Pre-Season: Best Talent Record another Victory, Humble Future Bright 2-0 at Redemption City

By: Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR)

The Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO1) side, Best Talent FC of Mowe made another stunning and resounding statement with 2-0 pre-season victory over Future Bright Football Club at Redemption City Temple Arena, Mowe, Ogun State today, Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025.

It was a game of two half victory for the Mowe outfits as Jamiu and Aregbesola found the back of the net at 38 and 74 minutes of the much energy sapping encounter. The Farouk Yusuf tutored lads were more cohesive and distributive putting their counterparts below par .

Speaking after the match, Coach Farouk, who has become a prominent figure in grassroots football, was full of praise for his team’s performance but made it clear that there’s much more to come.

“The fans have not seen anything yet,” he said confidently. “This team is still in its embryo stage. What you witnessed today is only a glimpse of what we are building ahead of the new season. ”

Farouk, whose coaching résumé includes stints with Magate FC, Fackson Tofido, and Coca-Cola Junior School, has now led his side to the second consecutive victory within the spate of four days at the Redemption Temple Arena.

“I give big kudos to my players and the entire crew for doing a wonderful job today,” he said. “They all stuck to the instructions, internalized our tactical inputs, and neutralized the opposition right from the whistle. I am very proud of them.”

Farouk also praised the club’s leadership and support staff, emphasizing the importance of teamwork both on and off the pitch.

“My Chairman is a man of many parts and influence. The entire management team, medical staff, and media crew are all instrumental in making this happen,” he noted. “Football is all about teamwork, and I hope we can continue to sustain and even increase the tempo.”

As Best Talent FC looks ahead to the NLO1 season, Farouk remains focused on building a team capable of not just competing but dominating.

“We are still building this team. Once it reaches the level we desire, victories like today’s will become the norm,” he concluded.

With such a strong start to their pre-season and a coach determined to take them to the top, Best Talent FC fans have every reason to be excited for what’s to come.

Isoko Mirror to celebrate 20th anniversary with Book Launch and Excellent Awards

Isoko Mirror Newspaper will mark a major milestone on Saturday, October 4, 2025, as it celebrates 20 years on the newsstand with a grand event featuring a book launch and the conferment of Excellent Awards to distinguished individuals.

The event undzr the chairmanchip of Elder Napoleon Akpughe, will take place at Mano Hotel and Suites, Oleh, the headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area, with activities scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m.

As part of the tradition accompanying its anniversary celebrations, Isoko Mirror will recognize and honour outstanding members of society whose work and character exemplify excellence in service and human development.

The ceremony which has Chairman of Isoko North, Prince Godwin Ogorugba as Special Guest of Honour, would feature a lecture by Prof. U. B. Okpevra , while the book would be reviewed by Dr. Isaac Ejebe.

In an official letter issued by Dr. Felida Osede Essi, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Isoko Mirror Newspaper, nominees were commended for their unwavering dedication, commitment, and philanthropic contributions to the development of human capacity, especially in aiding the less privileged and vulnerable across various communities.

“Your nomination is as a result of your dedication, commitment and immense contributions to the development of human capacity, especially your philanthropic gestures towards the needy and indigent persons across board,” the letter stated.

Nominees and invited guests are expected to confirm their participation and make necessary preparations for the award ceremony by contacting the numbers provided: 08023174276 or 08033673918.

The 20th anniversary celebration promises to be a momentous and memorable occasion, reflecting Isoko Mirror Newspaper’s continued dedication to community journalism, societal development, and excellence in media practice.

Federal High Court Bars Mark, Aregbesola From ADC Leadership Claims

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has welcomed the ruling of the Federal High Court restraining former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and others from parading themselves as national executive members of the party.

In a statement, the party said the judgment vindicates its position on the legitimacy of its leadership and reaffirms its commitment to restoring what it called the “authentic glory” of the ADC.

The party’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Dr. Christopher Okechukwu, extended an open invitation to political leaders and Nigerians across all walks of life to join the ADC, stressing that membership registration will soon be seamless and accessible nationwide.

The ADC urged its coalition partners to support the leadership of Hon. Nafiu Bala as National Chairman, adding that collective effort is crucial to building a stronger and more inclusive future for the country.

**Commends Him for appointing Dr. Agbolayah as Special Adviser on Community Development

The Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in Delta State, Elder Omeni Sobotie, says that no opposition party can withstand the developmental records of Governor Oborevwori in Delta State.

Elder Sobotie stated this Wednesday, September 10, at his office in Asaba when the Special Adviser to Governor Oborevwori on Community Development, Dr. Toyin Agbolayah, paid him a courtesy visit, expressing that Deltans are happy with Governor Oborevwori and know exactly what to do in 2027.

He commended Governor Oborevwori for appointing Dr. Toyin Agbolayah as the Special Adviser on Community Development, championing community development in the state, adding that his work is laudable enough for the party to see, particularly in coordinating Presidents-General across the state.

The Governor’s Special Adviser, in his remarks at the meeting, extended warm felicitations to the APC Chairman on his recent birth anniversary celebration.

Dr. Agbolayah appreciated the APC Chairman for his continuous support for the Governor, noting that the visit was mainly for the Office of the Special Adviser on Community Development to avail itself before the party leadership and to pledge total loyalty and commitment to the party’s structure, as well as to let the party’s leadership know that there’s an office created by the Governor to ensure the needs of the people at the grassroots get to the Governor for actualization.

He assured the Chairman of his office’s readiness to collaborate with the party’s leadership in delivering the MORE Agenda of His Excellency the Governor and the RENEWED HOPE mantra of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Deltans across all nooks and crannies of Delta State, which is the RENEWED HOPE FOR MORE AGENDA in Delta State.

The Special Adviser, while highlighting a good number of already executed projects across all communities at the grassroots, thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for making sure the Office of the Special Adviser on Community Development is active to attend to the interests of the people in the grassroots.

Reiterating his commitment to the actualization of the RENEWED HOPE FOR MORE Agenda, Dr. Toyin Agbolayah stressed that the establishment of the Office of the Special Adviser on Community Development was to cater to the interests of the people at the grassroots, even as he urged all political appointees, opinion leaders, and stakeholders to go back to their various roots, units, wards, and LGAs to mobilize fully for the ongoing voter registration.

Dr. Agbolayah assured the party Chairman that he has directed all political appointees on Community Development to make sure all eligible voters in their areas are registered in the ongoing registration.

While emphasizing the importance of peace, the Special Adviser assured the Chairman that his office was ensuring regular communication with Presidents-General and community opinion leaders for more peaceful co-existence across the state.

NIS to partner NASS in talents discovery, Says DG, Comrade  Shaibu

The director general and chief executive officer of the National Institute for Sports, H. E. Comrade Philip Shaibu says the institute will partner with the National Assembly in discovery of young Nigerians athletes across their various constituents.

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo state also pressed on the issue of qualified coaches that will be trained by the institution especially coaches that will be deployed to locals, state and federal levels.

The NIS Boss disclosed this at the Hon. Patrick Umoh, Chairman, House Committee on Health Institutions and member representing Ikot Ekpene/ Essien Udim / Obot Akara Federal Constituency grand football finale held at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Ikot Ekpene LGA, Akwa Ibom State on Sunday, 7th September, 2025.

” This is an opportunity to inform you that, we at the NIS are ready to partner with the National Assembly in discovery of young athletes for Nigeria.

” I know through you all in your various constituents, we can reach out to grassroots where the children are. Remember that through sports, we can curb criminal activities in this country.

“Another thing is, we will no longer tolerate anybody who is not a certified coach in this country. Reasons is that, this children are foundation of our athletes. What you impact on them is what will show them as they grow up. Therefore, we in NIS are saying no more quackery in coaches in Nigeria. If you want to coach, you must earned the qualifications.

“Once again, we are ready to partner with you through your various constituncy projects in achieving this laudable objective in turning the sporting eco-system in our country.

Comrade Philip Shaibu has a distinguished record as an accomplished sportsman, former captain of Bendel Insurance Football Club, and respected sports administrator is such that his presence at the event didn’t not only emphasise the vital role of sports in youth development, but also serve as a powerful inspiration and morale booster to the young talents who was showcases their skills.

ODSFA Begins Construction of Sitting Pavilion at Agency’s Pitch

The Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) has commenced the construction of a modern sitting pavilion at its pitch, with the foundation laying ceremony officially flagged off.

This laudable project is another great initiative of the ODSFA Chairman, Mr. Divine Ogbonnaya, aimed at enhancing football infrastructure in the state. Already, football stakeholders have commended the visionary move, describing it as a bold step toward creating a conducive atmosphere for players, officials, and fans.

They also expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for appointing a football technocrat like Mr. Ogbonnaya to steer the affairs of the agency, noting that his leadership has brought fresh energy and purposeful direction to the game in Ondo State.

Indeed, it is a new dawn for football development in the Sunshine State, with the pavilion project marking another milestone in the ongoing drive to reposition the sport for greater glory.

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Eagles will approach Bafana match with confidence – Captain Ekong

Captain William Ekong has assured that there will be no diffidence in the Super Eagles’ play when they take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a potentially-explosive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night.

The defender, who was voted Man of the Competition at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire, said the Eagles will also not be thinking of their penalty shootout defeat of the Bafana at that competition’s semi-final stage.

“We defeated them at the Africa Cup but that is in the past and some changes have been made to both teams since then. Our approach will be devoid of arrogance; we will play with level heads and go all out for victory. There will be no arrogance but we will not be diffident either.

“South Africa is a good team that we respect but we just have to go on the pitch and play our game. Our objective has not changed; we want to go to the FIFA World Cup finals next year.”

Coach Eric Chelle said he will be putting his best foot forward from the first blast of Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho’s whistle at the Toyota Stadium.

“We have come here to play for the three points, so we will be sending out the team that will get the job done. We are happy to have overcome Rwanda but we have to conquer here tomorrow in order to be in a good position for the qualification.”

Although Nigeria started the race poorly, Chelle has picked seven points out of nine in his three games with the squad and believes the group he has been working with has the capacity to turn things on its head and leave Bafana Bafana in the ditch.

After Monday’s official training at the Toyota Stadium, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Tope Ajayi charged the Super Eagles to enact their best game and pluck the three points on the day.

“I have the confidence that we will win, and many South Africans also believe that Nigeria will win. We should go out there and play with gusto, confidence and courage, and refuse to be intimidated by anything.

“When the Super Falcons came here to play the Banyana Banyana, I told them before the game that I could see them returning to the Olympics after 16 years, and they did. Now, I am telling you that I am seeing you at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and it will be so.”

Tuesday’s game will kick off at 6pm South Africa time (5pm in Nigeria).

**”My husband’s death not accidental”, Wife of murdered NSCDC officer alleges

A Deputy Superintendent of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has accidentally shot and killed a colleague in the Life Camp area of Abuja.

The incident was disclosed by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, in a post on his X handle on Monday.

Makama quoted security sources as saying that the incident occurred at about 10:20 am on Sunday.

The security expert narrated that the deceased, DSC Adekunle Emmanuel, was accidentally shot on the left upper arm above the bicep by a fellow operative while en route to a principal’s residence at Lias Estate from Corner View Hotel.

Makama stated that the victim was immediately rushed to Maitama General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“The corpse has been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.

“The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation, the sources added,” Makama added.

Meanwhile the family of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, DSC Adams Adekunle Emmanuel (45), has alleged that he was shot and killed by a colleague while on duty last Sunday.

.Speaking to Abuja Metro, the deceased’s widow, Mrs. Titilayo Adams, said the family suspects foul play.

“We can visibly see gunshot wounds on his shoulders, and nothing strong indicates that it was an accidental discharge. They want to cover up what actually occurred,” she alleged

Speaking to Abuja Metro, the deceased’s widow, Mrs. Titilayo Adams, said the family suspects foul play.

“We can visibly see gunshot wounds on his shoulders, and nothing strong indicates that it was an accidental discharge. They want to cover up what actually occurred,” she alleged.

She further stated that her husband’s body was deposited at Maitama General Hospital without the family’s consent.

According to her, the late officer, who was attached to a politician in the Life Camp area, left home on Sunday, August 31st, with plans to return Sunday, September 7th.

“He left the house on Sunday, August 31st, and was supposed to return home that same Sunday,” she said.

Mrs. Adams added that the family was only informed of his death by a colleague, identified as Mr. Emmanuel, on Sunday afternoon.

INEC CVR: Dr. Agbolayah urges Eligible Voters to register For MORE Community Development in Delta

By: Celestine Ukah 

The Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Community Development, Amb. Dr. Toyin Agbolayah, JP, has appealed to eligible voters who are 18 years of age and above to register in the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration exercise taking place across the state and country.

Dr. Agbolayah made the appeal on Monday, September 8, while urging those who have not registered and been captured by INEC to, as a matter of urgency, register in order to enjoy MORE dividends of democracy through Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda mantra in Delta State, reaching out to all parts of the state with people-oriented projects and needs.

The governor’s Special Adviser, who is a grassroots politician, stressed that the people’s vote is their power to sustain and maintain the development and the people-centric administration of Governor Oborevwori, whose initiatives have rejigged the governance of Delta into a more positively impactful institution.

Dr. Agbolayah stated, “NO DEY DULL, INEC CVR: For M.O.R.E Community Development, head to your nearest Voter Registration center. Your Vote na your power for M.O.R.E, BOTO.”

Infrastructural Development: Link up Niger Delta Coastal Communities with viable bridges, roads, Dr. Mulade appeals to FG

A renowned peace, environmental and justice advocate in Delta State, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has urged the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to link up strategic locations in the Niger Delta’s coastal areas to the urban centers with viable bridges and road projects to open them to massive infrastructural development and to boost economic activities that will yield more revenues for the country.

Dr. Mulade’s call is coming on the heels of the FG’s unveiling of plans through the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for a massive upgrade of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State, with a whooping N3.8 trillion already allocated to tackle the deep structural issues threatening the bridge’s viability

It would also be recalled that N21 billion had been spent earlier on emergency repairs of the bridge late last year, while another bridge in Lagos, the Carter Bridge, with similar structural findings to the Third Mainland Bridge indicated it is beyond repair and will cost N359 billion for a replacement, according to a recommendation from construction giant, Julius Berger.

According to Dr. Mulade, “While I commend the President Tinubu government for undertaking landmark projects including the recent allocation of N3.8 trillion to the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, why considering that, a significant project that will give sense of belonging to the people of the Niger Delta coastal areas, who continue to bear the brunt of oil and gas exploration and exploitation activities, should also be considered.

“For instance, a project such as the Warri-Gbaramantu-Escravos Bridge, the Forcados-Ogulagha Bridge, extension of Ayakoroma Bridge to land in Burutu Forcados Terminal, means most of the coastal areas including Odimodi, Izon-Burutu to Age, Obotobo, among others will easily open up to infrastructural and economic development,” he stated.

Speaking further on the recent allocation of N3.8 trillion by the federal government for the Third Mainland Bridge, Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe Serimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, stated that, while most of the funding for the project will come from oil revenues in the Niger Delta, the coastal areas which play host to the oil and gas industry and blue economy are deliberately neglected.

He said, “If this amount can be thrown into that project, then what is the fate of the people of the Niger Delta, where the oil and gas is being flared on a daily basis to generate not less than 80 percent of the amount that will go into that project?

“We agree Lagos has IGR that can run itself to a reasonable extent, but 80 percent of the fund will come from the oil revenue, of course, from the FEC, to construct that bridge.

“And we have been clamoring for a single road to even connect Escravos Terminal in Gbaramatu Kingdom area Delta State, which is an economically viable end, because of the Escravos Terminal, but nothing has been done. We also clamoured for Burutu hosting the Forcados Terminal and one of Nigeria first seaports, still none. Even Brass, it is the Bayelsa State government that took the bull by the horn to construct that bridge, and we pray that he will be able to complete it,” he added

Mulade further alleged that governors in the region who are none Ijaws are deliberately neglecting the development of the coastal areas largely occupied and dominated by the Ijaws but their actions continue to keep the people in poverty, hardship and deliberate neglect.

“I feel the non-Ijaw governors in the region are deliberately depriving us of significant developmental projects which is our rights in Nigeria but their refusal to execute people oriented and impactful projects in the coastal areas with life transforming development as they plan to lure investors to do business in their own areas (upland) while leaving our people shortchanged, forcing them to migrate to upland for education, health, business and development.”

He therefore appealed to the Tinubu government to change the narrative by opening up the coastal communities in the region to attract more investors, to create jobs, offer opportunities for wealth creation among other benefits he said are yet untapped because of the lack of affordable transport Infrastructures.