AFCON 2019: Aghahowa sends strong message to Rohr over team selection

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AFCON 2019: Aghahowa sends strong message to Rohr over team selection

 

Former Nigeria striker, Julius Aghahowa, has advised head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, to maintain a consistent selection, as the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off this weekend.

Aghahowa also urged the team to get their acts together in Egypt.

“As we head into this tournament, a lineup filled with a consistent selection from the coach will be an integral decision to posing a huge threat of winning the title.

“I know frequent changes would be made but fielding players who are familiar with playing each other would be key and will also give us the edge over any team in the African Cup of Nations,” Aghahowa told AOIfootball.

The former Wigan Athletic striker also gave a few thoughts on the Gernot Rohr’s final squad selection.

“I am happy with the final 23-man list made by the coach. He knows why he dropped others, and we must respect that.

“They were all good players but of course, some had to be dropped because you can’t go with everyone,” he concluded.

 

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AFCON 2019: Super Eagles arrive in Egypt, begin training for Senegal friendly

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AFCON 2019: Super Eagles arrive in Egypt, begin training for Senegal friendly

 

Coaches and players of the Nigerian national team landed in the Egyptian city of Ismailia on Sunday night, Sporting Life reports.

Kelechi Iheanacho and Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, who were dropped from the squad earlier in the day, were the only two absentees.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) allowed the Warriors of Zimbabwe with whom the Eagles played a 0-0 draw in a friendly on Saturday, flew together with the Nigerian contingent to Ismailia aboard a chartered MAX Air flight from Asaba.

The aircraft refueled at the Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano before heading for Ismailia.

The three-time African champions are staying at the Hotel Mercure in Ismailia where they will spend one week before heading to Alexandria, venue of their Group B matches during the championship.

Before then, the Eagles will face Senegal’s Lions of Terranga in another warm-up clash on June 16.

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AFCON 2019: What will Iheanacho do after being dropped by Rohr?

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AFCON 2019: What will Iheanacho  do after being dropped by Rohr?

 

Kelechi Iheanacho will have a full pre-season with Leicester City, after he failed to make the final cut for Nigeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations squad, The Nation reports.

The 22-year-old is one of two players, left out by Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, along with Rotherham’s Semi Ajayi.

Iheanacho’s club team-mate Wilfred Ndidi is in the squad and is expected to be a starter for Nigeria.

Although, Rohr praised the improvement in the striker’s professionalism, he chose not to take him along for the tournament.

Iheanacho will now focus on breaking into the Leicester side next season, under new manager Brendan Rodgers.

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AFCON 2019: Mikel Obi breaks silence on return to Super Eagles squad

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AFCON 2019: Mikel Obi breaks silence on return to Super Eagles squad

Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has said he is ready to lead the team again.

The free agent last played for Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and has missed the team’s last seven matches.

However, Mikel Obi is in camp, ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt this month.

Speaking to reporters at the team’s base in Asaba, the midfielder expressed his delight at being part of the squad again.

He said: “I’m really happy to be back in the team and I’m happy with the progress made so far. I fitted in seamlessly because it was not a problem for me as I have great understanding of the team and the coach very well.

“I needed rest because I was struggling with injuries but now I’m ready to lead the team again.

The best team will win the AFCON and we are up for it as we are training twice a day.”

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AFCON 2019: Rohr reveals Super Eagles’ players reaction to Mikel Obi’s return

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AFCON 2019: Rohr reveals Super Eagles’ players reaction to Mikel Obi’s return

 

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, has claimed that the players were happy to have captain John Mikel Obi back in the squad.

Mikel Obi, who is currently without a club, has not featured for Nigeria since the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

However, the midfielder is in camp, ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations this month.

Describing Mikel Obi’s integration back into the team as “natural”, Rohr said “the players are happy to see him and he has been working very hard.”

Addressing reporters at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on Tuesday evening, Rohr also expressed optimism that his players would do well at the 2019 AFCON, saying Nigerians can expect a fighting team.

“We have to be very fit because of high temperature in Egypt which is between 30 to 40 degrees centigrade and it will be difficult to recover. That is why we have to prepare very well.

“Our first match is against Burundi and we have to beat this team. We have in our group two teams who are newcomers because they have never been to the AFCON before.

“It is not going to be easy playing against them because they will have enthusiasm. Guinea also has a very good team.

“We have to come out of this group and try to be in the round of 16 and quarter finals. We have a lot of games to play and we are ready for that,” the German said.

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NFF releases photo of ex-Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu in London hospital for treatment

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NFF releases photo of ex-Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu in London hospital for  treatment

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has released a photo of Christian Chukwu, the former captain of the old Green Eagles and ex-coach of the Super Eagles who is currently in the United Kingdom (UK) for medical treatment.

He arrived in London with his wife and NFF boss Amaju Pinnick on Thursday for an appointment with a renowned cardiologist.

Upon his arrival in London, Chukwu was quoted as saying: “It is waist pain and stomach upset that I keep feeling. The doctors in Nigeria have treated the stomach upset and it remains the waist pain, but I am confident that I will come back to Nigeria having regained sound health,” 

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NFF Crisis: Aggrieved Faction Drag Pinnick-led Board To Supreme Court

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NFF Crisis: Aggrieved Faction Drag Pinnick-led Board To Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is set to deliver its judgement on the leadership crisis that has engulfed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Thursday.

Chris Giwa and his board had dragged the FIFA-recognised Amaju Pinnick-led board to the Supreme Court, to set aside the verdict of the Appeal Court after they had won at the High Court, claiming that the mandate given to them by the congress of the NFF in August 2013 was sacrosanct.

They also insist that the election in Warri that brought in the Amaju group was held in defiance of a High Court order.

But the defendants have held on to FIFA statutes to argue their case, telling the Supreme Court in their submission that football matters must not be adjudicated in the ordinary court.

They also insisted the plaintiffs had been banned by the world football governing body.

The Supreme Court will decide on Thursday, whether to uphold the verdict of Justice Joseph Tur of the Appeal Court in his judgment in 2016 when he held that the discontinuation of the cases on October 30, 2014, which was affirmed by the court, stands.

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2018 FIFA World Cup: Super Eagles To Pocket $24m

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2018 FIFA World Cup: Super Eagles To Pocket $24m

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has said that the Super Eagles players stand the chance of pocketing $24 million if they play in the final of the 2018 World Cup.

Pinnick told newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday during a parley that the money was part of the agreement reached with the players to share 50-50 whatever would accrue to the country if they get to the final and lift the trophy.

“I don’t put players under pressure. Pressure can be put on them unconsciously because we are creating enabling environment for them.

“If for example we don’t have money to prepare them, they can now relax but now, we have given them everything upfront and they should deliver.

“If today they get to the final, the World Cup money will be shared 50-50 between the team and the NFF.

“Winning the final is 48 million dollars, it means the team will get 24 million dollars and the football house will take the remaining 24 million dollars,” Pinnick said.

He also said that the adequate preparation, including grade A friendly matches have been secured with England and Czech Republic to ensure the team do well at the World Cup.

The NFF boss further said that glass house had already secured 2.8 million dollars to pay the players allowances and bonuses during the mundial.

“We are ready to play against England on June 2 in London in an international friendly. We had a conclusive meeting with the England FA.

“After the England match, we will play Czech Republic and from there we move to Russia. As it is everything is going on very well.

“For the world cup, I don’t think we have any problem, I am in touch with the technical committee. It is the desire of every Nigerian to see the Super Eagles do well at the World Cup.

“We had a meeting with the team, we signed a contract with them and ready to pay them 20 per cent of eight million dollars which is what is accrued to us for the World Cup.

“At the end of the day it amounts to 2.8million dollars which will go to the players. The money is almost 100 per cent ready,” Pinnick added.

Pinnick also explained that the football house met with some state governors who were ready to assist the NFF financially to achieve the country’s World Cup dream.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support for the NFF and the Super Eagles, and assured that they would not let him down in Russia.

2018 World Cup will run from June 14 to July 15 in Russia. 

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Nigerian Super Eagle Move 5 Steps Up In FIFA Ranking

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Nigerian Super Eagle Move 5 Steps Up In FIFA Ranking

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have moved up five places from 52nd to 47th position in the latest FIFA world ranking released on Thursday.

The ranking was published on the world football governing body’s official website.

Nigeria’s friendly matches against Poland and Serbia played a key role in their rise. Gernot Rohr’s men beat Poland in Wraclow, before losign 2-0 to Serbia in London.

In Africa, the Super Eagles are now in the sixth position.

Overall, world champions Germany remain number one, with Brazil in second, Belgium are third, Portugal are in fourth and Argentina fifth.

In sixth position are Switzerland, France are in seventh, Spain in eight, Chile in ninth and Poland in 10th.

The next Coca Cola FIFA World Ranking will be released on May 17, 2018.

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Manchester United Wonder Kid, Kehinde Reveals Why He Chose Nigeria Over England

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Manchester United Wonder Kid, Kehinde Reveals Why He Chose Nigeria Over England

Manchester United youngster, Tosin Kehinde has explained why he chose to play for Nigeria instead of England.

The young central midfielder and his representatives had held talks with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Vice President Shehu Dikko, Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi and manager Gernot Rohr at the Super Eagles Crowne Plaza Hotel in London before the national team’s friendly against Serbia.

He told BBC Sports, ”Nigeria has always been a part of me. I was born there. My whole family are Nigerian.

“I come from a very strong Nigerian background, so the influence has always been around me.”

Kehinde is hoping to follow the footsteps of Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina. He did not hide his admiration for Jay Jay Okocha and John Mikel Obi.

He added, ”When you are growing up, when you see players like Jay Jay Okocha, how good he was and the current crop of players such as Alex Iwobi and Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, the desire to get the opportunity to play for Nigeria has always been there really.”

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2018 World Cup: Super Eagle Will Need Obafemi Martins' Experience - Yobo

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2018 World Cup: Super Eagle Will Need Obafemi Martins' Experience - Yobo

 

Ex-Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo has urged coach, Gernot Rohr to consider Shanghai Shenhua striker, Obafemi Martins for a return to the national team before the commencement of the 2018 World Cup in June.

Yobo believes Martins’s experience will be useful for the team during the tournament in Russia.

“I am not imposing players on Rohr, but I think the likes of Obafemi Martins and Austin Ejide can help strengthen the defective areas,” Yobo told Vanguard.

“They are experienced players and they know the in and out of Nigeria football”, he said.

Meanwhile, Obafemi scored three goals in a match which helped his team beat Hebei 4-2 in the Chinese Super League at the weekend.

The former Newcastle United and Inter Milan star has earned 42 caps for Nigeria.

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2018 World Cup: Obuh Warns Rohr On Super Eagles' Squad, Says Stop Experimenting

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2018 World Cup: Obuh Warns Rohr On Super Eagles' Squad, Says Stop Experimenting

 

Former Nigeria U-17 team coach, John Obuh has told Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr, to stop experimenting with his team ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

With less than 80 days left before the tournament, Obuh feels Rohr should be concentrating on the players he will take to Russia.

Reacting to Nigeria’s 2-0 defeat by Serbia in an international friendly on Tuesday in London, Obuh claimed the Eagles played badly because the coaches did not use the main players.

“I think it is too early to start passing negative comments on the Eagles now. My position is that Rohr should stop spending time testing players.

“He should learn from other big teams like Germany, Spain who are already working with their main team to produce better-organised squads before the World Cup.

“In the game against Serbia, the Eagles were outplayed because the coach was still testing. The tactically disciplined Eagles we saw in the World Cup qualifiers were different from the ones that played the friendly.

“Rohr would have used the main team in the first half and injected one or two new players in the second half to blend with the team,” he said.

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Friendlies: Serbia's Mitrovic Scores Brace To End Super Eagles' Winning Streak

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Friendlies: Serbia's Mitrovic Scores Brace To End Super Eagles' Winning Streak

 

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice as Serbia defeated Nigeria 2-0 in an international friendly played in London on Tuesday night.

It was the Super Eagles’ second friendly in four days, following their 1-0 victory over Poland last Friday.

The first half ended goalless.

Serbia should have gone into the break 1-0 up, but Mitrovic’s finish, which clearly crossed the line, was not awarded by the linesman.

Francis Uzoho then produced a fine save as the half came to a close.

Nigeria’s best chance came from Victor Moses, whose shot was parried away by Vladimir Stojkovic.

Mitrovic was not to be denied again in the second half, as he swept home a cross in the 68th minute to give Serbia the lead.

The striker, who is currently on loan at Fulham from Newcastle, produced a similar finish with 10 minutes left, to make it 2-0.

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Iceland, Super Eagles Opponent Boycotts Russia World Cup

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Iceland, Super Eagles Opponent Boycotts Russia World Cup

 

Iceland on Monday announced it would stage a diplomatic boycott of the 2018 World Cup in Russia over the poisoning of a former double agent in Britain.

“Icelandic officials will not go to the FIFA World Cup in Russia this summer,” a statement from the foreign ministry read.

The EU member states have said it was highly likely Russia was responsible for the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia on March 4.

They also ordered the recall of the bloc’s ambassador to Moscow.

Iceland are in Group D alongside Nigeria, Argentina and Croatia.

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Friendlies: Tadic Names Super Eagle's Player That Will Wreak Havoc In Nigeria Vs Serbia match

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Friendlies: Tadic Names Super Eagle's Player That Will Wreak Havoc In Nigeria Vs Serbia match

‎Serbia and Southampton midfielder, Dušan Tadić has revealed that the international friendly match against Nigeria will be a tough challenge.

Tadić, however, fears that the likes of Chelsea’s Victor Moses and Leicester City duo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi would wreak havoc when both nations clash on Tuesday in North London.

Serbia lost 2-1 to Morocco in Turin last Friday and Tadic has emphasized that they will face a more physical and better opponent tomorrow.

”Morocco and Nigeria are good teams, they qualified for the World Cup due to their quality,” Tadic told the official website of the Serbian Federation.

”Nigeria has a lot of good players, we expect a very big game, physically very demanding. So, we must prepare well and make everything look better than against Morocco.

”Several players of Nigeria also appear in the Premier League.

”They have players in Leicester, Chelsea. They are physically dominant, fast, strong and will be a good opponent. It is for us to achieve a positive result,” he added.

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Friendlies: Echieijile, Igalo Send Strong Message To Nigerian Fans Ahead Of Friendly Match Against Serbia

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Friendlies: Echieijile, Igalo Send Strong Message To Nigerian Fans Ahead Of Friendly Match Against Serbia

‎Super Eagles stars, Odion Ighalo and Elderson Echieijile have sent strong message to Nigerian fans ahead of the international friendly match with Serbia on Tuesday night.

The duo called on Nigerian fans to keep supporting the team.

”We appreciate Nigerians; their support has been immense, but we need more prayers, and their unending support,” Ighalo told Brila FM.

”The fans’ support have been really great for the team,” he added.

Echiejile also appreciated the fans for their support so far, urging for more.

”Nigerians have been really fantastic with their support, and we are hoping to get more from them,” Echiejile stated.

He added, ”Currently, we are happy things are positive, and we are working hard for things to be better in each game.

”And whenever I get called upon, I am always ready to give my best, even though we are playing a friendly game, its a time to test the players, and whenever called upon, I always give my best.”

The Super Eagles will face Serbia in North London tomorrow after beating Poland on home soil on Friday.

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Friendlies: Super Eagle Head Coach, Gernot Rohr Speaks On Nigeria Vs Serbia Match

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Friendlies: Super Eagle Head Coach, Gernot Rohr Speaks On Nigeria Vs Serbia Match

‎Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr has said that the injuries ravaging his squad is an opportunity for other players to take their chance.

Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho and Bursaspor defender Shehu Abdullahi will miss Tuesday night’s friendly between Nigeria and Serbia due to injuries.

Iheanacho fractured his right hand, while Abdullahi has a hamstring complaint.

The former Manchester City forward trained away from the main group along with Okechukwu Gabriel, Stephen Eze and Oghenekaro Etebo, who also did not take part in the main session.

“He (Iheanacho is out) but that is an opportunity for other players to come in and prove what they can do,” Rohr said during his pre-match conference on Monday.

The German also stated that he is pleased with the two goalkeepers in the team, but rued Daniel Akpeyi’s absence.

He said: “One of our goalkeepers (Akpeyi) had a problem with entry visa but so far I’m pleased with the two we have here. Ezenwa and Uzoho.

“At the moment, I’m satisfied with the young one (Uzoho). Before he arrived, we were a young team and he’s here now and it’s good for the future.

“Other players in the team are helping him to do well in terms of positioning during corners.”

On the game, Rohr added: “The result is not the most important thing for us. It’s what we can see, learn and what the players can do. The players need competition and I think they are getting it.”

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2018 World Cup Friendlies: Mikel Obi, Etebo, Ebuehi To Start In Nigeria Vs Serbia Match

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2018 World Cup Friendlies: Mikel Obi, Etebo, Ebuehi To Start In Nigeria Vs Serbia Match

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr will have captain John Obi Mikel back for Tuesday’s friendly game against Serbia in London.

The Tianjin TEDA midfielder did not play against Poland on Friday, as he was unable to sort out logistic issues.

Rohr has however ruled out Bursaspor fullback, Shehu Abdullahi, after he limped out of the Poland match.

Abdullahi was substituted with what looked like a hamstring injury, with Tyronne Ebuehi coming in his place. He is expected to undergo a scan while in the UK with the rest of the squad.

“We have some injured players ahead of the game against Serbia, but we are hopeful the injury isn’t a serious one.

“Abdullahi will have a scan in England to determine if he can play but like you saw today Ebuehi can play if he is not fit,” Rohr said.

The coach also said he is hopeful that Las Palmas midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo, will be available for the game.

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World Cup 2018 Friendlies: Lewandowski Speaks On Poland, Nigerian Match

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World Cup 2018 Friendlies: Lewandowski Speaks On Poland, Nigerian Match

Poland captain, Robert Lewandowski, has said that they will be playing Nigeria and South Korea, to get first-hand knowledge of teams they will be facing in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The Poles have been grouped with Senegal, Japan and Colombia.

“The selection of opponents was influenced by the teams we have in our group,” the former Borussia Dortmund star told the Poland Football Federation official website on Tuesday.

“Each game, however, will be different because the teams in our group have different styles.

“For us, learning these different styles will be the first lesson of what we can expect at the World Cup.

“The friendly matches itself is the first stage of preparations for the World Cup. It is a moment to check new set-up options and show quality in a non-competitive game.

“In this respect, too, it is an important element, and we want to show that we can play football, and the new players will have to show that they can fit in and give us good balance.”

Lewandowski also emphasized on the importance on getting results during test games ahead of the finals.

“There may be weaker matches, but if we want to present ourselves as well as possible, we must prove quality even in training.

“We know that it may look different. If the result is not perfect, it does not mean that it will be bad, because maybe the game will look good, there will be optimistic conclusions. It may not be a test, but showing that we also have quality to do well,” the Bayern Munich striker added.

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FIFA Ranking: Nigeria Super Eagles Retains Position Despite Securing World Cup Ticket

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FIFA Ranking: Nigeria Super Eagles Retains Position Despite Securing World Cup Ticket

 

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have retained the 52nd position in the latest FIFA ranking released on Thursday.

Nigeria is also seventh in Africa in the March FIFA/Coca Cola World rankings.

Nigeria had 609 points, two points below Cameroon that is 51st in the world.

The top five remains, with Germany still on top, while Poland that will be up against the Super Eagles in a friendly are the only movers in the top 20, having climbed into joint-sixth position alongside Spain.

Tunisia remains the top African country on 23rd position, followed by Senegal on 27th and DR Congo on 39th.

The Super Eagles World Cup Group D foes, Argentina is on 4th place, Croatia on 15th and Iceland on 18th.

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