January 2025 | Page 4 of 18

British-born Nigerian defender joins Hellas Verona

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Daniel Oyegoke has left Hearts and completed a move to Hellas Verona. The defender joins the Serie A side on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee, subject to Scottish FA approval and international clearance. 22-year-old Daniel arrived at the Jambos last summer from Brentford and would go on to wear the maroon jersey 26 times, scoring once – a memorable long-range screamer against St Mirren at Tynecastle Park. Speaking about the move, Head Coach Neil Critchley said; “Daniel has shown improvement in the short period of time since his arrival at Hearts. “I’ve enjoyed working with Dan over this short period, and we wish him well at his new club. “It’s a good move for him, it’s a good deal for the club, and it makes sense for all parties involved. “It opens up opportunities for other players to step forward as we enter an exciting second half of the season.”

ICD 2025: Nigeria Customs showcases milestones in trade facilitation, security, economic growth

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commemorated International Customs Day 2025 on Monday, 27 January, at the Customs House in Abuja, highlighting its achievements in trade facilitation, border security, and economic development under the theme, “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity.” The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, in his remarks lauded the Service’s record-breaking ₦6.1 trillion revenue collection in 2024, which exceeded its target by 20.2% and marked a 90.4% year-on-year increase. He attributed this milestone to strategic reforms, innovative processes, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as the indigenous B’Odogwu customs clearance platform, which has processed transactions worth billions of naira. Adeniyi also highlighted trade facilitation initiatives, including the Advanced Ruling System and the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which have reduced clearance delays and disputes, contributing to a 66.9% reduction in cargo clearance time for certified AEO companies. On security, the CGC noted the Service’s success in tackling global risks, including anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, and wildlife protection. In 2024, he stated that the NCS seized narcotics worth billions of naira, intercepted illegal wildlife shipments valued at ₦5.93 billion, and deployed geo-spatial integration and enhanced risk assessment protocols to strengthen border security. “Our trade facilitation efforts managed imports valued at ₦60.29 trillion and exports worth ₦136.65 trillion, while strategically granting ₦1.68 trillion in concessions to promote industrial growth,” Adeniyi added, reaffirming the NCS’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda. The Special Guest of Honour, Chief of Defence Staff, Nigeria defense academy, General Christopher Musa, commended the NCS for its innovation and adaptability in addressing evolving trade and security challenges. “The Armed Forces will continue to support the NCS in promoting national security and prosperity,” Musa assured, while congratulating award recipients for their contributions to the Service. Representing the World Customs Organization – Organisation Mondiale des Douanes (WCO), Secretary-General Ian Sanders praised global customs administrations for advancing trade facilitation, security, and sustainability. He urged members to transform commitments into measurable actions and emphasised the importance of modernisation, data-driven operations, and public-private cooperation in achieving the WCO objectives. Assistant Comptroller-General Dera Nnadi, in charge of Strategic Research and Policy, noted the alignment of the WCO theme with the NCS’s focus on collaboration, consolidation, and innovation. The event attracted senior Customs officers, stakeholders, and representatives from other security agencies, showcasing the NCS’s resolve to strengthen its operations and contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.

Nigerian Army raise alarm on online scammers

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

The Nigerian Army has uncovered fake social media accounts created by fraudsters to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians, mainly through recruitment scams. These scammers, according to the Nigerian Army have been using fake accounts to defraud people, and while some have been caught, efforts are ongoing to apprehend more, assuring that the Nigerian Army is committed to protecting the public from these malicious activities. “To clarify, the Nigerian Army doesn’t have any official social media accounts on TikTok. If you come across any suspicious activity or requests for funds related to recruitment, report them immediately to the Nigerian Army’s toll-free number 193 or through our four verified social media handles:“X: https://x.com/HQNigerianArmy, Facebook: https://facebook.com/HQNigerianArmy, Instagram: https://instagram.com/HQNigerianArmy, YouTube: https://youtube.com/HQNigerianArmy, and official website: https://army.mil.ng.”

Al-Nassr opens Victor Boniface talks

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Al-Nassr representatives are in Germany to discuss a potential deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, according to Fabrizio Romano. The delegation will undergo talks with both the club and the player as they try to negotiate a deal to bring the forward to the Saudi Pro League. It’s been heavily reported that the Nigerian international is top of Al-Nassr’s transfer list alongside Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran. As previously reported by GGFN, Leverkusen are open to selling Boniface leave this month for a fee of around €50m. The Nigerian is currently on the way back from a thigh injury that he picked up during the November international break. Boniface was in great form before his injury however since then, he has lost his place to Patrik Schick who is looking back to his best. Boniface was one of the Bundesliga’s leading goal scorers last season but has since been plagued with several injuries.

Ibadan stampede: Court adjourns Oriyomi Hamzat, Ooni’s ex-wife’s trial

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

A Magistrate Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday has adjourned the case of former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; an Ibadan-based broadcaster and Chairman of a radio station, Oriyomi Hamzat; and the Principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, Abdulahib Fasasi until March 24, 2025. The trio face four charges related to conspiracy, murder, manslaughter and negligence in connection with the deaths of 35 children during a stampede at a Christmas funfair held in Ibadan, Oyo State on December 18, 2024. Previously arraigned on a holden charge—a temporary legal mechanism not recognised under Nigerian law—they were remanded in custody but later released on bail following a High Court ruling. Speaking to journalists after the court session, Hamzat’s counsel, Dapo Akinosi, provided an update on the legal proceedings: “The matter was actually slated for mention because when they were arraigned initially, it was on a holden charge, which is not recognised by our law. They were remanded in prison as a result of that charge. “We subsequently applied to the High Court, where bail was granted to the defendants. Legal advice has now been issued, and the proper information has been filed against them. However, they are yet to be served with the information. “Today, we came to court so that the charge here could be withdrawn. Since their plea has not yet been taken at the High Court, we requested a longer adjournment to allow proper proceedings, including plea-taking at the High Court, before the case can be concluded at the Magistrate Court.”

Champions League: Ademola Lookman ruled out of Barca clash

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Nigeria international Ademola Lookman will miss Atalanta’s away Champions League match at Barcelona on Wednesday due to a knee problem. According to Gazzetta, Lookman won’t fly to Catalunya with the rest of the team today and will undergo tests on his injured knee in Bergamo. The nature of Lookman’s injury is still unclear, but according to Gazzetta, it could force the striker to the sidelines for one month. Gazzetta claimed that Lookman sustained the injury during a training session on Monday. Lookman, 27, has 14 goals and seven assists in 27 appearances across all competitions with Atalanta this season. This past December, he was named the Best African Player of 2024. A former Fulham, Everton and Leicester City striker, Lookman joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig for just €9.3m in the summer of 2022. He has scored 46 goals in 105 appearances with La Dea.

Sevilla signs N8bn Nigerian striker

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Spanish football club Sevilla has completed the signing of Nigerian striker Akor Adams in a four and a half-year deal worth over N8billion (€5 million). The 24-year-old forward from Benue will wear the number 15 shirt. He arrives from Montpellier, a Ligue 1 team, having played 15 games this season, adding three goals and three assists. Last season, he reached double figures as Montpellier’s leading striker, showcasing his potential to deliver in top-flight football. Adams is expected to be available for manager García Pimienta’s squad ahead of Sevilla’s weekend clash against Getafe. Standing at 190cm, Adams brings a commanding physical presence to Sevilla’s front line, offering the team a traditional target man to complement their attacking options. He will link up with fellow Super Eagles players Chidera Ejuke and Kelechi Iheanacho, though the latter is likely to exit the club during the winter transfer window. While Adams hasn’t had an explosive scoring record at Montpellier or his previous club Lillestrøm in Norway, his physicality and hold-up play could create opportunities for top scorer Dodi Lukebakio, strike partner Isaac Romero, or fellow new recruit Ronald Vargas. Sevilla, with just 24 goals in 21 La Liga games this season, have prioritised attacking reinforcements under Sporting Director Víctor Orta. After missing out on Juninho Vieira of Qarabag, Sevilla turned their focus to Adams, a player who aligns with García Pimienta’s tactical preference for a target man to balance his possession-based system.

Al-Hilal terminates Neymar contract

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Neymar has left Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal with his contract terminated by mutual consent. The Brazil international – still the world’s most expensive footballer after his €220million move to Paris St Germain in 2017 – joined Al-Hilal in August 2023. He signed a two-year deal worth a reported €150m a year. He has suffered anterior cruciate ligament and hamstring injuries in Saudi Arabia and played only seven times for Al-Hilal. The 32-year-old has been linked with a return to his former club Santos, where he began his senior career. They said in a statement: “Al Hilal Club Company and Neymar Jr have agreed to terminate their contractual relationship by mutual consent. “The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career at Al-Hilal, and wish the player success in his career.” Neymar has made only two appearances for Al-Hilal this season with the last coming as a substitute in November.