April 2025 | Page 36 of 45

Azeez vs. Oyakojo: Power Meets Resilience at GOtv Boxing Night 33

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The stage is set for an electrifying national super featherweight contest as Lateef “Captain” Azeez squares off against Sodiq “Golden Boy” Oyakojo in what promises to be a defining battle at GOtv Boxing Night 33. The fight, scheduled for eight rounds, will be a crucial test for both boxers, each seeking to assert dominance in the division. Azeez, a hard-hitting fighter with an impressive 80% knockout rate, has made a strong statement since turning professional in 2023. With 8 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, he has built a reputation for ending fights early, thanks to his explosive power. His opponent, Oyakojo, brings a wealth of experience, having fought 13 times since 2022 with 8 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws. Known for his resilience and tactical approach, Oyakojo has the tools to frustrate Azeez and turn the contest into a drawn-out battle. This bout represents more than just another fight. It is a collision of styles and ambitions. For Azeez, victory would further cement his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most promising super featherweights. Meanwhile, Oyakojo sees this fight as an opportunity to remind fans and analysts why he belongs among the country’s elite fighters. Beyond this anticipated showdown, GOtv Boxing Night 33 will also feature several other exciting matchups, including a 10-round international lightweight challenge between Ghana’s Emmanuel Otoo and Nigeria’s Tosin “Sojar Boy” Osaigbovo. Other national bouts include Segun Gbobaniyi vs. Sikiru “Omo Iya Eleja” Shogbesan and William “Kaki” Amosu vs. Emmanuel “Ability Famous” Abimbola, among others. Fans eager to witness the action live can purchase tickets at the venue. Regular tickets are priced at N300, while VIP access is available for N1,300. GOtv Boxing Night 33 will take place at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, on April 26, promising a night of intense, high-quality boxing action.

Dinamo Zagreb Sacks Cannavaro after Four Months

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Italy’s 2006 World Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro has been sacked from his position as head coach of Dinamo Zagreb after just over four months in charge, the club have confirmed. The 51-year-old, who had been coaching in Serie A with Udinese at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, was appointed as head coach of Dinamo Zagreb at the end of December 2024 on a reported 18-month contract until the end of the 2025-26 season. He ended up taking charge of 14 competitive matches and three friendlies before being given his marching orders. Cannavaro was dismissed after a poor run of form that saw the 25-time Croatian champions win just two matches from seven matches across all competitions. His final match in charge was a 3-0 defeat away against sixth-places Istra 1961 in the 1. HNL over the weekend. Zagreb currently sit in third place in the league table on 46 points, eight points shy of league leaders Hadujk Split, led by Cannavaro’s former Italy teammate Gennaro Gattuso.

Herdsmen Attacks in Ondo State Spark Protests with Slain Farmers’ Bodies

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Tension has surged in Ondo State following the recent herdsmen attacks in Akure North Local Government Area, where four farmers were killed on Tuesday. The killings prompted a large protest by angry youths and farmers, who brought the bodies of the victims to Akure in a desperate attempt to draw attention to the ongoing violence. The attack took place at the 13/13 farm settlement in the Ajagbusi area of Ala Elefosan, highlighting the growing insecurity linked to herdsmen attacks in the state. In a dramatic show of outrage, protesters—comprising farmers, youths, and residents—barricaded the entrance to the Ondo State Secretariat in Alagbaka, Akure, placing the bodies of the slain farmers at the gate. The protest caused a major traffic jam, stranding commuters and motorists for hours. Chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards, the demonstrators demanded justice and an end to the silence surrounding the repeated herdsmen attacks in the state. Speaking on the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, SP Alayande Olayinka, confirmed the killings and the ongoing protest. He assured the public that tactical police units had been deployed to the affected community to prevent further violence. Despite the police’s efforts, the state government has not issued an official statement, leading many protesters to view the lack of response as negligence or indifference to their suffering. The traditional ruler of Adeshina Community, Chief Taiwo Samuel, also condemned the attacks, criticizing the government for failing to protect farmers. He noted that herdsmen attacks had become a regular occurrence in the state, with more than 20 farmers killed in Akure North alone over the past month. Chief Samuel warned that if the government does not take immediate action, communities may be forced to resort to self-defense, even if it means taking up arms.

Ibas Appoints Administrators for 23 Rivers LGs

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Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has approved the appointment of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of the state. This comes less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt reportedly restrained him from appointing administrators to oversee the affairs of the local government councils. The order was issued by Justice Adam Muhammed on Tuesday in suit No. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025 in the case filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative led by Courage Msirimovu against the Sole Administrator in his official capacity. However, Ibas also approved the constitution of some boards of agencies, commissions and parastatals which he had earlier suspended. The approval was contained in a Special Government Announcement issued on Wednesday morning by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika. The statement said the appointments take immediate effect. Mr Okroiyobi Animete was appointed as administrator for Abua/Odual LG, Mr Goodluck M Iheanacho for Ahoada East LG, Mr Promise Jacob for Ahoada West LG, among others. The statement read, “His Excellency, The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, has approved the appointments of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State. “He has also approved the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, earlier suspended. “All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025.” Recall that last week, the sole administrator had suspended all heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state with immediate effect. In a separate development, Ibas also cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes carried out by Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state. He said the cancellation became necessary following the Supreme Court judgment and the absence of an appropriation law within the period. The sole administrator, according to a previous statement also issued by the SSG, directed all MDAs that carried out such tender processes for projects in their respective offices to refund such fees to the respective contractors immediately.

Osimhen Makes Huge Transfer Decision

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Victor Osimhen wants a move to the Premier League or Juventus this summer following the conclusion of his Galatasaray loan spell, a report has revealed. Osimhen joined the Turkish giants on a temporary basis last September after new manager Antonio Conte froze him out at Napoli and talks over a move to Chelsea broke down. Facing a season on the sidelines, Turkiye’s late summer transfer deadline offered Osimhen a get-out route which he gladly accepted, and the Nigerian hitman has been in tremendous form this season. The striker has scored 28 goals in all competitions for the Super Lig leaders, with Gala poised to enjoy a trophy-laden campaign despite their early Europa League exit. Regarded as one of the very best forwards in world football, it’s no surprise that Osimhen has been so productive in Turkiye. His stay in Istanbul is set to be brief, though. ESPN report that Galatasaray have no agreement in place with Napoli to buy the Nigerian superstar permanently at the end of his loan spell, and Osimhen has made it clear that he wants to return to a leading European league. Juventus in Serie A and the Premier League have piqued his interest, with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal among the clubs previously linked. All three clubs are in the striker market this summer, while Juve’s situation is complicated following the exit of Thiago Motta. The futures of Dusan Vlahovic and loanee Randal Kolo Muani are up in the air. Osimhen is on United’s shortlist for the summer, but Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is said to be emerging as their striker priority. Chelsea have also shown interest in Delap after coming close to signing the Nigerian last summer, while Arsenal’s new sporting director is eyeing a move for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. The 26-year-old’s release clause in his Napoli contract, which expires in 2026, has dropped to £62.7m, but his salary demands, believed to be £9m after tax, may deter potential suitors. The Saudi Pro League is another potential destination, but Osimhen’s preference in regards to his future club means a move to the Middle East currently seems unlikely.

Kwara Shortlists 1,800 Applicants for TESCOM Job

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One-thousand-eight-hundred (1,800) applicants have been shortlisted for teaching appointments at the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), according to a statement on Sunday. The statement said the shortlist comprises 790 (44%) cleared for STEM subjects; 581 for core subjects; 370 for specialized subjects; and 59 for technical subjects— to be assigned to senior secondary schools across the 16 local government areas of the state in line with the needs assessment of the commission. Applicants who appeared for the interviews are to check their status on the portal, after which those shortlisted will undergo a mandatory drug test to ascertain their suitability to teach children, the statement added. The drug test will be carried out by the NDLEA and will be coordinated by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drugs Abuse, Prevention and Control Hon. Mukail Olamilekan Aileru. The commission said the drug test certificate will be sent to its office by the NDLEA as no candidate is allowed to access it on their own to curb counterfeiting. “His Excellency has graciously approved full payment for the drug test for all the 1,800 successful candidates, underscoring his commitment to a drug-free Kwara State. The test will begin on Wednesday April 9, 2025 and end on Saturday April 12, 2025. Shortlisted candidates from Baruten, Edu, Kaiama, and Patigi are slated for Wednesday,” the statement said. “Those from Ekiti, Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin will be tested on Thursday April 10; Offa, Oke Ero, Oyun, and Moro are slated for Friday April 11, while the candidates from Asa, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, and Ilorin West are to have theirs on Saturday. “The message is very clear: We are as interested in sound education as we are in having only tutors with sound mind and character.” Successful applicants will also sign a bond not to seek or get transfer for six years, a policy response to the dearth of teachers in rural areas, it added. “Shortlisted applicants are to also come with medical certificates from any state government hospitals as well as the original copies of their credentials for documentation during which they will be required to drop photocopies of same for record purposes,” according to the statement. The statement said shortlisted applicants will also submit handwritten letters of acceptance of the job offer. Other conditions of service will be spelt out during the documentation process, it added. The commission said the shortlisted candidates can take advantage of their drug test schedule to begin their documentation at its headquarters in Ilorin. “We thank all the applicants who took part in this rigorous and competitive process. Our shortlist is exclusively based on merit, needs assessment, and equity, with zero political interference,” the statement said. “This is as strictly directed by His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, to strengthen public confidence in our schools, encourage excellence, and give everyone a fair chance to get the limited government placement, irrespective of their backgrounds. “It is, indeed, another record breaker and we thank the Governor for this exemplary leadership. “These jobs were given to competent and qualified indigenes, non-indigenes, and persons living with disabilities once they come under the needs assessment and meet the criteria set by the commission.”

Police Raid Baby Factory in Lagos, Arrest 39 Suspects for Murder, Kidnapping, and Robbery

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Lagos State Police Command recently uncovered a baby factory in the Ijegun area of the state, according to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP). The operation, which took place on Saturday around 2:00 PM, followed credible intelligence that led to the Afurugbin area, where the factory was located. Six adults and three children were rescued during the raid, which also resulted in the arrest of the factory operator and her accomplices. Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, shared details of the operation during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Ikeja. He revealed that on April 5, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM, detectives were mobilized to the scene based on a tip-off about the baby factory. The operator, Mariam Vincent (35), and accomplices Orie Ruth (23) and Ujunwa Ifeanyi (18) were immediately arrested. Victims rescued from the factory included Precious (24), Magdalene (25), Adaobi (23), Princess (22), Ifeanyi (25), Amaka (26), and three children: Destiny (7), Miracle (5), and Success (2). During questioning, the suspects admitted to abducting their victims from various areas across the state to run the baby factory. Investigations are ongoing. The Commissioner of Police also addressed another incident involving a tragic shooting in Badagry. On April 1, 2025, at about 8:30 AM, a resident named Charles Atideka (currently at large) opened fire on three elderly individuals: Muji Onilude (75), Richard Atideka (70), and Charity Atideka (59). The victims were rushed to Badagry General Hospital, where they were declared dead. The bodies were deposited at the morgue for an autopsy. One suspect, Bright Sonu (33), who had accompanied the prime suspect, was arrested. The next day, Charles Atideka died in a hospital. The case has since been transferred to the SCID in Yaba. A murder case in the Okokomaiko area was also reported. On April 3, 2025, police received a report of a crime that had occurred on March 26, 2025. Shakirat Ojo (27) was allegedly beaten to death by her father, Kamoru Ojo, who then buried her in a shallow grave within his compound in the Afromedia area of Ojo. Following the report, homicide and crime scene detectives exhumed the body, which was sent for autopsy. The father has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing. Additionally, a case of child theft was reported to the police on April 5, 2025. A grandmother reported that her 3-year-old granddaughter, Wuraola, was stolen on her way to school. Detectives quickly apprehended two suspects, ThankGod Francis (33) and Grace Francis (21), and rescued the child. The suspects were arraigned in Ebutemeta Magistrate Court 3 on March 28, 2025. Although they were granted bail, they failed to meet the conditions and were remanded in custody. The Lagos State Police Command continues to investigate these cases.

Egypt-bound Flying Eagles Return to Abuja to Intensify U20 AFCON Preparations

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Seven-time champions Nigeria have relocated back to the Federal Capital, Abuja as they intensify preparations for the 24th Africa U20 Cup of Nations starting later this month in Egypt. The contingent returned to Abuja after a three-week training programme in Katsina, where they had gone to camp in order to feel the weather which was found to be the same with that of Cote d’Ivoire – the country originally designated to host the tournament. With Cote d’Ivoire pulling out as host nation in the last hour, to the consternation of the Confederation of African Football and the participating teams, Egypt (host of the last edition in 2023) stepped in as hosts. “We are grateful to His Excellency, Governor Umaru Dikko Radda for hosting the team for three weeks in Katsina and making sure players and officials trained and camped in a conducive environment. The coaches have had some useful time to work on the team and it is now down to the final stages of preparation where the ascent will be on tactical and technical formations. “At the moment, due to the change of host nation, and the difference in weather conditions between Cote d’Ivoire and Egypt, we are looking at the team leaving Nigeria early to spend about 10 days in Egypt before the commencement of the tournament,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said on Wednesday. The team will make use of the FIFA Goal Project training field for training sessions before departing for Egypt in the next one week. For the purpose of the camping in Abuja, Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu – who led the team to successfully defend its WAFU B U20 Championship gong in Togo in October last year – has invited a total of 35 players, including three goalkeepers, eight defenders, 10 midfielders and 14 forwards. All four semi-finalists in Egypt will qualify to represent Africa at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals scheduled for Chile, 27th September – 18th October. 35 FLYING EAGLES FOR CAMPING IN ABUJA: Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC); Soliu Ajia (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia) Defenders: Adewale Quadri (Nath Boys Academy); Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Odinaka Okoro Emmanuel (Sporting Lagos); Kenneth Igboke (Enugu Rangers); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists); Chukwu Emmanuel (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United) Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Ujanik, Croatia); Michael Tunde (Simon Ben FC); Sabiu Mohammed (Niger Tornadoes); Akinniran Oluwashile (Water FC); Ibrahim Alani (Real Valladolid, Spain); Ayuma Isaac Israel (NK Istra, Croatia); Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC); Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists) Forwards: Umar Abubakar (KAA Gent, Belgium); Anthony Ezekiel (Inspire FC); Otu Joseph (Mavlon FC); Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors); Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Adeleke Abdulmuiz (Adoration FC); Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC); Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Rickson Mendos (Niger Tornadoes); Mustapha Umar (Kano Pillars); Kingsley Matthew (Kings FC); Armiyau Yusha’u (Katsina United); Benjamin Precious (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany)