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Sierra Leone's hopes of a back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations appearance were dashed by Nigeria in matchday 5 of the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier at the Samuel Kanyon Doe stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, today 18th June 2023. Nigeria's brilliant forward Victor Osimhen scored a brace for the visitors in the first half, while Leone Stars' Mustapha Bundu pulled one back before the interval. The Super Eagles maintained their lead, but Leone Stars' Augustus Kargbo leveled the scoreline to 2-2 to restore hope for the Leone Stars. However, Nigeria got the last laugh when Kelechi Iheanacho scored a late winner to secure a 3-2 victory for the visitors. With this result, Nigeria moves to the top of Group A with 12 points, while Sierra Leone remains in third place with 5 points. Even with a game to go, a win in that match will be insufficient to place the team in AFCON, even as best losers.

The Sierra Leone Police has requested a sit down with the All People’s Congress party to discuss their planned procession, a consequence of the seventy-two hours ultimatum given to the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, by the Presidential candidate of their party, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara. The Police whilst responding to the letter from the Secretary General of the APC Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya, had reminded that a three day period is prescribed by law for such notifications and encouraged the party to consider the alternate route of registering their grievance through the Political Parties Regulations Commission. The Police is inviting the party to a sitdown at their headquarters on Monday at 1PM to discuss intent, route and number of people who will be moving to the Commission’s office. All these were put in motion when Dr. Kamara on Wednesday issued an ultimatum of 72 hours to the commission for abnormalities in the electoral process created by their conduct. His ultimatum had called for regularization of said abnormalities (voter data, digitized voter cards etc) failing which, the resignation of all commissioners. The Commissioner Mohamed Konneh had responded to say there will be no resignation and the ultimatum time had elapsed. The Secretary General of the APC had written to notify the Police of their decision to organize a match soon, in accordance with section 17 of the Public Order Act of 1965. The latter explained that the party will be processing to ECSL to deliver a position paper, led by their Presidential Candidate, Dr. Kamara. The Secretary General has today confirmed to this medium that he will be honoring the Police’s invite along with few other executives on Monday, in hopes that this is not a delay tactic but rather a way to devise the security of personnel and citizens alike, as the procession occurs. He says contrary to the Police letter, his party did not set a date and therefore are well within their rights for a time of 72 hours of notification to the Police.

When it comes to drama, break ups and frenemies, housemate Salone season three is the show that keeps on giving. On Thursday 15th June, housemate Augusta Youngai of team empowerment and team first lady is shooting darts at her in house friend Lolo Simeon and her then boyfriend Francis Conteh known as Karafilo for statements made during a live interview, in which they both commented on her being a part of strategies to win the reality show. Augusta started off by labeling the whole interview as a session of “spilling rubbish” According to Augusta, Lolo’s statement describing their friendship as a means of demonstrating her capability to be a good friend and Francis’ of his using her to show his skill as a lover boy, are testaments to their being users, playing with other’s feelings. The now Vlogger/Podcaster Augusta was best pals with Model Lolo Simeon in the house and many had commended their friendship built on seeming intelligence and maturity until the two had fallen out for unknown reasons. In a recent tell all by both, they had attributed it to interferences by other housemates, seeking to sow bad seeds between them. Augusta and Karafilo had had a blooming romance leaving both team camps swooning in support and forming the nickname “team brown sugar” after Karafilo had threatened to leave the show when Augusta refused to speak to him, whilst carrying out a house prank set by Chief(a voice controlling the daily activities of the house and inhabitants). His commitment to forfeit the prize money and title had led many to believe that theirs was true love. The relationship had fizzled out shortly after the end of the show. Augusta now reminds her once inner circle in the house that it was her choice to be friends with Lolo and lover to Francis and her decision shouldn’t be misconstrued as her being used as a tool by them. She encouraged all to move on from the show which concluded exactly a year ago(17th July 2022) and look on to other paths beyond degrading each other. Watch an excerpt of the interview here: https://fb.watch/ldZoV7PHuV/

Former President Koroma has issued a statement ahead of 2023's Presidential and general election, condemning violence and divisive antics during the electioneering period. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma in the release dated 17th June 2023, further encouraged societal leaders to demonstrate leadership by dissociating from inciting remarks and individuals, whilst championing human rights issues during these times. He requested proaction from civil society, faith based organizations and the media, as monitors and documenters of happenings. Dr. Ernest Koroma who also highlighted his work with continental bodies and beyond towards enhancing peace, avowed his belief in democracy, stability and the rule of law here in Sierra Leone. This release comes after repeated calls on the former Head of State, from the ruling government and ordinary citizens, to indicate his commitment to a peaceful election, separating from rhetoric of his staunch support of recent protests.

Former President of the Disc Jockeys Union, Abdul Karim Koroma, known as Pilot Cpo the lanky man has proposed to his girlfriend Abibatu Kamara in the United States of America. According to a close source, the two started dating soon after he relocated to the US and have been inseparable ever since. Cpo gleefully confirmed that the next obvious step in their relationship is to be together in matrimony and Abibatu’s lack of hesitation to accept his proposal was his confirmation that they were matched in ideals. A wedding date is undisclosed but relatives say it is soon.

Senior Journalist Umaru Fofanah, reporting for the British Broadcasting Corporation and Reuters was reportedly attacked in the line of duty at the All People's Congress Party's press briefing held at the Brookfield's hotel on Wednesday 14th June 2023 and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists(SLAJ), has issued a condemnation statement regarding the incident. According to the release, Mr. Fofanah had been invited to cover the briefing and in his attempts to exit the hall, had been accosted by accusing supporters, who had all but physically harmed him. Mr. Fofanah had been securely removed to safety by onlookers and a colleague Journalist. Mr. Fofanah has recently been underfire from opposition APC for allegedly siding with the ruling Sierra Leone People's party in his reportage. In the past, Mr. Fofanah had also been verbally burned by accusations of his supporting the then APC party, whilst they were in governance. Mr. Fofanah himself in a social media post has referred to such actions as a conspiracy to tarnish his person. This is an implementation of threats proposed by supporters of the APC party who had issued specific punishments to be meted out on Mr. Fofanah for what they view as slants in his reportage. The Publicity Secretary of the APC Sidi Yayah Tunis is quoted as dissociating the party from the act and hoping to prevent similar attacks against media practitioners.

The Head Coach of the Senior Men's National Team of Sierra Leone, Leone Stars, John Keister, has announced a 25-man squad to face Nigeria on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia. The squad comprises eleven foreign-based players and fourteen home-based players. The match is a crucial one for Sierra Leone, as it is the Second leg of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification tie. Sierra Leone will be looking to build on their recent good form, having secured four points in their last two matches against São Tomé and Príncipe. Nigeria, on the other hand, will be hoping to secure a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. The match is sure to be a close one, and Leone Stars fans are confident that the team will be able to put in a good performance and get a positive result.

The Independent Media Commission of Sierra Leone has placed an indefinite suspension on live phone-in programs on Justice radio, Tumac radio and Citizen radio, for inflammatory remarks uttered by listening participants via phone-ins, during their programs. According to a release circulated on 13the June 2023, the commission observed that calls placed to these stations on certain programs are problematic especially during these electioneering periods and all cautionary engagements have proved futile to curtail these occurrences. Given the lack of technological tools to record, delay and relay calls, granting them the capability of screening their calls and filtering out inciting messages, the commission has resorted to a full suspension. According to the Head of monitoring Mr. Joseph Mannah Brima, whilst speaking to this medium, the complaint committee summoned these stations and sought to resolve it but only one had turned up. He explained to this medium that before and after the events of 10 August of 2022, the commission has been keen tackling issues with the propensity to create a similar chaotic environment. Pictured: Chairman of IMC Victor Massaquoi

Leone Stars have intensified preparations for their crucial AFCON qualifier against Nigeria set to happen on June 18th 2023, at the SKD Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia. Coach John Keister and his team are confident that they can pull off an upset against Nigeria, displayed in their enthusiasm whilst training at the Southern Arena in Bo. The team sans their Captain are aiming to gain fitness and prowess to grab the win against their opponent. Leone Stars Captain Steven Caulker is still recuperating from injury ahead of this crucial AFCON Qualifier and as such is being closely monitored by the SLFA medics. The Super Eagles of Nigeria are currently ranked 40th in the FIFA world rankings, while Leone Stars are ranked 117th. However, Keister believes that his team has the talent and determination to overcome the odds. On both sides, this match is a must win. Nigeria needs a win to keep their hopes of qualifying for the AFCON alive, while Leone Stars need a win to boost their chances of making a back-to-back appearance at the tournament. The match promises to be an exciting encounter. Kick-off is at 4pm local time.

United Africa Wears (UAW) has been named the winner of the prestigious SLAAM award for the best clothing brand in Sierra Leone. This is a significant achievement for the company, which has been dedicated to promoting Sierra Leone through sports fashion. UAW is a contemporary fashion brand that creates clothing inspired by unique styles and designs from sports kit to jerseys, hats, pajamas and more. The brand was founded in 2016 by Afize Mohamed as a top Sierra Leonean model and young entrepreneur to positively influence and motivate young people in his country. They have provided services for sporting clubs FC Johannsen and East End Lions. The SLAAM award is a recognition of UAW's commitment to promoting fashion through the quality of its products, and its commitment to nationalistic portrayal of the country. UAW's collections feature bold colors evident in its materials. In addition to its commitment to fashion, UAW has also been actively involved in promoting entertainment by sponsoring events and programs home and in the United Kingdom, that are tied to Sierra Leone. The brand also works with local artists and influencers to promote their work. UAW's win at the SLAAM awards is a testament to its dedication, vision, and commitment to demonstrate fashion can be a powerful tool for preserving and celebrating heritage while also driving economic growth and creating opportunities for local communities.

The Coordinator of Youth Football in Sierra Leone Alimamy Kurash Conteh has facilitated the participation of Sierra Leone's Star Sports Academy in a tournament in Senegal . Alimamy Conteh who is fondly known as Kurash collaborated with one of Africa's outstanding international scouts, Malian Amide Tanjah. Tanjah and Kurash met in Mauritania during the WAFU Under-17 and bonded well, leading to Tanjah visiting Sierra Leone to assessing the abundance of rising stars in Football. At Present, Scouts from across Europe and thereabout are in Senegal to spot talented players and Kurash has magnanimously convinced the European scouts to visit Sierra Leone in a bid to give other teams and players alike, better opportunities abroad.

The US Embassy in Sierra Leone has installed a canvas of the iconic and recently partly fallen Cotton tree of Freetown, in their halls. The Ambassador David Reimer disclosed and unveiled the piece on Wednesday 7th June 2023. The Cotton tree had stood majestically for allegedly over five hundred years, even before the return of freed slaves to the Capital of Sierra Leone, to become a landmark for tourist and citizens alike. The tree had served as a source of direction, demarcation, hope, jokes, fond memories and beautification. A major part of the Cotton tree had fallen during a heavy rainstorm on 24 May 2023, with only the lower part of its ginormous trunk still standing. The country had come to a halt as heart torn citizens shared memories and their ties to the tree and made visits to the spot of joy and now gloom. Speaking, Amb. Reimer mourned the fallen tree that had stood for centuries, connecting the people of Sierra Leone and the African Americans hailing from especially South Carolina and Georgia State, the Gullah's. The painting was obtained from Sahr Songu Briwa, of the Bondumani Art school. A renowned painter who established his own school and is now training thousands in bringing thoughts on canvas.