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Man City move close to history – thanks to an unlikely hero

Sports

Efiok Ephraim

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May 15, 2024

Man City move close to history – thanks to an unlikely hero

2 mn read

Manchester City saw an unlikely hero emerge from their galaxy of superstars to make a potentially defining contribution in their pursuit of an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title.

Pep Guardiola rightly acted with caution when he removed keeper Ederson, with City leading 1-0, after he suffered a nasty blow to the head in a heavy collision at the foot of his post with Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.

Ederson, who had a problem with his eye, did not look happy with the decision – taken upon advice from the club doctor – but his manager was perfectly justified, not just acting in the best interests of the Brazilian keeper but also because he has complete trust in his replacement Stefan Ortega.

And in a 21-minute cameo of the highest quality, Ortega – who has performed with distinction every time he has deputised for Ederson this season – may well have rubber-stamped City’s sixth title in seven seasons.

When the final whistle sounded and the club stood one win away from being champions again, Guardiola headed straight for Ortega and greeted the German with a kiss on the cheek for his crucial contribution. It was richly deserved.

Guardiola did not hold back with the praise as he said: “Ortega is a world-class goalkeeper. An exceptional, exceptional goalkeeper. Ederson did not have concussion, he had a problem with his eye. He could not see properly so the doctor said I should change.”

Spurs made a complete mockery of the cynics who suggested they may ease off because any sort of positive result could potentially give rivals Arsenal their first Premier League title in 20 years.

Ange Postecoglou’s fifth-placed side were fully committed in chasing a goal of their own as they went after a place in the Champions League and it was not for any lack of effort as they came so close to upsetting City’s traditional title charge. They were left disappointed in the end as defeat confirmed Aston Villa’s fourth-placed finish and they will now join European football’s top table.

Ortega’s impact was instant, denying Spurs substitute Dejan Kulusevski with a good save and then the same player shortly afterwards as City almost paid the price for a performance that was not one of their best.

The biggest moment came in the closing minutes, with City clinging on to a one-goal lead, when Son Heung-min collected the ball and raced clear with only Ortega to beat. It was the sort of opportunity the South Korean has taken with aplomb so many times in his Spurs career.

Tech Revolution: How Africa’s insurance landscape is set to transform

Technology

Baye Bin

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May 15, 2024

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Tech Revolution: How Africa’s insurance landscape is set to transform

2 mn read

In the heart of Africa’s bustling technological renaissance lies a quiet yet profound revolution brewing in the insurance sector.

Fueled by the combined forces of skyrocketing internet and mobile penetration rates, the advent of digital distribution channels, plummeting technology costs, and the integration of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), insurance penetration across the continent’s developing economies is on the brink of a seismic shift.

Internet and mobile penetration

Africa’s tech surge knows no bounds, with internet and mobile connectivity reaching unprecedented levels. Surpassing the billion-mark milestone in mobile subscriptions, the continent stands as a beacon of the global mobile revolution. This digital connectivity isn’t merely about communication; it’s a gateway to financial inclusion, with insurance poised to take center stage.

Digital distribution channels

Gone are the days when insurance remained shackled by traditional distribution models. Enter the era of digital distribution, where mobile applications and online platforms serve as the conduits for insurers to tap into previously unreachable markets. This digital frontier promises tailored insurance solutions, democratizing access and empowering the masses with financial security.

Lower cost of technology

The once prohibitive cost of technology is now within grasp, heralding a new era of affordability for businesses in Africa’s emerging markets. Cloud computing emerges as a game-changer, offering insurers scalable solutions for data storage and processing. This tech revolution isn’t just about flashy gadgets; it’s about laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and innovation.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence isn’t a distant dream but a present-day reality reshaping the insurance landscape. From risk assessment to claims processing, AI-powered algorithms are streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. Chatbots and virtual assistants add a personalised touch to customer interactions, revolutionising the insurance experience.

Impact on insurance penetration

The convergence of these technological marvels isn’t just about flashy gadgets; it’s about empowering millions with financial security. By harnessing digital distribution channels and AI-driven insights, insurers are breaking down barriers and reaching the underserved. Affordable insurance products, accessible via mobile devices, are rewriting the narrative of financial inclusion across Africa.

Latin America is leading the way

Amidst the burgeoning tech revolution in insurance, Latin America stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovation. Take, for instance, the case of Comparaencasa, a pioneering platform reshaping the insurance landscape across the region. Serving as a digital intermediary between consumers and insurers.

Compareemcasa has democratised access to insurance products, empowering users to compare policies, prices, and coverage options with ease. By leveraging technology to simplify the often-complex process of insurance shopping, Comparaencasa has not only fostered greater transparency but has also catalysed competition within the industry, driving down costs and expanding choices for consumers. This success story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how digital disruption can revolutionise insurance penetration and foster financial inclusion in Latin America and beyond.

Challenges and Opportunities

Yet, amidst the promise lies a landscape dotted with challenges. Regulatory hurdles, infrastructural gaps, and low financial literacy pose formidable obstacles. However, these challenges aren’t insurmountable. They’re opportunities for collaboration and innovation, beckoning stakeholders to join forces in unlocking Africa’s untapped insurance potential.

Africa’s insurance sector stands at a crossroads, poised for transformation. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, yet ripe with opportunities. With concerted efforts and collaborative initiatives, the continent is on the cusp of a revolution that promises to redefine insurance penetration and pave the way for inclusive growth and prosperity. As Africa embraces the tech revolution, the future of insurance shines brighter than ever before.

Inside Usyk’s heavyweight transformation & biggest weakness

Sports

Efiok Ephraim

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May 15, 2024

0

Inside Usyk’s heavyweight transformation & biggest weakness

4 mn read

Oleksandr Usyk’s place as a future hall of fame inductee cannot be disputed.

The 37-year-old Ukrainian is a fighter who will be heralded as a boxing great in years to come.

On Saturday, Usyk will look to further secure his legacy by becoming the first ever four-belt heavyweight champion when he takes on Briton Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia.

“Oleksandr is a superstar,” former opponent Tony Bellew tells BBC Sport.

Usyk reigned supreme as an amateur, winning European, world and Olympic gold.

In the paid ranks, Usyk won his first cruiserweight world title in just his 10th professional bout, before travelling to fellow champions’ backyards and cleaning up the division within five fights.

“If he beats Tyson, he can go down as one of the greatest fighters ever,” says Bellew.

BBC Sport looks Usyk’s transition from the world’s best cruiserweight to a unified heavyweight champion who dethroned Anthony Joshua in 2022, before winning the rematch just months after defending his country against the Russian invasion.

How Usyk grew into the weight

Tale of the tape which shows Fury's height at 6ft 9in, reach at 85in and previous weight at 19st 8lb. For Usyk, his height is 6ft 3in, reach 78in and weight 15st 10lb — Image caption,

Briton Fury has won 34 fights with one draw, while Usyk has won all 21 pro fights

After defending his undisputed cruiserweight crown against Bellew in November 2018, Usyk – with nothing left to achieve in the division – jumped to heavyweight.

Quite remarkably, the 6ft 3in Usyk had previously fought as a middleweight in the amateurs.

For all his natural talent and boxing prowess though, there were question marks over whether he had the size to compete with boxing’s big boys. Only Evander Holyfield and Briton David Haye had won world titles in both divisions.

But with a strong focus on strength and conditioning, swimming and full-body workouts, Usyk steadily built into the weight.

He took 10 months out and added just over a stone – weighing 15st 3lb – for his heavyweight debut against Chazz Witherspoon.

Despite still giving up nearly two stone, Usyk eased to a stoppage win.

He gained two more pounds for a harder-than-expected points win over British gatekeeper Derek Chisora in October 2020.

“He wanted to stand there with ‘Del Boy’ and see how the power was and whether he could take the punch – which he did,” Bellew says.

Witherspoon and Chisora were far from elite-level contenders but Usyk felt ready for a huge step up in opponent against champion Joshua.

Dispelling the little guy theory against AJ

Usyk – who missed the birth of his child while training for Fury earlier this year – is dedicated to his craft.

Swimming forms a key part of his training. According to his manager, Egis Klimas, Usyk swam 10km nonstop as preparation and was able to hold his breath for four minutes and 40 seconds.

Juggling and catching coins are Usyk’s staple party tricks, but they too signify the importance he places on shaping his cat-like reflexes.

The training and focus paid dividends against Joshua – Usyk’s resilience and fitness levels were on full show when he outclassed the Briton for most of the 24 rounds they shared.

Usyk came in at 15st 11lb for both fights – which he seemingly feels is his optimal weight having tipped the scales around the same mark against Daniel Dubois in August.

Joshua was 20lb heavier and then 23lb in the rematch.

“I kept saying that Joshua was just too big, but the size was matched by just how good Usyk is,” Bellew says.

Still there are those who still question Usyk’s heavyweight credentials.

Bellew describes Usyk as a “novice heavyweight in some ways” having never been pushed to his “absolute limit”.

For Bellew, however, Usyk’s superiority and ability to find an extra gear is key.

“Usyk ticked all the boxes in the second AJ fight,” Bellew says. “Going into round nine or 10, he is behind or it’s level. Then going into the championship rounds, Usyk just finds another level.”

Is Usyk vulnerable to the body?

Oleksandr Usyk wincing on the canvas after being hit by Daniel Dubois — Image caption,

Usyk – who has never been knocked down as a pro – was floored by Daniel Dubois but it was ruled a low blow

When negotiations for the Fury fight in April 2023 stalled, Usyk turned his attention to WBA mandatory challenger Dubois.

Dubois landed a body shot in the fifth round, sending Usyk to the canvas. The punch was declared a low blow.

“In my humble opinion, my guy delivered and landed the perfect blow on the beltline and he should be the one facing Tyson Fury,” Dubois’ trainer Don Charles tells BBC Sport.

Regardless of the legalities of the punch, Charles says it exposed an Usyk vulnerability.

“It was well documented prior to Daniel facing him that Usyk doesn’t like being hit to the body,” Charles says.

“He has an old injury here. There were moments in the second AJ fight where he turned around citing a low blow but it wasn’t.”

Usyk was dropped by body shots twice in the amateurs. On both occasions, Usyk rose to his feet and outpointed his opponent.

Former world champion Hannah Rankin believes Fury might be “too big” for Usyk.

“If he can target the body, it could be Usyk’s undoing,” she says.

Bellew, however, dismisses this supposed weakness as a “myth.”

“I’ve had my ribs broken on numerous occasions. It hurts and it’s not nice, but he’s not weaker than anyone else in the body,” Bellew says.

“Maybe he doesn’t carry as much protection around the midriff than someone like Tyson Fury, but he takes a body shot like everyone else.”

Is Infinix NOTE 40 the mid-range champion?

Business

Baye Bin

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May 15, 2024

0

Is Infinix NOTE 40 the mid-range champion?

4 mn read

The Nigerian smartphone market is becoming increasingly competitive, with several mid-range devices vying for consumer attention.

Notable among them are the Infinix Note 40, Redmi Note 13, and Realme 11. Each brand brings its unique features to the table, striving to claim the title of mid-range champion by offering a balance of performance, design, and practicality. In this comparison, we will take a closer look at these devices and determine which one reigns supreme in a market where quality and functionality are highly valued.

Charging and Battery

Both Redmi Note 13 and Realme 11 maintain a standard with 5000mAh batteries and 33W fast charging. While they provide decent charging speeds, they lack the advanced technology and convenience offered by Infinix’s innovative wireless charging capabilities. The Infinix Note 40 isn’t just equipped with a standard 5000mAh battery; it transforms the charging experience with 45W wired fast charging, which powers up the battery to 50% in just 19 minutes. Furthermore, Infinix elevates the charging game with a 20W wireless MagCharge system, supported by innovative magnetic accessories like the MagCase, MagPad, and MagPower, allowing for effortless charging.

Is Infinix NOTE 40 the mid-range champion?

Both the Redmi Note 13 and Realme 11 do not offer wireless charging, placing them a step behind Infinx Note 40 in technological innovation. The wireless charging of the NOTE 40 isn’t just about power; it’s about convenience and ease, allowing users to charge their devices effortlessly. These features are particularly advantageous in Nigeria, where power fluctuations are common, making fast and reliable charging essential.

At a time when other phone brands like Apple and Samsung are progressively eliminating chargers from their packaging, Infinix’s approach undoubtedly wins consumers’ favour.

Design/Display:

With its 6.78-inch FHD+ OLED display, the Infinix Note 40 offers a visually stunning experience, enhanced by a high refresh rate that guarantees smooth scrolling and superior responsiveness. The slim bezels and sophisticated design of the Infinix Note 40 surpasses Redmi Note 13’s 6.67-inch display and the even smaller 6.43-inch screen of the Realme 11, as they fail to maximise the visual impact in the way Infinix Note 40 does.

Camera

The Infinix Note 40’s camera setup is another area where it truly outshines the pack. While the Infinix Note 40 and Redmi Note 13 may share a similar 108MP main camera specification, the Infinix takes a definitive lead with its superior front camera—a 32MP sensor that captures wider, clearer, and more detailed selfies compared to the Redmi’s 16MP and Realme’s 8MP front cameras. This difference is not just in numbers; the quality of selfies and front-facing videos significantly enhances user experience, making the Infinix Note 40 the preferred choice for vloggers and selfie lovers. Additionally, the higher aperture and sensor size on the Infinix ensures better low-light performance and depth in photos, which the Redmi and Realme struggle to match.

The Realme 11, with its 64MP main camera, appears almost antiquated in comparison, lacking both the resolution and advanced features that Infinix users enjoy. It’s clear that when it comes to camera capabilities, Infinix isn’t just playing in the same league; it’s defining it.

OS

While the Redmi Note 13 and Realme 11 offer stable experiences with Android 13, they miss out on the significant advancements that Android 14 brings to the Infinix Note 40. The Infinix Note 40 stands out with the latest Android 14 operating system, complemented by the customised XOS 14 interface.

For Nigerian users, the advancements in Android 14 could mean more efficient data management, which is crucial due to the varying internet speeds and costs of data. Additionally, Android 14’s improved power efficiency features, help users to maximize their device’s battery life.

The Infinix NOTE 40, with its newer OS, may offer a slightly longer lifespan in terms of receiving future Android updates. This aspect is crucial for Nigerian users who prefer devices that remain current with the latest software for more extended periods.

Verdict

In summary, while the Redmi Note 13 Pro has gained attention in the mid-range market, the Infinix NOTE 40 clearly leads the pack. It prioritises essential features that resonate deeply with users—like rapid 45W wired and 20W wireless magnetic charging, alongside a premium design that sets it apart. The Infinix NOTE 40 is designed for efficiency and convenience, surpassing its competitors who still cling to more traditional, slower charging methods. It does not burden users with superfluous features but instead presents a streamlined, premium design that is both functional and stylish, clearly setting it apart from the crowd. With its well-rounded offering, it takes the crown as a midrange killer without any real weaknesses.

Feature	Infinix Note 40	Redmi Note 13	Realme 11
Display	6.78″ FHD OLED, 2.5D, 120Hz	6.67″ FHD OLED, Straight Screen	6.43″ FHD OLED, Straight Screen
Processor	Helio G99	Snapdragon 4GEN1	D6020
Charging	45W Wired, 15W Wireless, 5W Wireless Reverse	33W Wired	33W Wired
RAM	8 GB	8 GB	8 GB
ROM	256 GB, 128 GB	256 GB, 128 GB	256 GB, 128 GB
Main Camera	108MP + 2 + Q	108MP	64MP
Front Camera	32MP	16MP	8MP
Battery	5000mAh	5000mAh	5000mAh
Fingerprint	In-Display Screen	In-Display Screen	In-Display Screen
Other Features	BT 5.3, Type C (Support PD Agreement), Beyblade, Dual speaker, 10W NFC, 10W OTG, IP53, Dual mic + AI Noise Reduction, 15W Magnetic Tempered Glass film	Leather Appearance	Leather Appearance

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4 Nigerian-owned banks make list of Africa’s best financial institutions

Business

Baye Bin

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May 15, 2024

0

4 Nigerian-owned banks make list of Africa’s best financial institutions

2 mn read

Four Nigerian-owned banks have been included in the list of World’s Best Banks for the African region in 2024.

According to the report published by Global Finance, the strength and resilience demonstrated by the financial institutions based in Africa have been linked to the shrewdness and prowess exhibited by the banks’ top leadership and management.

This comes amid the huge challenges faced by financial institutions in the region owing to the economic crisis currently rocking the continent.

Nigerian-owned banks among Africa’s best

Among the 32 banks sampled across 36 African countries, four Nigerian-owned banks made the prestigious list, three of them as the top banks in other countries.

1. Zenith Bank Plc — Nigeria

Zenith Bank Plc has over 10,000 staff globally spread across 500 branches and business offices in Nigeria. The bank also has its other African subsidiaries in Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and South Africa.

From the report, the bank came tops in Nigeria.

2. Access Bank — Ghana

Access Bank, owned by Access Bank Group, is a multinational commercial bank with subsidiaries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Gambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Zambia, and the United Kingdom.

The bank won the best bank in Ghana and has recently indicated an interest in Kenya, where it is in the process of buying over the National Bank of Kenya (NBK) at an estimated $100 million price tag.

3. United Bank for Africa (UBA) — Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone

The bank enjoys patronage from over 21 million customers spread across 1,000 branches in 20 African countries. UBA was named as the best bank in Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone.

The bank however, is facing some threat in Burkina Faso as the country has indicated interest in aligning with Mali and Niger to form a separate alliance aimed at exiting the ECOWAS bloc, and the West African Economic and Monetary Union.

4. Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) — Gambia

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) founded in 1990 is a global financial institution. It transitioned into a holding company known as GTCO Plc following the corporate reorganisation of GTB in 2021. It currently has subsidiaries in Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Sierra Leone, and the United Kingdom.

GTB won the best bank prize in Gambia.

TECNO’s highlights from the AMVCA 10th edition

Baye Bin

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May 15, 2024

0

TECNO’s highlights from the AMVCA 10th edition

2 mn read

As the night unfolded at the 10th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, the air was thick with excitement and anticipation.

From the glitz and glamour of the red carpet to the captivating allure of the TECNO booth, attendees were immersed in a world where technology and star power collided.

Against the backdrop of flashing lights and buzzing cameras, familiar faces graced the TECNO booth, adding a layer of sparkle to an already dazzling affair. Beyond the surface, this captures snapshots of the movie industry at its pinnacle, where innovation and creativity intertwine to celebrate the essence of African cinema.