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CSR: Shell launches Africa’s first Kinetic football pitch

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By Joseph BAMIDELE 
LAGOS-IN an effort to further its corporate social responsibility, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)of Nigeria has built Africa’s first human and solar power football pitch in Lagos at the Federal College of Education, Akoka.
Shell contributes $44 billion to FG in five yearsThe new pitch according to Managing Director of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, SPDC and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor is the latest initiative from the company’s Make The Future Programme which puts bright energy ideas into action to bring benefits to local communities around the world.
Speaking during the launch of the pitch on Thursday‎ in Lagos, Mr. Okunbor said it is the first in Africa and the second in the world.
He explained that the pitch was refurbished by Shell using the more than 90 underground tiles that capture kinetic energy created by the movement of the players.
Okunbor added that the tiles, which are the invention of a young British entrepreneur and foinder of Pavegen, Laurence Kemball-Cook who has been supported through Shell LiveWire ‎stores kinetic energy combined with the power generated by solar panels to operate the new floodlight.
“This bright energy idea allows the students to play at night and provides a safer and more secure space at the heart of the community,” Okunbor said.
“Shell makes a significant contribution to energy solution for Nigeria, and we are committed to supporting the Nigeria economy and its people. We need bright ideas. Some of these will come from Shell but naturally, others will come from outside our business.
“So it’s crucial that Shell supports energy entrepreneurs, and we hope that this pitch will inspire more entrepreneurs and young people to help us to make a smarter energy future.”
The launch of the pitch was done alongside African Entertainer and solar entrepreneur, Akon who is committed to teach young Africans the importance of harnessing the power of Africa’s renewable energy.
He stated that through his ‘Akon Lighting Africa’ initiative which is a large scale effort to develop solar-power solutions that will provide African communities with access to clean and affordable sources of electricity has cut across 15 African countries, as Nigerian awaits the initiative soon.
“New, reliable and smarter energy solutions play a major role in driving human progress in Africa, projects like this innovative football pitch draw attention to the major opportunity that Nigeria as well as the whole of Africa have if we look to better harness new technologies and the continents abundant renewable energy resources,” Akon said.
Inventor of the underground tiles, Laurence Kemball-Cook said “our work with Shell has been pivotal to Pavegen’s growth. We got involved with Shell LiveWire and Shell Springboard, and both programmes have really helped us transition from a start-up to a small company with a 25 strong staff and global IP.
Provost of the Federal College of Education, Akoka added “we have more than 10, 000 students teachers, who will benefit from this innovative solution to light our football pitch. They will be the next generation of teachers across Nigeria and they can use their first hand experience of this pitch to inspire their pupils that they too can work towards developing bright energy ideas that could make a real difference to their community, Nigeria or even the world.”

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Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return

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Chelsea are set to receive a welcome boost with Omari Kellyman nearing a return to action after a frustrating start to his Stamford Bridge career.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £19 million summer transfer, has been sidelined with a serious hamstring injury since September.

Kellyman initially made an impression with Chelsea’s Under-21s, scoring twice in three appearances, including during a 4-2 defeat to Leipzig in the Premier League International Cup. However, his progress was halted by the injury, which has kept him out of action for months.

READ MORE: Chelsea Desires Permanent Deal For João Félix After Collapse Of Omorodion Deal

According to reports from the Daily Mail, Kellyman is now on track to return within the next four weeks, offering Chelsea a much-needed boost as the team looks to navigate a congested festive fixture schedule. The teenager is expected to be fit before Christmas and could soon make his senior debut for the club.

Reflecting on his move to Chelsea earlier this year, Kellyman expressed his excitement about joining the West London outfit. “It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join. It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Kellyman’s footballing journey began at Derby County, where he progressed through the youth ranks and was promoted to the first-team squad by Wayne Rooney at just 16 years old.

After leaving Derby for Aston Villa in 2022, he signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League debut last season against Manchester City.

Despite his brief stint at Villa, which included a Europa Conference League appearance, Kellyman made the high-profile move to Chelsea in June, signing a six-year contract.

Now, as he edges closer to full fitness, both the player and the club will hope his long-awaited debut signals the start of a successful tenure at Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea Holds Scouting Summit With Enzo Maresca

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Earlier this month, Chelsea Football Club convened a comprehensive meeting of their first-team recruitment team, aimed at aligning their efforts with the club’s overarching vision.

This scouting summit brought together approximately 30 of the club’s key talent identifiers, with the objective of reinvigorating the search for future stars in world football.

Adding an extra layer of inspiration to the gathering, Leicester City manager and former Manchester City assistant, Enzo Maresca, made a guest appearance. Maresca, who briefly worked alongside some of Chelsea’s current personnel during his time under Pep Guardiola, took time to pose for a group photograph with the team. Those present reportedly left the summit feeling “enthused, energised, and as motivated as ever” to uncover the next generation of footballing gems.

READ MORE: Osimhen Casts Doubts Over Touted Winter Move To Chelsea

The Italian tactician has maintained an interest in Chelsea’s squad and their emerging talents. A source close to Maresca suggested that he harbours a keen desire to see Cole Palmer, one of Chelsea’s brightest young signings, team up with Joao Felix, the Portuguese forward who enjoyed a brief but impactful loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season.

While Palmer continues to thrive at Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester City, Felix’s future remains uncertain, with speculation persisting about whether the Blues could revisit a permanent deal for the Atlético Madrid star.

Chelsea’s recruitment team will undoubtedly keep such possibilities in mind as they look to execute their shared vision, leveraging the energy from this summit to identify players capable of complementing the club’s long-term strategy. With Maresca’s words and presence leaving a lasting impression, the search for the world’s finest footballing gems continues in earnest.

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Lukeba’s €90m Clause Attracts Real Madrid, PL Clubs

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RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has become a hot topic in the transfer market following details about his new contract.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lukeba’s release clause will come into effect in the summer of 2025, starting at around €90 million and varying from season to season.

This development has drawn the attention of football giants, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping a close watch on the French centre-back’s progress. Premier League clubs are also monitoring Lukeba as a potential defensive reinforcement for 2025.

READ MORE: Wizkid Breaks Spotify Records With ‘Kese (Dance)’ Release

The 20-year-old, who joined Leipzig from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023, has already made an impression in the Bundesliga with his composed defensive skills and tactical versatility. His rising profile has placed him among Europe’s most promising young defenders, making him a coveted target for top clubs.

Leipzig’s decision to include a fluctuating release clause highlights their commitment to protecting Lukeba’s value while leaving the door open for a future big-money move.

With Real Madrid and several Premier League sides in the mix, the 2025 summer transfer window is already shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Lukeba’s career. Fans and scouts alike will be closely watching his development as he continues to shine in Leipzig’s backline.

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