NIMASA: US Assures Nigeria On ISPS Code Implementation

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July 18, 2023

The United States Coast Guard says it is committed to Nigeria’s quest to implementing the International Ships and Ports Security, ISPS, Facility Code in line with acceptable global best practice.Lt. Cdr. Jonna L. Clouse who is leading a team from the US Coast Guard in Nigeria for peer review, disclosed this while on a working visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

She noted that engaging NIMASA on a constant basis is to ensure more Ports and Jetties in the country implement ISPS Code, thus enhancing safety of the entire Nigerian maritime domain.

We are in Nigeria to assess the level of compliance with the International Ships and Ports Security (ISPS) Facility Code. Our desire is to enhance cooperation between the Nigerian maritime sector and the United States Coast Guard. We will also offer our expertise to NIMASA in closing identified gaps. We hope to work with NIMASA and reduce or end the Conditions of Entry regime for Vessels from Nigeria to the United States”, she said. Lt. Cdr. Clouse further commended the NIMASA Management for efforts made in cooperating with the USCG.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, OFR, noted that due to the dynamism of maritime threats and patterns, NIMASA has been fortunate to have peer review partners that create avenues for developing capacities needed for effective ISPS Code implementation.

While elucidating steps taken by NIMASA to ensure ISPS Compliance in over 90% of Ports and Jetties in the country, Dr. Jamoh highlighted the need for the United States to review the Conditions of Entry regime for vessels calling at some Ports in the United States.

HisHisds “It is worthy of note that despite efforts taken by NIMASA in improving Port Security and ISPS Code implementation in Nigeria, the issue of Condition of Entry (COE) still hovers over vessels from Nigeria calling at Ports in the United States. For vessels leaving Nigeria to undergo stringent port controls before being granted access to US ports, it has adverse effect on the aggregate shipping economies of Nigeria. The delays lead to additional costs that strain an already present high freight cost within the Gulf of Guinea. This is adversly affecting Shipping in Nigeria.

We have reviewed this decision taken by the USCG and proposed an action plan to enable the US Coastguard physically determine the compliance levels of these facilities in the Condition of Entry list. We at NIMASA are calling on the US Coast Guard to facilitate the removal of Nigeria from the Condition of Entry list”.

Dr. Jamoh also declared the readiness of NIMASA to cooperate with the US Coast Guard team to close all identified gaps before the full Audit in August

It may be recalled that in 2013, NIMASA was appointed as the Designated Authority for the administration of the ISPS Code in Nigeria. The visit of the USCG is part of the assessment processes in monitoring compliance level, while enhancing cooperation and Peer Review exercise.

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Ogene Describes Obi As Hope And Light For New Nigeria On 62nd Birthday

By

James Orji

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July 18, 2023

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Leader of the Labour Party, LP, caucus in the House of Representatives, Afam Victor Ogene, has said that more than ever before, the presidential candidate of the LP in the last Presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, remains a golden fish and an irrepressible force for a much desired new Nigeria.

“With an ever-growing army of converts, desirous of partnering with you in the search for a new order, you can be rest assured, Your Excellency, that the struggle would endure, until victory is achieved,” Hon. Ogene said.

Hon. Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra state, in the House of Representatives, made these assertions in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, to felicitate the former governor of Anambra state, on his 62nd birthday celebration.

Ogene contended that recent national political consciousness, which was ignited by supporters of the Obidient Movement and richly resonated across the nation, is indicative of the fact that Obi remains the undoubted symbol of the People’s Revolution geared towards the enthronement of a new Nigeria.

Ogene said further: “Obi’s simple lifestyle, discipline, integrity and commitment to equitable development and prosperity of Nigeria, give hope and belief to all generations of Nigerians , irrespective of social, economic, ethnic or religious divides.

“I, therefore, join many well-meaning Nigerians across board to congratulate this great Nigerian and to also pray for good health, sound mind, strength and wisdom to continue on the path of honour and national rebirth, without discouragement and distractions.

“My leader and brother, Keep the light of this great movement alive, you are not alone. Majority of Nigerians are already in consensus that Nigeria deserves better. Be the light to that better future!” Ogene added.

Breaking: NNPC GMD Visits Aso Rock, Gives Reasons For Petrol Price Hike

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James Orji

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July 18, 2023

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The Group Managing Director, GMD, Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Limited Mele Kyari says market forces is responsible for the increase of petrol price.

Nigerians, on Tuesday, woke up to the shocking news that petrol pump price has risen to N700 per litre.

NNPC dispensing stations have adjusted their prices to N613 per litre, while independent petroleum marketers are now selling for N700 per litre.

Speaking on Tuesday after meeting with Vice President Kassim Shettima in Aso Rock, Presidential Villa, Kyari stated that the recent increase due to market forces, that it’s not as a result of short supply of petrol in the country.

Recall that the NNPC Limited had announced last month that is has enough petrol stock to last for at least two month.

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More details later…….

Nigerians Lament Hike In Petrol Price, Slams President Tinubu Over Renewed Hope Mantra

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 18, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Nigerians woke up early Tuesday morning to the sudden hike in the price of Petrol from N500 to N700.

The masses who are yet to get over the removal of fuel subsidy that skyrocketed the price of Petrol from N187 to N500 are furious.

President Bola Tinubu’s Government is still brainstorming on how to distribute the N50 Billion Palliatives to cushion its adverse effect on the masses.

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has now increased its pump fuel price from N488 to N617, prompting the Independent Petroleum Marketers to increase its own price to N700.

In protest, Nigerians have taken to the Social Media to slam the President Tinubu administration for bringing pain and anguish to the masses.

The Netizens lamented that the Renewed Hope Mantra is fraudulent and deceitful, as Nigerians are further impoverished with no hope for a better tomorrow in sight.

Popular Big Brother Naija host, Uche Elendu, took to his Twitter handle and wrote, “Is this how the poor going to breath?

Another Twitter user, @Feragamo wrote, “This APC government are full of deceits and lies, what kind of thing is this, the masses are going to suffer and go through hell in this government “.

@Neferiti wrote on her handle, “You are all going to enjoy renewed shege from this government”.

How Ondo NSCDC Bursted Suspected Hackers Of Bank Accounts

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Ayodele Oni

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July 18, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Maxwell Lakoju and Adejumo David have been arrested by the Counter Terrorism Unit of Ondo state National Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) allegedly hacking into individuals bank accounts.

Both suspects have reportedly confessed to be involved in buying and selling of bank accounts from unwary members of the public under various guise.

Investigation began when one Mr Oluwole, a car dealer alleged that the sum of N1.5 million paid into his United Bank of Africa (UBA) account was stolen by cyber criminals overnight.

A statement by NSCDC’s spokesman in the State, Daniel Aidamenbor explained that forensic analysis of the UBA statement of account of Mr Oluwole also revealed a certain Palmpay account EL-SAEED YUSUF 9133771898 that received a sum of N200,000 from the N1.5 million stolen from the account of Mr Oluwole and the balance sum used for online purchases.

Also, a Zenith bank account, SAMPSON ONYENEBE received the entire ₦200,000 from the Palmpay account of EL-SAEED YUSUF, while another account, JOHN YOBG DADD 7025128574 at FIRSTMONIE equally received other sum from EL-SAEED YUSUF Palmpay account.

“Sampson Onyenebe, who was arrested in Owerri, Imo state claimed that he met Maxwell Lakoju aka Ifa Dollar on Facebook in 2022 and they discussed and agreed on how Maxwell would assist him with metaphysical power for wealth.

“Among other requirements for the process, Sampson Onyenebe paid several thousands of naira through an account belonging to David Adejumo and he also handed over Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) of about Eight bank accounts belonging to himself and his wife to Maxwell.

“The arrest of David Adejumo led to the arrest of Maxwell Lakoju in Auchi, Edo State. Both suspects confessed to obtaining the bank accounts and its details including the ATM cards by courier from Sampson and his wife.

“Both suspects also confessed to have equally obtained and procured details of other bank accounts from other individuals and sold same to persons whom they claimed usually place regular demands for such.”

The spokesman stated further that investigation is still ongoing to determine the involvement of bank officials and Information Technology professionals in this new cybercrime activities.

Why APC Chairman Must Come From South East- PDP Chieftain

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James Orji

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July 18, 2023

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A former Corp Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Coprs, FRSC, Osita Chidoka has called on the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to pick its next chairman from the southeast.

He said such a bold decision will promote national unity, peace and inclusiveness.

Chidoka spoke following the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu from office yesterday.

Adamu resigned on Monday ending months of speculations that some presidency officials wanted him out of his exalted position as the National Chairman of the ruling party.

He has since been replaced by Abubakar Kyari, Deputy National Chairman South in an acting capacity.

In his reaction to the leadership crisis in APC, Chidoka, a former minister of Aviation said the top leadership positions have already been held by other regions.

The southeast must be considered for the APC National Chairman for equity sake, he said.

The President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives are all from other regions of the country.

The former minister urged the APC to rise beyond ‘petty politics’ by ensuring that the next APC Chairman comes from the southeast, which many insist has been isolated in terms of political power-sharing arrangement.

Doing this, Chidoka stated in his verified Twitter handle “would be a step in the right direction”.

He explained that Nigerians from all the six geo-political zones should be allowed to make input to the development of the country.

According to him, “These six positions are at the core of government and governance by their statutory positions. As discussions commence on ministerial nominees, board appointments, and policy directions of the government, these six offices would make important inputs to the process and progress of the government.

“As a Nigerian, patriot, student of our national history, and proponent of intentional national rebirth, I recommend that the APC zone the national chairmanship to the south-east, to ensure inclusive representation.

“Some will say the SE did not vote for the party and President Tinubu, my answer will be that the south-west did not vote for NPN when chief Akinloye was the powerful chairman of NPN. “Also, the south-west did not vote for PDP when President Obasanjo was nominated and elected president of Nigeria.

“Our national unity can only be built on deliberate inclusive policies.

“The resignation of the APC chairman presents an opportunity for the party to reaffirm its national credentials and depart from its inglorious past of naked nepotism and gross insensitivity to our national consensus by zoning the position of national chairman to the southeast.”

Meanwhile, some political analysts have welcome Chidoka’s idea as a novel one, but they insist that it’s impossible for the APC’s next chairman to come from the south when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is from the south.

They, therefore, ruled out this possibility, noting that the next chairman is likely to come from the North in line with party politics convention in Nigeria.

GTB Named Nigeria’s Best Bank By Euromoney

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James Orji

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July 18, 2023

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Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd has been named Best Bank in Nigeria at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023. This marks a record 12th time that Guaranty Trust Bank has been recognised as the leading financial institution in Nigeria.

Announcing the award, Euromoney stated: “Nigeria’s Best Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, has continued to do a good job of convincing investors that it is better placed than its key competitors to deal with the risks ahead—and perhaps to take advantage of opportunities in economic and policy transition.” Despite a difficult operating environment, the Bank continues to deliver exceptional results as the flagship franchise of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, which recorded a profit before tax of ₦214.2billion, pre-tax Return on Equity, ROAE, of 23.6%, and Cost to Income Ratio (CIR) of 48.0% for the period ended December 31, 2022.

Euromoney is the leading authority for global banking and financial markets and the annual Awards for Excellence celebrates financial institutions that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and resilience in the markets they operate. The latest recognition underscores Guaranty Trust’s position as the leading financial institution in Nigeria.

Commenting on the award, Mrs. Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said, “We are honoured to be named the Best Bank in Nigeria by Euromoney.

“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to the values of excellence and innovation which form the bedrock of our value proposition as an institution and has guided the mother brand to achieve remarkable success for over 30 years. As part of a thriving financial holding company, we will continue to prioritise service delivery and innovation whilst maintaining our strong financial performance.”

Guaranty Trust Bank is widely regarded as the best-managed financial institution in Nigeria and continues to post the best metrics in the Nigerian Banking industry in terms of key financial ratios. Its leadership in the banking industry and efforts at empowering people and communities have earned it many prestigious awards over the years. The Bank was recognized as Africa’s Best Bank and the Best Bank in Nigeria at the 2021 Euromoney Awards for Excellence. It also retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Financial Services Brand in the 2021 ranking of The Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands.

Corruption: Stella Oduah Returns To Court Friday

By

James Orji

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July 18, 2023

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Stella Oduah, a former minister of Aviation will be arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, at a federal high court in Abuja on July 21.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the former minister is being prosecuted for corruption by the anti-graft agency alongside Gloria Odita, Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi and Chukwuma Irene Chinyere

Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after EFCC’s counsel, Hassan Liman, SAN), prayed the court to allow the defendants to take their pleas, having filed the charge against them on December 17, 2020.

Others being prosecuted with Oduah include Global Offshore and Marine Limited, Tip Top Global Resources Limited, Crystal Television Limited, and Sobora International Limited.

The senator, who represented Anambra North Senatorial District at the Ninth National Assembly, was scheduled to be arraigned for alleged N5 billion fraud and financial misappropriation while she served as Aviation Minister during the Goodluck Jonathan Administration.

In the 25-count charge filed against them, the EFCC accused them of conspiracy, money laundering and maintaining anonymous bank accounts with a commercial bank.

Upon resumed hearing, Liman recalled that on June 15, the court drew the attention of counsel to a letter or petition written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) against Justice Ekwo and the judge gave a directive to the EFCC to investigate to unravel the identity of the persons.

He said the commission had carried out the investigation and was able to trace the identity of the person via the telephone number.

According to the lawyer, he is said to be Okolo Obinna Johnson, a promoter of two companies.

Liman said the effort was made through the search and linked the Bank Verification Number (BVN) of the suspect via the telephone number submitted and that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) cooperated with the EFCC.

The lawyer said the anti-graft agency made all efforts to track the person, in conjunction with other security agencies, but were yet to be successful.

“This is how far the commission has gone in carrying out the directive of the court,” he said.

Liman assured the court that the EFCC would not leave any stone unturned in bringing the culprit to justice.

Lagos Residents Lament Deplorable State Of Bridge, Road, Appeal To Governor Sanwo-Olu

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 18, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Residents of Alabede Area, a suburb in Oke Odo Local Council Development Area in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State has sent a Save-Our-Soul appeal to the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government to find a lasting solution to the deplorable state of the bridge and road in the area.

The area is always an eyesore during raining season due to the deplorable state of the road, as motorists usually find it difficult to navigate as a result of the bad road.

The bridge that links residents of Aboru, Akinola, Iyana Ipaja, Alaguntan and its environs is already giving way due to the poor drainage system and failure of the Government to expand the canal to accommodate the heavy flow of water.

Anytime there is heavy rainfall, movement on the bridge is halted as the overflowing of water gets to the top of the bridge.

This has led to the collapse of the bridge edges.

Sadly, for decades, this area has been neglected, with several lives lost as a result of heavy rainfall.

The residents lamented that they had protested on several occasions for the government to look into the issue, but they have been neglected.

It would be recalled that Olufemi Adebanjo, former House of Representatives member, representing Alimosho Federal Constituency failed to look into the issue till he was denied the ticket for Third Term at the National Assembly.

Jimoh Mohammed, a resident said that the area has been neglected by the Lagos State Government as they are an ungoverned region in the State.

He called on Governor Sanwo Olu to look into the matter as several persons have lost their lives due to the negligence of the State Government.

Alirat Usman, another resident said that before Former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was denied the second term ticket he had come to the area and promised that the government will look into the issue in earnest immediately he returns to the saddle for second term.

She said sadly, he was denied the second term ticket and since then the situation has been like this and worsened.

Alimosho, the populous area in Lagos State has faced neglect since the Governor Sanwo Olu administration got into power in 2019 for his First Term, prompting the residents to appeal to the Governor to look into the plight of the people in his Second Term in office.

Residents are alleging that it is a deliberate attempt by the LASG to repair the road and find a lasting solution as they have continued to pay lip service to it.

Emeka Chinonso, a shop owner in the area said that he believes governance is continuum, that it is however surprising that when Ambode was denied the ticket, Governor Sanwo Olu failed to continue the works he has been doing in the hinterlands, rather, he has been attending to frivolities.

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: X-Raying Super Eagles Chances Of Making It To World Showpiece

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 18, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

When the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for the continent was drawn in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire last week, the world’s most populous Black Nation, Nigeria, was pitched against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, the Cheetahs, of Benin Republic, the Warriors of Zimbabwe, the Amavubis of Rwanda and the Crocodiles of Lesotho.

The world showpiece to be hosted by the trio of United States of America, Canada and Mexico is the first of its kind in the history of the World Cup since 1930 and football world as a whole.

On paper, South Africa should be the only threat for Nigeria, with the likes of Rwanda, Benin Republic, Rwanda and Lesotho regarded as ‘Minnows’ a stroll in the park for Nigeria.

However, there are no more minnows in football, not only in Africa, but the world at large.

Nigerian football enthusiasts and fans of the Super Eagles are nursing the bruises caused by the unfortunate failure of the Super Eagles to be at the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar, the first ever world showpiece to be hosted by a Middle East country.

It is, however, not negotiable for the National Team not to qualify for the 2026 tournament.

Taking a cursory look at the teams that could stop Nigeria for the third time of not going to the World Cup after making his debut in 1994 in the United States of America, putting into cognizance the performances of the National team in recent time.

It would be recalled that when Nigeria made its debut in 1994, it failed to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World in Germany and in Qatar 2022, another repeat of such would be a disaster for the Ibrahim Gusau led Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

All the teams in the Super Eagles Group aren’t strange, as they are familiar foes.

South Africa has been a threat to Nigeria on several occasions, they had stopped the Super Eagles from qualifying for the 2017 African Cup of Nations, defeating Nigeria 2-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, having played a goalless draw in Pretoria, South Africa.

Also in 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Super Eagles needed a victory to defend its AFCON title earlier won in South Africa, again, the Southern African country forced the Nigerian side to a 2-2 draw to deny the West African giant a place at the continental showpiece.

South Africa and Nigeria have a long history of rivalry in the round leather game, and the Bafana Bafana team have always want to show their Nigerian counterparts that they are no pushovers.

The two legs will be a battle of the Titans as both teams remain one of the highly rated team among the Six and also stand a better chances of qualifying for the Mundial.

The Cheetahs of Benin Republic are the West African neighbours to Nigeria and recently, both team were in the same Group prior to the 2021 AFCON, with the Super Eagles recording a home and away victory.

At the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola Stadium in Abuja, the Super Eagles won 2-1 courtesy of goals from Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen, while the reverse fixture saw Paul Onuachu scoring a last gasp goal to give the Super Eagles a 1-0 victory.

The Benin Republic team shouldn’t be a threat to the Super Eagles putting into consideration the caliber of players in the fold of Nigeria, but recently abysmal display of the Super Eagles against Sierra Leone, in which the Sierra Leonean team came from 4-0 down to record a 4-4 draw in Nigeria in an AFCON qualifiers.

Weeks back, Sierra Leone came from a 2-0 defeat to almost seal a 2-2 draw, but a last minute strike from Kelechi Iheanacho salvage a 3-2 victory for Nigeria.

Again, the Benin Republic team is handled by former Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr, which could be an added advantage for the Beninoise team.

Prior to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles was pitched alongside Rwanda, Angola, Zimbabwe and Algeria, in which the Super Eagles recorded a 1-1 draw in Kigali, Rwandan Capital, defeating the Rwandans 4-0 in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

The Rwandans on paper shouldn’t be a threat to the highly rated Nigerian side, but the team need to be wary as they could be spoilers.

Another Southern African side in the Group, Zimbabwe isn’t a match for the Super Eagles, as the pedigree of array of stars in the fold of the Super Eagles are expected to do the job in Abuja and in Harare.

In 2006, when the Zimbabwean team had Benjani Mwaruwari as their main player, they were defeated 3-0 in Harare and 5-1 in Port Harcourt, so it is expected that the Nigeria side will triumph against their opponent.

The Crocodiles of Lesotho are no stranger to the Super Eagles. In a recent AFCON qualifiers, Nigeria was pitched alongside Lesotho and the Super Eagles defeated the Southern African team 5-2 in Maseru, Lesotho Capital and 2-0 in Abuja.

The Lesotho National Team are seen as a team just in the Group to make up the numbers.

For the Super Eagles to scale through, they need to win all their home matches, win up to two to three away matches and salvage draw in the remaining matches will no doubt give them the ticket for the World Soccer Fiesta.