WCQ: Nigeria in Group C Tango, Plays Rwanda on Saturday

The race to qualify for the world’s most prestigious sporting event, Men’s football hots up across the lands of Africa thus September with the 7th round games.

Six matches will be played in Group C where the Super Eagles of Nigeria is struggling to qualify from. On Friday, 5th September Benin Republic will host Zimbabwe while Lesotho will same day host South Africa.

On Saturday, the Super Eagles who are already trooping to Uyo in Akwa Ibom Sate of Nigeria has to strangulate the Amavubi (Crocodiles) of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in a must win encounter starting at 5pm.

Three matches will be decided in the group on 9th September to continue “the weeding of the chaff to the weeds” when Zimbabwe will host Rwanda; Benin Squirrels will host Lesotho while Nigeria will play Bayana Bayana of South Africa at Free State Stadium, Bloemfotain.

The two legged matches are absolutely important to teams in Group C before they conclude the weeding with another two matches to be played by each country in October. Then, Zambia will host South Africa; Rwanda will play Benin and Nigeria will tackle Lesotho to surrender.

Also in October, the last group matches will see South Africa move to subdue Rwanda; Lesotho will fight Zimbabwe while Nigeria will host Benin Republic with their former coach on the Benin bench.

The group Structure is dicey for now as South Africa leads in a controversial manner because the world is waiting for CAF to deduct three vital points from the Mandela Boys for fielding an illegitimate player in a qualifier match. Notwithstanding, South Africa leads with 13 points from 6 matches having won 4, drawn one and lost one.

Rwanda is currently 2nd with 8 points in 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 loses; Benin is 3rd with 8 points too having won 2 matches, drawn 2 and lost 2 with goals difference of -1 slump to Rwanda; Nigeria is 4th with 7 points after winning just a match, drew 4 and lost one; Lesotho is 5th with 6 points having also won a match, drew 3 and lost 2 while Zimbabwe rocks the bottom with 4 points failing to win a match, drew 4 and lost 2.

It is important to inform you that only the group winner will get automatic ticket to the world cup finals to be hosted in 2026 by USA, Canada and Mexico. The group runners up will have a chance to compete in a play off in an inter conference battle.

For the records, Rwa played goalless with Zim in the group opener on 15/11/2023; Ngr played 1-1 with Lesotho on 16/11/2023; Ben slumped to SAF 1-2 on 18/11/2023; Ngr drew 1-1 with Zim on 19/11/2023; and Les played goalless at home with Ben on 21/11/2023 while Saf lost to Rwa 0-2 on 21/11/2023.

In June 2024 Ben beat Rwa 1-0; Zim lost at home 0-2 to Les; Ngr played 1-1 with SAF in Uyo. Ngr surprisingly lost 1-2 to Ben in Abidjan; SAF sanctioned Zim 3-1 and Les lost at home0-1 to Rwa.

In March 2025 Zim played 2-2 with Ben; SAF won 2-0 over Les; Rwa lost at home 0-2 to Ngr; Ben too lost at home 0-2 to SAF; Ngr played 1-1 draw with Zim in Uyo and Rwa played 1-1 with Les in Kigali.

We report that two players will be missing in action for the September games. Dodo Dokou of Benin will miss the match against Zimbabwe as he bagged a yellow against Rwanda in June last year and another yellow against South Africa last March. Marshall Munetsi of Zimbabwe will also miss the match against Benin as he got yellow in June against Lesotho and another against Nigeria last March.

Today Tuesday, The Rwandans will land in Lagos, wait for 4 hours before their AIR Rwanda will take them to Uyo. Already the Super Eagles are planning the win their match on Saturday convincingly as a gift to their Captain William Ekong whose birthday was on Monday 1st September.

Nigeria and Rwanda Male senior team have played 7 matches with Nigeria winning 2, drew 4 and lost one. They met in the world cup twice and Nigeria won once and drew the other. Nigeria’s biggest win over Rwanda was the 2-0 victory of 21st March 2025 in Kigali. The prediction is that Nigeria that needs a massive win in Uyo may struggle to have a win but football pundits say that the 2-0 victory was an away match and with the Super Eagles who may be playing like a wounded Lion on home ground, the Rwandans may “collect” as the slang goes in Nigeria. Another motivation is that the Super Falcons, the female wing dominated Africa winning WAFCON 11 times and the Male wants to be the conqueror the Lion on the pitch now.

Look at six of their meetings, 29th February 2012 Rwa 0 Ngr 0 in AFCON; 16th June 2012 Ngr 2 Rwa 0 AFCON; 15th January 2018 Ngr 0 Rwa 0 CHAN; 10th September 2024 Rwa 0 Ngr 0 AFCON; 18th November 2024 Ngr 1 Rwa 2 AFCON and 21st March 2025 Rwa 0 Ngr 2 WCQ.

The Nigerian Football Federation has been making efforts to ensure the Super Eagles win their matches. The body met with the South African Ambassador in Nigeria at Abuja to discuss a safe diplomatic corridor especially from perennial Xenophobic attack of the Mandela People when Nigeria plays in South Africa on 9th September.

APC Chieftain, Monye commends Gov. Oborevwori On Agbor Flyover, Drainage Projects

By: Monday Uwagwu

Renowned Philanthropist and stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Lucky Ehiwuogwu Monye, has hailed the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his approval for the construction of major flyover and drainage projects in the ancient city.
Oborevwori, at a recent session of the State Executive Council (EXCO), in Asaba, approved the construction of a major flyover project at the strategic Uromi Junction and for a massive drainage project in the Orikeze Junction axis of the city.
Both projects are to cost tens of billions of naira, and the approval has drawn the public reaction of Mr. Monye, who described the aporoval as an unprecedented positive development in the annals of the city and the local government area.

Monye, by telephone chat from Agbor, seat of the local government area, held that, by the approval, Oborevwori had done” exceptionally well” and deserved plaudits for his nod.

Monye said the flyover project at the target junction, had long been overdue and commended the Governor for meeting a core need of the people of the area and other Nigerians who ply the road as they commute to different parts of the country through Agbor.

The philanthropist said that aside from boosting the economy and enhancing the social status of the immediate community of Agbor as a nodal city, the flyover project would ease commuting for millions of Nigerians who pass through the area.

Besides, he said, the project would help reduce, if not end, the incessant road mishaps for which the junction had acquired infamy for reason of the frequent gridlock and other challenges that the poor state of the road and the lack of a flyover had entailed.

The APC flower and former House of Representatives and State House of Assembly aspirant noted that not only did the governor approve the project but entrusted its execution to a reputable firm, Julius Berger, to deliver.

Monye said the choice of Julius Berger was a clear testimonial to the commitment of the governor to the early delivery of the project according to quality specifications.

He called on the political and traditional leaders of the area to give unflinching support to Julius Berger to enable it deliver the project to specifications of time and quality.

Monye also appealed to residents of the area to take ownership of the project to shield it from vandals and other saboteurs who might want to vandalize it.

He also spoke on the massive drain project for Agbor, saying it would, on successful completion, ensure the effective draining of storm water into the basin of the nearby Orogodo River.

He expressed the hope that the drainage project would, on delivery, help end the incidence of massive flooding, which Agbor regularly experiences and which, occasionally proved fatal.

Kwara’s JSS2 Student Lifts 71kg to Win National Youth Games Gold in Delta

Team Kwara’s Adebayo Ridwan Busayo, a JSS2 student of Government Day Secondary School, Ojagboro, has clinched gold in the Para Powerlifting event at the ongoing 9th National Youth Games in Asaba.

Ridwan lifted 71kg, outclassing other contestants to secure the top prize. Speaking after his victory, an elated Ridwan praised his coach, Mr. Oladipo Omole, for his encouragement both in training and beyond.

He dedicated the medal to his late parents and expressed his ambition to represent Nigeria in future international events.

In the female category, Abdulkareem Muibat, a JSS1 student of Abata Babaoyo Junior Secondary School, put up a commendable performance, lifting 41kg to settle for bronze.

A proud moment for Team Kwara as the medal haul continues to grow.

From Kano to Norway: Mustapah Isah Ubandoma Nets Brace for KBK Kristiansund

Former Arewa FC Kano striker, Mustapah Isah Ubandoma, made a dream impact in the Norwegian Eliteserien as he came off the bench for KBK Kristiansund in the 62nd minute and struck twice in a thrilling 2-2 draw against SK Brann.

The goals, scored in the 75th and 89th minutes at Nordmøre Stadium, marked a memorable performance for the Nigerian forward. Kristiansund BK, a top-flight club based in Kristiansund, continues to benefit from emerging talents like Ubandoma to strengthen their campaign.

Hailing from Tudun Murtala, Nassarawa, Ubandoma honed his skills at Arewa FC before making the bold move abroad. With his sharp finishing and relentless determination, he is already turning heads in Norway.

Ubandoma’s brace is not just a personal triumph but also a shining example of the growing influence of Nigerian football talent on the European stage.

APC sweeps Rivers LG Polls with Win in 20 LG’s out of 23 LGAs

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has claimed a sweeping victory in the Rivers State Local Government elections, securing chairmanship positions in 20 out of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

According to results announced by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in three LGAs.

RSIEC also declared winners of the vice chairmanship elections across the state, while the collation and announcement of councillorship results were still ongoing as at press time.

The outcome signals a major triumph for the APC, which had vowed to challenge the PDP’s longstanding dominance in Rivers politics.

Okotie, Tsaye Mene emerged as President, Pioneer First Vice President of Ugbajor Itsekiri Youth body

By: Celestine Ukah 

Comrade Joseph Okotie has emerged as the elected President of the Ugbajor Itsekiri Youth Association (UIYA), while Tsaye Edemaoyibo-Mene has also been elected as the pioneer First Vice President of the UIYA.

The election, which was held on Saturday, August 30, witnessed a massive turnout of Itsekiri youths and delegates at the Palace of the Olu of Warri, Aghofen, with all voting for candidates of their choice in a peaceful and orderly manner.

Tsaye Mene, the First Vice President, was unanimously voted for due to her doggedness, voice for her people, and dedication to the affairs of the Itsekiri Nation, among other qualities.

Others elected to pilot the affairs of the Itsekiri Youth body include:
Women Leader: Alero Olugbo, Director of Socials & Welfare: Jolomi Kekema, Director of External Affairs: Ajakaye Blessing, Director of Mobilization: Odemi Agbeyegbe, Financial Secretary: Tuoyo Ojogbo, Legal Advisor: Solomon Ogholaja, Treasurer: Ayemidejor Omawumi, PRO: Gbubemi Ejesi, Assistant PRO: Collins Ebiareneyin, Secretary-General: Edward Jakpa, Assistant Secretary: Laura Oritseweyinmi, 2nd Vice President: Stephen Amejuma, 3rd Vice President: Lily-white Omasanjuwa Esigbone, and 4th Vice President: Asin Blessing.

**Calls For More Proactive Actions To Sanitize Distribution of Petroleum Products in Nigeria

Concerned Journalists Forum (CJF) commends Tantita Security Services for sustaining its commitment to sanitizing petroleum products distribution in Nigeria to curb sharp practices such as sale of condensate and adulterated fuel at filling stations and other petroleum products sales outlets.

A particular case of note in Tantita’s daring actions to ensure sales of quality petroleum products to Nigerians is the recent sealing up of petrol filling stations in Sapele, Delta State by government security personnel and Tantita officials for allegedly selling condensate as petrol to motorists and the general public.

Condensate is an unrefined gaseous component of crude oil not licensed for sale to the public as fuel, because it can damage the engines of cars. As noted by Tantita Security Services, having condensate stored in the tanks of a filling station is an evidence of an illegal bunkering activity, as the seller (operator of the filling station) must have obtained it illegally from a crude oil platform.

CJF Nigeria in a statement signed by the Chairman, Comrade Emeka Nwokocha on behalf of the group, said they are impressed with the high level of professionalism and due process being displayed by Tantita Security Services in handling the bursted crime, as evident in the ongoing thorough investigations into the crime, including conducting of tests on the products to ascertain their contents.

“CJF would recall that in the past dark years, prior to engaging Tantita security company by the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide industry-wide security intelligence/surveillance for oil and gas installations to prevent illegality in the industry, petroleum distribution business had been inundated with sharp practices that often times overwhelmed the prying eyes of the government security and monitoring agencies.

“Interestingly, that ugly narratives are speedily becoming a thing of the past, as Tantita sustains its operations and continues to make huge progress in sanitizing the petroleum industry at a commendable speed with commitment to professionalism.

“CJF understands the important role crude oil and gas sectors play in driving the nation’s economy, just as the former remains the country’s primary source of foreign exchange earnings.

“On that note, CJF passionately calls on the management of Tantita Security Services Nigeria limited to maintain the tempo; it should not let its guard down in the face of heightening challenges and orchestrated calumnies to undermine its achievements in recent times.

“Nigerians are very proud of Tantita and its impactful operations in the petroleum industry.” He added.

NPFL: NTA to transmit Ikorodu City Vs Elkanemi Warriors Match live

Following a successful broadcast deal sealed with Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, the first pot of call for 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season, will be at Onikan stadium, Lagos will come alive as it sets to broadcast live match liive between Ikorodu City against El Kanemi Warriors this Sunday( tomorrow) on DSTV from 4pm

Fans will have ample opportunity to access the new television partnership with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) following the collapse of its five-year contract with StarTimes as 5 year deal sealed ended abruptly.

NPFL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, has been working round the clock after visiting the broadcaster’s headquarters in Abuja, where discussions were held with Director General Rotimi Pedro about airing all 10 league matches every week to NTA’s nationwide audience.

According to the statement issued by NTA, the Director General expressed readiness to support the league and linked the collaboration to President Bola Tinubu’s ambition of expanding Nigeria’s economy into the trillion-dollar mark, with football development playing a role.

The NPFL had signed a deal with StarTimes worth N6 billion in 2023, intended to run for five years. However, the agreement was dissolved after only two seasons due to poor patronage of StarTimes decoders and unsustainable financial returns. Sources also pointed to rising production costs as a factor in StarTimes’ withdrawal.

Before the start of the current 2025/26 campaign, Elegbeleye hinted that the league would be seeking new media partners. At the NPFL club chairmen’s annual general meeting, he stated that discussions were ongoing with other broadcasters, including AfroSports, to provide better coverage of league matches.

Despite the season already kicking off with champions Remo Stars facing Rivers United in Abeokuta last Friday, and additional fixtures on Sunday and Wednesday, fans could only watch the games through the NPFL Live streaming app.

Meanwhile, NPFL Chairman Elegbeleye told the media that an official announcement on new partners will only be made once negotiations are completed. “I can’t make comments on something that hasn’t been concluded. Once we finalise it, we will announce it during a press conference,” he said

Ekiti Referees Council Boss, Onilearo in Fresh Crisis as State Government Bans Council from Stadium meeting 

It has been one crisis too many hanging in the neck of embattled Acting Chairman, Ekiti State Football Referees Council, Onilearo Ayodele kayode, willfully made a baseless and unfounded allegation against the State Government and banned from gathering at the stadium

In his letter to the State government, he allegedly demanded a sum of Three Million Naira, #3,000,000 plus 200 pieces of 6 inches blocks.after he was said to have harassed the contractor handling the construction site.

The state Government in its response placed a ban on Onilearo Kayode and the Ekiti Referees from holding stadium gatherings following his plan to defraud the Ekiti State Government of over ₦3,000,000.

It reads:

“Your malicious claim, clearly intended to tarnish the reputation of the State Government and undermine its hard-earned credibility in the public domain.”

“Furthermore, your false allegation against the state contractor handling the Stadium project at the Sports commission of using your council materials has unjustly cast a shadow of doubt on the personality of the State Government, and clear attempt to destroy the image of Mr governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration, despite the support which the Ekiti State Government, through the Office of Technical Advisor on Sports Development, Dr Mrs Osetoba, has extended to you. This includes hosting officials from Abuja, providing transportation, and offering financial support for fitness tests.

The government placed a ban on the Referees’ Council from holding meetings within the stadium premises and directed them to consider alternative venues outside the stadium.

This attitude is capable of debasing the integrity of the *NIGERIA FOOTBALL REFEREES ASSOCIATION (NFRA),* and you are hereby advised to desist from such fraudulent acts against the State Government.”. The letter warned.