Nigeria on Thursday defeated Benin Republic 1-0  in the first semi final of the  2017 West African Football Union(WAFU) Cup of Nations tournament at the Cape Coast Stadium, in Ghana.

Midfielder Rabiu Ali was Eagles’ match-winner. A tailor made pass from Anthony Okpotu saw Ali who drove a grounder beyond the onrushing Benin Republic keeper Steve Glodjinon in the 10th minute of the match.

The Squirrels tried to level matters but were left undone when Koukpo Marcellin was sent off for a second bookable offense three minutes after the half hour mark.

Despite the red card, Benin Republic looked composed and tried to grab an equaliser but to no avail as the Super Eagles defended the lead till 90 minutes but not without some wasteful chances in front of goal.

Substitute Gabriel Okechukwu thought he had doubled the advantage for Nigeria in the 86th minute when his effort beat the keeper but Salomon Junior cleared the ball on the line.

Nigeria will now face the winner of the game between Ghana and Niger in the final on Sunday.

-theNation

The acting president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has denounced and rebuked the habit of hate speech by Nigerians. He brought this to light during his opening remark at the National Economic Council, NEC, Retreat held at the presidential villa, yesterday the 17th of August.

He ascribed hate speech to be parallel with terrorism and noted how harmful it can be to the survival and progress of our dear nation.

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo Credit: Premium times

The law, that is the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 (as amended), defines terrorism as, an act which is deliberately done with malice, an afterthought and which may seriously harm or damage a country or an international organisation.

Prof Osinbajo has stated that dire consequences await anyone caught making inciting comments that can lead to violence whilst threatening the unity of the nation. He also encouraged political, religious and business leaders to take a hard stance with their followers as regards this and not support any hate speech in their respective communities.