine if any FCT FA statutes, election guidelines, or ethical codes were violated during the election process or related events.

Members are also expected to recommend disciplinary actions and provide guidance for future elections, among others.

The committee which is headed by Hashimu Adams, is expected to submit an interim report within 14 days and final report with 30 days. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FCT FA unveils standing committees to transform football development
Sports

FCT FA unveils standing committees to transform football development

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

The FCT Football Association (FCT FA), has announced the formation of six standing committees to transform football development in the nation’s capital.

Chairman, FCT FA, Mouktar Mohammed said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

He said that the committees will play a pivotal role in managing and sustaining the growth of football in the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committees are; Technical and Development (headed by Bassey Patrick) , Competitions and Events (headed by Salihu Kolo), Finance and Sponsorship (headed by Dr John Gabaya).

Others are Media and Public Relations Committee (headed by Uche Nwudoh), Ethics and Disciplinary Committee (headed by Hashimu Adams), and Women Committee (headed by Pat Ajuma).

The FCT FA boss said that each committee was carefully selected to include individuals with the expertise and passion to take FCT football to greater heights.

“As we inaugurate these standing committees, we reaffirm our dedication to making football in the FCT a model for other regions.

“Each committee has been carefully composed to include individuals with the expertise, passion, and commitment needed to drive football development to greater heights.

“We look forward to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in achieving our goals,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Geezers sports unveils plan for secondary school football league
Sports

Geezers sports unveils plan for secondary school football league

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

Geezers Sports Ltd., a leading football academy, has announced plans to launch a football league for secondary schools in 2025.

Adeniyi Adedayo, Director, Project and Programme Development, Geezers Sports, stated this at a news conference on Friday in Abuja.

He said that the initiative was part of the organisation’s drive to ensure education and grassroots football development in the country.

Adedayo explained that the league will kick-off with a pilot project in Abuja, in the first quarter of 2025.

“As we look forward to 2025, we are thrilled to unveil several key programmes that aim to expand our reach and deepen our impact.

“Our goal is to create a structured platform for secondary school students to showcase their talents, develop key life skills, and build a foundation for future success in football.

“The league will commence with a pilot project in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) hopefully in the first quarter of 2025,” he said.

Adedayo said plans were underway to also launch the African Role Model Awards, an annual event designed to celebrate African sports icons who inspire youths and promote positive social change.

He consequently announced Ademola Lookman, Super Eagles forward who was recently crowned men’s African footballer of the year as the first-ever recipient of the award.

Earlier, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Director Media and Publicity, Geezers Sports, stressed the need to give the right platform for sports and education to thrive at the grassroots.

“Our goal is not just about opening a business or making profits.

“We want to provide genuine opportunities for young talents, especially those in primary and secondary schools, who have the potential but lack the resources or exposure to succeed,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative is expected to create a structured platform for identifying and nurturing young talents across the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

2024 NLNG Golf Classic: Adedipe, Bamimore emerge top winners
Sports

2024 NLNG Golf Classic: Adedipe, Bamimore emerge top winners

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By Victor Okoye

The 2024 edition of the NLNG Golf Classic ended in Bonny, Rivers on Sunday with Oluwaseun Adedipe and Lady Kafayat Bamimore clinching the top prizes in the men and ladies categories.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NLNG Golf Classic Invitational began on Friday with the tee-off ceremony at the prestigious Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC)

The competition, which was sponsored by the Nigeria LNG, was the fifth in the series.

The annual golf competition, staged at the serene, and lush green course of the BIGC, saw no fewer than 100 golfers competing for honours in the different categories.

At the end of hostilities, Adedipe and Bamimore clinched the tournament’s top prizes as they emerged winners in the Men’s Division 1 (for handicap 0 to 18) and Ladies Division 1 Categories (for handicap 0 to 28) respectively.

Adedipe played a total gross score of 77, playing off handicap 10 and returned a net score of 67 to claim the men’s top prize.

His closest challenger, Smart Tobin, who played a total of 82 gross with handicap 12, returned a net score of 70, beat BIGC Captain Abubakar Hussaini on count back to finish as first runner up.

Hussaini played a total gross of 77, with handicap 7, and returned a net score of 70 to settle for the second runner-up position in the category.

Oluwaseun Adedipe, overall winner of the 2024 NLNG Golf Classic Invitational at the BIGC in Bonny Island, Rivers State

An elated Adedipe told NAN that even though he has won several trophies in BIGC, winning the NLNG trophy for the first time was such a sweet feeling.

“I have been in this game for more than 10 years. Golf is a game I love so much because it gives me joy.

“I am just delighted every time I am on the golf course because playing helps me relieve stress and so many other things.

“I have won several other trophies in BIGC, but this is the first time I am winning this particular trophy, having come close on several occasions.

“I won the men’s best gross prize in 2023 and also winning the men’s longest drive this year, is an icing on the cake and makes the victory even more sweeter,” he said.

In the Ladies Division 1 category, Bamimore, playing off handicap 28, posted a gross score of 100 and returned a net score of 72 to claim the ladies’ top prize.

BIGC Lady Captain Darlene Cobham with a total gross of 101, playing off handicap 28 and returning a net score of 73 finished as first runner in the category.

While Nkechi Nwafor, playing off handicap 25, posted a total gross score of 100 and 75 net to settle for the second runner-up prize.

The BIGC best gross prize went to the BIGC Captain after he posted an impressive 77 gross.

Former BIGC Lady Captain, Nnena Ahube, who just returned from Morocco, where she represented Nigeria in the All African Challenge Trophy, won the ladies’ best gross prize.

It was a very close contest in the BIGC/NLNG Men’s Division 2 category, as Oludare Oyegbami played a total gross score of 92.

This was after playing off handicap 19 and returning a net score of 73 to beat BIGC Vice Captain, Michael Ukaegbu on count back.

Ukaegbu played a total gross score of 90, with handicap 17, and also returned a net score of 73 to beat Michael Igoni to the first runner-up spot.

Roland Guobadia, NLNG’s Corporate Transformation (CT) Lead, said that the event was a special occasion for the NLNG.

He said its goal was to bring all NLNG stakeholders and partners from all over the country in an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie.

Goubadia said the competition would also strengthen the bond and industry through the game of golf.

“Golf is a very unique sport as there are many benefits too numerous to mention that we get out of it.

“I believe golf has a special position within the context of the Nigeria LNG and our mission to help build a better Nigeria,” he said.

The BIGC Captain, Abubakar Hussaini, expressed his gratitude to all the participants for honouring their invitation in spite of their busy schedule.

Hussaini noted that this year’s edition was a special one as it marked NLNG’s 25 years in operations and 35 years of incorporation.

“I want to thank all the various organisations and golf clubs represented here, starting with our regulators, NCDMB and NMDPRA, as well as our shareholders, NNPC, Shell, Total and Eni

“Thank you for honouring our invitation as it takes some investment of time to come to Bonny to play our lovely and unique course.

“I hope over the last two days you have had the opportunity of playing and enjoying our beautiful surroundings,” he said.

Present at the opening of the competition were the MD, Nigeria LNG, Philip Mshelbila, and Emmanuel Nnabuife, Production Trains Asset Manager, who represented the GM Production Nnamdi Anowi.

Others are Lawrence Chukwu, Terminal Manger, Sam Ekong, as well as BIGC Captain, Abubakar Hussaini and Lady Captain, Darlene Cobham.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

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