2025 | Page 2 of 134 | Trendbrio.com

FIFA U-17 World Cup: Nigeria Draws Canada, France and Samoa

Nigeria’s Flamingoes have been drawn in Group D with Canada, France and newcomer Samoa at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The expanded 24-country competition, up from 16 teams, runs Oct. 17 to Nov. 8 in Rabat. It will mark the first time an African country has hosted the women’s U-17 tournament. Nigeria is making its African-record eighth trip to the tournament, finishing third in 2022 and reaching the quarterfinals on four other occasions. France, which qualified by reaching the UEFA semifinals in qualifying play, won the U-17 World Cup in 2012 but has only qualified twice since. Samoa is making its first-ever appearance at a FIFA championship. Canada’s women are also headed to their eighth U-17 World Cup, missing out only in 2024 when CONCACAF only sent two teams to the FIFA championship, with the federation’s Dominican Republic hosting the tournament. Canada finished third in qualifying after losing 2-1 to Mexico after extra time in the semifinal. The U.S. also qualified, finished third at the 2024 FIFA tournament. Canada’s best showing at the FIFA U-17 World Cup was fourth in 2018. It made the quarterfinals in 2008, 2012 and 2014. FIFA U1-7 Women’s World Cup Draw Group A: Brazil, Costa Rica, Italy, Morocco Group B: Cameroon, North Korea, Mexico, Netherlands. Group C: China, Ecuador, Norway, U.S. Group D: Canada, France, Nigeria, Samoa. Group E: Colombia, Ivory Coast, South Korea, Spain. Group F: Japan, New Zealand, Paraguay, Zambia.

Nigerian Boxing Legend Obisia Nwankpa Is Dead

Our Reporters1 day ago1 day ago02 mins

Obisia Nwankpa, the iconic boxer and former national coach fondly known as “Golden Gloves,” is dead. He passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, 3 June, at the age of 75. President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C,) Dr. Rafiu Ladipo told PREMIUM TIMES that the late boxer is deserving of a place in the country’s Sports Hall of Fame. According to Ladipo, Obisia’s death is another big loss to the Boxing fraternity in Nigeria and beyond. “This is another big blow for us… Obisia deserves to be immortalised in this country because he gave his all to boxing,” Ladipo stated. While reports suggest Obisia’s body has since been moved to a mortuary pending when further details on funeral arrangements will be disclosed, Ladipo assured that the NBB of C will be glad to work withthe family and offer support in the best way possible. “The family has not gotten across to us, but if they get across to us, we will do what is expected of us,” Ladipo assured.

Pope Urges Russia to Embrace Peace in Phone Call with Patriarch Kirill

Our Reporters1 day ago1 day ago02 mins

In a significant diplomatic gesture, Pope Leo held a phone conversation with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, during which he appealed for a meaningful gesture from Russia to help advance peace in Ukraine. The call, which addressed various mutual concerns, focused especially on the ongoing conflict and the importance of dialogue in resolving it. The Pope emphasized the critical role of open communication between all parties involved in the war, urging that dialogue must remain a cornerstone of peace efforts. He highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in affected areas and stressed the urgency of delivering aid to those most in need. He also acknowledged the ongoing efforts to facilitate prisoner exchanges, commending the mediation role played by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi. During the conversation, Pope Leo expressed appreciation for the well-wishes he received from Patriarch Kirill at the beginning of his pontificate. He reiterated that shared Christian values—such as the defense of life, promotion of peace, and pursuit of genuine religious freedom—can serve as moral beacons during times of global crisis. The Vatican sees the dialogue as part of its broader peace mission, underscoring the Holy See’s commitment to humanitarian diplomacy. As the war in Ukraine grinds on with no clear end in sight, Pope Leo’s latest outreach represents a continued effort by the Catholic Church to act as a bridge-builder in one of the most divisive global conflicts of the 21st century.

DSS Moves to Block Pat Utomi’s Shadow Government Rallies Cites Threat to National Security

Our Reporters2 days ago2 days ago03 mins

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a fresh legal bid at the Federal High Court in Abuja to restrain Professor Pat Utomi from launching rallies and public events in support of his proposed “shadow government.” In a motion filed on Wednesday, the DSS described Utomi’s actions as a threat to national security and accused him of trying to destabilise the country under the guise of free speech and democratic expression. According to intelligence cited in the application, Utomi—currently outside Nigeria—is planning to return on June 6 to hold roadshows and media engagements promoting the shadow cabinet idea. The DSS warned that such activities are capable of inciting public unrest and undermining the authority of the legitimate government. It urged the court to grant an interlocutory injunction to stop Utomi and his associates from holding any rallies, media events, or public discourse related to the controversial plan until the pending suit is determined. The DSS is seeking a legal declaration that Utomi’s shadow government initiative, which it deems unconstitutional, poses a significant threat to public peace. In its affidavit, the agency likened Utomi’s mobilization efforts to the events that triggered the 2020 End SARS protests, warning that a similar scenario could erupt if not urgently contained. The security agency insisted that it is acting within its constitutional duty to preserve internal stability and protect Nigeria from potential chaos. The controversy stems from a pending case—FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025—already filed by the DSS, which argues that Utomi’s shadow cabinet plan amounts to an attempted usurpation of governmental authority. The agency highlighted a May 26 lecture in which Utomi defended the legitimacy of a shadow government, suggesting that his group would merely rename the initiative if barred by the court. Justice James Omotosho has fixed June 25 for hearing the substantive case.

PDP Roars Back: 2027 Will Be a Referendum on Tinubu’s Failures – Ologunagba

Our Reporters2 days ago2 days ago02 mins

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its readiness to take on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, calling the upcoming general election a referendum on what it described as the “failures” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, made this bold assertion during a press briefing in Abuja following the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. Ologunagba praised the unity displayed at the NEC meeting, brushing aside pre-meeting skepticism and describing the successful gathering as a symbol of the PDP’s resilience. “The meeting held despite all doubts, and it showed our capacity to reorganise, refocus, and stay united. This is a signal that the PDP is back and ready,” he declared. He slammed the APC-led government over worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and policy failures. “People are dying in instalments, and this government is celebrating defections while citizens go hungry. Propaganda won’t feed Nigerians,” Ologunagba said. He insisted that no wave of defections could rescue the APC from electoral backlash in 2027, adding, “The question every Nigerian must ask is: Am I better off today than I was two years ago?” On internal cohesion, the PDP spokesperson revealed ongoing reconciliation efforts ahead of the next national convention. “We’re having critical conversations behind the scenes. The NEC meeting is just the beginning—we’re determined to present a credible alternative to Nigerians and protect this democracy from being reduced to a one-party state,” he concluded.

Moniepoint Turns Staff Into Millionaires as Unicorn Deal Pays Off Big

Our Reporters2 days ago2 days ago02 mins

When Moniepoint secured a $110 million funding round in October 2024 and officially joined the unicorn club, it wasn’t just early investors who smiled to the bank. At least two long-serving employees cashed out big—one taking home a jaw-dropping ₦1.3 billion ($850,000) by selling part of their shares, while another made $20,000, according to internal documents seen by TechCabal. These share sales were part of a rare but growing trend in Nigeria’s tech space: employee secondary liquidity, where workers sell their vested equity to incoming investors. Moniepoint reportedly allowed only employees with at least three years of tenure to participate, capping how much equity could be sold. The deals were facilitated through Carta, a startup equity marketplace. While the shares were sold at a discount to the unicorn valuation—a common practice—the impact was life-changing. “I had personal financial plans, and this gave me the push I needed,” said one of the employees, who had spent nearly a decade at the company. The move has boosted staff morale and deepened loyalty, especially as local tech firms rarely offer such liquidity events. As exits like IPOs remain elusive in Africa’s startup scene, Moniepoint’s bold move signals a shift in how equity is viewed—not just as compensation, but as real wealth. It also adds pressure on other startups to follow suit, making employee ownership a powerful tool for hiring, retention, and motivation in the ecosystem.

Tinubu to Commission 17 Landmark Projects in Abuja Starting June 10 — FCT Minister Wike

Our Reporters2 days ago2 days ago04 mins

President to personally inaugurate 10 projects as FCT undergoes historic infrastructure transformation Abuja is set to experience an unprecedented wave of infrastructural development as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the commissioning of 17 landmark projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), beginning Tuesday, June 10, 2025, immediately after the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. The announcement was made by Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, during an inspection tour of ongoing projects in the capital on Wednesday. Wike confirmed that the commissioning will begin with the International Conference Centre (ICC), describing the rollout as a significant milestone in the development of the nation’s capital. “Mr. President has finally approved the commissioning of projects to start on the 10th of June, which is Tuesday, after the Sallah holiday. And that will start with the International Conference Centre. As you can see, we are good to go,” Wike said. On Wednesday, June 11, attention will turn to the Gishiri Interchange, which connects key parts of the city including Jahi, Maitama, and Mabushi, highlighting the administration’s drive to enhance mobility and connectivity in the FCT. Wike disclosed that President Tinubu will personally commission 10 of the 17 projects, while the remaining seven will be inaugurated by other senior government officials. These include: “We want to thank the President. It is not easy for him to give us 10 good days to commission these projects. This level of presidential involvement shows the importance of what we are doing here. Abuja is truly being transformed,” the minister stated. Wike emphasized that the projects are part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the national development initiative spearheaded by President Tinubu. He noted that residents, especially children, are already experiencing the benefits of enhanced infrastructure and urban planning. “You can see the joy of the children, and they are all feeling the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda. All the promises we made, we’ve been able to accomplish them,” Wike added. Describing the rollout as “unprecedented,” the minister praised the coordination and support from the Presidency and affirmed the FCT administration’s commitment to continued service delivery and urban transformation. “We give God Almighty the glory and thank Mr. President for all his support,” Wike concluded. As the capital braces for the historic 10-day commissioning period, residents can expect visible improvements across key sectors, reflecting the federal government’s renewed commitment to infrastructure, mobility, and quality of life in Abuja.

NFF Commends Gov Abiodun on Monetary Gifts to Falcons, Lionesses

Our Reporters2 days ago2 days ago03 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has given kudos to His Excellency, Governor Adedapo Abiodun of Ogun State for showering players and officials of the senior women national teams of Nigeria and Cameroon with monetary gifts following the two teams’ international friendly match in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday. Nine-time African champions Nigeria swept past the Lionesses in the encounter with a brace by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, in the 28th minute from the penalty spot and in added time of the first half from a flowing team move that saw Rinsola Babajide find her illustrious leader in the opposition’s eighteen-yard box. After the match, a delighted Governor Abiodun showered the Super Falcons with the sum of N20 million, while gifting the visitors the sum of N10 million. NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, praised the Ogun State number one man for the gesture, remarking that such incentives constitute gestures of encouragement that propel athletes in various sports to give their very best and perform better in subsequent outings. “The NFF expresses sincere gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Abiodun for the monetary gifts to the Super Falcons and the Indomitable Lionesses. His gesture is an act of kindness and magnanimity that will never be forgotten. “The financial incentive has been well-received by the team and I believe this is an added psychological boost apart from the victory over the Cameroonians in the match. The NFF will do everything it can to ensure the players and their officials have their pre-WAFCON final camping programme in a very conducive environment.” Nigeria will play in group B of the 12-team Women Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, 5th – 26th July, alongside Tunisia, Botswana and Algeria. The Super Falcons will play all their matches in Casablanca, starting with the Tunisians on 6th July, before Botswana on 10th July and Algeria on 13th July.