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Sports

Roethlisberger’s Steelers squeak into playoffs

Published

2 years ago

January 10, 2022

Sahara Weekly

Roethlisberger’s Steelers squeak into playoffs

STEELERS– Calm as can be on what could have been his final pass, Ben Roethlisberger was right on target, finding Ray-Ray McCloud over the middle on fourth down to set up Pittsburgh for the winning field goal in overtime.

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“He’s the same when everybody else gets funny,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “Everybody else gets a little tight, he’s the same guy.”

Roethlisberger delayed his retirement for a few hours and probably longer, guiding Pittsburgh to a 16-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday that left the Steelers on the verge of an improbable playoff berth. Chris Boswell made a 36-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining to win the game for Pittsburgh, which stood to make the playoffs as long as Sunday night’s Chargers-Raiders game didn’t end in a tie.

The Steelers (9-7-1) didn’t sound too worried about that possibility.

“I’m just happy for Ben,” Boswell said. “We’re sending him to the playoffs. This team deserves it.”

The Steelers (9-7-1) didn’t sound too worried about that possibility.

“I’m just happy for Ben,” Boswell said. “We’re sending him to the playoffs. This team deserves it.”

Both Baltimore and Pittsburgh had slim playoff hopes coming in. The Steelers needed to win and have Indianapolis lose to Jacksonville to have any chance of extending Roethlisberger’s career with a postseason appearance. The Ravens needed a win, a loss by the Colts — and losses by the Dolphins and Chargers later in the day.

The most unlikely part of those scenarios — Indianapolis losing to lowly Jacksonville — actually happened. The crowd in Baltimore, which included plenty of towel-waving Pittsburgh fans, roared its approval when highlights of that game were shown. The Jaguars prevailed 26-11 and were in control for much of the second half.

“We knew we had to take care of our business first and foremost,” Roethlisberger said. “It took extra time but we found a way to do it.”

The Steelers and Ravens (8-9) would have both been eliminated if their game had ended in a tie, so it was no surprise when Pittsburgh went for it on fourth-and-8 from the Baltimore 41 with 2:28 left in OT. McCloud made the catch for a 10-yard gain.

After the winning field goal, Roethlisberger held up his fist in celebration and went slowly to the middle of the field to commiserate with Ravens linebacker Justin Houston.

Latavius Murray put the Ravens ahead 10-3 with a 46-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, but Baltimore lost its sixth straight game to end the season. Five of the losses in that skid were by three points or fewer.

The Ravens were without star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who missed a fourth straight game with an ankle injury.

Roethlisberger admitted before last week’s home game against Cleveland that all signs pointed to retirement after this season. With one more home game, Pittsburgh fans turned that matchup against the Browns into a memorable celebration of his career.

“I think last week was so much more emotional, it took it all out and just made me feel like, ‘Let’s go play,’” Roethlisberger said. “At no point during this game did I think, ‘Man, this is it, it’s almost over.’ It just didn’t feel like that.”

It looked as if this would be the end for Roethlisberger when Baltimore led 10-6 and was driving in the fourth quarter, but Tyler Huntley threw an interception in the end zone.

The 39-year-old Roethlisberger threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Chase Claypool with 2:54 remaining to give Pittsburgh a 13-10 lead.

“You’ve got to pay respect where respect is due. We made it hard on him and he kept coming,” Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell said. “He made the plays he needed to. Big Ben, he’s a legend for making the plays in critical moments. He’s a warrior.”

Justin Tucker tied it with a 46-yard field goal.

T.J. Watt of the Steelers tied Michael Strahan’s single-season record of 22 1/2 sacks, reaching that milestone late in the second quarter.

“It’s definitely a cool thing,” Watt said. “I don’t know if any of it’s really hit me.”

That was the biggest highlight of a first half that didn’t really live up to the standards of past Ravens-Steelers clashes.

After halftime, however, it became clear that Indianapolis was in real danger of losing, and suddenly the stakes in Baltimore went up. Pittsburgh kicked a field goal on fourth-and-2 to make it 10-6 in the third. Then Cameron Sutton of the Steelers intercepted Huntley in the end zone in a huge missed opportunity for the Ravens.

Pittsburgh squandered a chance of its own in the first quarter, recovering a fumble by Huntley at the Baltimore 39 but managing only a field goal. A false start on running back Benny Snell on fourth-and-1 forced the Steelers to settle for three points.

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society

48 Cultists Surrender Firearms, Renounce Membership in Ogun

Published

3 weeks ago

March 26, 2024

Sahara Weekly

48 Cultists Surrender Firearms, Renounce Membership in Ogun

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In a bid to quell the alarming surge of violence in Ogun State, particularly in Sagamu, forty-eight youths have taken the bold step of renouncing their membership in cult groups.

This significant development comes alongside the surrender of firearms by those who possessed them illegally, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s efforts to combat crime and restore peace.

The arms submitted includes onepump action, four double barrels, seven single barrels, two english pistol, four locally made pistol and thirty-five cartridges

Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Abiodun Alamutu, affirmed the progress, stating, “Aside from those licensed to bear firearms, no other person is permitted to possess them. Anyone found in possession of firearms after this will be treated as a criminal.”

He emphasized the importance of ongoing profiling and the forthcoming stage of the program, which will involve the public parading of those who have renounced their involvement in cult activities.

“After adequately profile them, they’ll be paraded. What we will encourage members of the community so that they don’t treat them as outcast because we know from experience that some of them found themselves in this fold , it was after they have been entrapped in it, they now understand what cultism is and it’s never easy to opt out because of fear of attack. Now that they’re bold enough to surrender what we should do is to reintegrate them as legitimate and law abiding members of the community .”

Acknowledging the complexities surrounding cultism, the Akarigbo of Remo Land Oba Babatunde Ajayi emphasized the need for community engagement and support in facilitating the reintegration of former cult members.

He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the community, law enforcement, and armed forces in addressing the security challenges and expressed optimism in the willingness of surrendered individuals to contribute positively to society.

Special Adviser to the Ogun State Government on Security Matters, Olusola Zubair, commended the collective endeavour that led to the surrender of arms, attributing it to the perseverance and resilience of all stakeholders involved.

He underscored the potential for replicating such initiatives in other areas grappling with similar issues, emphasizing the paramount importance of peace for sustainable development.

“We know that development can only strive where there’s an atmosphere of peace and that’s what we’re clamouring for here. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all other sectors of this state that what we are doing in sagamu today, is doable in other places also . I want to thank the Governor of Ogun State for giving us that support .

“I want to say this is not all the arms that they have been using but just as the Akarigbo said , it’s a continuous process , we are still in that process of recovering these firearms and am sure that most of them will know now that crime doesn’t pay so it is better to live in peace . All of us should live in unity and that’s what will bring development to our state.”

The Director of Department State Services (DSS) Folashade Adekayajo represented by Deputy Director of Operations and Intelligence, Sikiru Kolawole, echoed the call for individuals involved in cult activities to embrace peace and renounce violence.

He emphasized the crucial role of community members in providing information to aid law enforcement efforts in curbing criminal activities.

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celebrity radar - gossips

Osimhen, Boniface Beat Ronaldo As World’s Best Strikers

Published

2 months ago

February 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Osimhen, Boniface Beat Ronaldo As World’s Best Strikers

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles strikers Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface have been ranked above Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski in the world’s latest top 10 best strikers. Norwegian and Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland leads the list, followed by England skipper Harry Kane. The third slot went to Kylian Mbappe. Are there other great African football players that were not ranked but deserve recognition?

1. Erling Halaand
2. Harry Kane
3. Kylian Mbappe
4. Victor Osimhen(NIGERIAN)
5. Lauaro Martinez
6. Heung Ming Song
7. Victor Boniface(NIGERIAN)
8. Julian Alvarez
9. Cristiano Ronaldo
10. Robert Lewandoski.

https://www.facebook.com/100064617042388/posts/pfbid02ochLUxJDXa7ixP3ENCGRHq8wmMgojHgdLV9fwZiwBfSdUkyiEehCMnuuVAaSUQ1Al/?app=fbl

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Sports

Score & Shine: Organizers Release Forms For Spectacular 4th Edition of Kiraa Football Cup Competition

Published

2 months ago

February 13, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Score & Shine: Organizers Release Forms For Spectacular 4th Edition of Kiraa Football Cup Competition

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Ososa, Ijebu, Ogun State will once again be buzzing with football fervor as Kiraa TV, one of Nigeria’s leading entertainment firms, gears up for the 4th edition of the highly anticipated Kiraa Football Cup competition. Scheduled to kick off in April 2024, the organizers have officially released the forms for interested football clubs in Ijebu land, in and outside Ogun State in general.

The pulsating football action is set to unfold at the Muslim Primary School in Ososa, Ijebu, the traditional venue for the competition. With the success of the 2023 edition, which saw Kiraa FC, owned by Franklin Oluwasegun, clinched the victory among the 16 participating football clubs, with Olasunkanmi Ibrahim winning highest goal scorer award.

The upcoming edition promises even more excitement and fierce competition, as NPFL Referee, Okunuga Muyiwa will be officiating.

Football enthusiasts and clubs across Nigeria, particularly in Ogun State, are invited to participate in this unique competition, which has gained a reputation for its thrilling matches and passionate fanbase. The organizers are reaching out to potential sponsors and advertisers, extending a warm welcome to individuals and companies eager to be part of this sporting extravaganza.

As Kiraa TV continues to foster a sense of community and entertainment through sports, the Kiraa Football Cup Competition has become a highlight on the local football calendar. With the unveiling of the 2024 edition’s forms, anticipation is building, and football clubs are gearing up for a chance to showcase their skills on the vibrant football stage in Ososa, Ijebu.

Stay tuned for updates as the Kiraa Football Cup 2024 approaches, promising a spectacle of talent, teamwork, and sporting camaraderie in the heart of Ogun State.