BRAZIL have won the FIFA World Cup a record five times and the Under-20 World Cup four times, only second to Argentina who are six time winners. Nigeria tie with Brazil for the U-17 diadem, having won it three times.
But when the final of the 13th edition holds in Abuja on Sunday, Nigeria will be attempting to surpass Brazil in this category of youth competition.

ABUJA — Nigeria and the European Union have taken another step towards strengthening relationships and building energy security, especially in the aftermath of the Federal Government’s amnesty programme.

A Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed, has debunked allegations in some quarters, blaming neglect and lack of certain basic social infrastructure as the major factor behind the tragic boat accident which claimed the lives of several students in the Bukuro Community of Baruten Local Government Area.

The Federal Government has been warned against inadequate funding of the amnesty programme for repentant Niger Delta militants.

ABUJA — Taking the advantage of the visit of the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Chief Chuka Odom, to the Bwari Area Council, teachers in the area yesterday took to the street, protesting non-payment of salary and monetisation benefits to teachers at the Local Education Authorities (LEAs).

ABUJA — THE Federal Government yesterday awarded a N33 billion contracts for the design and completion of the remaining 22 kilometre Ajaokuta-Warri rail line. The contracts were awarded to Team Nigeria and Julius Berger PLC, respectively.

THE Aviation Minister, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba, has charged managers of the nation’s aviation industry to focus their attention on training of more women for consistency and sustainability of the sector.

ENUGU—A mass de-worming programme, which will involve administering over 10,000 children with Zolat anti-worm drug free of charge, was yesterday launched by Enugu State Government, as part of efforts to tackle worm-related ailments among children.

OWERRI—Scores of womenfrom Ndiakunwata, Arondizuogu, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, stormed Owerri to stage a peaceful protest over recent ritual killings in their area.

AWKA—The All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) in Anambra State has named Governor Peter Obi the recipient of its 2009 Honours Award.