THEWILL DOWNTOWN November 20, 2022 EDITION

For the Love of Nigeria For the Love of Nigeria

I’m not one of the many people who are crazy about football, and not for the reason you may suspect— she’s a typical girly woman. No. It’s because I can’t handle the suspense that comes with the game. Yes, most others are competitive, and there is also an adrenaline rush from cheering for your favourite team, but with football, it’s different. It almost feels like a lifeand-death situation.

As a young girl, I didn’t mind watching football with my dad, but all that changed one day in the 90s when we watched a match( I can’t for the love of me remember what game it was), but we missed a penalty and as such the game. I still remember the tension and passion with which we cheered. When we lost the penalty kick and, as a result, the game, I wept like a baby and have never watched another match since then. It was too much for my teenage heart to bear.

Yes, I have become so detached towards the game that I refuse to listen to or read anything associated with it. Decades later, while having a TOC meeting with my team for this issue you read, I asked if we knew which players would represent Nigeria at the World Cup, and they responded with, “Editor, we are out; we lost months ago to Ghana.” “Oh, no,” I said, and immediately those emotions from when I was a teenager began rushing back up to the surface, reminding me why I stopped watching the game of soccer. I wasn’t about to go there. “We’ll do a piece about the Ghanaian players, then,” I said, quickly moving on to the next idea. It’s safe to say I will not be watching the World Cup, but I will cheer Ghana on ‘in spirit.’ Wishing them Good luck!

It was International Men’s Day yesterday, and with the World Cup, this week’s issue is dedicated to our male readers.

For those with facial hair, we let you in on the difference between beard oil and beard balm and why you need them. Don’t miss the fashion pages and Downtown Confidential; you’ll love them.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Dorcas Akintoye

Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty.  She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.

Valerie Lawson

AUSTYN OGANNAH PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Nigerian born, Valerie Lawson is a 20-year Oil & Gas Industry veteran, currently a Products & Technology Leader with Baker Hughes an Energy Technology Company, headquartered in Houston, Texas.

In 2002, she began her career in the United Kingdom as a Process Engineer in the Engineering Procurement & Construction segment of the Oil & Gas Industry. She has since worked with such companies as TechnipFMC, KBR and Worley Parsons. She also spent over four years with TOTAL E&P playing a pivotal role within its largest Deep-Water Field Development project.

Valerie has a Chemical Engineering (BEng) Degree from the University of Bradford, U.K, a MSc. From University College London (UCL) & London Business School (LBS) and expecting a Global Executive MBA from IESE Business School, Spain.

She’s passionate about, health, knowledge, cycling and traveling –and has lived, worked, and conducted business in over 15 countries across several continents.

She currently lives in Houston, Texas, USA.

MEN'S UNOFFICIAL FASHION GUIDE Easy Does It

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

TRADITIONAL MIX & MATCH

As traditional men, our wardrobes aren’t as diverse as women’s. If the dress code is official, you will most likely don a suit. Your look will be a little more relaxed if it is business casual. These two themes don’t leave much room for tweaking, so for men in the corporate world, our everyday look is as predictable as our frequent board meetings. But you will not spend all your adult life within office walls; there is an apparent need to dress up without a dress code. Here is a style guide to help you navigate ‘unofficial’ fashion.

Jerry Eze

Amaechi Okobi

With African print getting more recognition daily, there is no better time to incorporate elements from the motherland in your relaxed looks.

Amaechi Okobi, Bright ‘Basketmouth’ Okpocha and Daniel Etim Effiong show us how.

Bright 'Basketmouth' Okpocha

Daniel Etim Effiong

A LITTLE BIT OF FORMAL

DENIM DESIRE

Denim can sometimes be tricky to pull off, but if you find the right blend with your combinations, the result is usually one for the books-you automatically look like a fashion icon.

Just look at how Deyemi Okonlawon, Kunle Remi and Paul Adefarasin do it effortlessly.

LEISURE & TRAVELS

It is travel season soon, and because the whole point of vacations is that you stay disconnected from work as much as you possibly can, it should reflect in your outfits, too, exactly how Tony Elumelu and Emmanuel Oyeleke portray it.

We know it’s a tough ask that some men drop their formal style altogether. Well, there are ways to wear your otherwise professional look in a more relaxed manner. Jude ‘M.I’ Abaga’s black-on-black shirt and trousers, and Akah Nnani’s turtleneck top paired with formal pants are how.

Deyemi Okanlawon

Paul Adefarasin

Jude 'M.I' Abaga

Akah Nnani

Tony Elumelu

Emmanuel Oyeleke

Kunle Remi

SANS FRONTIERS

VALERIE B LAWSON

MY CAREER STORY (Part 3) On Tribes, Alliances & My Support System

Some years ago, a magazine interviewed me on being a professional woman, and I shared stories and my version of life-changing gems, as one would. When this was published in several media, one of the comments took me out; she said something to this effect: “What? A Nigerian woman talking about her career and no discussion of husband and kids? Sacrilege,” she was being sarcastic, of course – and I loved it. Yes, the ‘F-word’ – and I get so, so bored of hearing that question being asked to women in all fields – emphasising the inequity in the roles women still play in society.

You will be pleased to read that I will not be caught talking about how to be a super-spouse, parent and industry leader and badass and humble all in one breath – that’s not my story, though; I am very proudly a queen of the ungrind – I do not believe I have to work to my bones. I make my life very easy and digestible. I am, however, of the strong opinion that it took and still does ‘take a village’ to make a success of our lives.

The Road Less Travelled is Not a Void

One of the reasons I wanted to be an engineer – was the need to go where ‘they said we couldn’t’. Now in hindsight – the fact that, as a world, we branded engineering ‘not for women’ is laughable. Then again, we’ve done it with many other things. I digress. Even the roads that don’t seem very popular are paved with examples –shoulders of giants that we can walk on. Media loves stories of the lone ranger who ‘made it all on their own’, and yes, we love a good, ragsto-riches story – for most of us, that is not the case. At the very least, we have been and are being cheered on by clouds of witnesses. What was new in our situations –had been done somewhere else. I remember meeting a woman who was an engineer when I was about 12 years old (at this time, I had been toying with the idea of being an engineer who built refineries – like the one my Mum worked at), and she was the immediate possibility for me.

We really do not have to do it alone – and I know the stories of people pulling us down, naysaying and putting actual roadblocks are real and also make for fantastic headlines. My observation, though, is that your tribe, −not always your actual family− could

sometimes be surfaces like diamonds in the dirt. For every group of negative people you encounter, a handful will see your light, your chi, your inner god – it’s not fantasy. It is usually people we do not expect and sometimes overlook.

Listen, I have been scared enough times to be able to tell you not to trust anyone, but the truth is, that would be a disservice, and what choice do you have?

Create The Tribe

Whether you believe in a particular god, the universe or higher intelligence or your own genius, all yield the same result – this is truth. By being who you most want to be, by living your life in your own truth, you will offend people –not because you’re doing something wrong, but because light leads and clarifies but also, if looked upon the wrong way, dazzles. Not everyone is ready to acknowledge your light, but some people are. By not focusing on negatives nor participating in seemingly inevitable doom – you will attract your kind. I have seen this so many times in my life – at the airport, in the supermarket, at the café, on the train and sometimes in your home. My biggest cheerleaders in the industry are people who look and sound nothing like

me – and are not even in my generation but somehow see me. Maybe later, I can dissect creating your career tribe, but one thing I know for sure about us all – we have our people.

I talked about workplace politics, people being favourites etc. – one thing is for sure; when ‘ish’ hits the fan, almost everyone gets hit. We may not always be hit in the same way, and some people have received legs up at different times more than you – but your day, time, and chance will come.

Being acquainted with your path, your way, and your tribe keeps you on the journey – maybe not at the same pace all the time, but you are moving. You have gathered so much more momentum than you give yourself credit for.

Embrace The Breadth Rainbow

Within my tribe and alliances that I am building (because you keep going), everyone plays a different role. It is important to appreciate people for the role they play in your life but not overload them with unfair expectations. During one of my’ transitions’, a particular friend of mine played such a pivotal role in keeping me focused. Her role? She called me every morning to ask, “so, what are your plans for today or for this morning” – that was it. Her thing was to help me bite-size what I needed to do. There are others who start speaking on your behalf, making calls you did not ask them to – and putting you in connection with key people. Some others book a restaurant and drinks to get you out. My point is – embrace them all. If we let the wounds of the past stand in the way, that same past becomes a revolving door and will repeat itself. It is possible to bless the past events (of even last week) and look forward with a more positive disposition.

In the end, we will all realise that – there was no need to ‘do it alone’, we had the support all along and that our VIBE ATTRACTS OUR TRIBE.

A GAME OF UNREQUITED

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL LOVE

He closed the door quietly, then pushed me hard against it and kissed me passionately. As we kissed, our lips moved in a mutual rhythm. I felt a kind of vital, physical force in my belly; all misgivings and hesitance were gone.

He kissed me softly, again and again, coaxing my back a step at a time. I felt the mattress at the back of my knee and sat. I was on John Abbey’s bed again. Since we’ve been hanging out for a while, I forgot that he was famousish for long stretches. I knew those stupid courtesan groups would hate me if they could see what was happening between us. I shoved the petty, pleasing thought aside as he cupped my jaw and kissed my lips. The moment he unclasped my bra, he lowered himself to his elbows, cupped me and brought his mouth to my nipple. My flesh pulled tight, and a sigh fled my throat as I struggled to process the sensation. I was more than ready to succumb to my desire. His fingertips dipped inside the band of my skirt, dragging back and forth. I let him strip me completely naked, and my insecurities burned away by the heat in his eyes. Then he started driving his cock in and out of my mound. I couldn’t help but marvel at his weight as he knelt between my legs.

John’s body was the most exciting thing I’d ever seen, tight with desire and undulating with this basest of labours. The intrusion drew a moan from my chest. He was silent for the first handful of thrusts, then his eyes met mine, and a low groan warmed the air between us. He moved with practised ease, and my excitement coiled tighter and tighter until the sensation burst and flooded; the orgasm left me shaking and panting beneath him. His hips hammered me hard for a flurry of thrusts, and then he, too, gave in.

Since we had just had a hot, steamy and sexy night, I thought we would spend some time cuddling and whispering into each other’s ear, but to my surprise and disappointment, he asked me to dress up and leave, because he was expecting some guests and wouldn't want them to see me.

Quietly, I picked up my handbag and left; I was not annoyed because that had been the routine for months since we’d been seeing each other. Sometimes it makes me feel like I’m his sex toy, but I try to make myself believe he would change and see me differently—as someone with whom he could spend the rest of his life.

I’d been crushing on John for a very long time before I finally took the courage to ask him out;

it was easy to talk to him since I was one of his club cheerleaders. Even though he didn’t give me a definite answer, I found myself warming his bed now and then. I knew I made myself cheap, but having an affair with a highly respected football player, who constantly has millions of people wearing jerseys with his name on the back, made me overlook it. I love John for who he is. His energy while on the field, charisma, and physique are everything to me, coupled with the fact that he is a great lover.

No matter how hard I tried, I knew John was not going to love me. I knew he was seeing other women as far as he was concerned, I was one of those girls interested in his fame and wealth. Giving my body, knowing that nothing would come out of it, but hoping at the same time that something would, wasn't very smart but I don't regret it. What's that thing they say again? “It was nice while it lasted.” I knew it was time for me to move on; I couldn’t keep up with the idea of being his sex toy forever. I was ready for a new beginning, but my plan came crumbling when I found out I was pregnant.

Mikel John Obi For the Love of Nigeria

BY KEHIND É FAGBULE

Although we have always been a leading footballing country in Africa, much like with most things, the disappointments sometimes outweigh the glorious moments. For different generations growing up, there are various superstars in different eras. Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo and Julius Agahowa were some of the most influential Super Eagles superstars at the peak of their careers. Before them was Samson Siasia, Peter Rufai, the late Stephen Keshi and Rashidi Yekini—that generation, which won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, was widely recognised as the golden generation. And after that, Nigeria never really enjoyed a sustained spell of dominance in Africa. The Egyptians were perennial winners, of course. Nigerians needed to win, dominate Africa, make up for lost time, and end almost two decades of being also-rans. The Super Eagles’ next victorious screech in the competition came in 2013, with one man at the centre of the proceedings resulting in the triumph, Mikel John Obi.

The Beginning

Born John Michael Nchekwube

in Jos in 1987, Mikel began his football career at the age of 12 when he was selected from more than 3,000 young footballers as a talented player to play for the Pepsi Football Academy. A group that at the time was well known for travelling throughout Nigeria looking for young footballers with the potential to play professionally. Scouts noticed Obi, and he was chosen to play for Plateau United—a top-flight team that had previously produced

The Transfer Saga

“Look, I wasn’t really kidnapped. I was just staying away from the public eye making sure no one knew where I was. But there was a public announcement in Norway that if anyone saw me, they should report it to the police, so we had to go and hide. Obviously, [Manchester] United were trying to get hold of me. So was Lyn. There were some tough times. It was like a movie,” Mikel John Obi reflected on his bizarre transfer saga.

Obinna

talents Celestine Babayaro, Victor Obinna, and Chris Obodo, who eventually had success in European leagues—before joining Norwegian club Lyn at the age of 17 in 2004.

In 2006, he joined a top English football club, Chelsea, in a controversial transfer after Manchester United had claimed they had already signed him.

On April 29, 2005, a few days after Mikel turned 18, Premier League club Manchester United announced that they had agreed with Lyn to sign him. United’s website also stated that they had made a direct deal with the teenager and that he had signed a contract to join them.

Mikel’s agents were bypassed as the club persuaded the youngster to sign a four-year contract without representation. Lyn allegedly sent a fax to his agents abroad, claiming Mikel no longer required their services.

Reports said the deal was initially worth 4 million Pounds and would see the player arrive at Old Trafford in January 2006.

Manchester United’s rival Premier League club, Chelsea, later issued a counterclaim suggesting that they already had an agreement with Mikel and his agents, but Lyn denied this claim.

However, subsequent reports indicated that Chelsea claimed to have been involved in arranging the player’s original move to Europe with a view to signing him at a later date. Further substance was added to this claim after it was revealed that the player had impressed Chelsea manager José Mourinho while training with the club’s first-team squad during the summer of 2004.

After much ado, the transfer was eventually resolved with Chelsea paying 16 million pounds in total—12 million to Manchester United and 4 million to Lyn—as they secured his services in June 2006, and also got his work permit the following month.

For Nigerians Across All Age Groups

Mikel couldn’t have taken a better stage to announce himself to the world on the international stage. At the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, aged just 18 years old, he shined brightly for the Nigeria under-20 squad and was awarded the Silver Ball as the tournament’s second-best player—after Lionel Messi— as we came in second to eventual winners, Argentina.

He went on to make his senior team debut later that year. Although his international career was slightly blighted by injuries that prevented him from representing his country, and his refusal to play for the Nigerian under-23 side, Mikel’s generous contribution to the national team couldn’t have come at a better time.

At the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, he was a key player for Nigeria as we went on to our only third—and latest— continental title. He had such a great tournament the Confederation of African Football( CAF) named him in the team of the tournament alongside teammates Vincent Enyeama, Efe Ambrose, Victor Moses and Emmanuel Emenike.

Rio 2016: Mikel’s Cemented Legendary Status

For the nation’s supporters, Mikel John Obi’s legendary status was likely solidified by the circumstances preceding Rio 2016. The Nigerian icon endeared himself to supporters in Rio for his initiative and selfsacrifice. The Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) deplorable delay in covering the team’s travel and maintenance costs led to the ex-international’s great sacrifice for the country before the Games. The team was stuck in the US and in danger of missing their inaugural match against Japan, which would have been the greatest embarrassment for the country on the world stage.

Seeing that the NFF was stalling, Mikel took matters into his hands, acting as the team’s benefactor of the side, as the players travelled to South America on the day of their opening game against the East Asian country, which they won 5-4. That rip-roaring nine-goal thriller was to serve as a catalyst for the Dream Team’s run to a Bronze medal, which, as it turned out, was Nigeria’s only

honour in Rio. The eventual success made the captain’s sacrifice even more significant, given how modern footballers are perceived: egocentric, self-serving and thoughtless.

The former Chelsea anchorman—the only over-age outfield player in that squad— saved the nation from global embarrassment and led them to third place, a success recorded against all odds.

Playing at the Games even cost him his place in the Blues side, with Antonio Conte marginalising the defensive midfielder upon his return, having been against Mikel’s participation with the Dream Team.

“I had been called up by my national team to play, and it was a dream,” Mikel was reported to say. “It’s a dream for anyone to go to the Olympics. Yes, as players, we want to win the Champions League and the World Cup, but the Olympics is a massive tournament. This guy (his head coach at the time, Antonio Conte), who has just walked in the door for five minutes, is telling me I had to choose. I spoke to the club and told them that I wanted to go. The club respected me because of what I had done for them and how long I’d been there. So off I went, and I felt punished for that. I came back, and I didn’t make the squad. I was never in the squad list on matchdays again.” He concluded.

Even though Conte tried to get the Nigerian back on-side before his departure in January 2017, Mikel felt bridges were burnt and had little interest in staying under the Italian manager. His patriotism for his country and doggedness to continue on the path he wanted to cost him his Chelsea career,

but the bronze medallist never cared or bothered. Instead, the midfielder looks back on that run positively. “Sometimes I wear my medal around the house,” Mikel told Goal in 2016. “The kids love playing with the medal. I am sure one day, they will know what this really means. We had lots of problems outside the pitch, but I always told the boys that you shouldn’t let that affect what we came here to do,” he reflected.

While losing to Germany in the last four meant Samson Siasia’s team wouldn’t replicate the nation’s 1996 Atlanta success, a Mikel-led side picked up a 3-2 win over Honduras to end on the podium. That group went from uncertainty regarding their participation to winning the country’s sole medal in Brazil, defying the odds spectacularly. Mikel’s selflessness, without a doubt, made it possible, and his overage participation at the Olympics is a forgotten chapter in his storied career.

Mikel’s contribution to football in Nigeria will never be forgotten. Although his input in the 2013 AFCON win and the country’s podium finish at the Olympics three years later serve as a tangible influence he has directly had on the sport in the country, his proud representation of his country

on the world stage with Chelsea has over the years been a source of inspiration for young boys looking to dream and one day make a name for themselves playing football.

The Editor reached out to Mikel Obi regarding his retirement and plans for the future but he did not comment.

Mikel John Obi Legendary Career in 12 Fascinating

Facts (Credit: Goal)

• John Obi Mikel is a two-time Premier League winner, having clinched the title in both 2010 and 2015. It’s a Nigerian record, tying Arsenal great Nwankwo Kanu, a league champion with the Gunners in 2002 and 2004.

• Only three African players—Didier Drogba, Riyad Mahrez and Yaya Toure—have won more Prem titles than Mikel.

• He was also a European champion with the Blues in 2012, playing his part in their unlikely final triumph against Bayern Munich. This put him in an elevated company, with only a handful of Nigerian players—Kanu and Finidi George—who have clinched club football’s grandest prize.

• A year later, Mikel won the Europa League. Only one other Nigerian player—Kanu—has won both of Europe’s major club competitions.

• Mikel was also named Africa’s Most Promising Player by Caf in 2005, becoming the second Nigerian—after Obafemi Martins—to win the award. Mikel’s triumph was the third success out of four consecutive wins in the category for Nigerian players, following behind Martins’ back-to-back wins and preceding Taye Taiwo’s win in 2006.

• To date, Mikel is one of only four players—along with Mido, Clifford Mulenga and Salomon Kalou—to have won the CAF Most Promising Talent of the Year award and to have clinched the Africa Cup of Nations title.

• Mikel was actually born with the name Michael, but a clerical error early in his career established ‘Mikel’ as his given name. He liked the sound and chose to keep the new spelling, even though it wasn’t his official given name.

• Mikel is the only foreign player to have made their 100th Premier League appearance for the Blues before

the age of 23 years and 100 days. The other players to have done so are English trio Mason Mount, John Terry and Eddie Newton.

• In December 2021, Reece James became the club’s youngest player to start 50 league games since Mikel achieved the feat at 21 years and 264 days in January 2009. The Nigerian is eclipsed by Terry, who hit a half-century in April 2002 at the age of 21 and 124 days.

• In 2015, Mikel became the 21st Chelsea player to make 350 appearances for the club. He achieved this feat when he came on as a substitute in Guus Hiddink’s first match in charge during his second spell with the club.

• He ended his time at Chelsea with 249 top-flight appearances for the Stamford Bridge giants, 27th in the club’s all-time standings. This is more than the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian and Ashley Cole, although he’s behind Didier Drogba, who made 254 league outings for the club.

• Only three Nigerian players—Shola Ameobi, Kanu and Yakubu—registered more Prem outings than Mikel. The highest active PL player on the list—Alex Iwobi—will only be able to overtake the midfielder (at the earliest) at the end of next season.

Mikel wrapped up his career in Kuwait, playing two matches for Kuwait SC before parting ways with the club. In total, he turned out for seven senior clubs during his career, including stints in Norway, China and Turkey.

DO SCORPIOS COME WITH A STING IN THE TAIL ?

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

SYMBOL: THE SCORPION DATE: OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 21 ELEMENT: WATER RULING PLANET: PLUTO IN MODERN ASTROLOGY, MARS IN ANCIENT ASTROLOGY

Scorpios are known to be quite complex and very dominating. They prefer to do the questioning — this helps them get the answers they seek in a person. A Scorpio will, however, only reveal very little about themselves. Perhaps this is what makes them so mysterious and generally quite secretive. For someone who falls in this sign, it’s typically always a power play, so they live by one rule: Eat or be eaten.

Regarding character, they are not known to be scared of anything. What they do fear is opening up and revealing their emotions because that would give the other party power—something that Scorpios know all too well to be their ultimate weapon. You could say they have an insatiable quest for power and dominance.

SCORPIO AND FRIENDSHIP

Having a Scorpio for a friend can be very rewarding as their sense of loyalty is almost frightening. But don’t cross them because that sting in their tail is inevitable when you hurt them. This sign is highly vindictive. They are also very compassionate and can smell fakeness from a mile away. Like Pisces, their fellow water sign, they sense emotions and are there for you even before you ask.

SCORPIO AND LOVE

As hard-hearted as they like to portray themselves, Scorpios are very soft if they get comfortable enough to open up to you. They don’t necessarily fall in love very quickly; as earlier mentioned, they relish power, and falling in love means being vulnerable, which means relinquishing their powers. However, when they let someone in, they fall in love with every fibre of their being and are very possessive.

Femi Otedola November 4

Toke Makinwa November 3

GROOMING

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Whether trying to gain some edge at work or want to look and feel your best, growing out and caring for your facial hair helps boost your look. And so, it is no surprise that experts in the grooming space came up with a full range of treatments and solutions to help care for beard and the surrounding area. The two most popular of them are beard oil and beard balm.

Many people wonder about their main differences and whether they should choose one. They are both conditioning products that help hydrate, nourish, and soften your beard.

BEARD OIL Vs BEARD BALM

Beard oil is an oil-based, light moisturiser that you can apply throughout your entire beard quickly and effortlessly. Beard oil contains a combination of carrier oils and essential oils.

In case you didn’t know, carrier oils are the ingredients that do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to moisturising, conditioning and softening your beard and skin. They also help keep your beard healthy and strong.

Whereas essential oils contain antiinflammatory and antibacterial properties that help add fragrance to the oil.

On the other hand, beard balms, also called beard butter or utility balm, are the new up-and-comers of the beard industry. Beard balms are a combination of hard oils or butter, waxes, and some carrier oils that you typically find in beard oil. They have a higher viscosity than beard oil. The thicker texture adds weight to help hold down stubborn beard hairs and flyaways that go against your beard’s shape. The longer your beard grows further from your skin, the more difficult it becomes for the sebum and beard oil on your skin to travel down to the end of your beard. This is where the beard balm comes in, and they make a significant impact because you can apply it to the end of your beard and have a slow release of hydration throughout the day.

Men with medium to full beards find beard balm favourable.

Uti Nwachukwu

Scented Beard Balm VALHALLA

(3)

Protection From The External Elements

Natural ingredients and a healthy mixture of essential oil in beard balm help protect facial hair from external elements like humility, cold, high winds, sun exposure, etc. Exposing your beard to all these elements can lead to protein-loss damage of beard hair fibres.

Beard balm carries a thin protective layer that nourishes the skin underneath and shields your beards

(4) Beard Oil Relieves Any Beard Itch And Eliminates Beardruff

Beard oil helps eliminate unpleasant beardruff by blending several high-quality oils. They perform an excellent job when it comes to nourishing the skin beneath your facial hair, as well as the hair follicles themselves.

(5) Beard Balm Gives a Thicker Appearance

The natural ingredients in beard balm, such as natural beeswax, shea butter, almond butter and so on, help add extra volume and weight to your facial hairs, giving your beard a thicker, healthier appearance.

Try applying the balm soon after washing your beard, then see how it will seal in the moisture, adding to the appearance of weight.

(6) It Makes Your Beard Smell Great

Beard oils that come with scents attract a lot of attention such that they have the potential to act as cologne. Some beard oils are fragrance-free; they are called Sans Parfum. Using San Parfum has the advantage of not having your beard oil and cologne clash in terms of fragrance. If you choose to go with the scented beard oil, ensure it contains a natural fragrance instead of anything artificial.

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It Hydrates Your Face And Softens Your

Beard

Beard oil with components like almond oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E and so on helps hydrate the skin beneath your beard. They work together to perform a kind of rain dance on your face.

Beard Oil DOYLE'S

Smooth Result Shave & Beard Oil ELEMIS

Dare Art Alade

Beard Balm Tobacco SHEFFIELD

Pristine Beard Balm

BEARD GAINS

Beard Oil MURDOCK LONDON

WORLD CUP SPECIAL

WE WILL COME BACK TO JOLLOF

For Now Let's Rally Behind The Ghanaian Black Stars

BY KEHIND É FAGBULE

Ghana, one of Africa’s leading countries, our best friend, neighbour and archnemesis all in the same breath, will be at the world cup this year. That is incredibly good news, although one that comes at the expense of our very own Super Eagles, directly dashing our hopes of competing on the global stage. When our boys were drawn against the Black Stars of Ghana for a ticket to the world cup at stake, the only emotion we felt was undaunted confidence. “I mean, it’s Ghana,” most of us thought to ourselves, cocky with the same amount of conviction that we have when the jollof face-off starts. The outcome for Nigerians, however, wasn’t as sweet as our jollof; we were confirmed not to partake in football’s biggest competition, as Ghana booked their tickets to Qatar, leaving us in anguish. But it’s been ages since that happened, and now the tournament proper is upon us, and we are conditioned to go hard for a country that isn’t ours. Representing team Ghana should be fun; ultimately, there is no denying the second-hand pride we will feel if any other African country defies the odds and does the unthinkable—bring home the holy grail. But do they have what it takes to go all the way in the Middle East? This is your Black Star squad review leading to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana is back at the World Cup after failing to qualify for the tournament in Russia four years ago. Before that, they had competed at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 editions of the competition. Head coach Otto Addo only took charge of Ghana earlier this year, ahead of their CAF World Cup play-off against Nigeria. The team had previously topped their qualification group, finishing ahead of South Africa by virtue of their head-to-head record. Addo guided Ghana to a goalless home

draw in the first leg, with a 1-1 draw in Nigeria in the second leg, seeing them qualify for the World Cup by winning the tie on away goals.

This year, Ghana have been drawn into group H alongside Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea. That sees them face Uruguay for the first time since their infamous 2010 World Cup quarter-final, where Luis Suarez’s handball on the line stopped a certain goal for Ghana that would have seen them win the match and progress to the next round. In the end, Asamoah Gyan missed the resulting spot-kick, and Ghana lost in the penalty shootout that followed. Ghana also faced Portugal in the 2014 group stage. Portugal won that final group match 2-1, a result which stopped Ghana from advancing to the round of 16.

Ghana’s squad contains several big names from European club football, such as Arsenal’s Thomas Partey and Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus, as well as a few players who have recently switched nationality to represent the African nation. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Tariq Lamptey and Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams are examples, and both hope to represent Ghana in Qatar.

Gaffer Profile

Name: Otto Addo

Nationality: German-born Ghanaian Age: 47 (born 9 June 1975)

Previous position: Ghana Assistant Coach 2021/22

New Import

Name: Iñaki Williams Club: Athletic Bilbao (Spain) Age: 28 (15 June 1994)

Position: Centre-forward Current Market Value: Euros €25 million

WORLD CUP SPECIAL

Name: Mohammed Kudus Club: Ajax (Netherlands) Age: 22 (2 August 2000)

Position: Attacking midfield Current Market Value: € Euros 15 million

Name: Mohammed Salisu Club: Southampton (England) Age: 23 (17 April 1993)

Position: Centre-back

Current Market Value: €Euros 18 million

New Import

Name: Tariq Lamptey

Club: Brighton and Hove Albion (England) Age: 22 (30 September 2000)

Position: Right-back

Current Market Value: € Euros 15 million Import from: England

Skipper Profile

Name: André Ayew

Club: Al Sadd SC

Age: 32 (born 17 December 1989)

Position: Left winger

Current Market Value: € Euros 2.20 million

Name: Lawrence Ati-Zigi Club: St. Gallen (Switzerland) Age: 25 (29 November 1996)

Position: Goalkeeper

Current Market Value: Euros €2.5 million

Name: Daniel Amartey Club: Leicester (England) Age: 27 (21 December 1994)

Position: Centre-back

Current Market Value:€ Euros 15 million

Name: Jordan Ayew

Club: Crystal Palace (England) Age: 31 (11 September 1991) Position: Centre-forward Current Market Value: € Euros 6 million

Name: Kamaldeen Sulemana Club: Rennes Age: 20 (15 February 2002)

Position: Left-winger Current Market Value: € Euros 18 million

Player to Watch

Name: Thomas Party

Club: Arsenal football club (England)

Age: 29 (born 13 June 1993

Position: Defensive midfielder

Current Market Value: € Euros 38 million

Name: Denis Odoi

Club: Club Brugge (Belgium) Age: 34 (27 May 1988)

Position: Right-back

Current Market Value: Euros €600,000

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

MOVIE REVIEW:

The Crown Season 5

to lead a new and improved monarchy. Therein lies this year's theme: Tradition versus progress, the status quo versus a society in transition. And it all takes place against the backdrop of "The War of the Waleses," the very public battle between Charles and Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) to win the hearts and minds of the British public — and, more importantly, their freedom.

What do we want from The Crown — the truth or the most interesting version of the story? It's a question that pervades the new season of Netflix's drama, the first to air since Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September after 70 years on the throne. (And the first, it should be noted, to be officially labelled as "fiction" by Netflix.)

Certainly, creator Peter Morgan has never claimed that The Crown is entirely factual. But season 5 — which premiered Nov. 9 and features a new cast led by Imelda Staunton — undermines the dramatic stakes with circuitous storytelling and choppierthan-usual pacing.

It begins and ends with Britannia. The year is 1991, and the Queen (Staunton) is about to embark on a tour of engagements from the comfort of her beloved yacht, which has served as a floating royal residence for nearly four decades. However, the vessel has begun to fall into disrepair, and fixes would cost millions in taxpayer money. "She's a creature of another age," says Prince Philip (Jonathan Pryce). "In many ways, she's obsolete."

The discomfort of that rather obvious metaphor is compounded by the results of a new poll in the UK's Sunday Times, in which many respondents characterised the Queen as "irrelevant," "old," and "expensive" and indicated they'd prefer to have Prince Charles (Dominic West) on the throne.

Sensing an opportunity with new Prime Minister John Major (Johnny Lee Miller) in office, Charles launches an awkward backchannel campaign

Though the new episodes span just six years (1991-97), the shortest period for the show to date, the season struggles to cohere. Ostensibly, the aforementioned war between Charles and Diana, which could theoretically produce enough source material for at least ten episodes, is the centrepiece. Season 4 deftly told the story of two struggling new unions — Charles and Diana, the Queen and Margaret Thatcher — and season 5 attempts to chronicle the dissolution of the former and the union between Britain and the monarchy itself. It's an ambitious idea, but the scope proves too broad to contain, and the dual narratives never quite mesh.

When it comes to the War of the Waleses, Morgan repeatedly chooses to focus on the lead-up to key events rather than the turbulent aftermath and its effect on the characters. The second episode follows Diana's decision to record secret tapes for Andrew Morton (Andrew Steele), which were shuttled to the author by Diana's close friend James Colthurst (Oliver Chris). The resulting book, Diana: Her True Story, was a cornucopia of bombshell revelations, including Charles' affair with Camilla Parker Bowles (Olivia Williams). Still, the episode concludes with the book's release, and then the subject is effectively dropped.

We cannot expect The Crown to be an exhaustive record of the royal family's (fictionalised) life, but Morgan's regular detours prohibit any one storyline from gaining momentum. We go from an instalment on Morton's book to Mou Mou, an episode that delves into the relationship between Mohamed Al Fayed (Salim Daw) — father to Diana's future boyfriend, Dodi (Khalid Abdalla) — and Sydney Johnson (Jude Akuwudike), the longtime valet to the Duke of Windsor (Alex Jennings). Johnson is a fascinating figure in his own right, but this feels less like a spotlight on him than a long-winded way to introduce Dodi, whose relationship with the Princess won't play out until next season.

Ipatiev House, the season's requisite Philip episode, is another oddly timed interruption. Here, a visit from Boris Yeltsin (Anatoly Kotenev) and Russia's efforts to identify the remains of the Romanovs serve to highlight the emotional distance between Elizabeth and her husband. "After 47 years of marriage, we might ask ourselves, how are we still alike?" huffs Philip. Pryce brings stately warmth to the Duke, though he — like all of the satellites in the Queen's orbit — seems destined to spend the rest of his life fending off deeply rooted resentment of the monarch he serves.

The new ensemble is very strong. Staunton gives us a Queen who is steely and even more reserved; her Elizabeth is very rarely wracked by the disturbance of sublimated emotion. West makes Charles a confident, passionate striver, a man energised by the possibility of a new purpose. Lesley Manville does not have much to do yet as Margaret, though her reunion with one-time fiancé Peter Townsend (Timothy Dalton) leads to a heated and heartrending confrontation with Elizabeth over — what else? — all the sacrifices she's endured at Her Majesty's behest. Debicki is excellent as Diana; she captures the Princess' crippling vulnerability but also her cheeky charm and irreverent, self-deprecating humour.

In one of the season's most powerful scenes, Charles goes to visit Diana after their divorce papers are signed, and the two have an honest discussion about their failed marriage at her kitchen table. Did this really happen? Probably not, and either way, we'll never know for sure. But it's lovely to imagine that the People's Princess and the future King were able to experience this closure, however brief. Maybe that's what we want from The Crown — a fact-infused fantasy that allows us to pretend that Diana and everyone else traumatised by "the system" were eventually heard, their sacrifices acknowledged, their pain assuaged, if only for a moment. Feelings aren't facts, of course, but most of the time, neither is TV.

7.5/10

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Bawo - Starts with a Text

Louis Culture - Hanah Says Hi

YGTUT - Living On the Sun

Omar Apollo - Kamikaze

Hope Tala - All My Girls Like To Fight

Death - The Change

Dabeull_ Holybrune - DX7 - Indastudio 10 Cupidon_ KALLITECHNIS_ Ric Wilson - Wake Up, Get Down

Bluestaeb_ Mick Jenkins_ Aréna - MOVIN'

Snakehips_ EARTHGANGRun It Up