1980 AFCON CHAMPION CHARLES BASSEY DIES AT 71.(PHOTO)..

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 1980 AFCON Champion Charles Bassey Dies at 71 Charles Bassey, a member of Nigeria’s historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, has died at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness. He passed away on Saturday in his hometown, Eket, Akwa Ibom State. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed his death in a statement released on Monday by its General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, describing the loss as part of a “day of double tragedy” following the earlier death of team captain Christian Chukwu. Bassey was part of the Green Eagles team that secured Nigeria’s first AFCON title with a 3-0 victory over Algeria at the National Stadium in Lagos on March 22, 1980. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and managed several clubs, including Calabar Rovers, Mobil Pegasus, BCC Lions, Flash Flamingoes, Akwa United, and Wikki Tourists. His passing brings the number of deceased members of the 1980 squad to nine.

KIDNAPPED RECTOR OF MINOR SEMINARY, AGENEBODE, REV. FATHER OYODE REGAINS FREEDOM. (PHOTO).


 Kidnapped Rector of minor seminary, Agenebode, Rev. Father Oyode regains freedom


The kidnapped Rector of Immaculate Conception Seminary, Agenebode, Rev. Father Thomas Oyode, has regained his freedom nearly two weeks after being abducted by gunmen in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East LGA, Edo State.


Sources report that he was abandoned in the bush in Kogi State after security forces, including police and other agencies, conducted air surveillance over the forest where he was held, pressuring the kidnappers as operatives closed in.

The abductors had reportedly demanded a ransom of N200 million for Fr. Oyode’s release. However, while negotiations were ongoing, security agencies actively tracked his location and movements. It remains unclear if any ransom was paid.


Earlier, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi had disclosed that on Sunday, October 27, 2024, around 7 p.m., the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Agenebode, was attacked by gunmen during a prayer session. The gunmen abducted Fr. Oyode and led him into the bush.

In a statement titled “Diocesan Minor Seminary Attacked, Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode Abducted,” Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications for the Diocese, confirmed the incident, noting that all other priests and seminarians were safe and had been relocated temporarily as a precaution.

The diocese also shared that the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary was established in 2006 by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, and has graduated over 500 students to date.

In a heartfelt appeal, the Diocese requested prayers from the faithful and people of goodwill for Fr. Oyode’s safe release

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